Best Hole Saw Kit (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Hole saws cut the big round openings a drill bit can't - for pipes, wiring, door knobs and vents. The choice is bi-metal for everyday wood and metal, or carbide for large, fast, abrasive cuts. We compared range, speed and durability.
The default hole saw kit for pros and serious DIYers: one bi-metal set that drills clean holes in wood, drywall, plastic and thin metal, backed by a lifetime tooth warranty.
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic
Pros
- Bi-metal teeth cut wood, drywall, sheet metal and plastic with one saw set - true all-purpose
- Wide 3/4 in to 4-3/4 in range covers everything from 1/2 in conduit to 4 in vent holes
- Carries a lifetime tooth-break warranty, which is rare for a consumable
Cons
- Big investment for occasional use - most DIYers only need two or three of the 22 sizes
- Slow and prone to overheating in thick hardwood or stacked material without pilot backouts
- HSS teeth dull quickly if pushed through cement board, tile or nail-embedded wood
A specialist for big, fast, punishing holes: carbide teeth power through nail-embedded studs, cement board and abrasive material where a general-purpose bi-metal saw bogs down or dulls.
- Large holes
- Nail embedded wood
- Abrasive material
Pros
- Large carbide teeth rip large-diameter holes up to 5x faster than a bi-metal saw
- Cuts nail-embedded wood, cement board, plaster and shingles that would strip bi-metal teeth
- Shallow thin-wall design plunges quickly and clears plugs more easily than a deep bi-metal cup
Cons
- Expensive and limited to six larger sizes - no small-diameter or fine-hole options
- Carbide teeth chip if you pry sideways or drop the saw on concrete
- Overkill and pricey for clean holes in plain lumber or drywall where bi-metal is enough
Still deciding? Compare them
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size hole saw kit should I buy?
- A broad bi-metal kit like the Milwaukee Hole Dozer (3/4 in to 4-3/4 in) covers most household needs - door hardware, conduit, plumbing and vents. Buy the widest range you can if you don't know your future jobs.
- Why does my hole saw stop cutting or burn?
- Usually heat and packed chips. Back the saw out often to clear the plug, ease up on pressure, and slow the drill down. In tough or abrasive material, a carbide saw cuts cooler and faster than bi-metal.
- Do hole saws need a separate arbor?
- Yes - the arbor holds the pilot bit and drives the saw. Quality kits like these include quick-change arbors so you can swap saw sizes without tools. Buy matching arbors if you add odd sizes later.