Bi-Metal vs Carbide Hole Saw?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit 49-22-4185 (28-Piece)
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.
| Material | Bi-metal (HSS teeth on alloy body) |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3/4 - 4-3/4 in (22 saws) |
| Shank | Quick-change arbors included |
| Teeth | 3.5 TPI, thick tooth form |
| Best for | Wood, drywall, sheet metal, PVC |
Milwaukee Big Hawg Carbide-Teeth Hole Saw Kit 49-56-9290 (10-Piece)
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.
| Material | Carbide teeth on steel body |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2-1/8 - 4-1/4 in (6 saws) |
| Shank | Big Hawg arbor + pilot bits |
| Teeth | Large carbide teeth, thin kerf |
| Best for | Fast large holes, tough material |
Our verdict
Bi-metal is the versatile default: HSS teeth cut wood, drywall, plastic and sheet metal cleanly and cheaply, which is why a broad bi-metal kit covers most DIY jobs. Carbide teeth cost more and come in fewer, larger sizes, but they cut up to 5x faster and survive nail-embedded wood, cement board and abrasive material that strips bi-metal teeth. Choose bi-metal for everyday mixed-material holes; choose carbide (Big Hawg) when you're boring lots of large holes or hitting tough, nail-filled or gritty material. Contractors carry both and reach for carbide when speed and abrasion resistance matter.