Hole saws – also referred to as hole cutters or hole drill bits – are drill attachments designed for cutting perfectly round holes in a variety of materials. They’re used for several applications such as installing drainage pipes, cutting through masonry and creating holes for plumbing. Consider the types and features of hole saws before adding them to your tool chest.
Hole Saw Considerations
A carbon steel hole saw is an economical and flexible choice used for cutting holes in wood, plastic and soft sheet metal. Built from a combination of high-speed steel and soft, spring steel, bi-metal hole saws offer durability, flexibility and a smooth cutting operation. They’re designed to be used with a wide range of materials, from softwoods such as pine to dense metals including cast iron. If you plan to cut holes into materials such as glass, ceramic or tile, a
diamond hole saw can satisfy your needs. Diamond hole saws and
concrete hole saws are ideal for concrete.
As you shop for hole saws, see if an arbor is included. This is an accessory – either fixed or detachable – that connects to the hole saw. The arbor holds a pilot drill bit for centering and stabilizing the hole saw.
Hole Saw Diameter
Diameter is another important factor to keep in mind when searching for a hole saw. If you’re working in a tight space, a smaller diameter such as ¾ inches or 7/8 inches would be suitable. For projects such as building cornhole boards or installing ceiling fans and light fixtures, choose a large
6-inch hole saw to get the job done. You may also want to consider investing in a hole saw set, so you can always pick the accurate hole size for your project.
Whether you’re installing a new deadbolt on your front door or creating access points for cables and wires in a wall, having hole saws in your toolkit makes cutting holes easy, fast and effective. Read our
Types of Drill Bits guide for information about drill bits construction, finishes, maintenance and accessories.