Hole Saw Kits Ranked by Cut Quality and Arbor Design
The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Hole Dozer is our overall pick for its fast bi metal teeth and easy slug removal. The DEWALT DW1361 kit is the best value for wood and plastic work, and the Spyder 600890 Rapid Core Eject set is the budget choice for awkward slugs.
For general work the Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Hole Dozer kit cuts fastest and clears slugs with the least swearing, the DEWALT DW1361 covers wood and plastic cheaply, and the Spyder 600890 Rapid Core Eject set solves the stuck slug problem better than anything at its price.
Hole saw kits are tricky because two sets with identical size ranges can behave completely differently depending on tooth geometry, arbor design and whether the saw has slots for prising out the core. We compared seven current kits on cutting material, size coverage, arbor system, ejection features and what owners report after cutting through joists, tile backer and sheet steel.
The best picks, ranked
Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Hole Dozer
The Hole Dozer uses variable pitch bi metal teeth that cut wood, plastic and metal without changing saws, and the plug removal slots let you lever a core out with a screwdriver rather than fighting it. The quick change arbor swaps sizes in a few seconds. Owners report the teeth stay sharp through far more nail embedded timber than budget saws.
Pros
- Cuts metal and wood without swapping saws
- Slots make slug removal genuinely easy
- Holds an edge through nails and screws
Cons
- Costs more than wood only kits
- Case latches are the weak point
DEWALT DW1361 Hole Saw Kit
A well chosen size range aimed squarely at carpentry, door hardware and plastic pipe, with a rigid case that keeps everything in order. The saws are bi metal, so occasional light metal cuts are possible even though wood is the focus. Based on specifications it is the sensible starter kit for anyone whose work is mostly timber.
Pros
- Practical size selection for building work
- Solid case that survives a van
- Good price for a known brand
Cons
- Not intended for heavy metal cutting
- Standard arbor is slower to change
LENOX Tools 30806-1200L Hole Saw Kit
LENOX builds these with a harder tooth and a deeper gullet, which helps clear chips when cutting sheet steel and stainless. The kit includes arbors and pilot bits sized for the range. Owners report they last considerably longer than general purpose saws when metal is a regular part of the job.
Pros
- Excellent life in sheet steel
- Deep gullets clear swarf well
- Consistent hole quality in metal
Cons
- Premium price per saw
- Overkill for pure woodworking
Bosch HDG21 Hole Saw Kit
A broad kit covering everything from small pilot holes to large diameter openings, with a quick change arbor system that avoids the usual pin fiddling. The blow moulded case has clear size markings so you can find the right saw quickly. Based on specifications it is the pick when you want one kit to cover unpredictable job sizes.
Pros
- Wide range covers most common sizes
- Fast arbor changes
- Clearly labelled case saves time
Cons
- Some sizes rarely get used
- Bulkier case than focused kits
Klein Tools 31873 Electrician’s Hole Saw Kit
Every saw in this kit corresponds to a standard conduit or knockout size, which removes the guesswork on electrical work. The pouch is compact enough for a tool bag rather than a van shelf. Owners report the size selection alone saves more time than a faster tooth would.
Pros
- Sizes match electrical standards exactly
- Pouch fits in a tool bag
- Cuts enclosure steel cleanly
Cons
- Narrow use case outside electrical work
- Pouch offers less protection than a case
Greenlee 830 Quick Change Hole Saw Kit
Greenlee’s quick change mandrel is among the fastest to operate, which matters when a job requires stepping through several diameters. The kit is built around trade sizes and the saws are robust. Based on specifications it is the pick if changing saws repeatedly is your main frustration.
Pros
- Very quick saw changes
- Robust saws suited to trade use
- Sensible trade focused sizes
Cons
- Arbor system is proprietary
- Fewer sizes than the largest kits
Spyder 600890 Rapid Core Eject Hole Saw Kit
Spyder’s mandrel pushes the slug out as you retract the saw, which turns the single most annoying part of hole sawing into a non issue. The kit costs less than most trade sets while covering the common sizes. Owners report the ejection system works well enough that they stopped using their older saws.
Pros
- Slug ejection works as advertised
- Deeper cut than standard saws
- Low price for the feature set
Cons
- Teeth dull faster than premium brands
- Case is lightweight
What to look for
Bi metal versus carbide versus diamond Bi metal saws handle wood, plastic, plasterboard and sheet metal, which covers the vast majority of jobs and describes every kit here. Carbide tipped saws go further into abrasive materials like cement board and cast iron and last longer in stainless, at higher cost. Diamond grit saws are for tile, stone and glass, and cut by abrasion rather than teeth. Buy bi metal as your main kit and add a single carbide or diamond saw only when a specific job demands it.
Slug ejection is the feature that saves your temper Every hole saw traps a plug of material inside it. Some kits leave you levering it out with a screwdriver through the side, some cut slots to make that easier, and the Spyder Rapid Core Eject pushes it out automatically as you withdraw. If you cut more than a handful of holes at a time, slug removal will affect your day more than a few seconds of cutting speed.
Arbor systems and why they matter The arbor holds the saw and carries the pilot bit. Traditional arbors use two pins and a threaded collar, which works but is slow. Quick change systems from Milwaukee, Bosch and Greenlee let you swap sizes in seconds. Note that arbor systems are usually proprietary, so mixing brands may mean the spare saw you buy does not fit the mandrel already in your drill.
Technique that keeps the saw alive Run a hole saw slower than you think, particularly in metal, because heat kills the teeth. Use steady moderate pressure, back out periodically to clear chips, and add cutting fluid on steel and stainless. In timber, cut halfway from one side then finish from the other to avoid tearing the exit face. Let the pilot bit establish the centre before applying full pressure, and never use a hole saw in an impact driver.
How they stack up
| # | Model | Tooth type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Hole Dozer | Bi metal variable pitch | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | DEWALT DW1361 Hole Saw Kit | Bi metal | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | LENOX Tools 30806-1200L Hole Saw Kit | Bi metal, hardened edge | Best for metal | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Bosch HDG21 Hole Saw Kit | 21 | Best size range | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Klein Tools 31873 Electrician’s Hole Saw Kit | Matched to conduit knockouts | Best for electricians | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Greenlee 830 Quick Change Hole Saw Kit | Greenlee quick change mandrel | Best arbor system | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Spyder 600890 Rapid Core Eject Hole Saw Kit | Rapid core eject mandrel | Best budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Common questions
What is the difference between bi metal and carbide hole saws?
Bi metal saws have hardened teeth welded to a flexible backing and handle wood, plastic and sheet metal well at a reasonable price. Carbide tipped saws cost more but survive abrasive materials such as cement board and stainless steel far longer.
How do I get the slug out of a hole saw?
Push a screwdriver through the side slots and lever it out, or choose a kit that solves the problem. The Milwaukee Hole Dozer has generous plug removal slots and the Spyder Rapid Core Eject pushes the slug out as you withdraw the saw.
What speed should I run a hole saw at?
Slower than most people expect. Large diameters and metal need low speed to avoid overheating the teeth. Small saws in softwood tolerate higher speeds. If you see smoke or blue chips, slow down and add cutting fluid.
Can I use a hole saw on tile?
Not a toothed bi metal saw. Ceramic and porcelain need a diamond grit hole saw used wet and at low speed. Attempting tile with a bi metal saw destroys the teeth and usually cracks the tile.
Do I need a mandrel for every saw?
No. One or two mandrels usually cover the whole size range, with a small mandrel for saws under about an inch and a larger one above that. This is why arbor compatibility matters when buying replacement saws.
Which kit suits electrical work?
The Klein Tools 31873, because its sizes match standard conduit and knockout dimensions directly, so there is no measuring or converting on site.
Can I use a hole saw in an impact driver?
No. Impact drivers deliver rotational hammering that a hole saw is not designed to absorb, and the result is broken teeth or a snapped pilot bit. Use a corded or brushless drill with a side handle.
How do I stop tear out on the exit side?
Cut until the pilot bit breaks through, then finish from the other side using the pilot hole to centre the saw. Clamping a sacrificial board behind the workpiece achieves a similar result in one pass.
Final word
The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Hole Dozer kit is the one to buy if you cut a mix of materials, since it handles wood and metal on the same teeth and makes slug removal straightforward. The DEWALT DW1361 is the better value when the work is mostly timber and plastic, and the Spyder 600890 Rapid Core Eject set delivers the most useful feature in the category at a lower price.
