Best Hole Saw Kit (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Hole saws cut the big round openings a twist bit can't - for door hardware, pipes, wiring, recessed lights and vents. The main choice is bi-metal versus carbide: bi-metal kits are affordable and handle everyday wood, drywall, PVC and sheet metal, while carbide-tooth saws cut faster and survive abrasive or nail-embedded material and larger diameters. Range matters too - a broad kit with quick-change arbors saves you buying odd sizes later. Technique keeps them alive: back out often to clear the plug, ease off pressure and run a slower speed so heat doesn't glaze the teeth. We compare three kits on range, speed and durability.
A 28-piece bi-metal hole saw kit (22 saws, 3/4-4-3/4 in.) that cuts wood, drywall, sheet metal, and PVC from one set, from 1/2 in. conduit to 4 in. vent holes, backed by a lifetime tooth-break warranty. It's a big buy when most DIYers use a few sizes, runs slow in thick stock, and the HSS teeth dull fast in cement board or tile.
- 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 10-piece carbide-tooth hole saw kit (6 saws, 2-1/8-4-1/4 in.) for holes up to 5x faster than bi-metal, and through nail-embedded wood, cement board, and shingles that strip bi-metal teeth. The thin-wall design plunges fast. It's pricey and limited to six sizes, the carbide chips if you pry sideways, and it's overkill in plain lumber.
- 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
The Bosch HB25M is a 25-piece master bi-metal hole saw set covering 11 common sizes from 3/4 in to 3 in, with two quick-change mandrels, pilot bits and a molded case. The variable-pitch bi-metal teeth handle everyday wood, sheet metal, PVC and drywall for door hardware, conduit and plumbing, making it a strong-value general kit. It caps out at 3 in, so pair it with a large carbide saw for oversized or abrasive cuts.
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic
- Drywall
Pros
- 11 saws from 3/4 in to 3 in plus two mandrels cover most household holes
- Bi-metal teeth cut wood, sheet metal, PVC and drywall
- Quick-change mandrels and a sturdy case keep sizes organized
Cons
- Tops out at 3 in - no large 4 in+ saws like the Milwaukee Big Hawg
- Bi-metal dulls faster than carbide in abrasive or nail-embedded material
- Mandrels use a hex-key set screw, slower to swap than fully tool-free arbors
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 the Milwaukee Hole Dozer and Bosch HB25M include quick-change arbors so you can swap saw sizes fast. Buy matching arbors if you add odd sizes later.