Bi-Metal vs Carbide Hole Saw?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit 49-22-4185 (28-Piece)
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.
| 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 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.
| 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a bi-metal hole saw?
- It is a hole saw whose cutting teeth are high-speed steel welded onto a tougher alloy body — two metals doing different jobs. The HSS teeth stay hard enough to cut metal while the flexible body absorbs shock without cracking. That combination is why one bi-metal saw handles wood, drywall, sheet metal and PVC.
- Which cuts faster?
- Carbide, by a wide margin on large diameters — the Big Hawg's large carbide teeth and thin kerf rip holes up to about 5x faster than a bi-metal saw, and clear plugs more easily thanks to the shallow cup.
- Which one survives nail-embedded wood or cement board?
- Carbide. HSS teeth on a bi-metal saw dull quickly in cement board, tile or nail-embedded lumber. Carbide teeth cut those plus plaster and shingles, though they chip if you pry sideways or drop the saw on concrete.
- Which should a DIYer buy?
- Bi-metal for most people. A 22-saw kit covers 3/4 to 4-3/4 inch across every common material, and the honest caveat is that most DIYers only ever use two or three of those sizes. Carbide kits are 6 larger sizes only and cost more, so they earn their keep on remodeling work, not occasional holes in lumber.
- Why did my bi-metal hole saw overheat and stop cutting?
- Usually thick hardwood or stacked material cut without backing out to clear the plug and let heat escape. Bi-metal teeth lose temper when they overheat and never cut the same afterwards, so back out often and ease off the pressure.