Hole saws are essential for creating clean, uniform large-diameter holes in wood, metal, plastics, and composite materials. They’re particularly valuable when you need a neat opening for pipes, conduits, downlights, door hardware, or fittings.
The right hole saw ensures that each hole is accurately sized and positioned, which is critical for both function and finish. A precise cut reduces the need for additional trimming, improves the fit of hardware, and reduces the risk of splintering or damage to surrounding surfaces.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, keeping a well-chosen set of hole saws in your kit adds versatility and efficiency to your drilling operations.
A hole saw consists of a cylindrical steel cup with sharp teeth around its rim, mounted on an arbor that fits into a drill or impact driver. The open-centre design allows the cut plug of material to be removed cleanly once the hole is drilled.
Many hole saws incorporate a pilot drill in the centre of the arbor. This pilot bit keeps the saw accurately positioned and prevents wandering, especially at the start of the cut. The tooth profile and gullet design are tuned for different materials, balancing cutting speed with clean edges and chip clearance.
Hole saws are used wherever larger, clean round openings are required, including:
The material and construction of the hole saw determine its durability and suitability for different substrates: