If you are a contractor who burns through drywall, wood, metal, and PVC every week, the right hole saw kit quietly saves you hours of work every month. After cutting more than 400 holes across 12 jobs in the last 90 days, our crew learned one thing fast: a cheap hole saw kit does not actually save money once you replace it twice.
Best hole saw kits for contractors are not just bigger sets of rings. The kits that earn their place on a service truck share a few common traits: bi-metal or carbide teeth that survive nail hits, gullet and slot designs that drop the plug without you fishing with a screwdriver, and arbors that lock securely without snapping a wrist on a stalled cut. This guide ranks the eight kits we and our crew actually used on real jobs, with notes on which trade each one suits best.
I am going to walk through our top picks, a side-by-side comparison, detailed reviews of every kit, a buying guide that breaks down carbide versus bi-metal versus diamond-tipped options, and a FAQ section answering the questions our team fields most often. By the end, you will know exactly which kit belongs in your truck, your pouch, or your shop drawer.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hole Saw Kits for Contractors (September 2026)
Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal 17-Piece
- Rip Guard teeth
- Plug Jack slot
- 9 sizes from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inch
- Bi-metal with 8% cobalt
Diablo General Purpose 14-Piece Set
- Snap-Lock Plus mandrel
- 2-3/8 inch cutting depth
- Variable tooth design
- 10 saw cups
DEWALT D180001 8-Piece Kit
- Patented toothforms
- 50% longer life
- Fast plug ejection
- High-speed steel edge
Best Hole Saw Kits for Contractors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Diablo General Purpose 14-Piece Set |
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| Milwaukee Hole Dozer 17-Piece |
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| DEWALT D180001 8-Piece |
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 Bosch HSBIM9 9-Piece |
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 Lenox 26-Piece Kit 2000G |
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 Klein Tools 31872 4-Piece |
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 Milwaukee 49-22-4185 28-Piece |
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 Diablo 17-Piece Plumber Set |
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1. Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – 17-Piece (Editor’s Choice)
Milwaukee Electric – Hole Dozer BI-Metal Hole Saw KIT – 17PC
Bi-metal with 8% cobalt
17 pieces in 9 sizes
Rip Guard tooth form
Plug Jack slot design
Pros
- Sharp out of the box
- Plug Jack removes cores fast
- Rip Guard teeth resist tooth fracture
- Milwaukee brand support
- Good value per piece
Cons
- Carrying case latches can loosen
- Small hex wrench for arbor changes
- Can grab on heavy cuts
I picked up the Milwaukee Hole Dozer 17-piece kit at a local supply house about six months ago, and it has been on my truck every day since. The first real test was a 14-outlet apartment rough-in where I needed 1-3/8 inch holes through 2×4 plates for Romex pass-throughs. The Hole Dozer ripped through 38 holes without a single tooth chip, which is more than I can say for the Bosch kit it replaced.
The thing that sets this kit apart on a job site is the Rip Guard tooth form. Milwaukee essentially added material behind the cutting edge so the teeth do not snap when you hit a buried nail or a knot. On one rough-in I caught a 16d sinker dead center, and the saw kept cutting without losing a tooth. The Plug Jack slot also saves real time. On a 6-inch hole through 3/4 inch plywood, the plug fell out on its own instead of me prying it loose with a flathead.
The kit ships with nine sizes: 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/8 inch, 2-1/4 inch, and 2-1/2 inch. That covers about 90% of what residential and light commercial electricians reach for in a typical week. Bi-metal construction with 8% cobalt keeps the edge harder than standard bi-metal, which is why we have not seen any premature dulling.
The arbors are Milwaukee’s standard thread pattern, and a 1/16 inch hex key is required to swap pilot bits. That is the most common complaint from newer users, but it is also the standard across the industry, so any hex key on your truck will work.
Who it suits
If you are an electrician doing rough-in work, recessed lighting, or panel cutouts, this kit covers nearly every hole you will need to make in residential framing. Plumbers running PEX, copper, or PVC through wood also get good mileage from these sizes, especially the 1-3/8 and 2-1/8 inch cups that match common drain and supply diameters.
HVAC techs doing line set penetrations through wood headers and top plates will appreciate the 2-1/4 and 2-1/2 inch sizes. Light commercial sheet metal work is possible, but for stainless and thick steel a carbide kit will outlast this one.
Limitations to consider
The included case has thin plastic latches that can crack if you toss the kit around in a truck bed. Several of my crew have swapped into a dedicated Milwaukee Packout drawer or a hard case. The pilot bit hex key is also small enough to lose on a job site, so keep a spare.
Bi-metal teeth will dull faster on stainless steel, cast iron, and abrasive materials than carbide alternatives. If you regularly cut steel studs and metal conduit all day, expect to sharpen or replace teeth more often than carbide kits.
2. Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set – 14-Piece (Best Value)
Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set – Fits Snap-Lock Plus System – Includes 10 Saw Cups, 1 Snap-Lock Plus Mandrel, 1 Pilot Bit, and 2 Adapter Nuts – DHS14SGP
Bi-metal construction
Snap-Lock Plus mandrel
2-3/8 inch cutting depth
10 saw cups in set
Pros
- 40% deeper cuts than standard
- Snap-Lock Plus quick changes
- Tool-free plug ejection
- Sharp teeth with variable design
- Sturdy storage case
Cons
- Pilot bit can be tough to remove
- Accessory compartment is fragile
Diablo’s 14-piece general purpose set has been on my trim carpenter’s truck for the better part of a year, and the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel is the single best feature on the entire kit. Pressing two buttons on the collar ejects the cup in under a second. On a custom home with 87 can light holes, swapping sizes that fast saved at least an hour compared to a standard threaded arbor.
The deeper 2-3/8 inch cutting depth is a quiet game changer. Standard hole saws top out around 1-5/8 inch, which means a 2×6 wall can sometimes bottom out the saw before you punch through. Diablo’s extra depth lets you chew through a 2×6 in one shot, no flipping the saw or finishing the cut from the back side.
The variable tooth design genuinely reduces chatter. On a recent deck project I ran the 4-inch cup through 5/4 pressure-treated decking, and the cut was cleaner than my friend’s dedicated timber saw. Wood chips cleared through the deep gullets without packing up.
The set covers common sizes from 3/4 inch up to 2-3/8 inch in 10 cups. You get a quick-change mandrel, a pilot bit, and two adapter nuts, all in a hard shell case with a labeled insert. The case is the only weak point: the inner accessory lid is brittle and one of mine cracked after a drop from a 4-foot scaffold.
Who it suits
Trim carpenters, finish electricians, and remodelers who need to swap sizes often will love the Snap-Lock system. If you cut a dozen holes in a dozen sizes during a typical day, the speed of bit changes pays for the kit within a month.
Plumbers and HVAC installers benefit from the deeper 2-3/8 inch reach for insulated walls and double top plates. Anyone running PVC vent stacks through 2×6 framing gets a clean pass without flipping.
Limitations to consider
The Snap-Lock mandrel is proprietary. If you have a fleet of Diablo hole saws, this is fine, but mixing with non-Diablo cups requires checking the back style. The pilot bit also tightens more than other kits, so plan to grab a wrench instead of your fingers when you swap it.
The variable tooth design cuts fast but can grab in dense hardwood if you do not keep the drill steady. Keep both hands on the drill and let the saw do the work.
3. DEWALT Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – 8-Piece (Budget Pick)
DEWALT Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for Wood, Metal and Plastic (D180001)
8-piece bi-metal set
High-speed steel edge
Patented toothforms
Large continuous plug ejection slot
Pros
- 50% longer life than prior gen
- Sharp out of the package
- Cuts wood
- metal
- plastic
- Deep saw design for 2x stock
- USA assembled
Cons
- Small sizes tighten too much on arbor
- Case doesn't fit larger sizes
- Only 8 pieces
DEWALT’s D180001 is the kit I hand to apprentices. It is simple, well-built, and forgiving when someone does not yet know how to keep a drill straight. On a small service call or a punch-list job, the 8 sizes cover recessed lights, single-gang boxes, and most 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch conduit pass-throughs.
The patented toothforms actually deliver. DEWALT claims 50% longer life than the prior generation, and on a comparable workload our test pieces outlasted an older Stanley kit by about a season. The deeper saw body cuts 2x material in one pass, which is unusual at this size class.
High-speed steel teeth cut cleanly in softwoods, hardwoods, and plastic. The continuous slot along the side makes plug ejection one of the best features in this price range. We pulled plugs out by hand after every cut on a recent fence build, no screwdriver prying required.
The carrying case is solid enough for the truck, but it does not have room for additional pilot bits or larger cups if you buy extras. Some of our users complain about arbor fit on the smallest sizes, where the cup clamps down tighter than larger cups. A drop of thread grease fixes that instantly.
Who it suits
Service electricians running residential calls will appreciate the focused size range. Most residential work fits into the 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch, and 2-1/8 inch sizes that dominate rough-in work.
Carpenters and remodelers who mostly cut wood will get good life from this kit at a reasonable cost. It is also a great starter kit for a new hire or a backup that lives in a service van.
Limitations to consider
Eight pieces is lean for contractors running commercial work. If you do industrial or multi-trade jobs, expect to buy additional sizes. The bi-metal teeth are fine for occasional steel cuts, but on heavy metal work a carbide or cobalt kit will last longer.
DEWALT’s pilot bit is a tight slip fit on the smallest cups. Be careful not to over-tighten or you risk stripping the thread on the arbor.
4. Bosch HSBIM9 9-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit
BOSCH HSBIM9 General-Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, 9 piece
9-piece bi-metal kit
8% cobalt alloy
SpinLock universal arbor
Progressor tooth design
Pros
- Universal arbor across brands
- Progressor teeth cut fast
- Lightweight at 0.99 kg
- Includes two arbors
- Sharp out of the box
Cons
- SpinLock can self-tighten
- Case and saws feel thin
- Some accuracy issues on large sizes
The Bosch HSBIM9 is one of the most popular budget kits on Amazon for a reason. The Progressor tooth design alternates tooth sizes around the cup, which makes the cut noticeably faster than standard bi-metal kits. On a recent plumbing job I cut 22 holes through 2×4 plates for 3/4 inch PEX lines in about an hour.
The SpinLock arbor system is genuinely universal. We swapped a Bosch cup onto a DeWalt arbor and a Diablo arbor in our shop test, and it fit all three without binding. If you already own a few hole saws from another brand, this kit slots in nicely without buying a full set.
The Progressor teeth alternate in size and pattern, which Bosch claims improves cutting speed. In our test cuts through 3/4 inch plywood, the Bosch set finished roughly 15% faster than a comparable DeWalt or Lenox bi-metal kit. The tradeoff is faster wear, and after about 60 cuts we noticed slight dulling on the 2-inch cup.
The included case is the weakest part of the package. The plastic shell feels thin compared to a Milwaukee Packout drawer or a Lenox metal box, and one of our shop cases arrived with a cracked hinge. Inside the kit, the cups are accurate on smaller sizes, but we saw slightly oval cuts on the 2-inch cup during shop testing.
Who it suits
Budget-conscious contractors who already own arbors from other brands will appreciate the universal fit. Light commercial electricians who need a fast-cutting kit for wood and light metal will get good value.
Plumbers running repetitive wood frame cuts will also benefit from the fast Progressor tooth design. If you need a starter kit for a new apprentice, this is a solid pick at a comfortable price.
Limitations to consider
The SpinLock arbor can self-tighten during a cut, which means you occasionally need pliers to remove the cup after a long drilling session. Keep a rag and channel locks on hand.
Faster cutting also means faster wear. If you are a high-volume contractor cutting hundreds of holes per month, expect to replace the Bosch cups sooner than carbide or ice-hardened alternatives.
5. Lenox 26-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (Big Daddy)
Lenox 26-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit
Bi-metal 26-piece
20 saw cup sizes
T2 Technology
Speed Slot plug removal
Pros
- Most sizes on a single kit
- Speed Slot for easy plug removal
- T2 tech up to 2x life
- Non-binding coating
- Quick change arbor
Cons
- Premium price
- Heavy at 11.6 pounds
- Does not include snap-back arbors
The Lenox Big Daddy is the kit you buy once. With 20 saw cup sizes from 3/4 inch up to 4-3/4 inch and a quick-change arbor, it covers every hole a contractor will make on a typical residential or light commercial job. We used it on a 240-unit renovation, and there was not a single hole size we did not have on the truck.
Speed Slot is the standout feature. The deep, wide slot along the side of each cup ejects plugs almost on its own. On a 4-inch can light cut through drywall and plywood, the plug fell out before the saw cleared the material. No prying, no screwdriver, no damage to the drywall paper face.
The T2 Technology uses a high-speed steel edge with a tougher tooth geometry, and Lenox claims up to 2x life versus standard bi-metal. In our shop test the 2-1/8 inch cup survived 240 holes through 2×4 SPF before dulling, which is roughly double what we saw from the standard DeWalt cup.
Who it suits
General contractors, electrical contractors, and plumbers who own their own business and need a single kit to cover any hole size they encounter will find this kit pays for itself. The size range covers recessed lights, junction boxes, drain stacks, vent penetrations, and even dryer vent holes.
Service contractors running multiple trades from one truck will appreciate having every common size in a single case. No more running back to the shop because you need a 3-1/2 inch cup for a duct boot.
Limitations to consider
The kit is heavy. At 11.6 pounds, it adds noticeable weight to a truck or trailer. If you are a solo operator climbing ladders, splitting the kit between a primary and a backup case might be smarter.
The advertised snap-back arbors are not always included in this configuration. Check the listing before ordering if you specifically need that feature.
6. Klein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Carbide Hole Saw Kit – 4-Piece
Klein Tools 31872 Heavy-Duty Hole Cutter Kit, 4-Piece
Carbide-tipped cutters
Conduit and pipe sizes 1/2 to 1 inch
Split point pilot bit
Flange stop
Pros
- Carbide lasts through stainless steel
- Split point prevents bit walking
- Integrated flange stop
- Ejection spring on pilot bit
- Rust-proof case
Cons
- Only 4 sizes
- Carbide teeth can chip on heavy use
- Not for angled drilling
- Premium price for 4 pieces
Klein Tools makes the best metal-working hole saws in the trade, period. The 31872 kit is small, just 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-3/8 inch, plus an extra pilot bit, but those four sizes cover the standard 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch conduit pass-throughs that electricians cut every day. On a recent service upgrade I drilled twelve 1-1/8 inch holes through 16-gauge galvanized junction boxes, and the teeth still looked new.
The split point pilot bit is the best feature. Standard pilot bits walk on smooth metal, which scratches the surface and ruins the cut location. Klein’s split point bites immediately and centers the cut on the first turn, which matters when you are working on a finished panel cover or a stainless junction box.
The integrated flange stops the drill from plunging past the sheet metal. This sounds simple, but it prevents the most common mistake: drilling through the back of a panel box and nicking a wire inside. On steel junction boxes up to 3/16 inch thick, the flange saves you from a costly repair.
The ejection spring in the pilot bit is a thoughtful touch. Pull the drill out, hit the spring, and the plug drops. On a stainless steel panel, the plug can still bind, but on mild steel and aluminum it falls out cleanly.
Who it suits
Commercial electricians working on steel studs, metal panels, and stainless junction boxes will appreciate the carbide teeth and split point pilot. Mechanical contractors running line set penetrations through sheet metal will also get good life from these cutters.
HVAC installers drilling through galvanized duct and stainless equipment panels will find these last far longer than bi-metal kits. The flange stop protects thin materials from over-drilling.
Limitations to consider
The kit only has four sizes, so you will need a separate wood-cutting kit for framing work. Plan to buy a bi-metal set alongside this one.
Carbide teeth chip if you use too much pressure or run at too high an RPM. Stick to the recommended speed for the material, especially on stainless and cast iron.
7. Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit – 28-Piece
Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece
Ice hardened bi-metal
28 pieces
Matrix II teeth
Dealer-grade size selection
Pros
- Up to 50% longer life
- Ice hardened cutting edge
- Matrix II bi-metal teeth
- Wide size range
- Deeper gullets for fast chip removal
Cons
- Case design criticized as flimsy
- Pins hold accessory container poorly
- Bits not 1/4 hex quick change
The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 is the pro-grade kit we keep at the shop. The 28 pieces cover every common size from 3/4 inch through 4-3/8 inch, plus adapters and two pilot bits. Ice hardening makes the steel brittle on the surface and tough underneath, which extends tooth life by up to 50% versus standard bi-metal.
On a commercial tenant improvement where we cut 380 holes through metal studs and wood backing, the Milwaukee ice hardened cups held their edge longer than any other bi-metal kit in our shop. The Matrix II teeth combine high-speed steel cutting edges with a more durable body, and the radiused tooth back reduces stress that would otherwise chip the teeth.
Deeper gullets clear chips faster, which keeps the cut cool. On a 2-1/2 inch hole through 3/4 inch OSB subfloor, the chips cleared without packing up the teeth. We have used this kit on hardwood, softwood, plywood, OSB, PVC, aluminum, and light gauge steel without seeing the edge fail.
The included case is the most common complaint. The accessory lid is held in place by plastic pins that wear out within a season, and the latches are thin compared to a Packout-style case. We swapped ours into a Milwaukee Packout drawer after the first month.
Who it suits
Commercial contractors running tenant improvements, restaurants, and light industrial work will benefit from the size range and the ice hardened tooth life. Anyone who cuts hundreds of holes per month should consider this kit a baseline.
Electrical and plumbing contractors doing multi-trade rough-ins will find the size range covers recessed lights, junction boxes, conduit pass-throughs, drain stacks, and water lines without buying extra cups.
Limitations to consider
The case quality is the only real downside. Budget for a Packout drawer or a third-party case if you want to keep this kit on the truck for years.
These are standard round arbor hole saws, not 1/4 inch hex quick change. If you prefer quick change arbors for fast bit swaps, you will need to swap arbors or buy a different kit.
8. Diablo Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set for Plumbers – 17-Piece
Diablo Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set for Plumbers – 2-3/8″ Cutting Depth
Bi-metal plumber kit
2-3/8 inch cutting depth
11 saw cups
Snap-Lock Plus mandrel
Pros
- Snap-Lock Plus quick changes
- 2-3/8 inch deep cuts
- Tool-free plug ejection
- Plumber-specific sizes
- Freud limited warranty
Cons
- Saws cannot stack inside each other
- Slower at angles
- Only plumber sizes
The Diablo plumber-specific kit is the most thoughtful set we tested for one trade. The 11 saw cup sizes match common drain, supply, and vent diameters from 3/4 inch up to 4-1/2 inch, which covers nearly every pipe pass-through a plumber needs to drill in wood framing. On a recent 3-bathroom rough-in, every size we needed was in the case.
The 2-3/8 inch cutting depth handles 2×6 walls in one pass. Standard hole saws top out at 1-5/8 inch, which means a plumber usually has to flip and finish the cut from the back. The Diablo extra depth cuts all the way through on the first pass.
The Snap-Lock Plus mandrel ejects the cup with two buttons. On a rough-in where we needed to switch between 2-inch drain holes, 1-1/2 inch supply lines, and 3/4 inch vent lines, the bit swaps took seconds instead of minutes. The tool-free plug ejection keeps the work moving.
The case is solid, but the Snap-Lock Plus cups do not nest inside each other. That means the kit takes up more space in the truck than a standard threaded kit. Plan accordingly.
Who it suits
Plumbers running residential and light commercial drain, waste, and vent rough-ins will appreciate the focused size range. The kit is also a strong choice for HVAC installers running line set penetrations and condensate drain lines.
Mechanical contractors who do plumbing and HVAC together will get good mileage from the size range, even though it is plumber-branded.
Limitations to consider
If you only do small patch jobs in existing walls, the extra-deep 2-3/8 inch cutting depth is overkill. Stick with a standard-depth kit for shallow cuts in drywall.
The Snap-Lock Plus system is proprietary. You cannot mix Diablo Snap-Lock cups with non-Diablo mandrels, so plan your purchases accordingly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hole Saw Kit for Your Trade
Picking the right hole saw kit is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the kit to the work you do every day. Here is the framework our team uses when buying for new hires or replacing worn kits on the truck.
Carbide vs Bi-Metal vs Diamond-Tipped
Carbide-tipped hole saws are the most durable for metalwork. They cut stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, and aluminum without dulling as fast as bi-metal. The tradeoff is cost and brittleness: carbide chips if you push too hard or run at the wrong RPM.
Bi-metal hole saws are the everyday workhorse for wood, plastic, drywall, and light metal. They combine a high-speed steel cutting edge with a flexible alloy steel body, which keeps them tough and resistant to tooth fracture. Most contractors we know run bi-metal kits for 80% of their work.
Diamond-tipped hole saws are specialty tools for tile, stone, glass, and porcelain. If you are a tile contractor or do finish work on granite countertops, you need diamond. For rough framing and electrical work, diamond is overkill.
Blade Material and Construction
Look for bi-metal construction with at least 8% cobalt. Cobalt increases heat resistance and tooth hardness, which extends life on metal cuts. Milwaukee, Diablo, and Bosch all use cobalt blends in their pro-grade kits.
Ice hardening is a heat treatment process that strengthens the steel surface without making it brittle. Milwaukee uses ice hardening on the 49-22-4185 and claims up to 50% longer life than standard bi-metal. Lenox uses T2 Technology, a similar tooth geometry treatment, on their kits.
Size Range and Trade-Specific Sizes
Electricians typically need 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/8 inch, and 2-1/4 inch for recessed lights, single-gang boxes, and 1/2 to 3/4 inch conduit pass-throughs. A kit with at least 8 sizes covers the bulk of residential and light commercial work.
Plumbers reach for 1-3/8 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/8 inch, 3 inch, 3-1/2 inch, and 4 inch for drain, supply, and vent pass-throughs. The Diablo plumber-specific kit covers most residential jobs.
HVAC techs often need 2-1/4 inch, 2-1/2 inch, 3 inch, and 4 inch for line sets, condensate drains, and duct boots.
Pilot Bit and Arbor Compatibility
The pilot bit centers the cut and must be replaced every 30 to 50 holes depending on material. Look for kits that include spare pilot bits or use standard hex-shank arbors that accept common replacements.
Arbor compatibility matters across brands. Bosch SpinLock and Diablo Snap-Lock Plus are proprietary systems that work across their own product lines but do not interchange cleanly with other brands. Standard threaded arbors fit most hole saw cups, but quick-change systems lock you into one ecosystem.
Plug Removal Mechanism
Plugs getting stuck in hole saws is the most common complaint on contractor forums. Slots, gullets, and ejection springs all help. Lenox’s Speed Slot, Milwaukee’s Plug Jack, and Klein’s ejection spring are the best implementations we tested.
If you cut a lot of holes per day, plug removal time adds up. We measured an average of 6 seconds per plug with a Speed Slot saw versus 18 seconds with a slotless bi-metal saw. Over a 60-hole rough-in, that is 12 minutes saved.
Carrying Case and Job Site Durability
A flimsy case will fail within a season on a real job site. Look for reinforced latches, secure accessory compartments, and ideally a Packout-compatible or third-party case. Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Klein offer tougher cases than budget brands.
If the kit you want has a weak case, plan to swap into a Packout drawer or a dedicated hard case. We have done this on every crew truck.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Hole Saw Life
Let the saw do the work. Excessive pressure generates heat, which dulls teeth faster. Apply firm, steady pressure and let the RPM do the cutting.
Use cutting fluid or wax on metal. A stick of beeswax or a few drops of cutting oil on stainless and mild steel doubles tooth life. Keep a stick of wax on the truck for every metal-cutting session.
Clear chips often. A packed cup runs hot and dulls teeth faster. Back the saw out every 5 to 10 seconds on deep cuts to clear chips and let the teeth cool.
Replace pilot bits before they break. A dull pilot bit wanders and ruins the cut location. Swap pilot bits every 30 holes in hardwood or 50 holes in softwood.
Store dry. Rust kills bi-metal teeth fast. Wipe cups with a light oil before putting them away, especially on humid job sites or in metal-framed buildings.
For other tool recommendations that pair well with your hole saw kit, check out our guide on the 10 Best Cordless Impact Drivers for Contractors and our picks for the 8 Best Laser Levels for Contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best hole saw kits?
Milwaukee, Diablo, Lenox, DeWalt, and Bosch are the most trusted hole saw kit brands among professional contractors. Milwaukee stands out for ice-hardened tooth life, Diablo for Snap-Lock Plus quick changes, Lenox for comprehensive size ranges, DeWalt for budget-friendly quality, and Bosch for fast Progressor cuts. Each brand covers most trades, but specialty kits like Klein Tools for sheet metal and Diablo plumber kits are best for specific jobs.
What type of hole saw is best?
Bi-metal hole saws are the best all-around choice for wood, plastic, drywall, and light metal. Carbide-tipped hole saws are best for stainless steel, cast iron, and abrasive metals. Diamond-tipped hole saws are best for tile, stone, and glass. For most contractors running residential and light commercial work, an 8% cobalt bi-metal kit with ice-hardened or T2 tooth geometry offers the best balance of cost, durability, and cutting speed.
What is the best hole saw kit for electricians?
The Milwaukee Hole Dozer 17-Piece (49-22-4029) is our top pick for electricians. It covers 9 common sizes from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch, uses Rip Guard teeth to resist tooth fracture, and has the Plug Jack slot for fast plug removal. For sheet metal work on steel studs and junction boxes, the Klein Tools 31872 carbide kit is the best secondary kit for electricians.
What size hole saw do I need for recessed lighting?
Most 4-inch recessed LED lights require a 4-1/8 inch or 4-3/8 inch hole saw. 5-inch and 6-inch recessed lights need 5-3/8 inch or 6-3/8 inch hole saws. Always check the fixture spec sheet before drilling. For 3-inch remodel housings, a 3-3/8 inch or 3-5/8 inch hole saw is standard.
How do I remove a stuck plug from a hole saw?
Most modern hole saws have plug removal slots that let plugs drop out without prying. If a plug is stuck, reverse the drill briefly to back the plug out, then resume cutting. For saws without slots, insert a flathead screwdriver between the cup and the plug and twist to release. Avoid hammering the plug out, which can damage the pilot bit or distort the cup.
Final Verdict
For most contractors running daily residential or light commercial work, the Milwaukee Hole Dozer 17-Piece is the best balance of cutting speed, tooth durability, and value. If you only need a kit for occasional punch-list jobs, the DEWALT D180001 8-piece covers the basics at a comfortable price. Plumbers should look at the Diablo 17-Piece plumber kit for trade-specific sizes, and electricians cutting metal studs and junction boxes daily should pair their bi-metal kit with the Klein Tools 31872 carbide set.
Best hole saw kits for contractors earn their keep by saving time on every cut, surviving nail hits, and dropping plugs without prying. Pick the kit that matches your trade’s size range, invest in cutting fluid and a Packout drawer, and your hole saw will outlast three of the cheap kits you would otherwise replace.
For related tool recommendations, browse our 8 Best Framing Nailers for Contractors, our 8 Best Tool Bags for Contractors, and our 8 Best Stud Finders for Contractors guides to round out your kit in 2026.
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