Best Hole Saw Kits 2026: Bi-Metal, Diamond & Arbor
The HYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit is our top pick -- 17 sizes from 3/4 to 5 inches at nearly the same price as the 9-piece kit makes it straightforwardly better value for any DIYer who will use multiple sizes. The Amazon Basics 9-piece is the right choice if you need only the most common sizes (3/4 to 2-1/2 inches) and want the simplicity of fewer options.
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HYCHIKA Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit 3/4 to 2-1/2 in 17-Piece with Case
“HYCHIKA's 17-piece hole saw kit gives DIYers more diameter options for less common sizes — useful for projects like recessed lighting installation where multiple hole sizes are needed across different”
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The HYCHIKA Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit 3/4 to 2-1/2 inch 17-Piece set with case covers the complete range from 3/4 inch (standard electrical box punch) through 2-1/2 inch (large plumbing pass-throughs) with more intermediate sizes than competing 9-piece kits. The bi-metal construction -- high-speed steel teeth on flexible alloy body -- handles wood, drywall, plastic, and thin sheet metal. The organized case keeps all 17 saws and the arbor assembly sorted and accessible. At $24.30 for 17 saws, the per-saw cost is lower than any comparable kit.
Amazon Basics 9-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit with Case 25/32-2-11/16 in
“Amazon Basics hole saw kit is the practical DIY set for installing door locks, running plumbing, and cutting access holes — the diameter range covers most residential applications at a budget price.”
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The Amazon Basics 9-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit covers the nine most commonly needed sizes for residential DIY: from 25/32 inch (electrical knockouts) through 2-1/2 inch (large plumbing holes). If you know you need only these standard sizes and want a simpler kit without the less-used sizes, this is the right choice. Amazon Basics bi-metal construction is reliable for the standard wood and drywall applications these saws are designed for. The included carrying case keeps everything organized. At $25.52, it is essentially the same price as the 17-piece kit -- the larger kit is better value unless you specifically need fewer options.
Hole Saw Set, 19Pcs Hole Saw Kit with General Purpose 3/4" to 5"(19-127mm) Saw Blades, Mandrels
Hole Saw Kits Buying Guide
Photo by Lee Salem / PexelsWhen to Use a Hole Saw vs. Other Hole-Making Tools
Choosing the right tool for a circular cutout depends on diameter and material. For holes under 1 inch: standard twist bits are best for clean, precise holes in wood and metal. For 1-2 inch holes: spade bits work in wood (fast but rough edges), Forstner bits give cleaner edges in wood. For 1-4 inches in any material including drywall: hole saws are the right tool -- they cut a clean circular plug rather than removing all the material. For holes over 4 inches: large hole saws, jig saws (for irregular shapes), or circle-cutting jigs. Hole saws are specifically optimized for clean, consistent circular cutouts in the 1-4 inch range.
Bi-Metal vs. Carbide vs. Diamond Hole Saws
Bi-metal hole saws have a high-speed steel (HSS) cutting edge welded to a flexible alloy steel body -- they are the standard for wood, drywall, PVC, and thin sheet metal cutting. Bi-metal saws work on these materials at lower cost than carbide alternatives. Carbide-tipped hole saws cut harder materials (stainless steel, fiber cement board, cast iron) at higher cost but with significantly longer life in demanding applications. Diamond-coated hole saws are for tile, glass, and ceramic -- wet-cutting required. For standard residential DIY work (wood, drywall, plastic), bi-metal is the correct choice.
Hole Saw Key Specs
Arbor compatibility: most hole saws use a 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch arbor (the pilot drill bit assembly that guides the saw). Check that the kit's arbor fits your drill chuck. Most kits include compatible arbors. Cutting depth: standard hole saws cut 1-7/8 inches deep -- sufficient for standard stud and drywall penetration. Deep-cut versions (available for specific applications) go to 3-1/4 inches for thicker materials. Teeth per inch: more teeth produce smoother cuts; fewer teeth cut faster with rougher edges. For wood, 7-8 TPI is standard; for metal, 14-18 TPI with slow drilling speed produces better results.
Drilling Technique for Clean Cuts
Mark the hole center, drill a pilot hole through with a small twist bit, then use the hole saw's pilot bit in the center mark. Apply moderate, consistent pressure -- do not force the saw. Let the teeth do the work. For clean entry and exit edges in wood: drill until the pilot bit just breaks through the back face, flip the material, and complete the cut from the back. This prevents the wood fiber tearout that occurs when a saw exits through wood. For drywall: standard cutting speed through one direction is fine since the material does not tear. Clear chips from the saw frequently during cutting -- clogged saws generate heat and cut poorly.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hole saws be used on metal?
How do I remove the plug stuck in the hole saw?
What size hole saw do I need for a door knob?
How many holes can one hole saw cut?
Can I use a hole saw in a standard drill or do I need a drill press?
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