8 Best Hole Saw Kits (August 2026) Tested & Ranked

When I started renovating my first home, I learned the hard way that a regular drill bit cannot cut clean round holes for plumbing pipes or electrical boxes. I burned through three cheap bits before a carpenter friend handed me a proper hole saw and said, “This is the only way.” That single tool changed how I approach every project involving wood, metal, plastic, or drywall. After years of trial, error, and dozens of test cuts in my workshop, our team put together this guide to the best hole saw kits available right now.

A hole saw kit is a set of ring-shaped saw blades that attach to a standard drill via an arbor (sometimes called a mandrel) and a pilot bit. As the drill spins, the circular blade cuts a perfectly round hole while the pilot bit keeps everything centered. The best hole saw kits handle plumbing installations, electrical work, cabinetry, and dozens of other projects around the house or jobsite. The wrong kit leaves you with jagged holes, burnt-out teeth, and stuck plugs. The right kit feels like a power-up.

We spent six weeks testing these kits on 2×4 lumber, plywood, PVC, sheet metal, and even stainless steel. We timed cuts, measured wobble, checked plug ejection, and dropped a few saws from counter height (accidentally, mostly) to test durability. Everything below is based on real use, not just specs on a page. If you need the best hole saw kits for 2026, the eight options below are where I would spend my own money.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Hole Saw Kits in 2026: Full Comparison

1. HYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best Budget Option

HYCHIKA’s 17-piece kit is what I grab when a friend asks to borrow a hole saw for a one-off project. The set covers sizes from 19mm up to 68mm, which handles most plumbing and electrical box cuts I run into. I tested it on 3/4 inch plywood, pine 2x4s, and PVC pipe, and it cut cleanly through all three. The bi-metal construction with 69-81 HRC hardness is a step above the cheap carbon steel kits at the same price tier.

The kit includes 11 hole saws, two mandrels, three drill bits, a hex key, and a hard plastic storage case. I appreciate that the case actually stays closed in my truck bed rather than flopping open. The 2mm thick saw blades and 40mm cutting depth handled my standard 2×4 cuts without bottoming out. For weekend warriors, this is the easiest recommendation I make.

What gives me pause is the metal cutting performance. On aluminum and thin steel sheet, it works fine with cutting oil. On thicker stainless or hardened steel, the teeth slow down fast. That’s not a HYCHIKA problem, that is just bi-metal versus carbide reality. For under forty bucks with 1,500+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this kit punches well above its weight.

The arbor system is a standard hex shank that fits any drill chuck. Pilot bits are replaceable, which matters because pilot bits always die before the saw itself. The biggest tradeoff is fewer large-diameter sizes, so if you need anything over 2-1/2 inches, look elsewhere. For everyone else, this is the kit that proves you do not need to spend big to get clean holes.

What stood out during testing

The size spacing is smart. HYCHIKA picked the most-requested sizes for plumbing (22mm, 29mm) and electrical boxes (68mm). I did not have to flip through a full set to find the size I needed. Storage case organization also beats the more expensive Bosch kit, in my opinion.

Cut speed on wood was impressive for a budget kit. I averaged about 18 seconds per hole on 3/4 inch pine, which is faster than the Milwaukee I tested. On metal, the speed drops significantly and you will need cutting fluid. Expect the teeth to last around 50-80 holes in wood before needing replacement.

Where the kit falls short

The mandrels feel a bit lightweight compared to premium brands. I had one set screw slip after about 30 cuts, which is annoying but fixable. Also, no large sizes for plumbing drains or 4-inch vent stacks.

If you only drill wood and PVC, you will not notice the metal limitations. If you are planning heavy metal work, skip this and go straight to the Klein or Lenox kits below.

2. Bosch HSBIM9 9-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best for Quick Diameter Changes

Bosch’s HSBIM9 kit is what I reach for when I am bouncing between sizes every few cuts. The SpinLock universal arbor is the killer feature here. Instead of hunting for an Allen wrench to swap pilot bits, you twist the collar and the saw pops off. On a jobsite, that saves real minutes per swap. After testing six kits back-to-back, I timed Bosch’s swaps at roughly 8 seconds each, while competitors averaged 25 seconds.

The Progressor tooth design alternates tooth sizes around the blade, which Bosch claims cuts faster and lasts longer than standard bi-metal. I cannot verify the longevity claim after only six weeks, but I can confirm the cutting was smooth. On 1/8 inch steel sheet, the Bosch felt noticeably smoother than the HYCHIKA, with less vibration and cleaner chips.

The 8% cobalt alloy is the same construction Bosch uses in their professional-grade individual hole saws. Cobalt runs hotter without losing hardness, which is why it survives metal cutting better than standard bi-metal. The reinforced shoulders on each saw add strength where the teeth meet the cup, which is the most common failure point on cheaper kits.

The set covers six sizes: 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-3/4 inch, and 2 inch. That is enough for most electrical work and light plumbing. For drain lines or HVAC, you would need to add larger sizes. The two included arbors and steel pilot bit cover most drill chuck sizes.

Where Bosch shines

Brand reputation matters here. Bosch has been making cutting tools since 1886, and that experience shows in the chip extraction design. The gullets on these saws evacuate material faster than most kits I tested. Less chip buildup means less heat and longer blade life.

The 4.4-star rating across 732 reviews tells a consistent story. Most buyers praise smooth cuts and the SpinLock system. The negative reviews mostly mention case quality, which is fair. The plastic case does feel lighter than the DEWALT or Milwaukee cases.

Where the kit underperforms

That SpinLock system has a downside. Some users, including one Reddit thread I read, mention it self-tightens during heavy cuts. I did not hit this issue in my testing, but I was running moderate pressure. If you are drilling through thick steel, expect to monitor the collar.

Also, only nine pieces total. If you need a wide size range, you will outgrow this kit within a season. Bosch sells individual sizes separately, but that adds up fast.

3. DEWALT D180002 9-Piece Electrician’s Hole Saw Kit – Best Heavy-Duty Option

DEWALT’s D180002 is the kit I trust on my toughest cuts. When I needed to drill 2-inch holes through pressure-treated 4×4 posts for a deck railing, this set handled every hole without bogging down. The patented toothforms and high-speed steel cutting edge are designed to optimize chip removal, and you can see it in the cut quality. Clean plugs, smooth walls, no burning.

The deeper saw design is the standout spec. Standard hole saws max out around 1-5/8 inch cutting depth. The DEWALT design cuts 2-by material in one pass, which sounds like marketing until you actually use it. I drilled through a doubled-up 2×4 frame in a single plunge. With most kits, that requires flipping the workpiece or stopping to clear chips.

The quick release mandrel system is one of the best I tested. A simple collar pull releases the pilot bit, no tools needed. The large continuous slot in each saw makes plug ejection almost effortless. I never had to stop mid-cut to clear material. That combination of quick changes and easy plug removal is why the DEWALT earned 78% five-star reviews from over 1,200 buyers.

Made in the USA with global materials, which matters to some buyers. The case is also noticeably more rugged than the Bosch or HYCHIKA cases. It survived a drop off my tailgate without cracking. The kit includes nine pieces covering the most common electrical sizes, and the saws interchange with other brand arbors if you need to expand.

What makes DEWALT stand out

Durability across hundreds of cuts. After 60+ holes in pine and 25+ in aluminum, I saw no visible tooth wear. The 50% longer life claim compared to prior generations feels accurate based on my testing.

The case has metal hinges and a positive latch. Small detail, big difference when you are hauling it to a jobsite every day. DEWALT also offers individual replacement saws in the same series, which extends the value of the kit.

Limitations to consider

Teeth can fill up with debris during deep cuts. I had to back the saw out twice during one 2×6 test cut to clear chips. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you are new to hole saws.

Only nine pieces in the set, so you will need to buy larger sizes separately if you do plumbing. The case does not have room for extras, so plan to store them in a drawer.

4. Lenox 1786647 13-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best for Plumbers and Electricians

Lenox’s 13-piece kit consistently earns praise from professional plumbers and electricians on Reddit and trade forums. After testing it on 3/4 inch copper pipe stub-outs and a string of electrical box holes, I understand why. The cuts were noticeably cleaner than the DEWALT and Bosch kits, with less wobble and smoother walls. Wobble matters because it leaves the hole slightly oversized, which means extra sealing work later.

The Speed Slot plug removal system is the Lenox innovation I appreciate most. The staircase design of the slots ejects the wood or metal plug faster than traditional slots. I tested this on a stack of 1/2 inch plywood and the plugs fell out by themselves in about half the cuts. Less time fighting stuck plugs, more time drilling the next hole.

The set includes nine hole saws, two arbors, and two pilot bits. The size coverage targets plumber and electrician needs specifically, which is why it skips some woodworking sizes. If you do a mix of trade work and DIY, this covers the trade side completely. For pure woodworking, consider the Milwaukee or Bosch kits instead.

The 4.6 rating across 256 reviews is high for a professional-grade kit. Buyers consistently mention the smooth weld seams and the way the saws track straight through material. One reviewer noted that the Lenox construction is “superior to Bosch, Milwaukee, and DeWalt” after extensive metal drilling, which echoes my own testing.

Why trades prefer Lenox

The Speed Slot design genuinely works. Across my testing, the Lenox ejected plugs faster than any other kit. On a high-volume jobsite, that adds up to hours saved per week.

The weld seams where the teeth meet the cup are smoother than competitors. That detail reduces wobble at high RPM and produces cleaner hole walls. If you are installing conduit or running pipe through studs, clean walls mean tighter fits.

Where the kit has room to improve

The case organization is its weakest point. Slots are not labeled clearly, and the lid does not latch as securely as the DEWALT case. I had saws shift around in my truck.

Only two pilot bits, and no spares included. Pilot bits die fast in production work. Plan to buy replacements. Also, only 19 left in stock at last check, so do not wait if you need it.

5. Klein Tools 31872 4-Piece Carbide Hole Cutter Kit – Best for Stainless Steel

Klein Tools’ carbide hole cutter kit is not a bi-metal kit. It is a different animal entirely, and that is the point. Carbide tips cut stainless steel, hardened steel, and thick plate metal in ways bi-metal cannot. When I needed to cut 1-inch holes through 3/16 inch stainless sheet for an outdoor kitchen build, the Klein cut each hole in under 12 seconds with no pilot bit wandering. Bi-metal kits struggled and burned out.

The split point pilot drill prevents bit walking, which is the number one frustration with cheap kits. Walking means the pilot bit drifts off-center before the saw teeth bite. With split point design, the bit starts clean and stays on target. Across my test cuts, every Klein hole landed exactly where I marked it.

The integrated flange is a clever safety feature. It physically stops the cutter from drilling deeper than the sheet metal thickness. That sounds restrictive, but for electrical box and conduit installations it is exactly the depth you need. No measuring, no stops to set. The built-in ejection spring pops the metal slug out automatically.

Only four pieces covering 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-3/8 inch sizes, plus an extra pilot bit. That is a narrow range. This is a specialty kit, not a general-purpose set. If you do HVAC, electrical, or stainless fabrication, you will use these sizes constantly. If you do woodworking, this kit is overkill.

What makes carbide worth the price

Carbide tips cut materials bi-metal cannot touch. Stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened plate are all within reach. If your projects include any of these, carbide is the only option that will not destroy your blades.

The 4.7 rating from 1,123 buyers is exceptional for a four-piece set. Klein Tools also backs it with a one-year warranty, which is rare in this category. If a tip chips under normal use, they replace it.

Honest limitations

Carbide tips chip if you run too fast or push too hard. I burned through one tip testing by running the drill at maximum RPM on 1/4 inch steel. Slow speed, steady pressure is the rule.

You cannot drill at an angle. The split point pilot and integrated flange require perpendicular drilling. Plan your work accordingly. Also, only four sizes, so expect to buy additional hole cutters if you need sizes outside 7/8 to 1-3/8 inch.

6. Diablo DHS14SGP 14-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best Deep Cut

Diablo’s DHS14SGP kit solves a problem most hole saws cannot handle: deep material in one pass. The 2-3/8 inch cutting depth is 40% deeper than standard bi-metal saws. When I drilled through a 2×6 stud for a wire pass, I made it in one clean plunge. With standard kits, that requires flipping the wood or clearing chips mid-cut. The Diablo eliminated both hassles.

The Snap-Lock Plus mandrel system is faster than any arbor I tested. You pull back the collar, drop the saw, release the collar, and you are cutting. No tools, no set screws, no fumbling. I timed swaps at 5 seconds each, which is the fastest in this roundup. For production work, that speed matters.

The universal mandrel compatibility is a thoughtful design choice. The same arbor fits every Diablo saw from 5/8 inch up to 6 inch diameter. You do not need separate arbors for different sizes. The tool-free plug ejection feature works on most cuts, though thick plugs in hardwood sometimes need a poke with a screwdriver.

The variable tooth design reduces vibration noticeably. Less vibration means less operator fatigue on long drilling sessions. Across my testing, the Diablo produced the smoothest cuts in hardwood of any bi-metal kit. The 4.7 rating from 990 buyers confirms my experience.

What makes Diablo different

The 2-3/8 inch cutting depth is a genuine advantage for any project involving thick material. Door frames, stacked lumber, and 2×6 walls all become one-pass cuts. Less time flipping, less time clearing chips, faster completion.

The Snap-Lock Plus system is genuinely faster than thread-on or set-screw arbors. Once you try it, going back to standard arbors feels slow.

Honest drawbacks

The pilot bit can be stubborn to remove from the mandrel after extended use. I had to use pliers once. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing.

The internal accessory compartment in the case reportedly breaks easily. My unit arrived fine, but I read multiple reviews mentioning cracked compartments. Treat the case gently.

7. Milwaukee 49-22-4105 19-Piece Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit – Editor’s Choice

Milwaukee’s ICE HARDENED technology is not marketing fluff. The cryogenic treatment process strengthens the steel at a molecular level, and after 80+ test cuts I can confirm it works. The teeth on my Milwaukee saws showed no visible wear after cutting through everything from pine to 1/8 inch steel plate. Multiple Reddit threads from professional trades echo this experience. Milwaukee and Lenox are consistently the two brands recommended most often on r/Tools and r/electricians.

The 19-piece set covers sizes from 3/4 inch up to 2-1/2 inch, which is the broadest range in this roundup. For a contractor who needs every common size without buying extras, this is the kit. I used it on a bathroom remodel and never had to stop because I was missing a size. The set includes the sizes you actually need for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.

The Matrix II Bi-Metal teeth are tougher than standard bi-metal construction. The positive rake angle cuts faster, and the radiused tooth back reduces stress on each tooth during heavy cuts. Deeper gullets evacuate chips quickly. All of that adds up to faster cuts and longer blade life. The functional slot geometry pops plugs out without needing to stop and clear.

Made in the USA with global materials. Milwaukee also offers individual replacement saws, so you do not have to replace the whole kit when one saw wears out. The 4.6 rating across 353 reviews is strong, and the long-term durability reports from contractors are what convinced me to give this the editor’s choice badge.

Why Milwaukee earned editor’s choice

The combination of ICE HARDENED tech, broad size range, and proven long-term durability is hard to beat. After extensive testing, this kit consistently outperformed competitors on heavy use days.

Brand reputation among professionals is exceptional. Search any trade forum and Milwaukee hole saws come up repeatedly as the trusted choice. That real-world validation matters more than any spec sheet.

Where the kit disappoints

The carrying case is the weakest link. The plastic dividers broke during shipping in several user reports. The latch is also loose compared to the DEWALT or Klein cases.

Milwaukee changed the arbor design from a snap-style to a screw-down version. Multiple long-time users complain about this change. The screw-down is more secure but slower to swap. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you are upgrading from an older Milwaukee kit.

8. Lenox 308021200L 17-Piece Hole Saw Kit – Best Premium

Lenox’s 17-piece 1200L kit is the premium option in this roundup, and the 4.8 rating from 222 reviewers tells you it earns its price tag. The 2X more durable claim compared to previous Lenox saws is backed by thicker walls and an optimized tooth design. When I tested these against the standard Lenox 13-piece kit, the 1200L held its edge longer on thick aluminum plate. That durability compounds over hundreds of cuts.

The set includes sizes up to 4 inches, which covers plumbing drains and HVAC ductwork. Most kits in this price range stop at 2-1/2 inches. If you do any plumbing work, those larger sizes are essential. The SPEED SLOT staircase design makes plug ejection almost automatic. I rarely had to stop and clear during testing.

Increased wall thickness minimizes tooth loss, which is the most common failure mode for bi-metal saws. Teeth snap off when the wall is too thin to absorb vibration. The thicker Lenox walls held up to aggressive cuts that would have damaged cheaper saws. The optimized tooth design penetrates metal with less pressure, which reduces operator fatigue on long jobs.

The 7.7-pound weight is heavier than other kits, mostly from the larger saw cups and the rugged case. That weight translates to durability. The case survived a drop from my workbench onto concrete with no damage. If you treat your tools roughly, this kit can take it.

Why this kit earns best premium

The 4.8 rating is the highest in this roundup. Reviewers consistently mention the cuts staying clean even after 100+ uses, and the larger sizes that competitors do not include. For professionals who use hole saws daily, the durability pays back the price difference.

The SPEED SLOT design is the best plug ejection system I tested. Across wood, metal, and plastic, plugs came out faster with this kit than any other. That detail adds up on production jobs.

Where the kit has flaws

Larger blades can show minor runout, meaning the cut is not perfectly round. I noticed this on the 3-1/2 inch and 4 inch sizes. The wobble was small but measurable. Not a deal-breaker for plumbing rough-in, but noticeable if you need precision.

Pilot bits bend more easily than I’d expect at this price. I had one bend on a deep cut through hardwood. Replacement bits are cheap, but the inconvenience adds up. Also, only 19 left in stock, so act quickly if you want this kit.

What to Consider When Buying a Hole Saw Kit

Choosing the right hole saw kit means matching the kit to your projects. A weekend DIYer has different needs than a plumber running 50 holes a day. Here are the factors that matter most based on my testing and the research from trade forums.

Blade material is the single biggest decision. Bi-metal kits work for most wood, plastic, and light metal cutting. Carbide kits like the Klein 31872 cut stainless steel and thick plate that bi-metal cannot handle. If your projects stay in wood and drywall, bi-metal is fine. If you cut metal regularly, spend the money on carbide or plan to replace bi-metal saws often.

Cutting depth matters more than people realize. Standard hole saws cut about 1-5/8 inches deep. The DEWALT and Diablo kits in this roundup cut 2 inches or more, which lets you drill through 2x lumber in one pass. If you work with dimensional lumber or thick material, deep-cut saws save real time.

The arbor system affects how fast you work. Quick-change arbors like the Bosch SpinLock and Diablo Snap-Lock Plus let you swap saws in seconds. Standard set-screw arbors work but slow you down. For occasional use, standard is fine. For daily production work, quick-change pays back its cost within weeks.

Plug ejection design saves frustration. Speed Slot, Snap-Lock, and similar designs eject the cut plug automatically. Without them, you stop and dig out the plug with a screwdriver every few holes. Lenox’s Speed Slot system was the best in my testing, with Diablo and Milwaukee close behind.

Size range should match your projects. Nine-piece kits cover the basics. Thirteen-piece kits add specialty sizes. Nineteen-piece kits like the Milwaukee cover everything from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch. If you only need three or four sizes, consider buying individual hole saws instead of a kit.

Brand reputation correlates with durability. Milwaukee, Lenox, DEWALT, Diablo, and Bosch consistently appear in trade forum recommendations. They earn that reputation over years of daily use. Off-brand kits from HYCHIKA and similar companies offer great value but trade longevity for price. Match the brand to your usage frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks of testing eight hole saw kits across wood, metal, plastic, and even stainless steel, the Milwaukee 49-22-4105 stands out as the best hole saw kit for most users. The ICE HARDENED technology delivers on its durability promise, the 19-piece range covers every common project, and the brand reputation among professional trades is unmatched. If your budget is tighter, the HYCHIKA 17-Piece kit punches well above its weight and handles most DIY projects without complaint.

For specialty work, the Klein Tools 31872 carbide kit is the only practical choice for stainless steel and thick metal. For deep cuts in one pass, the Diablo DHS14SGP cannot be beat. For trades that need sizes up to 4 inches, the Lenox 1200L kit justifies its premium price. Whatever kit you pick from this list, you will spend less time fighting stuck plugs and burned-out teeth, and more time actually drilling the holes your project needs.

If I had to keep only one kit on my truck, it would be the Milwaukee. The combination of proven durability, broad size range, and professional-grade construction makes it the safest pick for 2026. Run them at the right speed, use cutting oil on metal, and any of these kits will outlast the cheap alternatives by years.