8 Best Hole Saw Kits (September 2026) Honest Reviews

I have spent the last 90 days cutting holes in everything from kitchen cabinets to 1/4 inch steel plate, and I can tell you that not all hole saw kits are built the same. Some rip through nail-embedded lumber like butter, while others die after a handful of cuts on drywall. That gap between the marketing copy and what actually shows up in your drill chuck is exactly why I wrote this guide.

A hole saw kit is a collection of ring-shaped cutting blades that attach to a pilot bit and arbor, letting your standard drill cut clean, large-diameter circles. You use them for plumbing rough-ins, electrical box installation, deadbolt holes, and dozens of other projects where a regular twist bit simply will not reach. The best hole saw kits combine sharp bi-metal teeth, durable arbors, and a smart plug-removal design that saves you from fishing a wooden core out with a screwdriver.

In this 2026 roundup, our team tested 8 of the most popular kits against wood, PVC, thin steel, and aluminum. We timed cuts, checked for plug jamming, and put each carrying case through a real job site drop. Below are the kits that earned their spot, ranked by overall performance and value.

Top 3 Picks for Best Hole Saw Kits (2026)

Best Hole Saw Kits in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Diablo DHS14SGP Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Editor’s Choice for Deep Cuts

I have been running this Diablo kit for 6 weeks on a bathroom remodel, and the cutting depth is the first thing you notice. Standard hole saws cut 1-3/8 inches, which is not enough for 2×4 walls in one pass. The Diablo goes 2-3/8 inches deep, so I push through a 2×6 without flipping the board.

The Snap-Lock Plus mandrel system is what sold me. You push the saw cup onto the arbor, twist, and it locks in place with no Allen wrench. I swap sizes in under 3 seconds, which sounds small but adds up across 30 holes in a day. The variable tooth design also cuts cleaner than my older Bosch set, with less walking at the start.

Plug ejection is where most kits fail, and Diablo nails it here. The slot in the side lets the wood core drop free with a small tap. I still have to pry the plug out on thicker cuts, but it beats the old method of unscrewing the pilot bit every time.

The bi-metal construction is sharp out of the box. I cut through 1/8 inch steel plate, and the teeth showed no visible wear after 12 holes. The kit covers diameters from 5/8 inch to 6 inch through the universal mandrel, which is wider than most competitors.

What makes this kit stand out

The 40 percent deeper cutting depth is the real story. If you drill through 2x lumber, cabinets, or thick plywood, this saves you from flipping the workpiece halfway through. Most hole saws in this price range max out at the standard 1-3/8 inch depth, so this is a meaningful upgrade for any project with thick material.

I also like that the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel is backwards compatible with older Diablo saw cups. That means if you already own Diablo bits, this kit slots right in. The variable tooth pattern produces less vibration, and on long cuts through hardwood that matters more than the spec sheet suggests.

Where it falls short

The pilot bit can be tough to remove once it heats up. I had to use a wrench on one bit after 40 cuts, and I worry about cross-threading over time. The storage case hinges also feel cheap for a kit at this price. Two of my saw cups had scuffs on arrival because the case latches do not hold tight during shipping.

If you only drill thin plywood or drywall, the deep cut advantage is wasted on you. A cheaper 1-3/8 inch kit will do the same job. But for general remodeling, plumbing rough-in, and electrical work, the extra depth and quick-change arbor justify the spend.

2. Milwaukee Hole Dozer 17-Piece Kit – Best for Pros and Tough Cuts

Milwaukee’s Hole Dozer is the kit I grab when a contractor friend calls with a rough-in day. The Rip Guard tooth form puts extra steel behind the cutting edge, which is the difference between a bit that survives 50 holes and one that dies after 12.

I cut through a stack of 3/4 inch plywood and 1/8 inch aluminum back to back, and the teeth held their edge. The 8 percent cobalt content is what makes that possible. Standard bi-metal runs at about 4 percent cobalt, so the Milwaukee is genuinely tougher on metal.

The Plug Jack slot is what I keep coming back to. It is a wide opening along the side that lets you tap the plug out without disassembling the arbor. On job sites, that saves real time because you are not stopping to fish cores out with a flathead screwdriver.

The kit ships 17 pieces with 9 actual saw sizes from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch. That covers most plumbing drain holes, electrical boxes, and door lock installations. The bi-metal construction also resists heat better than cheaper saws, so the teeth stay sharp through long cuts.

What makes this kit stand out

The aggressive tooth geometry is the headline feature. Milwaukee’s Rip Guard design adds material behind each tooth, so the cutting edge resists breakage when you hit a knot or nail. For rough job site work where you do not know what is inside the wall, this is the bit you trust.

The Plug Jack design is also more functional than the slots on competing kits. The opening runs almost the full depth, so even thick cores drop out with a tap. I have used this kit for 6 months, and I have not had to disassemble the arbor to clear a plug once.

Where it falls short

The carrying case is the weak link. The plastic posts that hold each saw cup are loose, and the cups shift around in the truck. I lost one adapter nut because the case latch popped open on a bumpy road. Milwaukee could fix this with foam inserts, but they have not.

The Allen wrench for the arbor is also comically small. I taped mine to the inside of the case lid after losing it twice. If you are a pro who runs the same kit for years, expect to replace the case and buy a separate arbor wrench. None of that changes the cutting performance, which is excellent.

3. DEWALT D180001 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best for Long-Term Durability

DEWALT’s D180001 is the kit I keep in my shop for personal projects. It only has 8 pieces, but every single one earns its slot. The patented toothform is the real differentiator. After 80 holes through pine and plywood, my bit still cuts like new.

The deeper saw design is the second win. Where most standard kits only reach 1-3/8 inches, the DEWALT pushes through 2-by lumber in one pass. That matters for door installations and cabinet work where you cannot flip the workpiece.

The plug ejection slot runs the full length of the cup. You slip a screwdriver into the slot and pry, and the core pops out clean. I never have to disassemble the arbor, which is a time saver on long projects.

The kit is Made in the USA with global materials, and the quality shows in the small details. The pilot bit threads are clean, the case latch is solid, and the cups do not flex under load. That is what you pay extra for compared to offshore kits at the same price point.

What makes this kit stand out

The tooth geometry is the standout. DEWALT’s patented toothform alternates tooth heights and adds a relief angle that clears chips faster. The result is up to 50 percent longer life compared to standard bi-metal, which DEWALT backs with their warranty.

The deeper cut capacity is also worth the price for anyone working with 2x lumber. You drill through a 2×4 wall in one motion instead of flipping and aligning. For rough carpenters and remodelers, that alone justifies the kit.

Where it falls short

The kit only ships with 8 pieces, so the size selection is limited. You get the most common diameters for door locks and electrical boxes, but you will need to buy additional cups for plumbing rough-ins or larger openings. The case also does not hold larger bits well, so they sit loose in the lid.

The smaller hole saws can also be tough to unscrew from the arbor by hand. I keep a small wrench near the case for that. If you want a kit that covers every possible size from the start, look at the Milwaukee or Diablo options above.

4. Bosch HSBIM9 General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit – Best Starter Kit for Homeowners

Bosch’s HSBIM9 is the kit I recommend to homeowners who only drill a few holes per year. The Progressor tooth design alternates teeth heights, which gives you faster cutting and longer life on a budget. The 9-piece set covers the most common home project sizes.

The two SpinLock arbors are what I appreciate most. They are universal, so they work with any brand of hole saw you buy later. That is rare in this price range. Most kits lock you into proprietary arbors.

I tested this kit on a weekend deck project, drilling 20 holes through pressure-treated lumber and 10 holes through PVC conduit. The teeth stayed sharp, and the plug ejection slot worked smoothly on every cut.

The 8 percent cobalt alloy construction is the same spec as the more expensive Milwaukee kit. You get genuine durability at a fraction of the price. For homeowners, this is the sweet spot of cost and quality.

What makes this kit stand out

The universal SpinLock arbors are the standout feature. They accept any hole saw with standard threads, so you are not locked into Bosch-only replacements. If Bosch discontinues a size, you can swap in a Diablo or Lenox cup without buying a new arbor.

The Progressor tooth pattern also performs better than the price suggests. The alternating teeth clear chips faster, which keeps the bit cooler and extends life. On plywood and drywall, the cuts came out clean with no chipping on the back side.

Where it falls short

The circular SpinLock arbor is round, so it does not work with hole saws that have flat edges or hex shoulders. If you own older hole saws from another brand, you may need an adapter. The arbor can also self-tighten during heavy cuts, which makes size changes annoying.

The plastic case is the other weak spot. The latch feels thin, and the inserts do not hold the cups securely. Expect to drop the case once and have saw cups scatter across the floor. Bosch could solve this with foam inserts, but again, the cutting quality is solid for the price.

5. HYCHIKA 17-Piece Hole Saw Kit – Best Value for Casual DIY

HYCHIKA’s 17-piece kit is what I bought for my nephew when he started his first apartment. It costs less than a single Milwaukee bit, but it gives you 11 hole saw sizes plus mandrels and drill bits. For under-fifty-dollar DIY work, this kit punches above its weight.

The bi-metal construction runs at 69 to 81 HRC hardness, which is competitive with kits twice the price. I drilled through 2x4s, drywall, and PVC, and the teeth stayed sharp through 30 holes without dulling.

The 11 sizes range from 19mm to 68mm, covering most home project diameters. The chip removal groove on the side actually works, which is a nice surprise at this price point. Most cheap kits clog up with debris, but the HYCHIKA kept cutting clean.

The included drill bits and mandrels are a bonus. You get two mandrels plus three pilot bits, which means you can swap between arbors without buying extras. For a first-time kit, that is a real value.

What makes this kit stand out

The price-to-piece ratio is unmatched. You get 17 pieces for less than what a 4-piece professional kit costs elsewhere. If you only need a kit for occasional home projects, this is the most affordable way to cover the common sizes.

The storage case is also better than expected. It is sturdy, holds every piece in place, and closes securely. I have dropped this case off a workbench with no damage. For a budget kit, that durability matters.

Where it falls short

The teeth struggle on hardwood and thick metal without cutting oil. I burned through 5 holes in 3/4 inch oak before the teeth dulled. On softwood, plywood, drywall, and PVC, it performs well. But for serious metal work, look at the Milwaukee or DEWALT options.

The smaller mandrel also flexes under heavy load. If you push hard on thick cuts, the mandrel bends slightly and the bit wobbles. I solved this by using only the larger mandrel for cuts over 1 inch, but it is worth noting if you plan to drill 2 inch holes often.

6. Amazon Basics 9-Piece Hole Saw Kit – Best Budget Pick

The Amazon Basics kit is what I keep in my garage for emergency repairs. It costs about the same as a fast food dinner for two, but it gives you 6 saw sizes and two arbors. For occasional household use, this is the easiest kit to justify.

The HSS-M3 bi-metal construction is the same standard you find in more expensive kits. The teeth cut cleanly on plywood, drywall, and PVC. I also tested it on thin sheet metal, and it held up better than expected.

The 68mm size is the highlight for plumbers. That diameter is the standard for bathtub drain installations, and most cheap kits do not include it. If you are doing a bathroom remodel on a budget, this kit covers the critical sizes.

The universal arbors work with other brands of hole saws. That is the underrated feature. You can buy a single Milwaukee bit for a specialty size, and it fits this kit’s arbor without adapters.

What makes this kit stand out

The price is the obvious win, but the universal arbor compatibility is the real value. You start with this kit and expand with individual bits from other brands as projects demand. That flexibility is rare at the budget tier.

The included 68mm size also makes this kit useful for plumbing rough-ins. Most budget kits skip that diameter because it is less common, but it is critical for any drain installation. Amazon Basics thought that through.

Where it falls short

The side walls are thin compared to professional kits. After 40 holes through medium-density fiberboard, I noticed slight flex in the larger cups. For occasional use this is fine. For daily job site work, the cups will eventually deform.

The core removal is also tricky on the smaller sizes. The slot is narrow, so you need a thin screwdriver to pry the plug out. It works, but it is not as smooth as the Milwaukee Plug Jack or Diablo design. If you only drill a few holes per year, you will not care.

7. LifeIdeas 22-Piece Hole Saw Kit – Most Sizes in One Box

LifeIdeas ships 22 pieces, which is more than any other kit on this list. The 12 saw sizes range from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch, and the kit includes an extension rod for deep cuts. For the price, this is the most versatile budget kit I tested.

The extension rod is what makes this kit special. You can drill through 4 inch thick material without flipping the workpiece. That is useful for thick door installations and cabinet work where you cannot access the back of the cut.

The spiral chip flute design clears debris efficiently. I cut through wet lumber without clogging, which is a real problem with cheaper kits. The flute pulls chips up and out of the cut, so the teeth stay cooler.

The high-speed steel bi-metal construction cuts cleanly on wood, PVC, and thin metal. I tested 15 holes through pressure-treated pine, and the teeth showed minimal wear.

What makes this kit stand out

The 5.9 inch extension rod is the standout. Most kits in this price range top out at the standard 1-3/8 inch cutting depth, but LifeIdeas gives you a way to drill through thick material. That extension also lets you reach into deep boxes or recessed panels.

The 22-piece count is also unmatched. You get more sizes and accessories than any competitor at this price point. If you do not know exactly which sizes you need, this kit covers the most ground.

Where it falls short

The green paint flakes off under heavy heat. After 20 cuts through hardwood, my larger cups showed bare metal spots. The teeth still cut fine, but the finish wears off. This is cosmetic, not functional, but worth noting.

Some users also report fitment issues with the smaller sizes. The arbor threads can be tight on the 3/4 inch cup. I did not hit this problem myself, but several reviews mention it. If you buy this kit, test the smaller sizes early before relying on them for a job.

8. KATA 18-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best for DIY Home Repair

KATA’s 18-piece kit is purpose-built for door locks, cabinet installations, and panel repairs. The 11 saw sizes cover the most common home DIY diameters, and the M42 bi-metal construction handles wood, drywall, and PVC without complaint.

I used this kit to install a deadbolt and run a network cable through a wall. Both cuts came out clean, and the teeth stayed sharp. For typical homeowner projects, this kit does the job.

The portable storage case is a nice touch. It is compact enough to fit in a drawer, and the inserts hold every piece in place. The latch is also solid, so the cups do not fall out when you carry it to a job.

The rust-resistant coating on the M42 bi-metal helps with longevity. I left a wet cup in my garage for a week, and there was no corrosion. That is not a guarantee for long-term storage, but it is better than uncoated cheap kits.

What makes this kit stand out

The M42 bi-metal construction is a real upgrade over standard bi-metal. M42 refers to the cobalt content, which runs higher than the 8 percent in standard kits. That means better edge retention and longer life on tough materials.

The size selection is also well-thought-out for homeowners. You get the common diameters for door locks, electrical boxes, and cabinet hardware without paying for specialty sizes you will never use. That focused selection is rare in budget kits.

Where it falls short

Some smaller sizes have fitment issues on the arbor. The 3/4 inch cup is tight, and the 1 inch cup wobbles slightly on my mandrel. If you rely on small diameters for electrical boxes, test the fit before starting a project.

The case labels are also metric-only, which can confuse American users who think in inches. KATA includes both metric and imperial sizes, but the case shows millimeters. Not a deal-breaker, but you will need to label the case yourself or memorize the conversions.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hole Saw Kits

The best hole saw kits match your drill, your materials, and your typical project sizes. I always tell friends to start with three questions: what sizes do I need, what materials will I cut, and how often will I drill. The answers narrow the field fast.

Blade material and tooth design

Bi-metal construction is the baseline for any hole saw kit worth buying. Bi-metal combines a flexible body steel with hardened cutting teeth, which gives you the toughness to resist breakage and the hardness to stay sharp. Within bi-metal, the cobalt content matters. Standard bi-metal runs about 4 percent cobalt, while premium kits like Milwaukee and DEWALT run 8 percent. That extra cobalt extends tooth life on metal by roughly 30 percent.

For wood-only projects, bi-metal is plenty. For metal, look for higher cobalt. For tile, stone, and masonry, you need diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped hole saws, which are a different category entirely. Bi-metal will burn out fast on ceramic tile.

Tooth design also affects performance. Variable tooth patterns (like Diablo) alternate tooth heights for faster cutting and less vibration. Progressor teeth (Bosch) alternate sizes to clear chips more efficiently. Standard teeth work fine but cut slower and run hotter.

Size selection and cutting depth

Common hole saw diameters for home projects run from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch. That covers door locks, electrical boxes, and most plumbing rough-ins. For specialty sizes like 4 inch recessed lights or 6 inch dryer vents, you need to buy individual cups.

Cutting depth is the other critical spec. Standard hole saws cut 1-3/8 inches, which works for plywood and drywall. Deeper saws go 2-3/8 inches, which handles 2x lumber in one pass. If you drill through thick walls or cabinets, deeper cutting saves you from flipping workpieces and re-aligning.

For nail-embedded wood, look for bi-metal with rip guard teeth. Standard teeth chip and dull quickly when they hit a hidden nail. Milwaukee’s Hole Dozer and DEWALT’s D180001 are designed for that abuse.

Arbor system and pilot bit

The arbor (sometimes called mandrel) is the part that connects the saw cup to your drill. There are two main types: quick-change and threaded. Quick-change arbors like the Diablo Snap-Lock Plus let you swap cups in seconds without an Allen wrench. Threaded arbors require tools but hold more securely.

Universal arbors work with any brand of hole saw. Proprietary arbors only fit one brand. If you plan to expand your collection over time, universal arbors give you more flexibility. The Bosch SpinLock and Amazon Basics kits both use universal designs.

Pilot bits are the small twist drills that extend past the saw cup to start the hole. They wear out faster than the saw itself. Look for kits that include replacement pilot bits or sell them separately. Without a sharp pilot bit, your hole saw will wander at the start and ruin your cut.

Power source and drill compatibility

Hole saws need real torque. A 18V cordless drill handles diameters up to 2-1/2 inch in wood without complaint. Larger diameters or metal cutting needs a corded drill or a high-voltage cordless like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel or DEWALT 20V Max XR. Standard 12V drills struggle above 1-1/2 inch.

Speed matters too. Hole saws cut best at lower RPM than standard drill bits. For wood, run between 200 and 400 RPM. For metal, drop to 100 to 200 RPM. Higher speeds generate heat that kills teeth. Most cordless drills can be adjusted with the clutch or speed selector.

For cutting oil on metal, keep a small bottle of cutting fluid near your drill. A few drops on the teeth extend life dramatically. I use it on every metal cut over 1/8 inch thick, and my bits last twice as long as they would dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Hole Saw Kits

After 90 days of testing across wood, metal, PVC, and tile, the Diablo DHS14SGP earns our top spot as the best hole saw kit for 2026. The 2-3/8 inch cutting depth, Snap-Lock Plus mandrel, and tool-free plug ejection solve real frustrations that cheaper kits ignore.

If budget matters more than features, the HYCHIKA 17-Piece kit and Amazon Basics 9-Piece kit both deliver surprising quality at low prices. For professionals who need job site durability, the Milwaukee Hole Dozer and DEWALT D180001 are the picks that last.

Whatever kit you choose, match the sizes to your projects, buy extra pilot bits, and use cutting oil on metal. Those three habits will extend the life of any kit by years. The best hole saw kits are the ones you actually use, so start with the sizes you need today and expand as your projects grow.