For every professional plumber, having the right tools is paramount, and a reliable hole saw kit is undoubtedly high on that list. Whether you’re cutting through wood studs, metal pipes, drywall, or PVC for new installations, repairs, or renovations, a high-quality hole saw kit ensures precision, efficiency, and durability on the job. The best kits offer a variety of sizes, robust construction, and features that make tough drilling tasks manageable. We’ve thoroughly reviewed the top options available, focusing on performance, versatility, and value, to help you find the ultimate best hole saw kit for plumbers that meets the demanding needs of your profession.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Hole Saw Kit For Plumbers Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Diablo Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for Plumbers, Includes 11 Saw Cups and Mandrels.
The Diablo Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit stands out as a premium choice for plumbers, offering exceptional quality and performance for various cutting tasks. This comprehensive kit includes 11 saw cups and two Snap-Lock Plus Mandrels, making it incredibly versatile for professional daily use. Its outstanding durability and reliability ensure it can withstand the rigors of demanding job sites.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Bi-Metal Construction: Designed for maximum durability and heat resistance, allowing for extended use across different materials.
✓ Snap-Lock Plus Mandrel System: Features a tool-free plug ejection and quick-change system for fast and efficient transitions between different hole saw sizes.
✓ Deep Cutting Depth: Provides a superior cutting depth to handle thicker materials commonly encountered in plumbing.
✓ Optimized Tooth Geometry: Delivers faster cuts and cleaner holes in wood, metal, and plastic, minimizing effort and maximizing efficiency.
✓ Comprehensive Kit: Includes a wide range of popular sizes for various plumbing applications, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Diablo Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for its superior cutting performance and user-friendly design. The innovative Snap-Lock Plus system significantly speeds up workflows, a critical advantage for busy plumbers. Its robust construction ensures longevity and consistent results, making it a valuable investment for any professional.
Best For
This kit is best for professional plumbers who require a high-performance, durable, and versatile hole saw set for a wide array of materials and demanding job site conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional durability and longevity due to bi-metal construction.
- Effortless and quick saw changes with the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel.
- Clean, fast cuts in multiple materials like wood, metal, and PVC.
- Reduces downtime on the job, improving overall productivity.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to entry-level kits.
- The mandrels might require specific adapters for certain drill types.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using Diablo hole saws for years, and this kit just reinforces why they’re my go-to. The quick-change system is a game-changer; no more fumbling with threaded saws. Cuts through anything I throw at it, from old studs to metal conduit, like butter. Worth every penny.” – John D.
Customer Review: “The quality of these hole saws is truly outstanding. As a plumber, I need tools that won’t let me down, and Diablo consistently delivers. The variety of sizes in this kit covers almost every job I encounter. Highly impressed!” – Michael R.
2. LENOX 17-Piece Hole Saw Kit: Durable and Essential Tools for Professional Plumbers
The LENOX 17-Piece Hole Saw Kit is a durable and essential set of tools specifically designed for professional plumbers. Known for its robust construction, this kit is built to resist damage from drops and the harsh environments of busy workplaces. With secure metal latches and metal pin hinges, the case ensures your tools are always protected and organized, providing outstanding durability and reliability for everyday use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Durable Bi-Metal Construction: Crafted for strength and longevity, allowing for efficient cutting through various materials commonly encountered by plumbers.
✓ Heavy-Duty Storage Case: Features secure metal latches and metal pin hinges, providing superior protection and organization for the hole saws and accessories.
✓ Comprehensive 17-Piece Set: Includes a wide range of hole saw sizes, offering versatility for different plumbing applications from pipe fitting to drain installation.
✓ Optimized Tooth Design: Engineered for fast and aggressive cutting, reducing drilling time and effort.
✓ Enhanced Durability: Designed to withstand tough job site conditions, resisting wear and tear from constant use.
Why We Recommend It
The LENOX 17-Piece Hole Saw Kit earns our Editor’s Choice for its outstanding durability and comprehensive selection. Plumbers often work in challenging conditions, and this kit’s robust case and long-lasting saws are built to handle it. It provides an excellent balance of quality, variety, and resilience.
Best For
Ideal for professional plumbers and electricians who need a reliable, extensive hole saw kit that can endure heavy daily use and harsh working environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely durable construction for tools and storage case.
- Wide range of sizes in the 17-piece set covers most common tasks.
- Metal latches and hinges on the case ensure secure transport and storage.
- Saws perform well on tough materials like steel, aluminum, and wood.
Cons:
- May be heavier due to durable metal components.
- Some users might prefer a quick-change mandrel system.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Lenox is the brand of hole saws we usually use at work. I’m an electrician and use hole saws to cut holes in steel boxes, aluminum covers, sheetrock, and poured rubber type sealant among other things.. Lenox saws hold up well in my experience. The price I payed for this kit was exceptionally low.” – Amazon Customer
Customer Review: “They chew through thinks that Milwaukee hole saws won’t. I swear by them…and my plumber does too. Don’t shop…buy them.” – Amazon Customer
3. Milwaukee BIG HAWG 10-Piece Hole Saw Kit with Carbide Teeth for Plumbers
The Milwaukee BIG HAWG 10-Piece Hole Saw Kit is a powerful and efficient solution for plumbers, especially when dealing with tough materials. This kit features carbide teeth, offering superior cutting performance and extended life compared to traditional bi-metal saws. Perfect for daily use, it promises outstanding durability and reliability, allowing plumbers to make quick work of demanding applications like cutting through wood with nails or various plumbing materials.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Carbide Teeth: Provides exceptional durability and aggressive cutting action, making it ideal for tough materials, including wood with nails.
✓ BIG HAWG Design: Engineered for rapid chip removal and fast cutting speeds, enhancing efficiency on the job.
✓ Versatile 10-Piece Set: Includes a practical selection of common sizes used by plumbers for diverse tasks.
✓ Extended Life: The carbide teeth design ensures a longer lifespan for the hole saws, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
✓ Optimized for Power Tools: Designed to perform optimally with powerful drills, delivering consistent and strong cuts.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Milwaukee BIG HAWG kit as the Best Budget option because it delivers premium performance, particularly for heavy-duty cutting, without the top-tier price tag. The carbide teeth are a significant upgrade for durability and speed when cutting through challenging materials, offering great value for money.
Best For
This kit is best for plumbers and general contractors who frequently encounter demanding cutting applications, such as drilling through thick wood, joists, or materials that may contain nails, and are looking for a cost-effective yet powerful solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Carbide teeth offer superior cutting power and durability.
- Excellent for cutting through wood with embedded nails or dense materials.
- Fast cutting speeds increase job site efficiency.
- Reputable Milwaukee brand ensures quality and reliability.
Cons:
- The 10-piece set might have fewer sizes compared to larger kits.
- Carbide teeth can be more brittle than bi-metal if mishandled.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I hated to spend the money, but easily justified because I did my own Plumbing which probably saved thousands of dollars for a small cabin project. These whole bits make quick work through lumber and nails.” – S. A. G.
Customer Review: “I hated to spend the money, but easily justified because I did my own Plumbing which probably saved thousands of dollars for a small cabin project. These whole bits make quick work through lumber and nails.” – S. A. G.
4. KATA M42 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for Plumbers: 19-Piece Set for Multi-Material Drilling
The KATA M42 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit offers exceptional quality and performance for plumbers who tackle a variety of materials. This extensive 19-piece set includes 14 hole saw blades, 2 mandrels/arbors, 4 drill bits, and a hex key wrench, ensuring you have the right tool for any task. Made from durable high-speed steel M42 bi-metal, it boasts advantages such as rust prevention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and a long service life, making it a reliable choice for multi-material drilling.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ M42 Bi-Metal Construction: Provides excellent durability and sharpness for cutting through various materials, including wood, plastic, soft metal, and drywall.
✓ Comprehensive 19-Piece Set: Features 14 common hole saw sizes ranging from 3/4″ to 2-1/2″, along with necessary mandrels and drill bits, offering high versatility.
✓ Multi-Material Compatibility: Designed to effectively cut through diverse materials such as PVC, wood, plasterboard, and various metals encountered in plumbing.
✓ Rust and Wear Resistance: Treated for enhanced longevity, resisting corrosion and maintaining sharpness even with consistent use.
✓ Precise Cutting: Engineered to create clean and accurate holes, essential for professional plumbing installations.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the KATA M42 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for its extensive range of sizes and robust multi-material capabilities. This kit provides excellent value, covering almost every hole-drilling scenario a plumber might face. Its durability features like rust and wear resistance make it a practical and long-lasting addition to any toolkit.
Best For
This kit is best for plumbers and DIY enthusiasts who need a versatile and comprehensive hole saw kit for drilling a wide range of hole sizes in various materials, from plastic pipes to metal sheets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large selection of 14 hole saw sizes for diverse applications.
- Durable M42 bi-metal construction for extended tool life.
- Excellent performance on multiple materials.
- Good value for the number of pieces included in the kit.
Cons:
- May not be as aggressively fast as carbide-tipped saws in very dense materials.
- The mandrels might require tightening after prolonged use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Had this more than 2 years now and they are still sharp. The hole saws are pretry rigid and supprising accurate when cutting making near perfectly round holes with little variance on the smaller holes. Using the larger holes is where the variances come in. But they are so minor only a fine wood worke” – Joseph K.
Customer Review: “Ordered this kit and it is better than I expected for the price. Not crazy durable but good for light work. Kit comes with a good amount of hole saw sizes and accessories. You could spend almost the same amount at one of the big chain tool stores for just one size hole saw. Recommend this to anyone” – Joshua S.
5. Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for Plumbers with Drill Bits and Durable Storage Case
This Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for Plumbers is engineered for high cutting efficiency and impressive durability, thanks to its HSS with 8% Cobalt M42 bi-metal construction. It’s designed to cut through materials 30% faster and last up to twice as long as standard bi-metal saws. Featuring uniquely designed all-access eject slots and 4/6 TPI teeth, it ensures rapid chip clearance and reduced heat buildup. The kit excels at cutting various hole sizes for common plumbing tasks, making it a reliable choice for professionals.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ HSS with 8% Cobalt (M42 Bi-Metal): Enhances durability and cutting speed, allowing for faster and cleaner cuts in demanding applications.
✓ Rapid Chip Clearance Eject Slots: Unique design promotes quick material removal and reduces heat buildup, extending the life of the saw.
✓ 4/6 TPI Tooth Design: Optimized tooth configuration for efficient and smooth cutting across a wide range of materials.
✓ Versatile Material Use: Capable of cutting through wood, plastic, drywall, and various metals, perfect for plumbing installations and repairs.
✓ Durable Storage Case: Keeps all hole saws and accessories organized and protected for transport and storage on job sites.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit for its exceptional cutting efficiency and enhanced longevity. The 8% Cobalt inclusion significantly boosts performance and durability, providing a reliable solution for plumbers facing diverse drilling challenges. The thoughtful design for chip clearance also sets it apart, ensuring smooth and fast operations.
Best For
This kit is best for plumbers and general tradespeople seeking a high-performance, long-lasting hole saw kit that offers superior speed and efficiency for cutting through a variety of common building materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 8% Cobalt M42 bi-metal for superior strength and longevity.
- Faster cutting speeds and longer tool life compared to standard saws.
- Efficient chip clearance prevents clogging and heat buildup.
- Handles a broad range of materials with ease.
Cons:
- Specific adapter requirements might vary for different drills.
- The pilot drill bits could wear faster than the hole saws themselves.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “We bought this kit to drill holes in metal studs for wiring an outbuilding for electric. Hubby loved the performance but the 3/8” arbor was missing. I emailed the company on October 20 to see if they would send a replacement part. Today is October 24 and I received an entirely new kit (with the 3.” – Amy J.
Customer Review: “They work great easy to change pilot bits, cut good, seem to still be sharp after a couple of uses.” – Amazon Customer
Complete Buying Guide for Best Hole Saw Kit For Plumbers
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best hole saw kit for plumbers requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure you get a set that truly meets the demands of professional work. First and foremost is material compatibility. Plumbers often cut through a wide array of materials, including wood, PVC, drywall, metal studs, and sometimes even ceramic tiles. A good kit should feature bi-metal or carbide-tipped saws capable of handling these diverse applications without dulling quickly. Look for kits explicitly stating compatibility with multi-materials. The size range within the kit is also crucial; common plumbing sizes for pipes and drains typically fall between 1 inch and 4 inches, but having a broader range for miscellaneous tasks can be a significant advantage. Durability and construction are paramount. High-speed steel (HSS) with cobalt (M42) or solid carbide teeth offers superior heat resistance and longevity. Additionally, consider the mandrel system: quick-change mechanisms like Diablo’s Snap-Lock Plus can save valuable time on job sites by allowing fast transitions between saw sizes without tools. Finally, a robust storage case is often overlooked but essential for keeping saws organized, protected, and easily transportable, preventing damage and loss of individual pieces.
Budget Planning
When budgeting for a hole saw kit for plumbers, it’s important to balance upfront cost with long-term value. While cheaper kits might seem appealing, they often compromise on material quality and durability, leading to faster wear, slower cutting, and ultimately, more frequent replacements. Investing in a mid-range to high-end kit, such as those from Diablo, LENOX, or Milwaukee, typically provides better performance, longer tool life, and enhanced features like quick-change mandrels, which can significantly improve efficiency and save money in the long run. Consider the frequency of use: for daily professional work, a more expensive, high-quality kit will pay for itself through increased productivity and fewer replacements. For occasional use, a robust mid-tier bi-metal kit might suffice. Always factor in the cost of replacement parts, like pilot bits, when assessing the overall budget. Remember, a tool that saves you time and reduces frustration on the job is often worth the extra investment.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, selecting the best hole saw kit for plumbers is about equipping yourself with reliable, efficient, and durable tools that stand up to the rigors of your trade. The kits reviewed here represent some of the top choices, each offering distinct advantages whether you prioritize versatility, heavy-duty cutting, or budget-friendly performance. By carefully considering the material types you frequently work with, the range of sizes you need, and the importance of features like quick-change mandrels and robust storage, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your productivity and the quality of your work for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between bi-metal and carbide-tipped hole saws for plumbers?
A: Bi-metal hole saws are made from a combination of high-speed steel (HSS) and a more flexible steel body. They are versatile and excellent for cutting through various materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals. Carbide-tipped hole saws, on the other hand, feature carbide teeth which are much harder and more heat-resistant. They excel at cutting through tougher materials like stainless steel, tile, and wood with nails, offering faster cuts and significantly longer life in abrasive conditions.
Q: What are the most common hole saw sizes a plumber needs?
A: Plumbers frequently use a range of hole saw sizes for various pipe diameters and fittings. Common sizes include 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.125 inches (for 2-inch PVC), 2.5 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches. A comprehensive kit that includes these and surrounding sizes will ensure you’re prepared for most standard plumbing tasks.
Q: How can I prevent my hole saw from overheating?
A: To prevent overheating, use a consistent, moderate cutting pressure and a slower drill speed, especially when cutting metal. For cutting metal, consider using a cutting lubricant or coolant. Also, periodically withdraw the hole saw from the cut to allow chips to clear and for the saw to cool down. Overheating can dull teeth rapidly and shorten the lifespan of your hole saw.
Q: Can I use a hole saw kit with any drill?
A: Most hole saw kits are designed to be used with standard drills, either corded or cordless. However, it’s important to ensure your drill has sufficient power and torque, especially for larger diameter hole saws or tough materials. A powerful drill (e.g., 1/2-inch chuck, high torque) is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent stalling, particularly with carbide-tipped saws or when cutting through dense materials.
Q: How do I get the cut material out of the hole saw?
A: Many modern hole saw kits feature quick-release or plug-ejection systems, like Diablo’s Snap-Lock Plus, which allow you to easily remove the core without tools. For traditional hole saws, you may need to use a screwdriver or a punch to pry out the material through the side slots. For stubborn plugs, a hammer might be necessary to tap the core out from the back.
Selecting the best hole saw kit for plumbers is a crucial decision that impacts efficiency, precision, and the overall quality of your work. The diverse range of options available ensures that there’s a perfect kit for every professional’s specific needs and budget. We hope this comprehensive review and buying guide has provided you with the insights necessary to make an informed choice, equipping you with the right tools to tackle any plumbing challenge with confidence. Invest wisely, and experience the difference a top-tier hole saw kit can make on your next project.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
