Most saws are meant for softer materials and in order to make their way through thick metals, you need additional drill bits. Not all hole saw kits will live up to your expectations because aside from having the best heat resistance, it also needs to be made from hard materials. To disappointing products, here are our construction team’s tried and tested choices.
Reviews of the Top Hole Saws For Metal
1. LENOX Tools Hole Saw Kit
The Lenox Tools Hole Saw Kit combo will have no problem cutting through thick metal with a much more durable design with a 50% longer lifespan than previous hole saw kits. Don’t worry about the sizing, because Lenox included the most common sizes in this particular kit.
The walls have been further enhanced on these accessories to minimize tooth loss and, of course, increase the strength of the units even more. The convenience is elevated as well with the speed slot that features a staircase design for quick plug removal.
The saw features larger and sharper teeth for more precision when drilling holes.
What We Like
- Much more durable than previous models
- Excellent saw for cutting thick metal
- Easy plug ejection
- Larger and sharper teeth
- Thicker wools to minimize tooth loss
- Comes with common sizes
- Cleaner cuts
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most affordable
- No quick-change mandrill
2. Greenlee Hole Saw Kit
The Greenlee Hole Saw Kit was tested in detail by our professional team and other professionals in the industry. The hole saw kit comes with a hex key, a quick-change auger, and of course, various cutter head sizes.
The best hole saws for metal will definitely be easy to change so you won’t need to waste precious minutes on the job. The Greenlee kit comes with a quick-change arbor that can be used with all drill bit sizes.
The cutters are all created with improved carbide quality for even better performance and durability, with the manufacturing done within the USA.
What We Like
- Quick-change arbor
- Easy changes
- Improved carbide
- Manufactured in the USA
- Tested by trusted professionals
- Industrial-grade quality
- Works on metal and plastic
What We Don’t Like
- High price
- Not the best for wood
3. ASNOMY Hole Saw Kit
If you’re not a professional construction contractor or electrician, the Asnomy hole saw combo pack is an excellent option made from tungsten carbide and is the perfect match for metal sheets. The titanium-plated teeth are extra hard, rustproof, and very sturdy.
The packaging for the Asnomy hole saw kit was also exceptional as each one came individually encased in its own packaging and pre-oiled to prevent rust.
At a budget price, you still get high-quality designs. Each of these bits has a three-blade design that can get through harder materials more efficiently for a smooth job.
What We Like
- High precision hole saw kit
- Titanium-plated carbide teeth
- Harder, rustproof, and very sturdy bits
- Individually-packaged pieces
- Oiled
- Budget price
- Precise and efficient
- Multipurpose and versatile
- Ideal for drilling holes in harder metals
What We Don’t Like
- Pilot bits are not as tough as the larger bits
- Not for stone
4. TCT Hole Saw Set
You get 10 pieces with TCT Hole Saws set that work well for stainless steel, metal, iron, and even wood! They come in a sturdy storage case and in various sizes ready for cutting holes in a thick metal sheet.
If you’re purchasing this set to get through thick materials at a higher speed, make sure you apply a coolant for higher heat resistance. Made from cemented carbide, our experts say these bits are of high-quality materials and tough enough on their own.
These hole saws also have a three-blade design for more efficiency and accuracy.
What We Like
- Great for cutting thick metal
- Cuts through stainless steel, metal, glass, and even wood
- Good for continuous cutting
- Easy plug removal
- Lifetime guarantee
- Cemented carbide hole saws
- Comes in various sizes
- Titanium-plated center drill
- Comes with a storage case
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t get very deep in concrete
- Sizing may be a bit off
5. Klein Tools 31872
The Klein Tools 31872 Hole Saws are excellent options to drill holes through stainless steel, copper, iron, and any sheets up to 5 mm thick. There is a split point pilot drill that will prevent bit walking, which can permanently damage materials.
The hole saw combo contains 3 different bit sizes plus one extra pilot drill bit. There is also a very handy integrated flange, which will prevent you from drilling past the material and ruining your piece.
All of what’s included in the hole saw kit is packaged in a rust-proof molded plastic case for security.
What We Like
- Comes with a split point tip bit
- Has an extra pilot bit
- Has different sizes
- Comes in a carrying case
- Works through a variety of materials like stainless steel
- Integrated flange
What We Don’t Like
- Suggested for straight use, not at an angle
- Not as many bits as other hole saws
6. Rocaris HSS Hole Saw Cutting Kit
If variety and options are what you’re looking for, then the Rocaris Hole Saw Cutting Kit is the one for you. There are 23 pieces in total, enough to definitely fit any sized hole you need. Each one has a three-blade design that makes sure these hole saws cut precisely and smoothly, and this type of design is also much more durable.
Each cutter is made from high-speed steel that has great heat resistance and the teeth are made from titanium-plated tungsten carbide. They are fast-cutting hole saws that work on a variety of materials including mild steel, hard metal, aluminum, and plastic.
What We Like
- Easy chip removal
- 23 pieces in total
- 3-blade design
- Titanium-plated tungsten carbide
- Fast cutting
- Works with a variety of materials
- Durable
- Works better than bi-metal hole saws
What We Don’t Like
- The center bits may be a bit weaker
- Not recommended for industrial-grade metals
7. Lovefish HSS Hole Saw Kits for Metal
The brand Lovefish also has a high-speed hole saw combo, or HSS, that has 15 pieces in total for cutting thick metal pieces. As one of the most versatile tools, these hole saws work on a multitude of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and even plastic.
They are also highly durable, have a high hardness strength and high impact resistance. The bits come in a plastic carrying case to store them well and keep them away from moisture and impact.
Although the Lovefish HSS Hole Saws do not run in reverse, they are one of the best choices for straight applications.
What We Like
- Durable hole cutter
- Very versatile for a variety of applications
- High hardness and impact resistance
- Kept in a plastic casing
- Great value for the money
- Can cut through stainless steel
What We Don’t Like
- Does not run in reverse
- Not recommended for items over a quarter of an inch thick
Hole Saws For Metal Buyer’s Guide
The best hole saw for metal has to achieve the desired results. In order to help you with the deliberation on the best kit for you, our electricians have created a quick checklist of important characteristics to look out for.
Size
The size of the hole saw depends on the size of the hole you need. For instance, a much smaller hole saw size is needed for the door knob hole drilling. There are single hole saws you can pick on the market, but our experts always recommend purchasing a kit, unless you only need one application.
Hole saw kits come with a variety of hole saw sizes, so make sure to check out the size chart of hole saws. Some cutters will be good for drilling metal, while others are better for plastic and even wood. The kits will give you more options to cut the perfect hole.
Kit Inclusions
You will get drill bits and hole saws in your kit. The longer ones will work better, but again, our team says variety is the best. You never know when you will need a shorter drill. For example, there will be pilot drills in your purchase, which are used before the hole saw.
Some hole saw kits come with a spare pilot drill just in case the first one wears out. You may also find most hole saws with other accessories such as hex keys, quick-change augers, and a carrying case. While it’s not necessary if you already have these accessories in your arsenal, our team says a carrying case is a great extra bonus to keep the components together.
Compatibility
Are hole saws compatible with both corded and cordless tools? In most cases, they are, but double-checking is always advisable. Ensure that the size of the hole cutter you require is compatible with the drill chuck and that the arbors and mandrels also fit properly. Additionally, check if the plugs are easy to change, preferably with an ejection spring or a speed slot.
Cutting Performance
The performance of the hole saws is the key to a worthy kit. This is especially true if you are cutting thick metal most of the time. The best hole saw for metal will drill through the metal workpiece like a hot knife through butter. Our electricians say the best way to do this is to make sure if there are saws in the hole saw kit that are meant to cut the material of your choice, whether it’s hardened steel or soft metals.
A way to guarantee the efficiency of the hole saw is also to look at the material and the durability, which brings us to the next section.
Material Quality and Durability
You will get more holes and cuts out of the best models if they are crafted from high-grade robust materials. You may see terms like tungsten carbide, diamond hole saws, and titanium [1] plating, all of which are coveted materials that can make sure your hole saw will drill the perfect hole.
Aside from the saw itself, you may also see the teeth of the saws coated with an extra coating of a tough element that will increase the strength even more. Our team has seen their fair share of broken and chipped teeth and trust us, it’s not something you want.
The material quality will also increase heat resistance so you can get a good hole that’s clean with easy chip removal as well.
There are hole saws that have gone through heat treatment processes that make them durable, but ice-hardened hole saws, which have gone through cryogenics are even more robust. As for the pilot drill, a cobalt steel pilot drill has proven to be reliable every time.
Availability of Parts
No matter how tough the hole saw and pilot bits are, they will wear down over time and that’s just a fact. This is why it’s so important to know where you can get replacement pieces. Just in case components break, wear over time, or don’t fulfill your needs, having easy accessibility to parts will make all the difference.
Will the company send replacement parts if they’re broken on arrival? Can you purchase the parts you need easily either through their website or locally? These are all questions you can ask the manufacturer before clicking the buy button.
Price and Warranty
Speaking of sending replacement parts, another indicator of excellent quality in a hole cutter kit is the warranty. The warranty outlines what the brand will do if you are sent faulty products that can’t even drill one hole without breaking, or if the components break within a certain time frame.
The longer the warranty coverage is, the better quality the hole saw kit possesses. This is a generalization and may not always be true, so it’s vital to look at all the items in our buyer’s guide when you’re purchasing and not to only base your decision on the length of the warranty.
Basic warranties for most hole saw kits is a year, but there are options our experts have included that promise longer. There are even options that have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, which is even more impressive. This means you can get a refund or replacement if you are unhappy with your purchase in any way.
Lastly, the price is often a consideration for many buyers regardless of the product. Our construction team will always pick items within various price ranges so there is a little something for everyone. Like the warranty, a more expensive price tag won’t always ensure better quality, so remember to consider every aspect.
Which is Better: Spade Bit or Hole Saw?
Do you need a hole saw or will a spade bit suffice? Spade bits are cheaper than a hole saw, which is much more attractive to many people. The role of the spade bit is to create rough holes through materials, but usually wood.
The hole saw is recommended if you need to cut through materials instead of just a partial hole. It cuts quickly through rather than adopting a gradual chipping movement. When you purchase a hole saw kit, you may get a series of saws that are diamond tipped, bi-metal with deep gullets, or carbide tipped.
The first one is excellent for glass and stone, bi-metal blades are for metals and wood and carbide-tipped blades are the best for wood. The main difference is that hole saws cannot create partial holes, while spade bits can. Hole saws are also available in larger sizes and are suitable for a variety of purposes.
Attaching a Hole Saw to a Drill
To use a hole saw, one would need to attach it to a drill as a hole saw isn’t a completely separate independent saw. How exactly do you attach a hole saw to a drill without risking the drill bit coming loose or “walking”?
The first part is to get to know the different parts of the hole saw, which look like cylindrical cups with sharp serrated edges. Most importantly, the pilot bit, the cutting blade, the arbor, and the slots.
Arbors, also known as mandrels, are for connecting the drill chuck to the hole saw. Another function is to hold the pilot bit steady. The pilot bit is the part of the saw that drills a hole in order to guide the cutting blade through. This is the part that will see a lot of wear, which is why brands often include an extra one.
Users would attach the hole saw to the drill by attaching the pilot bit to the drill shaft securely. You would then use the threads on the spindle shaft to act as the primary attachment between the pilot drill and the saw, and then screw the parts together tightly and lock them in place with the positive locking system.
FAQ
How thick of metal can you cut with a hole saw?
You can cut through thicker metal using a hole saw with bigger teeth. The thickness of the metal depends on the size of the hole cutter. In general, hole saws can cut steel up to 25mm thick which carbide-toothed blades can carry out without issue.
Can you use diamond hole saw on metal?
Yes, you can use a diamond hole saw on metal. In fact, it is what our team suggests to use on metal materials. Diamond-tipped saws are stronger and harder and have the most excellent heat resistance. You won’t need to exert too much pressure to get perfect round holes.
What is the best bit to drill through metal?
The best bit to drill through metal is any of the ones included in the Lenox Tools hole saw combo. Each of the saws is 50% more durable than previous models and can handle metal sheets and are compatible with a cordless or corded tool.
Our Top Pick For a Hole Saw For Metal:
Lenox Tool Hole Saw Kit
Among the best hole saws for metal we tested, our team members raved about the Lenox Tool Hole Saw Kit because of the durability along with the reliability of the parts.
The design effectively removes sawdust and chips with wood and the thicker walls make the saw blades strong enough to handle thicker metal without any tooth loss. The speed slot makes it easy to remove and replace the hole saws as needed for various applications.
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