Hole saw work puts a very different strain on a drill. Instead of a quick plunge, the tool has to drive a wide cutter through wood, plastic, drywall, and sometimes metal while keeping steady torque.
A weak drill stalls, overheats, or snatches hard enough to twist your wrist. A good drill, on the other hand, holds its speed, manages torque cleanly, and lets the hole saw track through the cut without wandering.
In our shop, we use hole saws for door hardware, cabinetry, electrical rough-ins, plumbing openings, and all sorts of layout work. We need drills that stay predictable under load and recover quickly when the saw bites into dense grain.
The models below earned their place because they handled real cutting, not just light testing. Each one held up through repeated hole saw passes and kept the job moving without a fight.
Our Top Picks for the Best Drill for Hole Saw in 2025
1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2804 20 Hammer Drill
A powerful cordless drill built for heavy-duty hole-saw cutting in wood and metal.
This drill has been one of our strongest performers when using larger hole saws. The torque is tremendous, and in our shop, it pushed through thick hardwood without hesitation. We found the clutch response smooth enough that the drill did not jerk aggressively when the hole saw caught unusual grain.
For us, the tool's balance makes long sessions comfortable. Even under load, the RPM remains steady, which helps the hole saw stay centered and slice cleanly. It also handles metal surprisingly well for a cordless model, especially with bi-metal hole saws.
Pros
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Excellent torque for large hole saws
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Smooth clutch control
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Strong battery efficiency
Cons
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Heavier than compact drills
Specs
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RPM: 0 to 2,000
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Torque: 1,200 in lbs
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Weight: 4.5 pounds (with battery)
2. DeWalt DCD996 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
A reliable, high-power drill that handles wood and masonry hole saw tasks with ease.
We have used this DeWalt model for everything from door lock openings to 4 inch holes for ventilation. It holds speed well and does not bog down the way lighter drills do. In our experience, the side handle makes a big difference when cutting larger holes, giving us more control as the saw begins its bite.
In the shop, we liked how quickly it recovers after heavy cuts. It has plenty of airflow, so it never felt like it was overheating, even after several back-to-back holes in plywood and framing lumber.
Pros
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Strong performance under load
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Comfortable side handle
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Great cooling system
Cons
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Can feel large in tight spaces
Specs
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RPM: up to 2,250
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Torque: 820 in lbs
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Weight: 4 pounds
3. Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Hammer Drill
A compact but powerful drill that handles medium to large hole saws smoothly.
Makita’s size-to-power ratio is one of the best. For us, this drill handled 2 to 4 inch hole saws without straining, and the motor stayed smoother than expected during plunge cuts. We found it particularly good when drilling overhead, since the lighter weight helped us keep the hole saw steady.
Through hardwood, the drill kept a consistent speed that produced cleaner edges. In metal, it required slower feed pressure, but it performed well with quality bi metal saws.
Pros
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Lightweight but powerful
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Good control for overhead drilling
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Strong battery life
Cons
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Not the best for extremely large hole saws
Specs
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RPM: 0 to 2,100
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Torque: 1,250 in lbs
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Weight: 3.6 pounds
4. Bosch GSB18V 490 18V Brushless Drill
A smooth-running drill suited for precision hole saw work.
Bosch drills have a very controlled feel, and this one stood out for its balanced torque. In our shop, it cut perfect holes in plywood and trim where blowout needed to be minimized. The motor feels refined, and the drill does not surge aggressively when the hole saw bites.
We liked it for cabinetry and finish carpentry because it holds the hole saw steady without wandering. It is not the most powerful model here, but it is one of the easiest to handle for clean cuts.
Pros
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Smooth motor response
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Excellent for clean, precise holes
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Very comfortable grip
Cons
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Not ideal for oversized hole saws
Specs
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RPM: 0 to 2,000
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Torque: 535 in lbs
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Weight: 3.3 pounds
5. Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Hammer Drill
A budget-friendly drill that still handles demanding hole saw tasks well.
Ryobi has significantly improved its HP line. For us, this drill handled typical 2- to 3-inch hole saws without stalling, and the brushless motor kept the RPM stable. We used it for both framing stud walls and outdoor decking, and it performed consistently in both environments.
It is lighter than many pro models, which helps reduce fatigue. It will not compete with Milwaukee or Makita for maximum torque, but for general woodworking and home shop use it performs far better than expected.
Pros
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Great value
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Light and comfortable
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Strong enough for everyday hole saw tasks
Cons
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Limited top-end torque
Specs
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RPM: up to 2,100
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Torque: 750 in lbs
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Weight: 3.2 pounds
6. Metabo HPT DV18DBFL2 Brushless Drill
A dependable drill with strong torque and excellent control.
We found this drill to be very steady under load. It does not jerk violently, and that made the hole saw cuts feel safer and more controlled. It has enough torque for 4-inch saws, and it maintained grip well when starting holes, which is often the trickiest moment.
For us, this drill performed best in tougher lumber like LVL and thick framing. The clutch response is predictable, and the drill feels rugged enough for everyday shop work.
Pros
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Strong torque
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Balanced control during cuts
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Good build quality
Cons
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Slightly bulky housing
Specs
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RPM: 0 to 1,800
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Torque: 620 in lbs
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Weight: 3.7 pounds
7. Craftsman CMCD721 20V Brushless Drill
A reliable mid-range drill that works well for standard hole saw sizes.
This drill performed better than expected for its price. In our shop, it handled 2-inch and 2.5-inch hole saws cleanly and kept the RPM steady through plywood and framing lumber. It offers a stable feel and does not overheat quickly.
We liked the grip texture and the lighter weight, which helped us maintain cleaner cuts on vertical surfaces. It is not a heavy-duty tool, but it stays dependable for general hole saw tasks.
Pros
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Strong performance for the price
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Lightweight
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Good for standard hole saw sizes
Cons
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Not suited for large holes or metal
Specs
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RPM: 0 to 2,000
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Torque: 400 in lbs
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Weight: 3.2 pounds
8. Hilti SF 6H A22 Hammer Drill
A premium-grade drill built for demanding hole saw work.
Hilti tools have a certain feel, and this one is no exception. It has tremendous torque and excellent speed recovery. For us, it handled the largest hole saws in this roundup with confidence, even when drilling through thick subfloor.
The build quality is among the strongest we tested. It stays cool longer than most drills, and the clutch control is dependable. It is a premium tool, but in demanding hole saw tasks it proves its value quickly.
Pros
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Extremely strong torque
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Excellent temperature control
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Very durable
Cons
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Higher price
Specs
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RPM: up to 2,100
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Torque: 1,000 in lbs
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Weight: 4.4 pounds
What to Look for in a Hole Saw Drill
- Torque Matters Most: Hole saws need torque, not just speed. A drill with weak torque will stall or jerk violently.
- Side Handle Control: A side handle keeps the drill steady during the initial bite.
- Variable Speed Control: Slower speeds are better for metal and hardwood. Higher speeds help with drywall and softwood.
- Comfort and Balance: Hole saw cuts take time. A comfortable drill reduces fatigue and helps maintain clean edges.
- Durability: Hole saw dust is fine and abrasive. A strong drill with good cooling avoids burnout.
Safety Note
For proper tool safety when using hole saws with high torque drills, refer to OSHA’s handheld power tool guidelines.
Final Thoughts
A good drill makes hole-saw work feel controlled and predictable, rather than rough and tiring. Some drills shine with large hole saws, others do best with medium sizes, and a few bring a smoothness that helps with cabinetry and finer work.
The drills above earned their place because they maintained speed, managed torque cleanly, and remained comfortable during real cutting tasks in the shop. Once you choose a drill that matches the size of the hole saws you use most often, your cuts improve in quality, and the work becomes easier to manage.
