Ever tried drilling a perfect, clean hole through thick metal and ended up with a jagged mess? It’s frustrating! Cutting precise circles in metal requires the right tool. If you use the wrong one, you waste time, break expensive drill bits, and end up with rough edges that need hours of cleanup.
Choosing the best hole saw for metal can feel like navigating a maze. You face tough decisions about material, size, and speed. Will that cheap set work for steel, or will it burn out on the first try? Understanding the differences between carbide, bi-metal, and cobalt saws is key to a successful job, whether you are working on plumbing, electrical conduits, or automotive repairs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a great metal hole saw. You will learn how to match the saw to your metal type and power tool. Stick with us, and you will gain the confidence to choose a saw that delivers fast, smooth, and accurate cuts every single time.
Top Hole Saw For Metal Recommendations
- 🌟【BI-METAL & HIGH QUALITY】The HYCHIKA saw blades are made of bimetallic material, the cutting part is made of high hardness (69~81HRC), high strength hard alloy steel, 2 mm thick. The product has the advantages of wear resistance, better toughness and long usage life.
- 🌟【HIGH PRECISION & FAST CUTTING】The tooth of the saws has been optimized and improved many times, higher cutting efficiency, cleaner and smoother cutting, higher precision; the chip removal groove added on the side of the hole saw can discharge the chip rapidly.
- 🌟【11 HOLE SAWS AND 6 ACCESSORIES】 Including 11pcs size saw blades: 19mm, 22mm, 25mm, 29mm, 35mm, 38mm, 44mm, 51mm, 57mm, 60mm, 68mm, max cutting depth of 40mm, 2pcs mandrels, 3pcs drill bits for easy replacement, 1pc hex key.
- 🌟【WIDE APPLICATIONS & CONVENIENT STORAGE】 The HYCHIKA hole saws are durable and reliable to use on workpieces, suitable for hole cutting on soft metal, wood, PVC board, plastic, gypsum board; comes with a sturdy and small storage box, which is very convenient to store and easy to carry.
- 🌟【WHAT YOU GET】11 x HYCHIKA Bi-Metal Hole Saw Blades, 2 x Mandrels, 3 x Drill Bits, 1 x Hex Key, 1 x Storage Box, 1 x User Manual
- Outside Diameter Size: 16mm/0.62in(5/8-Inch), 18.5mm/0.73in(3/4-Inch), 20mm/0.78in(4/5-Inch), 25mm/0.98in(1 Inch), 30mm/1.18in(1-3/16 Inch). There are 5 size of hole saw kit to meet your professional needs.
- High Quality Material: Made from strong HHS high-speed-steel for durability, high hardness, fast cutting, impact resistance, wear high temperature
- Sharp gears and anti-cutting with lower consumption make the product a long service life
- Can be used for thick steel plates, cast iron, stainless steel, non-standard angle iron and other metal open hole. Perfect for installing locks, knobs on doors and cabinets, or drilling large diameter holes through desks, etc
- Suitable for hand held electric drill, stand motor-driven drilling machine and mobile ribbon type magnetism drilling machine. Provide fast and precise cuts into stainless steel, sheet metal, cast iron, mild steel, aluminum, plastic,copper and brass
- 【Top Quality】Made from high quality TCT Carbide( Tungsten Carbide Tipped Cutters), High-grade Titanium-plated cemented carbide Tooth, ensuring its high hardness, rust proof, sturdy and durable；
- 【Size】Cutting diameter： 9/16 Inch(14mm), Cutting Depth: 1Inch, Shank Dia.: 2/5 Inch(10mm) , perfect for drilling Hard Metal;
- 【Unique Three-blade Design】 This TCT hole Saw teeth designed with Three-blade, Include outer blade, middle blade, and inner blade, making it sharper and more efficient, ideal for cutting hard metals;
- 【Multipurpose Tools】This Carbide Hole saw set apply to Bench drill, magnetic drill, gun drill, drill percussion and so on. Perfect for hard metal, stainless steel plate, square tube, iron, cast iron, wood, F.R.P and other general sheet metal；Note: Cannot be used for concrete, tiles and stone.
- 【High precision and Easy to Use】TCT Carbide Steel teeth for fast cutting of clean, round holes. Suitable for hand held electric drill, stand motor-driven drilling machine and mobile ribbon type magnetism drilling machine;
- Includes 10 Step Sizes: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8"
- Revolutionary Design: Tri-flatted shank fits into power tools chuck securely and eliminates slip; two-flute design clears chips faster and allows particles to escape easily
- Titanium Coating: Coated with titanium, this step drill set performs well in heat, corrosion and rust resistance
- Durable HSS Drill Bit: Made of high-speed steel for long-lasting performance, this drill bit easily cuts through iron, aluminum, copper, plastic, wood, and other sheet metals. It also automatically deburrs holes while drilling to maintain a clean bit
- A Must-Have for Handyman or Professionals: Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, iron and many other types of sheet metal (excluding steel or any other harder metal)
- 【Top Quality】Made from high quality TCT Carbide( Tungsten Carbide Tipped Cutters), High-grade Titanium-plated M2(6542) steel pilot drill bit, ensuring its high hardness, rust proof, sturdy and durable；
- 【Size】Cutting diameter：16mm (5/8")，19mm(3/4"), 22mm(7/8"), 25.5mm(1"),29mm(1-1/8"), 32mm(1-1/4"), 35mm(1-3/8"), 45mm(1-3/4"), 51mm(2"), 54mm(2-1/8"), Cutting Length: 25mm(1Inch), Shank Dia.: 10mm(2/5 Inch) , perfect for drilling Hard Metal;
- 【Unique Three-blade Design】 This TCT hole Saw teeth designed with Three-blade, Include outer blade, middle blade, and inner blade, making it sharper and more efficient, ideal for cutting hard metals;
- 【Multipurpose Tools】This Hole saw set apply to Bench drill, magnetic drill, gun drill, drill percussion and so on. Perfect for hard metal, stainless steel plate, square tube, iron, cast iron, wood, F.R.P and other general sheet metal；Note: Cannot be used for concrete, tiles and stone.
- 【High precision and Easy to Use】TCT Carbide Steel teeth for fast cutting of clean, round holes. Suitable for hand held electric drill, stand motor-driven drilling machine and mobile ribbon type magnetism drilling machine;
- Premium Quality: Made from high-quality heat-treated Tungsten Carbide with a titanium-plated steel pilot drill bit and spring, this metal hole saw is rust-proof, wear-resistant, highly durable, and offers superior hardness, ensuring long-lasting performance for tough jobs.
- Efficient Triple-Blade Design: Equipped with outer, middle, and inner blades, this metal hole saw kit for steel prevents chipping and delivers clean, smooth edges, making it perfect for cutting through hard metals with higher efficiency & precision.
- Various Sizes: Our unique hole saw kit for metal offers 12 Tungsten Carbide Tipped hole saws of the sizes: 2-1/8"(54mm), 2"(51mm), 1-3/4"(45mm), 1-3/8"(35mm), 1-1/4"(32mm), 1-1/8"(29mm), 1"(25mm), 7/8"(22mm), 3/4"(19mm), 5/8"(16mm), (15mm), (14mm).
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with various machines like bench drills, magnetic drills, and percussion drills, the carbide hole saw bit set easily cuts through wood, plastic, steel plates, cast iron, fiberglass, and other sheet metals with precision.
- Complete Set with Storage Case: Comes in a neat aluminum case with 12 Tungsten Carbide Tipped hole saws, 2 Pcs of hole saw bit 6542 Material, 3 Allen wrenches, and 1 deburring tool with 4 blades. A total of 22 Pcs set for industrial use as well as DIY projects.
- 12 of sizes to meet your different needs: Carbide Hole Saw Kit includes 14mm(9/16”), 16mm(5/8”), 19mm(3/4”), 22mm(7/8”), 25.5mm(1”), 29mm(1-1/8”), 32mm(1-1/4”), 35mm(1-3/8”), 45mm(1-3/4”), 51mm(2”), 54mm(2-1/8”)&2*Extra Titanium Plated Pilot Center Drill and 2*L-Wrench
- Our hole saw kit is made of high quality TCT Carbide(AlI Natural Tungsten Carbide Tipped Cutters), ensures its high hardness, rust proof and heavy duty. And the center drill adopts with high accuracy, it’s hard to break.
- Tipped tooth blade,faster cutting experience. Double round circles to remove metal filings easily and efficient cooling. Eligible for rechargeable drill,portable hand drill,bench drill,eletric drill and etc.
- Ideal for stainless steel, metal, iron, and plastic, aluminum, FRP, etc. so on. (test for your reference: it apposite to cut a hole on 3mm stainless steel,15mm iron plate,15mm aluminum alloy.)
- For safety purposes, remember to add coolant during continuous high-speed drilling, and please wear protective goggles and gloves when using our hole saw set.
- HEAVY-DUTY MATERIAL:This hole saw kit is made of industrial grade TCT carbide steel,extreme longevity, and ultimate durability,with anti-corrosion and hard surface
- PACKAGE INCLUDES:1PCS 2 inches hole saw, 1pcs hex key and 1pcs packing box,perfect for drilling Hard Metal
- SMOOTHER CUTTING:Unique tipped tooth blade,faster cutting experience.Eligible for rechargeable drill,portable hand drill,bench drill,eletric drill and etc. For safety purposes,please wear protective goggles and gloves when using our hole saw
- EFFICIENT COOLING:Designed with double round circles to remove metal filings easily and efficient cooling.You can use a lubricant ,so the bit will not overheat. It can be water or oil
- MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS:This set is apposite to cut a hole on 3mm stainless steel,15mm iron plate,15mm aluminum alloy,metal tube and other metal material.Widely application for your convenient
Choosing the Right Hole Saw for Metal: Your Buying Guide
Cutting clean, precise holes in metal is a tough job. A good hole saw makes it easy. This guide helps you pick the best metal-cutting hole saw for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a hole saw for metal, several features really matter. These features decide how fast and how long the saw lasts.
1. Arbor Type and Connection
- Arbor: This is the part that connects the saw to your drill. Look for a sturdy arbor.
- Quick-Change Systems: Some arbors let you switch between different saw sizes very quickly. This saves time on bigger jobs.
2. Cutting Depth
Check how deep the saw can cut. Standard saws cut about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. If you work with thick pipes or beams, you need a deep-cut model.
3. Pilot Drill Bit
Most good saws include a pilot bit. This small drill starts the hole in the exact spot you mark. A strong, sharp pilot bit keeps the saw from wandering.
4. Ejection Spring
After cutting, the metal slug (the piece you cut out) gets stuck. An ejection spring pushes this slug out automatically. This feature is a big time-saver.
Important Materials for Durability
The material of the saw teeth determines its strength and speed when cutting metal.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
HSS is the basic standard. It works well for softer metals like aluminum and thin steel sheets. It is affordable.
Bi-Metal Construction
Bi-metal saws are the most popular choice. They combine a flexible steel body with very hard HSS teeth welded onto the edge. These saws handle tougher jobs better.
Carbide-Tipped Saws
For the hardest metals, like stainless steel or cast iron, carbide-tipped saws are the best. Carbide is extremely hard. These saws last the longest but cost the most.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the saw affects your finished hole and your frustration level.
TPI (Teeth Per Inch)
- Fewer TPI (e.g., 6-10 TPI): These saws cut faster. They work best on thicker metal (over 1/4 inch). They leave a rougher edge.
- More TPI (e.g., 14-18 TPI): These saws cut slower but make very smooth holes. They are better for thin sheet metal because they stop the teeth from grabbing.
Tooth Set
The way the teeth are angled (the set) helps clear the metal chips. A good tooth set prevents the saw from overheating and binding up. Poorly set teeth reduce the saw’s cutting efficiency.
Heat Resistance
Cutting metal creates a lot of heat. Saws made with materials that resist high heat perform better. Always use cutting fluid to keep the saw cool, regardless of the material.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you plan to cut. This guides your final choice.
- Plumbing and Electrical Work: You often need to drill through junction boxes, light gauge steel studs, or copper pipes. A standard bi-metal set with medium TPI works great here.
- Automotive Repair: Working on car frames or exhaust systems requires saws that can handle thicker, sometimes rusty, metal. Invest in a quality bi-metal or carbide saw.
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: For thin aluminum or steel roofing, use a saw with higher TPI to avoid snagging and tearing the material.
Remember, slower drilling speeds and constant lubrication (cutting oil) always improve the user experience and extend the life of any metal hole saw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Metal Hole Saws
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a metal hole saw?
A: The most important feature is the material of the teeth, usually Bi-Metal or Carbide, as this determines what thickness and hardness of metal the saw can cut effectively.
Q: Can I use a wood hole saw on metal?
A: No. Wood hole saws have much larger gullets (spaces between teeth) and softer teeth. They will quickly overheat, dull, and likely break when used on metal.
Q: Do I need special oil when cutting metal?
A: Yes, using cutting fluid or tapping oil is highly recommended. It cools the saw blade and lubricates the cut, which makes the saw last much longer and cuts cleaner.
Q: How do I prevent the hole saw from “walking” when I start drilling?
A: Use the pilot drill bit that comes with the saw. Drill slowly to start the hole. You can also punch a small center mark with a punch tool before drilling to give the pilot bit a starting point.
Q: What speed should I use on my drill for metal cutting?
A: Always use a slow speed. Harder metals require slower speeds. Fast speeds create too much heat, which ruins the temper (hardness) of the saw teeth very quickly.
Q: What is the difference between a standard hole saw and a carbide hole saw?
A: A standard bi-metal saw has steel teeth. A carbide saw has small, extremely hard carbide pieces brazed onto the steel body. Carbide cuts much harder materials like stainless steel easily.
Q: How deep can most standard hole saws cut?
A: Most common hole saws have a cutting depth of about 1 to 1.75 inches. If you need more depth, you must buy a specific “deep cut” model.
Q: What is TPI, and why does it matter for metal?
A: TPI means Teeth Per Inch. More TPI means smaller teeth, which is better for thin metal to prevent tearing. Fewer TPI is better for thick metal to remove chips faster.
Q: How do I remove the metal slug after cutting?
A: The best saws have an ejection spring that pushes it out. If yours does not, you must carefully use a screwdriver or punch to pry the slug out after the cut is complete.
Q: Are more expensive hole saws always better?
A: Generally, yes, especially for professional use. Higher-priced saws use better steel alloys, have more precise tooth geometry, and often feature superior arbor connections, leading to longer life and better performance.