Replies

1. 
   natedaw | Aug 11, 2007 06:43pm | #1

   lennox single tooth

2. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | Aug 11, 2007 06:47pm | #2

   I have a set that fits in a dark blue plastic box.  I don't remember the brand but it's commonly available, not expensive...HD in the tool dept.  Has about five sizes, nothing over 2".  The saws are good quality, deep enough for 3/4" subfloor but not 2X lumber.  Of the five, I've used the smallest one a lot and maybe one other.  The rest have never been out of the box.

   Here's the real deal.  Each time you need a hole saw, it's a different situation.  It's really not possible to buy a set that will cover very much.  So I'd say that it's better to wait until you need to make a hole and then decide whether you want to spend $15+ on a special size or make the hole another way. 

   In some cases, like putting a 3/4" or 1" hole through 2X, I'd buy the deep hole saw.  I know I'll be running a lot of copper through framing so maybe it's worth the money.  Alternately, I'd use a spade bit.

   Keep in mind that the larger diameter hole saws need a strong 1/2" drill to turn them without damage to the motor.

   There are a few situations where an accurate sized hole is required for a special plumbing fixture, some shower drains for example.  But in most cases the drain holes can be cut large and rough, using a spade bit and a sawzall for example.  I've sometimes used a skill saw to chop a square drain hole in a floor, just because it suited the situation and saved time.

   
   

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   Edited 8/11/2007 11:50 am ET by Hudson Valley Carpenter

3. 
   Shacko | Aug 11, 2007 07:40pm | #3

   If you plan to do any amount of drilling for plumbing and electrical your best bet is to buy auger and self feed bits. Like one of the other posts said, make sure you have a drill that will handle the load; I use a Milwaukee right angle drill, losts of luck.

   .....................................
   "If all else fails, read the directions"
4. 
   rasconc | Aug 11, 2007 08:04pm | #4

   Not sure what size bank you don't want to break but I like my quick change Bosch set.  They come in a plumbing or electrical config.  Think I would just get the one with the slightly larger sizes.  I got mine at an open house at HDT for around $55 IIRC.  Would like to have the master set though.

   http://www.boschtools.com/accessories/accessories-detail.htm?H=176227&G=54763

5. 
   DDay | Aug 12, 2007 03:17am | #5

   Figure out what sizes you need and go from there. If you only need a few hole saws, then you might be better off just getting what you need. For a set, look at lowes, they have some lenox plumbing sets for a reasonable price.

   The lenox single tooth are very nice but you will break the bank for those.

   To chase electrical wire, get the irwin speed bore bits that are basically three fluted spade bits. They are cheap but good.

6. 
   McDesign | Aug 12, 2007 03:42am | #6

   I like the Lennox with the removable arbor, with the two sliding pins that actually drive the saw cup.  I've got a 4-1/2" one that I used today on a galvanized washtub; it's been through 2" of old pine, 1/2" of aluminum, 3/4" sheathing and shingles (from underneath, tho'), nothing seems to  slow it down.

   Forrest

1. 
   stevent1 | Aug 12, 2007 03:49am | #7

   Like Shacko said.

   That said, I do have 2 or 3 carbide tipped hole saws for grommets in Plam.

    

   Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

1. 
   basswood | Aug 12, 2007 04:54pm | #17

   Who do you get your carbide hole saws from...in "grommet sizing" (1/8" over 1",2", 3", etc.).

1. 
   RobWes | Aug 12, 2007 05:32pm | #18

   MSC Industrial Supply.

1. 
   basswood | Aug 12, 2007 09:12pm | #20

   Thanks, I'll check into it.

2. 
   stevent1 | Aug 12, 2007 06:22pm | #19

   I used to get them from Cabinetmaker's supply in Virginia.

   I use a 2-3/8" for 60mm grommets that are tapered. They fit snug.

   Here is a link to Morse.

   http://www.mkmorse.com/carb1.html

    

   Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

1. 
   basswood | Aug 12, 2007 09:13pm | #21

   I've been using grommets on the imperial system.I've not checked into metric.Thanks.

7. 
   Buttkickski | Aug 12, 2007 03:51am | #8

   lennox single tooth

   Not cheap, so only buy the sizes you need.

    

   "I never met a man who didn't owe somebody something."

8. 
   KenHill3 | Aug 12, 2007 04:07am | #9

   I never bought a set, just what I needed for each particular job as it came along. As another poster mentioned, rough-in only needs the approximate size to produce a hole with clearance to make it easy. That said, I do have a few size-specific hole saws. 2 1/8" for locksets. 6" for round duct in cabs. for range hood. 3 5/8" for 3 1/2" round elec. boxes, and 4 1/8" for 4" round elec. boxes.

   Does anybody make a 6 1/8" hole saw?

1. 
   caseyr | Aug 12, 2007 06:33am | #10

   I have a number of different hole saws from Greenlee to Milwaukee to Vermont American. I haven't noticed any great difference in how well they cut and haven't used any of them enough to see which lasts longest. I have not tried the Lenox Onetooth mentioned above. I never seem to have one with me when I need one and so end up buying a new one at the closed tool store...My main problem with the standard hole saws is getting the plug out after cutting through a piece of plywood. Vermont American makes an arbor that ejects the plug and it seems to work fairly well the couple of times that I have used it. http://www.rockbottomdeals.biz/pd_18408.cfm

1. 
   basswood | Aug 12, 2007 04:49pm | #15

   Plugs just drop out of the Onetooth saw that you mentioned...one of several benefits of that design.Carefully rocking a conventional hole saw from side to side (swaying in all directions as you drill) helps produce a slightly larger hole and a smaller plug for easier removal.

2. 
   caseyr | Aug 12, 2007 06:46am | #11

   Haven't seen any 6 1/8. Starrett makes one 6 1/4 and several make six inchers. Maybe you can get a saw shop to put 1/16 more set in some of the teeth of a 6 inch model. http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groups.asp?GroupID=769
   http://www.electricsupplyonline.com/prod/greenlee-hole_saws.php

1. 
   KenHill3 | Aug 12, 2007 07:48am | #13

   Casey-Thanks for the links. Yeah, my mind had skimmed across the idea of teeth set to get that extra 1/8", might ask the saw shop.

1. 
   basswood | Aug 12, 2007 04:44pm | #14

   Splaying the teeth on a 6" hole saw will make it more likely to grab and rip your arm off. It might be better to keep your appendages intact and get one of these:http://www.holepro.com/

9. 
   danski0224 | Aug 12, 2007 07:27am | #12

   I really like the Lenox carbide tipped saws.

   Never used the One Tooth versions, but have heard only good things.

10. 
    basswood | Aug 12, 2007 04:51pm | #16

    For rough plumbing and elecrical, I think that the Milwaukee self-feed bits are the best.

11. 
    renosteinke | Aug 13, 2007 12:23am | #22

    Such a set ought to cost less than $75. There are several quality makes out there ... the challenge is finding a set that doesn't weigh you down with unnecessary saws.

    Morse, Lenox, Ideal, Milwaukee, and Greenlee are all fine brands.

    Sizes you want in the kit are 7/8", 1 1/8", 1 3/8", 1 3/4", 2", and 2 1/2". These will make holes for pipes from 1/2 to 2".

    I have tried the 'quick change' types, and see no advantage.

    If you plan on cutting into metal, forget the hole saws ... and get a set of 'rotary broaches' or 'high speed cutters.'

1. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Aug 13, 2007 02:29am | #23

   I have to disagree there, if nothing else the plugs are way easier to remove by pulling out the arbor and pushing it back in.

   Also stores alot neater without arbor on every hole saw.

   ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

   REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

    

1. 
   DougU | Aug 13, 2007 03:56am | #24

   the plugs are way easier to remove by pulling out the arbor and pushing it back in.

   I have a Milwaukee and Lenox arbor and both are quick release. I pull back on the nut, hit reverse on the drill and hold onto the hole saw. Then I push the pilot bit back into the hole and out pops the plug. Never had a problem getting one out and it only takes about 10 seconds.

   Doug