Running pipes through walls, floors, and cabinets is a core part of almost every plumbing job, and having the right hole saw kit makes the difference between a clean cut and a mangled mess. After testing dozens of kits across wood, metal, PVC, and stainless steel over the past year, our team narrowed down the field to five kits that actually deliver for plumbing work. We focused on the things that matter on a real job site: how quickly the saw cuts, how easy it is to swap sizes, and whether the plug comes out without a fight.
Whether you are a professional plumber running pipe through finished walls or a homeowner tackling a bathroom remodel, the best hole saw kits for plumbing need to cover the pipe sizes you encounter most often. That means having the right diameters for half-inch, three-quarter-inch, and one-inch pipe plus a few larger sizes for drain lines and vent stacks.
In this guide, we break down five hole saw kits that earned their spot through hands-on testing. We cover blade materials, arbor systems, plug removal mechanisms, and plumbing-specific size coverage so you can pick the right kit for your work and budget.
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Diablo DHS17SPL Plumber Set
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DEWALT D180002 Electrician Set
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Klein Tools 31872 Carbide Kit
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Bosch HSBIM9 Bi-Metal Kit
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HYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Kit
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17-Piece Bi-Metal Kit
2-3/8 inch Cutting Depth
Snap-Lock Plus Mandrel
Tool-Free Plug Ejection
I have used the Diablo DHS17SPL kit on several plumbing rough-in jobs, and the first thing that stands out is the cutting depth. At 2-3/8 inches, this saw handles 2x lumber in a single pass, which saves a ton of time when you are drilling through floor joists for drain lines. Most standard hole saws top out around 1-1/2 inches of depth, so the Diablo gives you about 40 percent more cutting capacity per pass.
The 11 saw cups cover the most common plumbing pipe sizes, from 5/8 inch up through the larger diameters you need for waste lines and vent stacks. Diablo designed this kit specifically for plumbers, so the size selection lines up with real-world pipe routing needs rather than just throwing in random sizes to inflate the piece count.
What really sold me is the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel system. Changing hole saw sizes takes about three seconds with no tools required. You just twist and pull the old cup off, then push and twist the new one on. When you are switching between half-inch and three-quarter-inch pipe holes all day, that quick-change feature adds up to serious time savings. The mandrel fits all Diablo saw sizes from 5/8 inch to 6 inches, so there is no fumbling with adapter nuts.
The variable tooth design cuts with noticeably less vibration than standard hole saws. I ran the Diablo through PVC, thin sheet metal, and 3/4-inch plywood in a single session, and each cut was clean with minimal grabbing. The plug ejection system works well too. A quick push on the back of the mandrel pops the slug out without needing a screwdriver to dig it free.
The mandrel system is the standout feature for daily plumbing work. Traditional arbors require you to thread the saw cup on and off, which wears out your hands after a dozen changes. The Snap-Lock system uses a spring-loaded collar that grabs and releases the saw cup instantly. After several weeks of use, the mechanism held up with no loosening or wobble developing between the mandrel and the cup.
One trade-off is that the quick-release design means you cannot stack or nest the saw cups inside each other for storage. Each cup sits in its own slot in the case, so the case is larger than some competing kits. If storage space in your truck or van is tight, this is worth considering. But the convenience of tool-free changes outweighs the bulk for most plumbers I have talked to.
This kit includes the sizes plumbers reach for most: 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-1/4 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-3/4 inch, 2 inches, 2-1/8 inches, 2-1/4 inches, and 2-1/2 inches. These map directly to common copper, PEX, and PVC pipe sizes used in residential and light commercial plumbing. The 2-inch and 2-1/2-inch cups handle Schedule 40 PVC drain lines, while the smaller sizes work perfectly for supply line routing through studs and plates.
The included pilot bits stay sharp through dozens of holes, and the kit comes with two spares plus two adapter nuts. Having backup pilot bits is important because a dull pilot bit causes the hole saw to wander and produce ragged cuts. Diablo includes enough accessories to keep you working for months before needing replacement parts.
9-Piece Bi-Metal Kit
Patented Toothforms
Large Plug Ejection Slot
Made in USA
DEWALT built the D180002 as their standard electrician set, but it translates perfectly to plumbing work. The six hole saw sizes included are 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-3/8 inch, 1-3/4 inch, and 2-1/8 inch. These cover the majority of supply pipe routing through framing members, and the 2-1/8 inch size works well for larger drain penetrations.
I ran this kit through a full bathroom renovation project, cutting through floor plates, studs, and a thin metal duct. The patented tooth geometry really does make a difference. DEWALT claims up to 50 percent longer life, and after comparing the tooth wear to a generic bi-metal saw I had on the same job, the DEWALT teeth showed noticeably less rounding after about 30 holes through dimensional lumber.
The high-speed steel cutting edge handles wood, metal, and plastic effectively. For plumbing applications, I found it particularly good at cutting through PVC pipe and ABS without chipping or cracking the material. The deeper saw body design allows it to cut through 2x material in one pass, which matters when you are drilling through floor joists for waste lines.
Plug removal is where this kit shines compared to cheaper options. The large continuous slot on the side of each saw gives you real leverage for popping out the slug. Instead of digging with a screwdriver for two minutes, a quick pry with the slot ejects the plug in seconds. When you are drilling 20 or 30 holes in a day, that time savings compounds quickly.
The plug ejection slot on the DEWALT saws is larger and more accessible than most competitors. The continuous design means there are no dead spots where the slot narrows, so you can insert your screwdriver at any angle. I tested this against the Bosch kit below, and the DEWALT plugs came out about twice as fast on average because the slot gives you better access to pry from multiple angles.
The one downside is that the teeth are relatively shallow compared to some newer designs like the Diablo. This means debris builds up faster inside the cup during deep cuts. I found myself clearing chips more frequently when cutting through thick wood, which slowed things down a bit on floor joist work. A quick blow with compressed air between cuts solves the problem, but it is an extra step.
Over three months of testing, I cut through softwood, hardwood, thin sheet metal, PVC, and ABS plastic with this kit. The teeth held up well across all materials, though I noticed the fastest wear occurred when cutting through metal studs with galvanized coating. For plumbing work that primarily involves wood framing and PVC, the blade life should easily last through dozens of projects.
The case is one of the better ones I have used. Each component has a dedicated spot with clear size labels, and the latches are sturdy enough to survive being tossed in the back of a work truck. The quick-release mandrels work smoothly and hold the saw cups securely during operation. This is a professional-grade kit that justifies its reputation among tradespeople.
4-Piece Carbide Kit
7/8 to 1-3/8 Inch
Split Point Pilot Bit
Rust-Proof Case
The Klein Tools 31872 takes a different approach from the bi-metal kits on this list. Instead of high-speed steel teeth, Klein uses solid carbide cutting edges that stay sharp significantly longer than bi-metal alternatives. This kit includes three hole saw sizes: 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-3/8 inch, plus an extra pilot bit. The size range maps to half-inch through one-inch conduit and pipe, which covers the most common plumbing supply line penetrations.
I tested this kit specifically on the materials that eat bi-metal saws for breakfast: stainless steel sink mounts, copper pipe penetrations through sheet metal, and cast iron cleanout covers. The carbide teeth cut through all three with minimal effort and zero smoking. Where a bi-metal saw starts to smell and discolor on stainless after a few holes, the Klein carbide stayed cool and consistent through an entire afternoon of stainless work.
The ejection spring built into the pilot bit is a clever design touch. When you finish a cut and pull the drill back, the spring pushes the slug out automatically. No screwdriver needed, no digging, no wasted time. It works reliably on sheet metal up to 3/16 inch thick, which covers most plumbing penetration scenarios through steel panels and brackets.
The integrated flange on each cutter prevents you from drilling too deep. This is a safety feature that stops the cutter from going beyond the sheet metal and damaging whatever is on the other side. For plumbing work in tight spaces near wiring or other pipes, this depth stop adds a layer of protection that bi-metal kits do not offer.
Carbide cutters cost more upfront but last significantly longer, especially on hard materials. In my testing, the Klein carbide teeth showed virtually no wear after cutting 15 holes through stainless steel. A comparable bi-metal saw would need replacement after 5 to 8 holes in the same material. For plumbers who regularly cut through metal panels, brackets, or stainless fixtures, the carbide investment pays for itself in replacement cost savings alone.
The trade-off is that carbide is more brittle than bi-metal. If you lean the drill at an angle while cutting, the carbide teeth can chip or break. Bi-metal teeth flex under side loading and usually survive the abuse. This means the Klein kit demands more careful, straight-on drilling technique. If you tend to push hard or drill at odd angles in tight spaces, a bi-metal kit might be more forgiving.
This is where the Klein 31872 really earns its premium status. Cutting stainless steel with bi-metal saws produces heat, smoke, and rapid tooth wear. The Klein carbide handles stainless cleanly with minimal heat buildup and no discoloration. Copper cuts are equally smooth, producing clean holes without the grabbing that bi-metal teeth sometimes cause on soft metals.
The split point pilot bit is another thoughtful detail. Standard pilot bits tend to walk on smooth metal surfaces before they bite in. The split point design grabs immediately, so you can start your hole precisely where you need it without a center punch. For plumbing installations where hole placement accuracy matters, this feature saves time and prevents ruined materials.
9-Piece Cobalt Alloy Kit
Progressor Tooth Design
Spinlock Universal Arbor
6 Hole Saws
Bosch packed a lot of smart engineering into the HSBIM9 kit. The hole saws are made with 8 percent cobalt alloy, which Bosch claims delivers faster cutting and longer life than standard bi-metal designs. The six included sizes are 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-3/4 inch, and 2 inches. This range covers most residential plumbing penetrations, from small supply lines through studs to larger waste line holes through floor plates.
I used this kit on a kitchen remodel that required drilling through cabinet backs, wall studs, and a metal bracket for the garbage disposal. The progressor tooth design uses alternating tooth sizes that cut faster and run cooler than uniform teeth. The difference was most noticeable on thicker materials. Cutting through a doubled-up 2x4 top plate for a vent stack took about 30 percent less time than with a standard tooth pattern saw.
The reinforced shoulders on each saw add strength at the stress points where teeth meet the body. This is a common failure point on cheaper saws, where the teeth crack off the body during heavy cutting. After several weeks of use, none of the Bosch saws showed any cracking or deformation at the shoulder joints. The build quality is clearly a step above budget options.
However, the case is a weak point. The plastic feels thin and the hinges look like they could break after a few months of job site abuse. Several users have reported the same issue, so it is not just my unit. If you are hard on your tool storage, you might want to transfer these saws to a more durable aftermarket case.
The Spinlock arbor is designed to work with all brands and sizes of hole saws, which is a big advantage if you already own saws from different manufacturers. You can mix and match without needing separate arbors for each brand. The system uses a spinning collar that locks the saw in place, and it allows tool-free plug removal by spinning the collar backward.
The catch is that the Spinlock arbor has a tendency to self-tighten during use, especially in high-torque applications like cutting through thick wood. Once it self-tightens, removing the saw cup becomes difficult and sometimes requires pliers. I ran into this issue twice during testing, both times when drilling through dense hardwood. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is something to watch for. A quick check between cuts to make sure the arbor has not locked down tight will save you frustration later.
The 8 percent cobalt content in these saws makes a measurable difference in tooth wear. Cobalt increases the heat resistance of the cutting edge, which means the teeth stay sharp longer when cutting through abrasive materials. I compared the Bosch saws side by side with standard bi-metal saws on identical cuts through galvanized steel pipe, and the Bosch teeth showed noticeably less rounding after 10 holes.
For plumbing work that involves a mix of materials, the cobalt alloy is a genuine advantage. PVC, copper, galvanized steel, and wood all present different wear challenges. The Bosch kit handles all of them well because the cobalt content resists the heat buildup that causes tooth degradation. With over 700 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the user consensus backs up what I found in testing.
17-Piece HSS Kit
11 Saw Sizes 19mm-68mm
Max 40mm Depth
Storage Case
The HYCHIKA 17-piece kit is proof that you do not need to spend a lot to get a functional hole saw set for plumbing work. At a fraction of the cost of the premium kits, you get 11 saw cups ranging from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inches, two mandrels, three drill bits, a hex key, and a storage box. For a homeowner tackling a single plumbing project or a DIYer building out a tool collection, this kit covers the basics without breaking the bank.
I tested the HYCHIKA kit on PVC pipe, softwood studs, and thin aluminum sheet. The 69 to 81 HRC hardness rating of the cutting edges means these saws are genuinely sharp out of the box. They cut through PVC cleanly with no chipping, and the softwood cuts were smooth enough for exposed work. The chip removal grooves on the side of each saw help clear debris during the cut, which reduces clogging and heat buildup.
The 2mm thick saw blades provide decent rigidity, and the maximum cutting depth of 40mm handles most residential framing members in a single pass. The bi-metal construction with high-speed steel cutting edges bonded to a flexible backing gives you reasonable durability for light to medium use. With over 1700 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, plenty of users have put this kit through its paces and come away satisfied.
The storage case is compact and keeps everything organized. Each component snaps into a molded slot, and the case is small enough to fit in a tool bag drawer. For occasional plumbing projects around the house, this kit gives you the sizes you need without paying for features you will not use.
The 11 saw sizes in this kit map well to standard plumbing pipe diameters. The 3/4 inch and 7/8 inch saws work for half-inch copper and PEX supply lines. The 1-1/8 inch saw fits three-quarter-inch pipe with room for the fitting. Larger sizes up to 2-1/2 inches handle drain lines and vent stacks. For residential plumbing, this range covers the vast majority of holes you will need to drill.
The included mandrels fit standard drill chucks, and the three pilot bits give you spares for when the first one dulls. The hex key is for tightening the set screws on the mandrels, which is a nice inclusion since many budget kits leave this out. Having the right sizes for standard plumbing work at this price point makes this kit an easy recommendation for homeowners and occasional DIY plumbers.
Let me be straightforward about where this kit fits. The HYCHIKA is built for light to medium duty. If you are a professional plumber cutting 50 holes a day through mixed materials, this is not your primary kit. The mandrels are not as precisely machined as the Diablo or DEWALT units, and some users report slight wobble in the larger sizes. The set screw pins that hold the saw cups on the mandrel can be slightly misaligned on the bigger cups.
But for a homeowner running a new water line to a refrigerator, installing a garbage disposal, or routing PVC drain pipe through cabinet backs, this kit does everything you need at a price that makes sense for occasional use. You get real bi-metal construction, a useful range of sizes, and enough accessories to complete the project. The 1700+ reviews suggest most buyers understand this value proposition and are happy with the trade-offs.
Picking the right hole saw kit for plumbing work comes down to matching the kit features to the materials you cut most often and the frequency of your projects. Here is what actually matters when making your decision.
Bi-metal hole saws are the most common type and the best all-around choice for plumbing work. They combine a flexible steel body with hardened high-speed steel cutting teeth, giving you durability without brittleness. Bi-metal saws handle wood, PVC, thin metal, and plastic effectively. Most of the kits in our roundup use bi-metal construction because it offers the best balance of performance and cost.
Carbide-tipped hole saws like the Klein Tools 31872 stay sharp much longer than bi-metal, especially on hard materials like stainless steel and cast iron. They cost more upfront but last significantly longer in demanding applications. If your plumbing work regularly involves cutting through metal fixtures or brackets, carbide pays for itself over time.
Diamond-grit hole saws are designed specifically for tile, glass, and masonry. For plumbing installations in bathrooms where you need to cut through ceramic tile for shower valves or pipe penetrations, a diamond-grit saw is the right tool. Most general-purpose plumbing kits do not include diamond blades, so you may need to purchase one separately for tile work.
Understanding which hole saw sizes match common plumbing pipe sizes is essential. Here is a practical reference: half-inch copper or PEX pipe needs a 7/8 inch hole saw, three-quarter-inch copper or PVC needs a 1-1/8 inch saw, one-inch pipe requires a 1-3/8 inch saw, and 1-1/2 inch drain pipe calls for a 2-inch or 2-1/8 inch saw. Two-inch drain and vent lines need a 2-1/2 inch or larger hole saw.
When choosing a kit, check that the included sizes match the pipe diameters you work with most. A kit with sizes that sit between common plumbing measurements will not do you much good. The Diablo and HYCHIKA kits in our roundup both offer excellent plumbing-specific size ranges, while the Klein kit is more specialized for electrical conduit sizes.
The arbor, also called a mandrel, is the shaft that connects the hole saw to your drill. Quick-change arbor systems like the Diablo Snap-Lock Plus let you swap saw cups in seconds without tools. Traditional threaded arbors require you to screw each cup on and off, which takes longer and can be frustrating when the threads bind up.
For plumbing work where you frequently switch between sizes, a quick-change system saves significant time over the course of a day. If you mostly use one or two sizes, a standard threaded arbor is fine. Just make sure the arbor fits your drill chuck. Most kits include a standard 1/4-inch hex shank that works with any drill.
Every hole saw leaves a plug of material stuck inside the cup after cutting. Getting that plug out quickly is one of the biggest factors in overall productivity. Kits with large ejection slots or spring-loaded ejection mechanisms let you clear the plug in seconds. Kits with small slots or no ejection features force you to dig the plug out with a screwdriver, which wastes time and can be frustrating.
The DEWALT D180002 has one of the best plug ejection designs with its large continuous slot. The Klein Tools 31872 uses a spring-loaded pilot bit that pushes the slug out automatically. Both approaches work well. If you are drilling dozens of holes per day, plug removal speed matters more than you might think.
Standard hole saws offer about 1 to 1-1/2 inches of cutting depth, which handles single studs and thin materials. Deeper saws like the Diablo DHS17SPL with 2-3/8 inches of cutting depth can handle doubled-up framing members and thicker materials in a single pass. For plumbing rough-in work where you are drilling through floor joists, top plates, or doubled studs, deeper cutting capacity saves you from having to flip the material and cut from both sides.
Consider the thickest material you regularly cut through. If you mostly drill through single studs and thin walls, standard depth is fine. If you work on new construction with doubled top plates or thick floor systems, look for a kit with deeper cutting capacity.
Based on our hands-on testing, Diablo makes the best overall hole saw kit for plumbing with their DHS17SPL model, offering deep cutting capacity, a quick-change mandrel system, and tool-free plug ejection. DEWALT and Klein Tools also produce professional-grade kits that excel in specific areas: DEWALT for general durability and value, and Klein Tools for carbide cutting performance on hard metals like stainless steel.
Plumbers use hole saw kits attached to corded or cordless drills to create round holes for running pipes through walls, floors, and cabinets. The most common type is a bi-metal hole saw kit, which cuts through wood framing, PVC pipe, thin metal, and plastic. Professional plumbers typically use kits with quick-change arbors and multiple sizes that match standard pipe diameters from half-inch to two-inch pipe.
Bi-metal hole saws are the best all-around choice for plumbing work because they combine flexibility with hardened cutting teeth that handle wood, metal, PVC, and plastic. For plumbing jobs that involve cutting stainless steel or other hard metals regularly, carbide-tipped hole saws last significantly longer. For ceramic tile and masonry work in bathrooms, diamond-grit hole saws are the correct choice.
HSS (high-speed steel) bi-metal hole saws are better for general plumbing work because they are more flexible and forgiving, cutting effectively through wood, PVC, and thin metal without chipping. TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) hole saws stay sharp much longer and cut through harder materials like stainless steel and cast iron more efficiently, but they are more brittle and require straight-on drilling. For most plumbers doing mixed-material work, HSS bi-metal is the practical choice. For dedicated stainless steel or hard metal cutting, TCT is superior.
After weeks of hands-on testing across multiple materials and plumbing scenarios, the Diablo DHS17SPL earned our top recommendation for its deep cutting capacity, quick-change mandrel, and purpose-built size selection for plumbing work. The DEWALT D180002 delivers the best overall value with professional-grade durability at a reasonable cost. For plumbers who regularly cut through stainless steel and hard metals, the Klein Tools 31872 carbide kit is worth the premium. And for homeowners tackling occasional plumbing projects, the HYCHIKA 17-piece kit provides everything you need at a budget-friendly price point.
The best hole saw kits for plumbing in 2026 are the ones that match your workload and the materials you cut most often. Choose a kit with the right sizes for your pipe diameters, a plug removal system that saves you time, and blade material that stands up to your daily cutting demands.