Hole Saws & Core Drill Bits

Hole saws and core drill bits are perfect for creating larger holes than standard drill bits, making them versatile for various materials and applications. They efficiently cut large holes by removing less material, ensuring a faster process. Suitable for wood, metal, and plastic, these tools deliver clean and precise cuts, making them ideal for construction, plumbing, and DIY projects.

What is a Hole Saw?

A hole saw typically comprises three key components: an arbour (or mandrel), a central pilot drill bit, and the cylindrical hole cutter itself. The arbour acts as the connection point, securing the hole saw bit to both the pilot drill and your drill chuck. The arbour shaft fits into the drill chuck, and the circular drill bit (the hole saw cylinder) is attached to the arbour, usually by screwing it on.

The pilot drill bit, held in place by a grub screw within the arbour, creates a small, central pilot hole. This pilot hole is crucial for keeping the drill steady as the hole cutter for the drill begins cutting.

Without this guide, controlling the hole saw and ensuring a clean, accurate cut can be very difficult and potentially unsafe. However, in situations where both the drill and workpiece are fixed (like with a pillar drill), the pilot drill may not be necessary.

Some metal hole saw kits and core drill bits even include a built-in spring to eject the cut material, saving time and effort. Always ensure your hole saw or core drill is free from debris before use for safe and efficient operation.

Types of Hole Saws

Choosing the right hole saw is essential for optimal performance and to avoid damaging your tools or materials. Different materials require different cutting edges and tooth configurations. RS AU offers a comprehensive range of hole saws and drill bits, including arbours, core drill bits, hole saw cowls, ejectors, quick-change connectors, sets, and pilot drills, ensuring you have the right tool for every job.

Using the correct drill type for the material you're working with—whether it's wood, metal, masonry, plastic, or something else—will ensure a clean cut and prolong the life of your tools. For instance, when drilling through timber, a sharp wood drill bit would be crucial for creating a clean hole and preventing splintering. Conversely, when working with steel, a high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit designed for metal can help penetrate the material effectively without damaging the drill.

Bimetal Cobalt vs Bimetal

Bimetal hole saws offer a great balance of durability and cutting performance. These metal hole cutters combine a tough high-speed steel tooth section with a more flexible backing material. This allows them to withstand the stresses of cutting while also being less brittle.

Bimetal cobalt hole saws take this a step further. The addition of cobalt to the high-speed steel teeth increases their hardness and heat resistance, making them particularly effective when cutting harder metals and extending their lifespan.

Essentially, bimetal is a good all-rounder, while bimetal cobalt is the heavy-duty option.

High-Speed Steel (HSS)

HSS hole saws are constructed from high-speed steel, an alloy known for its hardness and ability to retain its cutting edge at high temperatures. This makes them ideal for cutting metal and hardwood. They offer good cutting performance at a reasonable price point, making them a versatile choice for general-purpose use.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide hole saws are made with teeth or cutting edges made from tungsten carbide, an extremely hard ceramic material. This makes them the go-to choice for tougher materials like stainless steel and fiberglass. Their robust construction and hard-wearing teeth allow them to power through challenging materials with ease.

Diamond

Diamond hole cutters utilise industrial-grade diamonds bonded to the cutting edge. When working with exceptionally hard materials such as tile, glass, and stone, these are essential. The diamond grit cutting edge provides the necessary hardness to cut cleanly and efficiently through these demanding materials.

Industry Applications of Hole Saws

Hole saws and core drill bits are indispensable tools across a wide range of industries. From professional workshops and busy job sites to DIY projects at home, they offer a versatile solution for creating clean, accurate holes.

Hole saws find applications across a diverse range of industries, including:

• Discrete Manufacturing: From machinery production to automotive manufacturing, hole saws create precise holes for bolts, pipes, cables and wiring.
• Process Manufacturing: Industries like food, chemical, and pharmaceutical rely on hole saws for creating openings in tanks, pipes, and processing equipment.
• Energy & Utilities: Hole saws are essential for installing and maintaining wind turbines, water pipes, and other critical infrastructure.
• Facilities & Intralogistics: Warehouses, universities, and healthcare facilities use hole saws for maintenance and construction tasks, such as installing lighting, running cables, and creating access points in walls.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Hole Saws

Choosing the right hole saw can be tricky. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don't choose the wrong type: Using a metal hole saw on wood, for example, will lead to poor performance and could damage the tool. Select a hole saw bit designed for your specific material.
• Don't ignore size specifications: Double-check the diameter and cutting depth of the drill hole cutter to ensure it matches your project requirements.
• Don't overlook arbour compatibility: Make sure the hole cutter for the drill arbor is compatible with your drill's chuck size.

Your Trusted Hole Saws Supplier & Manufacturer

As a trusted supplier of high-quality hole saws and related accessories in Australia, RS Group stocks a wide range of bimetal hole saws, metal hole cutters, and hole saw drill bits from brands such as our very own RS PRO and Starrett. Our extensive selection ensures you can find the perfect hole saw kit or individual hole saw bit for any application. Browse our online catalogue for competitive prices and fast, reliable delivery Australia-wide. Find out more about our delivery services and fees on our Delivery page.