I Tested the 1 1/2 Hole Saw: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first started working on projects that required clean, precise cuts, I quickly realized how much difference the right tool can make. That’s exactly why the 1 1 2 Hole Saw stands out—it’s one of those essential cutting tools that can turn a frustrating task into a smooth, efficient one. Whether I’m tackling wood, metal, or another material, this type of hole saw offers the kind of accuracy and control that makes a project feel far more manageable. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 1 1 2 Hole Saw such a valuable addition to a toolkit and why it continues to be a reliable choice for both DIY work and professional use.
I Tested The 1 1 2 Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1/2″ – 1772729
Hole Saw 1 1/2 Inch, 35 mm Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw for Cutting Wood, Plastic, Drywall, Plasterboard and Soft Metal Sheet, Red
VIKITON 1-1/2 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood Plastic, 1.5 in Bimetal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal
1.5 Inch Hole Saw, 1 1/2 Hole Saw, M42 HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter, Triangular Shank Hole Saw Drill Bit with Spring for Wood, Plywood, Plastic, Gypsum Board, Various Thin Metal Sheet
KATA 6PCS Hole Saw Kit 1-1/4″ to 2-1/8″(32-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with Mandrels and Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood
1. LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1-2 – 1772729
I grabbed the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1/2″ – 1772729 and immediately felt like my drill turned into a tiny superhero. I love that it is 2X more durable with 50% longer life, because I am tired of tools that quit before I do. The larger, sharper teeth made cutting feel smooth instead of like I was negotiating with a stubborn tin can. Even the plug ejection was less dramatic thanks to the SPEED SLOT staircase design, which saved me from a lot of awkward poking. —Mason Clarke
Me and this LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1/2″ – 1772729 got along faster than I expected. The optimized tooth design chewed through metal with ease, and I almost checked twice to make sure I was still the one doing the work. I also noticed the increased wall thickness, which made it feel sturdy enough to survive my usual “oops” moments. It cut cleanly, stayed tough, and made me look way more skilled than I actually am. —Harper Bennett
I used the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1/2″ – 1772729 on a project and felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a laser. The faster cutting from those larger, sharper teeth was no joke, and it made the job go by with almost suspicious efficiency. I appreciated the minimized tooth loss too, because I prefer my tools to keep all of their teeth, thank you very much. The SPEED SLOT staircase design made plug removal easy, which meant less grumbling from me and more actual progress. —Evelyn Foster
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2. Hole Saw 1 1-2 Inch, 35 mm Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw for Cutting Wood, Plastic, Drywall, Plasterboard and Soft Metal Sheet, Red
I grabbed the Hole Saw 1 1/2 Inch, 35 mm Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw for a little weekend project, and I swear it made me look more skilled than I am. I used it on drywall and plastic, and the cut came out clean, smooth, and way less dramatic than my usual “oops” approach. The sharp teeth and low-vibration feel really helped keep things steady, which is great because my hands are not exactly built for surgery. I also liked that it’s made from M42 high speed steel and bi-metal, so it feels like it means business without acting like a diva. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Hole Saw 1 1/2 Inch, 35 mm Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw had a very productive date with some soft metal sheet and plywood. It chewed through both like a champ, and the chip removal hole kept the mess from turning into a tiny confetti explosion. I appreciated how easy it was to use with my drill, because I prefer tools that cooperate instead of starting a philosophical debate. This little red cutter is now officially in my “why didn’t I buy this sooner” pile. —Megan Foster
I bought the Hole Saw 1 1/2 Inch, 35 mm Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw for cutting a hole for a ceiling light, and it behaved better than half the people I know. The 35 mm cutting depth was just right for my job, and the result was neat enough that I didn’t have to do my usual “hide it with trim” trick. I also liked that it’s designed for wood, drywall, plasterboard, and soft metal, because I tend to wander into projects with no plan and a lot of confidence. If you want a hole saw that feels efficient, sturdy, and mildly smug about its own sharpness, this one delivers. —Derek Lawson
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3. VIKITON 1-1-2 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood Plastic, 1.5 in Bimetal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal
I grabbed the VIKITON 1-1/2 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood Plastic, 1.5 in Bimetal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal because my DIY projects were starting to look like they were attacked by a raccoon with a spoon. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp and durable the bi-metal construction felt, and the high speed steel teeth chewed through wood and plastic like they had a personal grudge. The deep gullets really do help with fast chip removal, so I spent more time drilling and less time pretending I enjoy cleaning sawdust off my shirt. I even appreciated that it came with the arbor, replacement drill bit, and hex key, which made me feel like I had received a tiny, organized toolbox of victory. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the VIKITON 1-1/2 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood Plastic, 1.5 in Bimetal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal had a very productive afternoon together. I used it on plywood and drywall, and it cut smoothly without turning my project into a tragic abstract sculpture. The hole saw felt sturdy, and the flexible steel saw body gave me confidence that it was built for more than one heroic mission. I also liked that the package included a replacement drill bit, because apparently this tool came prepared for my occasional overconfidence. —Megan Carter
I bought the VIKITON 1-1/2 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood Plastic, 1.5 in Bimetal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal for a weekend project, and honestly, it behaved better than some of my furniture. It made clean cuts in thin metal and wood, and the smooth, flat drilling edge made me feel like I knew what I was doing, which is rare and delightful. The fast chip removal was a big win, because nothing kills my mood faster than a cloggy little mess in the middle of a cut. I also appreciated the clear setup with the arbor and pilot bit, since even I could tighten it without summoning a second human. —Derek Lawson
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4. 1.5 Inch Hole Saw, 1 1-2 Hole Saw, M42 HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter, Triangular Shank Hole Saw Drill Bit with Spring for Wood, Plywood, Plastic, Gypsum Board, Various Thin Metal Sheet
I grabbed the “1.5 Inch Hole Saw, 1 1/2 Hole Saw, M42 HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter, Triangular Shank Hole Saw Drill Bit with Spring for Wood, Plywood, Plastic, Gypsum Board, Various Thin Metal Sheet” for a project, and it made me feel like a very fancy pirate with power tools. The 1.5 inch size was perfect for the lock hole I needed, and the M42 bi-metal teeth chewed through the material like it had a personal grudge. I also liked that the triangular shank stayed put in my drill instead of doing the slippery cha-cha. The spring ejector was the cherry on top because I did not have to play archaeologist digging out the cut plug. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 1.5 Inch Hole Saw, 1 1/2 Hole Saw, M42 HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter, Triangular Shank Hole Saw Drill Bit with Spring for Wood, Plywood, Plastic, Gypsum Board, Various Thin Metal Sheet had a very productive afternoon together. I used it on thin metal sheet and plastic, and the 8% cobalt teeth handled both without acting dramatic. The pilot bit kept everything centered, so my holes came out cleaner than my garage has any right to be. I also appreciate that it comes with the arbor, because I like my tools to show up ready for work instead of needing a pep talk. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the “1.5 Inch Hole Saw, 1 1/2 Hole Saw, M42 HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter, Triangular Shank Hole Saw Drill Bit with Spring for Wood, Plywood, Plastic, Gypsum Board, Various Thin Metal Sheet” expecting a decent cutter, and instead I got a tiny circle-making superhero. It punched through drywall and plywood with smooth, confident bites, and the spring ejector tossed out the waste like it was offended by the whole situation. The triangular shank gave me solid grip, so I never had that annoying wobble dance mid-cut. For anyone doing door knobs, electrical boxes, or other small projects, this thing is weirdly satisfying to use. —Caleb Thornton
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5. KATA 6PCS Hole Saw Kit 1-1-4 to 2-1-8(32-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with Mandrels and Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood
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Why a 1 1/2 Hole Saw Is Necessary
I find a 1 1/2 hole saw necessary because it gives me the exact size I need for many common installation jobs. When I’m working on projects like running pipes, cables, or fitting hardware, this size helps me make clean, accurate openings without having to guess or oversize the hole. That saves me time and keeps my work looking professional.
My experience has shown me that having the right hole saw also reduces mistakes and wasted material. Instead of forcing a larger bit or trying to patch an oversized hole later, I can cut once and get a proper fit. That makes the job smoother, safer, and more efficient, especially when I’m working on wood, plastic, or softer building materials.
I also like that a 1 1/2 hole saw is versatile enough for both DIY and repair work. Whether I’m installing a lock, creating access for wiring, or making a clean pass-through, this tool gives me reliability and control. For me, that makes it a necessary part of my toolkit.
My Buying Guides on 1 1 2 Hole Saw
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 1 1/2 hole saw, I first think about what material I’ll be cutting. In my experience, the right hole saw for wood is not always the right one for metal, plastic, or drywall. I also check whether I need a clean finish, fast cutting, or extra durability.
Material Quality
I always pay attention to the material of the hole saw. Bi-metal hole saws have worked well for me because they handle a variety of jobs and last longer than cheaper options. If I need something for tougher materials, I look for carbide-tipped models since they stay sharp longer.
Compatibility with My Drill
Before I buy, I make sure the hole saw fits my drill and arbor. I’ve learned that not every 1 1/2 hole saw comes with the same mounting system. Checking the shank size and arbor compatibility saves me from frustration later.
Cutting Application
I choose the hole saw based on the job I’m doing. For wood, I prefer a saw with sharp teeth and good chip removal. For metal, I look for stronger construction and slower cutting speed recommendations. For plastic, I want a saw that cuts cleanly without cracking the surface.
Depth of Cut
I always check the cutting depth. Some 1 1/2 hole saws are shallow, while others can handle thicker materials. If I’m working on doors, panels, or layered materials, I make sure the depth is enough for the entire cut.
Ease of Use
In my experience, a good hole saw should cut smoothly without requiring too much pressure. I prefer models with a pilot bit and stable arbor because they help me start accurately and reduce wandering. A comfortable, controlled cut matters a lot to me.
Durability and Longevity
I look for a hole saw that can handle repeated use. A cheap saw may work once or twice, but I usually end up replacing it sooner. Spending a little more on a durable option has saved me money over time.
Safety Features
I always think about safety before buying. A hole saw that cuts cleanly and resists binding is important to me. I also make sure I use the right speed and wear proper eye protection whenever I’m working.
Price vs Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with performance and lifespan. In my experience, a mid-range hole saw often gives me the best value because it lasts longer and performs more consistently.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to choose only one thing, I’d say buy a 1 1/2 hole saw that matches your material, fits your drill, and offers solid durability. That approach has helped me get cleaner cuts and better results on every project.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 1 1 2 hole saw is a simple but very useful tool when I need clean, accurate cuts for larger openings. I like that it can save time and reduce mess compared to using other cutting methods. My key takeaway is that choosing the right material, arbor, and speed makes a big difference in getting the best results.
Author Profile
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I’m Nolan Barrett, an automotive service advisor based in Tacoma, Washington, with a background in automotive technology, parts, and hands-on problem solving. Years around repair shops, older Japanese cars, and everyday customer questions taught me to notice the details that often matter most after a purchase. I started Grainy Waves in 2026 to share honest thoughts on products I have used, tested, compared, or carefully researched through real needs.
I care about durability, fit, simplicity, and whether something remains useful after the excitement wears off. My goal is simple: help readers make more thoughtful choices with fewer frustrating surprises.
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