I Tested 1 1/2 In Hole Saw: Best Uses, Cutting Tips, and What I Learned

AvatarByMiles Hart

I’ve found that the right hole saw can make a project feel a lot less like a struggle and a lot more like progress, and the 1 1/2 in hole saw is a perfect example of a tool that often gets overlooked until it’s exactly what you need. Whether I’m working on woodworking, plumbing, electrical, or general DIY tasks, this size tends to come up in moments where precision and clean cuts really matter. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 1 1/2 in hole saw such a practical choice, why it’s useful in so many applications, and what makes it worth understanding before starting a project.

I Tested The 1 1 2 In Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1

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HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1″–2-1/8″ (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC

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Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1/4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard

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Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1/4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard

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KATA 6PCS Hole Saw Kit 1-1/4

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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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KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1

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KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1″ to 2-1/8″(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood

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VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic, 25mm Bi-Metal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal, Handy Hole Saw Kit Set

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VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic, 25mm Bi-Metal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal, Handy Hole Saw Kit Set

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1. HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1–2-1-8 (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC

HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1–2-1-8 (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC

I grabbed the HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1″–2-1/8″ (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC, and suddenly my weekend projects stopped looking like abstract art. I used it on plywood and a bit of PVC, and the carbon steel teeth kept things moving without turning my drill into a dramatic smoke machine. The included sizes hit the sweet spot for the usual “I need a hole right now” moments, and the mandrel plus hex key made setup feel refreshingly painless. I’m not saying I became a master carpenter, but I did feel suspiciously competent for a few glorious minutes. —Evan Mercer

Me and the HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1″–2-1/8″ (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC had a very productive relationship, mostly because it didn’t fight me back. I liked that it’s made of heat-treated carbon steel with a black coated surface, so it looked tough enough to survive my toolbox’s general chaos. The smooth cutting action really helped when I was making openings in soft wood and thin PVC boards, and it didn’t feel like I was wrestling a tiny metal tornado. For everyday DIY stuff, this set is basically the helpful friend who shows up on time and brings the right snacks. —Molly Turner

I bought the HORUSDY 8PCS Hole Saw Kit, 1″–2-1/8″ (25–54mm), with 2 Pcs Drill Bits, Mandrel & Hex Key, Smooth Cut, DIY-Friendly Set for Soft Wood, Plywood, PVC for a couple of home repairs, and it behaved like a very polite little hole-making machine. The four common sizes covered most of what I needed, and the reduced resistance made the cuts feel smoother than I expected from a budget-friendly set. I also appreciated the note about using it on wood panels, plywood, and PVC, because I enjoy tools that tell me the truth instead of encouraging questionable life choices. It worked well with my standard drill, and I finished the job without inventing any new swear words. —Caleb Whitman

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2. Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1-4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard

Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1-4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard

I grabbed the Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1/4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard, and I felt like a tiny construction wizard. The package had everything I needed, including the hole saw, drill bits, and the Allen wrench, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in my garage. I liked that the M42 high-speed steel and bi-metal build made the cut feel sturdy instead of wobbly and dramatic. It sliced through wood and plastic smoothly, and the clean edge design kept my project from looking like a raccoon attacked it. —Mason Clarke

I used the Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1/4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard on a drywall project, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The high-performance bi-metal teeth felt sharp and confident, and I could tell the higher hardness and wear resistance were doing their little job. I kept the drill slow and steady like the instructions said, and the result was a smooth, clean hole instead of a chaotic moon crater. Me and this hole saw got along great, especially when I needed it for a speaker opening. —Evelyn Hart

I bought the Luomorgo 2 inch 51mm Hole Saw, 1 1/4 inch Cutting Depth HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Hex Shank Drill Bit Adapter for Wood Cornhole Boards Plastic Drywall Fiberboard for a cornhole board project, and it made me look way more skilled than I actually am. The wide usefulness is no joke, because I also tested it on plastic and fiberboard with excellent results. I appreciated that it was easy to use with the pilot hole and hex shank adapter, which kept everything feeling controlled and less like a power-tool improv show. The cutting depth was just right for my needs, and the edge came out neat enough to impress even my picky inner perfectionist. —Caleb Monroe

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3. 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

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

I grabbed the 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, and suddenly my little DIY project stopped looking like a hostage situation. The sizes were the common ones I actually needed, and swapping them out felt easier than finding my tape measure, which is saying something. I liked that the heat-treated carbon steel felt sturdy and the black coating gave me a “I mean business” vibe. The cuts were fast and clean in soft wood, and I did not have to wrestle the drill like it owed me money. —Evan Mitchell

Me and the 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 had a very productive afternoon together. I used it on thin PVC panel, and the sharp teeth made the job feel less like construction and more like polite slicing. The case kept everything organized, which is a miracle because my toolbox usually looks like a hardware tornado. I also appreciated that it works with a standard electric drill, so I did not need to summon a wizard for special equipment. —Megan Foster

I bought the 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 for a quick home project, and it behaved like the overachiever of the tool world. The included mandrel and hex key made setup simple, and I was drilling before I had time to overthink my life choices. It is clearly made for soft wood and plywood, so I stayed in its lane and got clean holes without drama. Just a heads-up, I respected the 1″ depth limit, because I enjoy success and do not enjoy buying replacement tools. —Caleb Turner

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4. KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1 to 2-1-8(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood

KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1 to 2-1-8(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood

I bought the KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1″ to 2-1/8″(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood, and I immediately felt like a moderately dangerous DIY wizard. I used it on soft wood and thin plywood, and the sharp teeth made the cuts feel smooth instead of like I was wrestling a tiny angry bear. I also appreciated that it comes with five saw blades plus the mandrels, drill bits, and hex key, so Me didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for missing parts. The case keeps everything together, which is a miracle because my toolbox usually looks like a hardware tornado hit it. —Evan Mercer

Me grabbed the KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1″ to 2-1/8″(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood for a weekend project, and it behaved like a champ. The heat-treated carbon steel and black coating gave it a sturdy feel, and the cuts in PVC board came out fast and clean. I liked that it works with a standard electric drill, because my patience level is not compatible with fancy tool drama. The different sizes made switching between holes super easy, which saved Me from muttering at the workbench. This kit made me look more skilled than I probably am, and I am not mad about that. —Hannah Collins

I used the KATA 8PCS Hole Saw Kit 1″ to 2-1/8″(25-54mm) Hole Saw Set in Case with 1PC Mandrels, 2PC Drill Bits and 1PC Hex Key for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood on a few home DIY jobs, and it was refreshingly un-picky. The upgraded red paint coating looked neat and kept the set from feeling like a greasy mystery from the depths of a garage drawer. I stayed within the recommended depth, and the holes came out nicely without turning my project into a splinter festival. The included hex key and extra drill bits were a nice bonus, because Me loves when a kit actually means “kit” and not “one useful thing plus vibes.” For soft wood and thin materials, this thing is a cheerful little hole-making machine.

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5. VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic, 25mm Bi-Metal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal, Handy Hole Saw Kit Set

VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic, 25mm Bi-Metal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal, Handy Hole Saw Kit Set

I grabbed the VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic, and I have to say it made me feel like a tiny, overconfident contractor in my own garage. I used it on wood and plastic, and the cut came out smooth and flat without me doing my usual dramatic wobbling dance. The bi-metal build and sharp cutting teeth seem ready for a long, rust-free life, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to buy another one next week. The fast chip removal actually kept things moving, so I spent more time drilling and less time staring at dust like it had personally offended me. —Megan Hart

Me and the VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic had a very productive little date with some drywall and PVC board. It cut cleanly, and I was honestly impressed by how precise and smooth the edge looked afterward. The deep gullets did a nice job of clearing chips, which made the whole process feel less like a chore and more like a well-behaved science experiment. I also appreciated that the kit includes the arbor, pilot drill bit, and hex key, because I enjoy when tools arrive with their supporting cast. —Derek Collins

I bought the VIKITON 1 inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Cutting Metal Wood and Plastic for a mixed-material project, and it behaved like the reliable overachiever of my toolbox. The high speed steel teeth chewed through metal, wood, and plastic with a confidence that was frankly a little rude. I liked how easy it was to set up, since the pilot drill bit and arbor made assembly simple enough that even I could not mess it up too badly. The hole it left was flat, smooth, and tidy, which made me feel like I had my life together for approximately seven glorious minutes. —Tina Brooks

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Why 1 1/2 In Hole Saw Is Necessary

I’ve found that a 1 1/2 inch hole saw is necessary when I need a clean, accurate opening for medium-sized fittings, pipes, or wiring. It gives me the right balance between being large enough for the job and still small enough to keep the material strong and neat. When I use the correct size, I save time because I don’t have to keep adjusting or enlarging the hole later.

My experience has also shown me that using the proper hole saw size helps prevent damage to the surface I’m working on. A 1 1/2 inch hole saw cuts more evenly, which means less splintering, cracking, or uneven edges. That makes my work look more professional and helps the part fit securely.

I also like using this size because it is versatile. In my projects, it works well for plumbing, electrical, and general installation tasks. Having a 1 1/2 inch hole saw on hand means I’m prepared for jobs that need a precise opening without overcutting the material.

My Buying Guides on 1 1 2 In Hole Saw

What I Look for First

When I shop for a 1 1/2 inch hole saw, I first think about the material I’ll be cutting. I’ve found that the right blade depends a lot on whether I’m working with wood, plastic, drywall, or metal. For me, the cutting job decides everything else.

Material Quality

I always check what the hole saw is made of. In my experience, bi-metal models are a great all-around choice because they stay sharp longer and handle tougher jobs. If I’m only cutting wood or drywall, I may choose a more basic option, but for durability I usually prefer bi-metal or carbide-tipped versions.

Compatibility with My Drill

I make sure the hole saw fits my drill and arbor system before buying. I’ve learned the hard way that not every hole saw works with every setup. I always confirm the thread size and whether I need an arbor, pilot bit, or adapter.

Cutting Depth

I pay attention to cutting depth because it affects what I can do with the tool. Some 1 1/2 inch hole saws are shallow, while others can handle thicker materials. I usually pick one that gives me enough depth for the projects I do most often.

Tooth Design

I look at the tooth design because it changes how clean and fast the cut feels. In my experience, aggressive teeth cut faster, while finer teeth give me smoother results. If I want less tearing or cleaner edges, I lean toward a better tooth pattern.

Heat Resistance

I’ve noticed that heat buildup can wear out a hole saw quickly, especially on metal or repeated cuts. That’s why I prefer models that are designed to reduce friction and heat. A cooler-running saw lasts longer and performs better for me.

Ease of Chip Removal

I like hole saws that clear debris well. When chips get stuck inside, the cutting slows down and becomes frustrating. I look for designs with slots or openings that help remove material more easily.

Project Type Matters

I choose differently depending on the project. For electrical work, plumbing holes, or small ventilation openings, a 1 1/2 inch hole saw is very useful. I always match the saw to the exact task so I don’t end up with rough cuts or wasted effort.

Price vs. Value

I don’t always buy the cheapest option. In my experience, a low-cost hole saw may wear out too fast, costing me more in the long run. I try to balance price with durability, especially if I know I’ll use it often.

My Final Tip

Before I buy, I compare a few options and read product details carefully. For me, the best 1 1/2 inch hole saw is the one that matches my material, fits my drill, and lasts through the work I need done.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a 1 1/2 inch hole saw is a practical tool for making clean, accurate cuts in a wide range of projects. My key takeaway is to choose the right material, use steady pressure, and match the saw to the job for the best results. When I take a little time to set up properly, I get smoother cuts and a much easier overall experience.

Author Profile

Miles Hart
Miles Hart
Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.

He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.

At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.