If you wish to cut a circular hole in any material, then holesaws are the perfect tool to help you achieve your goal quickly and at the lowest cost. There is a whole range of holesaws available in various types and materials to suit a variety of materials.

Construction

The simplest holesaws are made of high speed steel in the form of a circular tube with saw tooth edges on one edge and a closed end at the other. A twist drill bit may be affixed in the middle for centering purpose. The saw tooth edges chip away materials and cut out neat holes in a range of materials. Exotic holesaws may feature diamond-tipped blades or tungsten carbide-tipped blades to drill holes in masonry, concrete, steel and even glass. Most home hobbyists can buy a range of holesaws in sizes of ½ inch to 6-inch diameter to drill holes in wood, plastics and aluminum.

Types

The whole range of holesaws available is rather breathtaking in its diversity of applications.

• Progressor type holesaws: One can buy a progressor type holesaw with power change adapter. This can cut through acrylic, glass, aluminum, chipboard, composites, laminates, natural woods, brass, copper, plasterboard, plastics, steel, cast iron and thin sheets.
• Sheet metal holesaw: With a power change adapter, this type of holesaw is specifically suited for sheet metals, inox, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass, especially thin gauge materials.
• Multi-construction: This type of holesaw has a different type of edge construction with tungsten carbide teeth and with a suitable adapter, it can cut through acrylic, glass, chipboard, cement bonded materials, fiberglass, laminates, concrete, masonry, wood, plasterboard, roofing tiles, bricks and vertically perforated bricks.
• Diamond holesaw: This type of holesaw has industrial diamond tipped saw tips and it is recommended for cutting floor tiles, porcelain, stoneware and wall tiles. This is the perfect holesaw for professionals engaged in laying tiles.
• HSS bimetal: This type of holesaw is made of 8% cobalt alloy for long life and better performance. It cuts through acrylic, glass, aluminum, non-ferrous metals, cast steel and cast iron and thin sheet metals as well as woods. Most plumbers and electricans have a kit of HSS bimetal holesaws in their toolbox.

The normal type of holesaw usually has a shank. Innovatively designed holesaws may use an adapter for quick and easy fit. Just one adapter fits different holesaw diameters. Some holesaws designed to cut metal may feature an ejection spring for automatic ejection of the cut disc.

Sizes

The whole range of holesaws is available in sizes starting at14 mmdiameter. The maximum diameter can be150 mm.

The plain holesaw has an integral shank and it can be fitted into the chuck of a drill and used straightaway. In more expensive types such as the tungsten carbide-tipped holesaw and the diamond holesaw, this may not be practical. Holesaws are available with a variety of accessories such as adapters with pilot drills, ejector springs, progressors, power change adapter in various sizes, drill bits, and extensions.

Manufacturers recommend that holesaws should always be used with a coolant or cutting oil except when one is using them to cut holes in wood. Coolants and cutting oils extend life of the tip and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut.