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Buying a 1 1/2 inch hole saw isn’t about grabbing the cheapest round thing with teeth. The real trick is matching the tool’s teeth and material to what you’re actually drilling — a diamond edge for tile, a carbide tip for steel, or a bi-metal blade for wood. This guide sorts through the top options so you can pick the one that won’t quit halfway through your project.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are chasing a clean hole in a tile countertop or boring through a steel plate, finding the right 1 1/2 hole saw starts with knowing which cutting edge matches your material and your drill’s power.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 1 1/2 Hole Saw
A 1 1/2 inch hole saw cuts a hole that’s roughly the size of a standard electrical box or a pipe fitting. The right choice depends on the material you’re cutting, the depth you need, and your drill’s arbor fit. Get these right and the job goes smoothly; ignore them and you’ll be replacing the saw.
Match the Cutting Edge to the Material
The teeth are the whole game. Bi-metal blades, with high-speed steel teeth welded to a tough body, are the versatile everyday choice for wood, plastics, and softer metals. Carbide-tipped saws put tungsten carbide teeth on the rim, which handle hardened steel, stainless, and iron far better than bi-metal. Diamond-edged saws are a completely different breed — they grind, not cut, and they’re essential for porcelain, ceramic tile, glass, and stone. Note that diamond saws for tile can’t be used on metal, and carbide saws for metal shouldn’t touch concrete or stone.
Check Cutting Depth and Arbor Fit
Before you buy, know how thick a board or pipe you need to cut through in one pass. A saw rated at 1.5 inches or more of cutting depth lets you go through thicker material without flipping the work. The shank or arbor is the part that grips your drill. Some saws have an integrated shank that fits a standard 3/8″ chuck, while others need a separate arbor with a 5/8-18 thread. Check your drill’s chuck and whether you must buy an arbor separately before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cutting Edge | Ideal Material | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LENOX Bi-Metal★ Best Overall | All-around cutting | Bi-Metal | Wood & Metal | 4.48 oz | Amazon |
| MOLLOM DiamondBest for Tile | Clean tile holes | Diamond | Tile & Stone | 0.12 kg | Amazon |
| AOKAIMIAR CarbideBest Value Steel Cutter | Budget steel cutting | Carbide | Metal & Wood | 0.21 kg | Amazon |
| MaxTool Bi-Metal | Deep single-pass cuts | M42 Cobalt | Wood & Metal | 90 g | Amazon |
| Vouyar Carbide | Hard sheet steel | Carbide | Steel & Wood | — | Amazon |
| Starrett Fast Cut | Thin sheet metal | HSS Teeth | Metal & Wood | 0.03 kg | Amazon |
| METOTY Carbide Kit | Multi-size metal work | TCT Carbide | Steel & Aluminum | — | Amazon |
| DKIBBITH Diamond | Granite & glass | Diamond | Stone & Glass | 0.24 kg | Amazon |
| Greenlee Carbide | Pro stainless work | Carbide | Stainless Steel | 0.23 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The versatile workhorse that chews through wood and steel without slowing down.
This is the saw to reach for when your project list mixes framing lumber and metal. The bi-metal construction pairs a tough body with high-speed steel teeth, and the maker claims the design delivers 2X more durability with 50% longer life than earlier LENOX saws. It works with any standard arbor fitting, so it slips onto most drill setups you already own.
This saw wins on cutting performance. Its tune tooth design and larger, sharper teeth are built to penetrate metal with ease, and owners back that up — one reviewer wrote, “Cut 50 holes from 2×3 and still going!” The same saw has bored dozens of holes through 1/8-inch steel, yet it also rips through pine without trouble.
What wins people over is the quality, which earns the most mentions by far, followed closely by pure performance. The recurring gripe is the latch — treat it gently, because some owners found the durability mixed when pushed hard. Keep the speed slow and clear the sawdust, and this saw keeps cutting.
Built to keep cutting
- Reported to cut 50 holes in pine and stay sharp.
- Bores through 1/8-inch steel for dozens of holes.
- SPEED SLOT design ejects the plug easily.
Technique matters
- White coating wears off fast and may add friction.
- Gets hot; owners pause a minute after a few holes.
- Lighter pressure at the end prevents grabbing.
The crowd favorite: if you cut wood and metal with one tool, this is the balanced pick that lasts.
Mind the heat: this saw demands a steady, slow speed and dust clearing to avoid overheating.
2. MOLLOM 1-1/2″ Diamond Hole Saw
Your go-to for chip-free holes in porcelain and granite without chattering teeth.
This saw has no teeth at all — it grinds with diamond grain brazed onto the edge. That makes it the right pick for porcelain tiles, ceramic, marble, granite, glass, and fiberglass, where a toothed blade would shatter the surface. It cuts a 38mm (1-1/2″) hole with a depth of 35mm, enough for most countertop and wall tile jobs.
The performance here is the thing everyone raves about, with far more owners praising the cutting ability than anything else. Buyers report it “quickly and easily cut a smooth 1 inch diameter chip free hole in my tile countertop,” and the diamond grit has sliced through quartz and even concrete-like materials without complaint. The included second pilot bit helps you start the hole accurately on a slick glazed surface.
It weighs just 0.12 kg, which is notably lighter than the 0.21 kg of the AOKAIMIAR carbide saw, so it feels nimble in a cordless drill. The catch is that it cannot be used on metal, and you need water or coolant while drilling to keep the diamond from clogging and overheating. Owners who follow that rule get smooth, straight holes; those who skip it risk a short life.
Clean cutting on stone
- Produces chip-free holes in tile countertops.
- Handles quartz, granite, and porcelain with ease.
- Removable pilot bit aids accurate starting.
Needs care
- Not for metal work of any kind.
- Requires water or coolant during drilling.
- Debris must be cleared after each cut to avoid clogging.
Reach for this if: your project is a tile backsplash, granite counter, or porcelain floor.
Look elsewhere if: you need to cut steel or iron — a diamond edge won’t survive that job.
3. AOKAIMIAR 1-1/2 Inch Carbide Hole Saw
A budget-priced carbide cutter that takes on stainless steel like tools twice its cost.
If your main job is punching through metal, this tungsten-carbide-tipped saw is a serious contender at a friendly price. It’s rated for stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, and aluminum alloy, making it far more metal-focused than a general bi-metal blade. The carbide tips hold an edge that keeps cutting without the rapid dulling you’d see on softer steel teeth.
The cutting performance earns the most praise from owners, who report making perfect holes in thick steel plates and cutting through metal easily. One owner reports it “cut two 2-inch holes in 1/4-inch steel plate with WD-40, slow RPM, light pressure” and found the teeth razor-sharp afterward with an excellent finish. At 0.21 kg it feels solid and substantial, noticeably heavier than the MOLLOM’s 0.12 kg diamond saw.
The recurring gripe is the included pilot drill bit — some found it snapped during use, so treat it gently and consider it a consumable. Keep that technique and the value is hard to argue with.
Metal-eating teeth
- Carbide tips stay sharp on thick steel plates.
- Handles stainless, iron, copper, and brass.
- Clean cuts with minimal tear-out reported.
Watch the extras
- Pilot drill bit can snap under pressure.
- Needs slow RPM and lubricant for best results.
- Assembled bit may not fit its storage box.
Best if: you want carbide cutting power without paying pro-shop prices.
Think twice if: you expect the pilot bit to survive heavy abuse — have a spare on hand.
4. MaxTool 1-1/2″ Bi-Metal M42 Cobalt Hole Saw
A deep-cutting cobalt blade that handles thick material in a single pass.
This saw is built for depth. With a 1.5-inch cutting depth, it goes through thicker boards and composite tops without needing a second pass from the other side. The M42 high-speed steel carries an 8% cobalt content, which provides superior heat and wear resistance for tough materials like metal, wood, plastic, and composites.
The variable tooth design, with a 4/6 teeth-per-inch pattern, reduces vibration and produces smoother, faster cuts. Owners find the quality to be the standout feature, with one using it to drill holes for canless brass lights and praising that it’s deeper than other hole saws and very durable. The standard 5/8-18UNF thread arbor connection fits most standard mandrels and power drills for quick attachment.
This blade is seriously sharp — owners warn it will “rip your arm off if you don’t brace it properly,” so use two hands and start on the lowest speed. The recurring note is that it needs a drill with plenty of torque and a firm hold. Durability gets mixed feedback, with a couple of owners reporting ruined boards, so feed it steadily and don’t force it.
Deep and fast
- 1.5-inch depth cuts thick material in one pass.
- 8% cobalt resists heat and wear.
- Universal 5/8-18 thread fits most arbors.
Handle with care
- Very sharp, can grab and twist the drill.
- Demands high torque and a firm grip.
- Avoid forcing it to prevent board damage.
Choose this for: recessed lighting or plumbing holes through thick cabinets and desktop surfaces.
skip it if: you only have a low-torque drill — this blade needs power behind it.
5. Vouyar 1.5″ Tungsten Carbide Hole Saw
An all-in-one carbide kit with a spring ejector that spits out plugs for you.
This saw comes ready to run right from the start. It includes the pilot bit, the arbor, an Allen key, and a storage case, so there’s no hunting for the right mandrel before you start. Tungsten carbide cutting teeth deliver accurate, smooth drilling on tough surfaces like stainless steel, brass, copper, and steel, as well as wood and plastic.
The standout feature is the pressure-sensitive ring ejector, which pushes out the scrap plug once you’ve drilled through the work piece. Owners find the performance to be the most praised aspect, reporting it cuts through 18-gauge steel quickly and smoothly. The sharpness also gets frequent praise, with one owner calling it the sharpest and fastest drill bit they’ve ever used on pressure-treated 2×4 lumber.
A key spec to respect is the RPM limit — the maker says to keep speed below 500 RPM to prevent clogging. Use sufficient lubrication to prevent overheating, and this saw rewards you with long life. The main caution is its power: high torque can twist your wrist, so hold the drill firmly on every cut.
Complete package
- Includes pilot bit, arbor, Allen key, and case.
- Ring ejector clears plugs automatically.
- Matte-black coating resists corrosion.
Speed limits
- Keep RPM below 500 to prevent clogging.
- Lubrication is required for best results.
- Strong torque demands a firm grip.
Grab this if: you want a self-contained kit with nothing extra to buy and a built-in plug ejector.
Pass it by if: you’re cutting thick wood only — a bi-metal blade is lighter and cheaper for that job.
6. Starrett Fast Cut Straight Pitch Hole Saw
A precision blade from a trusted name that tames thin, tricky sheet metal.
This saw is engineered for a specific trick: cutting thin cross-sections of sheet metal, corrugated or perforated steel, and applications with interrupted cuts. The straight 5.5-pitch tooth design (5-1/2 teeth per inch) smoothly slices through these tricky materials that make other saws chatter and snag. It’s a specialist tool for metalworkers and precise DIY jobs.
The body is built from tough alloy with hardened, heat-resistant high-speed steel teeth, ensuring long life and consistent performance. Owners find the performance to be the most praised quality, noting it cuts quickly through wood and common materials while making accurate holes. The brand reputation carries weight here, with owners specifically noting that name-brand durability beats cheaper imports that cut inaccurately.
One owner used it to cut out a 14mm wheel stud and found it worked great, while another reported it outcut a Bosch saw in side-by-side lug nut shredding. The narrow tooth set makes an accurate cut but can bind in deeper cuts, and the high-speed steel, while very hard, is also brittle, so avoid side loads that could chip teeth.
Thin metal specialist
- 5.5-pitch design cuts corrugated and perforated steel.
- Reduces vibration and minimizes biting on contact.
- Hardened HSS teeth stay sharp and consistent.
Not for everything
- HSS is hard but brittle, can chip on side loads.
- Narrow tooth set may bind in deeper cuts.
- Best for thinner gauge materials.
Trust it for: HVAC work, metal studs, and any project involving thin or perforated sheet steel.
Leave it for: deep wood boring — a dedicated deep-cut blade will serve you better there.
7. METOTY 1-1/2″ Carbide Hole Saw 2-Piece Set
A two-saw carbide kit with a spring-loaded pilot that handles steel like butter.
This kit gives you two carbide hole saws plus the accessories to use them, with the maker claims these outlast standard bi-metal models by 10 times. Each saw is crafted from high-grade TCT carbide with titanium-plated cemented carbide teeth, offering exceptional hardness and rust resistance for heavy-duty metal work.
The spring-loaded pilot bit automatically ejects cut slugs, saving you the hassle of prying out waste material. Owners find the quality to be the most praised aspect by a wide margin, with one noting it cuts through steel like butter and another calling it fantastic value compared to far more expensive pro sets. It’s rated for bench drills and magnetic drills on steel, iron, copper, and brass.
Note this kit is not suitable for concrete, tiles, or stone, so keep it on metal projects. The recurring advice is to spray the blade with lubricant while cutting, and to remove the spring when drilling PVC because shavings can clog it. Owners mention some teeth can tear if you drill over pre-existing holes, so start on fresh metal.
Kit convenience
- Two hole saws plus pilot bits in one purchase.
- Spring-loaded pilot ejects slugs automatically.
- Reported to cut through eighth-inch steel fairly fast.
Know its limits
- Not for concrete, tile, or stone.
- Teeth can tear on pre-existing holes.
- Lubricant needed throughout the cut.
Worth it if: you want two carbide saws and spares without paying for a whole pro collection.
Pass if: you need to bore through masonry or tile — this kit is strictly for metal.
8. DKIBBITH 1-1/2″ Diamond Hole-Saw Bit
A deeper diamond bit that powers through granite and thick stone countertops.
This diamond-tipped saw stands out for its cutting depth and reach. It offers a cutting depth of 1-3/8″, which is ideal for tackling thicker materials like granite slabs, and the diamond height of 3/8″ on a total length of 2-1/2″ gives you room to work. The included guiding pilot drill bit ensures accurate and swift drilling.
It’s a versatile performer for creating holes in countertops for faucets, garbage disposal buttons, bathroom remodels, and HVAC systems. Customers note cutting through 1.25-inch thick granite easily and drilling clean holes through a 3/4-inch glass tabletop. The quality earns the most praise, with owners calling these the best diamond bits they’ve tried at this price.
Water cooling is the key to longevity here — the maker recommends dipping the bit in water intermittently or keeping it wet while drilling. Owners stress clearing residue from the bit after each hole and checking the center point protrusion to prevent wandering. The durability gets mixed feedback, so a steady hand and patience pay off.
Stone specialist
- 1-3/8-inch depth handles thick granite.
- Works on porcelain, stone, glass, and pottery.
- Guiding pilot bit prevents wandering.
Water required
- Needs water cooling for smooth operation.
- Residue must be cleared after each hole.
- Center bit is weak, pre-drill a small guide hole.
Reach for it when: you’re cutting thick stone, glass, or marble and need a hole that’s clean on both sides.
Don’t bother if: your work is all wood and drywall — a toothed bi-metal saw is faster and cheaper there.
9. Greenlee 645-1-1/2 Hole Cutter
The pro contractor’s choice for shredding through stainless steel without mercy.
This is the serious tool for serious metal work. Greenlee is a name electricians and contractors trust, and this 38.1mm carbide cutter lives up to that reputation. It features a replaceable, cobalt-steel pilot drill with a split-point tip designed to prevent walking on slick metal surfaces, so your hole starts exactly where you want it.
Reviewers point out drilling through 304 stainless steel with ease, describing how the cutter “just ate through the metal like it was mild steel.” One even made oval holes by drilling two adjacent bores, which shows the cutting power. The sharpness is the most-praised aspect, with owners calling it the best carbide cutter on the market and noting they’d buy it again.
The package weight comes in at 0.23 lbs, and it arrives uncoated in a simple stainless finish. The honest trade-off is durability — some shoppers say teeth can break off if the cutter catches, so punch a pilot hole first and use a drill clutch to protect the teeth. This is a tool for those who value precision and are willing to use proper technique.
Pro-level power
- Drills through 304 stainless with ease.
- Replaceable cobalt pilot prevents walking.
- Sharpness keeps cutting hole after hole.
Respect the teeth
- Carbide teeth can snap on a hard catch.
- Punch a pilot hole first to protect the cutter.
- Use a drill clutch to reduce breakage risk.
Buy it for: stainless steel panels, electrical boxes, and jobs where a failed cut costs you real money.
Choose something else if: you’re on a tight budget — this is an investment in pro-grade performance.
Understanding the Specs
Tooth Material: Bi-Metal vs Carbide vs Diamond
The tooth material decides what you can cut. Bi-metal saws weld high-speed steel teeth to a tough steel body — they’re the versatile pick for wood, plastic, and softer metals. Carbide-tipped saws put tungsten carbide on the cutting edge, which resists wear far better on hardened steel, stainless, and iron. Diamond-edged saws grind instead of cut, making them essential for porcelain, ceramic, glass, and stone — but they can’t touch metal.
Cutting Depth and Arbor Connection
Cutting depth tells you how thick a board you can get through in one pass. A saw with a 1.5-inch depth handles thick material; a shallower one struggles on anything more than half an inch. The arbor is the mount that connects the saw to your drill. Some saws include an integrated shank that fits a 3/8″ chuck, while others need a separate arbor with a standard thread like 5/8-18. Check your drill’s chuck before buying.
FAQ
Can a 1 1/2 hole saw cut through both wood and metal?
What is the difference between a diamond hole saw and a carbide hole saw?
Do I need a separate arbor for my 1 1/2 hole saw?
How do I stop a hole saw from overheating and burning the wood?
Why does my hole saw keep grabbing or binding on the workpiece?
Can I use a 1 1/2 metal hole saw on porcelain tile?
How deep can a 1 1/2 hole saw cut in one pass?
What speed should I use when cutting metal with a hole saw?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the 1 1/2 hole saw winner is the LENOX Bi-Metal because it bridges wood and metal easily and keeps cutting — one owner clocked 50 holes in pine with no signs of slowing. If you’re tackling tile or granite, grab the MOLLOM Diamond for chip-free holes. And if stainless steel is your daily reality, the Greenlee is the pro-grade cutter to reach for. Match the tooth material to your workpiece, mind your speed, and any of these will serve you well.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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