How to Use a Hole Saw | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basics of using a hole saw.
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Skill Level: Beginner
Tools:
Drill driver [amzn.to/2UGSyOk]
Hole saw [amzn.to/2uqU64p]
Steps:
1. Hole saws are typically installed on arbors or mandrels that attach to a drill driver to cut a clean hole in a material.
2. To mount a hole saw to a mandrel:
a. Insert the bit through the center hole.
b. Screw the mounting plate as tight as it goes.
c. Loosen up the mounting plate until the nubs on the plate line up with the holes in the hole saw.
d. Push the mounting plate up and into the holes.
e. Tighten the nut behind the mounting plate until the mandrel is secured to the hole saw.
3. Hole saws come in a variety of diameters and tooth sizes, so choose the right one for the right job.
4. Hole saws often get jammed up with wood pulp and other materials in between their teeth, so every now and then, pull the saw out and clean out between the teeth. The hole saw is likely to be hot, so be careful when doing this.
5. To cut with a hole saw, Tom recommends drilling at a lower speed to ensure the hole saw cuts in the correct spot and doesn’t wander. When the drill bit reaches through the other side of the material but the hole saw itself has not cut through yet, flip the material upside down, line up the drill bit with the hole, and finish the cut from the other side. This will prevent the material from blowing out.
6. Tom emphasizes that the drill and the hole saw should do the work and minimal speed or force should be applied by the user during the cut.
Resources:
Tom demonstrated a variety of hole saws that can all be found at home centers.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada.
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How to Use a Hole Saw | Ask This Old House
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[@michaelcognata9470]

Wow OK You are the man!!! I searched literally dozens of videos to figure out the connection between the bit and the saw as our Kobalt 6 3/8" drill saw comes with no instructions or video. You sir are a KZbin treasure.

[@AlexSh154]

Safety tip. Put a side handle on your drill to gain more control over the hole saw while drilling. These are especially prone to catching in a hole and causing the drill to bind which could cause broken wrists, etc.

[@dalebabbitt6185]

I hate it when mine catches in the hole, just saying.

[@Engineer9736]

When i expect a chance of a drill binding up, i put both my legs next to the drill and hold it with two hands at the same time. Last month i had a 1600 watt drill getting stuck in a concrete floor. This tactic saved me. And also that the drill had a clutch apparently. But just hands would have hurt badly. Put as much body mass on the drill as possible.

[@mortenrl1946]

@@Engineer9736 Just don't do that with a chainsaw, it'll punch you in the nuts with the force of Mike Tyson 😅I know because of my learnings

[@mkelley9849]

And if there is no provision on the drill for a handle?

[@chrisheywood7376]

Also keeps your other hand away from the hole. A workmate put one of these through his hand. Unlike a standard drill bit, hole saws cause a LOT of damage. He still has nerve damage years later.

[@lcaunan]

Mr. Tommy is a very experienced wood worker. Thank you for the tips!

[@LanceTruett]

Tom MF DaSilva! You and Norm are two of my all-time hero’s. I’ve been a carpenter for 20 years and still pick up tricks and tips from your videos. I DO wish you would do a more master class style series from time to time. Nevertheless the PBS format is still priceless.

[@jakerandall24]

This is one of the most reliable channels out there for diy explainers, keep it up!

[@babydzcreationz510]

Thank you for this very well explained hole saw instruction. Thank you 🙏

[@MrItanaa]

amazing vídeo! so simple and yet so good! greetings from extreme north of Brazil!

[@Subcontinental986]

Great video! I just used one for the first time a couple of weeks ago to cut a hole for cable management. It's a really cool piece of equipment!

[@TransCanadaPhil]

yeah I have an old bookcase that I've converted into holding my TV on top but I want to put a few electronics on the shelves below (Apple TV, headphone amp) but it's solid wood in the back, no way to run cables out the back. So I want to drill out a hole in the back of the cabinet to run the power/hdmi/audio cables, etc. I've ordered a hole saw like this for my drill but wasn't sure exactly the technique to use it (I've never used one before) :-)

[@discovery-dx3ry]

Thank you, sir. It is my first every hole saw lesson.

[@peep39]

We used a forstner bit to drill through blocking in my attic when rewiring. When my dad hit a screw with it, it ruined it. To finish up, I grabbed the only other thing I had handy, a step bit from Harbor Freight. I cannot believe how easily that went through, or how nice of a hole it left. So I will definitely remember that for the future. The only real problem is the reach. I was able to go from both sides, so no problem.

[@keytothegate68]

I hope no one missed the tip about whole saws being very hot after the us! .I learned that the hard way after reaching for it to clean out the cut out piece stuck in it! Also as he said it is easy to envision a whole saw being a saw that was bent in a circle.

[@BasedPOV5099]

I did not know to partially drill one side then flip the board and go at it from the other side. That does make it much easier. Thank you for this information.

[@junangeles]

I should have watched this first before using my hole saw for the first time. Great to know I should flip the wood for smooth (both) sides. 👍🏼

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Thanks for a great video. Simple, I know, but instructive and what I needed to know!

[@chicagowsox212]

Tom Silva would make a great President

[@thomasmaples4087]

Thanks for the learning, I have always just pushed through to the other side. I dont do much woodworking or handyman stuff but if I've done it right it's because of This Old House

[@johnpossum556]

What he neglected to tell you is that the spade bit can be used the exact same way. Double drilling like that with the spade bit you can get a decently clean hole, too.

[@Lionrisesproductions]

@@johnpossum556 so which tool would you recommend for cutting a hole in wood? I’m trying to build a small desk for my computer tower. With wood and pipes. Just wanted to know which is best. Thanks

[@johnpossum556]

@@Lionrisesproductions My first two considerations would be: What kind of wood and what size of hole? then: What tools do you own? Are you willing to buy new tools to finish the task & in what price range? Lastly: Do you have any of that same or similar wood to practice on first?

[@jackcheng7437]

You did a good show for people!👍

[@RunFool]

My hole saw was flailing all over the place because I did not bother to figure out why the bit and allen key was in the box. This video is a necessary upload. Thank you.

[@psychojxse3807]

Thank for the video never had so had to learn this my self

[@mcdazag1]

Thank you!!! I'm learning how to do things at home!!! This is awesome!!!!!

[@flat-earther]

Great! Also I suggest watch a 13 part series called What on earth happened by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@kylefowler5082]

if you are using a hole saw on thin metal (like metal studs or an electrical box) make sure you have your drill in clutch mode until the hole saw teeth have started to cut its circular groove into the material. If you don't you run a high risk of bending your pilot bit when the pilot bit breaks through the material and the hole saw makes contact with the material. It took me a few pilot bits to learn this lol

[@airyanne2]

milwauke makes a few that are made for impact drills in common conduit sizes. they dont get hot or spread out like normal hole saws. ive had some for a few years and still work great.

[@diverdave4056]

and use cutting wax or oil !

[@passiton3801]

Like the design with the locking section to stop the hole saw from slipping during use, without having to crank it up tite..

[@ghli2262]

The new hole saws design is better than older !

[@lindymorgan1107]

OMG, this have EVERY bit of the info I needed, thank you!

[@flat-earther]

Lindy Morgan I suggest watch a 13 part series called What on earth happened by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@GOODNESS-sp4hm]

Great video!👍🙏

[@RaphaelDawkinsCombatRadio]

Beautiful and simple, you made a subscriber out of me.

[@timothysherman3548]

Thank you Tommy!

[@mathikumar3204]

Good information thank you

[@mokodo_]

Helpful, thank you!

[@castlecodersltd]

Very useful, thank you ☺

[@marksteven3534]

OMG I learned so much.

[@alisapugh1474]

Love the glasses!

[@anthonysmith9410]

Tom is the best!!!!

[@candis9693]

Thank you

[@stephendavis6894]

I have had a set of hole saws for years. I needed a series of 29mm holes, 50 of them, in 40mm MDF. Tried a spade bit and it was hopeless, even after sharpening, used several and none were any good and were very slow. Use the hole saw and it was no better, clogging up and in need of constant cleaning. Bought a better hole saw, similar to the ones shown here and while it was better and eventually got the job done it was also constantly clogging with swarf. Also tried a set of Forstner bits which were no better. Bought an auger bit for some smaller (12mm) holes that was better but still slow and repeated clogging and cleaning.

[@bruizzz13]

Diablo Hole saws and Milwaukee drill is the best combo imo

[@Revlemmon]

Drill four small holes are the circle to give the cuttings somewhere to go when drilling large holes.

[@star-child]

thank you!

[@CrazyCoupleDIY]

Thans that was really helpful

[@dominiqueraymond2174]

Perfect l! Thank you

[@chrisgraham2904]

Some discussion about bi-metal or metal or even concrete hole saws would be nice.

[@stevebausch2782]

I agree with you. I was surprised no mention was made of a guide plate. A guide plate eliminates the need of a (fragile) pilot drill.

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@jseverine2404]

Thanks!

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@VictorStoev4]

Can't believe Tom is 73 years old. He is amazing carpenter!

[@The22on]

Hey, man! I turned 73 a month ago and me and the wood are still groovin'! As a matter of fact, i'm doin' all right, gettin' good grades, my future's so bright... I GOTTA WEAR SHADES!

[@VictorStoev4]

@@The22on bless you!

[@AndrewMiguelez]

Kevin said, "good information". I never expected that.

[@Farfulitis]

Is this technique the same when drilling a faucet and drain hole through laminate/formica?

[@karmicselling4252]

If you need the hole you are creating to be perpendicular to the surface of the timber either use a drill press or a scrap square piece of wood as a guide to create a perfectly vertical pilot hole. Then use that pilot hole to guide your hole saw.

[@ledang9584]

Hole saw. You are the expert.

[@gs5480]

Ive used just about every brand holesaw and Starret carbide tipped are the only hole saws I'll use drilling through timber framing.

[@dalebabbitt6185]

Lennox is great too

[@robertshade8631]

Will these work for metal,wood and steel in a very old home for putting up floodlights,wall fixtures and outlets?Good video.

[@mogeking56]

Thanks dude 🤓

[@mmhmm1974]

Thank you for this video, I bought a whole saw set and there were no instructions so this was extremely helpful.

[@hoangdang7025]

thanks dad

[@briandmello1981]

Will that splintering always happen? I want to make holes in wood so as to insert round table legs. Would this be the best way?

[@maximo5737]

thank you for this . Helped a lot. how to get a clean cut hole without splinter if you cant the wood, in my case is a had crafted "How glass shape" word with intention to drill hole in the mid center on the Side of it. How to do this not to get a splitter on the inside of it. I am thinking adding Duck tap on the inside.? Thank you in advance.

[@carloscordon7441]

Hi There, I have to make many of these for a warehouse client. Any insight on how much to charge per hole? And how many holes can probably be done by 1 person in an 8 hour period? First time doing this and would be grateful for any insight

[@rayngrace]

Which size do I need if I need to install a Kerick Valve MA052 PVC Mini Float Valve, Tank Mount, Adjustable Arm, 1.5 gpm at 60 psi, 1/2" NPT Male? thanks

[@twalker9589]

Does Mandrel selection depend on the drill chuck or will they fit most any drill?

[@csle1962]

Cool!

[@aaronshensky9385]

Neat and clean holes are always nice.

[@shockwavezero3979]

Aaron Shensky I’m certainly willing to pay extra for it

[@aaronshensky9385]

@@shockwavezero3979 i agree. I hear ya.

[@thomaskleven8314]

Can you pre hole the pilot hole in order to make a guide for the hole saw?

[@mist4926]

Is this good for making checkers

[@refink33]

if you wanna cut plastic... cut in reverse

[@UzsDc1UZ]

Is there a reason why?

[@refink33]

@@UzsDc1UZ plastic is so soft compared to wood or metal. The whole saw metal teeth dig into the plastic so fast and deep the whole saw gets stuck almost immediately. By cutting in reverse, the metal creates far smaller cuts, essentially melting the plastic without getting caught. Allowing a far smoother cut in reverse.

[@UzsDc1UZ]

@@refink33 okay I see now, thanks for the info.

[@jackofblades3998]

@@refink33 cooool Thanks for the tip

[@somyrapoacelli1560]

Can i use this hole saw for Pipes also?

[@AlexeyDnepr]

What is the maximum diameter of such a nozzle Hole Saw? I need to drill a hole with a diameter of 20-25 cm, is it possible?

[@wesingtogether]

not enough information: how do you get the plug out if the material is thinner than the bit ?

[@yellowlynx]

Is it a good idea to put a backing board beneath (using spare or scrap boards) to avoid the splintering?

[@flat-earther]

Yeah you can do that or drill from both sides like shown in this video.

[@Doomdog308]

Can you show us how to sharpen old wood chisels on a flat stone please

[@Yourmomanddadrbrotherandsister]

What if you want to go about halfway and not drill a hole. Would it do that?

[@MCConfuz]

Greeat vid! Did his glasses get cut in half while cutting lumber?!

[@karlmckenzie9177]

Can you use Pink panther on regular walls

[@MeMe-qi6ph]

What type or model drill are you using for the saw hole bit? I have a regular drill and a impact drill and the shaft that inserts into the drill is too big. Now I need to get a different drill unless there is an accessory to accommodate my current impact drill. Please forgive beginner Woodworker .

[@mikedixon7018]

What about the forstener bit?

[@cup_and_cone]

Those are really intended for making precision blind holes with flat bottoms, they weren't really intended for plunging all the way through material.

[@karl_alan]

@@cup_and_cone hmm...didn't know that. I tend to use forstner bits whether I M stopping part way or going all the way through.

[@scotttovey]

Hole saws are the only ones that give you a wagon wheel to play with after your done drilling the hole.

[@johnpossum556]

@@scotttovey Not so. The adjustable hole cutter will also give you one.

[@scotttovey]

@@johnpossum556 That was a secret! You weren't supposed to tell! 😂😂😂

[@ThatOneGuyYMK]

Any tips for turning a 4" hole into a 6" hole? Would you use a hole saw?

[@stevebausch2782]

Search on Hole Saw Guide Plate, you should find a device that won't help you ;-). But.. you now see what could be easily shop-made out of scraps of plywood. Start with two pcs 6" by 18". Lay them side-by-side. Mark a 6" square in the middle, as a diamond. Cut out those two triangles. Put the plates side-by-side again. Place the 6" hole saw, minus pilot drill, within that square, and shift the plates to snug up on the hole saw. At this point, you could screw or clamp the plates onto your workpiece, and use the hole saw... But I usually get a couple of plywood scraps and a handful of screws to lock the two plates into alignment. Good luck!

[@vguitarman]

I grew up without a father. My mom, badass as she was, wasn't into the diy stuff. Now KZbin is my Dad. Thanks Dad!

[@flat-earther]

Vyasa I suggest watch a 13 part series called What on earth happened by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@judahjaquith6854]

OK but what about the big one. I keep trying to use the big one but it keeps unscrewing itself and not working

[@AngeliqueKaga]

What about using a Forstner bit instead

[@matthewrotan6194]

Ohh i needed to see how you best fit/setup the smaller arbor with a hole saw. You were doing it in the background.... so close.

[@SaltBayGull]

On those smaller arbors, the arbor is just threaded. You just screw the arbor to the hole saw.

[@twinx2982]

What kind/brand is the White one? Milwaukee?

[@RJ-TRB19]

Can you add what sizes to use if you're installing a fan and want it flush.

[@stevebausch2782]

Sometimes you need to mock it up in cardboard, read the instructions, or keep making mistakes until you get it right.

[@wilsonjayasundara3608]

Can i drill stell

[@starriw8050]

Does the hole saw work on thin wood like 3/8"? It wont go through. Do i need to put wood beneath?

[@flat-earther]

It will work, if you can't drill through the other side you can place a scrap piece of wood beneath to prevent tear out.

[@chan4754]

but I need to drill a 6 inch hole in the ceiling for a recessed light and can't "flip it over"-------need more info please

[@SaltBayGull]

If it’s in the ceiling, where the backside is inaccessible, and not visible, tearout isn’t really a concern. Just go slow when coming through the back and you’ll avoid having tearout so severe that it becomes a structural issue.

[@Sjrick]

Ive got a broken wood drill bit stuck in the hole. So these wont work for me. How do i get that drill bit out ?

[@karmicselling4252]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qovZf3ajg65qg6M

[@UserOne371]

You NEED to tell people exactly what kind of drill to use, I’ve gone through 3 different drills, all too weak or won’t fit

[@lougjolaj7839]

I’ve been drilling holes wrong way all my life🙊

[@TitoTellsTheTruth]

How do you get the plug out of the bit?

[@SaltBayGull]

That’s what the slots on the side of the hole saw are for, you push it out there. Or, if it’s really jammed in there, you lever it out with a screwdriver, or use a hammer with a screwdriver to knock it out.

[@rockys7726]

what if you want to enlarge a hole where you can't use the center guide bit?

[@nauthizzz]

Get a piece of scrap and drill the enlarged size hole using the saw in that, then secure it to the piece of material that you need to enlarge the hole in, and use that as a guide to keep the hole saw in place until it starts biting in.

[@plasmac9]

@@nauthizzz If you have the plug you can hot glue it into the hole and redrill with the larger size. If you are missing the plug you can drill a new one on a scrap piece of wood and hot glue it into the hole you want to enlarge. Your method is good too, I've done that as well.

[@johnpossum556]

I've used a router with good results.

[@mist4926]

Wish you would have finished video and shown how to get the stuck wood out of bit

[@flat-earther]

Stick something like a screwdriver through the holes in the hole saw to push the wood out.

[@Arbutuscoveretreat]

How do you change the drill bit on the Mandrel?

[@flat-earther]

Mandrel probably has a grub screw holding the drill so you loosen the screw with a hex/allen wrench.

[@cup_and_cone]

I wish the big box hardware stores sold carbide tipped hole saws and they weren't special order. Seems like a missed market to not have TTI or SB&D making a range for the blue or orange box stores...

[@TheOtherBill]

How about your local stores? I try to support the ones that are left over the big box stores (the price difference is minimal or zero) and if they don't have it the special order takes only a couple days.

[@nulsahidul2129]

How can i buy a hole saw

[@williamriley2528]

What about using a holesaw to drill let's say a 15 degree angled hole thru the 1" X 6"...?

[@stevebausch2782]

You'd need a guide plate to ensure the angle and to eliminate the need for a pilot bit.

[@nulsahidul2129]

I want to buy

[@squarelevelplumb]

Be very careful with hole saws over 2 inches, if they bind they will break your wrist. Try you drill press.

[@jamesedwards1528]

I did a holeike that once

[@Leaf93]

What if you want to go just halfway into a 2x4 with a perfect 1” hole? Not all the way through, this wouldn’t be the best option would it?

[@tylerhughes5420]

Use paddle bit or use this and take a 1 inch dowel cut it 3/4 in long and tap it into the hole

[@Leaf93]

@@tylerhughes5420 paddle bit likely would been the cheaper option as I just needed the 1” but I ended up getting a set of Forstner bits on a big time sale (79 on for 29) but I only needed one and may never use any again 😂. Worked great though.

[@tylerhughes5420]

@@Leaf93 that'll work too

[@temirtaragay8932]

Much respect to older, experienced person. Regrettably It is not common for Americans to respect older people though.

[@bigbunn833]

I snickered at this video when I first read the description. But after watching the video I’m eating crow because I just found out I’ve been using the hole saw completely wrong. Honestly thanks guys!

[@The22on]

Remember, the teeth point towards the wood!