Question 1

What size hole saw do I need for a standard UK back box?

Accepted Answer

A 51 mm hole saw cuts the correct opening for a standard single UK back box. Double back boxes typically require a 76 mm cut. Always check the back box manufacturer's specification, as some slim-profile boxes have slightly different requirements. Using the wrong size means either a gap around the fitting or, worse, a hole that's too small to seat the box flush.

Question 2

Can I use a wood hole saw on metal?

Accepted Answer

No — using a wood-rated HSS hole saw on metal will blunt it almost immediately and risks overheating the blade. For cutting through mild steel or aluminium, you need a bi-metal hole saw at minimum. For stainless steel, a carbide-tipped saw is the only sensible choice. The material rating is usually printed on the cup itself; if it isn't, treat it as wood-only.

Question 3

Do hole saws come with an arbor, or do I need to buy one separately?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the product — kits almost always include an arbor, but individual cups frequently do not. Budget Draper Tools cups, for example, are sold without an arbor as standard. Check the product listing carefully before buying. A standard quick-release arbor for hex-shank drills costs very little, but it's an annoying extra purchase if you weren't expecting it.

Question 4

What's the best hole saw brand for professional use in 2026?

Accepted Answer

FEIN and RUKO are the standout choices for professional, high-frequency use — particularly on hard or abrasive materials. FEIN's carbide-tipped saws are widely trusted by electricians and plumbers for their longevity. RUKO commands the highest average price in this category and is aimed at metalworking specialists. For general trade work across mixed materials, Bosch bi-metal remains the most practical balance of performance and availability at UK retailers like Screwfix and Toolstation.

Question 5

Should I avoid cheap hole saw kits from unknown brands?

Accepted Answer

Yes — unbranded or very cheap kits are a false economy for anything beyond a single one-off job. The teeth on budget cups often lose their set after just a handful of cuts, and the arbors can be poorly machined, causing wobble that ruins the hole finish. Stick to known brands: even Draper Tools, which sits at the budget end of the named-brand market, offers far more consistency than generic imports. If the kit price seems too good to be true, the steel quality almost certainly is.

Question 6

How do I stop a hole saw from wandering when I start cutting?

Accepted Answer

The pilot drill is your first line of defence — make sure yours is sharp and properly centred in the arbor. On slippery surfaces like tiles or painted metal, centre-punch the start point before drilling. Start at low speed (under 500 rpm for larger diameters) and apply steady, even pressure rather than forcing the saw. On tiles specifically, masking tape over the surface reduces skating significantly at the start of the cut.

Question 7

What cutting speed should I use for different materials?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, larger diameters and harder materials require lower speeds. For wood with a 25–50 mm saw, 1,000–2,000 rpm is typical. For metal, drop to 500–1,000 rpm and use cutting fluid. For ceramic tiles, go even slower — under 500 rpm — and never use a hammer action. Running a hole saw too fast generates heat that destroys the teeth and can crack brittle materials. Most quality saws have the recommended speed range printed on the cup or in the packaging.

Drill Hole Saws Price Comparison

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Drill Hole Saws Price Comparison