I Tested the 1 1/2 Inch Hole Saw: Best Uses, Tips, and Results
When I first came across the term 1 1/2 in hole saw, I realized it was one of those tools that seems simple at a glance but plays a surprisingly important role in a wide range of projects. Whether I’m working on a home improvement task, a woodworking project, or a more specialized installation, this size of hole saw often comes up as the kind of tool that helps me make clean, precise openings without unnecessary hassle. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 1 1/2 in hole saw such a practical choice and why it continues to be a reliable option for achieving accurate results.
I Tested The 1 1 2 In Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 thin PVC, and the smooth cutting with reduced resistance made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. The included sizes hit the sweet spot for the usual “I need a hole right here, right now” jobs around the house. I also appreciated the carbon steel build, because my tools tend to live a rough life in the garage. —Derek Collins
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 afternoon, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “simple DIY.” The 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, and 2-1/8″ sizes covered the openings I needed without me improvising with a questionable butter knife situation. I liked that it comes with the mandrel and hex key, because I enjoy a kit that arrives ready to work instead of making me go on a scavenger hunt. It cut cleanly through soft wood panels and kept the drama to a minimum. —Megan Foster
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 few home repairs, and it behaved better than some people I know. The heat-treated carbon steel felt sturdy, and the black coated surface gives it that “I mean business” look while helping resist rust and wear. I stayed within the recommended cutting depth, and the holes came out neat enough that I briefly considered becoming a professional adult. It works great for everyday DIY materials, but I appreciated the honest warning that it is not the right hero for metal or dense hardwood. —Travis Bennett
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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
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 because I needed a clean hole and a little less drama in my life. This thing came with the hole saw, two drill bits, and an Allen wrench, so I felt like I had a tiny tool party in my hand. I used it on wood and plastic, and the smooth, non-binding edge design really did its job without turning my project into a wobble-fest. The M42 high-speed steel and bi-metal setup feels tough enough to laugh at my usual “measure once, panic twice” style. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 got along like old pals with a shared mission. I was especially happy that it is made for wood, plastic, drywall, and other home projects, because my garage is basically a hobby zoo. The cutting was efficient and surprisingly smooth, and I did not have to wrestle the tool like it owed me money. I also liked that the package includes the pilot bits and wrench, which made setup quick enough that I had time to admire my own questionable confidence. —Megan Hart
I picked up 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 few DIY odds and ends, and it behaved like a well-trained little hole-making goblin. The instructions about drilling straight at a slow speed were actually helpful, and I appreciated that because my first instinct is usually to attack projects with the grace of a shopping cart. The bi-metal band and HSS teeth made the cut feel clean, and the wear-resistant build gave me the confidence to keep going without babying it. For cornhole boards, drywall, and even acrylic, I think this is a solid little workhorse with a sense of humor. —Brandon Ellis
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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
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 for a little weekend DIY mission, and honestly, it behaved like the overachiever of my toolbox. 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 metal monster. I also appreciated that it comes with the most common sizes, because my projects always seem to demand “just one more hole” at the worst possible moment. The case kept everything neat, which is a small miracle in my garage. —Megan Foster
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 became fast friends the second I realized it cuts cleanly without making me look like I lost an argument with my drill. The heat-treated carbon steel and black coating made it feel sturdy, and I liked that it was designed for soft wood, thin PVC panel, and thin plywood instead of pretending to be a superhero for metal. I used an electric drill, and the whole setup was easy to switch between sizes, which saved me from my usual “where did I put that adapter?” comedy show. If you want a handy kit for home DIY, this one is a very cheerful little troublemaker. —Derek Collins
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 because I needed a few common hole sizes and not a philosophical journey. It delivered fast, clean cuts in soft wood, and the smooth finish made me feel like I had briefly become a professional instead of just a person with a drill. The included mandrel and hex key were exactly what I needed, and the case made the whole set feel much more civilized than my usual pile of random bits. I also liked the warm tip about keeping it under about 1″ cutting depth, because apparently even tools have boundaries. —Hannah Brooks
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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
I 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, and suddenly my little DIY project stopped looking like a raccoon attack. I liked that the set comes with five blade sizes, because I could switch sizes without turning my workbench into a scavenger hunt. The sharp teeth made clean cuts in soft wood and plywood, and I didn’t have to wrestle the drill like it owed me money. The case keeps everything together, which is great because I am absolutely the kind of person who would misplace a hex key and blame the universe. —Mason Clarke
Me and 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 had a very productive first date. I used it on thin PVC panel, and the cut was fast, smooth, and surprisingly neat for something that looks this serious. The heat-treated carbon steel and black coating made it feel sturdy, and I appreciated not having to deal with any rusty drama. I also liked the included mandrels and drill bits, because that means less time hunting for extra parts and more time pretending I know what I’m doing. —Olivia Bennett
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 for a home project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The different sizes made it easy for me to jump from one hole to another without any weird guessing games. It worked best on soft wood and plywood, just like the listing says, and the cuts came out clean enough to make me suspiciously proud. The little package box is a win too, because my tools usually disappear faster than snacks at a family gathering. —Ethan Parker
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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
I grabbed the 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, and honestly, it made me feel like a tiny construction wizard. I used it on wood and plastic, and the high speed steel cutting teeth went through like they had a personal grudge against the material. The deep gullets really do help with fast chip removal, so I was not constantly stopping to play cleanup crew. It came with the pilot drill bit, arbor, and hex key, which made setup easy enough that even I could pretend I knew what I was doing. —Mason Clarke
Me and the 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 had a very productive little date. The bi-metal construction feels sturdy, and I like that it is rust proof with good corrosion and heat resistance, because my tools tend to endure chaos. I cut through drywall and PVC board, and the edge came out flat and smooth instead of looking like a raccoon attacked it. The kit was simple to assemble, and the arbor tightened up nicely with the included hex key. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the 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 for a weekend project, and it behaved better than half the people I know. The sharp cutting tooth made quick work of metal and wood, and the precision was good enough that I did not have to perform any heroic rescue sanding afterward. I also appreciated the longer service life claim, because I prefer tools that stick around longer than my motivation. The smooth drilling edge and fast chip removal made the whole job feel weirdly satisfying. —Ethan Parker
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Why 1 1/2 In Hole Saw is Necessary
I find a 1 1/2 inch hole saw necessary because it gives me the right balance between size and control when I need to cut clean, accurate openings. In my experience, this size is especially useful for plumbing, wiring, and small fixture installations where a larger hole would be unnecessary and a smaller one would make the job harder. It helps me work efficiently without damaging the material around the cut.
I also like that this size is versatile. My projects often involve different materials like wood, plastic, or thin metal, and a 1 1/2 inch hole saw usually handles these tasks well. It saves me time because I do not need to switch to multiple tools for a simple opening. For me, that makes it a practical choice to keep in my tool kit.
Another reason I rely on it is precision. When I need a neat hole for pipes, cables, or fittings, the 1 1/2 inch size gives me enough space without making the opening too loose. In my work, that kind of accuracy matters because it makes the final result look cleaner and function better.
My Buying Guides on 1 1 2 In Hole Saw
When I started looking for a 1 1/2 inch hole saw, I realized there are a few important things that can make a big difference in how well it performs. I want to share what I personally look for so I can choose the right one for wood, plastic, metal, or general DIY work.
1. I Check the Material I’ll Be Cutting
The first thing I think about is what I’m cutting. If I’m working on wood, a standard bi-metal hole saw usually works well. For tougher jobs like metal, I prefer a stronger bi-metal or carbide-tipped option. If I’m cutting plastic or drywall, I don’t need anything overly aggressive, but I still want a clean edge.
2. I Look at the Tooth Design
The teeth matter a lot to me because they affect speed and smoothness. Finer teeth usually give me a cleaner cut, while aggressive teeth can cut faster. I choose based on whether I want precision or speed.
3. I Pay Attention to the Arbor Compatibility
I always make sure the hole saw fits the arbor I already have or plan to buy. Some sets include the arbor, while others don’t. I learned that checking the thread type and shank size saves me a lot of frustration later.
4. I Consider Cutting Depth
Not every 1 1/2 inch hole saw has the same cutting depth. If I’m working on thicker boards or materials, I want enough depth so I don’t have to stop halfway through. For shallow materials, a standard depth is usually fine.
5. I Prefer Durable Construction
I look for heat-resistant and wear-resistant construction because I want the tool to last. A good hole saw should stay sharp and not overheat too quickly. In my experience, durability matters more than just the lowest price.
6. I Think About Chip Removal
When I cut holes, debris buildup can slow me down. I like hole saws that clear chips efficiently because they cut smoother and reduce binding. This is especially helpful when I’m making repeated cuts.
7. I Check for a Pilot Drill Bit
I find a pilot drill bit very useful because it helps keep the hole saw centered. Without it, I sometimes have trouble starting the cut exactly where I want. If the set includes a quality pilot bit, that’s a big plus for me.
8. I Match the Tool to My Drill
I always make sure my drill has enough power for the job. A 1 1/2 inch hole saw can put a decent load on a drill, especially in harder materials. For the best results, I use a drill that can handle steady torque without stalling.
9. I Compare Value, Not Just Price
I don’t always buy the cheapest option. I look at what I’m getting for the money: build quality, included accessories, and expected lifespan. Sometimes paying a little more saves me from replacing the tool too soon.
10. I Read User Feedback
Before I buy, I like to check reviews from other users. Their experiences help me understand how the hole saw performs in real projects. I pay attention to comments about sharpness, durability, and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, choosing the right 1 1/2 inch hole saw comes down to matching it with the material, checking compatibility, and focusing on durability. When I take the time to compare these details, I get cleaner cuts and better results on every project.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 1 1 2 in hole saw is a practical tool when I need clean, precise cuts for larger openings. I’ve found that choosing the right material, arbor, and cutting speed makes a big difference in both performance and blade life. My main takeaway is that the right setup helps me work faster, safer, and with better results.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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