If you need a 1-7/16 inch hole saw, these five products offer durability, versatility, and efficient cutting for metal, wood, and mixed materials. This guide helps buyers choose based on project type, material hardness, and intended use. The top picks are best for pros cutting thick metals, DIYers drilling through wood and plastic, or those requiring long life and fast plug removal.
Product overview table
| Product | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Lenox 1-7/16 in. (37 Mm) Holesaw | General purpose, durable cutting | Unique tooth configuration resists tooth strippage |
| DEWALT DAH180023 1-7/16 (37MM) Hole Saw | Heavy-duty mixed materials | Longest life with efficient chip removal |
| Irwin Tools 373170BX Bi-Metal 1-7/16″ Hole Saw | Budget-conscious basic use | Reliable bi-metal construction |
| METALLIXITY Hole Saw 36mm Tungsten Carbide | Thick hard metals | Carbide-tipped for extreme hardness |
| CoCud 36mm Tungsten Carbide TCT Hole Cutter | Hard metals and thick materials | CVD coating for durability and self-lubrication |
Lenox 1-7/16 in. Holesaw
The Lenox holesaw emphasizes added durability with a unique tooth configuration designed to resist tooth strippage. Best for jobs requiring reliable performance and consistent cuts in metal and wood. This option suits craftsmen who prioritize longevity and steady chip control. A potential limitation is that it may be less specialized for ultra-hard metals compared with carbide-tipped options.
DEWALT DAH180023 1-7/16 (37MM) Hole Saw
DEWALT’s hole saw is designed for longevity and versatile drilling. It features patented tooth forms for efficient chip removal and longer life, plus fast plug ejection for less downtime. It’s best for projects involving wood, metal, and plastic where fast cuts and multi-material accuracy matter. Choose this if you need a robust, all-around performer and can benefit from easier plug removal. A limitation is that performance depends on proper engagement with hard materials; extremely thick metal may still require carbide tips.
Irwin Tools 373170BX Bi-Metal 1-7/16″ Hole Saw
The Irwin Bi-Metal option focuses on affordability and reliable performance for standard drilling tasks. Best for light to medium-duty applications where budget and quick availability matter. Its repeated emphasis on Bi-Metal technology suggests dependable cutting across common materials. The main caution is that it may underperform in very hard or thick metals compared with carbide-tipped options.
METALLIXITY Hole Saw 36mm Tungsten Carbide
This tungsten carbide-tipped saw targets hard metals, including stainless steel and alloy steels. It’s best for demanding metalworking tasks where carbide’s hardness and wear resistance translate to longer usable life. It’s less suited for thin metal sheets or soft materials. The included center drill bit and hex key add setup flexibility, but users should ensure the material thickness aligns with the tool’s cutting depth.
CoCud 36mm Tungsten Carbide TCT Hole Cutter
The CoCud carbide-tipped cutter is designed for thick hard metals and heavy-duty applications. It’s best for professionals who need precise cuts in tough materials like stainless steel and high-carbon metals. A potential drawback is reduced effectiveness on soft materials or thin sheets, where carbide tips may overperform relative to need.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing a 1-7/16 inch hole saw include material compatibility, tooth design, cutting depth, and overall durability. Use these questions to compare options:
- What material will you cut most often? For wood and soft metals, a bi-metal design often suffices; for stainless steel or hard alloys, carbide-tipped options perform better.
- Do you need long life and fast chip removal? Look for models with improved tooth geometry and efficient eject features.
- What is the required cutting depth? Ensure the saw can reach the thickness you plan to bore through without binding.
- Is a center drill bit and shank compatibility important? Some sets include a center bit or hex key for stability and ease of use.
- Are there any material limitations to avoid? Carbide-tipped tools may wear differently on very soft materials compared with hard metals.
Practical tips for use
- Choose a pilot drill or center bit to guide the saw for accurate starts.
- Maintain steady feed pressure and use proper rotation to minimize tooth wear.
- Use a drill with sufficient power and appropriate speed settings for the material.
- Keep the cutting edge cool; pause to remove debris and avoid overheating in metal drilling.
FAQ
- Q: Is a carbide-tipped hole saw always better than bi-metal? A: Carbide tips excel in hard metals, but bi-metal saws offer flexibility and are often sufficient for softer materials.
- Q: Can I cut wood with carbide-tipped 1-7/16 inch hole saws? A: Yes, but efficiency may vary; some carbide options are optimized for metal and may not perform as smoothly on soft wood as dedicated wood-cutters.
- Q: What is the advantage of fast plug ejection? A: It reduces downtime by dropping the cut material and debris quickly, speeding repetitive holes.
- Q: Should I use a pilot drill with these saws? A: A center drill bit or pilot improves guidance and reduces wandering when starting the cut.
- Q: How do I pick between 1-7/16 and other sizes? A: Match the bore size to your need; 1-7/16 inch is common for plumbing or electrical conduit passes and certain thick metals.
- Q: Are these tools compatible with standard drill chucks? A: Most are designed for standard drill chucks; verify shank diameter (commonly 7.5 mm or 1/4 inch) before purchasing adapters.