Holesaw Arbors & Pilot Drills

About Holesaw Arbors & Pilot Drills

Holesaw arbors and pilot drills form the essential connection between hole saws and power drills, enabling precise cutting of large diameter holes in wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. Whilst the hole saw itself cuts the circular opening, the arbor ensures secure attachment to your drill whilst the HSS pilot drill centres the cut and prevents dangerous wandering. Quality arbors deliver proper alignment, reduce vibration, and prevent premature wear of both the hole saw and drill chuck.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of arbors with various shank sizes including 6.4mm, 8.5mm, and 11mm to suit different drill chuck capacities and hole saw diameters from 14mm through to 210mm. Our selection includes standard threaded arbors, quick-change systems for rapid tool swaps, arbor extensions providing 300-330mm additional reach, and replacement HSS pilot drills from leading brands including Bosch Professional, Bahco, Faithfull, Draper, and Coreplus.

Applications

Holesaw arbors and pilot drills are indispensable across numerous professional trades and DIY applications:

• Electricians: Cutting access holes for back boxes, downlighters, consumer units, and cable entry points
• Plumbers: Creating pipe penetrations through walls, floors, and joists for water supply, waste pipes, and heating systems
• Carpenters and joiners: Drilling openings for door furniture, lock mechanisms, and service penetrations in timber construction
• Kitchen and bathroom fitters: Installing taps, waste outlets, extractor ducting, and appliance connections
• HVAC installers: Drilling ventilation and extraction holes through various building materials
• Maintenance engineers: Facility installations, repairs, and retrofit work requiring precision hole cutting
• DIY enthusiasts: Home improvement projects demanding professional-quality results

Choosing The Right Holesaw Arbors & Pilot Drills

Match shank to drill chuck capacity: Compact cordless drills typically accept 6.4mm shanks, whilst professional 18V models accommodate 11mm shanks providing superior grip and reduced slippage under load.

Select appropriate diameter range: Smaller arbors suit 14-30mm hole saws for lighter applications, whilst larger diameters (32-210mm) require heavy-duty arbors with reinforced construction. MyToolShed.co.uk offers Bosch Professional and Bahco arbors covering the complete size spectrum.

Quick-change versus standard threading: Quick-change systems eliminate threading time, ideal for electricians and plumbers switching between multiple sizes daily. Standard threaded arbors offer excellent value for occasional use.

Consider extension requirements: For thick walls, floor joists, or confined spaces, Bahco 300mm and 330mm arbor extensions provide crucial additional reach whilst maintaining stability.

Pilot drill quality matters: Sharp HSS pilot drills with split-point designs prevent walking when starting cuts. Keep spare replacement pilots available—worn pilots compromise accuracy and increase kick-back risk.

Safety Information

Ensure arbors are fully tightened in the drill chuck before operation—loose arbors cause dangerous kick-back. Verify pilot drills are securely fixed, as loose pilots compromise stability. When using arbor extensions, reduce drill speed to compensate for increased length and potential vibration. Allow the pilot drill to penetrate fully and establish the cut before applying pressure to hole saw teeth. Always wear safety glasses and secure workpieces firmly, particularly when drilling metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any arbor with any hole saw?
Not always—whilst many manufacturers follow standard thread patterns, some use proprietary designs. Bosch Professional's Power Change system only works with compatible hole saws. Always verify thread specifications match your hole saw range and ensure shank size suits your drill chuck capacity.

When should I replace my pilot drill?
Replace pilot drills when you notice increased wandering at cut start, excessive heat generation, or visible point damage. A sharp HSS pilot should bite into material quickly without skating across the surface. Professional tradespeople keep spare pilots ready to maintain cutting performance.

What advantage do quick-change arbors offer?
Quick-change systems eliminate threading time, reducing tool changes from minutes to seconds. Particularly valuable for sparkies and plumbers regularly switching between hole sizes, QC arbors significantly improve productivity on multi-hole installations despite higher initial cost.