Holesaw Sets

About Holesaw Sets

Holesaw sets provide tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts with a comprehensive range of cutting diameters in one convenient package, eliminating the need to purchase individual holesaws for different jobs. These essential toolkit additions include not just the cutting heads themselves, but also the necessary arbors (mandrels) and pilot drill bits required to cut clean, accurate holes through wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade sets from leading brands including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, and Bahco, alongside budget-friendly options for occasional home use.

Quality holesaw sets feature bi-metal construction with high-speed steel cutting edges welded to flexible spring steel bodies, delivering excellent durability across multiple materials. Trade-specific sets cater to particular professions—electricians' sets focus on smaller diameters for back boxes and downlighters, plumbers' sets include larger sizes up to 152mm for pipework, whilst general contractors' kits offer broader size ranges. Most sets come with robust carry cases for organised storage and easy transport between jobs.

Applications

Holesaw sets are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians: Installing back boxes, cable entry points, downlighters, and electrical accessories in walls and ceilings
• Plumbers: Creating pipework entry points through joists, walls, and floors for copper pipes, waste pipes, and radiator feeds
• Carpenters and Joiners: Door furniture installation, cable management holes, and general woodworking projects
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Tap holes in worktops, waste outlet holes, and accessory mounting
• General Builders: Wide range of site applications requiring clean holes through construction materials
• HVAC Engineers: Ductwork penetrations and ventilation grille installations
• Maintenance Engineers: Repair work and modifications in industrial and commercial settings
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including lighting installation and plumbing upgrades

Choosing The Right Holesaw Sets

Consider Your Primary Applications: Trade-specific sets are tailored to the most common hole sizes for particular professions. Electricians' sets typically range from 16mm to 65mm, whilst plumbers' sets include larger diameters. Multi-purpose sets offer broader ranges suitable for general contractors.

Material Compatibility: Bi-metal holesaws handle both wood and metal, making them versatile for most applications. For specialist materials like tiles or ceramics, consider diamond-coated options available at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Build Quality: Professional users should invest in premium sets from Bosch Professional, DeWalt, or Bahco featuring robust construction and durable storage cases. These withstand intensive daily use and maintain cutting performance over hundreds of holes. Occasional users may find excellent value in mid-range options from Draper or Faithfull.

Arbor Configuration: Quick-change systems like Bosch's Power Change significantly speed up work when switching between sizes frequently, whilst traditional threaded arbors offer universal compatibility.

Set Composition: Analyse your typical jobs to determine whether a focused 6-11 piece set or comprehensive 14-16 piece collection better suits your requirements.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses to protect against swarf and material fragments. Never hand-hold material being cut—always clamp workpieces securely to prevent rotation, as holesaw cutting generates significant torque. Use power tools with side handles when cutting larger diameters to maintain control if the holesaw binds. Before cutting into walls or ceilings, check for hidden cables and pipes using a suitable detector. Allow holesaws to cool after use as they become extremely hot, particularly when cutting metals. When using 240v corded drills, ensure tools are properly earthed and cables are in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use holesaws in a cordless drill or do I need a mains-powered tool?

Modern 18V cordless drills from quality brands provide ample power for most holesaw applications up to around 65mm diameter. For larger holesaws (100mm+) or frequent use in tough materials, a 240v corded drill offers sustained power without battery limitations. Ensure your cordless tool is fully charged for best results.

What's the difference between plumbers' and electricians' holesaw sets?

Electricians' sets focus on smaller diameters (typically 16mm-65mm) suited to back boxes and downlighters. Plumbers' sets include larger sizes (often up to 152mm) for waste pipes and soil stacks. If you work across multiple trades, a general contractors' set offers a broader size range covering most common applications.

How long should a quality bi-metal holesaw last?

With proper use and maintenance, professional bi-metal holesaws can cut hundreds of holes. Lifespan depends on materials being cut—wood is less abrasive than metals. Using appropriate speeds, clearing waste regularly, and applying cutting lubricant when working with metals all extend blade life significantly.