Holesaws & Arbors

About Holesaws & Arbors

Holesaws and arbors are indispensable cutting accessories for creating clean, precise circular holes in timber, metal, plastic, tiles, and masonry. The holesaw is a cylindrical cutting tool with teeth around its edge, whilst the arbor (or mandrel) is the shank assembly that connects the holesaw to your drill and includes a pilot bit for accurate centring. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks individual holesaws in diameters from 14mm to 210mm, complete holesaw sets with multiple sizes, arbors and pilot drills in various thread types, plus useful accessories like holesaw plugs and extension arbors for deeper cuts.

Different holesaw technologies suit specific materials: bi-metal holesaws handle wood, metal, and plastic; tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) versions excel in abrasive materials like chipboard and fibreglass; diamond-coated holesaws cut ceramic tiles and porcelain; whilst masonry holesaws tackle brick and concrete. MyToolShed.co.uk features professional-grade ranges from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, and Starrett, covering every trade application from electrical installations to plumbing, carpentry, and general construction work.

Applications

• Electricians: Cutting holes through joists and panels for cable runs, back boxes, downlighters, and electrical accessories
• Plumbers: Drilling through floors, walls, and units for pipework, waste pipes, radiator pipes, and service penetrations
• Carpenters: Creating openings for locks, door furniture, ducting, extractor fans, and decorative timber features
• Kitchen & Bathroom Fitters: Cutting worktop holes for taps and sinks, plus tiling and service access points
• HVAC Installers: Drilling holes for ducting, vents, and extraction systems through various building materials
• Maintenance Engineers: General facilities maintenance requiring hole cutting across diverse materials
• DIY Enthusiasts: Installing door locks, light fittings, waste pipes, and home renovation projects

Choosing The Right Holesaws & Arbors

Material Compatibility: Select bi-metal holesaws for wood, plastic, and thin metals. Choose TCT holesaws for abrasive materials like MDF and chipboard. Use diamond holesaws for tiles and porcelain, and masonry holesaws for brick and concrete.

Diameter Range: Individual holesaws suit specific jobs, whilst holesaw sets offer better value for multiple sizes. Common sets include electrical work diameters (downlighters), plumbing sizes (standard pipe diameters), or comprehensive general trade ranges.

Arbor Compatibility: Ensure arbors match your holesaw thread size (typically 1/2"-20 UNF or M14 metric) and power tool shank. Standard arbors fit holesaws up to 32mm; larger diameters require heavy-duty arbors. Some brands offer quick-change systems for faster holesaw changes on site.

Depth Requirements: Standard holesaws cut to 38-42mm depth. For thicker materials, consider deep-cut holesaws (60mm+) or extension arbors that add length to your setup.

Safety Information

Kickback Hazards: Holesaws can jam suddenly, causing violent drill twist. Always use both hands with the auxiliary handle and choose drills with kickback protection or slip clutches.

PPE: Wear safety glasses and appropriate respiratory protection when cutting materials producing fine dust. Use work gloves when handling holesaws, but never whilst operating tools.

Hidden Services: Always use a cable and pipe detector before drilling through walls or floors to avoid electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines.

Heat Awareness: Holesaws generate significant heat, particularly in metal. Allow cooling before touching or changing. Cut edges are extremely sharp—handle with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same holesaw for wood and metal?

Bi-metal holesaws cut both materials, but use slower speeds for metal and faster for wood. Apply cutting lubricant when working with metals to extend holesaw life and achieve cleaner cuts.

How do I remove the cut slug from inside the holesaw?

Use a dedicated holesaw plug tool (spring-loaded accessory) or carefully lever out with a flat-blade screwdriver. Many modern holesaws feature slots or ejection springs. Never use fingers—cut edges are extremely sharp.

What size arbor do I need?

Standard arbors fit holesaws from 14mm to 30-32mm diameter. Larger holesaws require heavy-duty arbors. Check your holesaw thread specification—common sizes include 1/2"-20 UNF and M14 metric threads.