Bosch 11 Piece Diamond Hole Saw Set

First impressions

I put the Bosch diamond hole saw set to work on a run of bathroom and kitchen updates where clean, accurate holes in hard tile were non-negotiable. Right away, the design choices stood out: a quick-change mandrel, a spring-loaded AutoStart pilot bit that actually helps, and vacuum-brazed diamond grit with segmented rims meant to run cooler and shed slurry. It’s a compact, purpose-built kit aimed squarely at tile, stone, and other masonry-type materials—and it behaves like it.

What’s in the kit

The kit includes nine diamond hole saws, a mandrel, and Bosch’s AutoStart pilot bit, all housed in a plastic case. The included sizes cover common fixture and anchor needs: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 5/8, 1, 1-3/8, 2, 2-1/4, and 2-1/2 inches. The barrels have a 1-inch maximum cutting depth, with a listed working length of 1.75 inches. In practice, plan around that 1-inch depth; deeper material usually calls for drilling from both sides or switching methods.

Setup and starting a hole

The quick-change interface is straightforward: the hole saws snap onto the mandrel with a positive, secure engagement. The AutoStart pilot bit is the headline feature, and it isn’t a gimmick. The spring-loaded, retractable shaft lets you register the bit on a glazed surface without the usual skating and without making a separate pilot hole. Once the rim starts to bite, the pilot retracts and stays out of the cut. For most ceramic and many porcelain tiles, this gets you a clean, controlled start with less fuss.

On very slick or undulating finishes, I still like to add a strip of painter’s tape or use a template if the location is critical. But compared with the dance of starting a conventional diamond core without a guide, the AutoStart system saves time and reduces risk of chipping the glaze.

Cutting performance in the real world

I tested across ceramic floor tile, dense porcelain wall tile, and a couple of soft stone tiles (travertine). The set also handled a quick pass in a hollow concrete block for a small conduit. In all cases, the segmented rims expelled slurry better than continuous-rim cups I’ve used, which helped keep the cut cool and the kerf clear. With water on the cut—spray bottle, sponge, or a quick putty dam—the holes came out sharp and round, with minimal edge chipping.

• On 1-3/8-inch and smaller sizes, a mid-speed handheld drill with light pressure produced clean holes quickly.
• On 2 inches and up, slowing the RPM and letting the diamonds do the work paid off. The larger barrels track well once seated, and the AutoStart start-up was confident on porcelain, where lesser bits tend to walk.

The cores released reliably. If slurry packs into the gullets, a short stop to rinse the barrel clears it, and the segmented design helps avoid the glazed-over feel you sometimes get with continuous rims.

Heat management and longevity

Vacuum-brazed diamond tools generally outlast electroplated ones, and that matches my experience here. After multiple holes in porcelain and stone, the wear was even, with no missing sections or premature glazing. As with any diamond cutting, technique matters more than brand hype:

• Keep it wet. A steady trickle, spray, or sponge is enough.
• Moderate pressure. Forcing the cut overheats the bond and shortens life.
• Match speed to diameter. Smaller saws can run faster; larger diameters like slow and steady.

If you do notice glazing, a quick touch on an abrasive dressing block brings the diamonds back. I didn’t need to do this until late in testing, and the recovery was immediate.

Accuracy and surface quality

This kit shines on finished surfaces where chipped glaze is unacceptable. The AutoStart helps you commit to your mark, and once the rim is seated, the saws track true. I consistently got crisp holes through porcelain where cheaper cores would chip at exit. For through-holes in tile on substrate, I’d recommend stopping just shy of a breakthrough, flipping the tile, and completing from the backside—especially on larger sizes. That technique, plus keeping the edge wet, nearly eliminates blowout.

Drill press vs. handheld

The set is comfortable in either scenario:

• Handheld drilling: The AutoStart makes the first seconds less stressful, and the snap-on arbor is compact enough to fit in tight spaces around fixtures. The 1-inch cutting depth is realistic in‑hand.
• Drill press: If you have the luxury, the controlled feed and consistent alignment make fast, repeatable work. It’s also easier to maintain a water bath around the cut on a press table.

Either way, take the time to clear slurry occasionally; it’s a simple habit that preserves edge quality and diamond life.

Practical limitations

A few notes to set expectations:

• Depth: The 1-inch maximum cutting depth is the real limit. If you regularly core through thicker stone, pavers, or layered assemblies, you’ll need a deeper-walled core bit or plan for a two-sided approach.
• Size selection: The set covers many common sizes, but it skips 1-1/2 inches—a frequent plumbing size. If that’s on your list, you’ll need to add a separate bit.
• Cooling management: There’s no integrated water feed (common for handheld core sets), so you’ll supply your own water. That’s not unusual, but it’s worth planning for on finished interiors.

None of these are dealbreakers for tile and finish work, but they’re worth understanding before you open the case.

Build quality and case

Fit and finish are solid. The locking interface is firm, the pilot action is smooth and retracts reliably, and the diamond segments are uniform around the rim. The plastic case is compact and keeps the set organized on a shelf or in a drawer. It’s not a bombproof jobsite box, but it holds everything securely and makes it easy to grab the right cup without rooting around in a bucket of loose steel.

Value and who it suits

This is not the cheapest way to make a few holes in ceramic. It is, however, a cost-effective way to make a lot of clean holes across several materials without burning through bits. If you tile regularly, do remodel work where fixture penetrations are part of most jobs, or you’re a facilities tech who needs predictable results on finished surfaces, the performance and longevity justify the investment.

For a one-off weekend project with a couple of small holes, a single low-cost bit might get you through. But the difference in start control, heat management, and edge quality becomes obvious once you move into porcelain, larger diameters, or multiple holes.

Tips from use

• Mark precisely and let the AutoStart find home; once the rim bites, back off, add water, and continue.
• For porcelain, reduce RPM on 2 inches and larger, and don’t lean on the drill.
• Pause periodically to flush slurry; treat it like sanding dust—clear it, don’t push it.
• For zero chip-out on visible faces, score 1/16 inch, back off, re-wet, then proceed.

Recommendation

I recommend this Bosch diamond hole saw set for tile setters, remodelers, and serious DIYers who need consistent, clean holes in ceramic, porcelain, and other masonry-type materials. The AutoStart pilot genuinely reduces setup headaches, the vacuum-brazed segments run cool and wear evenly, and the quick-change mandrel streamlines swapping sizes mid-task. Its limitations—a 1-inch cutting depth and a size spread that omits 1-1/2 inches—are easy to plan around. If your work benefits from accurate starts, minimal chipping, and a kit that stands up to repeated use, this set earns its keep.