Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw

Review of the Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw

As someone who regularly works with various materials and tools, having a reliable hole saw is essential. The Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw stood out to me because of its compatibility with impact drivers and its promise to handle plastics and thin gauge metals. Over the past few weeks, I put this tool through a range of tests to see how it performed under different conditions and materials.

Design and Features

The design of this hole saw is quite impressive. Featuring an 8 TPI (teeth per inch) thin wall design, it promises faster cuts compared to standard bi-metal hole saws. The quick change hex shank is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to switch between tools without much hassle. One of the standout features for me was the stop shoulder design, which prevents over-drilling – a common issue that can lead to damage in delicate tasks. Additionally, the ejection spring for automatic slug removal is a practical feature, especially when you’re doing repetitive work and need to maintain efficiency.

Performance on Plastics

Starting with plastics, the Milwaukee hole saw performed admirably. The thin wall design allowed for clean, swift cuts without much resistance. The tool’s ability to eject slugs automatically saved time and maintained a smooth workflow. Plastics, being softer, didn't pose much of a challenge, and the hole saw handled multiple cuts without showing any signs of wear or dullness.

Performance on Thin Gauge Metals

The real test for any hole saw, however, comes with metals. In theory, this tool should handle metals up to 1/8 inch thick. My first test was on a thin sheet of aluminum. The hole saw managed to cut through the aluminum reasonably well, though it did take a bit more effort than I expected. I found that using a slower drill speed and applying consistent pressure yielded the best results.

However, when I moved on to stainless steel, the story changed significantly. The hole saw struggled more than anticipated. While it did eventually cut through, the process was slow, and I noticed the teeth starting to show signs of wear after a few holes. For those working with stainless steel or harder metals regularly, this might not be the best tool in your arsenal, as it lacks the durability needed for long-term use in tougher materials.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is a mixed bag with this hole saw. On one hand, it excels in lighter materials like plastics and softer metals. On the other, its performance declines noticeably with tougher materials. The pilot bit, in particular, seems to be a weak point. I experienced several instances where the pilot bit either dulled quickly or broke entirely. This is a disappointment given Milwaukee’s reputation for quality.

Ease of Use

One of the strengths of this hole saw is its ease of use. The quick change hex shank is a real time-saver, particularly if you’re switching between different tasks frequently. The stop shoulder design is also a great feature, especially when precision is crucial. The automatic slug ejection worked flawlessly in most cases, though it did get stuck a couple of times when working with thicker materials.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the price point, the Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw offers decent value, especially for those who mostly deal with plastics and softer metals. However, if your work involves a lot of stainless steel or other tougher materials, you might find yourself replacing this tool more often than you’d like. In such cases, investing in a more robust, albeit more expensive, hole saw might be more cost-effective in the long run.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw is a solid tool for specific applications. If your primary need is cutting through plastics, aluminum, or other softer materials, this hole saw will serve you well. It offers a range of user-friendly features like the quick change hex shank and automatic slug ejection, which enhance the overall user experience.

However, for those looking to work extensively with stainless steel or other harder metals, this tool falls short in terms of durability and efficiency. The pilot bit’s tendency to dull or break can be frustrating and costly over time.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If your projects primarily involve lighter materials, the Milwaukee hole saw is a great addition to your toolkit. It is efficient, easy to use, and reasonably priced. However, for heavy-duty metalwork, I would suggest looking into more robust options that can withstand the rigors of tougher materials.

In summary, the Milwaukee 1-1/8" Thin Wall Hole Saw is a versatile tool with some excellent features, but it does have its limitations. Assess your primary needs before making a purchase to ensure it aligns with the demands of your projects.