Milwaukee 2" HOLE DOZER™ with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw

Cutting holes in tough materials can be a daunting task, but with the right tool in hand, it can become significantly easier and more efficient. I recently had the opportunity to test out the Milwaukee 2" Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw, and I must say that my experience was a mixed bag. This hole saw boasts a variety of features that promise durability and efficiency, yet its performance can be quite variable depending on the material being cut.

First off, the build quality of the Hole Dozer is impressive. The carbide teeth are designed to last longer than traditional bi-metal hole saws, and the 3 TPI (teeth per inch) design aims to provide faster cutting. The deep gullets are a nice touch, allowing for better material clearance, which is crucial when dealing with dense or abrasive materials. Additionally, the access slots make plug removal much easier, saving time and frustration during the cutting process.

When it comes to performance, I found that the Hole Dozer excels in certain applications but falls short in others. For instance, cutting through cement board, fiberglass, plaster, and asphalt shingles was a breeze. The carbide teeth handled these materials with relative ease, and the hole saw maintained its sharpness throughout multiple cuts. The cutting depth of 1.62 inches is more than adequate for most applications, and the 5/8 in - 18 arbor size ensures compatibility with a wide range of drills.

However, the Hole Dozer's performance in masonry and brick was less than stellar. When attempting to drill through brick, the hole saw struggled significantly. Even with the use of water to cool the bit and reduce friction, the carbide teeth wore down quickly, and the cutting speed was painfully slow. In some cases, I found that the hole saw would simply spin without making much progress, generating a lot of heat and causing concern for potential damage to the tool and the drill.

One of the more frustrating aspects of using the Hole Dozer was the lack of clear instructions regarding the use of water for cooling. It's essential to use water when cutting through hard materials like concrete or brick to prevent overheating and prolong the life of the tool. Unfortunately, this crucial piece of information was not prominently mentioned on the packaging, leading to some trial and error on my part. Once I figured out the optimal technique, the performance improved slightly, but it was still far from ideal.

It's worth noting that the Hole Dozer is not a complete unit out of the box. You'll need to purchase an arbor separately, which can be an inconvenience if you're not aware of this beforehand. This added cost and the need to source an additional component can be a downside for those looking for an all-in-one solution.

On the flip side, the Hole Dozer performed admirably when cutting through materials like stucco and concrete. The carbide teeth showed minimal wear even after multiple cuts, and the tool felt sturdy and reliable. For general-purpose use and occasional tough applications, the Hole Dozer is a solid choice. However, for more demanding tasks, particularly those involving masonry or brick, you might want to consider a diamond-tipped hole saw for better performance and longevity.

In terms of craftsmanship, the Hole Dozer is well-constructed and feels robust in hand. The weight of 0.23 lbs is manageable, and the dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The packaging is straightforward, and the clam shell design keeps the tool secure during transport and storage.

Overall, my experience with the Milwaukee Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw has been a mixed one. While it excels in cutting through a variety of materials and offers features that enhance durability and efficiency, its performance in masonry and brick leaves much to be desired. The need for additional components and the lack of clear instructions regarding cooling are also notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw? It depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a versatile hole saw that can handle a range of materials with ease and you're willing to invest in an arbor and take the time to figure out the optimal cutting techniques, then the Hole Dozer is a solid choice. However, if your primary focus is on cutting through masonry or brick, you might be better off investing in a diamond-tipped hole saw for more reliable performance and longer-lasting results.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw is a capable tool with some limitations. Its durability and efficiency make it a good option for general-purpose use, but its performance in tougher applications may require some patience and additional investment. Keep these factors in mind when deciding if this tool is the right fit for your needs.