Milwaukee Hole Saw Kit - 9PC

Every time I add a new tool to my collection, I look for three primary characteristics: performance, durability, and ease of use. So, when I recently had the chance to test out the Milwaukee Hole Saw Kit - 9PC, I was eager to see if it would meet my standards. This kit, with its variety of hole saw sizes and a reputation for being optimized for metal applications, promised to be a versatile addition.

The first thing that stood out to me was the build quality of the hole saws themselves. Milwaukee has a reputation for making durable tools, and this kit is no exception. The saws are made from high-quality materials and feature a 3.5 TPI (teeth per inch) tooth design, which is engineered for cutting through metal. This tooth design is also supposed to help with longevity and minimize wear and tear.

When I first used the hole saw kit, I tested it on a piece of 1/4" steel. Using a slow drill speed and some cutting oil, the saw powered through the metal without any issues. The cuts were clean and precise, and there was minimal drag, thanks in part to the friction-reducing coating on the saws. This coating is a small but significant feature that makes a noticeable difference during prolonged use.

One of the challenges often faced with hole saws is the removal of the material plug that gets stuck inside the saw. Milwaukee addresses this issue with their "Plug Jack" system, which includes access slots designed to make plug removal easier. In my experience, this system worked reasonably well, although there were a few instances where I needed to remove the saw from the drill to get the plug out. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than many other hole saws I've used in the past.

Another feature I found beneficial was the customizable hole saw case. The case is sturdy and comes with secure storage grids and interchangeable pegs, allowing you to configure it to your liking. This ensures that your hole saws are organized and easy to access. The case also includes a removable accessory box, which is handy for storing smaller parts or additional accessories. Plus, it's compatible with Milwaukee's Packout™ organizers, making it a great addition to an existing Milwaukee tool set.

However, not everything about the kit was perfect. One of the issues I encountered was with the arbor assembly. The hole saws tend to tighten very securely onto the arbor, making them difficult to remove. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to switch between different saw sizes quickly. After some trial and error, I found that applying a drop or two of anti-seize lubricant to the threads before assembling the saws made disassembly much easier. This is a handy tip that I recommend to anyone using this kit.

I also tested the hole saw kit on various materials, including hardwood and MDO (medium-density overlay plywood). In hardwood, the hole saw performed well, although it did require a bit more torque, so I switched from my cordless drill to a 1/2" electric drill. The cuts were clean, but I did notice some burning, which is typical when cutting through harder materials. In MDO, the performance was excellent, and the hole saws cut through the material effortlessly.

The durability of the saws is another strong point. Even after multiple uses on tough materials, the teeth on the saws showed little to no signs of wear. This is a testament to the high-quality construction and materials used by Milwaukee. It's clear that these hole saws are built to last, which is something I always look for in a tool.

The kit also includes a pilot bit, which is essential for guiding the hole saw and ensuring accurate cuts. During my testing, the pilot bit performed well and remained sharp throughout. There was one instance where the bit sheered off, but the kit conveniently includes an extra bit, so I was able to continue working without any delays.

Storage and portability are often overlooked aspects of tool kits, but Milwaukee has done a great job with the case design. The case is compact yet spacious enough to hold all the saws securely, and the inclusion of a hidden Allen wrench for disassembling the drill bit is a nice touch. This attention to detail is something I appreciate, as it makes the kit more user-friendly and convenient.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Hole Saw Kit - 9PC is a solid addition to any toolbox. It excels in performance, durability, and ease of use. While there are a few minor issues, such as the difficulty in removing the saws from the arbor and the occasional need to disassemble the saw to remove plugs, these can be mitigated with a bit of preparation and practice. The overall quality of the saws and the thoughtful design of the case make this kit a worthwhile investment.

I would recommend this hole saw kit to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its versatility in cutting different materials and the robust construction ensure that it will handle a variety of tasks efficiently. Whether you're working on metal, wood, or composite materials, this kit is up to the challenge. So, if you're in the market for a reliable and high-performing hole saw kit, the Milwaukee Hole Saw Kit - 9PC is definitely worth considering.