DeWalt Master Hole Saw Kit (14 pc.)

What’s in the box and first impressions

This 14-piece DeWalt hole saw kit hits the sweet spot for general carpentry, electrical, and light plumbing work. You get 11 bi‑metal cups from 3/4 in. through 2-1/2 in., two quick‑change mandrels (small and large), two pilot‑point centering bits, a few replacement parts, and a compact carrying case. The sizes cover everyday tasks: 3/4–1-1/8 in. for basic knockouts, 1-3/8–1-1/2 in. for conduit and larger penetrations, 2–2-1/8 in. for locksets, and 2-1/4–2-1/2 in. for rough-ins and holes for small vents or fittings.

Out of the box, the cups are cleanly finished with uniform teeth and large ejection slots. The quick‑change mandrels are the standout—simple collar, positive engagement, and a firm lockup. I like that the kit includes both small and large mandrels so I’m not hunting through the truck for the right arbor mid-task. The case is compact and keeps the cups nested securely, though I’ll come back to durability in a bit.

Setup and mandrel system

Switching cups is fast and nearly foolproof. Slide back the collar, seat the cup onto the pins, and release. There’s a reassuring click and minimal wiggle. On my drill press and handheld drill (a 1/2 in. variable‑speed with side handle), runout stayed low—even on the 2-1/2 in. cup. That matters for clean holes and a balanced feel at the wrists.

The pilot‑point bits center well and resist walking on wood and softer metals. Swapping a dulled pilot for a fresh one doesn’t require taking the entire mandrel apart—useful when you’re trying to keep momentum on a job.

Cutting performance: wood

In SPF 2x stock, the deeper cup design will indeed punch through a full 1-1/2 in. thickness in a single pass, provided you don’t rush the feed. I drilled a half‑dozen 2-1/8 in. lockset holes in door slabs and a mix of 1-1/2 and 2 in. penetrations through studs for routing low‑voltage cabling. The double‑tooth geometry tracks smoothly and clears chips well; I rarely needed to back the saw out to evacuate material except in resinous knots.

On plywood, edge tear‑out was average for a bi‑metal saw—nothing egregious, but if you want truly crisp edges in finish work, tape the surface or back it with scrap. Speed-wise, a 2 in. cup at 300–400 RPM with a steady feed produced clean, round holes without scorching. On LVL, I slowed further and used a tiny bit of wax; the saws stayed true and didn’t chatter.

Cutting performance: metal and plastics

Bi‑metal is the right choice for general-purpose metal work, as long as you manage speed and heat. In 18‑gauge steel studs, I ran the 1‑1/2 in. cup at low speed with cutting fluid, and it chewed through without burning the teeth. Holes were clean with minimal burrs. In 1/8 in. mild steel plate, patience is essential: slow speed, firm but modest feed, and plenty of oil. The saw made it, though it’s not a production solution for plate. For stainless or repeated thick metal cutting, I’d step up to a carbide‑tooth set.

On PVC and ABS, the cups slice quickly with little melting if you keep the speed moderate. The pilot‑point bit helps keep the cup from skating across glossy surfaces, especially when starting on a curved pipe.

Plug ejection and workflow

The large ejection slots do their job. In softwood, most plugs popped free with a quick tap on the shank or a twist with pliers. End‑grain plugs and plywood can still lock in; that’s the nature of hole saws. Here, the slot size makes a difference—I could get a flat screwdriver behind the plug without mauling the teeth.

Between the quick‑change mandrel and decent plug ejection, the overall workflow is fast: measure, start the pilot, let the teeth engage, and you’re on to the next hole. That matters more than raw cutting speed on a typical service call.

Durability and design details

A couple of design choices stand out. First, the hardened backing plates on the cups do a good job protecting the threads. I’ve stripped cheaper cups by overtightening or when a saw bound and reversed under torque; this set has held up without cross‑threading or deformation. Second, tooth life is what I’d expect for quality bi‑metal. After dozens of holes across common materials—and a handful in thin steel—the teeth are still sharp enough to start cleanly. When they do dull, they dull evenly rather than chipping unpredictably.

Heat management is respectable. The double‑tooth pattern and chip clearance slots keep things cooler in wood, and with oil in metal you can run multiple holes before the cup gets too hot to handle. If you routinely drill through nail‑embedded lumber or abrasive materials, expect a faster wear curve.

The case and organization

The case keeps everything organized and compact, which is great for toss‑and‑go days. Sizes are legible on the cups, and the nesting layout makes it quick to spot what’s missing. My gripe is durability: the injection‑molded hinge and latch feel more homeowner‑grade than jobsite‑proof. Mine hasn’t broken, but it doesn’t inspire confidence if you’re rough on cases or stacking heavy boxes on top of it in the truck. If you’re in that camp, either baby the case or plan to migrate the kit into a sturdier storage solution.

What’s missing and what’s not

Coverage tops out at 2-1/2 in. If you install larger vents, recessed can lights, or dryer ducts regularly, you’ll need a supplemental set or individual larger cups. On the small end, the selection hits the common electrical and plumbing sizes well, but if your work calls for niche diameters, check the list before you buy. The included pair of pilot bits is a thoughtful touch; many kits skimp there.

It’s worth noting this is a bi‑metal set aimed at versatility, not a carbide demolition kit. Used as intended—wood, plastics, and light to moderate metal—it performs exactly as a pro would hope.

Tips for best results

• Let the pilot establish the center, then bring the teeth into contact at low speed.
• In wood, use moderate speed and steady pressure; in metal, slow down and use cutting oil.
• Back the saw out periodically in deep cuts to clear chips and keep temperatures down.
• Clamp workpieces and use a side handle; a 2-1/2 in. cup can catch and twist your wrist.
• For clean edges in finish plywood, tape the cut line or sandwich with scrap.

Who this kit suits

• Electricians and general contractors who need reliable 3/4–2-1/2 in. coverage with quick changes between sizes.
• Locksmiths and door installers who want consistent 2-1/8 and 1 in. performance.
• DIYers who prefer one well‑rounded kit instead of chasing single cups.

If your daily work is heavy steel fabrication or abrasive cement board, this isn’t the right tool. If you need a compact, go‑to set for wood, plastics, and thin metals, it fits the bill.

The bottom line

This DeWalt kit delivers where it counts: steady tracking, clean holes, fast plug ejection, and a mandrel system that doesn’t slow you down. The hardened backing plates and sensible tooth geometry translate to real durability under typical jobsite use. The case is the weakest link—handy for organization but not built like a tank. Capacity tops out at 2-1/2 in., which will be fine for many trades and limiting for a few.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit. It’s a balanced, work-ready set with the right sizes, dependable bi‑metal performance, and a genuinely good quick‑change system. If you need larger diameters or a bombproof case, plan for those limitations; otherwise, this kit has the versatility and reliability I look for in everyday hole saw work.