DeWalt 13-Piece 2X Master Bi-Metal Holesaw Kit

Why this kit earned a spot in my rough-in bag

I reach for hole saws constantly—plumbing pass-throughs in 2x studs, locksets, light rough-ins, and the occasional EMT knockout. Over the past few months I put this DeWalt hole saw kit through typical carpenter and remodeler tasks to see whether the “2X” deep-cut promise and quick-eject system actually speed things up, and whether the bi-metal/cobalt blend holds up. Short version: the cutting performance is excellent, the plug ejection actually helps, and the quick-change mandrels save real time. The case, however, is the weak link.

What you get and how it’s built

This is a 13-piece bi-metal set with both small and large quick-change mandrels included. The saw cups are the deeper “2X” style designed to clear a standard 2x in one pass, and the shanks use a 7/16-inch ball groove so they drop into compatible quick-change chucks without fuss. DeWalt bumps the high-speed steel height and adds up to 8.75% cobalt; paired with their tooth geometry, that combination is aimed at longer life in wood and mild steel. Backing plates are thick and hardened to reduce thread stripping—I’m hard on arbors, and that reinforcement matters.

The kit weighs just under five pounds in its case, and it’s made in the U.S. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, which isn’t a lifetime promise but does give you a window to stress-test it on a job.

Setup and compatibility

The small/large mandrel coverage means I didn’t need to juggle a secondary arbor for bigger cups. The ball-groove shank locked directly into my quick-change chuck, and swapping sizes with gloves on was straightforward. On standard keyed and keyless chucks, the shank shoulder sits positively and doesn’t creep under load. Pilot bit runout was minimal out of the box, which helps keep big cups from skittering at the start of a cut.

Cutting performance in wood

• 2x SPF studs: The deep cups truly clear 2x material in a single pass, which is the headline feature. With a 20V drill in low gear and a side handle, I was averaging roughly 8–12 seconds for common plumbing pass-throughs. The tooth design evacuates chips well; I didn’t need to rock the saw as much as I do with shallower cups to prevent clogging.
• PT lumber and LVL: In pressure-treated stock, feed rate naturally slowed, but the teeth stayed sharp through multiple holes without burning. LVL required a firmer hand and a slower speed; even so, the saws tracked cleanly and didn’t chatter excessively.
• Doors and plywood: For lockset bores and clean-faced plywood, the saws left an acceptably smooth edge. Backing the exit side still prevents tear-out on veneered stock, but the cup depth and ejection slots made plug removal faster than my older bi-metal sets.

The big win is the deep-cut design. Not having to flip the workpiece or drill from both faces cuts down on alignment hiccups and speeds repetitive work.

Metal capability and technique

These are bi-metal cups with cobalt in the matrix, and they’re genuinely usable on mild steel. I ran a handful of holes in 16–18 gauge steel studs and a couple of holes in 1/8-inch plate for a bracket. With cutting fluid and the drill locked to low RPM, the teeth stayed intact and cut predictably. On thicker or hardened steel, you’ll want a carbide solution; this kit is best framed as “multi-purpose with mild steel covered” rather than a do-everything metal package. For EMT and galvanized strap, the performance was smooth provided I kept the speed conservative and let the teeth do the work.

Practical note: use cutting fluid, lower your RPM, and avoid side-loading. The cups will last far longer if you treat metal as its own workflow rather than “wood rules applied to steel.”

Plug ejection that actually helps

Staggered slots along the cup wall plus the deeper profile make a noticeable difference in plug removal. In dry SPF, most plugs pop with a light tap on the pilot bit or by prying with a flathead. In wet or resinous pine, plugs still bind—as they will with any hole saw—but I spent less time digging compared to standard shallow cups. The pilot bit channel stays open enough that you can push with a punch without bending the bit.

Durability and tooth life

Between the taller HSS band and the cobalt content, the teeth held their edge well across mixed-material jobs. After dozens of holes in 2x stock and a handful in steel, the most-used sizes were still cutting without pronounced burn marks or blueing. The hardened backing plates are a quiet hero here: they resist thread deformation when you torque the cups on and off, which preserves a snug fit on the mandrel. I’ve stripped cheaper hole saw threads before; these have stayed crisp.

As with all bi-metal saws, heat is your enemy. If you smell burning or see discoloration, drop your speed and clear chips more frequently. This kit will reward that discipline.

Handling and control

The cups run relatively true. Starting a hole is predictable, especially with the pilot bit landing cleanly. Chatter was minimal on wood and manageable on light steel. The biggest ergonomic factor is remembering that a deep-cut cup grabs more material; use a side handle and brace yourself for the moment when the teeth break through. The 7/16-inch shank is stout and appropriate for this duty cycle.

The case and organization

The organization is okay: there’s a designated spot for each cup plus the mandrels. The case is compact and keeps the set under five pounds, which is easy to toss in a packout or truck drawer. Durability of the case itself is middling. The hinges and latches feel light, and after a couple of weeks bouncing around a job box, scuffs and flex were evident. Nothing failed on me, but I wouldn’t expect this case to thrive under sustained abuse. If you’re tough on cases, consider rehousing the set in a more robust organizer.

Maintenance and replacements

Cleanup is simple: knock chips out of the slots, wipe the cups, and add a light oil film if you’ve been cutting steel. The mandrels didn’t loosen or weld themselves tight; threads stayed clean thanks to the hardened plates. Pilot bits are standard fare and easy to replace. There’s no sharpening path for the cups, so long life is the economy here.

Where it excels, where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- True one-pass cuts through 2x material save time and improve accuracy
- Effective plug ejection reduces the most annoying part of hole saw work
- Durable tooth band with cobalt handles wood and mild steel without premature dulling
- Quick-change mandrels and 7/16-inch ball groove shank streamline setup

Trade-offs:
- The case is serviceable but not built for hard knocks
- Not a substitute for carbide when tackling thick or hardened steel
- Deep cups demand proper technique; without speed control and a side handle, you’ll fight grab and kick

Who it’s for

If you’re a remodeler, carpenter, electrician, or plumber who routinely bores through 2x framing and occasionally hits mild steel, this kit is dialed for that mix. DIYers who want a single, dependable set for wood-first projects will appreciate the speed and simplicity. Metal fabricators or those drilling stainless regularly should look at carbide-tipped options.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt hole saw kit for pros and serious DIYers who value speed in framing and finish work and want a bi-metal set that actually lasts. The deep-cut cups do what they claim—pass through 2x in one go—and the plug-ejection slots are more than marketing. Tooth life is solid, the quick-change mandrels are convenient, and the 7/16-inch shank integrates well with modern chucks. The only notable caveat is the case; it organizes well but doesn’t love rough treatment. If you can live with that—or plan to rehome the cups—you’ll get a fast, durable kit that earns its keep on site.