Bosch 11 Piece Diamond Hole Saw Set

Why I reached for this kit

Tile work rewards patience and punishes shortcuts, especially when you’re boring holes through glossy porcelain or brittle ceramic. I’ve burned up bargain hole saws and chipped my share of tiles. After a few recent remodels, I settled on the Bosch diamond hole saw set for one reason: it consistently makes clean, predictable holes without drama. It’s not the cheapest option, but in my experience it has been the most controlled and reliable.

What’s in the box

The Bosch kit bundles nine diamond hole saws, a mandrel, an AutoStart pilot bit with a spring‑loaded retractable shaft, and a molded plastic case. The hole sizes range from small anchor holes to large openings for plumbing fixtures:
- 1/4 in, 5/16 in, 3/8 in
- 5/8 in, 1 in, 1-3/8 in
- 2 in, 2-1/4 in, 2-1/2 in

Maximum recommended cutting depth is 1 inch, with a working length of 1.75 inches. The tooling uses vacuum‑brazed diamond grit with segmented rims to help control heat and shed slurry. The case is larger than I expected, but it keeps everything organized and protected.

Setup and the AutoStart advantage

The standout feature is the AutoStart pilot bit. It’s not a standard pilot drill; it’s a spring‑loaded, retractable point that touches down to stabilize the cut, then retracts as the diamond rim starts biting. On slick porcelain, this matters. With hand drills, hole saws tend to skate and scratch the glaze. The AutoStart system all but eliminates that first‑moment wander and removes the need to tape or build a clay dam just to hold position. It snaps into the mandrel securely, and swapping between sizes is quick and positive.

A few notes from use:
- Keep the drill in standard (non‑hammer) mode.
- Use low to medium RPM and steady pressure.
- Feed water frequently; a squeeze bottle, sponge, or putty dam works well.

Cutting performance on tile and stone

On ceramic wall tile, the kit cuts very quickly—fast enough that heat becomes the gating factor more than abrasion. On dense porcelain floor tile, it’s slower but still smooth, with minimal edge chipping when I kept the surface wet and pressure even. Large sizes (2 in and up) benefit from a short “sweep” motion to keep the rim flushing slurry; I’ll start with a slight angle to get the rim engaged, then level out once the kerf is defined.

I also used it on marble and travertine. The results were clean, though softer stones can bruise at the edge if you rush the breakthrough. For glass tile, the smallest sizes did fine with a very light feed and lots of water, but I prefer a dedicated glass bit for that material. This kit is in its element on porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone.

With a drill press, the results are near-perfect: no walking, crisp edges, and repeatable depth control. In the field with a cordless drill, the AutoStart still keeps things tidy as long as you let the diamonds do the work.

Heat management and technique

Any diamond hole saw lives or dies by heat control. The segmented rims on these saws clear slurry better than continuous rims I’ve used, and the vacuum‑brazed diamonds hold up well under intermittent cooling. I found the following routine pays off:
- Pre‑wet the surface, start the cut dry for a second to seat the rim, then feed water.
- Use light, pulsing pressure rather than leaning in.
- Back out occasionally to flush the kerf and check temperature.
- Support the exit side on removable tiles; for in‑place walls, slow down as you approach breakthrough to avoid blowout.

Managed this way, wear has been minimal across multiple holes in porcelain and stone. After several projects, the rims still cut cleanly.

Depth limits and real‑world constraints

The stated maximum cutting depth is 1 inch. For most tile work, that’s plenty: typical tile thickness ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch, and even thick porcelain rarely exceeds 1/2 inch. Where the limit bites is when the hole needs to pass through tile plus a backer, or through a countertop assembly that stacks materials. In those situations I score from both sides or use a jig and finish with a different tool. The working length is longer than the cutting depth, but chips won’t clear effectively beyond 1 inch.

Size selection: what’s covered and what’s not

The assortment is plumbing‑centric in the larger sizes. The 1-3/8 in, 2 in, 2-1/4 in, and 2-1/2 in saws cover common valve bodies and pipe penetrations. On the small end, the 1/4 to 3/8 in sizes are useful for anchors and hardware. Notably absent are 1/2 in, 3/4 in, and 1-1/4 in—sizes I occasionally need for specialty fixtures and grommets. If you often drill those, you’ll want to pick up individual cups to fill the gaps.

Durability and value

Vacuum‑brazed diamond tools tend to outlast electroplated ones, and that’s been true here. I’ve cut multiple holes in dense porcelain with no missing segments and only modest dulling. There’s a clear point of diminished returns with diamond tools—they all slow as the grit wears—but the Bosch kit’s wear rate has been slow enough that I’m comfortable calling it a long‑term buy.

This is not a budget set. You’re paying for the AutoStart system, consistent rims, and a well‑made mandrel. If you only need one or two holes, a single cup may be more sensible. If you do recurring tile work—renovations, bathrooms, kitchens—the time saved and the reduction in broken tiles justify the price.

Ergonomics and storage

At 3.75 pounds for the kit, it’s not something I toss into a small pouch, but the plastic case protects the rims and keeps slurry off the rest of the toolbox. The molded slots hold each saw securely. My only quibble is that the case footprint is larger than ideal for quick service calls, so I often pre‑select the sizes I need and carry them with the mandrel in a smaller organizer.

Compatibility and best practices

• Works well with both corded and cordless drills; a 3/8 in chuck is sufficient.
• Don’t use hammer mode.
• Secure the workpiece; on loose tiles, a rubber mat prevents chatter.
• For overhead drilling, consider a shroud or helper to manage water and slurry.
• Expect dust and slurry; protect finished surfaces and PPE up—respirator, eye protection, and gloves.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- AutoStart pilot bit virtually eliminates walking on glossy surfaces
- Clean, chip‑controlled cuts in porcelain, ceramic, and stone
- Durable vacuum‑brazed, segmented rims
- Quick, secure mandrel connection; easy size changes
- Thoughtful size selection for common plumbing tasks

Cons:
- 1 in maximum cutting depth limits multi‑layer assemblies
- Missing some common intermediate sizes (notably 1/2 in and 3/4 in)
- Case is bulky for service‑bag carry
- Pricey if you only need a hole or two

Final thoughts and recommendation

This Bosch kit earns its keep through control and consistency. The AutoStart system transforms a tricky, scratch‑prone operation into a straightforward, repeatable one, and the rims hold up across demanding materials when you keep them wet and patient. The depth limit and gaps in size coverage are real, but they’re easy to plan around.

I recommend this tool for remodelers, tile setters, and serious DIYers who need clean, reliable holes in porcelain, ceramic, and stone. If you’re outfitting for one project with multiple penetrations—or you do tile work regularly—the cut quality, reduced tile breakage, and time savings outweigh the up‑front cost. If you only need a single uncommon size or must drill through stacked materials beyond 1 inch, buying individual cups or a different approach may make more sense. For most tile drilling tasks, though, this kit is the one I trust to get the hole right on the first try.