Milwaukee BIG HAWG™ with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Kit

When I first got my hands on the Milwaukee BIG HAWG™ with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Kit, I was intrigued by its promise of cutting through nail-embedded wood and abrasive materials with ease. Given my history with other hole saw kits, which often left me frustrated with dull blades and difficult plug removal, I had high hopes for this set. After putting it through a series of rigorous tests, I can confidently say that this kit stands out in several key areas.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was the robust construction of the hole saws. Milwaukee has clearly put thought into making a tool that can withstand tough applications. The carbide teeth are noticeably larger than those on standard hole saws, and the three-tooth design is not just for show—it translates into aggressive cutting power. The bond between the carbide teeth and the saw body feels solid, giving me confidence that these saws can handle demanding tasks without falling apart.

Performance

Performance-wise, this kit exceeded my expectations. I tested it on a variety of materials, including wood, shingles, cement board, and even plaster. The saws cut through each material smoothly and quickly, saving me a significant amount of time compared to other hole saws I've used. One of the most impressive tests was driving two 16 penny nails into a 2x12 and then cutting through them. The limiting factor wasn't the saw blade but my drill's power. The saw made short work of the nails, completing the hole without any noticeable wear on the teeth.

Ease of Use

Assembling and disassembling the saws from the arbor was straightforward. The checkered nut allows you to secure the arbor to the hole saws without needing additional tools, making the setup process quick and easy. One of the common issues with hole saws is plug removal. The BIG HAWG™ addresses this with open slots on each saw, making it easy to pop out the wood core with an awl or screwdriver. This feature alone saves a lot of time and frustration on the job.

Versatility

Another highlight is the versatility of the pilot bit. It’s designed to handle a range of materials, which means you don’t need to switch bits when moving from one type of material to another. This is a significant advantage for those who work on varied projects and need a reliable, all-in-one solution.

Durability

Durability is where this kit truly shines. The carbide teeth are designed to last longer, even when cutting through abrasive materials and nail-embedded wood. During my tests, I didn’t notice any dulling of the teeth, even after multiple uses. The kit also includes a diamond file for touch-ups, ensuring that the saws remain sharp and effective over time.

Practical Applications

In practical applications, this kit has proven invaluable. As an electrical contractor, I often encounter situations where I need to cut through dense wood or materials with embedded nails. Traditional hole saws would either dull quickly or struggle to make clean cuts. The BIG HAWG™ not only powers through these materials but does so with a level of efficiency that other saws simply can’t match. The saws are also excellent for plumbing work, effortlessly cutting through wood studs for pipe installations.

User Experience

The user experience is generally positive, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The aggressive carbide teeth take a big bite out of wood, so using a drill with a side handle and a "D" handle or pistol grip is advisable. This helps manage the torque and prevents the drill from jerking out of your hand. Additionally, while the wood plugs are easier to remove than with other saws, they can still be a bit stubborn at times. However, this is a minor trade-off considering the overall performance and durability of the kit.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee BIG HAWG™ with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Kit is a game-changer for professionals who need a reliable, high-performance tool for tough applications. Its ability to cut through a variety of materials, including nail-embedded wood and cement board, makes it a versatile addition to any toolkit. The ease of use, coupled with the durability of the carbide teeth, ensures that this kit will be a long-lasting investment.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Milwaukee BIG HAWG™ with Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Kit? Absolutely. Its superior cutting performance, ease of use, and durability make it a must-have for anyone who frequently works with challenging materials. Whether you’re a contractor, plumber, or DIY enthusiast, this kit will save you time and effort on the job, making it well worth the investment.