Milwaukee Hole Dozer General Purpose Hole Saw Kit

Every craftsman needs a reliable hole saw kit, and the Hole Dozer General Purpose Hole Saw Kit by Milwaukee has certainly proven its worth in my workshop. This 15-piece set, featuring bi-metal hole saws, is tailored for various tasks, making it a versatile addition for any professional or hobbyist who frequently deals with metal, wood, or plastic.

Design and Build Quality

First and foremost, the customizable case that comes with the kit is a game changer. It's durable and designed with reinforced grids to securely hold each piece in place, ensuring that they don’t rattle around during transport. The case’s compact size, about 9 x 9 x 3 inches, is perfect for keeping everything organized without taking up too much space in my tool storage. The case's thoughtful design even extends to an accessory box, which is removable and configurable to fit into Milwaukee's Packout™ organizers. This flexibility allows me to tailor the storage to my specific needs.

The hole saws themselves are well-crafted with a 3.5 TPI tooth design, optimized for durability and efficiency in cutting through various materials. The teeth remain sharp even after multiple uses, which is a testament to the quality of the bi-metal construction. This durability has been particularly noticeable when cutting through tougher materials like metal and hardwoods.

Performance and Usability

Using the Hole Dozer kit has been a largely smooth experience. The saws cut cleanly through wood, metal, and plastic, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. From installing locksets in doors to creating clean openings in metal-clad structures, these hole saws have handled each task with precision. Even when encountering obstacles like framing nails, the saws maintained their integrity without broken teeth or overheating.

One feature that stands out is the "Plug Jack" all-access slots that facilitate easy removal of material plugs. Although the kit I received did not have these slots, the four pitch plug removal slots included worked just as efficiently for removing stuck plugs. This small yet significant design aspect has saved me a lot of time and hassle during projects.

The arbors included in the set are also worth mentioning. The quick-change mechanism on the larger size arbors makes swapping out saws a breeze, and the pins ensure a secure fit with no wobble. This stability translates to smoother cuts and less wear on the saws. For the smaller sizes, the hex-shaped driven ends make it easy to remove the arbors after use.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is where the Hole Dozer kit truly shines. The bi-metal construction and thermoset coating on the saws reduce friction, leading to less heat buildup and longer life. Even after extensive use, the teeth on the saws remain sharp and effective. However, it’s essential to note that, like any tool, the saws will eventually dull with heavy use, especially in demanding applications.

In my experience, the saws have maintained their edge better than many other brands I’ve tried. This is particularly true when following proper usage techniques, such as using cutting oil and maintaining appropriate speeds, as indicated by the included speed chart.

Minor Drawbacks

The kit is not without its minor issues. The most prominent being that wood plugs can sometimes get stuck in the hole saws, making removal a bit annoying. However, this is a common issue with many hole saws and not unique to the Milwaukee set. Another point is that the welds on some of the saws are a bit rough. While this hasn’t impacted the performance, it’s a small quality control aspect that could be improved.

Additionally, the smallest hole saw in the kit appeared slightly oval-shaped, which could result in slightly oversized holes. This wasn’t a major issue for my applications, but it’s something to be aware of if precision is paramount.

Value for Money

One of the strongest aspects of the Hole Dozer kit is its value for money. For under $100, the set offers a comprehensive collection of hole saws in sizes ranging from 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inches, along with two arbors and two pilot drill bits. Given the durability and performance of the saws, this kit represents a significant cost-saving compared to purchasing individual pieces.

The fact that the kit is made in the USA adds to its appeal, as it reassures that the quality control and materials used are top-notch. This is a kit that isn’t just affordable but also reliable and built to last.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hole Dozer General Purpose Hole Saw Kit by Milwaukee is a robust, versatile, and well-designed set that I would highly recommend to anyone in need of reliable hole saws. The combination of durable construction, thoughtful design features, and excellent value for money makes this kit a standout product.

Whether you’re a professional tradesman or an avid DIYer, this kit will handle most of your hole-cutting needs with ease. While there are a few minor drawbacks, they are far outweighed by the kit's overall performance and durability. This is a tool set that will find a permanent place in your workshop, proving its worth time and again on a variety of projects.