Craftsman Hole Saw Kit For Wood Doors

Choosing the right tool for installing locksets on wood doors can often be a daunting task, especially for those of us who are not professional carpenters. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit for Wood Doors (model CMAH1WDL), a kit designed to simplify this process. Here’s a detailed account of my experience with this tool.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit appears comprehensive. It includes a 1-inch carbon hole saw, a 2 1/8-inch carbon hole saw, a door jig, a latch plate template, a router bit, an arbor with a pilot, and a bushing. The kit is designed to be adjustable for 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets, which adds to its versatility. The self-centering jig is supposed to accommodate common door widths, making it fairly universal for most wood door applications.

Build Quality and Materials

The first thing I noticed was the predominance of plastic in the construction of the jig and templates. This immediately raised some concerns about durability. Upon closer inspection, the plastic indeed felt quite flimsy. The hole saws themselves are made of bi-metal, which seemed promising at first, but their actual performance told a different story.

Setup and Usage

Setting up the tool was relatively straightforward. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, which is always a plus for those who might not have extensive experience with such kits. However, as I began to use the tool, the initial promise started to fade.

Drilling the Main Hole

The hole saws were the first component I tested. While they did cut through the wood, it was not without significant effort. The teeth on the saws seemed dull, and I had to apply considerable pressure to make progress. Additionally, the saws tended to wobble, which compromised the precision of the cut. It felt like the hole saws were not entirely securely attached to the arbor, leading to an uneven cut.

Using the Jig

The jig, designed to keep everything aligned, was another point of frustration. Its plastic construction meant that it flexed quite a bit, making it difficult to maintain a consistent position on the door. This flexing also caused the jig to shift during use, leading to misaligned holes. This issue was particularly problematic when drilling from both sides of the door, as the pilot hole did not always line up perfectly.

The Router Bit and Latch Plate Template

The router bit and latch plate template were perhaps the most disappointing components of the kit. The router bit struggled to cut through the wood, and it heated up quickly, making it uncomfortable to handle. The latch plate template, also made of plastic, did not stay in place well and resulted in a sloppy mortise for the latch plate. Ultimately, I had to resort to chiseling by hand, which negated the convenience that the kit was supposed to provide.

Performance and Results

Despite the initial promise, the overall performance of the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit was underwhelming. The lack of sharpness in the hole saws, the flexibility of the plastic jig, and the inefficacy of the router bit and latch plate template all contributed to a frustrating experience. While I was able to install a lockset eventually, it took far longer than it should have, and the results were less precise than I would have liked.

Durability

Durability is another significant concern with this kit. The plastic components did not hold up well under the stress of the job. The jig and templates showed signs of wear and tear after just a few uses, and I doubt they would last through multiple installations. For anyone who plans to use this kit more than once or twice, the durability issues could become a significant drawback.

Value for Money

At a price point of around $16, the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit is certainly affordable. However, this low cost comes at the expense of quality and performance. While it may seem like a bargain initially, the frustration and additional time required to achieve acceptable results make it less of a good deal in the long run.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit for Wood Doors falls short in several critical areas. The build quality, particularly the use of flimsy plastic, undermines the tool's overall effectiveness. The performance of the hole saws and router bit is subpar, making the task more challenging than it should be. While the kit is affordable, the issues with durability and precision ultimately detract from its value.

Recommendation

Based on my experience, I would not recommend the Craftsman Hole Saw Kit for Wood Doors. While it may be tempting due to its low price, the frustration and potential for imprecise results make it a poor choice for anyone looking to install locksets on wood doors. For those who need to complete this task, investing in a higher-quality kit with more durable materials and better-performing components would be a wiser decision.