Milwaukee HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit - 21PC

The Milwaukee HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit – a name that evokes a sense of rugged durability and precision engineering. As a seasoned DIY enthusiast and professional, I’ve found myself reaching for this 21-piece kit on numerous occasions, and it has yet to let me down.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, and Milwaukee has nailed it with the design of this kit. The hole saws themselves are robust, featuring a 3.5 TPI tooth design that promises durability, especially in metal applications. The bi-metal construction with 8% cobalt ensures that these saws can handle a variety of materials, from wood and plastic to metal. The saws are coated with a low-friction thermoset paint, which noticeably speeds up the cutting process and reduces heat build-up.

One of the standout features is the customizable case. It’s compact and cleverly designed, with interchangeable pegs that allow for different configurations based on the sizes of the hole saws you’re storing. This makes it incredibly versatile and ensures that everything stays organized. However, it's worth mentioning that the case isn’t as sturdy as one might expect. I found that the saws can come loose if the case is jostled around, which can be a bit annoying when you’re trying to keep everything in order.

Performance

Performance-wise, the HOLE DOZER kit is a mixed bag, albeit mostly positive. The smaller hole saws (under 3 inches) work exceptionally well. They cut through wood, metal, and plastic like a hot knife through butter. The slots for easy plug removal are a godsend, making it simple to clear out debris and get back to work quickly. The reinforced grids add another layer of stability, ensuring that the saws don’t bend or break under pressure.

However, the larger saws (>3 inches) can be a bit too aggressive. They tend to catch and wander, which can be frustrating and result in less-than-perfect holes. This is especially noticeable when working with drywall or other softer materials. It’s crucial to use the correct speed settings and apply steady, even pressure to avoid these issues. Despite this, the arbor design is intuitive and doesn’t require any additional tools for changes, which is a significant plus.

Ease of Use

One of the major selling points for me is the ease of use. The kit includes two arbors – one for smaller saws and another for larger ones – and both are straightforward to attach and detach. The larger arbor features a push-on and pull-off locking mechanism that securely holds the saws in place. The smaller arbor is the standard screw-on type, which works just as well.

The kit also comes with three additional pilot drill bits and a hex key, which are essential for setting the pilot drills to the arbors. The multiple oblong leverage holes (plug jacks) around each hole saw make it easy to remove the cut plugs, saving time and effort. This is a well-thought-out feature that enhances the overall user experience.

Durability and Edge Retention

Durability is where the HOLE DOZER kit shines. The saws are built to last, and the limited lifetime warranty against tooth breakage speaks volumes about Milwaukee’s confidence in their product. I’ve used these saws on various projects, from installing recessed lighting to cutting holes in metal for industrial applications, and they’ve held up remarkably well.

The edge retention is impressive, thanks to the cobalt-infused bi-metal construction. Even after multiple uses, the teeth remain sharp and effective. This is a critical factor for anyone who relies on their tools for professional work, as it minimizes downtime and the need for frequent replacements.

Case Quality

The case, while customizable and compact, does have its shortcomings. It’s not as sturdy as I’d like, and the internal attachment system leaves much to be desired. The flexible posts are supposed to hold the saws in place, but they often fail to do so, resulting in the saws moving around and potentially damaging each other. This is something Milwaukee could improve upon in future iterations.

Despite this, the case does offer excellent space utilization and flexibility in layout. The removable accessory box is a nice touch, allowing for further customization and organization. If you primarily work in a shop environment where the case won’t be moved around much, these issues might not be a deal-breaker.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Milwaukee HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit is a versatile and reliable toolset that performs well across a range of applications. The durable construction, ease of use, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable addition to any tool collection. However, the case quality and performance of the larger saws could use some improvement.

Would I recommend this kit? Absolutely, but with a few caveats. If you’re a professional or serious DIYer who needs a comprehensive set of hole saws that can handle various materials, this kit is a solid investment. Just be prepared to handle the larger saws with care and consider upgrading the case if you need something more robust for on-the-go work. Overall, the HOLE DOZER kit lives up to its name, providing the durability and performance you’d expect from a brand like Milwaukee.