DeWalt 5-Pc. Self-Feed Kit

Why I reached for this kit

On a recent bathroom rough-in, I needed to run 2-inch and 1-1/2-inch drains through a mix of SPF studs and doubled top plates. I grabbed the DeWalt self-feed kit because I wanted speed and repeatable hole sizes without juggling separate arbors. Over a few weeks, I used it on a drill press for cabinetry jigs and mostly in a handheld right-angle drill for framing. It’s a straightforward, heavy-duty set aimed at fast, large holes in wood, and it does that job well—with a couple of caveats worth knowing before you buy.

What’s in the box

• Four self-feed wood bits: 1-3/8, 1-1/2, 2-1/8, and 2-9/16 inch diameters
• A 5-1/2 inch extension
• Hard carrying case

All bits share a 7/16-inch ball-groove quick-change shank with flats. The cutters have an open-tooth design you can touch up with a file, and the self-feeding screw tip is replaceable. The case is compact (about 12 x 10.7 x 3.5 inches) and keeps the bits from rattling around. The whole kit weighs a little over 5 pounds, which feels substantial but not burdensome on a service cart or in the truck.

Design and build quality

DeWalt went with a multi-cutter head instead of a simple two-tooth pattern. In practice, that spreads the cutting load, limits chatter, and helps the bit stay on track once the screw point has engaged. The geometry also does a respectable job moving chips out of the hole, though you still need to feather the trigger or back the bit out periodically on deeper bores.

The shank is the right choice for this category: 7/16-inch quick-change is compatible with many heavy right-angle drills and sits securely in a 1/2-inch keyed chuck. The machined flats reduce the chance of spinning in the chuck under load. If your drill only has a 3/8-inch chuck, this isn’t for you.

Fit and finish are clean. The cutting edges arrived sharp and consistent, and the screw points were centered and aggressive without being so coarse that they yank uncontrollably.

Performance in the field

• Studs and plates (SPF): The 2-1/8 and 2-9/16-inch bits eat through single studs in seconds at low RPM with a high-torque drill. In doubled top plates, I had to back out once to clear chips, but the cut stayed linear and the feed rate stayed steady. The entry edge is crisp; the exit side will blow out if you don’t back it up or reduce feed right before breakthrough—standard fare for self-feed bits.

• Engineered lumber (LVL): The bits handle LVL better than most hole saws I’ve used for the same sizes. Keep the RPM low and let the screw do its work; push too hard and you’ll pack chips and generate heat. Clearing chips more frequently kept the cut quality up and prevented burning.

• Hardwoods (oak) on the drill press: On a drill press set to the proper low speed, the 1-1/2-inch bit produced clean, plumb holes with minimal tear-out. Press work also showed off how stable the heads are; there’s little runout, which helps accuracy if you’re doing shop jigs or one-off counterbores.

• Wet PT lumber: It still cuts, but strings and mushy chips don’t evacuate as nicely. Expect to back out a couple of times. Keep a file handy to touch up the cutters if you do a lot of pressure-treated.

Compared to augers, these are faster on diameters above 1-3/8 inch and less prone to wandering once engaged. Compared to hole saws, they’re dramatically faster, require less torque at the moment of breakthrough, and don’t leave a slug to pry out. They don’t produce the glass-smooth walls you might get from a Forstner bit, but for rough-in work they’re more than acceptable.

Feed behavior and control

Self-feed screws are the main event. Here, the screw tip bites quickly without being so aggressive that it surprises you. With a high-torque right-angle drill and a side handle, I found the feed predictable in all four sizes. If you’re using a standard 18V drill/driver, you’ll likely stall or overheat; these bits reward torque and low RPM.

A couple of tips from the job site:
- Start flat. If you need to start on a slope or near an edge, create a small flat with a chisel or use a short pilot hole centered on the screw point.
- Light pressure. Let the screw pull; leaning on the drill just compresses chips and invites binding.
- Feather before breakthrough to minimize exit tear-out.

Chip ejection and clearing

The open-tooth pattern and multi-cutter geometry manage chips well in framing lumber. On deep bores or resinous stock, you still need to ease off the trigger and let chips clear, or back the bit out. That’s not unique to this kit; it’s the nature of large self-feed bits. The good news is the bits restart smoothly in an existing hole without grabbing.

Extension and reach

The included 5-1/2-inch extension is genuinely useful. With it, I cleared a double top plate from a comfortable stance, and it helped when boring behind obstructions. The quick-change interface is solid with no detectable wobble in my set. For extremely long reaches or triple plates, you may want an additional extension, but this one covers most common rough-in scenarios.

Maintenance and longevity

• Resharpening: The open-tooth design lets you touch up the cutters with a flat file. Do it lightly and evenly; a few strokes restore bite without altering geometry.
• Replaceable screw tip: The feed screw is replaceable, which extends the life of the bits if you hit a knot or you’ve simply worn the threads down.
• Durability: After a dozen large bores and assorted smaller cuts, edges were still keen with minor filing. Avoid nail-embedded lumber—these aren’t nail-cutting augers—and they’ll hold up.

What the size selection covers (and doesn’t)

The included diameters line up with many rough-in needs:
- 1-3/8 and 1-1/2 inches for larger cable bundles, home runs, and some plumbing transitions
- 2-1/8 inches for many 2-inch drain penetrations through studs/plates
- 2-9/16 inches for larger pipe and certain vent stacks

There are gaps. If you routinely need 1-3/4 or 2-3/8 inches, you’ll need to supplement. I would have loved a 2-3/8-inch option in the box for 2-inch pipe through tight assemblies. As a core set, though, it covers a lot of ground.

Safety and usability notes

• Use a drill with a side handle and a clutch if possible; kickback is real with large self-feed bits.
• Keep RPM low; these bits like torque, not speed.
• Support the exit side when finish matters; backer blocks prevent blowout.
• Not for impact drivers.

Value

Given the build quality, quick-change shanks, included extension, and resharpenable design, the kit represents solid value for trades and serious DIYers. Replacement screws and the ability to file the cutters push long-term cost down compared with disposable-style hole saws that lose teeth and arbors.

Who it’s for

• Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs needing fast, repeatable large bores in framing
• Remodelers who want a reliable set for top plates, joists, and blocking
• Shop users who occasionally need large, clean holes in hardwood on a drill press

If your work is mostly finish-grade joinery where the wall of the hole needs to be pristine, a Forstner set is a better fit. If your drill is underpowered or limited to 3/8-inch chucks, look elsewhere.

Final recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt self-feed kit. It’s fast, predictable, and durable in the materials these bits are meant for. The self-feeding tips pull cleanly without feeling out of control, the multi-cutter heads resist binding and are easy to touch up, and the 7/16-inch quick-change shanks stay put under heavy load. The included extension and compact case make it practical on site. You’ll still need to clear chips on deep cuts, and the size range isn’t exhaustive, but as a core set for rough-in work, it earns a place in the kit bag.