How To Operate A Holesaw

Whether you have a specific DIY project in mind or are wanting to expand your knowledge of tools and their uses, knowing how to operate a hole saw is beneficial. From safety tips to the materials you can use, here’s an instruction guide on how to use a hole saw.

What Is A Hole Saw?

A hole saw is a specialist saw blade attachment that is ring-shaped, and as the name suggests, enables users to drill a circular hole or create a wider diameter than a standard drill bit would typically allow. These blade attachments are used in conjunction with a power drill.

The specific elements of a hole saw (such as tooth design) will differ depending on the type of material and project you require the tool for. However, the cylindrical walls of the hole saw are usually thinner than the rest of the internal diameter of the tool on all models. This feature results in a reduced risk of friction occurring between the work surface and the teeth of the saw, causing less force needing to be applied.

Hole saws are obtainable as both single units or multi-piece sets. Although they are available in a variety of different styles, the most common type comprises of a cylindrical metal saw. This popular type is designed with a shank at one end of the metal tube for insertion into a drill chuck, with sharp teeth arranged in a circular arrangement.

There are many hole saws that are also designed with an arbor feature, sometimes built-in and sometimes removable, that overhangs the cavity of the hole cutter. This feature helps in navigating and aligning the hole cutter as it enters through the material.

What Can Hole Saws Be Used On?

A hole saw is a really versatile tool to have, and there are many different reasons as to why you may need one – from general joinery and DIY projects to creating holes for wires and cables to run through.

In the same way that there are different uses for the tool, there are also multiple different types of materials that a hole saw can be used on, including:

• Timber
• Ceramics
• Tiles
• Glass
• Metal
• Enamels
• Plaster
• Different types of plastics
• Brick, stone and concrete.

How Do You Operate A Hole Saw?

Now you know the types of materials you can use your hole saw on, here’s how to operate the tool. Be sure to take all safety precautions into consideration when using any type of tool

Step One:

The first step is to select the correct hole saw to use. This will depend on both the type of material you need to cut and the size of the hole you wish to create.

Once you’ve chosen the right size, be sure to have some lubricant or cutting oil on hand ready for use if you’re cutting through metal, as this will enable the saw to run through the material with greater ease.

If your hole saw has a removable arbor, choose the right arbor for the tool to fit on. In general, there are usually two different types of arbor – an arbor for small hole saws (measuring between 14mm and 30mm) and an arbor for large hole saws (measuring between 32mm and 210mm).

Step Two:

The next step is to insert the arbor through the hole saw, making sure that the drill has a solid grip so that it avoids any unnecessary movement while using.

Step Three:

Screw the hole saw tightly on to the arbor’s thread until it is secure. Make sure that the drill bit overhangs past the hole saw’s teeth by roughly 3/8 inches if the drill bit is adjustable, tightening it with the set screw. The drill bit needs to protrude by a minimum of 3/8 inches to enable you to bore your pilot hole.

Step Four:

Using a pair of spanners, tighten the hole saw onto the arbor to be sure that the two can’t separate by unscrewing and ultimately come off the drill. Any movement from the hole saw when the power drill is in use could potentially cause damage to the material you’re cutting, so take extra care to ensure the hole saw is tightly fitted. 

Step Five:

Next, insert the end of the arbor into the drill’s chuck, and tighten it until it’s secure. It’s advised that you use either a corded mains-powered drill or a cordless drill with a minimum of an 18-volt battery. This is the minimum number of volts required, as any fewer may not produce enough force needed.

Step Six:

While being careful to keep the drill level, drill a pilot hole into the middle of the hole you want to cut. This is to act as a guide in order to keep the hole saw centred and straight. If the material you’re drilling is free-standing, be sure to secure it first.

Step Seven:

Position the tip of the arbor’s drill bit into the pilot hole, to ensure the hole saw is aligned for accuracy. If you’re cutting metal, here’s where you need to add a couple of drops of oil to the hole saw’s blade.

Step Eight:

While firmly holding the drill, gently squeeze the trigger to enable the saw to start spinning – moderately apply pressure and begin to drive the saw into your workpiece, while being careful to stay level. Occasionally decrease the speed and back the saw out of the hole to enable the dust to clear, as this will also reduce the chances of the saw blade getting too hot. Once the material has been drilled through, remove the hole saw and get rid of any waste material left behind from the tool.

TIP:

If you want splinter-free holes in your final product, it’s recommended that the cut is finished from the opposite side of the workpiece if it’s possible to do so.