How to Use a Hole Saw? (7 Steps)
As chop saw, hole saws are also used widely, since they make things very easy. The main aim of the hole is to create different sizes of holes into different materials. If you are a professional carpenter or a DIYer, then a hole saw can be very beneficial for you.
People who have been into the carpentry market, they know about all the saw and knows how to use them as well. Then why we are here today?
This very guide is for the newbies who want to enter the carpentry industry or want to complete the first DIY project of life. Do your work requires making holes into materials? If yes, then you must read this article. Because here we are going to teach you how to use a hole saw effectively.
Roll your eyes below!
Learn How to Use a Hole Saw
We have designed the entire process in steps so that you can understand and learn pretty easily. But before we dive into the using process, there is something very important to talk about.
Safety!
The most important thing to think about whenever you are doing anything. Since we are here for the hole saw, let’s talk about that.
Hole saws are highly dangerous if not use in the right way. While drilling there is a lot of things that need your attention. Drilling looks pretty easy but it is not as it looks. Hitting a nail or tilting the drill during drilling can force the saw to bind. Not only that, the drill motor can twist very violently in your hands. We all know how powerful drill machines are and the torque they produce is also very strong.
If you do anything wrong during drilling, because of the torque the drill can slam into your face and can injure your wrist. So we urge you to not overlook the safety when drilling.
Wear proper eye protective gear so that nothing goes into your eyes when you are drilling. Wear shock-resistant work boots and gloves. And do not start working with the drills, saws, or anything, until you are not fully prepared.
We have listed a few things below. Take a look!
- While drilling, make sure to let the drill go straight in order to avoid unexpected binding of the saw.
- Do not do any kind of drilling or sawing work wearing loose-fit clothing or jewelry, if somehow they entangle with the saw, you may pay a big price.
- If you are sawing into material that is loose, make sure to attach two clamps at least to make that stable. Otherwise, the material with spin with the hole saw, and you might end up with a heavy injury.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Hole Saw Effectively
We hope you will remember the safety requirements before you get started with the sawing or drilling. However, with that said, let’s get to the main business. Here you go!
Step 1

There are different types of hole saws, and there are different types of materials. Each hole saws are suitable for different materials, so before you start making a hole into materials, make sure you are picking the right saw hole for the material. Plus, pick the right size as well. If you will be making a hole into metal material, then keep lubricant or cutting oil beside you and then apply it to the hole saw blade so that they run smoother.
Step 2

After that, you would want to pick the right arbor. There are mainly two types of arbors, one for small saws, which are between 14 to 30mm. And the second one is for the large saws, which are 32 to 210mm. Choose the right arbor size depending on your needs.
Step 3
Once you have picked the right arbor then insert it on the hole saw, insert through the back of the saw. And screw the hole saw into the arbor thread, keep screwing until it becomes tighter.
Step 4
Now you would want to insert the end of arbor into the chuck of the drill and tight it enough so that it stays on place securely. If you want effective drilling, we suggest you use a power drill that comes with an 18-volt battery. This much volt is least needed, otherwise, the drill won’t produce enough torque to drill effectively.
Step 5
Now mark the area where you want to make the hole. And then make a pilot hole into the center of the hole you will be making. The pilot hole will help you to maintain accuracy. One important thing, when you will be drilling make sure you keep the drill bit level and square.
Step 6
Now to time to make the real hole. The very first thing you would want to do is, place the tip of arbor drill into the pilot hole that you have made. Doing this will keep the saw aligned and will give you an accurate hole.
When drilling makes sure the drill teeth touch the material evenly from all sides. And if you are making a hole into a metal material then add some oil or lubricant into the blade for smooth operation.
Step 7
Hold the drill securely with both of your hands and slowly start drilling. Be very gentle, do not over squeeze the trigger. While drilling, hold the drill with the material very tightly. To get a better finish, after drilling half from one side, try to do drilling from the other side as well. This should give you a pretty cool hole.
Conclusion
If you have learned from this article, tell others about how to use a hole saw. Knowledge not shared is a waste. You learn and then teach others. However, hope this guide did help you.