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Holesaws & Accessories
holesaws-accessories
Holesaws and Accessories for Trade and DIY
A poor holesaw tears through material and ruins the workpiece. It wastes time, wastes money, and causes frustration on site. This range of holesaws and accessories is built to cut cleanly and last longer. It includes bi metal hole saws, holesaw arbors, pilot drill bits, and mandrels. Products are suited to wood, plastic, plasterboard, thin metal, and more. Whether you are a tradesperson or a keen DIYer, the right holesaw is here.
Holesaws and Accessories That Get the Job Done
Cutting a clean, round hole is harder than it looks. The wrong saw chatters, wanders, or burns through the material. A quality holesaw cuts fast and stays on line from start to finish.
Bi metal hole saws are the most widely used type in UK trade work. They have a high-speed steel cutting edge bonded to a flexible steel body. This design handles hard spots in the material without snapping the teeth.
But a holesaw alone is not enough. You also need the right arbor, the right pilot drill, and the right mandrel. This range covers all the accessories you need alongside the saw itself.
Quick tip: Always use a pilot drill with your holesaw. The pilot bit keeps the saw centred and stops it wandering. Without it, the cut will drift and the hole will not be round.
Types of Holesaws and Accessories
Each product in this range serves a specific role. Here is what is available and what each one does.
Bi Metal Hole Saws
Bi metal hole saws are the best all-round option for most UK tradespeople. The teeth are made from high-speed steel. The body is made from flexible steel to resist cracking. They cut wood, plasterboard, plastic, and thin sheet metal. Available in a wide range of diameters to suit most tasks.
Holesaw Arbors
A holesaw arbor connects the saw to your drill. The holesaw arbor hex shank fits into standard chuck drills and SDS adaptors. It holds the saw firmly during the cut. A poor arbor causes wobble, which ruins the hole. Always use a well-made arbor for a clean, accurate result.
Pilot Drill Bits
The pilot drill bit fits through the centre of the arbor. It enters the material first and guides the holesaw onto the correct spot. It stops the saw from slipping across the surface. Replace pilot bits regularly as they wear quickly with heavy use.
Holesaw Mandrels
A holesaw mandrel is another name for the holesaw arbor in some product ranges. It is the shank and drive assembly that holds the saw cup. Some mandrels accept a range of holesaw sizes. Others are fixed to one size only. Always check compatibility before ordering.
Holesaw Kits
Holesaw kits bundle several sizes together in one case. They are good value for tradespeople who need multiple diameters. A typical kit includes an arbor, pilot bit, and several holesaw cups. Kits save time shopping for individual items.
Plug Ejector Tools
After cutting, a disc of material gets stuck inside the holesaw cup. A plug ejector tool pushes this disc out safely. Never try to remove the plug by hand. The teeth inside the cup are sharp and cause nasty cuts.
What Materials Can a Bi Metal Hole Saw Cut?
Bi metal hole saws are versatile cutting tools. They work across a wide range of materials used in UK building and maintenance work.
| Material | Suitable Holesaw Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood and Hardwood | Bi metal hole saw | Use slow speed on hardwood to avoid burning |
| Plasterboard and Drywall | Bi metal hole saw | Fast and clean; ideal for spotlights and cabling |
| Plastic and PVC | Bi metal hole saw | Use low speed to stop the plastic melting |
| Thin Sheet Metal | Bi metal hole saw | Use cutting fluid and a slow feed rate |
| MDF and Chipboard | Bi metal hole saw | Keep saw sharp; MDF blunts teeth faster than timber |
| Fibre Cement Board | Bi metal hole saw (heavy duty) | Wear a dust mask; fibre cement dust is hazardous |
For tiles, ceramic, or brick, a bi metal holesaw is not the right tool. Use a diamond core drill for masonry and hard tiles instead. See our drill bits range for more specialist cutting options.
Common Holesaw Sizes and What They Are Used For
Holesaw diameter is measured in millimetres. The right size depends on what you are cutting the hole for. Here is a practical guide used across UK trade work.
25mm to 35mm
Good for small cable glands, cable conduit entry holes, and PVC pipe fittings. Often used by electricians and plumbers for smaller penetrations through timber and board.
40mm to 50mm
Used for soil pipe clips, recessed TV cable plates, and small soil vent fittings. Also common for circular speaker grille holes and small access points.
54mm to 65mm
The most common size range for downlights and recessed spotlights. Most standard UK LED downlight fittings need a 65mm to 68mm hole in the ceiling.
68mm to 76mm
Used for larger downlights, soil pipe fittings, and circular lock fitting preparation. Also used by heating engineers for pipe penetrations through stud walls.
82mm to 100mm
Larger holes for 4-inch soil pipes, MVHR duct penetrations, and extraction fan fittings. Also used for larger access points in joinery and fitted furniture.
110mm and Above
Used for 110mm soil pipe work and large mechanical ventilation ducts. At this size, use a slow drill speed and apply steady, even pressure throughout the cut.
Trade tip: Always check the fitting manufacturer's instructions for the exact hole size needed. Some fittings need a slightly larger hole than the nominal pipe or fixture size. Cutting too small means the fitting will not seat correctly.
Understanding the Holesaw Arbor Hex Shank
The holesaw arbor hex shank is the part that connects your arbor to the drill. It fits into the chuck of a standard drill driver or combi drill. The hex shape stops the arbor from spinning in the chuck under load.
Most standard UK drills accept a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch hex shank arbor. Always check your drill's chuck size before ordering an arbor. An arbor that does not fit your drill is useless on site.
Some arbors also have an SDS adaptor end for use with SDS plus drills. SDS drills turn at slower speeds and produce more torque. This makes them better suited to larger diameter holesaws in harder materials.
Quick-release arbors allow you to swap holesaw sizes without a spanner. They save time when you are cutting multiple hole sizes on the same job. Standard threaded arbors are more secure but take longer to change over.
Tips for Getting Clean Cuts with a Holesaw
Even the best bi metal hole saw will give poor results if used incorrectly. Follow these tips for accurate, clean holes every time.
Mark the Centre Point
Use a pencil and a ruler to mark the exact centre of the hole. Make a small indent with a centre punch or bradawl. This gives the pilot bit something to locate into and stops slipping.
Use the Right Drill Speed
Larger holesaws need a slower speed. Smaller saws in soft materials can run faster. Running a large holesaw too fast will burn the teeth and ruin the saw.
Apply Steady Pressure
Press the saw into the material firmly but smoothly. Do not force it. Let the teeth do the work. Too much pressure bends the saw cup and wrecks the cut.
Keep the Saw Cool
When cutting metal, use a few drops of cutting oil on the teeth. This reduces friction and heat. Heat is the main reason holesaw teeth wear out prematurely.
Eject the Plug Safely
After the cut, use a plug ejector tool to push the disc out. Never use fingers to dig the plug out. The inside teeth and cut material edges are extremely sharp.
Check the Arbor is Tight
Before each use, check the holesaw is firmly secured to the arbor. A loose holesaw wobbles and produces a ragged, oversized hole. Re-tighten after every saw change.
Find the Right Holesaw for Your Next Job
Use the size filters above to narrow down the right diameter for your task. Check each product page for full specifications, shank type, and compatible arbors before ordering.
Whether you need a single bi metal hole saw for a quick job, a holesaw arbor hex to replace a worn-out drive shank, or a full holesaw kit for ongoing trade work, this range covers the most-used holesaw sizes and accessories for UK tradespeople and DIYers.
For related cutting tools, see our drill bits range for SDS bits, twist bits, and specialist cutting accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bi metal hole saw?
A bi metal hole saw has a high-speed steel cutting edge welded to a flexible steel body. This two-metal design makes the saw tough and resistant to cracking. It cuts wood, plastic, plasterboard, and thin sheet metal. It is the best all-round holesaw for UK trade and DIY use.
What does a holesaw arbor do?
The arbor connects the holesaw cup to your drill. It holds the pilot drill bit in the centre. Without an arbor, you cannot fit a holesaw into a standard drill chuck. Always match the arbor shank type to your drill.
What size holesaw do I need for a downlight in the UK?
Most UK LED downlights need a 65mm to 68mm hole. Always check the fitting's installation guide for the exact size. Some fire-rated downlights need a slightly different size to fit correctly.
Can I use a holesaw in a standard cordless drill?
Yes, for smaller sizes up to around 65mm in soft materials. For larger diameters or harder materials, use a corded combi drill or SDS drill. Cordless drills may lack the torque needed for large cuts in thick timber or metal.
What is a holesaw arbor hex shank?
It is the flat-sided drive end of the arbor that fits into the drill chuck. The hex shape stops the arbor from spinning under load. Most standard UK drills take a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch hex shank. Check your drill's chuck size before buying an arbor.
How do I remove the plug from inside a holesaw?
Use a plug ejector tool to push the cut disc out of the cup. Do not use your fingers. The internal teeth and cut edges are very sharp. Most holesaws have small slots in the cup body for plug ejection.
How long does a bi metal hole saw last?
It depends on how often it is used and what it cuts. A bi metal holesaw used regularly in wood or plasterboard can last many months. Cutting metal wears teeth faster. Using the correct speed and cutting oil helps it last longer.
Related Cutting Tools and Accessories
Holesaws are often used alongside other cutting and drilling products. See our drill bits range for pilot drill bits, SDS bits, and masonry drill bits.