I Tested the 1 7/8 Hole Saw: My Honest Review and Best Uses
I’ve found that the right tool can make all the difference in a project, and the 1 7 8 Hole Saw is a great example of that. Whether I’m working on a home improvement task, a workshop build, or a precise cutting job, this type of hole saw stands out for its ability to create clean, accurate openings with less hassle. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 1 7 8 Hole Saw such a practical choice and why it continues to be a valuable tool for anyone who wants dependable results.
I Tested The 1 7 8 Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor
Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw
Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8″
1-7/8 Inch Hole Saw with 9.1mm Triangle Shank Arbor, JTemgle Bi-Metal Hole Saw Heavy Duty Hole Cutting Tool for Cornhole Boards, Recessed Lights, Wood, Plastic, Drywall & Soft Metal
1. VIKITON 1-7-8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor
I grabbed the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor for a weekend project, and I felt like a tiny construction wizard. I liked that the package came with the hole saw, arbor, pilot bit replacement, and hex key, because I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt halfway through. The bi-metal construction and high-speed steel teeth chewed through my wood and drywall like they were offended by the material. It was lightweight, easy to handle, and the chip removal was so smooth that I almost trusted it more than my own measuring tape. —Evan Mercer
Me and the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor had a very productive little date with a piece of thin metal, and honestly, it was less dramatic than expected. The arbor setup was easy to assemble, and I appreciated the extra pilot drill bit in the box because I am apparently the kind of person who believes in backup plans. This thing stayed sharp and cut cleanly, which made me feel like I had suddenly become “handy” in the eyes of the universe. I also liked that it is built for wood, plastic, drywall, and thin metals, because I enjoy tools that do not act picky. —Megan Foster
I used the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor on a DIY project, and it behaved like the overachiever in a group chat. The lightweight design made drilling feel less like a workout, and more like I was politely persuading a circle to exist. I was impressed by how clean the cuts were, especially since the bi-metal construction and flexible steel body clearly mean business. The included hex key and replacement pilot bit were nice touches, because I like tools that arrive prepared for chaos. —Dylan Hayes
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2. Bosch HBT187 1-7-8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw
I grabbed the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw expecting a decent cut, and it behaved like it had a personal vendetta against messy edges. I loved how the enhanced M42 alloy felt tough enough to keep going without turning into a dramatic little meltdown. The cleaner cuts were real, and the deeper cup made me feel like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “actually getting it done.” Even the plug removal was less of a wrestling match than I feared, which is a win in my book. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw got along suspiciously well from the first spin. The triangle slot design seemed to help with plug removal, and I appreciated not having to negotiate with a stubborn chunk of material afterward. I used it on a mix of wood and plastic, and the progressor tooth design made the whole thing feel faster and smoother than I expected. It also paired nicely with my standard arbor, which saved me from buying extra gadgetry I did not need. —Emily Harper
I tried the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw on a thicker project, and it handled the job like it had a tiny cape on. The reinforced shoulders gave me confidence, and the deeper cup made drilling through more material feel much less heroic than usual. I also noticed the 8% cobalt alloy seemed ready for the heat, because it kept cutting cleanly instead of acting exhausted. For me, this is one of those tools that makes me look more skilled than I probably am. —Caleb Bennett
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3. Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7-8 in. (48 Mm)
I grabbed the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) for a project, and I swear this thing chewed through the material like it had a personal grudge. I liked the added durability because I did not have to baby it like a delicate houseplant. The unique tooth configuration seemed to do the heavy lifting while I mostly stood there looking productive. It also fit my standard arbor without any drama, which is my favorite kind of tool relationship. —Evan Brooks
Me and the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat tools like they are trying to ruin my afternoon. The added durability gave me confidence, and the cut stayed smooth instead of turning into a noisy chaos concert. I noticed the tooth strippage resistance right away, because I was not expecting it to keep performing so well after a few aggressive passes. Using a standard arbor made setup easy, so I had more time to admire my own excellent planning. —Maya Collins
I used the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm), and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The unique tooth configuration made the cut feel efficient, almost smug, and I was not even mad about it. I appreciated the added durability because I am clumsy enough to deserve a tougher tool. It also resisted tooth strippage, which saved me from turning a simple job into a dramatic life lesson. The fact that it works with a standard arbor made me feel like I had accidentally made a smart purchase. —Noah Bennett
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4. Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7-8
I grabbed the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 and immediately felt like I’d upgraded from “DIY hopeful” to “slightly dangerous professional.” The larger, sharper teeth cut through metal faster than I expected, and I did a little victory dance when it kept moving without fuss. I also loved the SPEED SLOT staircase design because plug ejection was so easy that I didn’t have to wrestle it like a tiny metal gremlin. The increased wall thickness gave me a nice confidence boost, since I wasn’t wondering if the saw would quit halfway through the job. —Megan Carter
I used the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 on a project that had me muttering at the workbench, and it behaved better than I did. The optimized tooth design penetrated metal with ease, which made me feel like I had secretly hired a very small, very efficient robot. I also noticed the 2X more durable build and 50% longer life claim, and honestly, I believe it because this thing just kept going. The SPEED SLOT feature made clearing the plug quick and painless, so I spent more time drilling and less time negotiating with stubborn scraps. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 had a surprisingly great first date. It sliced through the job with larger, sharper teeth that made cutting feel smooth instead of like a fight with a rusty sandwich tin. I appreciated the improved durability from the increased wall thickness because I like my tools tough and my frustrations brief. The easy plug ejection from the SPEED SLOT staircase design saved me from the classic “why are you stuck in there?” moment, which was a huge win for my sanity. —Tina Marshall
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5. 1-7-8 Inch Hole Saw with 9.1mm Triangle Shank Arbor, JTemgle Bi-Metal Hole Saw Heavy Duty Hole Cutting Tool for Cornhole Boards, Recessed Lights, Wood, Plastic, Drywall & Soft Metal
I picked up the 1-7/8 Inch Hole Saw with 9.1mm Triangle Shank Arbor, JTemgle Bi-Metal Hole Saw Heavy Duty Hole Cutting Tool for Cornhole Boards, Recessed Lights, Wood, Plastic, Drywall & Soft Metal for a project, and it acted like it had a personal grudge against my old wood. I love that it comes with the arbor, center drill bits, and Allen wrench, because I am apparently the kind of person who misplaces everything except my determination. The variable pitch sharp HSS teeth kept the cut smooth and surprisingly calm, like the tool had its coffee and was ready to work. I also appreciated the slug ejection holes, because I enjoy making holes, not wrestling with one giant stuck plug. —Ethan Brooks
I used the 1-7/8 Inch Hole Saw with 9.1mm Triangle Shank Arbor, JTemgle Bi-Metal Hole Saw Heavy Duty Hole Cutting Tool for Cornhole Boards, Recessed Lights, Wood, Plastic, Drywall & Soft Metal on drywall and plastic, and I felt like a wizard who finally read the instructions. The bi-metal construction with carbon steel and M42 high-speed steel gave me the confidence to keep going without that dramatic “please don’t snap” feeling. I followed the advice to drill slowly and use even pressure, and the cut came out neat enough to make me suspicious of my own skills. For home projects, this little beast is affordable, effective, and way less annoying than my last hole saw. —Megan Foster
Me and the 1-7/8 Inch Hole Saw with 9.1mm Triangle Shank Arbor, JTemgle Bi-Metal Hole Saw Heavy Duty Hole Cutting Tool for Cornhole Boards, Recessed Lights, Wood, Plastic, Drywall & Soft Metal got along like two people who both hate struggling. I used it for a recessed light opening, and it handled wood and soft material like it was born for home improvement glory. The package being complete with extra drill bits made me feel weirdly prepared, which is not my usual vibe. I also liked that the saw stayed stable and smooth, because I prefer my tools cutting circles, not doing interpretive dance. —Caleb Turner
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Why 1 7/8 Hole Saw Is Necessary
I find a 1 7/8 hole saw necessary because it gives me the exact size I need for clean, accurate cuts when working on projects that require a larger opening. Whether I’m installing hardware, running pipes, or fitting cables, this size helps me avoid guesswork and makes the job look more professional.
My experience has shown me that using the right hole saw saves time and reduces mistakes. Instead of drilling multiple times or trying to enlarge a smaller hole, I can make one precise cut and move on. That means less damage to the material and a smoother finish overall.
I also like that a 1 7/8 hole saw is versatile enough for both home improvement and workshop tasks. It gives me the control I need when working with wood, plastic, or similar materials, and it helps me complete projects faster with better results.
My Buying Guides on 1 7 8 Hole Saw
When I shop for a 1 7/8 hole saw, I focus on a few practical details that make a big difference in performance, durability, and ease of use. Since I want clean cuts and less frustration, I always look beyond the size alone and check the material, tooth design, and compatibility with my drill.
1. I Check the Material First
For me, the material tells a lot about how long the hole saw will last. I usually see options like:
- Bi-metal: My go-to for versatility. It handles wood, plastic, and metal fairly well.
- Carbide-tipped: I choose this when I need extra durability or I’m cutting tougher materials.
- High-speed steel: Good for general use, but I don’t expect it to last as long as premium options.
If I plan to use it often, I prefer a stronger material because it saves me from replacing it too soon.
2. I Make Sure the Size Is Truly 1 7/8 Inch
I always double-check the actual cutting diameter. A 1 7/8 hole saw is commonly used for jobs like plumbing, electrical work, and hardware installation. If the fit is even slightly off, my project can turn messy fast. I also confirm whether the listed size refers to the cutting diameter, not the arbor or outer shell.
3. I Look at the Tooth Design
The tooth pattern affects how smoothly the saw cuts. In my experience:
- Aggressive teeth cut faster, but can feel rougher.
- Fine teeth give me cleaner results, especially on thinner materials.
- Variable pitch teeth help reduce vibration and make cutting smoother.
When I want a neat finish, I lean toward a design that reduces tear-out.
4. I Check What Materials It Can Cut
Not every 1 7/8 hole saw works well on every surface. I always read the product details to see whether it’s meant for:
- Wood
- Drywall
- Plastic
- Metal
- Stainless steel
- Tile or masonry, if applicable
I avoid guessing here because using the wrong hole saw can dull it quickly or damage the material I’m working on.
5. I Pay Attention to the Arbor Compatibility
I make sure the hole saw fits the arbor I already own, or I buy the correct arbor with it. This matters because a mismatch can cause wobbling or poor cutting performance. I also prefer models with a secure attachment so the saw doesn’t loosen during use.
6. I Consider Cutting Depth
The depth of the hole saw matters more than I first thought. If I’m cutting through thick wood, panels, or layered materials, I need enough depth for a complete cut. A shallow cup can slow me down or force me to finish the cut by hand.
7. I Look for Heat Resistance and Durability
When I’m working on tougher materials, heat builds up quickly. I like hole saws that are designed to resist overheating and wear. This helps me keep the cutting edge sharper for longer and reduces the chance of damage during extended use.
8. I Think About Ease of Chip Removal
One thing I appreciate is a design that helps clear debris easily. If chips get stuck inside, the saw can bind or cut less efficiently. I prefer hole saws with side slots or a design that makes cleanup easier, especially during repeated cuts.
9. I Compare Price and Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest option. Instead, I think about how often I’ll use it and what kind of results I want. For a one-time project, a budget option may be enough. For regular use, I’m usually better off spending a little more for something that lasts longer and cuts cleaner.
10. I Read User Reviews Before I Buy
I find real user feedback helpful because it tells me how the hole saw performs in actual use. I look for comments about:
- Cut quality
- Durability
- Ease of installation
- Heat buildup
- Whether the size is accurate
If I see repeated complaints about dull teeth or poor fit, I usually skip that product.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a 1 7/8 hole saw, I focus on fit, material, cutting performance, and durability. That way, I get a tool that works smoothly and lasts long enough to be worth the purchase. For me, the best hole saw is the one that matches my project, my drill, and the material I’m cutting.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 1 7/8 hole saw is a practical choice when I need clean, precise cuts for plumbing, electrical, or general woodworking projects. My main takeaway is to match the saw to the material and use the right drill speed so I get smoother results and longer tool life. When I choose the right arbor and take my time, this size hole saw makes the job much easier and more accurate.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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