Hole saws are widely used for cutting clean and accurate holes in wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and concrete. Choosing the correct hole saw size is essential for achieving precise results and avoiding material damage.
This guide provides a practical hole saw size chart and explains how to select the right hole saw for different drilling applications.
What Is a Hole Saw?

A hole saw is a circular cutting tool designed to create large-diameter holes while removing only a ring of material. Compared with conventional drill bits, hole saws require less power and allow larger holes to be drilled efficiently.
Hole saws are commonly used in:
- Electrical installations
- Plumbing projects
- HVAC systems
- Construction work
- Metal fabrication
- Industrial manufacturing
For a complete overview of available hole saw types, visit our Hole Saws collection.
Standard Hole Saw Size Chart
| Hole Saw Diameter | Common Application |
|---|---|
| 14 mm | Cable routing |
| 16 mm | Small electrical conduits |
| 20 mm | Pipe installation |
| 22 mm | Electrical boxes |
| 25 mm | Conduit fittings |
| 29 mm | Cable entry holes |
| 32 mm | PVC pipe installation |
| 35 mm | Electrical work |
| 38 mm | General-purpose drilling |
| 44 mm | Plumbing and conduit installation |
| 51 mm | Pipe openings |
| 57 mm | Ventilation systems |
| 64 mm | Large conduit openings |
| 76 mm | Drain pipes |
| 89 mm | HVAC applications |
| 102 mm | Large ventilation holes |
| 127 mm | Industrial installations |
Looking for professional hole saw solutions? Explore our TCT Hole Saw and Metal Hole Saw products for industrial drilling applications.
How to Choose the Right Hole Saw Size
When selecting a hole saw, consider the following factors:
Material Type
Different materials require different hole saw designs.
- Wood: Bi-metal hole saws
- Metal: TCT hole saws
- Stainless steel: Carbide-tipped hole saws
- Concrete and masonry: Core drill hole saws
Required Hole Diameter
Measure the outside diameter of the pipe, conduit, or fitting before selecting the hole saw size.
Always allow sufficient clearance for installation.
Cutting Depth
Standard hole saws are suitable for shallow cutting applications.
Deep-cut hole saws are recommended for thicker materials.
TCT Hole Saw vs Bi-Metal Hole Saw

TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped) hole saws are designed for harder materials such as steel, stainless steel, and metal sheets.
Bi-metal hole saws are commonly used for wood, plastic, and light metal applications.
For industrial drilling projects, TCT hole saws generally offer longer service life and faster cutting performance.
Common Hole Saw Applications
Metal Drilling
Hole saws are widely used for drilling holes in steel panels, stainless steel sheets, and metal structures.
For steel and metal cutting applications, Metal Hole Saws are commonly used because of their durability and cutting performance.
Woodworking
Ideal for door hardware installation, cable routing, and furniture production.
Concrete and Masonry
Specialized core drill hole saws are used for wall openings, pipe installation, and construction projects.

Hole Saw Safety Tips
- Use the correct arbor for the hole saw size.
- Start drilling at low speed.
- Apply consistent pressure.
- Use cutting fluid when drilling metal.
- Wear appropriate eye protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common hole saw size?
The most commonly used sizes range from 22 mm to 64 mm depending on the application.
Can I use a hole saw on stainless steel?
Yes. TCT hole saws are recommended for stainless steel because of their superior wear resistance.
How deep can a hole saw cut?
Cutting depth depends on the hole saw design. Standard models typically cut between 25 mm and 50 mm, while deep-cut models can exceed 100 mm.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct hole saw size improves drilling efficiency, hole quality, and tool life. By understanding hole saw diameters, material compatibility, and application requirements, users can choose the most suitable hole saw for their projects.
For industrial and wholesale hole saw solutions, selecting the appropriate TCT, metal-cutting, or concrete drilling hole saw is critical for achieving reliable performance and long service life.

TCT Hole Saw
Industrial-grade TCT hole saws designed for cutting steel, stainless steel, sheet metal, and other hard materials with high efficiency and long service life.

Concrete Hole Saw
Heavy-duty concrete hole saw solutions for contractors, distributors, and construction professionals. Suitable for wall drilling, pipe openings, electrical installations, and masonry applications.

Hole Saws
Explore our complete range of hole saw products, including TCT hole saws, metal hole saws, and concrete drilling hole saw solutions.
