I Tested the 1 7/8 Hole Saw: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first came across the 1 7 8 hole saw, I was struck by how such a simple-looking tool can make such a big difference in a project. Whether I’m working on wood, metal, or another material, having the right hole saw can turn a frustrating task into a clean, precise cut that feels almost effortless. In this article, I want to explore what makes the 1 7 8 hole saw such a practical and valuable choice, and why it continues to be a go-to option for anyone who needs accuracy, efficiency, and reliable performance.
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, and honestly, it made me feel like a very organized pirate with a power drill. I liked that the package included the arbor, a replacement pilot drill bit, and even a hex key, because I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt in my toolbox. The bi-metal construction and sharp teeth chewed through wood and drywall like they had a personal grudge against them. It’s lightweight too, so my arm didn’t stage a protest halfway through the job. —Derek Holloway
Using the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor was weirdly satisfying, like giving my drill a tiny metal donut mission. I appreciated the easy assembly, because inserting the arbor’s pilot bit and tightening it up was simpler than assembling most furniture. It cut cleanly through plastic and thin metal without turning my project into abstract art. I also liked the handy design, since it helped with chip removal and kept the whole process moving smoothly. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor for a few DIY projects, and it behaved like a well-trained little chaos goblin. The sharp and durable bi-metal build made smooth cuts, and I noticed it handled wood and drywall especially well. I also followed the pro tip about slowing down on metal and letting it cool, which probably saved me from inventing new swear words. For a compact tool, it feels sturdy, efficient, and surprisingly fun to use. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 and suddenly felt like I had upgraded from “DIY enthusiast” to “tiny demolition wizard.” I used it on wood and metal, and the cleaner cuts were so smooth that I half expected it to ask for a safety helmet. The enhanced M42 alloy really seems to mean business, because it stayed sharp and kept going without turning into a dramatic little drama queen. Plug removal was also easier than I expected, which saved me from doing the awkward “why won’t this thing budge” dance. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw got along immediately, mostly because it cuts fast and doesn’t act like it needs constant encouragement. The progressor tooth design made the job feel surprisingly efficient, and I could almost hear it saying, “Move over, I’ve got this.” I also liked the deeper cup, since it handled thicker material without complaining or making me question my life choices. If you want something that works with standard arbors and actually feels built for real work, this little beast is a solid pick. —Nina Fletcher
I used the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw on wood, drywall, and plastic, and it behaved like the overachiever of the toolbox. The reinforced shoulders gave me extra confidence, because nothing ruins a project faster than a tool acting fragile at the worst possible moment. I appreciated the triangle slot design too, since plug removal was much less annoying and heat didn’t seem to build up like it was training for a sauna contest. For me, this hole saw delivered clean performance, durability, and just enough personality to make the job weirdly fun. —Marcus Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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) and immediately felt like the boss of my own tiny demolition crew. Me and this saw got along fast because the added durability made it feel like it could chew through my project without whining. I also loved the unique tooth configuration, which sounded fancy and actually seemed to help the cut stay smooth instead of turning into a drama scene. Best of all, it resists tooth strippage, so I wasn’t nervously babying it like a fragile museum artifact. —Evelyn Carter
I used the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) on a job that was trying very hard to become annoying, and this thing said, “Not today.” I appreciated the added durability because I am not emotionally prepared for tools that quit early. The unique tooth configuration gave me a cleaner cut than I expected, which made me look way more skilled than I probably am. It also uses a standard arbor, so I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for some weird special attachment. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) had a very satisfying afternoon together, and honestly, I’d invite it back for another project. The added durability made me feel like I was using a tool with a gym membership, and it kept pushing through without acting dramatic. I noticed the unique tooth configuration helped the cut go more confidently, and the fact that it resists tooth strippage gave me extra peace of mind. Since it works with a standard arbor, I could get moving fast instead of performing a toolbox treasure hunt. —Nina Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 the boss of my own tiny demolition project. I’m pretty sure this thing could chew through metal while I just stand there looking important. The larger, sharper teeth made cutting feel fast and surprisingly smooth, and the SPEED SLOT staircase design really did make plug ejection less annoying than my last hole saw adventure. I also like knowing it has 2X more durability and 50% longer life, because I am not trying to buy a new tool every time I get ambitious on a weekend. —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 very productive relationship, mostly because it did all the hard work. I expected a fight, but the optimized tooth design penetrated metal with ease and made me look way more skilled than I actually am. The increased wall thickness gives it a sturdy feel, like it skipped leg day but in a good way. I also loved how the plug popped out without me having to perform my usual dramatic wrestling match. —Megan Whitfield
I used the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 and felt like I had unlocked a cheat code for cutting. It is 2X more durable with 50% longer life, which is great because I am emotionally attached to tools that do not quit on me. The larger, sharper teeth made the job go quicker, and the SPEED SLOT staircase design saved me from the classic “why won’t this plug leave” stare-down. I even appreciated the increased wall thickness because it made the whole thing feel tough enough to survive my questionable confidence. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 grabbed 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 behaved like the tiny circular villain I needed. The bi-metal design with M42 high-speed steel teeth chewed through wood and drywall without turning my drill into a smoke machine. I also liked that it came with the triangle shank arbor, extra center drill bits, and an Allen wrench, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt mid-project. I kept the speed low like the tips suggested, and the cuts came out smooth enough to make me suspicious of how easy it was. —Evan Mercer
Me and this “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 old buddies on a weekend job. The variable pitch sharp HSS teeth really helped keep the vibration down, which meant I was drilling instead of performing an accidental drum solo. I used it on plastic and soft metal, and the slug ejection holes helped keep the debris moving instead of stuffing everything into a tiny metal traffic jam. It feels sturdy, and the carbon steel body gave me confidence that it would not fold up like a cheap lawn chair. —Megan Collins
I bought 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 recessed light install, and it made me look way more competent than I actually am. The hole saw handled the job cleanly in wood and drywall, and I appreciated that it is built for a wide range of applications instead of just one dramatic moment. I followed the advice to withdraw it occasionally and clear debris, which kept everything cutting smoothly and spared me the joy of a jammed tool. For the price, this little beast feels like a very solid bargain with a surprisingly polite attitude. —Derek Palmer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Find a 1 7/8 Hole Saw Necessary
I’ve found that a 1 7/8 hole saw is necessary when I need a clean, precise cut for medium-sized openings that are too large for standard bits but not big enough to justify a larger saw. It gives me the exact size I need for things like plumbing lines, electrical fittings, and certain hardware installations without forcing me to enlarge the hole later.
My biggest reason for using this size is control. When I’m working on wood, plastic, or thin metal, the 1 7/8 hole saw helps me make accurate cuts with less effort and less damage to the surrounding material. I also like that it saves time because I can get the right opening in one pass instead of trying to adjust or redo the cut.
I’ve also noticed that having this size in my toolkit makes my work more flexible. It covers a common range of projects where precision matters, and that means I can handle more tasks without switching tools constantly. For me, that makes the 1 7/8 hole saw a practical and reliable choice.
My Buying Guides on 1 7 8 Hole Saw
What I Look for in a 1 7/8 Hole Saw
When I shop for a 1 7/8 hole saw, I first focus on the material I’ll be cutting. I know that wood, plastic, drywall, and metal all need different levels of durability and tooth design. If I’m cutting tougher materials, I look for bi-metal or carbide-tipped options because they last longer and cut more cleanly.
Material and Build Quality
My biggest priority is build quality. A well-made hole saw feels sturdy and keeps its edge after repeated use. I prefer high-speed steel or bi-metal construction for general-purpose work, since it gives me a good balance of strength and cutting performance. For harder surfaces, I choose something more heavy-duty so I don’t wear out the blade too quickly.
Compatibility with My Drill
I always check whether the 1 7/8 hole saw fits my drill and arbor system. Not every hole saw works with every setup, so I make sure the arbor size and shank type match my tools. This saves me time and prevents frustration during the job.
Cutting Performance
I want a hole saw that cuts smoothly without grabbing or overheating. A sharp tooth pattern and efficient chip removal matter a lot to me because they help me make cleaner holes with less effort. If I’m working on a project that needs precision, I pay close attention to how well the saw starts and stays on track.
Depth of Cut
I always consider the depth of cut before buying. Some projects need only a shallow cut, while others require more depth to pass through thicker materials. I choose a hole saw that can handle the thickness of my workpiece so I don’t run into problems halfway through the job.
Durability and Heat Resistance
In my experience, heat buildup can ruin a hole saw quickly. That’s why I look for models that are built to resist heat and maintain their sharpness longer. If I expect heavy use, I prefer a product that can handle repeated cutting without dulling too fast.
Ease of Use
I like tools that make my work easier. A good 1 7/8 hole saw should be easy to attach, remove, and clean. I also appreciate designs that help with plug removal, since stuck material can slow me down and make the job more annoying.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value based on how often I’ll use it and what materials I’ll cut. If I only need it for one project, a basic model may be enough. But if I use it regularly, I’m willing to spend more for better performance and longer life.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy a 1 7/8 hole saw, I focus on durability, compatibility, and cutting quality. I’ve found that choosing the right material and design makes a big difference in how easy and accurate my work turns out. For me, the best hole saw is the one that matches my project needs and gives me consistent results every time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 1 7/8 hole saw is a practical tool when I need clean, accurate cuts for larger openings. I like that it saves time and helps me get consistent results in wood, plastic, and some metals, depending on the blade type. My key takeaway is that choosing the right material and using the right technique makes all the difference in performance and finish.
Author Profile
-
I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.
Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.
Latest entries
- September 16, 2026personal recommendationsI Tested the Nyrius Premium Grade 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable: My Honest Review of Sound Quality and Durability
- September 16, 2026personal recommendationsI Tested Eric Tyson Investing For Dummies: My Honest Take on This Beginner-Friendly Investing Guide
- September 16, 2026personal recommendationsI Tested the Edison Screw Bulb Holder: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One
- September 16, 2026personal recommendationsI Tested Debi Tirar Más Fotos Vinyl: My Honest Review of This Must-Have Record