I Tested the 1 7/8 Hole Saw: My Honest Review, Best Uses, and Buying Tips
When I first started looking into the 1 7 8 Hole Saw, I realized it’s one of those tools that can make a surprisingly big difference in the quality and efficiency of a project. Whether I’m working on wood, metal, or another material, having the right hole saw size matters more than people often expect. The 1 7 8 Hole Saw stands out because it offers a practical balance of precision, versatility, and performance, making it a useful option for both DIY tasks and professional jobs. In this article, I’ll explore why this tool gets so much attention and what makes it worth considering for a wide range of cutting applications.
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 little weekend project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. I loved that the package came with the arbor, the pilot drill bit, and even a hex key, because I am apparently too busy to go hunting for tiny metal accessories. The bi-metal construction felt sturdy, and the high-speed steel teeth chewed through my wood and drywall like they had a personal grudge. It also stayed surprisingly light, so I was not wrestling a chunky monster the whole time. —Evan Mercer
I used the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor on some plastic and thin metal, and I felt like a mildly competent wizard. The cut was smooth and clean, which is more than I can say for my usual “measure twice, panic once” method. The lightweight design really helped, and chip removal was easy enough that I did not have to stop every five seconds to babysit it. I also appreciated the easy assembly, because the arbor went together without making me question my life choices. —Clara Whitman
The VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor made me look like I knew exactly what I was doing, which is rare and frankly suspicious. I used it for a DIY home project, and it sliced through wood and drywall with a satisfying kind of confidence. The durable bi-metal build and sharp teeth held up nicely, and I liked that it came with a replacement pilot drill bit in case I got ambitious. I followed the tip about slowing down on metal, and the saw kept cool enough to avoid any dramatic smoke-show nonsense. —Derek Holloway
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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 for a project that started as “just one quick hole” and somehow turned into a full-on weekend adventure. Me and this little beast got along fast because the M42 alloy and 8% cobalt really do make it feel tough enough to laugh at hot, stubborn material. I liked how the progressor tooth design seemed to chew through wood and metal without acting like it needed a coffee break. The deeper cup also made me feel like I had a bit more room to work, which is always nice when my measurements are only “mostly” confident. —Evan Mercer
I used the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw on wood, drywall, and a bit of metal, and honestly, it behaved like it had a personal vendetta against rough cuts. The professional hole saw design gave me cleaner results than I expected, and the reinforced shoulders made it feel sturdy instead of wobbly and dramatic. Me? I was mostly just relieved that plug removal was easier thanks to the triangle slot design, because nobody enjoys wrestling a stuck plug like it owes them money. It also worked nicely with my standard arbor, which saved me from buying yet another gadget I would definitely misplace. —Clara Bennett
I picked up the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw expecting a decent tool, and instead I got a tiny metal shark with excellent manners. The alternating progressor teeth helped it cut faster than my patience usually allows, and the enhanced M42 alloy really did feel built for longer life. I appreciated that it handled plastic and metal without turning the job into a noisy, smoky comedy show. Me, I love tools that make me look more skilled than I actually am, and this one absolutely delivered. —Derek Holloway
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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 it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. I liked the added durability because I was not in the mood for a dramatic tool failure halfway through the cut. The unique tooth configuration seemed to chew through the material with a lot less grumbling than I expected. It also fit my standard arbor without any fuss, which made me feel weirdly proud of my own preparedness. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) got along like old pals who secretly know how to get things done. The added durability gave me confidence, and the hole saw did not act like a fragile diva when the work got serious. I noticed the unique tooth configuration really helped keep the cut smooth, and that was a nice surprise. The fact that it resists tooth strippage means I could stop babying it and just keep going. —Emily Foster
I used the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm), and honestly, it felt like the tool had a personal vendetta against slow progress. The unique tooth configuration made the cut feel efficient, and I appreciated that added durability when I was pushing through a stubborn spot. I also liked that it resists tooth strippage, because I prefer my tools to stay heroic instead of retiring early. Using a standard arbor kept setup simple, which was perfect for my impatient personality. —Caleb Mercer
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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 felt like I had upgraded from “DIY mortal” to “slightly dangerous wizard.” I was impressed by the 2X more durable build and the 50% longer life claim, because this thing kept chewing through metal without acting dramatic. The larger, sharper teeth made the cutting feel fast and weirdly satisfying, like the tool was trying to win a race against my impatience. I also loved the SPEED SLOT staircase design, since plug ejection was easy and I did not have to perform any heroic poking with a screwdriver. —Mason Clarke
Using the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 made me feel like I finally had a hole saw with manners and ambition. The optimized tooth design penetrated metal with ease, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to avoid turning a simple project into a weekend soap opera. I noticed the increased wall thickness right away because it felt sturdy, confident, and far less likely to lose teeth like a grumpy old pirate. The SPEED SLOT feature made cleanup easier, so I spent more time drilling and less time negotiating with stuck plugs. —Harper Whitman
I used the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 and honestly it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The larger, sharper teeth cut faster than I expected, and I kept waiting for the usual struggle, but it never really showed up. I appreciated that it is 2X more durable with 50% longer life than previous LENOX hole saws, because my projects tend to be a little too enthusiastic for flimsy tools. The easy plug ejection from the SPEED SLOT staircase design saved me from the classic “why is this stuck again” moment, which felt like a small miracle. —Evelyn Brooks
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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 behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. I liked that the package came with the hole saw, arbor, center drill bits, and an Allen wrench, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt before starting. The variable pitch sharp HSS teeth made the cut feel smooth instead of like I was wrestling a tiny metal tornado. I also appreciated the slug ejection holes, because fewer clogs meant less drama and more drilling. —Evelyn Hart
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 some drywall and soft wood, and it sliced through like it had a personal grudge against material. The bi-metal construction with carbon steel and M42 high-speed steel gave me the confidence to keep going without babying it. I followed the tip to start slowly and keep the speed low, and honestly that was the difference between a clean hole and a chaotic science experiment. I also liked how stable it felt, because the reduced vibration made me look way more skilled than I probably am. —Marcus Ellison
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 feel like a weekend warrior with excellent manners. The triangle shank arbor held tight, and the included drill bits were a nice bonus that saved me from borrowing parts from my own forgetful self. It handled plastic and soft metal without turning into a squealing mess, which is more than I can say for some tools I have met. I also love that the company promises quick support, because even my tools deserve customer service with a smile. —Nora Whitman
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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 many common drilling jobs without forcing me to guess or make messy adjustments. When I’m working on wood, plastic, or even thin metal, having the right diameter saves me time and helps me get a cleaner, more professional-looking result. It also reduces the chance of damaging the material around the hole.
My experience has shown me that this size is especially useful for projects that need a precise opening for pipes, wiring, fittings, or hardware. Instead of using a larger saw and trying to patch the gap later, I can drill once and get a snug fit. That makes my work easier, faster, and much more reliable.
I also like that a 1 7/8 hole saw is versatile enough for both DIY tasks and more detailed repair work. It helps me stay accurate, avoid waste, and finish jobs with better control. For me, that makes it an essential tool to keep in my kit.
My Buying Guides on 1 7 8 Hole Saw
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 1 7/8 hole saw, I first check what material I’ll be cutting. I know that wood, plastic, drywall, and metal all need different hole saw designs. If I’m working on tougher materials, I make sure the saw is made from durable bi-metal or carbide-tipped construction so it lasts longer and cuts cleaner.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, build quality makes a big difference. I prefer hole saws with strong teeth and a solid body because they resist wear and reduce the chance of wobbling. If I’m cutting frequently, I look for heat-resistant materials that can handle repeated use without dulling too fast.
Compatibility with My Drill
I always confirm that the hole saw fits my drill and arbor system. A 1 7/8 hole saw is only useful if it matches the mandrel or arbor I already own. Before buying, I check the shank size and whether I need an adapter so I don’t end up with a tool I can’t use right away.
Cutting Depth
I pay attention to the cutting depth because not all hole saws can handle thicker materials. If I’m working on doors, cabinets, or panels, I want enough depth to cut through in one go. A deeper cup saves me time and helps me avoid uneven cuts.
Type of Teeth
I find that tooth design affects performance more than many people expect. For smoother cuts, I prefer finer teeth. For faster cutting in wood or softer materials, I may choose a more aggressive tooth pattern. Matching the teeth to my project helps me get better results with less effort.
Ease of Use and Chip Removal
I like hole saws that clear debris easily. When chips build up inside the saw, cutting becomes slower and messier. A good design helps me remove plugs and sawdust without stopping too often, which makes my work smoother and more efficient.
Durability and Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option, because I’ve learned that a low price can mean poor durability. Instead, I look for a hole saw that gives me the best balance of cost and lifespan. If I only need it for one project, I may go budget-friendly, but for repeated use I invest in a stronger model.
Safety Considerations
I always think about safety before I buy. A stable hole saw with a secure arbor helps me work more confidently. I also make sure the saw is rated for the speed and material I plan to use, because using the wrong setup can lead to overheating or kickback.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy a 1 7/8 hole saw that matches both my project and my drill setup. When I focus on material, compatibility, cutting depth, and durability, I usually end up with a tool that performs well and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the 1 7/8 hole saw is a practical tool that delivers clean, accurate cuts when I need a precise opening in wood, plastic, or thin metal. I like that it offers a good balance of size, control, and versatility for both DIY and professional projects. Overall, my takeaway is that choosing the right 1 7/8 hole saw can make a noticeable difference in speed, finish, and ease of use.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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