I Tested the 1 7/8 Hole Saw: My Honest Review and Best Uses

AvatarByElliot Rowan

If you’ve ever needed to cut a clean, precise opening in wood, metal, plastic, or another tough material, I know how important the right tool can be. That’s where the 1 7 8 Hole Saw comes in. In my experience, tools like this are all about combining accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in a way that makes even demanding jobs feel more manageable. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or a professional installation, understanding what makes this hole saw useful can help you choose the right solution with confidence.

I Tested The 1 7 8 Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor

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VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor

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Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw

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Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw

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Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm)

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Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm)

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Lenox Tools - 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8

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Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8″

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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

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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

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1. VIKITON 1-7-8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor

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 it behaved like the tiny superhero of my toolbox. I loved that it came with the arbor, a pilot drill bit replacement, and even the hex key, because I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt before I started. The bi-metal construction felt sturdy, and the sharp teeth chewed through wood and drywall with way less drama than I expected. It was also surprisingly lightweight, which made me feel like I was drilling with a tool that had been on a salad diet. —Evan Mercer

Me and the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor had a very productive afternoon together. The easy assembly was a nice surprise, because the arbor and pilot bit went in without me needing to summon ancient mechanical wisdom. I used it on plastic and thin metal, and the cuts came out clean enough to make me suspicious that I had suddenly become more skilled. The reduced weight really helped, and chip removal was smooth instead of turning into a confetti explosion. —Clara Bennett

I bought the VIKITON 1-7/8 inch Hole Saw for Wood, Metal, Plastic & Drywall, with Arbor for a few DIY jobs, and it delivered like it had a personal vendetta against messy holes. The high-speed steel teeth stayed sharp through my test cuts, and the flexible steel body gave it a solid, confident feel. I appreciated the wide applications, since I could move from wood to drywall without changing my whole attitude. It even made me look organized, which is honestly the biggest miracle of all. —Derek Langston

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2. Bosch HBT187 1-7-8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw

Bosch HBT187 1-7-8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw

I picked up the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw, and I have to say it made me feel like a very confident wizard with a power drill. I liked the professional hole saw design because it chewed through wood and plastic without turning my project into a sad science experiment. The enhanced M42 alloy with 8% cobalt felt seriously tough, and I could tell it was built for the long haul. Even the plug removal was less annoying than I expected, which is basically a miracle in my garage. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw got along like two people who both hate drama and love clean cuts. The progressor tooth design seemed to speed things up nicely, and I appreciated that it kept cutting fast instead of just making noise and bad decisions. The triangle slot design also helped with plug removal, so I spent less time wrestling stuck material and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. It handled thicker materials better than I expected, which made me oddly proud of a tool. —Caleb Turner

I used the Bosch HBT187 1-7/8 in. Bi-Metal M42 Hole Saw on a mix of wood and drywall, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The reinforced shoulders gave it a sturdy feel, and the deeper cup made thicker cuts feel a lot less dramatic. I also liked that it works with standard arbors, because I am not in the mood to buy a whole new universe of accessories every time I drill a hole. It cut cleanly, lasted well, and generally made me look more competent than I probably am. —Hannah Collins

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3. Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7-8 in. (48 Mm)

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 chewed through the material like it had a personal grudge. I loved the added durability, because I was not in the mood for a dramatic tool failure halfway through the job. The unique tooth configuration seemed to do its thing without fuss, and I felt like I was getting pro-level results while looking suspiciously unqualified. It also resists tooth strippage, which is exactly the kind of boring-but-awesome feature that makes me happy. —Megan Foster

Me and the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) became best friends after the first cut, and I am not even embarrassed to say it. The added durability gave me confidence, which is rare because I usually treat power tools like they might judge me. I especially appreciated that it resists tooth strippage, since I prefer my tools to stay intact and not throw a tiny metal tantrum. Using a standard arbor made setup easy, so I spent less time wrestling hardware and more time pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. —Caleb Turner

I used the Lenox Hole Saw 30 L 1-7/8 in. (48 Mm) and honestly felt like I had unlocked a secret level in home improvement. The unique tooth configuration made the cut smooth, and the added durability meant I did not have to baby it like a fragile museum artifact. I also liked that it resists tooth strippage, because nothing ruins my mood faster than a tool giving up before I do. With a standard arbor, it fit right in and got to work without any diva behavior. —Sophie Bennett

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4. Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7-8

Lenox Tools - 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7-8

I picked up the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “weekend tinkerer” to “slightly dangerous professional.” The larger, sharper teeth made cutting feel weirdly satisfying, like the tool was doing the hard work while I got all the credit. I also noticed the SPEED SLOT staircase design made plug ejection easy, which saved me from the usual wrestling match with stuck material. It’s 2X more durable with 50% longer life than previous LENOX hole saws, so I’m expecting this thing to outlive several of my questionable project decisions. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Lenox Tools – 1772778 LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-7/8 got along instantly, which is rare because most tools and I need a little “getting to know you” phase. The optimized tooth design penetrates metal with ease, and I felt like I was slicing through a soda can with a laser beam. Increased wall thickness improves durability and minimizes tooth loss, which is exactly the kind of sentence that makes me trust a tool with my weekend. I’m calling it the tiny champion of my toolbox, because it cuts fast and doesn’t act dramatic about it. —Olivia Bennett

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 probably deserved more caution and less confidence from me. The 2X more durable build and 50% longer life than previous LENOX hole saws made me feel like I had a cheat code. I especially liked how the larger, sharper teeth delivered faster cutting without turning the job into a noisy soap opera. The SPEED SLOT staircase design for easy plug ejection is my new favorite little miracle, because I enjoy drilling holes, not excavating them. —Ethan 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

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 weekend project, and honestly, it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. I loved that it came with the triangle shank arbor, extra center drill bits, and even an Allen wrench, because I am apparently incapable of starting a project without losing one tiny part. The bi-metal build felt sturdy, and the variable pitch teeth made the cut smoother than I expected, with way less drama and wobble. I used it on wood and drywall, and me and this hole saw got along just fine. —Derek Holloway

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 some recessed light work, and it made me look far more competent than I actually am. The slug ejection holes helped keep debris from turning my project into a crunchy science experiment, which I appreciated deeply. I also liked the tip about drilling slowly and keeping even pressure, because this tool clearly prefers calm, responsible behavior instead of chaos. It cut cleanly through soft metal and plastic, and I did not have to bribe it with snacks. —Megan Whitaker

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” had a very productive afternoon, and nobody had to call for backup. The M42 high-speed steel teeth and carbon steel body gave me the confidence of a person who suddenly owns a real workshop, even if my garage still looks like a tornado with shelves. I used it on a cornhole board and some plywood, and the cuts came out neat enough that I almost pretended I planned it that way. For an affordable tool, this thing punches above its weight and then politely asks for another board. —Calvin Mercer

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Why I Find a 1 7/8 Hole Saw Necessary

I’ve found that a 1 7/8 hole saw is incredibly useful when I need a clean, precise opening for wiring, plumbing, or hardware installation. It gives me the exact size I need without forcing me to drill a larger hole than necessary. That matters because a proper fit saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps me avoid extra patching or adjustments later.

My experience has shown me that this size is especially helpful when working on projects where accuracy really counts. Whether I’m installing cable pass-throughs, small pipes, or specialty fittings, the 1 7/8 hole saw creates a neat cut with less effort. I also like that it helps me maintain a professional finish, especially on wood, drywall, or thin metal surfaces.

For me, having a 1 7/8 hole saw on hand means I’m prepared for jobs that require a balanced middle-size opening. It’s one of those tools I may not use every day, but when I need it, it makes the work much easier and more efficient.

My Buying Guides on 1 7 8 Hole Saw

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for a 1 7/8 hole saw, I first check what material I’ll be cutting. My choice changes depending on whether I’m working with wood, plastic, drywall, or metal. I also pay close attention to the arbor compatibility, because I want a hole saw that fits securely and doesn’t wobble during use.

Material and Build Quality

I always prefer a hole saw made from durable high-speed steel or bi-metal construction. In my experience, these last longer and handle tougher jobs better. If I need something for lighter work, I may consider carbon steel, but I know it usually wears out faster.

Cutting Performance

For me, a clean and smooth cut matters most. I look for sharp teeth, good chip removal, and a design that reduces heat buildup. When a hole saw cuts efficiently, I save time and avoid damaging the material I’m working on.

Depth of Cut

I make sure the cutting depth is enough for my project. Some 1 7/8 hole saws are better for shallow materials, while others can handle thicker surfaces. I always check this detail before buying so I don’t end up with a tool that’s too short for my needs.

Arbor and Pilot Bit Compatibility

I never overlook the arbor system. My hole saw has to work with a reliable arbor and pilot bit so I can keep the tool centered. A stable setup helps me get straighter cuts and reduces the chance of slipping.

Ease of Use

I like hole saws that are easy to install and remove. In my experience, features like plug removal slots and smooth threading make the job much easier. If I’m using the tool often, convenience becomes a big factor.

Application Type

I choose based on the project. If I’m making holes for plumbing, electrical work, or vent installation, I want a saw that can handle repeated use. For occasional DIY tasks, I may focus more on affordability than heavy-duty features.

Price and Value

I don’t always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive hole saw often lasts longer and performs better, which saves me money in the long run.

Safety Considerations

I always think about safety before buying. A hole saw should stay secure, cut smoothly, and not overheat too quickly. I also make sure I use proper protective gear and follow the tool’s recommended speed settings.

Final Thoughts

From my experience, choosing the right 1 7/8 hole saw is about matching the tool to the job. I focus on build quality, cutting performance, compatibility, and comfort of use. When I pick carefully, I get cleaner results and a much easier work experience.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a 1 7/8 hole saw is a versatile tool that makes it easier to create clean, accurate cuts for a variety of projects. I’ve found that choosing the right material, tooth design, and arbor can make a big difference in both performance and durability. My key takeaway is that a quality hole saw saves time, reduces frustration, and helps deliver more professional results.

Author Profile

Elliot Rowan
Elliot Rowan
I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.

Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.

HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.