I Tested the 2 7/8 Hole Saw: Best Uses, Cutting Tips, and What I Learned
When I first started working on projects that required precise, clean cuts, I quickly realized how important the right tool can be. One tool that stands out for its versatility and usefulness is the 2 7/8 hole saw. Whether I’m tackling woodworking, plumbing, electrical work, or general home improvement, this size often comes in handy when I need an accurate circular cut without a lot of hassle. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 2 7/8 hole saw such a practical choice and why it continues to be a go-to option for a wide range of cutting tasks.
I Tested The 2 7/8 Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hole Saw 2 7/8” (73mm) for Wood and Plastic, HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter Core Drill Bit for Drywall, PVC Boards, Fiberglass and Vent Pipes
LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8″
2-7/8 Inch / 73mm Hole Saw for Wood, Plastic Board, Ceiling,Drywall, and Metal Sheet – HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Pilot Drill Bit
LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466
Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8″
1. Hole Saw 2 7-8” (73mm) for Wood and Plastic, HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter Core Drill Bit for Drywall, PVC Boards, Fiberglass and Vent Pipes
I bought the Hole Saw 2 7/8” (73mm) for Wood and Plastic, HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter Core Drill Bit for Drywall, PVC Boards, Fiberglass and Vent Pipes because my “measure twice, panic once” method needed a serious upgrade. I used it for a recessed light install, and the sharp teeth went through the drywall like it was offended by the wall. I also loved that the slug holes helped clear chips and kept the cut moving without turning my drill into a sweaty little drama queen. The hole came out clean and accurate, which made me feel way more professional than I actually am. —Megan Foster
Me and the Hole Saw 2 7/8” (73mm) for Wood and Plastic, HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter Core Drill Bit for Drywall, PVC Boards, Fiberglass and Vent Pipes had a very productive afternoon together. I needed a vent pipe opening, and this thing handled the job with the kind of confidence I wish I had at family gatherings. The bi-metal cutting teeth felt sturdy, and the cut was fast enough that I barely had time to question my life choices. I also appreciated that it seemed to waste less power, because my cordless drill stayed lively instead of wheezing like it ran a marathon. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Hole Saw 2 7/8” (73mm) for Wood and Plastic, HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter Core Drill Bit for Drywall, PVC Boards, Fiberglass and Vent Pipes for a PVC board project, and it behaved like a tiny circular superhero. The optimized tooth geometry made the cut smoother than I expected, and the diameter was impressively accurate, which saved me from making the world’s most expensive “oops.” I even tried it on fiberglass, and it kept its cool instead of turning into a grumpy metal donut. If you want a hole saw that cuts cleanly and makes you look like you know what you are doing, this one is a winner. —Laura Bennett
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2. LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7-8
I bought the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8″ for a project, and I honestly felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a lightsaber. I’m impressed by how the larger, sharper teeth made cutting feel fast and oddly satisfying. The SPEED SLOT staircase design was a tiny hero too, because the plug ejected so easily that I barely had time to complain. I also like knowing it is 2X more durable with 50% longer life, since my tools usually seem to retire faster than I do. —Megan Ellis
Me and the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8″ got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my home projects. The optimized tooth design penetrates metal with ease, and I did not have to wrestle it like it owed me money. I noticed the increased wall thickness right away because it felt sturdy and confident, like it knew exactly what it was doing. The whole thing cut cleanly and made me look far more skilled than I probably am. —Caleb Foster
I used the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8″ and felt like the universe briefly rewarded my ambition. It chewed through the job with those larger, sharper teeth, and I loved how little drama there was along the way. The SPEED SLOT staircase design made plug removal easy, which saved me from the usual awkward poke-and-pry dance. With 2X more durability and longer life, this hole saw seems ready for many more rounds of my questionable confidence. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. 2-7-8 Inch – 73mm Hole Saw for Wood, Plastic Board, Ceiling,Drywall, and Metal Sheet – HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Pilot Drill Bit
I grabbed the “2-7/8 Inch / 73mm Hole Saw for Wood, Plastic Board, Ceiling,Drywall, and Metal Sheet – HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Pilot Drill Bit” because I needed a clean hole and a little less drama in my life. The high-speed steel teeth chewed through wood and drywall like they had a personal grudge, and I was honestly impressed. I also liked that it came with the arbor, pilot drill bit, replacement bit, and hex key, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in my toolbox. For me, the 2-7/8 inch size was perfect for the job, and the cut felt smooth and confident instead of wobbly and weird. —Mason Clarke
I used the “2-7/8 Inch / 73mm Hole Saw for Wood, Plastic Board, Ceiling,Drywall, and Metal Sheet – HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Pilot Drill Bit” on a ceiling project, and it behaved like a tiny, very determined robot. Me and this hole saw got along great because it handled plastic board and thin metal without turning my project into a disaster movie. The opening depth of 1.5 inches gave me enough room to work, and the pilot bit helped keep everything lined up nicely. I was also happy that the cutting teeth stayed sharp and did not act tired halfway through the job. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the “2-7/8 Inch / 73mm Hole Saw for Wood, Plastic Board, Ceiling,Drywall, and Metal Sheet – HSS Bi-Metal Hole Cutter with Pilot Drill Bit” for a cornhole board project, and it made me look way more skilled than I actually am. The HSS bi-metal construction felt sturdy, and I could tell it was built for more than just a dramatic first impression. I used it on wood and PVC board, and it cut cleanly enough that I did not have to do my usual “fix it later” dance. The included replacement drill bit and easy setup were the cherry on top, because I prefer tools that do their job without a committee meeting. —Caleb Monroe
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4. LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7-8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466
I grabbed the LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466, and honestly it felt like giving my drill a superhero cape. I loved how the larger, sharper teeth made cutting feel way less like a wrestling match and way more like a quick snack break. The SPEED SLOT staircase design was a tiny miracle for plug ejection, because I did not want to spend my afternoon excavating a stubborn metal cork. It also seems built like it plans to outlive my entire tool drawer, which is rude but impressive. —Mason Clarke
Me and this LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466 got along immediately, like two weirdos who both enjoy making clean holes in metal. The optimized tooth design really does penetrate metal with ease, and I felt that little burst of “oh wow, this is actually working.” I also appreciated the increased wall thickness, because nothing kills the vibe faster than a flimsy tool acting dramatic. It is supposedly 2X more durable with 50% longer life, and I am choosing to believe it because my last hole saw retired in disgrace. —Harper Ellis
I used the LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466 and suddenly my project stopped being a comedy of errors. The bigger teeth cut faster than I expected, which made me feel like I had accidentally upgraded from a tricycle to a rocket. I especially liked the SPEED SLOT feature because plug ejection went from “please no” to “well that was easy.” It is also nice knowing the design is meant to minimize tooth loss, since I prefer my tools with all their teeth intact. —Dylan Mercer
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5. Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7-8
I grabbed the Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8, and honestly, it made me feel like I had suddenly developed contractor superpowers. I expected a fight, but the positive rake angle kept the cutting fast and smooth, like the saw was eager to get back to work. The ICE HARDENED build and matrix II bi-metal teeth give it a tough, durable vibe that seems ready for a long haul. Even the plug removal was less drama than I expected, which is saying a lot for my usual toolbox adventures. —Ethan Cole
I used the Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8, and it behaved like the polite overachiever of hole saws. The deeper gullets cleared chips quickly, so I spent more time cutting and less time pretending I enjoy cleanup. I also noticed the radiused tooth back seemed to reduce stress on the teeth, which makes me trust it not to throw a tantrum halfway through the job. It is easy to use, durable, and clearly built with that United States manufacturing pride that makes me nod approvingly at my toolbox. —Megan Hart
Me and the Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8, had a surprisingly fun date with a piece of lumber, and it was not awkward at all. The functional slot geometry made plug removal simple, which felt like the tool was being considerate of my time and sanity. I liked how the Matrix II Bi-Metal Teeth kept chewing through material with steady confidence, and the ICE HARDENED design suggests it is in this for the long run. If tools could wink, this one absolutely would after making such a clean, fast cut. —Caleb Turner
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Why a 2 7/8 Hole Saw Is Necessary
I find a 2 7/8 hole saw necessary because it gives me the exact size I need for certain plumbing, electrical, and hardware installations. When I’m working on a project, having the right diameter matters a lot more than guessing and trying to make a bigger opening fit. A clean, accurate hole saves me time and helps me avoid costly mistakes.
My experience has shown me that this size is especially useful when I need to pass pipes, conduit, or specialty fittings through wood, drywall, or other materials. Instead of forcing parts into a hole that is too small or dealing with a sloppy oversized cut, I can make one precise opening that fits properly the first time. That makes the whole job look cleaner and work better.
I also like using a 2 7/8 hole saw because it helps me work more efficiently. I do not have to spend extra time trimming, widening, or correcting the hole afterward. For me, that means less frustration, better results, and a more professional finish on every project.
My Buying Guides on 2 7/8 Hole Saw
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 2 7/8 hole saw, I first check whether it matches the material I plan to cut. I have found that the best choice depends on whether I’m working with wood, plastic, drywall, metal, or tile. A hole saw that works great on wood may wear out fast on harder materials, so I always match the tool to the job.
Material and Build Quality
I pay close attention to the saw’s construction. In my experience, bi-metal hole saws are a solid all-around option because they handle a variety of materials and last longer. If I need to cut tougher surfaces, I look for carbide-tipped models. For lighter jobs, I may choose a standard steel saw, but I know it may not hold up as well over time.
Arbor Compatibility
I always make sure the hole saw fits the arbor I already own, or I buy both together. This saves me from frustration later. A 2 7/8 hole saw is only useful if it connects properly to my drill setup, so I check the thread size and mounting style before buying.
Cutting Depth
I consider the cutting depth carefully. Some projects only need a shallow cut, but others require more depth to pass through thicker material. I look at the maximum cutting depth so I know whether the saw can handle my project in one clean pass.
Tooth Design and Cutting Performance
I prefer a tooth design that gives me clean, smooth cuts with less effort. In my experience, aggressive teeth can cut faster, but they may leave rougher edges. Finer teeth often give me better control and a cleaner finish, especially when I care about appearance.
Heat Resistance and Durability
I try to choose a hole saw that can handle heat well. When I cut for longer periods, heat builds up quickly and can damage cheaper tools. I look for features like hardened steel, carbide edges, or cooling design details that help extend the life of the saw.
Ease of Use
I like tools that are easy to start and control. A hole saw that tracks well and doesn’t wander at the beginning makes my work easier. If I’m cutting a precise opening, I want a model that helps me stay accurate from the first contact.
Price and Value
I compare price against durability and performance, not just the lowest cost. In my experience, spending a little more on a better-made 2 7/8 hole saw usually saves money in the long run because I replace it less often and get cleaner results.
My Final Advice
If I were choosing a 2 7/8 hole saw today, I would focus on material compatibility, build quality, arbor fit, and durability first. I’ve learned that the right hole saw makes the job faster, cleaner, and much less frustrating.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 2 7/8 hole saw is a practical tool when I need clean, precise cuts for larger openings. My main takeaway is that choosing the right material, arbor, and cutting speed makes a big difference in both performance and tool life. When I use it correctly, it saves me time and helps me get professional-looking results.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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