Long known for its circular and linear blades, Diablo now makes hole saws with a feature set unlike those of competing models.
The most obvious difference has to do with length; Diablo’s hole saws are deeper than others. With a maximum cutting depth of 2 3/8 inches they are deep enough to go through a 2-by plus the subfloor or drywall under or over it. Not everyone needs this feature all of the time but when you need to go through something thick it’s a handy to be able to do so in a single pass.
Most systems require two mandrels, one for small hole saws and another for large ones. With Diablo it’s one-size-fits-all; the same mandrel can be used with all 32 hole saws, which go from 5/8” to 6” in diameter.
Less apparent than the length but equally important, is the mechanism for swapping out hole saws and pilot bits. Diablo’s system is entirely tool-less. The hole saws snap into place on the mandrel and can be removed by pulling back on a ring akin to the release on the chuck of an impact driver. Diablo refers to this quick-connect system as Snap-Lock. The pilot bit has a hex shank and snaps in place too. It’s a clever design that makes for easy changing of hole saws and pilot bits.
When a plug gets stuck you can pop out the pilot bit and use it to push the plug out—there’s no need to search for a screwdriver or some other tool.
These bimetal hole saws have a variable tooth design and are said to cut very quickly. I haven’t used one myself but saw one demonstrated at the STAFDA show; it went through 2-by material quickly—not as fast as a self-feeding bit but as fast as one could expect from a hole saw.
Diablo’s Snap-Lock hole saws are assembled in China from Swiss-made parts and will sell for between $8 and $41.
