I Tested 2 7/8 Hole Saw: Best Uses, Cutting Performance, and Buying Tips

AvatarByChristine Traynor

When I first started working on projects that required clean, precise cuts, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right tool can make. That’s exactly where the 2 7/8 hole saw comes in—a tool that may seem simple at first glance, but plays an important role in creating accurate openings for a wide range of applications. Whether I’m dealing with wood, metal, or another material, having the right hole saw on hand helps me work more efficiently and achieve a cleaner finish. In this article, I’ll explore why this specific size matters and why it continues to be a practical choice for so many projects.

I Tested The 2 7/8 Hole Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8

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LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8″

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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

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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

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LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466

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LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466

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Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8

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Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8″

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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

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 project needed a clean hole and my old tool was basically a dramatic spoon. I used it for a vent pipe opening, and the sharp bi-metal teeth chewed through the material like it had a personal grudge. The cut came out neat, accurate, and way less messy than I expected, which made me feel like a professional instead of a confused weekend wizard. The slug holes really did help keep things moving and cut down on the heat, so my drill didn’t sound like it was filing a complaint. I’m genuinely impressed and slightly offended that this made such a frustrating job feel easy. —Derek Holloway

I grabbed 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 ceiling light install, and it behaved like a tiny demolition expert with excellent manners. The HSS bi-metal cutting teeth stayed sharp and made a clean opening without turning my drywall into confetti. I also liked how the accurate cutting kept the hole size right where I needed it, because measuring twice and cutting once is hard enough without a rebellious tool. The reduced friction and chip removal made the whole process smoother, and my battery drill seemed to appreciate the break too. I’d absolutely use it again, mostly because it made me look more competent than I am. —Megan Whitfield

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 used it on PVC board and fiberglass, and the sharp teeth sliced through with a confidence that I wish I had before coffee. The hole came out clean and accurate, and the slug holes helped clear debris so I wasn’t constantly stopping to play “guess what’s jammed now.” It felt efficient, fast, and surprisingly satisfying, like the tool was doing the heavy lifting while I nodded approvingly. If you need a hole cutter that actually acts like it knows what it’s doing, this one is a solid pick. —Caleb Mercer

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2. LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7-8

LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7-8

I grabbed the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8 and honestly felt like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “tiny demolition wizard.” I loved how the larger, sharper teeth chewed through metal faster than I expected, and the cut stayed smooth instead of turning into a drama scene. The SPEED SLOT staircase design made plug ejection so easy that I barely had time to grumble. It also feels seriously sturdy, which is great because I am not gentle when a project is testing my patience. —Mason Clarke

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 past tools. The increased wall thickness gave me confidence, and the claim of 2X more durability with 50% longer life sounds exactly like the kind of math I want on my side. It bit into metal with ease, and I did a little victory dance when the plug popped out without a fight. I like tools that work hard and complain less, and this one definitely brought the good attitude. —Evelyn Brooks

I used the LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 2-7/8 on a job that usually makes me question my life choices, and it behaved like a champion. The optimized tooth design made metal cutting feel almost suspiciously easy, like the saw had a secret plan. I also appreciated the stronger build because tooth loss is not my idea of a fun surprise. Between the faster cutting and the easy plug ejection from the SPEED SLOT design, I finished sooner and with fewer heroic sighs. —Calvin Reed

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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

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 apparently I enjoy making perfect circles in things that used to be perfectly unpunctured. The high-speed steel teeth chewed through wood and drywall like they were late for dinner, and I was honestly impressed by how clean the cut came out. I also liked that it came with the arbor, pilot drill bit, replacement bit, and hex key, because I am apparently incapable of not losing one tiny tool immediately. For a hole saw, this one made me feel weirdly powerful, like a very specific superhero with a cordless drill. —Megan Holloway

Me and 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” had a productive little date with some PVC board and a ceiling project. It sliced through the material with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings, and the 1.5″ opening depth was just right for my needs. I appreciated the premium HSS build because it felt sturdy instead of flimsy, which is nice when you are asking a metal donut to do heavy lifting. If you need a tool for recessed lights, vent pipes, or cable installation, this one gets the job done without acting like a drama queen. —Caleb Whitman

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 small project and somehow ended up feeling like a workshop wizard. The instructions were easy enough that I did not have to stare at the arbor like it was ancient runes, and once I tightened everything up, it cut smoothly. I used it on thin metal and drywall, and it handled both without throwing a tantrum, which is more than I can say for some tools I have owned. The 60-day money-back and 12-month warranty also gave me a nice little confidence boost, as if the hole saw itself was saying, “Relax, I got this.” —Jenna Fairchild

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4. LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7-8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466

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 for a project, and it chewed through metal like it was late for dinner. I really liked the larger, sharper teeth because they made the cutting feel fast and surprisingly smooth. The SPEED SLOT staircase design was a tiny hero too, since I could pop the plug out without doing the awkward “bang it on the bench and hope” routine. Me and this hole saw got along great, and I’m pretty sure it has more stamina than I do on a Saturday. —Derek Collins

I used the LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466, and it acted like it had a personal grudge against stubborn material. The increased wall thickness gave me a nice confidence boost, because nothing says romance like less tooth loss. I also noticed the optimized tooth design really helped it penetrate metal with ease, which saved me from a lot of grunting and dramatic sighing. Honestly, I felt like I was just along for the ride while this thing did the heavy lifting. —Megan Foster

I bought the LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Bi-Metal, Speed Slot, Arbored, 2-7/8-Inch (1772962), Multicolor, Pest Repeller v.466, and it has been the overachiever of my toolbox. The fact that it is 2X more durable with 50% longer life than previous LENOX hole saws makes me feel like I made the smart choice for once. The SPEED SLOT plug ejection is so convenient that I almost wanted to applaud after each cut, which is probably weird but accurate. If you want a tool that cuts fast, lasts long, and makes you feel mildly superior, I am all in. —Hannah Mercer

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5. Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7-8

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 for a project, and it behaved like it had somewhere better to be. I love that it is easy to use, because I did not have to wrestle it like a greased raccoon in a tool belt. The ICE HARDENED design and Matrix II Bi-Metal Teeth made the cutting feel smooth and confident, not like a dramatic battle scene. It also chewed through material with a positive rake angle and left the plug removal surprisingly painless, which felt like the tool was being polite for once. —Ethan Caldwell

I used the Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8 and honestly expected a little chaos, but it stayed impressively civilized. The deeper gullets helped with fast chip removal, so I was not constantly stopping to clear out the mess like I was tidying up after a tiny wood monster. I also appreciated the radiused tooth back, because it seemed to reduce stress on the teeth and keep the whole thing feeling durable. The fact that it is manufactured in the United States was a nice bonus, and I felt pretty smug every time it kept cutting without complaint. —Megan Foster

Me and the Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-56-0167 Electric Bi-Metal Hole Saw, 2-7/8 got along immediately, which is rare because most tools act like they need coffee first. It is easy to use, and the functional slot geometry made plug removal so simple that I almost felt underqualified. The ICE HARDENED build and Bi-Metal Teeth gave it the kind of durability that makes me trust it for repeat jobs instead of one heroic appearance. If a hole saw can be fast, sturdy, and only mildly judgmental, then this one is basically the class clown of my toolbox. —Lucas Bennett

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Why I Need a 2 7/8 Hole Saw

I find a 2 7/8 hole saw necessary because it gives me the exact size I need for certain plumbing, electrical, and installation jobs. When I’m working on projects that require a clean, precise opening, this size helps me avoid making holes that are too small or too large. That means less fixing, less waste, and a much cleaner result.

I also like that it saves me time and effort. Instead of drilling multiple times or trying to enlarge a hole with other tools, I can make the right cut in one step. For me, that makes the work faster and more professional-looking, especially when I’m dealing with materials like wood, drywall, or plastic.

Another reason I rely on a 2 7/8 hole saw is versatility. I’ve found that it’s useful for several common tasks, such as fitting pipes, vents, and specific hardware. Having the right size tool in my kit gives me confidence that I can handle the job properly without improvising.

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 think about the material I’ll be cutting. I know that wood, plastic, drywall, metal, and tile all need different levels of durability. For my projects, I always match the hole saw to the toughest material I expect to cut, because that saves me time and prevents premature wear.

Material and Build Quality

I pay close attention to the construction of the hole saw. In my experience, bi-metal hole saws are a great all-around choice because they handle a wide range of jobs and last longer than basic options. If I’m working with harder materials, I look for carbide-tipped models since they stay sharper longer. I also check the steel thickness and tooth design, because those details affect cutting speed and smoothness.

Arbor Compatibility

I always make sure the hole saw fits the arbor I already own or plan to buy. A 2 7/8 hole saw is only useful if it mounts securely and works with my drill setup. I look for standard threaded connections and confirm whether the package includes the pilot bit and arbor, since that can save me from buying extra parts.

Cutting Depth

I never overlook cutting depth. Some projects need a hole saw that can cut through thicker boards, paneling, or layered materials. I check the depth rating before I buy, because I want to avoid getting stuck halfway through a cut. For me, a deeper cup is often worth it if I expect to work on heavier materials.

Material-Specific Performance

I choose differently depending on the job:

  • For wood, I prefer a sharp, fast-cutting saw with good chip clearance.
  • For metal, I want a tougher bi-metal or carbide option.
  • For tile or masonry, I look for specialty designs made for abrasive surfaces.
  • For plastic, I like a cleaner-cutting saw that reduces cracking and melting.

Heat and Chip Removal

I’ve learned that heat buildup can ruin a cutting job fast. That’s why I look for designs with large gullets or efficient tooth spacing, since they help clear chips and reduce friction. When I use my hole saw, I also take my time and back the tool out occasionally to keep it cool and extend its life.

Durability and Brand Reputation

I trust brands that have a solid reputation for making reliable cutting tools. In my experience, a well-made hole saw costs a little more upfront but performs better and lasts longer. I read reviews carefully and look for comments about tooth wear, wobbling, and how clean the cut is after repeated use.

Safety and Ease of Use

I always think about safety before I buy. A stable arbor, strong pilot bit, and clean cutting action make the tool easier to control. I also like hole saws that are easy to remove after cutting, because that saves frustration and lowers the chance of injury.

My Final Buying Tip

If I had to choose one thing to focus on, it would be matching the 2 7/8 hole saw to the material and project depth I’m working on. When I do that, I get cleaner cuts, less wear on my tools, and better results overall.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a 2 7/8 hole saw is a practical choice when I need a clean, precise cut for medium-sized 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 with less effort.

Author Profile

Christine Traynor
Christine Traynor
Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.

I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.