General Purpose
Specialty
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Morse hole saws require a separate arbor and pilot bit?
Not all of them:
- Standard Industrial Hole Saws: Use threaded backs (1/2″-20 or 5/8″-18) that screw onto separate arbors and pilot bits.
- Integrated & Impact Models: Options like our MHSA line come with an attached 3/8” arbor, while our Impact Hole Saws feature a 1/4″ quick-change hex shank designed to pop straight into impact drivers.
How do I choose between bi-metal, carbide-tipped, and grit hole saws?
Selecting the right style among Morse hole saws comes down to what you are cutting:
- Bi-Metal Hole Saws: Ideal for general trade work in wood, stainless steel, alloy steels, carbon steels and other standard metals. They offer good flexibility and shatter resistance.
- Carbide-Tipped Hole Saws: The best choice for dense or abrasive stock like acoustic tile, tile backer board, fiberglass, polymers and laminates.
- Diamond/Tungsten Grit Hole Saws: Designed specifically for hard, brittle materials like ceramic tile, granite, stone, and glass.
How do I prevent hole saws from binding or stalling during deep cuts?
To keep hole saws moving smoothly through thick material:
- Clear chips often: Pull the saw back slightly during the cut so dust and chips can escape. This is caused by limited gullet capacity.
- Keep it straight: Keep your drill perpendicular to the surface so the saw walls don’t pinch.
- Use lubricant: Apply cutting oil or wax when working with metals.
How do I remove stuck plugs from inside Morse hole saws?
Morse hole saws feature wide side slots along the body. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot behind the plug and leverage it against the bit or slot wall to pop the core right out. Note: if you keep the saw perpendicular to the work piece, bond slugs are greatly reduced.
What materials can I cut with Morse bi-metal hole vs Carbide Tipped saws?
Morse bi-metal hole saws (including our MHS and MHSA series) are built to cut through a wide range of jobsite materials:
- Clean wood and nail-embedded wood
- Mild steel, alloy, steel, cast iron, and aluminum
- Stainless steel sheets
- For dense or highly abrasive materials like tile, brick, or plastics. We recommend carbide-tipped or grit hole saws, (like the Kraken).
What recommended speeds (RPM) should I use with hole saws?
Running hole saws at the proper speed keeps teeth sharp and prevents stripping:
- Rule of Thumb: Larger diameters and harder metals need lower RPMs.Smaller diameters and softer stock (like wood or plastic) can run at higher RPMs.
- Always apply cutting fluid or lubricant when using hole saws on metal to keep heat down.
Speed Ranges:
- Slow 125–400 RPM for Stainless Steel
- Medium 400–800 RPM for Carbon Steel
- Fast 800+ RPM for Plastic/Partial Board