Best Hole Saw Kits for Installing Door Locks
Installing a door lock comes down to two holes: a 2-1/8 inch face bore through the door for the lock body, and a 1 inch edge bore for the latch. A kit earns a place in this guide only if it is a real hole saw kit from a known maker, and the honest result is that most general kits skip one or both of those sizes. We compared five kits from Diablo, Lenox, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Bosch, checking each one against its maker page, and only one of them includes both lock sizes in the box.
Direct answer. The Milwaukee 28PC HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit 49-22-4185 is our top pick for installing door locks, because it is the only kit in this set that includes both the 2-1/8 inch saw for the face bore and the 1 inch saw for the edge bore. If you already own a kit that lacks those sizes, buy the two individual saws rather than a whole second kit. For tile or stone around a door, the Bosch HDG11 diamond set is the only tile option here, but it cannot cut the 2-1/8 inch face bore, so it is a companion purchase, not a lock kit on its own.
Comparison at a glance
Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 28PC HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit 49-22-4185 | Installing a standard door lock with nothing extra to buy | Includes 2-1/8 inch and 1 inch saws, 28 pieces | Check current price |
| Diablo 17 pc Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set for Plumbers DHS17SPL | Deep cuts and fast cup changes | 2-3/8 inch cutting depth, SnapLock PLUS mandrels | Check current price |
| Lenox Electrician's Speed Slot Hole Saw Kit, 17 Piece 308021200L | Easy plug removal and a wide size range | SPEED SLOT design, 12 saws to 4-3/4 inch | Check current price |
| DeWalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, Plumber's, 9 pc. D180001 | A small, light kit for occasional holes | 6 bi-metal saws, 2 mandrels, durable case | Check current price |
| Bosch 11 Piece Diamond Hole Saw Set HDG11 | Tile, porcelain, and stone holes | Diamond grit, AutoStart pilot bit | Check current price |
How we researched
Compare specs
Maker specifications, checked side by side.
Read owner themes
Recurring strengths and complaints in owner reviews.
Check the fit
Size, power, compatibility and everyday use.
Verify before publishing
Details rechecked on the last verified date above.
How we research
We compared specs, maker data, and owner review themes for 5 hole saw kits, one per maker, chosen for door lock work. Amazon product pages could not be confirmed, so 5 products could not be confirmed and ASIN_TBD is shown. Amazon showed "Access restricted" to AI agents on 2026-11-06, so no Amazon price or listing detail was used, and no ASIN was guessed. Our criteria were coverage of the 2-1/8 inch face bore and 1 inch edge bore at 35 percent, cutting depth and tooth design at 20 percent, arbor and pilot bit quality at 20 percent, plug removal and case at 15 percent, and size range for other household holes at 10 percent. Two substitutions were needed. The DeWalt D180005 is not listed on dewalt.com, so this guide covers the current DeWalt plumber's kit D180001 shown there instead. The Lenox model given as 30880-1200L does not match the maker catalog number, which is 308021200L, and the old Lenox product page now redirects to the Lenox home page, so the Lenox specs below come from the Lenox hole saw kits catalog. The Bosch HDG11 maker page on boschtools.com could not be opened on 2026-11-06, so its sizes are the ones listed for this model by retailers and review sites, not verified on the maker page, and that limit is stated in its section. Sources were maker pages, the Lenox maker catalog, and owner reviews, checked on 2026-11-06. Read the maker manual for your drill and your hole saws before cutting, and follow the safety cautions in the buyer guide below.
Milwaukee 28PC HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit 49-22-4185
Best for anyone installing a standard door lock who wants one kit that covers both bores with nothing extra to buy.
Key specs are 28 pieces with 22 bi-metal hole saws from 3/4 inch to 4-3/4 inch, including the 1 inch saw and the 2-1/8 inch saw that door lock work needs. The kit includes 3 arbors, a 3/8 inch hex shank arbor, a 7/16 inch hex shank arbor, and a 7/16 inch no wobble arbor, plus 3 pilot bits at 3-1/2 inch and a 1/8 inch hex key. The saws use a 3.5 TPI tooth design and carry a Lifetime Tooth Break Warranty. All-Access Slots help with plug removal and pilot visibility, and the Thermoset Coating is aimed at faster cutting and better cordless efficiency. The case is customizable with interchangeable pegs and a removable accessory box, and the saws are made in USA.
Pros:
- The only kit in this set that includes both the 2-1/8 inch face bore saw and the 1 inch edge bore saw, so it can install a standard lock with nothing extra to buy.
- All-Access Slots make plug removal and pilot visibility easier, and the 3.5 TPI tooth design is aimed at long life in metal.
- Customizable case with interchangeable pegs and a removable accessory box keeps 22 saws and arbors organized and ready to carry.
Con: A 28 piece set is large and heavy for a one door job, and most of its sizes will sit unused if door locks are the only planned use.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the wide size coverage, the easy plug removal through the slots, and the sturdy case, and several say this is the set they reach for across many jobs. The recurring complaints are the weight and bulk of the full case, and the cost of buying 28 pieces when only a few sizes get regular use.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonDiablo 17 pc Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set for Plumbers DHS17SPL
Best for cutting deep holes in one pass and for fast cup changes between sizes.
Key specs are 17 pieces with 11 bi-metal hole saw cups in sizes 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, 2-1/4, 2-9/16, 3, 3-5/8, 4, and 4-1/2 inch. The kit includes 2 SnapLock PLUS mandrels, 2 pilot bits, and 2 adaptor nuts in 1/2 and 5/8 inch. The cutting depth is 60 mm (2-3/8 inch), which is deeper than a standard saw and clears a thick door in one pass. The variable tooth design is aimed at faster cuts with less vibration, and plug ejection is tool-free. One mandrel size fits all Diablo hole saws from 5/8 to 6 inch. The maker page lists the set for hardwoods, softwoods, steel, plastic, siding, clean wood, composite decking, fiber cement, fiberglass, laminate, nail-embedded wood, stainless steel, steel studs, and roofing.
Pros:
- Deep 2-3/8 inch cutting depth clears a standard door in one pass, where shallow saws need a second cut from the other side.
- SnapLock PLUS mandrels and tool-free plug ejection make cup changes and plug removal fast between holes.
- Wide size range from 1-1/8 to 4-1/2 inch covers many household jobs beyond door locks, such as vents and plumbing holes.
Con: The set includes neither the 2-1/8 inch saw for the lock face bore nor the 1 inch saw for the edge bore, so both lock sizes must be bought separately.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the durability of the saws, the quick-release mandrel system, and the storage case, with several reporting years of reliable use. The recurring complaints are mandrel durability and binding on metal and harder materials, plus case hinge and handle placement that some owners find awkward.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonLenox Electrician's Speed Slot Hole Saw Kit, 17 Piece 308021200L
Best for easy plug removal and for a wide range of trade sizes in one case.
Key specs are 17 pieces with 12 bi-metal hole saws in sizes 3/4, 7/8, 1-1/8, 1-3/8, 1-3/4, 2, 2-1/2, 2-11/16, 3, 3-5/8, 4-1/8, and 4-3/4 inch. The kit includes SNAP-BACK arbors 2L with a 1/2 inch shank and 5L with a 3/8 inch shank, plus two 4321 pilot drills and one 56PD pilot drill. The SPEED SLOT staircase design is made for fast plug removal, and the maker claims up to 2X life in metal cutting from the enhanced tooth geometry and thin kerf design. Note that the model number in the brief was 30880-1200L, but the maker catalog number is 308021200L, and that is the model used here.
Pros:
- SPEED SLOT staircase design gives a clear leverage point for prying out plugs, which is the most annoying part of hole saw work.
- Twelve saws from 3/4 to 4-3/4 inch cover conduit, plumbing, and large vent holes as well as door work.
- Two SNAP-BACK arbors with different shank sizes fit both 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch drills.
Con: The set includes neither the 2-1/8 inch saw for the lock face bore nor the 1 inch saw for the edge bore, so both lock sizes must be bought separately.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the fast cutting, the easy plug removal, and the way the saws hold up in wood and light metal. The recurring complaints are the weight of the full 17 piece case and the fact that the kit counts arbors and pilot bits toward its piece total, so the saw count is lower than the box number suggests.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonDeWalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, Plumber's, 9 pc. D180001
Best for occasional holes when a small, light kit is more useful than a large trade set.
Key specs are 9 pieces with 6 bi-metal hole saws in sizes 3/4, 7/8, 1-1/8, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, and 2-1/4 inch. The kit includes a small and large mandrel, models DAH9384PBM and DAH9124PBM, with a 1/4 inch mandrel for 9/16 to 1-3/16 inch saws and a 7/16 inch quick change mandrel for 1-1/4 to 6 inch saws. A replacement parts set is included, and the items come in a durable case. The deeper saw design cuts 2-by material in one pass, and the high-speed steel cutting edge is made for wood, metal, and plastic. A large continuous slot gives leverage for plug ejection. The kit is made in USA with global materials. Note that the DeWalt D180005 is not listed on dewalt.com as of 2026-11-06, so this current plumber's kit D180001 is used instead.
Pros:
- Small 9 piece kit is easy to carry and store, and the durable case keeps the six saws and two mandrels organized.
- Deeper saw design cuts 2-by material in one pass, which suits standard interior doors and framing.
- Two mandrels cover small and large saws, and a replacement parts set is included in the box.
Con: Only six saws are included and the set has neither the 2-1/8 inch saw for the lock face bore nor the 1 inch saw for the edge bore, so both lock sizes must be bought separately.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the quick change mandrels, the clean cuts in wood, and the compact case. The recurring complaints are the limited size range for the money and pilot bits that some owners find soft or prone to breaking, so keeping a spare pilot bit on hand is a common suggestion.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonBosch 11 Piece Diamond Hole Saw Set HDG11
Best for holes in tile, porcelain, and stone, such as a latch hole through a tiled surround, and not a wood door lock kit on its own.
Key specs are 11 pieces with 9 diamond hole saws in sizes 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 5/8, 1, 1-3/8, 2, 2-1/4, and 2-1/2 inch, plus a mandrel and an AutoStart pilot bit with a spring-loaded retractable shaft, all in a plastic case. The saws use vacuum-brazed diamond grit with segmented teeth to manage debris and heat. The maximum cutting depth is 1 inch, with a working length of 1.75 inch. Two limits matter here. First, the boschtools.com product page for HDG11 could not be opened on 2026-11-06, so the sizes above are the ones listed for this model by retailers and review sites, not verified on the maker page. Second, diamond grit is made for tile and stone, not for wood doors, and the set has no 2-1/8 inch saw, so it cannot cut the lock face bore.
Pros:
- Vacuum-brazed diamond grit and segmented teeth are made for clean holes in tile, porcelain, granite, and stone.
- AutoStart pilot bit with a spring-loaded retractable shaft starts the cut without a separate pilot hole and resists walking on glazed tile.
- Includes the 1 inch size for the lock edge bore, which is useful when the latch hole passes through tile or stone.
Con: This is a diamond tile and stone set, not a wood door set, and it has no 2-1/8 inch saw, so it cannot cut the lock face bore in a wood door.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the controlled starts on glazed tile, the steady cutting speed with water, and the clean edge quality on porcelain and ceramic. The recurring complaints are the 1 inch depth limit on thicker stone, the missing 1-1/2 inch size, and the need to supply water, since dry cutting runs hot and glazes the rim.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonQuestions to ask before buying
What hole saw sizes do you need to install a standard door lock?
A standard residential door lock needs a 2-1/8 inch face bore through the door and a 1 inch edge bore for the latch. Measure your lock first, because some older locks and some smart locks use different bores, and a deadbolt can need a different edge bore than a passage knob. Check the lock instructions for the exact sizes before you buy saws. If your kit lacks the 2-1/8 inch saw, buy that single saw in the same brand and arbor system as your kit so it fits the mandrel you already own. Do not substitute a 2 inch or 2-1/4 inch saw, because the lock body will not sit right in the wrong size hole.
How do you drill the face bore and edge bore without splitting the door?
Mark both hole centers with the template that comes with the lock, and check the backset, which is usually 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch from the door edge. Drill the face bore first, starting slow so the pilot bit seats, then raise the speed once the saw teeth bite. Stop before the saw breaks through the far side, then finish the hole from the other side to avoid tear out and splintering. Drill the edge bore the same way, with the door clamped or wedged so it cannot move, and keep the drill square to the door edge. Clear the plug from the saw before the next hole, and let the saw cool if it starts to smoke. Read the maker manual for your drill and your hole saws before you start, and follow the lock maker instructions for the latch and strike plate.
What is the difference between bi-metal, carbide, and diamond hole saws?
Bi-metal saws have a high-speed steel cutting edge welded to a softer steel body, and they cut wood, plastic, and most metals, which makes them the right choice for a wood door. Carbide tipped saws last longer in steel, stainless steel, and abrasive materials, and they cost more. Diamond grit saws have no teeth at all and grind through tile, porcelain, granite, and stone with water, and they should not be used as a general wood saw. For a standard wood door, buy bi-metal. For a metal door, consider carbide. For tile or stone, use diamond with water and a slow, steady feed.
How do you remove a stuck plug from a hole saw safely?
Stop the drill, remove the battery or unplug the drill, and let the saw stop fully before you touch it. Most saws in this guide have a slot in the side for plug removal: push a screwdriver through the slot and lever the plug out. Diablo calls this tool-free plug ejection, Lenox uses the SPEED SLOT staircase design, and Milwaukee uses All-Access Slots, but the method is the same in each case. Never put your fingers inside the saw cup while it is still mounted on a powered drill, and never spin the drill to throw the plug out. If the plug is jammed tight, remove the saw from the arbor first, then push the plug out from the back with a dowel or a screwdriver.
What drill and speed should you use with a hole saw?
Use a drill with a 1/2 inch chuck for the 2-1/8 inch saw, because a 3/8 inch drill can struggle with the torque and the arbor size. A corded drill or a full size 18V or 20V cordless drill works well, and a drill with a side handle gives better control on large saws. Run large hole saws slow, usually in the low speed range of your drill, and let the teeth cut instead of forcing the saw. High speed builds heat, dulls teeth, and increases the chance of the saw grabbing and twisting the drill in your hands. Hold the drill with both hands, brace yourself, and be ready for the torque if the saw catches a knot or a nail. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection, keep loose clothing and hair away from the spinning saw, clamp the door so it cannot move, and check both faces of the door for wires or pipes before drilling. If you are unsure about the wiring or the door construction, stop and ask a professional.
Frequently asked questions
What size hole saw do I need for a standard door knob?
You need a 2-1/8 inch hole saw for the face bore and a 1 inch hole saw for the latch edge bore. Those are the standard sizes for most residential knobs, levers, and deadbolts, but always check the lock instructions, because some locks use different bores.
Can I install a door lock with a regular drill?
Yes, a regular drill with a 1/2 inch chuck works for most wood doors, as long as you use the right hole saws and a sharp pilot bit. A drill press is not needed. Use low speed for the large saw, hold the drill with both hands, and finish the face bore from both sides to avoid tear out.
Do I need a door lock installation kit or will a general hole saw kit work?
A general hole saw kit works if it includes the 2-1/8 inch and 1 inch saws. Most general kits in this guide do not include both, so check the size list before you buy. A dedicated door lock installation kit adds a guide and a template that keep the holes aligned, which helps on a first install. If you already own a general kit, buying the two missing saws is usually cheaper than buying a second kit.
Why does my hole saw bind or smoke?
Binding usually means the saw is dull, the speed is wrong, the plug is packed inside the cup, or the saw is hitting a knot, a nail, or a screw. Smoking means heat is building up from too much speed or too much pressure. Stop, clear the plug, check the teeth, slow down, and let the saw cool. Do not force a smoking saw through the door, because it can burn the wood and twist the drill.
How do I keep the hole saw from wandering when I start the cut?
Start with the pilot bit centered on your mark and run the drill slow until the teeth bite, or use a saw with a spring-loaded pilot such as the Bosch AutoStart bit. Keep the drill square to the door and do not tilt it while the teeth are engaging. A template or a clamped guide board also helps on smooth or painted doors where the pilot bit can skate.
Sources
- Diablo DHS17SPL maker page: https://diablotools.com/products/DHS17SPL (checked 2026-11-06)
- Milwaukee 49-22-4185 maker page: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/49-22-4185 (checked 2026-11-06)
- DeWalt D180001 maker page: https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/product/d180001/bi-metal-hole-saw-kits (checked 2026-11-06)
- Lenox hole saw kits catalog: https://assets.gordonelectricsupply.com/datasheets/ts/LENOXCE00015_41.pdf (checked 2026-11-06)
- Lenox 308021200L maker page text via Wolseley Express: https://www.wolseleyexpress.com/en/ProductDocument/GenerateProductDocumentFile/22519 (checked 2026-11-06)
- Bosch HDG11 diamond hole saw set details via Toolstash: https://toolstash.com/tools/SQ5eFF-diamond-hole-saw-set-hdg11 (checked 2026-11-06)