A hole saw is a cutting tool used for tight curves and small holes in softwood, plastic, or drywall. It’s attached to a handle and can be fixed or retractable. It’s used to create openings for pipes and electrical wires and requires slow, careful movement. Newer models have replaceable blades.
A hole saw is a precision cutting tool with a long, thin blade used primarily for cutting tight curves and small holes in softwood, plastic, or drywall. Other names for the tool include alligator saw, drywall saw, and hole saw. Holesaws are often used to create openings for pipes and electrical wires and to make small incisions that cannot be done with drills, power saws or auger bits due to size constraints.
The holesaw blade is attached to a wooden, iron, or plastic handle, and the blades vary widely in length, width, and number of teeth. Most holesaw blades are 5 to 15 inches (12.7 to 38.1 centimeters) long, with 5 to 20 teeth per inch. Holesaws can be fixed or retractable, depending on how the blade attaches to the handle.
A retractable shutter saw commonly features an iron handle, and various blades are attached to the handle with screws. The blade can also be retracted into the handle to protect it from flexing or damage if it becomes obstructed during use. Stationary keyhole saws are less expensive and do the same job, but they don’t have the ability to retract.
In the construction industry, the hole saw has undergone modifications to make it easier and more efficient to use for various tasks. Sharp-tipped holesaw blades are available, and these blades are gently pushed through drywall or softwood. This process eliminates the need to use an electric drill to create the initial hole, saving time and energy.
Using a hole saw requires you to first drill a starting hole in the wall and then insert the blade. The saw is moved slowly back and forth by hand and the blade cuts on the reverse stroke. If a sharp pointed blade is used, a starter hole is not required and the blade is simply inserted into the wall and used to cut into the desired part. You should avoid applying excessive pressure to the blade while cutting, as this can cause the blade to wedge or jam in the wall.
Older keyhole saws require more maintenance than newer models, as older versions typically have cross-cut teeth that need to be sharpened manually by a craftsman. More contemporary models of the saw feature replaceable blades that can be removed when they become dull or damaged. Newer fixed blade holesaws are often replaced completely when needed, as they usually cost less than blade repair.
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