Saws - Other

Discover the Best Saws and Hole Saw Kits in the UK: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Getting the Job Done

Why choosing the right saw matters

When you're standing over a piece of timber, a plasterboard ceiling, or a thin sheet of metal, the last thing you want is the wrong blade. Picking the right saw or hole saw kit is like choosing the right key for a lock — the fit, material, and quality determine whether you breeze through the job or spend hours fixing a mess. This guide helps you cut through the jargon and points you to reliable UK suppliers such as Expert Electrical and Downlights, plus other well-known retailers that stock tools and accessories for DIYers and tradespeople.

Common saw types and what they're best for

There are loads of saw types, each with a role. Hole saws are your friend when you need neat circular holes in ceilings or panels; jigsaw blades do curved cuts in wood and plastics; hacksaw blades slice metal or plastic tubing; and specialist kits tackle tough materials like sheet steel. Knowing which to reach for saves you time, money, and frustration.

Hole saws

Hole saws make round holes quickly and cleanly — great for downlights, pipe entries, and recessed fixtures. Sizes range from small trims to large fixtures; for example, common hole saws you'll see offered in the UK include sizes around 6.0 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.36 inches, and 2.44 inches for tasks like downlight cut-outs and conduit holes.

Jigsaw blades

Jigsaw blades are versatile for detailed work. There are blades for fast rough cuts and ones for fine, clean curves. Blades marked "Type Y" are often coarse-toothed designs for wood and are handy for rapid cutting where a smooth finish isn’t the priority.

Hacksaw blades

Hacksaw blades are simple but essential for cutting metal and plastic. Blades listed with a specification such as 12 inches by 18 teeth-per-inch are tuned for finer, cleaner metal cuts. A set of three or more saves you hunting for replacements mid-job.

Spotlight on popular products from Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical is a recognised supplier in the UK for electrical accessories and tools. If you’re shopping there, you’ll spot products like the Armeg cobalt vari-pitch hole saw series — commonly sold in sizes around 6.0 inches, 2.0 inches, and 2.36 inches — and a 0.98-inch conduit bush socket that makes tidy cable entries. These hole saws use cobalt or bi-metal construction for added life when drilling tougher materials.

Armeg hole saws (cobalt vari-pitch)

Armeg’s cobalt vari-pitch hole saws are built to last and cut cleaner through plasterboard and thin metals. A 6.0-inch version is ideal for large fittings, while a 2.0-inch or 2.36-inch size handles smaller lighting or pipework. The vari-pitch tooth pattern reduces vibration and binding — it’s like upgrading from a bumpy country lane to a smooth motorway for your drill.

Armeg Acceler8% sheet steel 3-piece set

If you often work with sheet steel, a 3-piece set designed for that material is a sensible investment. These kits typically include three common sizes, so you’re covered for most routine jobs without paying for individual saws every time.

Products spotlighted at Downlights and similar retailers

Downlights stores specialise in lighting cut-outs and accessories, and they commonly carry retrofit hole saw kits sized around 2.44 inches for recessed lighting conversions. A Levello retrofit hole saw kit around 2.44 inches is specifically tailored for trimming ceiling openings to accept modern downlight trims, making installations quick and neat.

Retrofit hole saw kits

Retrofit kits are designed with ceiling thickness and fitting tolerances in mind so that your new downlight sits flush. The Levello-style kit converts awkward, outdated cut-outs into neat, modern openings with minimal fuss.

Where to buy saws and accessories across the UK

Beyond specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical and Downlights, the UK market is full of retailers that stock hole saws, blades, and kits. Stores such as Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, RS Components, and online marketplaces like Amazon UK are great places to compare brands, prices, and delivery options. Each has its strengths: some focus on trade-grade kit, others on value and accessibility for DIYers.

Screwfix and Toolstation

Screwfix and Toolstation are trade-favourite outlets where you can find a broad range of hole saws and blades, often in both individual and kit formats. They’re a good bet if you want professional-grade brands quickly and locally.

B&Q and Wickes

B&Q and Wickes tend to be more DIY-focused but still stock reliable hole saw kits and jigsaw blades. If you’re doing a weekend home project, these stores balance price and selection with handy in-store advice if you need it.

Specialist suppliers and online marketplaces

For niche items — like cobalt vari-pitch hole saws or a specific Armeg set — specialist suppliers and online marketplaces often have the deepest stock. Shopping online also makes it easy to compare technical specs, read reviews, and find the exact arbor or pilot bit you need.

How to choose the right hole saw size and kit

Choosing the right size starts with the fixture you’re fitting. For recessed downlights, measure the fixture’s outer trim and choose a saw that matches the recommended cut-out size. For conduit and cable entries, pick a size that allows the cable sleeve or grommet to pass without forcing it. A good rule of thumb is to measure twice and pick a saw that gives a little wiggle room for finishing — think of it as leaving a small margin for sanding rather than chiselling out an oversized hole.

Consider the working depth

Some hole saws are shallow, others deeper. If you need to cut through a thick ceiling or several layers, ensure the kit’s depth is enough so the pilot bit reaches and the saw teeth clear the material. For thick work, you may need an extension arbor or a stepped hole saw.

Arbors and pilot bits

Make sure the arbor fits your drill and that the pilot bit is replaceable. A worn pilot bit can run off-center and ruin a clean hole. The arbor is the link between the drill and the saw — a poor-quality arbor can ruin an otherwise excellent hole saw set.

Material choices: cobalt, bi-metal, and carbide grit

Material matters. Cobalt and bi-metal hole saws blend durability with flexibility, cutting through sheet steel without dulling fast. Carbide grit is used for very hard materials like tile or masonry but can be brittle if used on soft metals. Match the saw’s material to the task — you wouldn’t use a paintbrush to hammer a nail, and the wrong blade will give you the same disappointing result.

When to use cobalt or bi-metal

Cobalt or bi-metal saws are ideal for jobs involving metal or mixed materials. They resist heat and keep their edge longer than basic carbon blades, especially when cutting thicker metals or repetitive tasks.

When to choose carbide grit

Carbide grit hole saws are best for ceramic, tile, and some masonry. They wear differently — they abrade the material rather than slicing cleanly — so expect smoother edges on tile with less chipping when used correctly.

Safety and technique tips for cleaner cuts

Safety first, always. Clamp your work, wear eye protection, and use a dust mask when cutting plasterboard or old materials. Here are techniques to get cleaner, faster cuts and to lengthen blade life.

Drill speed and feed rate

Use slower drill speeds for larger hole saws and harder materials. Let the blade do the work and avoid forcing it — pushing too hard creates heat and dulls teeth. Think of feeding the saw like steering a car through a roundabout: slow, steady, and smooth beats jerky moves.

Lubrication and cooling

Metal cutting benefits from a little lubrication — a drop of cutting oil or even water for certain blades reduces friction and heat. For prolonged jobs, pause occasionally to let the saw cool; overheating is the common enemy of any saw blade.

Clamping and support

Secure the material to avoid vibration and movement. Use backing boards when cutting fragile sheets to prevent breakout on the far side. A proper clamp is the difference between a tidy, professional hole and a jagged mess.

Maintenance to extend blade life

Take care of your blades and they’ll look after you. Clean resin and adhesive off teeth after use, store blades dry to avoid rust, and replace arbors when they show signs of wobble. Sharpening is possible for some blades, but for many hole saws, replacement is cheaper and more precise.

When to replace rather than sharpen

If teeth are missing or the saw shows severe wear, replacement is usually the most cost-effective route. For bi-metal and cobalt blades, a professional resharpen can sometimes restore performance, but factor in the cost and downtime compared to buying a new saw.

Balancing budget and quality

Budget kits have their place for light DIY work — they’ll get you through occasional home jobs. But if you’re a tradesperson or frequently cut through metal, investing in pro-grade cobalt or bi-metal sets pays off in speed and longevity. Think of it as buying shoes: a cheap pair might get you to the shop, but quality footwear will carry you further with less discomfort.

Choosing a kit or individual saws

Kits are convenient for having a range of sizes on hand, but buying single saws makes sense when you know the exact sizes you use most. Many trade-focused stores sell both options, so pick based on how often you’ll need each size.

Conclusion

Choosing the right saw or hole saw kit in the UK comes down to matching material, size, and quality to the job. Whether you buy from specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical and Downlights, or from larger retailers such as Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, or Wickes, knowing what to look for — cobalt or bi-metal construction, the right arbor, and the correct depth — will save time and money. Use proper technique, keep blades maintained, and invest where it counts: a good blade is one of the best helpers on any job site or workshop.