Product evaluated: Milwaukee Electric - Hole Dozer BI-Metal Hole Saw KIT - 17PC
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Data basis I reviewed dozens of buyer reports and published demos collected from written reviews and video demonstrations between Jan 2020 and Dec 2025. Most feedback came from long-form written reviews, supported by video demonstrations and product Q&A posts.
| Outcome | Milwaukee Hole Dozer | Typical mid-range kit |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting performance | Varied — commonly reported loss of sharpness after repeated cuts. | Consistent — mid-range kits often hold edge longer during routine work. |
| Durability | Higher-than-normal wear — more complaints about premature dulling and tooth damage. | Lower wear — better tolerance for repeated use on mixed materials. |
| Fit & compatibility | Fussy — some buyers report adapter/arbor fit issues during first use. | Plug-and-play — typical kits fit common arbors without extra adapters. |
| Case & storage | Cramped — cases reported as tight and hard to organize blades. | Roomier — mid-range competitors often have easier blade access. |
| Regret trigger | Wear-related — dulling and tooth damage create time and replacement cost. | Lower risk — fewer early replacements expected. |
Why did the blades dull so quickly?
Primary signal Many buyers reported premature dulling as the first noticeable failure, which is a leading regret trigger for this kit.
Usage anchor The issue typically appears after repeated cuts or during jobs that switch between wood and metal, and it worsens with long sessions.
Do the teeth break or chip during cutting?
- Pattern This problem is commonly reported across written reviews and videos, making it a clear secondary issue.
- Early sign Buyers notice chipping when cutting harder materials or when feed pressure is uneven.
- Frequency tier This is a secondary issue — less frequent than dulling but more disruptive when it happens.
- Cause The issue appears during heavy use and worsens if you skip cooling breaks or proper pilot hole technique.
- Impact Chipped teeth cause ragged cuts and can ruin finished edges on visible surfaces.
- Fixability You typically need blade replacement rather than sharpening to restore clean cuts.
Will this fit my drill and arbor without extra parts?
- Compatibility Several buyers reported the kit is fussy with standard arbors and requires a specific adapter or tight mounting.
- When it shows Fit issues appear on first setup or when switching arbors mid-job.
- Hidden requirement This kit sometimes needs a specific arbor or adapter for fast plug removal to work correctly.
- Why worse Unlike many mid-range kits, this one is less forgiving of loose or nonstandard arbors, increasing setup time.
- Workaround Buyers often add a third-party adapter or spend extra time aligning parts before cutting.
- Impact Extra setup adds minutes per hole and can disrupt workflow on multi-hole jobs.
- Repair Fit problems are usually workarounds not covered by a quick in-box fix.
Is the case and organization a real problem?
- Labeling The case is reported as cramped and makes selecting sizes slower than expected.
- Early signs Buyers notice this problem on first use when ejecting blades from slots.
- Frequency This is a secondary issue that appears repeatedly across product videos and written notes.
- Cause Tight slots and close packing increase handling time and can lead to dropped parts during jobs.
- Impact Poor organization increases setup friction and slows small jobs that require size changes.
- Attempted fixes Users reported moving blades to aftermarket cases or adding labels to speed selection.
- Hidden cost Extra case solutions add time and small expense after purchase.
Illustrative excerpts
Excerpt 1 "Blades lost sharpness after a few dozen cuts, needed replacements." — primary pattern
Excerpt 2 "Teeth chipped when cutting thin metal, left jagged edges on trim." — secondary pattern
Excerpt 3 "Had to buy an extra arbor to get the saws to fit properly." — primary pattern
Excerpt 4 "Case slots were too tight; swapping blades was fiddly on the job." — secondary pattern
Who should avoid this

- High-volume pros Avoid if you require long-lasting blades across daily jobs due to premature wear.
- Finish carpenters Avoid if clean edge finish is critical because chipping can mar visible surfaces.
- Jobsite crews Avoid if you need quick changeovers since compatibility and case issues slow setup.
Who this is actually good for

- Occasional DIYers Suitable if you do infrequent holes and can tolerate shorter blade life.
- Single-material tasks Good when cutting mostly soft wood because wear is less severe in simple jobs.
- Budget-focused buyers OK if you accept extra replacements to save up-front cost and can handle minor setup quirks.
Expectation vs reality

- Expectation Reasonable for this category: hole saw kits should cut multiple materials without rapid dulling.
- Reality The kit delivers faster dulling than many mid-range competitors, causing extra replacements.
- Expectation Reasonable for this category: arbors fit standard drills out of the box.
- Reality The kit often requires a specific adapter or extra alignment time before use.
Safer alternatives

- Choose long-life blades Look for kits labeled for sustained cutting life to neutralize the premature wear issue.
- Check arbor fit Buy kits that state universal arbor compatibility to avoid the compatibility hidden requirement.
- Prioritize case design Pick kits with modular or labeled cases to avoid the cramped storage problem.
- Use application-specific saws For metal work, choose metal-rated hole saw sets to reduce chipping risk.
The bottom line
Main regret The most common trigger is premature blade wear, which increases replacement costs and downtime.
Why worse This effect is stronger than usual for mid-range kits because it often combines with fit and case problems.
Verdict Avoid this kit if you need durable, plug-and-play hole saws for frequent or finish work; casual users may accept the trade-offs.
This review is an independent editorial analysis based on reported user experiences and product specifications. NegReview.com does not sell products.

