G'day! Whether you are running new plumbing pipes through a stud wall, installing downlights in a fresh ceiling, or fitting a lock to a new door, there is one tool that sees more action than almost any other in the renovation game. We are talking about the holesaw kit. When you need to make a hole that is bigger than your standard drill bit can handle, this is the only tool for the job.

Trying to use a jigsaw or stitch-drilling (drilling lots of little holes in a circle) is a recipe for a dog's breakfast. A proper kit gives you the ability to cut clean, perfectly circular holes in seconds. It is a non-negotiable item for builders, plumbers, and electricians across the country.

What is Inside the Box?

A standard holesaw kit is a modular system designed for versatility. Instead of buying a bulky tool for every single hole size, you get a compact case containing:

• The Saws (Cups): These are the cylindrical blades. A good kit will cover the most common sizes used in Australia, typically ranging from 19mm (for conduit) up to 92mm or more (for downlights).
• The Arbors: These are the mandrels that attach the saw to your drill. Most kits come with a small arbor for the little saws and a large arbor for the big ones.
• The Pilot Bits: These sit in the centre of the arbor to guide the saw and stop it from wandering all over your nice clean plasterboard.

Bi-Metal vs TCT: Choosing Your Weapon

Not all kits are created equal. You need to match the teeth to the material you are cutting.

Bi-Metal Holesaws This is the most common type you will find. They feature High-Speed Steel (HSS) teeth welded to a flexible body. They are the ultimate all-rounder, perfect for cutting through timber (pine and hardwood), plasterboard, plastics, and thin metals like aluminium or Colorbond. If you are a general DIYer or a tradesperson doing a bit of everything, a Bi-Metal holesaw kit is the way to go.

Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) These are the heavy hitters. They have chunky carbide teeth that are designed for abrasive materials. If you need to cut through fibre cement sheeting (Villaboard), MDF, or fibreglass, Bi-Metal teeth will go blunt in seconds. TCT saws chew through these tough materials with ease and last much longer.

A Professional Finish

Using a hole saw takes a bit of technique. You need to run your drill at a slower speed, especially for larger diameters, and apply steady pressure. If you go too fast, you will burn the timber and ruin the temper of the teeth.

For a professional installer, having a complete range of sizes on hand is critical. You don't want to be on a job site and realise you are missing the exact 25mm saw you need for a conduit run. That is why pros buy complete kits rather than single units.

From the Hole to the Fit-Off

While cutting the hole is a skill in itself, what you put into that hole is even more important. If you are cutting holes for electrical accessories like downlights or power points, you are entering regulated territory.

In Australia, installing fixed electrical wiring and accessories must be done by a licensed electrician. They ensure that the cables running through those holes are protected from sharp edges and that the installation is safe. A professional will typically source their cable glands, conduits, and downlights from a trusted electrical wholesaler to ensure every component is compliant with Australian Standards.

Get Kitted Out with Schnap Electric

To get a clean cut and a perfect installation, you need tools and components you can rely on.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a massive range of installation gear, including professional-grade holesaw kit options in both Bi-Metal and TCT configurations. Alongside their tooling range, they supply all the essential fit-off gear, from IC-4 rated downlights to heavy-duty cable and conduit. By providing the same trade-quality equipment you would expect to find at a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your renovation project runs smoothly from the first cut to the final flick of the switch. For a job that looks as professional as it functions, trust the range from Schnap Electric.