Sutton in hand, you realised — drilling clean holes doesn’t have to be daunting

May 16, 2025

Why Your Drill Might Be Struggling (And What Hole Saws & Auger Bits Can Do About It)

Made for Wood But Useful for So Much More

The first time you try drilling a perfect circle through timber with a standard drill bit, you quickly realise — it's like trying to cut a wedding cake with a spoon. Messy. Time-consuming. Not quite right.

But then, someone hands you a Sutton hole saw, and suddenly the game changes. Clean cuts, less slipping, and a finish that looks far more pro than weekend warrior — even if you're still in paint-spattered trackies.

"In under five minutes, I had my shelf support holes cut, clean, and ready to go. Honestly, I thought I’d need help with this part — but the hole saw made it feel like cheating." — local project-builder and serial renovator

What's the Difference? Hole Saw vs Auger Bit

Let’s keep it simple. Both tools help you drill holes — but the shape, size, and purpose are wildly different.

Hole Saw: Think of it like a cookie cutter for wood, plasterboard, and even plastic. It’s circular, hollow, and removes a core as it drills. Ideal for creating large holes — perfect for downlights, pipe fittings, or even quirky DIY clocks.
Auger Bit: Long, spiralled, and designed for deep, narrow holes in timber. Looks like a drill bit on protein powder. Ideal for furniture making, outdoor timber framing, and tasks where you want control and a nice, clean bore.

Here’s what that means in plain speak:

Want something to go through? Use a hole saw.
Want something to go into? Call in the auger bit.

When These Tools Save the Most Time

1. Installing Downlights or Ceiling Fixtures

Using a handsaw or jigsaw for this? Yikes. A metal-cutting hole saw delivers a smooth finish and keeps the plaster from crumbling.

2. Building a Cubby House or Outdoor Kitchen

Drilling cable or pipe holes in thick recycled timbers? Go auger. It powers through dense wood with less wrist strain thanks to its self-feeding tip.

3. Running Irrigation or Conduit Through a Fence

If you’ve ever wrestled with your standard spade bit and ended up with a burnt smell and a wonky hole, you’ll appreciate the difference immediately.

How to Actually Use Them Without Wrecking Your Timber (or Your Knuckles)

Using a Hole Saw:

Measure twice, mark your centre point clearly
Use a pilot drill bit in the centre to anchor the saw
Run your drill on a low speed — let the teeth do the work
If cutting into metal or hard surfaces, add lubricant and keep it cool

Using an Auger Bit:

Same first step — always measure and mark
Use a clamp if your timber’s light; augers need stability
Keep it slow and steady — resist the urge to push
To drill deeper holes, periodically reverse out to clear the debris

The Tools You Need (and What Not to Skimp On)

Not all hole saws and augers are created equal. The $5 version might seem tempting — until it jams mid-project or snaps under pressure. Tools made from high-speed steel or carbon steel will last longer, hold their edge, and give you cleaner results (hello, less sanding).

Quick Tip: Look for ones with an adjustable arbor — lets you swap hole saw sizes in seconds. That’s your ‘Swiss army’ attachment for multiple jobs.

Need-to-Know: Shank Sizes and Drill Compatibility

Match your bit to your drill. A mismatch here can mean slipping, spinning, or a bit that just won’t bite.

Standard drills: Usually take hex or round shank bits
Heavy-duty drills and hammer drills: Accept SDS or larger shanks — too much for regular hole saws unless rated correctly

Helpful rule: If you're pushing your drill too hard, it’s the wrong combo for the job.

Seen It Go Wrong? Here’s the Usual Suspects

Using the wrong drill speed: Too fast and you burn the bit. Too slow and it snags.
Skipping the pilot hole: Your saw will wobble like it’s had one too many at footy club draw night.
Overheating: A dead giveaway your gear’s poor quality or you’re drilling too long without a break.

The Takeaway You’ll Keep Coming Back To

Hole saws make quick work of cutting through.
Auger bits help you go in deep without drama.

Knowing which one to grab — and how to use it properly — saves time, frustration, and those last-minute “help!” texts to Dad.

You don’t need to be an expert, just someone willing to learn. And maybe a little stubborn about doing things right. The rest? That’s what we’re here for.

Catch you in the tool aisle!

— Candeece