The CMT 551-016X Bi-Metal Plus Hole Saw delivers professional-grade hole cutting in a compact 5/8 in. (16mm) diameter size, purpose-built for tradespeople and fabricators who demand reliable performance on metal, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics. Engineered with an 8% Cobalt bi-metal construction, this CMT hole saw provides cutting life that outlasts standard hole saws - making it a go-to choice for high-frequency drilling applications where tool longevity and cut quality matter most.

Key Features

• Bi-Metal 8% Cobalt (BIM8%CO) Construction - the high-cobalt alloy composition gives the cutting teeth exceptional heat and wear resistance, translating to 2x longer cutting life compared to standard bi-metal hole saws when drilling steel, stainless steel, and other demanding materials.
• 5/8 in. (16mm) Cutting Diameter - a precise, small-diameter cut ideal for conduit knockouts, pipe penetrations, and fastener clearance holes where accuracy in tight spaces is critical.
• 45mm Cutting Depth - provides enough reach to penetrate thick-wall tubing, stacked sheet metal, and structural materials in a single pass, reducing the need for repositioning or multiple cuts.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - compatible with all standard right-hand drill chucks and drill presses, ensuring straightforward setup with common corded and cordless drilling equipment.
• Hexagonal Shank Design - the hex shank provides a secure, non-slip grip in the arbor connection, reducing cam-out and maintaining consistent torque transfer during demanding hole saw operations.
• XTREME FAST Push and Lock System - change hole saws in under 3 seconds without any tools, significantly reducing downtime on the job when swapping between sizes or replacing worn saws.
• Variable Pitch Teeth (4-6 TPI, Alternate and Side-Set) - the variable tooth geometry reduces vibration and chatter, extends tooth life, and delivers smoother, cleaner cuts across a wide range of metal and plastic workpieces.

Why This Product

• The 8% Cobalt bi-metal formula makes this hole saw well-suited for professionals who regularly cut stainless steel and hardened steel - materials that quickly dull standard hole saws and demand a more resilient cutting edge.
• At 5/8 in. (16mm), this size fills a precise need for small-diameter penetrations in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work where exact hole sizing is non-negotiable and oversized cuts are not acceptable.
• The Push and Lock arbor system eliminates the need for wrenches or adapters when changing saws on the job, making this tool a practical choice for contractors who switch between hole saw sizes frequently.
• With a 45mm cutting depth and compatibility with both cordless drills and drill presses, this CMT hole saw adapts to a wide range of jobsite and shop drilling setups - from portable field work to stationary fabrication.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 551-016X
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 5/8 in. (16mm)
• Cutting Depth: 45mm
• Blade Material: Bi-Metal (BIM) 8% Cobalt
• Tooth Pitch: Variable 4-6 TPI (alternate and side-set)
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Shank: Hexagonal
• System: XTREME FAST Push and Lock
• Arbor Compatibility: 550-PH85 (11/32 in. hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16 in. hex) Push and Lock arbors

Approved Applications

• Hole cutting in steel and stainless steel
• Hole cutting in cast iron
• Hole cutting in aluminum and non-ferrous metals
• Hole cutting in copper and brass
• Hole cutting in plastics