The CMT 551-048X Bi-Metal Plus Hole Saw delivers professional-grade hole cutting at 1-7/8 in. (48mm) diameter, built from 8% Cobalt bi-metal construction for cutting performance that outlasts standard hole saws by 2x. Engineered by CMT for demanding metalworking and multi-material applications, this 48mm hole saw handles stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics - making it a single-tool solution for contractors, fabricators, and tradespeople who cut through a wide range of workpiece materials. The XTREME FAST Push&Lock system allows tool-free blade changes in under 3 seconds, reducing downtime on the job.

Key Features

• Bi-Metal 8% Cobalt (BIM) Construction - the elevated cobalt content hardens the cutting teeth for 2x longer service life compared to standard bi-metal hole saws, meaning fewer blade changes and lower cost per hole on stainless steel, hardened steel, and other tough materials.
• 1-7/8 in. (48mm) Cutting Diameter - sized for precise hole cutting in pipe, conduit, sheet metal, and structural applications where a near 2 in. opening is required, eliminating the need for secondary reaming or enlarging.
• 45mm Cutting Depth - deep enough to cut through thick-walled materials and stacked substrates in a single pass, reducing setup time and improving productivity.
• Variable 4-6 TPI Alternate and Side-Set Teeth - the variable tooth pitch reduces vibration and chatter during cutting, producing cleaner hole edges and extending tooth life across steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and plastics.
• XTREME FAST Push&Lock System - compatible with 550-PH85 (11/32 in. hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16 in. hex) Push&Lock arbors, this tool-free quick-change system swaps hole saws in under 3 seconds, keeping workflows moving on multi-diameter jobs.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard forward direction of corded drills, cordless drills, and drill presses, allowing direct chuck or arbor mounting without special setup.
• Hexagonal Shank Interface - the hexagonal shank design locks securely into compatible Push&Lock arbors, preventing slippage under load and maintaining concentricity for accurate hole placement.
• Made in Italy - precision manufactured to tight tolerances for consistent performance across the full range of compatible materials.

Why This Product

• Built for stainless steel and hardened materials: the 8% Cobalt bi-metal formula is specifically formulated to handle the heat and hardness of stainless steel and cast iron - materials that rapidly dull standard bi-metal teeth - giving tradespeople a reliable hole saw that stays sharp through demanding cuts.
• One hole saw, multiple materials: the 551-048X cuts stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics, reducing the need to carry separate hole saws for different substrates on the same job site.
• Faster blade changes mean less downtime: the XTREME FAST Push&Lock system eliminates the threaded-arbor frustration common with conventional hole saws - a 3-second swap keeps production moving when switching between diameters or replacing a worn blade.
• Compatible with common drill types: right-hand rotation and hexagonal shank compatibility with standard Push&Lock arbors means this hole saw integrates directly with cordless drills, corded drills, and drill presses already on the job - no special tooling required.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 551-048X
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1-7/8 in. (48mm)
• Cutting Depth: 45mm
• 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&Lock
• Arbor Compatibility: 550-PH85 (11/32 in. hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16 in. hex) Push&Lock arbors
• Country of Origin: Made in Italy

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