Product Description
The CMT 551-038X Bi-Metal Plus Hole Saw - 1 1/2" (38mm) is a professional-grade cutting tool engineered for demanding hole-cutting tasks in metal, steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and plastics. Built with an 8% Cobalt bi-metal (BIM) construction, this hole saw delivers extended cutting life compared to standard bi-metal designs, making it a reliable choice for tradespeople and fabricators who need consistent, clean results through tough materials. The 1 1/2" diameter is a common size for electrical conduit knockouts, plumbing rough-ins, and sheet metal work, and the right-hand rotation with hexagonal shank ensures solid compatibility with drill applications across a range of tools.
Key Features
- Bi-Metal 8% Cobalt (BIM) Construction - the high-cobalt tooth material resists heat and wear during extended cutting sessions, delivering longer tool life when cutting through stainless steel, hardened steel, and abrasive metals where standard hole saws wear out prematurely.
- 1 1/2" (38mm) Cutting Diameter - a versatile, widely used size for conduit, pipe, and cable routing applications, reducing the need for multiple tool setups on the job site.
- 45mm Cutting Depth - provides the clearance needed to cut through thick wall materials, structural members, and stacked panels in a single pass without repositioning.
- Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - compatible with standard drill drivers and drill presses, so no specialized tool setup is required for everyday hole-cutting work.
- Hexagonal Shank - the hex shank design resists slipping in the chuck and ensures a secure, centered drive connection for more accurate cuts and reduced vibration.
- Bi-Metal (BIM) Material - combines a hard tooth edge with a flexible steel body, so the saw resists tooth breakage under the lateral stress and vibration common in metal cutting applications.
Why This Product
- The 8% Cobalt bi-metal construction is specifically suited for cutting stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened metals - materials that quickly degrade lower-grade hole saws - making this a practical long-term investment for metalworking and industrial applications.
- At 45mm cutting depth, this hole saw handles thicker substrates than shallow-cup designs, reducing the frustration of incomplete cuts through doubled-up panels or deep wall assemblies.
- The hexagonal shank provides a slip-resistant interface with the drill chuck, which improves centering accuracy and reduces the risk of the saw walking off the pilot during cut entry.
- The 1 1/2" diameter targets one of the most frequently needed hole sizes in electrical and plumbing rough-in work, meaning this tool fits directly into standard trade workflows without adapters or workarounds.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 551-038X
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1 1/2" (38mm)
- Cutting Depth: 45mm
- Material: Bi-Metal (BIM) 8% Cobalt
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Shank: Hexagonal
Approved Applications
- Hole cutting in steel and stainless steel
- Hole cutting in cast iron
- Hole cutting in aluminum and non-ferrous metals including copper and brass
- Hole cutting in plastics
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can the CMT 551-038X cut through?
This hole saw is designed for cutting stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics. The 8% Cobalt bi-metal construction makes it particularly effective on harder metals like stainless steel and cast iron where standard hole saws struggle.
What is the cutting depth of this hole saw?
The CMT 551-038X has a cutting depth of 45mm, allowing it to cut through thick wall materials, structural sections, and layered panels in a single pass.
What type of shank does this hole saw use?
This hole saw features a hexagonal shank, which provides a slip-resistant connection to the drill chuck and helps maintain centering accuracy during cut entry. It is compatible with standard drill drivers, corded drills, and drill presses.
Is this hole saw designed for right-hand or left-hand rotation?
The CMT 551-038X is designed for right-hand (RH) rotation, which is the standard direction used by conventional drill drivers and drill presses - no special tool configuration is needed.
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FAQs
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