Product Description
CMT 551-043X Bi-Metal Plus Hole Saw - 1-11/16" (43mm) is a professional-grade cutting tool engineered for demanding hole cutting applications in metal, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics. Built with an 8% Cobalt bi-metal (BIM) construction, this 43mm hole saw delivers extended cutting life and reliable performance on both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The right-hand rotation design and hexagonal shank ensure secure, positive seating in cordless drills, corded drills, and drill presses alike - making it a go-to choice for tradespeople, fabricators, and maintenance professionals who need consistent, clean holes in tough materials.
Key Features
- 8% Cobalt Bi-Metal (BIM) Construction - the elevated cobalt content in the tooth alloy provides 2x longer cutting life compared to standard hole saws, reducing replacement frequency and downtime on the job.
- 1-11/16" (43mm) Cutting Diameter - a precise, consistent hole size suited to electrical conduit fittings, plumbing knockouts, and hardware installation tasks that require this exact dimension.
- 45mm Cutting Depth - deeper cutting capacity means the saw can pass through thicker materials and stacked workpieces without needing to reposition or use a secondary tool.
- Variable 4-6 TPI Tooth Pitch with Alternate and Side-Set Geometry - the variable pitch reduces vibration and chatter during cutting, while the alternate and side-set arrangement clears chips efficiently, keeping the cut cooler and extending tooth life.
- Hexagonal Shank Design - the hex shank provides a positive, slip-resistant connection to compatible Push and Lock arbors, maintaining concentricity and reducing run-out for cleaner, more accurate holes.
- Right-Hand Rotation - optimized for standard drill operation, ensuring the tooth geometry engages the material correctly and maximizes cutting efficiency with every pass.
- XTREME FAST Push and Lock System Compatibility - compatible with 550-PH85 (11/32" hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16" hex) Push and Lock arbors, allowing hole saw changes in under 3 seconds without any additional tools.
- Broad Material Compatibility - cuts stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics, making this a single versatile tool that handles the full range of materials found on metal fabrication, HVAC, and electrical jobsites.
Why This Product
- The 8% Cobalt bi-metal tooth construction makes this hole saw a practical upgrade over standard bi-metal saws when cutting stainless steel or hardened steel - materials that quickly wear down lesser tools - giving professionals a longer-lasting solution for repetitive metal cutting work.
- At 45mm of cutting depth, this saw reaches deeper into workpieces than many comparable hole saws in its diameter class, reducing the need for step drilling or secondary operations on thicker steel panels or structural members.
- The Push and Lock arbor compatibility means crews can swap between hole saw sizes in seconds on the job without fumbling for wrenches - a meaningful time saver when drilling multiple different hole sizes in a single project.
- With right-hand rotation and a hexagonal shank, this 43mm hole saw integrates seamlessly into standard cordless drills, corded drills, and drill presses already on the jobsite, requiring no special equipment or adapters beyond a compatible arbor.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 551-043X
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1-11/16" (43mm)
- Cutting Depth: 45mm
- Blade Material: Bi-Metal (BIM) 8% Cobalt
- Tooth Pitch: Variable 4-6 TPI (alternate and side-set)
- Shank: Hexagonal
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- System: XTREME FAST Push and Lock
- Arbor Compatibility: 550-PH85 (11/32" hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16" hex) Push and Lock arbors
- Country of Origin: 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
- Use with cordless drills, corded drills, and drill presses
Frequently Asked Questions
What arbors are compatible with this hole saw?
This hole saw is designed for use with the XTREME FAST Push and Lock system. It is compatible with the 550-PH85 (11/32" hex) and 550-PH11 (7/16" hex) Push and Lock arbors. The hexagonal shank ensures a secure, slip-resistant connection to these arbors.
Can this hole saw cut stainless steel?
Yes. The 8% Cobalt bi-metal (BIM) construction is specifically suited to cutting stainless steel and other hardened metals. The elevated cobalt content provides the heat resistance and edge retention needed to maintain cutting performance on these demanding materials, delivering approximately 2x longer cutting life compared to standard hole saws.
What is the cutting depth of this 43mm hole saw?
This hole saw has a cutting depth of 45mm. This allows it to pass through thicker materials and panels without requiring repositioning or a secondary boring operation, making it efficient for a range of metal fabrication and installation tasks.
Why does this hole saw use a variable tooth pitch?
The variable 4-6 TPI tooth pitch with alternate and side-set geometry is designed to reduce vibration and minimize chatter during cutting. This helps produce smoother, cleaner holes while also clearing chips more effectively - keeping the cutting edge cooler and extending the working life of the saw across a broad range of materials including steel, cast iron, aluminum, and plastics.
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