The CMT 551-044X Bi-Metal Plus Hole Saw delivers a 1-3/4 in. (44mm) cutting diameter with a robust 8% Cobalt bi-metal construction designed for demanding metalworking and multi-material drilling tasks. Built for right-hand rotation and compatible with hexagonal arbor systems, this hole saw is engineered to cut cleanly through stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics - making it a versatile choice for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and metal fabricators who need consistent, long-lasting performance in tough materials.

Key Features

• Bi-Metal 8% Cobalt (BIM8%CO) construction - the elevated cobalt content hardens the cutting teeth beyond what standard bi-metal saws offer, delivering 2x longer cutting life and sustained sharpness when working through stainless steel, hardened steel, and abrasive metals.
• Variable 4-6 TPI tooth pitch with alternate and side-set geometry - the variable pitch reduces vibration and chatter during cutting, producing cleaner hole edges in both thin sheet metal and thicker stock without tooth-stripping or binding.
• XTREME FAST Push and Lock system - hole saws swap in under 3 seconds with a simple push, requiring no tools, which reduces changeover time on the job and keeps productivity high when switching between hole sizes.
• 45mm cutting depth - the generous cutting depth allows this 1-3/4 in. hole saw to bore through thick panels, deep lumber, and multi-layer materials in a single pass without repositioning or stacking cuts.
• Hexagonal shank interface - the hexagonal shank design locks securely into compatible arbors, preventing slippage under torque and maintaining concentricity for accurate, on-center holes every time.
• Right-hand rotation - matched to the standard rotation of corded drills, cordless drills, and drill presses, so there is no compatibility guesswork when selecting a driver for this hole saw.
• Compatible with 550-PH85 and 550-PH11 Push and Lock arbors - works with both the 11/32 in. hex and 7/16 in. hex arbor variants, giving users flexibility across their existing CMT arbor inventory.

Why This Product

• For trades professionals who regularly cut stainless steel or hardened steel, the 8% Cobalt bi-metal formula means fewer saw changes per project and lower cost per hole compared to standard bi-metal or high-speed steel options.
• The Push and Lock tool-free change system is a direct answer to the frustration of fumbling with set screws and wrenches mid-job - one push seats the saw, and one push releases it, keeping the work moving.
• A 45mm cutting depth makes this 1-3/4 in. hole saw practical for applications that shallower saws cannot complete in a single pass, from electrical knockout work in deep enclosures to plumbing penetrations through double-layer walls.
• The wide material compatibility - spanning stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics - means a single saw handles multiple trades applications, reducing the number of specialized tools a technician needs to carry.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 551-044X
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1-3/4 in. (44mm)
• 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