What's inside
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Picks
BOSCH HSBIM9 9-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saws Assorted KitAssorted2.49 x 9.75 x 6.5 inches2.23 PoundsCheck on Amazon
KATA 25 Piece Hole Saw Kit with 3/4"-6"3/4"-6"(19-152mm)9.4 x 9.05 x 2.36 inches3.12 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Short answer: there is no universal speed winner
Bosch Daredevil and Milwaukee Hole Dozer are families of hole saws, not single products. For a particular diameter and tooth style, either can cut wood quickly when sharp and used with a suitable drill. The wood, hole size, saw condition, and how often you clear the cuttings often matter more than the logo.
For occasional holes in framing lumber or plywood, buy the size you need from whichever line is available at a fair price. For repeated cuts, compare the exact diameter and tooth configuration, and prioritize a saw that clears chips cleanly and is easy to remove from the work. A larger saw may feel slow simply because it removes more material.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What the names mean
Daredevil is Bosch’s hole-saw line, while Hole Dozer is Milwaukee’s. Both are intended for drilling larger-diameter holes than a standard twist bit can make. Product details vary by size and generation, so check the packaging or manufacturer listing for the specific saw rather than assuming every model shares the same arbor, depth, or tooth design.
Before comparing cutting speed, make sure you are comparing the same diameter and a saw suited to the material. A hole saw intended for wood is not automatically the best choice for metal or mixed materials. For a single clean opening in a cabinet or a pass through a stud, the right diameter and a sharp edge are more consequential than small differences between brands.
At a glance
| Factor | Bosch Daredevil | Milwaukee Hole Dozer |
|---|---|---|
| Best comparison | Match size and tooth type to the job | Match size and tooth type to the job |
| Wood cutting speed | Depends heavily on diameter, wood, and chip clearing | Depends heavily on diameter, wood, and chip clearing |
| Best for occasional use | Good if the required size is priced well | Good if the required size is priced well |
| What to verify | Arbor compatibility, cutting depth, and included pilot bit | Arbor compatibility, cutting depth, and included pilot bit |
| Common slowdown | Binding or packed sawdust in the cup | Binding or packed sawdust in the cup |
What actually controls cutting speed
Diameter is the first variable. A 2-inch hole saw has a circumference of about 6.3 inches; a 4-inch saw cuts a circumference of about 12.6 inches. The larger saw must cut roughly twice as much material around the hole, so it will generally take longer and put more load on the drill. Do not expect a large saw to match the pace of a small one just because both are new.
Wood species and moisture make a difference, too. Dry softwood usually cuts more easily than dense hardwood, wet lumber, or engineered sheet material with glue and abrasive fillers. Knots can abruptly increase resistance. A dull saw, a weak drill, or a battery near empty can erase any advantage a particular tooth design might have.
Chip removal is a frequent cause of poor performance. Sawdust trapped in the cup adds friction and heat, and can make the saw bind. In thicker stock, withdraw the saw periodically to clear the kerf. For a through-hole, cutting from both sides can reduce splintering and avoid forcing the saw through a thick workpiece in one pass.
Setup matters more than a speed contest
Use a drill with enough torque and a side handle for large hole saws. A hole saw can grab suddenly, especially as it breaks through, and twist the drill in your hands. Keep both hands on the tool, secure the workpiece, and avoid using a loose or damaged arbor. For a large diameter, a drill with a clutch or a light-duty compact model may not be the best choice.
Start at a controlled speed and let the teeth cut without leaning your full body weight into the drill. Excessive pressure can stall the tool, overheat the teeth, or make the saw bind. If progress slows, stop and inspect the cut rather than pushing harder. Clear chips, check for a knot or hidden fastener, and confirm that the pilot bit has not wandered.
When appearance matters, clamp a backing board behind the work or finish from the opposite face. Hole saws can tear out fibers as they exit. For a clean, visible opening, a sharp saw and careful support matter more than shaving a few seconds off the cut.
Which should you buy?
Choose Bosch Daredevil or Milwaukee Hole Dozer based on the exact size you need, the compatible arbor, and the price of the individual saw or set. If one brand’s kit includes the sizes you use regularly, that can be more useful than buying a slightly cheaper single saw and later paying for extra arbors or replacement parts. Check cutting depth against the thickness of your stock; a cup that is too shallow may not cut through in one pass.
If you only need a few holes in softwood, the cheaper suitable saw is usually fine. A premium kit is harder to justify for a one-off plumbing or wiring opening. For frequent work, compare tooth durability, chip access, and how easily the slug releases after the cut. A stuck plug wastes time and can tempt you to pry against the teeth.
Browse Bosch Daredevil hole saws and Milwaukee Hole Dozer hole saws by diameter and arbor compatibility, not just by kit count. If you need only one opening and do not already own a suitable hole saw, also compare the cost of a basic wood hole-saw kit against buying a single premium cup.
The practical verdict
There is no reliable brand-wide claim that Daredevil always cuts wood faster than Hole Dozer, or vice versa. Compare like with like: same diameter, similar tooth configuration, same wood, and a sharp saw. In real use, a well-supported workpiece, a suitable drill, controlled pressure, and regular chip clearing are the changes most likely to improve your cut time.
For occasional woodwork, buy the correctly sized option that costs less and fits your arbor. For production work, test the exact sizes you use on scrap from the same material. Time several cuts, note whether the saw binds or leaves rough edges, and include slug removal in your comparison. That gives you a more useful answer than a brand label alone.