The Diablo DHS3500CT 3-1/2 Inch Carbide-Tipped Wood & Metal Holesaw is a multi-material hole saw built for drilling large-diameter holes in wood, metal, plastic, and other common jobsite materials. This is a hole saw designed for cutting clean 3-1/2 inch openings in mixed materials. Model number DHS3500CT. If your work bounces between framing, sheet metal, siding, plastics, and wood with nails, this is the kind of cutter that makes more sense than keeping separate saws for every material.

What matters most here is versatility backed by carbide teeth. Diablo rates this hole saw for wood, nail-embedded wood, plastic, aluminum, steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. That broad material range makes it a strong fit for remodelers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, and general contractors who are constantly drilling pass-throughs and rough-in openings in whatever the job throws at them. Instead of babying a standard bi-metal cup through tougher stock, this one is built to stay productive across a wider range of materials.

The 3-1/2 inch diameter is a useful size for larger pipe, conduit, vent, and access openings, and the 2-3/8 inch cutting depth helps you get through thicker material in one pass. Diablo specifically calls out that deeper cutting depth as a productivity advantage, and that is the real-world takeaway: fewer interruptions, less time backing out to clear the cut, and less hassle when the material stack is thicker than usual.

Another big selling point is service life. Diablo states up to 50 times longer cutting life versus standard bi-metal hole saws. On the job, that means fewer replacements, more consistent cutting performance over time, and better value if you use hole saws regularly instead of once in a while. For pros who burn through accessories, longevity is not a nice extra. It is the difference between finishing a run of holes cleanly and stopping to swap out a worn cutter.

This hole saw is also built around Diablo's Snap-Lock Plus mandrel system. That matters because quick-change hardware saves time every time you switch sizes or clear a slug. Diablo also calls out tool-free plug ejection, which is one of those features you appreciate fast when you are drilling repetitive holes. Less fighting packed material means less downtime and less frustration.

There is one thing to know before you buy: the mandrel is required and is not included. Diablo notes that the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel fits Diablo hole saws from 5/8 inch to 6 inch diameter, so this cutter is meant to be part of that system. If you are already running Diablo Snap-Lock Plus, this is an easy add. If you are not, make sure you pick up the correct mandrel at the same time.

As far as tool fit goes, this hole saw can be used with a hand-held drill or a drill press, which gives you flexibility depending on the material and the accuracy you need. That makes it useful both in the shop and out in the field. If you need a 3-1/2 inch hole saw for repeated wood and metal cutting, and you want longer life than standard bi-metal options, this Diablo carbide hole saw is aimed squarely at that buyer.

Diablo DHS3500CT 3-1/2 Inch Carbide-Tipped Wood & Metal Holesaw Means Fewer Compromises

This is a smart buy for anyone who drills large holes in more than one type of material and is tired of smoking standard bi-metal hole saws.

• Who it's for: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, remodelers, and general contractors cutting larger openings in wood, metal, and plastic.
• Why it stands out: The carbide-tipped design, 2-3/8 inch cutting depth, and Snap-Lock Plus compatibility make it more jobsite-friendly than a basic hole saw.
• Worth knowing: It is not a grab-and-go all-in-one purchase. The required mandrel is sold separately, so make sure you do not leave that out of the order.

• What materials can this hole saw cut? It is rated for wood, wood with nails, plastic, aluminum, steel, cast iron, stainless steel, fiberglass, gypsum, PVC, plaster, angle iron, and duct or sheet metal.
• Does this include an arbor or mandrel? No. A Diablo Snap-Lock Plus mandrel is required and is not included.
• What is the cutting depth? The cutting depth is 2-3/8 inches.
• Can it be used in a hand drill? Yes. It can be used with a hand-held drill or a drill press.