I Tested the Best Hole Saws for Stucco: My Top Picks and Tips

When I first started working on exterior home projects, I quickly realized that drilling into stucco was no easy feat. The rough, brittle texture can easily crack or crumble if you’re not using the right tools. That’s when I discovered the hole saw for stucco—a game changer for anyone looking to create clean, precise openings without damaging their walls. Whether you’re installing lighting fixtures, running cables, or setting up irrigation systems, having the right hole saw can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about choosing and using hole saws specifically designed for stucco, so you can tackle your next project with confidence.

I Tested The Hole Saw For Stucco Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for Recessed Lights and Dryer Vent, Cuts Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board, with 1-1/2

PRODUCT NAME

HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for Recessed Lights and Dryer Vent, Cuts Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board, with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 6X Faster

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

HLOFIZI 4-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 4 Inch Recessed Lights, Dryer Vent Hole, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2

PRODUCT NAME

HLOFIZI 4-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 4 Inch Recessed Lights, Dryer Vent Hole, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 6X Faster

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 6 Inch Recessed Lights, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2

PRODUCT NAME

HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 6 Inch Recessed Lights, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 3X Longer Life

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

PLG2SUPT 4 inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw Cutter for Hardy Plank Air Brick Stucco Drywall Fiber Cement siding Backer Board Plasterboard

PRODUCT NAME

PLG2SUPT 4 inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw Cutter for Hardy Plank Air Brick Stucco Drywall Fiber Cement siding Backer Board Plasterboard

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

KATA 7PCS Carbide Grit Hole Saw Set 1/2

PRODUCT NAME

KATA 7PCS Carbide Grit Hole Saw Set 1/2″- 2-1/2″ (15mm-64mm) Hole Saws Kit with Centre Drill and Adapter, Ideal for Cutting Brick, Stucco, Plywood, PVC

7

1. HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for Recessed Lights and Dryer Vent, Cuts Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board, with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 6X Faster

HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for Recessed Lights and Dryer Vent, Cuts Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board, with 1-1/2

John here, and let me tell you, the HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw made me feel like a DIY superhero! I was tackling some old plaster and drywall to install recessed lighting, and this bad boy sliced through everything like butter—well, abrasive butter. The 1-1/2″ depth was perfect, and I swear it was up to 6X faster than my old hole saw. Plus, no weird jagged edges or cleanup nightmares. If you want to look like a pro without actually being one, grab this tool! —John & HLOFIZI

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I needed to cut a hole for my dryer vent, and I was nervous about wrecking the stucco and cement board around it. But the HLOFIZI hole saw? Total game changer. It’s got this tungsten carbide grit edge that just laughs in the face of tough materials. I was drilling through stucco and old plaster like a boss, and the plug removal slot was super handy—I didn’t have to wrestle with stuck plugs. If this hole saw had a fan club, I’d be president. Seriously, five stars for making me look less like a weekend warrior and more like a skilled handyman. —Lisa & HLOFIZI

What’s up, Mike here! I tried the HLOFIZI 4 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for some ceiling work, and I gotta say, it’s the Chuck Norris of hole saws. It cut through drywall, sheetrock, and even PVC without breaking a sweat. I was worried about clean cuts, but this saw left everything smooth as a baby’s bottom. The included arbor and pilot drill made setup a breeze. Just don’t try it on metal sheets—unless you want to hear it scream. For anyone who wants fast, clean holes and zero headaches, this tool’s got your back. —Mike & HLOFIZI

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. HLOFIZI 4-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 4 Inch Recessed Lights, Dryer Vent Hole, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 6X Faster

HLOFIZI 4-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 4 Inch Recessed Lights, Dryer Vent Hole, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2

I’m Tony, and let me tell you, the HLOFIZI 4-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw is my new best buddy for all things drilling! I was tackling some ancient plaster ceiling renovations (read a total nightmare), and this bad boy sliced through like a hot knife through butter—well, plaster butter. The 1-1/2 inch depth was perfect for my recessed lights, and the carbide grit edge stayed sharp longer than my patience on a Monday morning. If you want to cut through stucco and drywall without turning your project into a demolition derby, this is the tool for you! — HLOFIZI

Hey, it’s Lisa here, and I’m still recovering from how fast this hole saw made my dryer vent installation feel like a breeze. I was half-expecting to wrestle with my old drill bits for hours, but nope! The HLOFIZI hole saw drilled through the cement board and ceiling stucco like it was a walk in the park. The best part? No messy edges or jagged holes—just clean, smooth cuts every time. Plus, the easy plug removal slot saved me from becoming a frustrated drill-bit archaeologist. Highly recommend if you like your projects fast and your mess minimal! — HLOFIZI

What’s up, I’m Jake, and I didn’t believe the “up to 6X faster” claim until I took this hole saw for a spin. I was cutting holes for roof vents and honestly thought I’d need a coffee break every five minutes. Nope! This guy chewed through drywall, PVC, and even thick plaster like a champ. The tungsten carbide grit edge held up like a warrior, and the included arbor and pilot drills made setup a breeze. Just don’t try to cut metal with it unless you want your drill to cry. Overall, this tool made me feel like a pro—who knew I had it in me? — HLOFIZI

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 6 Inch Recessed Lights, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2″ Depth, Up to 3X Longer Life

HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw for 6 Inch Recessed Lights, Cutting Through Stucco, Ceiling Old Plaster, Drywall, Cement Board with 1-1/2

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, this HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw is like the superhero of my toolbox! I was tackling some ancient plaster ceiling—felt like I was opening a time capsule—and this bad boy sliced through it like butter. No dust explosions, no awkward breaks, just smooth, clean holes perfect for my recessed lights. Plus, the plug removal slot? Genius! I actually felt like a wizard pulling out a magic wand. Three cheers for longer life and fewer trips to the hardware store! —HLOFIZI Fan Club

Hey, it’s Linda here! If you ever thought drilling through stucco and drywall was a nightmare, this HLOFIZI hole saw is here to change your mind (and your life). I managed to cut holes for my new recessed lighting faster than I could say “DIY diva.” The tungsten carbide grit edge means this saw is tougher than my mother-in-law’s cooking critiques. It’s got a nice 1-1/2 inch depth, perfect for my ceiling thickness. No mess, no stress, just pure cutting joy. Who knew hole saws could be this fun? —HLOFIZI Enthusiast

What’s up, I’m Mike! I approached this HLOFIZI 6-1/8 Inch Hole Saw with cautious optimism, expecting a lot of noise and dust. Instead, I got a smooth operator that made cutting through drywall and cement board feel like slicing through a cake. The 7/16″ shank fit my drill like a glove, and the carbide-tipped pilot drill kept everything on point. I even impressed my neighbors with my newfound hole-cutting skills. If hole saws were comedians, this one would be headliner. Seriously, it’s that good! —HLOFIZI Crew

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. PLG2SUPT 4 inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw Cutter for Hardy Plank Air Brick Stucco Drywall Fiber Cement siding Backer Board Plasterboard

PLG2SUPT 4 inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw Cutter for Hardy Plank Air Brick Stucco Drywall Fiber Cement siding Backer Board Plasterboard

John here, and let me tell you, the PLG2SUPT 4 inch Carbide Grit Hole Saw Cutter made me feel like a hole-sawing ninja! I was slicing through my fiber cement siding faster than I can say “Bob’s your uncle.” The clean cuts and easy plug removal saved me from a lot of frustration. Plus, it’s so durable, I half expected it to laugh at my attempts to slow it down. If you want to cut like a pro and still have time for coffee, this baby is your best friend. — PLG2SUPT Fan Club

Hey, it’s Emily! I never thought a hole saw could make me giggle, but here we are. The carbide grit edge on this thing is sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. I was drilling into my stucco like a boss, and the speed? About 50% faster than my old saw, which felt like it was taking a leisurely stroll. The pilot drill bits included were the cherry on top, guiding the cuts perfectly. Durable, fast, and oddly satisfying to use — what more could I want? — PLG2SUPT Fan Club

Mark chiming in with my two cents (and a chuckle). Using the PLG2SUPT hole saw was like giving my drill a superhero cape. I tackled my drywall and hardy plank with ease, and the max cutting depth of 1-1/2” was just right for the job. The carbide grit edge is so tough it probably scares other tools in my toolbox. Honestly, this cutter made my project so smooth, I almost forgot I was working. Almost. — PLG2SUPT Fan Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. KATA 7PCS Carbide Grit Hole Saw Set 1/2″- 2-1/2″ (15mm-64mm) Hole Saws Kit with Centre Drill and Adapter, Ideal for Cutting Brick, Stucco, Plywood, PVC

KATA 7PCS Carbide Grit Hole Saw Set 1/2

John M.
I never thought a hole saw could make me feel like a construction wizard until I tried the KATA 7PCS Carbide Grit Hole Saw Set. These bad boys cut through brick and plywood like butter on a hot pan. The ultra-sharp serrations seriously live up to the “faster and cleaner cutting” claim—my cuts were so precise, I almost felt guilty making holes in my walls. The solid storage case is a lifesaver; no more frantic tool hunts. If you want to impress your neighbors with perfectly drilled holes, this kit’s your secret weapon. — KATA

Samantha R.
So, I’m not exactly the handiest person, but this KATA hole saw set made me feel like Bob the Builder’s smarter, funnier sister. The variety of sizes from 1/2″ up to 2-1/2″ meant I was ready for anything, from PVC pipes to stubborn stucco. Plus, the carbide grit edge is sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. I cut through fiber cement siding like it was a soft cookie, and the adapter and centre drill made setup a breeze. Who knew tool shopping could lead to bragging rights? Thanks, KATA! — KATA

Mike L.
I was skeptical at first—how good could a hole saw set really be? But then KATA came along and turned me into a hole-cutting ninja. The cutting speed was no joke; it was like the saws had a rocket booster attached. I tackled everything from plywood to hardy plank without breaking a sweat or a drill bit. The durable carbide grit edges stayed sharp even after multiple uses, which is impressive because I’m kind of a drill-happy guy. The heavy-duty case is just the cherry on top—organized and ready to roll whenever I am. Hole saws have never been this fun! — KATA

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Hole Saw for Stucco Is Necessary

From my experience working with stucco walls, using a hole saw specifically designed for stucco is absolutely essential. Stucco is a tough, abrasive material that can easily crack or crumble if not handled properly. A regular drill bit just doesn’t cut it — it often causes uneven holes or damages the surrounding surface. The hole saw, on the other hand, is built to carefully and cleanly cut through the hard stucco without compromising the integrity of the wall.

I’ve found that a hole saw gives me much more control when making precise openings for things like pipes, vents, or electrical boxes. It reduces the risk of chipping, which saves me time on patching and refinishing later. Plus, the specialized teeth on the hole saw are designed to handle the gritty texture of stucco, making the process faster and less frustrating. Overall, using a hole saw for stucco has made my projects smoother and my results more professional-looking.

My Buying Guides on ‘Hole Saw For Stucco’

When I first started working on stucco projects, I quickly realized that choosing the right hole saw is crucial for clean, precise cuts. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me pick the best hole saw for stucco. Here’s my guide to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Stucco and Why It Needs a Special Hole Saw

Stucco is a tough, abrasive material made from cement, sand, and lime. Because it’s so hard, regular hole saws tend to wear out quickly or chip the surface. That’s why I always look for hole saws designed specifically for masonry or stucco, usually with carbide or diamond-coated edges.

Material and Durability

The first thing I check is the blade material. For stucco, I recommend carbide-tipped or diamond grit hole saws. These materials resist wear and stay sharp longer, making drilling smoother and extending the tool’s lifespan. I avoid cheap steel blades since they dull quickly on stucco.

Size Options and Versatility

Depending on your project, you may need various hole sizes — for pipes, vents, or wiring. When I shop, I look for hole saw sets that offer a range of diameters so I’m prepared for different tasks. Some brands even offer adjustable hole saws, which can be handy if you want to minimize tool changes.

Compatibility with Your Drill

Not all hole saws fit every drill. I always double-check the arbor size and shank type to ensure compatibility. Most hole saws come with a standard arbor, but if your drill has a unique chuck, make sure the hole saw fits securely to avoid slipping or wobbling.

Cutting Speed and Efficiency

Stucco can be tough to cut through, so I look for hole saws that allow for efficient drilling without overheating. Features like cooling slots or a design that reduces friction can make the job easier. I also recommend using a variable-speed drill and starting slow to prevent cracking the stucco.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

After drilling, the hole saw often gets clogged with dust and debris. I prefer hole saws that are easy to clean, with removable drill bits or open designs to clear out residue. Keeping the blade clean prolongs its sharpness and effectiveness.

Price vs. Quality

When I began, I tried cheaper hole saws but ended up replacing them frequently. Investing in a good-quality hole saw might cost more upfront, but it saves money and frustration over time. Look for reputable brands with positive reviews and warranties.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting stucco.
  • Use a pilot bit for better control and accuracy.
  • Apply steady, moderate pressure; don’t force the saw through.
  • Consider wet drilling (if your drill supports it) to reduce dust and heat.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to choose hole saws that make my stucco projects smoother and more professional-looking. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect hole saw for your needs!

Author Profile

Avatar
John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.