Milwaukee HOLE DOZER Sets Compared: 17 Pieces or 20 Pieces?

A hole saw kit can be a compact purchase or a long-term workshop system. The difference becomes clear when two sets from the same product line cover different diameter ranges, include different quantities of pilot bits, and carry a $49.03 gap in their current sale prices.

The Milwaukee HOLE DOZER 17-piece and 20-piece sets are both listed as general-purpose bi-metal kits. Their basic cutting format is similar, but the included sizes point to different buyers. One concentrates on holes up to 2 1/2 inches. The other extends the range to 5 inches.

The prices and availability in this comparison reflect the EnjoyTool product pages at the time of review. Product prices, stock, and shipping terms can change.

Two kits built around the same core format

Both sets use bi-metal hole saws with 3.5 teeth per inch. Both are identified for general-purpose material applications, include arbor hardware, and use 1/4-inch-diameter pilot drills that are 3 1/2 inches long.

That shared foundation makes the comparison straightforward. The main questions are the largest diameter you need, the variety of sizes required, and whether replacement pilot bits or duplicate saw sizes matter more than larger cutters.

The 17-piece kit focuses on common smaller diameters

The Milwaukee 17-piece HOLE DOZER set, model 49-22-4029, contains 12 hole saws and covers a stated range from 3/4 inch to 2 1/2 inches. The listed sizes are 3/4, 7/8, 1, 1 1/8, 1 3/8, 2, 2 1/8, 2 1/4, and 2 1/2 inches.

The component list includes two 1-inch saws and two 2-inch saws. It also includes five high-speed steel pilot bits, a large-thread quick-change arbor with a 3/8-inch shank, a small-thread arbor with a 3/8-inch shank, a hex key, and a case.

This arrangement favors work that stays within the 2 1/2-inch limit. The duplicate 1-inch and 2-inch saws may be useful when those diameters are used frequently, while the five pilot bits provide more replacements than the larger kit.

The product page showed a previous price of $119.97 and a sale price of $69.97. That is a $50.00 reduction, or about 42%. The item was listed in stock and available to ship in one day.

The 20-piece kit adds a much wider size range

The Milwaukee 20-piece HOLE DOZER set, model 49-22-4170, contains 16 hole saws and covers diameters from 3/4 inch to 5 inches. Its listed sizes are 3/4, 7/8, 1, 1 3/8, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, 2, 2 1/8, 2 1/2, 2 5/8, 2 3/4, 3, 3 5/8, 4, 4 1/4, and 5 inches.

The set includes a large-thread quick-change arbor with a 3/8-inch shank, a small-thread arbor with a 3/8-inch shank, two high-speed steel pilot bits, and a 1/8-inch hex key.

Its main advantage is diameter coverage. The 3-inch, 3 5/8-inch, 4-inch, 4 1/4-inch, and 5-inch saws address openings that the 17-piece kit cannot make in a single pass. It also fills the midrange with 1 1/2-inch, 1 3/4-inch, 2 5/8-inch, and 2 3/4-inch sizes.

The product page showed a previous price of $209.97 and a sale price of $119.00. The difference is $90.97, or about 43%. This set was also listed in stock and available to ship in one day.

Price difference and practical value

At the displayed sale prices, the 20-piece kit costs $49.03 more than the 17-piece kit. The smaller set works out to about $4.12 per listed piece, while the larger set works out to $5.95 per listed piece.

Cost per piece is only a rough comparison because the components are not identical. A 5-inch hole saw is not equivalent to a pilot bit, arbor, or smaller saw. The more useful value question is whether the expanded diameter range prevents a separate purchase later.

If all planned openings are 2 1/2 inches or smaller, the 17-piece set keeps $49.03 in the project budget. If work regularly requires 3-inch to 5-inch openings, the 20-piece set places those sizes in one matched kit and may reduce the need to add individual saws.

Where the 17-piece set makes sense

The 17-piece set is the more economical choice for a buyer whose required diameters fit its stated range. It also stands out for the duplicate 1-inch and 2-inch saws and the five included pilot bits.

It is a practical match for a compact workshop kit, a maintenance setup, or a project list built around smaller openings. The case keeps the components together, and both small-thread and large-thread arbors are included.

The lower purchase price should not be the only reason to choose it. Check every required diameter first. Buying one missing large saw afterward can reduce the advantage of

Where the 20-piece set earns its higher price

The 20-piece set is aimed at a broader range of hole sizes. Its 5-inch maximum is twice the 2 1/2-inch maximum of the smaller kit, and the 16 included hole saws provide more distinct diameter options.

The higher price is easier to justify when large openings are already part of the work plan. A buyer who needs only common smaller diameters may not use the added capacity. A contractor, maintenance team, or active workshop that encounters varied sizes has a stronger reason to keep the larger range available.

Checks to make before ordering

Match the required opening to the exact size list rather than relying on the total piece count. Confirm that the included 3/8-inch-shank arbors suit the drill and working setup. Review the material being cut against the general-purpose application stated on the product page.

Also compare the complete contents. The 17-piece set provides more pilot bits and duplicate saws in two common sizes. The 20-piece set directs more of its capacity toward additional diameters and larger openings.

Finally, verify the current price and stock before checkout. Both offers were above the stated $50 free-shipping threshold when reviewed, but final shipping and tax are calculated during checkout.

The deciding factor is diameter range

The 17-piece HOLE DOZER set delivers the lower entry price, coverage through 2 1/2 inches, duplicate 1-inch and 2-inch saws, and five pilot bits. The 20-piece set costs $49.03 more at the reviewed sale prices, expands coverage to 5 inches, and offers 16 hole saw sizes in one kit.

Choose from the size list, not from the larger piece count or bigger discount alone. When the required diameters are known before purchase, the better value becomes easy to identify.