Starrett Precision Tools & Equipment | Tooled-Up.com Categories

Starrett Precision Tools & Equipment | Tooled-Up.com

Starrett Cutting Tools at Tooled-Up.com

Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive range of Starrett cutting tools, representing over 140 years of precision engineering excellence. The collection focuses primarily on professional-grade hole cutting solutions, including an extensive selection of bimetal hole saws, arbors, pilot drills, and accessories that have become industry standards across the UK. Starrett's famous yellow HSS bimetal hole saws are perhaps their most recognisable product, trusted by tradespeople for exceptional cutting performance and longevity in materials ranging from softwood to stainless steel.

At the heart of the Tooled-Up Starrett offering is a complete system of compatible components. The range includes multiple arbor types – standard models (A1, A2, A4, A10), quick-change XA series (XA1, XA2, XA4C, XA10, XA17-38), and innovative A17-38 locking arbors for faster bit changes. Available with various shank sizes including 6.5mm, 9mm, 11mm, and 13mm configurations, these arbors accommodate different drill chuck capacities. Tooled-Up also stocks carbide-tipped pilot drills, high-speed steel pilot drills in standard and extended lengths, SDS shank adaptors for hammer drill applications, and arbor extensions for deep-hole work.

Beyond individual components, the Tooled-Up.com selection includes complete Starrett hole saw sets tailored for specific trades, particularly electricians' kits with commonly required diameters. Specialist items such as the ingenious A19 'Oops' arbor for removing stuck hole saws are available, alongside core drill adaptors, bandsaw blades, hacksaw blades, feeler gauges, try squares, spirit levels, angle finders, and tool bags that reflect Starrett's broader heritage in precision measurement and hand tools.

About Starrett

The L.S. Starrett Company was founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett in Athol, Massachusetts, after he invented and patented the world's first combination square in 1878. What began with this revolutionary measuring tool quickly expanded as Starrett recognised the value of precision in manufacturing and engineering. Through strategic acquisitions and continuous innovation, Starrett became synonymous with accuracy and quality in the metalworking and engineering trades.

In 1958, Starrett established a manufacturing plant in Scotland to serve European and Asian markets, cementing their international presence whilst maintaining their commitment to quality. The company remains family-owned and headquartered in Athol, Massachusetts, continuing the founder's legacy of producing precision tools that professionals can depend upon. Today, Starrett is recognised globally as a leading manufacturer of precision measuring tools, saw blades, and cutting tools, with their hole saws having achieved legendary status in the construction and engineering sectors.

Who Uses Starrett Cutting Tools?

• Electricians and electrical contractors - cutting access holes for sockets, lighting installations, and cable runs through joists and studs
• Plumbers and heating engineers - creating pipe penetrations through timber, plasterboard, and metal for radiator brackets and service runs
• HVAC installers - cutting ductwork access and ventilation grille openings in commercial and domestic properties
• Carpenters and joiners - drilling door lock installations, hardware mounting, and general woodworking applications
• Engineers and machinists - precision hole cutting in metal fabrication and workshop environments
• Shopfitters and commercial installers - creating cable management and service penetrations in retail and office fit-outs
• Maintenance technicians - general facilities maintenance and plant engineering applications
• DIY enthusiasts - home improvement projects requiring professional-quality results and tool longevity

Why Choose Starrett Cutting Tools?

Starrett's reputation for quality is built on over 140 years of manufacturing excellence and continuous innovation. Their bimetal hole saws feature a unique tooth geometry that delivers faster cutting speeds and extended tool life compared to standard carbon steel alternatives. The high-speed steel cutting edge is electron beam welded to a tough alloy body, creating a saw that maintains sharpness through hundreds of holes whilst resisting tooth strippage and breakage.

Professional tradespeople choose Starrett because the tools simply last longer, reducing downtime and replacement costs on site. The precision manufacturing ensures true-running cuts without wobble, producing clean holes that require minimal finishing. Starrett's arbor systems are engineered for reliability, with robust thread engagement and secure pilot drill retention that prevents slippage during demanding applications. The locking arbor design eliminates vibration and is invaluable on exceptionally tough jobs and production runs.

The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in features like their quick-change XA arbor systems and the ingenious 'Oops' arbor designed specifically for those frustrating moments when a hole saw becomes stuck. This attention to real-world tradesperson needs, combined with consistent quality control, makes Starrett a trusted choice across UK construction sites, workshops, and engineering facilities.

Perfect for Your Job

Starrett cutting tools excel in demanding professional applications where reliability and precision matter. They're ideal for first-fix and second-fix electrical work, cutting clean holes through joists, studs, and plasterboard for cable routing. Plumbing installations benefit from Starrett's ability to cut through multi-layer materials cleanly, from copper and plastic pipe to steel radiator brackets and back panels.

In commercial and industrial settings, Starrett hole saws handle everything from thin sheet metal in electrical panel fabrication to thick steel plate in structural engineering. The carbide-tipped pilot drills available from Tooled-Up are specifically designed for the toughest materials, whilst the SDS arbors allow seamless integration with hammer drills for masonry applications. Whether you're installing downlights in a domestic renovation, running services in a new-build, maintaining industrial equipment, or fabricating metalwork, Starrett's cutting tools deliver professional results time after time.

Types of Starrett Cutting Tools

Bimetal Hole Saws

The range includes Starrett's renowned bimetal hole saws in various diameters from 14mm up to 210mm, suitable for wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. Available as individual saws or complete sets configured for specific trades, particularly electricians working on domestic and commercial installations.

Arbors and Adaptors

Browse the full spectrum of Starrett arbors at Tooled-Up.com, including standard models (A1, A2, A4, A10), quick-change XA series (XA1, XA2, XA4C, XA10, XA17-38), and locking arbors (A17-38, A17-38E). Different shank sizes (6.5mm, 9mm, 11mm, 13mm) ensure compatibility with various drill chucks, whilst SDS shank versions (A2-1) provide hammer drill compatibility.

Pilot Drills

High-speed steel pilot drills (A015C, A014CE) and carbide-tipped variants in standard and extended lengths keep your arbors cutting accurately through demanding materials, maintaining precise hole centres throughout the cutting process.

Accessories and Extensions

Arbor extensions (A5 13mm shank), core drill adaptors, diamond core drill bits, and the unique A19 'Oops' arbor for removing stuck hole saws complete the comprehensive Starrett cutting system available from Tooled-Up.

Precision Hand Tools

Reflecting Starrett's measurement heritage, the collection includes try squares, angle finders, spirit levels, feeler gauges, centre punches, and utility knives for marking, measuring, and layout work.

Saw Blades

Bandsaw blades, hacksaw blades, and hand tile saws extend the Starrett cutting capability beyond hole saws, providing solutions for straight cuts and precision sawing tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starrett a good brand?

Yes, Starrett is considered one of the premium brands in precision tools and cutting equipment. With over 140 years of manufacturing expertise, Starrett tools are trusted by professional tradespeople worldwide for their durability, cutting performance, and consistent quality. Their bimetal hole saws are regarded as an industry benchmark and frequently outlast cheaper alternatives by significant margins.

Where are Starrett tools made?

Starrett is headquartered in Athol, Massachusetts, USA, where they've manufactured since 1880. They also operate a manufacturing facility in Scotland established in 1958, which produces tools for European and Asian markets. The company remains family-owned and maintains strict quality control across all facilities.

What makes Starrett hole saws better than cheaper alternatives?

Starrett bimetal hole saws use high-speed steel cutting edges electron beam welded to alloy steel bodies, creating a superior combination of sharpness and durability. The precision tooth geometry cuts faster and lasts significantly longer than carbon steel saws, meaning fewer blade changes and better value over time despite the higher initial cost. Professional tradespeople report hundreds of holes from a single Starrett saw in demanding materials.

Are Starrett arbors compatible with other brands of hole saws?

Starrett arbors generally follow industry-standard sizing with 5/8-18 screw threads, so they can often be used with other brands' hole saws that share the same thread specifications. However, for optimal performance and safety, Starrett recommends using their arbors with Starrett hole saws, as the complete system is engineered to work together with precise tolerances.

How do I remove a stuck Starrett hole saw from an arbor?

Starrett manufactures a specific tool for this purpose – the A19 'Oops' arbor, stocked at Tooled-Up.com. This clever device allows you to safely remove stuck hole saws without damaging the saw or arbor. For prevention, ensure pilot drill points are sharp, apply steady pressure without forcing the cut, and clear waste material regularly during deep cuts.