Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws

Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws at Tooled-Up.com

Starrett has been at the forefront of precision cutting tools since 1880, and their saw blades and holesaws represent over 140 years of manufacturing excellence. Renowned globally for their exceptional quality and durability, Starrett saw blades and holesaws are engineered to deliver superior performance across a diverse range of materials including wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. From heavy-duty bi-metal holesaws designed for demanding industrial applications to specialist reciprocating saw blades for demolition work, Starrett's cutting tool range combines innovative tooth geometry with premium materials to ensure clean, accurate cuts every time.

The Starrett range available from Tooled-Up.com includes their legendary Constant Pitch™ holesaws, Fast Cut™ bi-metal holesaws, Deep Cut™ bi-metal holesaws for thick materials, and their comprehensive selection of reciprocating saw blades and jigsaw blades. Each product line is developed using advanced manufacturing techniques and rigorously tested to meet the exacting standards that professionals demand. Whether you're a plumber cutting through joists, an electrician creating access holes, or a fabricator working with stainless steel, Starrett provides cutting solutions that combine longevity with consistent performance.

Tooled-Up stocks the complete spectrum of Starrett cutting tools, from compact 14mm holesaws for fine electrical work through to large diameter cutters exceeding 200mm for HVAC installations. Their Multi-Purpose holesaws feature a unique tooth configuration that allows them to cut through an exceptional variety of materials without changing accessories, saving valuable time on site. Starrett's reciprocating saw blades include specialist designs for wood demolition, metal cutting, and even pruning applications, all manufactured to exacting tolerances that ensure reliable performance throughout their extended service life.

Why Choose Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws?

Starrett's reputation for precision engineering translates directly into cutting tools that outlast and outperform competitor products. Their bi-metal holesaws utilise high-speed steel cutting edges electron beam welded to a tough alloy backing, creating a virtually unbreakable bond that withstands the torsional forces and heat generated during aggressive cutting. This construction method, pioneered by Starrett, has become the industry standard precisely because it delivers exceptional tool life and reliability in the most demanding applications.

The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in technologies like their Constant Pitch tooth design, which maintains consistent tooth spacing to reduce vibration and deliver smoother cutting action. Starrett's variable pitch reciprocating saw blades feature tooth configurations that adapt to different materials, whilst their aggressive tooth geometry on Fast Cut holesaws removes material up to twice as fast as conventional designs. Every Starrett cutting tool undergoes stringent quality control procedures, ensuring that tradespeople can rely on consistent performance from every product they purchase.

Professional users choose Starrett because these tools represent genuine value for money. Whilst the initial investment may be higher than budget alternatives, the extended service life, reduced downtime, and superior cut quality deliver lower cost-per-cut over the tool's lifetime. Starrett holesaws can be resharpened and their arbors are built for long-term durability, making them a sustainable choice that reduces waste and replacement costs.

Who Uses Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws?

• Electricians and electrical contractors – for creating conduit access holes and installing back boxes in various substrates
• Plumbers and heating engineers – cutting precise holes for pipework through joists, walls, and sheet materials
• HVAC installers – creating large diameter openings for ductwork and ventilation systems
• Carpenters and joiners – cutting clean holes for door furniture, cable management, and architectural features
• Metal fabricators and engineers – precision cutting of steel, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals
• Maintenance engineers – general purpose cutting across diverse materials in facilities management
• Shop fitters and interior specialists – creating access holes for services in display units and installations
• Demolition contractors – using heavy-duty reciprocating saw blades for rapid material removal
• Automotive and aerospace technicians – precision cutting of specialist alloys and composite materials

Key Features of Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws

Bi-Metal Construction: Starrett's premium bi-metal holesaws feature M3 or M42 high-speed steel cutting edges welded to an alloy steel body, providing the perfect combination of cutting performance and shank strength. This construction prevents tooth strippage even under extreme loads.

Constant Pitch Technology: Uniform tooth spacing reduces vibration and chatter, extending tool life whilst delivering cleaner holes with reduced burring. This technology is particularly beneficial when cutting sheet materials and thin-walled tubes.

Variable Pitch Reciprocating Blades: Alternating tooth spacing on saw blades ensures consistent contact with the workpiece across varied material thicknesses, reducing noise and improving cut quality in demanding applications.

Deep Cut Capability: Starrett's Deep Cut holesaws feature extended cutting depths up to 51mm, allowing users to cut through thick materials including doubled-up joists and structural timbers without requiring special adapters.

Quick Release Arbors: Starrett's arbor systems feature positive locking mechanisms and quick-change functionality, enabling rapid holesaw changes on site without requiring additional tools. Spring-loaded pilot bits improve accuracy and reduce wandering during initial cut engagement.

Advanced Tooth Geometry: Precision-ground teeth with optimised rake and clearance angles reduce cutting forces whilst improving chip evacuation, resulting in faster cutting speeds and extended tool life across diverse materials.

Popular Starrett Saw Blades & Holesaws

Fast Cut Bi-Metal Holesaws: Starrett's most popular holesaw range features aggressive tooth geometry for rapid cutting in wood, plastic, and metals up to 4mm thick. Available in sizes from 14mm to over 200mm diameter, these holesaws are ideal for general trade applications and deliver exceptional value through extended service life.

Constant Pitch Holesaws: Engineered for smooth, vibration-free cutting in thin materials, sheet metal, and tube, these holesaws are favoured by electrical contractors and HVAC specialists who require clean, burr-free holes without material distortion.

Multi-Purpose Holesaws: Featuring a versatile tooth design that cuts wood, metal, plastic, plasterboard, and fibreglass without changing accessories, these holesaws are perfect for maintenance engineers and shop fitters working across multiple substrates.

Deep Cut Holesaws: With cutting depths up to 51mm, these specialist holesaws eliminate the need for cutting from both sides when working with thick timber, doubled joists, or structural posts, saving significant time on carpentry and plumbing installations.

Reciprocating Saw Blades: Tooled-Up stocks Starrett's comprehensive range including wood demolition blades with aggressive 5 TPI configurations, metal cutting blades from 14-24 TPI for various material thicknesses, and specialist bi-metal blades for demanding applications.

Jigsaw Blades: Available in T-shank configurations for modern jigsaws, Starrett jigsaw blades cover wood cutting, metal cutting, and specialist applications with tooth designs optimised for each material type.

Safety and Compliance

All Starrett saw blades and holesaws comply with relevant UK and European safety standards including BS EN regulations governing cutting tool manufacture and performance. When using Starrett cutting tools, always adhere to HSE guidance on personal protective equipment, including safety glasses or face shields to protect against flying debris, and hearing protection when operating power tools for extended periods.

Ensure cutting tools are properly secured in appropriate chucks or arbors before operation, and verify that power tool speeds do not exceed the maximum RPM rating marked on holesaws. When cutting metals, be aware of heat generation and sharp swarf – allow freshly cut materials to cool before handling and dispose of metal chips safely. Starrett recommends using appropriate cutting lubricants when working with ferrous metals to extend tool life and improve cut quality.

Regular inspection of cutting tools is essential for safe operation. Discontinue use of holesaws or saw blades showing cracked teeth, excessive wear, or damaged arbor connections. When changing holesaws, ensure power tools are disconnected from electrical supply, and use appropriate extraction equipment to minimise dust exposure when cutting materials that produce fine particles, in accordance with COSHH regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Starrett holesaws better than cheaper alternatives?

Starrett holesaws utilise premium M3 and M42 high-speed steel cutting edges with electron beam welded construction that prevents tooth loss even under extreme loads. Their advanced tooth geometry and superior materials deliver significantly longer tool life, faster cutting speeds, and cleaner holes compared to budget alternatives. Professional users report that Starrett holesaws can outlast cheaper competitors by a factor of five or more, making them substantially more economical over their service life despite the higher initial investment.

Can Starrett bi-metal holesaws cut through stainless steel?

Yes, Starrett's bi-metal holesaws, particularly those manufactured with M42 cobalt high-speed steel, are well-suited to cutting stainless steel and other hard materials. For optimal results, use appropriate cutting speeds (significantly lower RPM than for mild steel), apply consistent pressure without forcing, and use specialist cutting fluid designed for stainless steel to reduce heat buildup and extend tool life. Starrett's Constant Pitch holesaws are particularly effective for thin stainless steel sheet applications.

What's the maximum cutting depth for standard Starrett holesaws?

Standard Starrett Fast Cut holesaws have a cutting depth of 38mm (1.5 inches), which is sufficient for most general applications including single joists, standard door thickness, and typical wall constructions. For thicker materials, Starrett's Deep Cut range offers cutting depths up to 51mm (2 inches), allowing you to cut through doubled joists, thick structural timber, and other substantial materials in a single pass without repositioning or cutting from both sides.

How do I prevent Starrett holesaws from clogging when cutting wood?

To prevent chip clogging in wood applications, withdraw the holesaw periodically during the cut to clear accumulated sawdust, particularly when cutting deep holes or working with resinous softwoods. Starrett holesaws feature optimised gullet depth and tooth geometry to maximise chip clearance, but regular withdrawal remains essential for optimal performance. Using appropriate cutting speeds – typically 300-600 RPM for wood depending on diameter – also helps maintain efficient chip evacuation. For very deep cuts, Starrett's Deep Cut holesaws feature enhanced chip clearance specifically designed for thick timber applications.

Are Starrett reciprocating saw blades compatible with all brands of reciprocating saws?

Yes, Starrett reciprocating saw blades feature universal shank designs that are compatible with all major reciprocating saw brands including DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Hilti. The standard half-inch universal shank fits the quick-change blade clamps found on virtually all professional reciprocating saws sold in the UK. Starrett manufactures blades in various lengths from 150mm for confined spaces up to 300mm for deep cutting applications, with tooth configurations ranging from aggressive 5 TPI wood demolition blades through to fine 24 TPI metal cutting blades for thin materials.