Milwaukee 1-1/8" Diamond Plus Hole Saw

The Milwaukee 1-1/8” Diamond Plus Hole Saw delivers up to 20X longer life versus standard diamond saws when cutting through porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone. At 1-1/8” diameter (28.6mm), it’s sized perfectly for shower heads and tub spouts — the bread-and-butter holes that plumbers drill through finished tile every day.

Skip this if you’re only drilling soft ceramic occasionally. Some retailers list it as ‘No Warranty’ for consumable items, and it’s overkill for the homeowner patching one bathroom. This tool earns its keep on jobsites where tile hardness keeps breaking lesser bits.

Technical Performance for Tile Professionals

The vacuum-brazed diamond grit construction makes the difference. Traditional electroplated bits lose their diamonds after a few holes in porcelain. Milwaukee’s vacuum brazing bonds those diamonds deeper into the steel substrate. The improved diamond retention translates to faster cuts through the hole’s entire life.

Specification	Value	Source
Diameter	1-1/8” (28.6 mm)	manufacturer
Cutting Depth	1.5 inches (38 mm)	manufacturer
Maximum RPM	2100	manufacturer
Recommended RPM	500-800 for porcelain/stone	manufacturer
Shank Type	1/4” Quick-Change Hex	manufacturer
Construction	One-piece high-alloy steel with vacuum-brazed diamond grit	manufacturer

Heat is the enemy of diamond grit. Run this bit too fast or too dry, and you’ll cook those diamonds right off the steel. The 2100 RPM max rating drops to 500-800 RPM for very hard materials. That’s not a suggestion — porcelain at full drill speed turns this into an expensive steel cylinder.

Real-World Plumbing Applications

The large slug ejection slot solves the most annoying problem with diamond hole saws — getting the cut plug out. Traditional designs make you stop and pry out every core. This slot lets you pop them out with a screwdriver tip and keep working. Some batches reportedly lack the ejection slot, which defeats half the purpose.

Self-starting capability reduces walking on smooth surfaces. Start your hole where you marked it, not where the bit decided to wander. The recommended technique starts at a 45-degree angle to create a groove, then brings the bit to 90 degrees. Works better than trying to punch straight through polished granite.

Compatibility spans cordless drills, corded drills, drill presses, and even impact drivers with hex adapters. The integrated 1/4” hex shank means no fumbling with separate arbors. Quick-change systems grab it directly.

Heat Management Determines Tool Life

Wet cutting is strongly recommended. Not “helpful” or “suggested” — strongly recommended. Submerge the bit in water before each cut and apply water during the process. Rapid wear occurs if used at high speeds or without water, according to field reports.

Montana’s elevation compounds the cooling challenge. Water evaporates faster at altitude, especially during summer when outdoor tile work peaks. Keep a spray bottle handy. Apply light, steady pressure and let the diamond grit do the work. Forcing it generates heat that kills the bit prematurely.

Clean the bit after each hole using a small bit or the slug slot to eject debris. Packed-in tile dust acts like insulation, trapping heat against the cutting edge. Clogging in thick porcelain requires frequent cleaning to maintain cutting speed.

Customer reviews average 3.2 out of 5 stars based on official site and retailer listings, with positive feedback on fast cutting in glass and thin stone, minimal walking when starting holes, and long life when used correctly with water cooling. The negative reviews trace back to two issues: overheating from improper use and missing ejection slots on some units.

Montana Building Applications

Material compatibility includes porcelain tile, ceramic tile, granite, marble, natural stone, glass, slate, and fiberglass. That covers nearly every hard surface Montana contractors encounter, from imported porcelain in Whitefish ski lodges to local granite countertops.

Milwaukee warrants accessories for defects in material or workmanship, though this does not cover normal wear and tear from use. Diamond hole saws are consumables — they wear out through normal use. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not worn-out diamonds.

Direct competitors include Diablo Tools DHS1125DG with continuous rim and open slot design, and Bosch Diamond Hole Saw line often compared for lifespan and ease of starting. Within Milwaukee’s lineup, the Hole Dozer bi-metal saws handle metal, wood, and plastic but not tile or stone.

Bottom Line for Montana Contractors

Worth it for plumbers and tile installers who regularly punch through porcelain. Up to 20X longer life than standard diamond saws means fewer bit changes mid-job. The 1.5-inch cutting depth handles standard wall tile plus backerboard in one pass.

Skip it for occasional ceramic work where a carbide bit suffices. The premium for vacuum-brazed diamonds only pays off with heavy use on genuinely hard materials. But for contractors billing by the job, not the hour, faster hole completion and fewer bit replacements make this a smart investment.

FAQs

Q: What RPM should I use for porcelain tile? A: Lower speeds of 500-800 RPM are recommended for very hard materials like porcelain or stone. Heat is the enemy of diamond grit, so lower speeds extend bit life.

Q: Does this require a special arbor? A: No separate arbor required — the integrated 1/4” hex shank fits standard quick-change arbors. Compatible with cordless drills, corded drills, drill presses, and impact drivers with hex adapters.

Q: How do I start a hole without the bit walking? A: Start at a 45-degree angle to create a groove, then gradually bring the bit to 90 degrees. The self-starting capability reduces walking on smooth surfaces.

Q: Can I use this dry? A: Optimized for both wet and dry applications, but wet is recommended for maximum life. Rapid wear occurs if used at high speeds or without water. Submerge bit in water before each cut and apply water during the process.