Technical Details
• Faster Cutting
• Perfect balance
• Cuts plywood, wood, sheetrock, plaster, MDF, fiberglass, ceiling tiles
• Cutting thickness – 1 1/8 inch ** 2-1/4 inches when can be cut from both sides.
• Has 1/2 inch shank
• Shield has 14 inch outside diameter OD
• The X-230+ includes a 5/8 inch threaded shaft end which supports using a carbide grit hole saw for installing recessed lights
This kit includes:
• Patented Tri-Slot Shield, slots catch shavings to maintain visibility while cutting; also acts as a portable drill press
• Multi-functional hole cutter for cutting 1-7/8 inch to 9-1/4 inch holes in ceilings, walls and floors.
• Heavy duty carry case (**8 inches is size hole cut in plywood and engineered woods
• Two hex wrenches
• User replaceable blades
—One tungsten carbide blade set (HP1162) in the hole cutter
—One high speed steel (HSS) set (HP1160) in the carry case
Other Models available for different maximum size hole cut
• X-148 cuts holes from 1-7/8 inch to 6 inch (Shield has 8 inch outside diameter OD)
• X-305 cuts holes from 1-7/8 inch to 12 inch (Shield has 14 inch outside diameter OD)
• X-425 cuts hole from 1-7/8 inch to 17 inch (Shield has 19 inch outside diameter OD)
Scott –
This tool was definitely the MVP for my recessed lighting install. About a week after I had brand new carpeting installed, I decided to do recessed lighting in my 70yr old PLASTER ceiling (this stuff is like drilling through cement compared to sheetrock). After looking at the overpriced low quality crap for cutting light holes they sell at big box stores, vs my original plan of using a sawzall and making a huge mess, I found this thing. I had to cut about 8 holes in plaster ceiling to mount 6″ lighting cans. After the first hole I had this overwhelming sigh of relief and disbelief that there is no way it could be this EASY and CLEAN. Don’t even waste money on the vacuum adapter, the bowl catches all the mess and you just dump it into a garbage can/bag. This thing cut 6″ holes for recessed lighting cans through 3/4″ of plaster in under 20 seconds per hole. It was amazing. Now I am glad I have the tool, I will probably put recessed lights in other rooms now without hesitation. Also includes a really nice blow molded carry case that holds everything. Just make sure you have a cordless drill with a 1/2″ chuck, and one that has a selectable transmissions, and you want to run this at low speed (I used a 36V dewalt in first gear approx. 500rpm and it cut FAST, approx. 20sec/hole)
Jon –
I only take the time to write 2 kinds of reviews. Either very good or very bad. Everything in between doesn’t matter.
So this review for the Hole Pro X-230 is one of the VERY GOOD reviews. This is a great tool at a reasonable price. Works just as you would expect and better. Quality tool that should stand the test of time. Quality blow molded the case is well thought out and was a deciding factor in my purchase (a tool like this is worthless if you lose the pieces or spend more time looking for a piece than it takes to complete the job). Case has a place for everything including tools needed for adjustment, one set of blades for drywall and other abrasive materials and a second set of blades for non-abrasives (wood, plastic, rubber, etc..). As with any circle cutter I have used it is imperative to double check the cutting size and to make sure cutters are same distance from pilot/centering bit. MEASURE TWICE (or more) CUT ONCE!!! And you will be time ahead.
Tim –
No going back to the ole jigsaw..!!!
Great accuracy with well contained dust and dirt… perfect for the low profile LED’s
Jan –
Game changer. Very professional. As others have said, it hangs a bit when engaging into the drywall. Wipe down your shift before use and liberally use graphite on it before every session. Thanks to reviewer who said once you start, just keep on going. The few times I messed up was just from being apprehensive. With a good hole saw each 6 inch hole is about 5 seconds. Very little dust. Spring keeps the tray flush to ceiling. Do not walk the saw around at all. Just go straight in. Walking it will damage ceiling finish.
Love this thing. Won’t be without it ever I hope. Until I get out of this trade and find something better to trade my time for!
Kevin –
Great product! Can’t say enough about the company. Excellent customer service and helpful staff. It’s really nice to be able to cut a perfect hole in drywall above your head without getting a speck of dust in your eye! I would highly recommend this to anyone.