Greenlee 645-1-3/8 Carbide Hole Saw, Carbide Tipped - Stainless Steel

In this review the Greenlee 645-1-3/8 is considered for metalworkers and professionals who need a compact hole saw that handles stainless steel. The bottom line: it is a purpose-built, carbide-tipped cutter that stands out for clean cuts in hard materials and a quick-change arbor system that saves time. For those who regularly cut thin stainless and mild steel, this cutter offers reliable cut quality and sharp initial performance, though durability reports are mixed under heavy abuse.

Key Features

• Carbide tipped teeth: Provide sharp cutting edges that slice through stainless steel and other metals for accurate holes with minimal burring.
• Quick change arbor: Lets the user swap cutter heads with a push-and-turn action for fast transitions between sizes on the same arbor.
• Removable cutter heads: Available in a wide range of sizes so the arbor can be reused for multiple hole diameters, reducing tool cost over time.
• Flange stop and ejector spring: The flange stop helps prevent over-drilling while the ejector spring on larger sizes eases slug removal for faster workflow.
• Made in the United States: Manufactured across seven US facilities and built for pros who value American workforce production and consistent quality.

Who It's For

The Greenlee 645-1-3/8 suits electricians, fabricators, and metalworking professionals who need a dedicated hole cutter for stainless steel, mild steel, copper, aluminum, and brass in thin-gauge applications. Its carbide tips and 1-3/8 in diameter make it particularly useful for fitting conduit, hardware, and access holes where clean edges matter.

It is less suited to users who need to cut deep material (max cutting depth is 3/16 in) or those who subject tooling to highly abusive use without respect for recommended feed and speed; some customers report limited durability if pushed beyond intended application.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sharp carbide cutting edges produce clean holes in stainless and mild steel with minimal finishing.
• Quick-change arbor system speeds up size swaps and reduces downtime on the job.
• Well-suited to thin metal work and common electrical and plumbing hole sizes, offering good value for professionals.
• Manufactured in the United States by a long-established toolmaker with a reputation for quality.

Cons

• Max cutting depth of 3/16 in limits use to thinner material and sheet metal applications.
• Durability reports are mixed; under heavy or improper use the cutter can wear or break faster than expected.

Specifications

Brand	Greenlee
Model	645-1-3/8
Saw diameter	1-3/8 in
Tooth material	Carbide tipped
Max cutting depth	3/16 in
Application	Stainless steel, mild steel, copper, aluminum, brass
Arbor hole	3/8 in

Our Verdict

The Greenlee 645-1-3/8 is a focused tool for tradespeople who need accurate, clean holes in thin metal and stainless work. It delivers strong initial cut quality and convenience through the quick-change arbor, making it a sensible investment for professionals who prioritize cut accuracy and uptime; those needing deeper cuts or extreme durability under abusive conditions should consider alternative tooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cutter handle 304 stainless?
Yes, customers report it can cut 304 stainless in thin gauges when used with appropriate speed and steady feed.

Does the arbor come with the cutter?
The cutter uses a quick-change arbor with a 3/8 in arbor hole and the replacement arbor part is listed separately as 645-011.

How easy is slug removal?
Sizes above 3/4 in include an ejector spring to make slug removal easier, and the flange stop helps avoid over-drilling.