What Size Hole Saw Do You Need for a Kitchen Sink?

The short answer on sink and faucet hole sizes

A 1-3/8 inch hole saw, which is about 35 mm, is the most common size for a kitchen faucet or tap hole. Some faucets need 1-1/2 inch (about 38 mm), and a few need something else. The hole has to fit the threaded shank or the mounting tube under the faucet, so the faucet decides the size.

Kitchen sinks and countertops often come with holes already drilled. If yours has them, you may not need a hole saw at all. You only cut a new hole when you convert a sink with no holes, add a soap dispenser or sprayer, or switch to a single-hole faucet.

If you cannot find the instructions, measure the shank or mounting stem on the faucet itself. Pick a saw that is just large enough for it to pass through with a little room, because an oversized hole can leave the faucet base unsupported.

How to confirm the size before you cut

Cutting is permanent, so spend a few minutes on checks. A wrong hole in a stainless or stone sink cannot be undone.

Work through these steps in order:

• Read the installation sheet or the manufacturer's product page for the required hole diameter.
• Measure the faucet shank or mounting tube with a tape or calipers, and compare it to the stated size.
• Check the deck thickness of the sink or countertop, which tells you how deep the saw must cut.
• Look under the sink for pipes, braces or ribs that could block the saw or the faucet nut.
• Mark the center of the hole with a center punch or tape, then test the layout with the faucet base before drilling.

Match the saw to the sink material

Size is only half the choice. A saw that cuts wood will dull in seconds on a steel sink, and no ordinary metal saw will cut porcelain or quartz cleanly.

Stainless steel needs a blade made for metal. Bi-metal blades with M42 cobalt are listed for metal as well as wood, and a carbide-tipped set can also be an option. One carbide set in our data, the dashap 27-piece kit, lists cuts in 3 mm stainless steel. Use cutting oil or coolant, and keep the drill speed low.

Composite and solid-surface sinks, ceramic, porcelain, granite and quartz usually call for a diamond hole saw, often used with water to keep the cut cool. Many fabricators drill stone tops for this reason. If you are not sure, ask a pro before you risk a cracked sink.

Wood countertops and laminate over particleboard are easier. A general-purpose saw works, but cut slowly to avoid chipping on the surface layer.

Which kit sizes cover a kitchen faucet

Before you buy, read the actual size list in the product listing. A kit that spans the right range can still skip the exact size you need.

What sizes do hole saws come in?

Hole saws are sold in a wide range of diameters. Among the kits on our comparison page, the smallest size is usually 0.75 inch, and one carbide set starts at 0.625 inch. The largest size varies a lot. Some kits stop near 2 inches, while others reach 4.5 or 6 inches.

The gaps between sizes matter too. A kit with 24 hole saws leaves smaller steps than one with six, so you are more likely to land on a size like 1-3/8 inch. If you want help narrowing the field, our hole saw kit comparison shows each size range next to blade material.

Kitchen faucet holes sit at the small end of the range, so you do not need a kit with huge sizes just for this job. Large saws up to 6 inches are for recessed lights, vents and pipe access.

Cutting tips and safety

Take your time. Most damage to a sink happens in the first few seconds, when the saw wanders or grabs.

Follow these habits for a clean hole:

• Wear safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection. Metal chips and stone dust are hard on eyes and lungs, and a dust mask helps with stone and composite.
• Clamp or secure the work. A loose sink or panel can spin when the saw catches.
• Start with the pilot bit, then let the saw teeth bite at low speed with light, steady pressure.
• Keep the drill straight and avoid pushing hard, which overheats the blade.
• Use oil on metal and water on stone, and never let a corded drill or its plug get wet. Use a GFCI outlet or a battery drill near water.
• Remove the plug from the saw carefully. The blade can stay hot after cutting metal.

A quick way to choose

If your faucet instructions say 1-3/8 inch, pick a saw of that size in the right blade type for your sink. If they say 1-1/2 inch, do the same at that size. If the sink is stainless, choose a bi-metal or carbide saw and use lubricant. If it is stone, composite or porcelain, plan on a diamond saw or a professional.

When in doubt, cut a test hole in scrap of the same thickness, or hold the faucet shank against the saw to compare. A few extra minutes of checking costs far less than a ruined sink.

Frequently asked questions

Is a kitchen faucet hole 35 mm or 38 mm?

Both are used. A 35 mm hole (about 1-3/8 inch) is the more common size, and 38 mm (about 1-1/2 inch) is used by some models. Always check your faucet's instructions.

Do I need a special hole saw for a granite or quartz countertop?

Yes, in most cases. Stone and quartz need a diamond hole saw, usually with water for cooling. Many people have the fabricator drill the hole instead.

Can I cut a faucet hole with a drill I already own?

Usually yes, as long as the drill has enough torque and a chuck that fits the arbor. Use a low speed for metal and keep a firm grip, since the saw can catch and twist the drill.

Should the hole be a little bigger than the faucet shank?

Only slightly. The shank should pass through without force, but a hole that is too large leaves the base poorly supported and may show past the faucet's escutcheon plate.