Our Top Picks
Here’s a quick overview of the metal cutting and grinding rotary tool bits we feature in this article.
If you want a more detailed review, please feel free to continue reading.
Enjoy!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best for Cutting Metal  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Drilling Metal  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Metal Grinding  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Metal Engraving  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Multi-Purpose Cutting Kit  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table of Contents
| Topic |
| Quick Intro |
| Product Reviews – Best for Cutting Metal – Best for Drilling Metal – Best for Grinding Metal – Best for Engraving Metal – Best Multi-purpose Cutting kit |
| Buying Guide – Types of Bits for Metal – Types of Dremel Attachments for Metalworking – Maintenance and Safety Tips |
| Best Dremel Attachments |
| Other Available Products |
| FAQs |
| Final Thoughts |
Quick Intro to Dremel Tools
Dremel is an industry recognized brand that is most known for the invention of the first rotary tools back in the early 20th century. Rotary tools are a great multi-purpose power tool that have been used for decades and are popular amongst hobbyists and craftsmen alike.
One such use of a Dremel rotary tool is in metalworking and a quick glance at any online shop will tell you just how many accessories there are available for rotary tools specifically for metalworking. So, for the sake of this article, we spent hours looking for the best rotary tool accessories and bits from Dremel for cutting and grinding metal and we’ve made a buying guide for you which we recommend you check out especially if this is your first time buying accessories for a rotary tool.
We hope that you learn a thing or two from this guide so, let’s get into our list of the best Dremel bits for cutting and grinding metal.
Did You Know: The company Dremel was founded by Austrian immigrant, Albert J. Dremel in 1932 and he is responsible for inventing the first rotary tool. He is also the reason why rotary tools are often called “Dremel tools”.
Best Dremel Bits for Cutting and Grinding Metal
Best for Cutting Metal
Dremel 426B Fiberglass Reinforced Cutting Wheels
Tool Specification:
- Made with reinforced fiberglass
- Wheel diameter: 1 ¼ inches
- Wheel/Kerf thickness: 0.045 inches
- 20 piece set
- Max RPM recommended: 30,000
Overview:
This cutting disc from Dremel is made of reinforced fibreglass.
At first, fiberglass may sound like a weaker material but we learned from further research that this reinforced cutting disc is meant to cut, trim and groove into a variety of metals including hardened steel.
Without getting too technical about it, reinforced fiberglass is a composite material made of a polymer reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon and basalt. They have a wide range of uses and are known to be durable and relatively cheap to manufacture.
The Dremel 426B set is ideally used for cutting or slotting bolts, screws or sheet metal, thin wood, ceramic and plastic. The plastic storage case it comes with has a quick dispense system for easy access to your next cutting disc.
Check out the Dremel 426B Cutting Disc Set here.
Best for Drilling Metal
Dremel 631-01 Brad Point Bits
Tool Specification:
- 4 piece set
- ⅛ inch bit shanks
- Made with titanium coated HSS
- Spiral flute type
Overview:
This drill bit set from Dremel is designed to provide more accurate and cleaner results. Brad point drill bits maintain their original contact point, allowing you to stay on center and begin drilling immediately right out of the box.
The titanium coated HSS (high speed steel) drill bits produce less friction, are tougher than basic HSS bits and stay sharp longer. The drill bits are great for general usage and come in multiple sizes for a wide range of hole diameters. They’re capable of drilling through materials such as metals, wood, plastic and fiberglass.
Check out the Dremel 631-01 Brad Point Bits 4 piece Set here.
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Best Dremel Bit for Cutting Metal
Dremel EZ541GR EZ Lock Grinding Wheel
Tool Specification:
- 2 piece set
- Made with reinforced aluminum oxide
- Wheel diameter: 1 ½ inches
- Kerf thickness: 0.045 inches
- Max Recommended RPM: 35,000
Overview:
This grinding wheel set is great for shaping, smoothing, sharpening, deburring, rust removal and general purpose edge grinding on most metals including stainless steel.
The face and side of the wheel can both be used for surface and flush grinding.
Aluminum oxide is a tough material used for grinding stones among other industrial uses. It’s high melting point makes it appealing as a lining for high-temperature appliances such as furnaces, incinerators and in this case, as a high rpm Dremel bit.
This Dremel grinding wheel also comes with the EZ lock system allowing for faster accessory changes than standard mandrels.
Check out the Dremel EZ541GR Grinding Wheel set here.
Best for Metal Engraving
Dremel 689-01
Tool Specification:
- 11 part accessory kit (6 engraving cutters & 5 grinding stones)
- ⅛ inch bit shank
- Comes with small plastic storage case
- Comes with the 481 collet
Overview:
This carving kit comes with 11 rotary bits which you can use on several types of materials. It has 6 carving/engraving tools and 5 grinding and sharpening bits.
The carving bits allow you to cut into materials such as wood, plastics and soft metals. While the grinding stones allow you to etch onto glass, metal or stones. This is a great kit for the value and the quality. This kit includes the following bits:
Carving/Engraving: 105 1/32″ Engraving Cutter, 106 1/16″ Engraving Cutter, 107 3/32″ Engraving Cutter, 108 1/32″ Engraving Cutter, 7103 5/64″ Diamond Wheel Point and 7134 5/64″ Diamond Carving Bit
Grinding/Sharpening: 83142 9/32″ Grinding Stone, 83322 1/8″ Grinding Stone, 83702 1/8″ Grinding Stone and 84922 3/16″ Grinding Stone.
It should be noted that the number before the fraction is the part number and the fraction is the measurement in inches.
Check out the Dremel 689-01 kit here.
Best Dremel Bit Multi-Purpose Cutting Kit
Dremel EZ725 All-Purpose Accessory Kit
Tool Specification:
- 70 piece accessory set
- Has both carbide and diamond cutting wheels
- Includes discs for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing and buffing.
- Comes with a plastic storage bin and liftable trays for easy organization of the included bits.
Overview:
If you need a multi-purpose rotary tool bit set then look no further than this accessory kit from Dremel. This kit has a bunch of bits for all types of projects and materials. The bits included in this kit are:
Cutting accessories: EZ544 EZ Lock 1-1/2″ Carbide Cutting Wheel, EZ545 EZ Lock 1-1/2″ Diamond Cutting Wheel, EZ476 EZ Lock 1-1/2″ Plastic Cut-Off Wheel, EZ456 EZ Lock 1-1/2″ Metal Cut-Off Wheels and EZ409 EZ 1-1/2″ EZ Lock Thin Cut Wheel.
Sanding accessories: EZ411SA EZ Lock 1-1/14″ Sanding Disc, 432 1/2″ Sanding Band, EZ413SA EZ Lock 1-1/4″ Sanding Disc, 511E EZ Lock Finishing Abrasive Buffs, 512E EZ Lock Finishing Abrasive Buff and 408 1/2″ Sanding Band.
The kit includes everything you need to do nearly every engraving, etching, or intricate carving project in materials like leather, metal, ceramics, wood and glass. This makes it a great kit to buy for beginners as a gift or an upgrade when getting started with your Dremel rotary tool.
Check out the Dremel EZ725 All-Purpose Accessory Kit here.
Buyer’s Guide for Cutting Metals and Grinding with Dremel Bits
Types of Rotary Tool Bits for Metal
Cutting Bits
Rotary tool cutting bits come in two kinds: a toothed circular saw blade and a coarse cutting disc.
A circular saw bit works the same way as a table saw blade. These can cut through plastic or metal pipes and wood. Like their larger table saw blade relatives, rotary tool circular cutting bits come in different diameters and number of teeth.
A coarse cutting disc on the other hand can be made from diamond coating, aluminum oxide or silicon oxide and are mostly used for cutting through hard metals, glass, ceramic and stone. These are often used in pottery and in jewelry making.
Engraving Bits
Another very common use of a rotary tool is to engrave decorative patterns in a material such as plastic. Be it a name, brand or artwork.
Engraving bits are very small and precise. They come in different kinds of shapes depending on the material you plan to engrave. For example, for engraving on glass, you can use a diamond tipped triangle bit. Engraving is a very specialized craft that a rotary tool is perfect for because of its size and precision.
Drill Bits
This one is pretty straight forward. These rotary tool drill bits come in different sizes and allow the user to drill holes in material such as wood, plastic and some metals.
Again, much like with rotary tool router bits, these drill bits are smaller than the ones you’d find on a dedicated hand drill or drill press and instead serve a more specialized function for smaller projects.
Grinding and Sharpening Bits
These bits are used for light metal working such as sharpening knives and polishing or cutting ceramic or stone. Much like the sanding bits, these come in two kinds: grinding wheels and grinding stones.
Rotary tool grinding stones are made of a material such as oxidized metals which give them their color and abrasive nature. They are circular in shape to give an even profile and help sharpen edges.
Grinding wheels are very similar. Thinner grinding wheels can be used for parting-off and cutting while the thicker wheels are good for general purpose. The edge wheels are great for grinding off rust or paint from metal surfaces.
Polishing and Buffing Bits
For the finishing touches on a workpiece, you’ll want to use buffing or polishing bits. Rotary tool buffing or polishing bits can come in very coarse or very fine textures and are used for polishing metals, stones, leather or glass.
Types of Dremel Attachments for Metalworking
Flexible Shaft
This rotary tool attachment effectively extends the reach of the attached bit. This makes it easier for the user to reach tighter angles or spaces. A flexible shaft attachment is perfect for when you need more control over the cutting or engraving edge without the added weight of the rotary tool.
Detailer’s Grip
This rotary tool attachment lets you hold the tool at an angle. This rebalances the tool and gives more control and comfort while working. Although not a necessity, it makes your rotary tool a lot easier to use for extended sessions and is worth looking into.
Dust Blower
This is a nice attachment to keep a workpiece clean while engraving or sanding.
It attaches at the bottom of the rotary tool around the collet and acts as a fan that blows away any loose material like dust or metal shavings. It’s a great attachment to have if you have a lot of small details to work on by improving visibility.
Right Angle Attachment
This attachment turns your rotary tool into a right angle tool. It makes cutting through material such as wood, plastic sheets and pipes more accurate and convenient.
It also makes cutting at otherwise awkward angles easier. Although the bits mostly used for this attachment are cutting bits, you can use this with any bit that you see fit.
Rotary Shield
This attachment offers more protection by deflecting debris or sparks away from the user and into a specific direction.
It’s a useful safety feature to have especially if you’re working on metal, stones and other material that could be hazardous if debris were to fly towards you.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Rotary tool bits are easy to keep well maintained. Just like with any other tool, you’d be spending good money on getting high quality rotary bits and it’s important to keep them in top shape. We recommend you take some time every now and then to perform some maintenance and so, here are some tips on how you can maintain rotary tool bits.
- Use a brush to clean off debris like dust that might’ve gotten stuck between the grooves of the bit.
- Inspect the bits for wear and tear. This can be in the form of bending, cracks and dents.
- For cutting bits, use a clean cloth to clean the teeth. You should also check the bit for abnormalities before and after using it.
- Store your rotary bits in a dry area. Most brands sell their bits with a box or storage of some sort and it’s a good idea to store them there when you’re not using it.
- Do not attempt to chemically clean the bits without thorough prior research. Some bits can be cleaned this way but most of the time this is considered overkill.
- When cutting through metal, try to do several shallower passes. This lessens the pressure on the edge of the cutting bit and lessens the risk of it breaking.
- When grinding the edges of a metal, make sure to steer the sparks and fumes away from you.
- Wear safety goggles and a mask when working on metal. Fumes emitted can be toxic and harmful to your health.
Best Dremel Tool Attachments
| Model | Features and Link |
 Dremel 490 Dust Blower | – Blows dust and metal shavings away – Fits standard collet nuts – Fits the 225 -01 Flex Shaft Attachment |
 Dremel A577 Detailers Grip | – Ergonomic design – 1 year warranty |
 Dremel 575 Right Angle Attachment | – Quick connect system – Coupling system – Load rating 180 lbs – Turns rotary tool into right angle tool |
 Dremel A550 Shield | – Redirects Sparks – Easy to adjust – Compact size |
Other Dremel Rotary Tool Bits Available
Here are some other products we’ve found online which you might find interesting or useful.
| Model | Features and Link |
 LukCase Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set | – 10 piece set – ⅛ inch bit shank – ¼ inch head diameter – Made with tungsten carbide – Comes with plastic storage case |
 Dremel EZ688-01 | – EZ Lock System – 11 piece set – ⅛ inch bit shank – Made with fiberglass |
 Kuenuilr Cutting Wheel Set 36pcs | – Includes resin cut off discs, HSS circular saw and Diamond cutting wheels – 36 piece set – Multi-sized cutting wheels |
FAQs
Q: Can you use other brands of rotary tool bits on a Dremel tool?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. As long as the shank bit is compatible with the collet on your Dremel rotary tool. Take note that you can also use Dremel rotary tool bits on other brands of rotary tools.
Dremel is known for its durable and reliable rotary tool bits but there are some brands out there that you may find cheaper or of more convenience for you.
Q: What size bits do Dremel rotary tools use?
A: Dremel rotary tools accept a wide array of bit sizes. The most common ones you’ll find are the ⅛ inch. 1/32 inch, 1/16 inch and 3/32 inch. There are some bits that are very narrow in diameter and may need a collet adapter. The most common bit shank size though would have to be the ⅛ inch.
Q: What speed can you operate Dremel rotary tool bits?
A: This really depends on what material you’re working on. Plastic and silicone need lower speed settings because they can melt and mess up the Dremel bit. Wood and soft metals require more speed because they’re much denser materials. Dremel rotary tool bits are well built and on average, can be operated at speeds of 30,000 RPM. We do recommend you do some research regarding the material you’re working on first.
Final Thoughts
A rotary tool is one of the most versatile, handheld power tools with a fast-spinning motor tip that is used for grinding, cutting, honing and polishing a variety of materials. Rotary tools have a large assortment of attachments designed for different tasks. In fact, some would say that one of the biggest assets of a rotary tool is its ability to accept such a wide array of accessories.
In metalworking, you’ll want the best accessories possible to get the job done and Dremel has one of the best reputations and qualities in the industry. We hope that this guide has helped you in understanding the different kinds of bits you can use in metalworking and hopefully, you leave here with one or more of the products we recommended.
