Our Top Picks
Here’s a quick overview of the products we feature in this article. If you want a more detailed review, please feel free to continue reading.
Top Picks for The Best Rotary Tool
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Cordless  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Budget Friendly  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table Contents
| Topic | Page |
| Quick Intro | 2 |
| • Buying Guide – What is a rotary tool? – Common Accessories – Important Features – Maintenance and Safety Tips | 3 – 6 |
| • Best Rotary Tool Reviews • Best Overall Pick • Second Best • Third Best • Best Budget Friendly • Best Cordless Model | 7 – 11 |
| Bonus Products | 12 |
| Bonus Accessory Kits | 13 |
| FAQs | 14 |
| Final Thoughts | 14 |
Quick Intro
To start off, there seems to be a common misconception between what a Dremel tool and a rotary tool is.
Dremel is an American brand of power tools, focusing on home improvement and hobby applications. The creator of the first rotary tools was an Austrian immigrant by the name of Albert J. Dremel. He then proceeded to name the company after himself and is probably why people often mistake the name of the power tool for the name of the company.
But the question remains, what is a rotary tool?
Thankfully for you dear reader, we included a buying guide to go over the basic definition, features and functions of a rotary tool. Before we get to our top picks for best rotary tools, we recommend you take a look at our buying guide especially if this is your first time buying a rotary tool.
Buying Guide
What is a Rotary Tool?
A rotary tool is one of the most versatile, handheld power tools with a fast-spinning motor tip that is used for grinding, sanding, 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 a wide array of accessories.
It’s common to see rotary tool kits online that have dozens of attachments so let’s go over some common attachments and accessories.
Standard Rotary Tool Accessories
Sanding Bits
One of the most common uses of a rotary tool is sanding a surface with its sanding bit. These bits come in two main kinds: sanding drums and sanding disks.
A sanding drum bit gets its name from its cylindrical shape. It essentially works by slipping over a strip or band of sanding paper around the cylinder and locking it in place.
A sanding disc bit works in a similar way. You pretty much have these little discs that you attach to the end of your Dremel tool and you use the disc for precision sanding.
Both of these rotary tool bits are great for sanding materials such as wood, resin, fiber mat and even some metals although there are dedicated rotary tool bits for metal grinding which we’ll get into just in a bit.
Cutting Bits
When you think of cutting through materials, we’re pretty sure you weren’t thinking of using a rotary tool. But you’d be surprised at how well these handy little tools cut through things given the right bit. Rotary tool cutting bits come in two kinds: a toothed circular saw blade and a diamond 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 diamond coated cutting disc on the other hand is mostly used for cutting through hard materials such as 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. 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.
Routing Bits
One other more specialized use of a rotary tool is routing. Although there are dedicated wood routers in the market, a rotary tool can be used for light routing work. Mostly to inlay decorations in a wood workpiece.
It’s important to note that rotary tool router bits are smaller than actual wood router bits. This makes them great for decorative work and other tasks requiring precise attention to detail.
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 pads can come in very coarse or very fine textures and are used for polishing metals or stones.
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.
Important Features
Corded or Cordless Rotary Tools
There are two types of rotary tool namely a corded and the cordless model. Corded rotary tools require a socket nearby to function meanwhile a cordless rotary tool relies on a battery.
While corded rotary tools are often the more powerful of the two variants, cordless models offer more maneuverability by removing the sometimes tedious wire. For longer run times though, we still recommend corded models.
You should consider getting a cordless rotary tool if your workspace lacks another socket or if you need to bring the rotary tool outside where a socket might be unavailable.
Variable Speed Settings
Rotary tools have an RPM (rotations per minute) range of anywhere between 5,000 to 30,000 RPM. Because of their wide range of applications, most models have a variable speed feature. This lets you choose the appropriate speed for the specific task.
For example, if you need to buff or polish a material, you’d need a lower speed setting compared to when you’re actually cutting or engraving a material.
Variable speed is a great feature to have and you should always consider getting a rotary tool that has variable speed.
Power Output
Rotary tools are on the lower power output range as far as power tools go. Most corded models have 1.8 amp motors but there are models that go all the way up to 5 amp motors. Typically, you won’t be needing anything more powerful than a 1.8 amp motor. You’ll be able to sand, grind, cut, drill, polish and buff most materials with a 1.8 amp motor.
Cordless models on the other hand often run on a rechargeable 4 volt battery. Again, this is good for most rotary tool tasks and you get the added benefit of being able to carry it wherever you need it. In case you need more battery power, there are models available that have 8 volt or even 12 volt batteries.
Maintenance & Safety Tips
As with any other power tool, it’s important to regularly clean and conduct maintenance on your rotary tool. Here are some tips that will help you extend the tool’s lifespan and keep it in good condition.
- Always inspect and clean the bits before and after use. This is to clean off any dust build up and so you can keep an eye on the wear and tear of the bits.
- Use a brush or cloth to clean off any debris that might have been left behind around the vents or collet. Pressurized air is another good alternative and is a quick, efficient way to remove dust and debris from tight spaces in your rotary tool.
- Always wear the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). Rotary tools can spin at thousands of RPM and this can be a potential hazard to the user. It’s important to wear eye protection, a mask for dust and gloves when operating a rotary tool.
- Store the rotary tool in a dry place. This is to prevent dust build up and protect the tool when not in use. Most models come with a storage case for the rotary tool and its attachments.
- When in operation, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the heat levels of the rotary tool. When the motor gets too hot, give the tool a few minutes to cool down before continuing.
- Match the speed to the material and task.
Tip: If you see a couple of numbers after a model number separated by a slash (ie: 2/30), this means that the tool includes 2 attachments and 30 accessories.
Best Rotary Tools Reviews
Best Rotary Tool Overall:
Dremel 4300-5/40 Premium Rotary Tool Kit
Specifications:
- 5,000-35,000 RPM range
- 1.8 amps motor
- 1.18 lbs
- 72 inch cord
Features:
- Three jaw chuck
- Wide range of accessories
- Variable Speeds
- Electronic Feedback Circuitry
Overview:
Dremel is a pioneer in the rotary tool industry. They are responsible for the first rotary tools ever made and continue to be at the top of the game till this day. So it seems only fitting that we start off this list with the best rotary tool currently available online.
The Dremel 4300 is a great rotary tool if you’re looking for quality and durability in a compact package. It features a powerful 1.8 motor that comes with variable speeds and electronic feedback circuitry ensuring that you get consistent power while going through material. The completely redesigned airflow system lets this rotary tool run cool, quiet, and smoothly. This is a great feature that lets heat dissipate faster and lets the motor run for longer.
Dremel has a wide array of bits and accessories that are all compatible with this model. This kit includes several 5 attachments and several types of bits. This is a great choice for the hobbyist or professional looking for a reliable tool from an industry standard brand.
Check out the Dremel 4300-5/40 here:
Second Best Pick
AVID POWER ACRT324
Specifications:
- 2.0 Ah 8V Li-Ion Battery Powered
- 5,000-25,000 RPM range
- 2 collet sizes for 3/32 and 1/8 inch bits
- 10.6 ounces
Features:
- 5 Variable Speeds Settings
- Wide range of accessories
- Built in LED Lights
- Cloth carrying case
Overview:
If you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile rotary tool then this might be the one for you.
At only 10.6 ounces, this is one of the lightest rotary tools on the market right now. It’s powered by a 8V Li-Ion battery and gives out 5,000 to 25,000 RPM with 5 variable speed settings.
It has an easy to read battery life meter and a fast charger for less down time. It has a spindle lock for easy and quick accessory changes. It also features a rubber covered handle with anti-slip function that provides a comfortable grip for better control.
This rotary tool kit comes with 60 accessories, which can be used to do all kinds of home projects or crafting jobs, such as grinding, cutting, sanding, carving, polishing, drilling and more.
Check out the AVID POWER ACRT324 here.
Third Best Pick
GOXAWEE G4007
Specifications:
- 8,000-30,000 RPM range
- 1.3 amp motor
- 3.31 lbs
- Accepts 1/64 to 1/8 inch accessory shanks
Features:
- Side Mounted 5 Variable Speed Setting
- Wide range of accessories
- MultiPro Keyless Chuck
- Carrying case
Overview:
Despite being the third runner up on our list, this rotary tool has a lot of appealing features.
This rotary kit comes with a wide array of over 100 attachments including bits for sanding, cutting, polishing and even a flex shaft. Its 1.3 amp motor is slightly less powerful than other models but is powerful enough for most fine arts and crafts projects.
This rotary tool is great for DIY crafts and small family projects. It’s also a great gift for the people who are keen on making handmade stuff.
Check out the GOXAWEE G4007 here.
Best Budget Friendly Rotary Tool
WEN Rotary Tool Kit 23103
Specifications:
- 10,000-32,000 RPM range
- 1.5 lbs
- 1 amp motor
Features:
- Variable Speed
- 1 year warranty
- Spindle lock for quick & easy bit changes
Overview:
The WEN 23103 rotary tool is a great pick if you’re looking to save on a rotary tool kit but not skip on quality and amount of accessories.
This accessory-rich kit has sanding drums, grinding stones, cut off wheels and other attachments that make carving small and complex patterns into glass, plastic, wood and steel easy and quick.
The lightweight build combined with the included 3 foot flex shaft make intricate designs easy to execute. All these features plus a 2 year warranty for an affordable price, make this a great choice for hobbyists, DIYers and craftsmen.
Check out the WEN 23103 here:
Best Cordless Model
Dremel Lite 7760 N/10
Specifications:
- 4V Li-Ion Battery Powered
- 1.29 lbs
- 8,000-25,000 RPM range
- Collet size is 1.8”
Features:
- Variable Speed
- EZ twist nose cap
Overview:
This multipurpose rotary tool from Dremel is great for woodworking, carpentry, car care to jewelry making and more.
The versatile 7760 Lite is the diyer’s go-to solution for small home improvement jobs, and crafting projects. It includes 10 accessories to kick start your projects right out of the box and is compatible with most Dremel accessories with a 1.8” bit shank.
Making quick accessory changes is made easier with the innovative EZ twist nose cap without the need of a wrench. Its 4V battery has a LED battery life indicator and can be charged with a USB charger.
Overall, Dremel offers another great rotary tool this time with a portable and reliable design.
Check out the Dremel Lite 7760 here:
Bonus Products
Here are some products that didn’t quite make our list but we’d still recommend you check out.
| Model | Features and Link |
 DEWALT DW660 | Features: – 5 Amp motor – ⅛ , ¼ inch collet – 30,000 RPM – Tooless bit changes – 1.06 ounce lightweight build |
 TECCPO TART13P | Features: – 1.8 Amp motor – Variable Speed – 10,000-40,000 RPM – Keyless Chuck – 1/64, 1/8 inch collet sizes – 1.68 lbs |
 APEXFORGE M8 | Features: – 2.0 Ah Li-Ion Battery – 1/64 to 1/8 inch shank – 5,000-30,000 RPM – Variable Speed – USB charger – 2.26 lbs |
Bonus Accessory Kits:
We included these in case you need more accessories for your rotary tool kit.
| Model | Features and Link |
 Kuenuilr Multi cutting bits | – HSS (High speed steel) circular saw blades – Resin cut off discs – Diamond cutting wheel – 2 screwdrivers – Water proof – Compatible with most major brands |
 Rokrou Carbide Double Cut Carving Bits | – ⅛ and ¼ inch shanks – Small plastic box – 10 pieces – Tungsten carbide – Compatible with major brands such as – Dremel, WEN, etc. |
 APEXFORGE Rotary Tool Accessories Kit | – ⅛ inch shanks – Sanding, grinding, sharpening, carving, etc. – Sturdy plastic storage box – universal fitment for all major brands, such as – Dremel, WEN, BOSCH, Tacklife, Popoman etc. |
FAQs
Q: Can you use a rotary tool as a wood router?
A: Not in the way you’re probably thinking. Wood routers are powerful tools that you can use to profile edges and cut through hardwoods with ease. A rotary tool can only mimic a fraction of a wood router’s power. It’s not nearly as powerful and wasn’t designed with intense horizontal movement in mind. However, it can be used for very light routing work like inlaying decorative patterns and that is where a rotary tool specializes in.
Q: What are some common rotary tool uses?
A: As you may have guessed by now, rotary tools are very versatile power tools. They can do a wider range of tasks than we can probably think of but here are some common uses of a rotary tool:
- Grinding
- Cutting
- Carving
- Glass working
- Drilling
- Sanding
- Polishing and Buffing
Q: Who is a rotary tool made for?
A: Rotary tools can be used by anyone who has some practice and training with one. These are easy and safe power tools that can be picked up by a beginner after reading the user manual. This makes rotary tools very popular with DIYers, hobbyists and even professionals for how easy they are to use.
Q: What can’t a rotary tool do?
A: Despite how versatile a rotary tool is, it does have its shortcomings. Yes, you can technically use a rotary tool as a sander, wood router, metal grinder, compact hand drill and even a buffing or polishing tool. As the saying goes, “The Jack of all trades, is King in none.”.
For example, you wouldn’t want to use a rotary tool to make a desk. Or how you wouldn’t want to use a rotary tool as a substitute for a table saw. The point I’m trying to make is that a rotary tool is a great power tool in a small package meant for small jobs. It’s great at small jobs but don’t expect much out of it for larger scale projects.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article taught you something new about rotary tools and helped you in making an informed decision on which rotary tool is best for you. Hopefully, you leave here with one of the products from our list.
