Best Rotary Tools Reviewed & Rated for Quality
There are a million little jobs around the house and the garage for which a rotary tool is an answer. What’s a rotary tool? Think Dremel. Dremel is a brand of rotary tool, but like people use Xerox when they mean copier, or Kleenex when they mean tissue, the Dremel name has become synonymous with the tool maybe because Albert Dremel invented the darned thing in 1932! A rotary tool (Dremel or any other brand) is a handheld tool that turns a small bit at high speed: 3,000 to 37,000 RPM. That’s a whole lot of RPMs. And that’s how it works: the rotary tool relies on extremely high speed to get work out of a small motor, unlike a drill, for example, that’s turning slower but providing much more torque, or rotational power. Most of you have seen them in action, and if you’ve seen it, you want it.
Featured Recommendations
- Dremel 4000-6/50
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Our rating - Best overall
- Price: See Here
- WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
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Our rating - Flex shaft included
- Price: See Here
- Dremel 7700-1/15 MultiPro
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Our rating - Budget quality
- Price: See Here
So what can you do with this little motor screaming away in your hand? Tons of stuff. Depending on the attachment you put in its business end, or collet, you can cut wood, metal, or plastic; grind all those same materials, sand, polish, buff, carve, wire brush, and more. It’s all taking place on a small scale, though. It’s very handy for small tasks in tight quarters in the garage, say cutting off the end of a small bolt that’s too long, but in a place where you can’t get to it with a hacksaw. It’s handy for craft projects in the house, where you want the speed of a power tool but doesn’t need overwhelming power. Heck, our local nail salon has one for taking acrylic nails off customers; our dog groomer uses one to trim dog’s nails. Any application where you can use a small tool, smoothly turning at high RPM, that’s where you want a rotary tool.
The great thing is that rotary tools are super affordable. They come in several variations, primary being corded and cordless. You can buy just the tool, or you can buy the tool with an assortment of bits and cutting wheels and polishers. There are more esoteric attachments available too, like circle cutters, tool sharpeners, mini saws, and router tables. It’s a very adaptable tool for thousands of uses, which is why they are so popular! Join us now on a journey to get to the bottom of the…
10 Best Rotary Tool sets
Dremel 4000-6/50
This kit from Dremel shows why they are the top dog in rotary tools. Not only did they invent the thing, but here you see the latest model, the pinnacle of rotary tool evolution, the Dremel 4000. It's a corded model, with a six foot cord to give you plenty of reach. It comes in a kit with dozens of attachments and accessories for all those little household and automotive chores you just can't escape any longer. Silicon carbide grinding stones let you work on non-ferrous materials like stone, glass, ceramics and porcelain. Steel and iron can be shaped, cut or smoothed with tungsten carbide cutters. You'll be pretty smooth yourself when you have a Dremel 4000 at your side.
Cutting edge
Cut-off wheels provide the ability to cut materials with minimal fuss. Do wear your safety glasses though, and gloves aren't a bad idea. With an appropriate tool, this Dremel rotary tool will cut almost anything: metal, wood, concrete, brick, porcelain, marble, ceramics, drywall, tile, and more! Remember this is for the small jobs and small spaces, though, not the big industrial-sized jobs! You always need the right tool for the right job, and this one will handle everything you need it to.
Cost and value
This is probably the most expensive tool on our list, but it is without question the best. A 1.6 amp motor controllable through a wide speed range, the basic tool is capable and state-of-the-art. It includes pretty much every accessory and bit you might want, right in the package. No buying essential extras here! We rate it as an excellent value, for its quality and its completeness. You'll not be disappointed.
Strong 1.6 amp motor
5K-35K RPM variable speed
Lots of extras
Compatible with all Dremel accessories
Price
WEN 2305
There is a flex drive extension included in the kit. What's it useful for? It's great for doing fine work like engraving, since it gives you a much smaller, pencil-like tool in your hand. This lets you work with a more natural motion of your hand than if you are gripping a relatively large tool. You'll probably be inspired to try things you've never done before!
Speedy little devil
The WEN tool operates from 8-30,000 RPM. Remember, we said these tools substitute raw speed for torque, so a lot of speed on the top end means getting jobs done, and quicker. If your workpiece is smoking or melting before your eyes, it's time to slow down, though. Reduce the speed using the handy side-mounted control, and you can get the temperature under control.
Cost and value
This is a lower price-range tool, but is still fully cable and from WEN, a respected manufacturer. We rate this tool a solid "good" in the value range. Don't worry, be happy! You'll love the price, and the tool!
Flex shaft included
Bits and grinders included
8,000-30,000 RPM speed range
Handy case
Ergonomic grip
Collet slips occasionally
Dremel 7700-1/15 MultiPro
The Dremel 7700 is a cordless rotary tool powered by a removable battery. The kit comes with a 3-hour charger. That's a mighty convenient tool, a grab-and-go, get-it-done-now option. No stringing extension cords around the garage! On the down side, you get one battery pack, and when it's done, so are you. For three hours. Additional batteries are available, but that's extra cost. Still, it's a great idea and a great tool.
Case and tools included
The 7700 comes in a nice case too keep things together, and a good assortment of tools to use at the business end of this powerful little tool. You'll probably want a few more, but there are plenty to get you started. Dremel accessories are widely available, so you'll have no problem finding what you need.
Cost and value
This Dremel unit is towards the lower middle of our price range when considering rotary tools. It's a good value for what you get. This might be a good choice to augment a corded tool, rather than as a stand-alone unit. Either way, think of your needs and choose accordingly; a rotary tool is one of the handiest things you can own.
Cordless
Lightweight
Nimble
Comes with tools
Two speeds
Battery life limited under heavy loads
You'll want extra batteries
Black+Decker RTX-B
When you think of powered hand tools, the name Black+Decker pops to mind immediately. Didn't all of our dads have a Black+Decker corded 3/8-inch drill? Of course, nowadays, there are Black+Decker toasters, coffee pots, and the like, but that brand always brings to mind hand-held power tools. So it's no surprise they've put out this rotary tool, the RTX-B, which lands in fourth position on our list.
Lots of torque
I know we've said these tools specialize in pure, high speed rather than torque, but the Black+Decker RTX-B has a bit of both, with a full 2-amp motor turning at three speeds: 12,000, 24,000, and 30,000 RPM. High speed and torque mean you have one capable tool in your hand.
Cost and value
Around the mid-point price on our list, the Black+Decker RTX-B will not empty your account. It only includes a few accessories, though, you will want to buy a few more. But it does have one of the most powerful motors in this class of tools, so you will be happy with your purchase.
2-amp motor
Three speeds
Quick-change collet system
Double insulated
UL listed
Limited accessories included
Milwaukee 2460-21
This entry is from Milwaukee, with their iconic red and black livery, and it's a high-quality, cordless rotary tool with a continuously variable speed range from 5,000-32,000 RPM. It feels and looks solid like you'd expect from a Milwaukee rotary tool.
Battery included
This rotary tool is cordless, and includes one of Milwaukee's M12 batteries (we happen to have several M18 tools and batteries around the shop). The M12 series is extra awesome because that same battery can power over 40 other Milwaukee cordless tools, from drills to polishers, and even including a heated vest for those super cold polar vortex days!
Cost and value
This is a premium quality tool, and rolls in at a premium cost. It features a protected front bearing, and shielded, grinder-style air exhaust ports to ensure durability and long life. It is a "bare tool" package, meaning you get the tool, the battery, and that's about it. Accessories are up to you. This is OK, leaving you to choose what you exactly need and want for your precise application.
Flexible battery system
Engineered to last
5,000-32,000 RPM range
Ergonomic grip
Compact and lightweight
Price
No accessories included
Dremel 8220
This rotary tool, the Dremel 8220, will work with all of Dremel's complete line of accessories. It will work with pretty much everyone else's too, the 1/8-inch shaft size being near-universal, and 3/32-inch closely following. You can change to different shaft size accessories by changing the collet at the business end of the rotary tool, a simple task of only a few seconds duration. Dremel does a great job of engineering their rotary tools. Put one on your workbench and have Dremel quality ready when you are!
Replaceable battery pack
The battery pack is replaceable, meaning you can buy a few extras and keep a charged pack on hand at all times. You might need that, because the battery tends to run down quickly under heavy use.
Cost and value
This rotary tool is in the mid-upper range of the tools we are reviewing on our list. It's a strong entry, and if you are thinking of going cordless, this may be just the ticket!
Cordless
Powerful
Accepts dozens of accessories
Removable battery pack
One-hour charge time
Battery life
Tacklife PCG01B
This rotary tool is rechargeable via a USB cable, a modern touch! It does not include an adapter, but these are pretty much ubiquitous at this point anyway. The battery pack is not removable or changeable. It's still a capable, handy piece of gear, within its limitations.
31 flavors
The 31 accessories include both 1/8-inch and 3/32 collets, a drill, sanding drums, polishers, and grinders. you can benefit from the standard collet sizes to buy additional accessories in standard sizes from any maker.
Cost and value
This rotary tool is at the lower end of our price range. The manufacturer states right up front that this is not an industrial-strength tool, but is best suited for light home use. If that's all you need, you can pick one of these up cheap and take care of those little jobs right away.
Lightweight
Rechargeable
Two collet sizes
USB charging cable
31 accessories included
Low speed compared to others
No wall adapter included
GOXAWEE
Whatever it is, it's a 1-amp rotary tool with an amazing variety of accessories! You'll find everything you need to do almost any common task, right in the package. The corded model saves charging or looking for battery packs. The speed is controllable across five discreet steps across a range from 8,000 to 30,000 RPM. Whichever it is, we like this rotary tool and think it's a good piece of equipment.
Spare brushes
In an unusual twist, the accessory kit includes a set of spare brushes for the motor. The brushes in an electric motor transmit electric power to the rotating part of the motor. Since they are stationary and the shaft is rotating, there is wear that occurs as the tool runs. Eventually the motor will lose some efficiency, or perhaps run intermittently or not at all. GOXAWEE includes extra brushes right in the kit, which did make us wonder just a bit how fast they'd need to be replaced.
Cost and value
This a lower-mid price range tool, and given its wide variety of accessories, is a pretty good deal. We'd think this would make a great gift for the mechanic or do-it-yourselfer in your life. We don't hesitate to place it on our list, give the price-point and completeness of the kit.
1.0-amp motor
Extra brushes included
140 accessories
Flex shaft included
Case included
We wondered about brush life
WORKPRO W004508A
1.4-amps is a little higher than average for the lower-end tools, and that's a plus! These tools work by turning at high speeds, but a little more power will keep them from bogging down during heavy going. This is a nice plus at this tool's price-point. You should be aware that the tool case may flex a little if you put heavy pressure on it. Nonetheless, this rotary tool will get the job done.
Over a hundred accessories
There are a ton of accessories included, from the usual sanders and grinders to two diamond engraving bits. Those will do a fine job of helping you express your creativity engraving glass, stone, or even precious stones. You need to supply your own skill and bravery if you try the last, but it can be done!
Cost and value
This is an inexpensive kit, considering everything that's in it. It's a decent value for the money, we don't hesitate to recommend it on our list, albeit at a position a little towards the bottom.
104 accessories
1.4-amp motor
Two diamond tips
8,000-35,000 RPM range
Case included
Tool case flexes under heavy pressure
WORKPRO Cordless
You'll enjoy using your cordless WORKPRO rotary tool with its ergo-friendly soft touch grip section, giving you ultimate control over the depth and direction of polishing, grinding, engraving or cutting. It is compact and lightweight for easy use and storage. We like what we see here, and so will you.
Ready to rumble
This is a complete kit, containing everything you need to put your rotary tool to use immediately. You might need to take a minute to charge the battery, but everything you need for most jobs is included. Exercise your imagination and engrave or carve anything on almost any material. Or simply polish up the jewelry you've always meaning to get around to. Whatever it is, you'll be doing it quickly and efficiently after taking the WORKPRO Cordless rotary tool home.
Cost and value
This rotary tool rolls in about the middle of our price range. That's not bad considering it has cordless convenience, 12V battery power, and 70 included accessories. It seems to us that this is at the right price-point for its features. We are encouraged that the last entry on our list is still this capable and complete. You'll be able to find something you like at a price you like, whatever choice you make.
Cordless
12V Li-ion battery
70 accessories
6 speed settings
Handy organizing case
A little more expensive than some
Full battery charge takes 4 hours
We’ll bet you can’t wait to get your hands on one of these rotary tool sets now that you’ve scanned the list we compiled. We can’t wait til the next time we have an opportunity to use one! There’s something satisfying about holding a well-crafted tool in your hands and letting it be the conduit for your skill, creating or repairing the things in your life that matter to you.
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Rotary Tool Sets
Amperage
These tools rely on speed rather than torque to get the job done. Applying a small tool turning 30,000 RPM to a small work area will make things happen quickly. So rotary tool motors come in at 1.0, 1.3 or 1.6 amps, usually. A few come in at a buff 2.0-amps. For comparison, a corded power drill with a 3/8-inch chuck comes in around 6.0-amps, turning at a much slower speed with much greater torque. They are different tools with different purposes, but you can see how the amperage compares between the two types of tools.
Accessories
There are a million… well, at least a few hundred different accessories for the rotary tool set, one for everything you can imagine, and then a few dozen more you haven’t thought of. Polishers, grinders, wire wheels, drills, sharpeners, flex shafts, mini-drill press stands, router tables, sanding discs, sanding drums, reamers, on and on and on. Most accessories fit a 1/8-inch shaft size, but 3/32 is the next most common size, with 1/16 and 1/32 being seen in the marketplace. Any size accessory can be accommodated by changing the collet. Some tools can fit a drill-style chuck in place of the collet. Whatever you need, it’s out there somewhere.
Speed range
Most of these tools operate at speeds continuously variable from as low as 5,000 RPM to as high as 37,000 RPM. The latter is turning 616.67 times per second if you want to break it down that way. That’s fast. That, of course, is how their tools are effective, by turning very, very fast. Some tools on our list are selectable speed, for example, one turns at two possible speeds, 10,000 and 20,000 RPM. How fast you need depends on the material you’re working with and what you’re doing to it. All work generates frictional heat, and if your tool is turning so fast that it generates enough heat to melt, or worse yet ignite your workpiece, then you are going to fast. Throttle back and cool it down! That’s where a continuously variable range is nice because you can dial in just the perfect RPM, balancing speed of getting the work done with heat generated.
Ergonomics
Webster’s defying ergonomics as “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely”. These rotary tool sets are designed with efficient and safe use, intended to be used without tiring our the hand or arm that bears them. The flex shafts that many of these tools include provide extra ergonomic-friendly use by allowing the user to wired the tool like a pen, allowing fine control during detailed work. When using the whole tool, most have a slightly flared grip region to allow a similar pencil-style grip, best for familiarity and control while using the whole tool. The last thing any of us want is stiff, sore fingers from using a poorly designed rotary tool, and we think you’ll like the feel of any one of the entries on this list.
Tool change system
An easy tool change system saves you time and energy on the job, whether at home or professionally speaking. Most rotary tool sets utilize a push-button lock system to keep the shaft from rotating while you use a small wrench to loosen the collet. This is pretty quick and easy. Some use a flip-lever to freeze the shaft; others use a screw-up collar to engage the collet and allow you to loosen it. All of these are simple and intuitive, and you should be able to use them without much instruction. These simple accessory change systems are a plus when it comes to owning and using a rotary tool.
Double insulated
The corded tools on our list are double insulated. Double insulated tools and appliances are instantly recognizable by the fact they have no third, ground pin on their power plug. A double insulated tool is very safe, and the chance of you receiving an electric shock from it is negligible. It is also generally lighter, and the cord is smaller and easily maneuvered. Double insulated tools are also generally cheaper and less expensive to manufacture, and this translates as less expensive to you, the purchaser. That’s a little counter-intuitive, we think, that the better-engineered tool is cheaper, but it’s a try statement, and we like it that way!
Other Factors to Consider
Single-speed?
There are single-speed rotary tool sets out there, but we believe that the more control you have over the speed, the more successful your use will be. Always look for multiple speeds, if not a continuously variable range.
Flex shaft
A flew shaft is an extremely useful and ergonomic accessory, and we love tools that include one. There are all kinds of after-market version out there, so if your rotary tool doesn’t come with one, we know you can find one to fit. But if it comes right in the package, all the better for you.
Warranty
1-year warranties on defects in material and workmanship are standard. We noted one tool had a 2-year warranty; this is a nice plus.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is fast too fast?
A: When your tool turns too fast, it generates too much heat. Next thing you know, your workpiece is smoking, or even burning! That’s bad. You want the accessory in your rotary tool’s collet turning fast enough to do the job, but not so fast that excessive heat damages your part. That’s where that continuously variable speed adjustment on the better tools comes in. A quick adjustment on the slide control that seems to be standard will change the speed for you. Slow it down to keep cool.
Q: Are more amps better when it comes to my rotary tool?
A: Yes, we like more power! The power a tool has is measured in amps usually. 1.0-amps would be minimum, and the tools here go up to 2.0-amps. Many are in the 1.3 to 1.6-amp range. If you have a choice, and all else is equal, choose the higher amp motor. It will tend to bog down less under a load, such as when you’re doing heavy grinding or cutting operations. And don’t you know, bogging down is a big drag. Don’t bog down, get more amps!
Q: Are the accessories all a standard size?
A: Mostly. We say mostly because there are several shank sizes for rotary tool accessories. These are 1/8, 3/32. 1/16 and 1/32-inch. The two larger sizes are most prevalent. Any maker’s accessory of a size to fit the collet on the tool you have will fit. Rotary tool sets can be used with different collet sizes; some come with them, and some may be purchased after the fact. They will fit, though, so don’t be afraid to accessory shop, and if you see one you like at the local hardware store, jump in and get it, it will be fine. You’ll be cutting, carving, engraving, grinding, and polishing in no time. Do pay attention to speed ratings; we note that some accessories have a top-end on them, we noted some limited to 20,000 RPM.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with rotary tool sets?
A: Always, like always, wear eye protection, and gloves are recommended. During rotary tool operations, accessories are spinning up to 37,000 RPM. If you’ve not seen a cutting wheel disintegrate at 30,000 RPM, you are in for a treat! A scary treat. Any normal operation will generate tiny chips flying out of the work area at high speed; abnormal conditions can yield large chunks hurtling out at ludicrous speed. If one encounters your cornea, you will not be happy, and neither will your ophthalmologist.
Q: Do you like your job?
A: We look at tools all day, every day. What’s not to like?
