A rotary tool is an essential power tool for a craftsman, woodworker, or DIY home renovator. Whether you need to work with metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or drywall, a rotary tool helps you to complete any project quickly and easily.
The 8 Best Rotary Tools
- Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit (Our Top Pick)
- DEWALT Rotary Saw
- Hi-Spec Rotary Tool
- WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
- Milwaukee 2460-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill
- Avid Power Cordless Rotary Tool
- Makita Drywall Cut-Out Tool
- HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool
Our Top Pick for the Best Rotary Tool
Our top pick for the best rotary tool is the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit.
With a powerful motor, a fast-charging battery, a slim ergonomic design, and a multi-functional accessory kit, the Dremel 8220-1/28 cordless rotary tool is a must-have power tool for home DIY renovators, professional contractors, or hobby enthusiasts.
Check the price on AmazonComplete DIY Renovations and Hobby Projects Fast with an Amazing Rotary Tool
In the world of power tools, the rotary tool is one of the most versatile cutting tools. This amazing power tool has so many advantages over similar cutting tools such as a circular saw, jigsaw, or miter saw. A rotary machine has a compact design, an extended rotating element that can be attached to a wide variety of accessories.
It can be used for tight, restricted areas where other power tools fear to tread.
Whether you are on a professional job site, completing home renovations, or creating hobby-related designs in your workshop, the rotary tool has many talents and can accomplish almost any type of task you have planned.
This highly precise cutting tool can be used to engrave words or carve intricate designs on a wooden photographic frame or a ceramic mug, polish metal jewelry, sand back wooden furniture, cut through drywall, hard epoxy, or plasterboard. It can be used with concrete, brick, tile, or grout. You can even use it to give your dog a pedicure.
How to Choose the Best Rotary Tool
Rotary tools come in 3 types: small basic rotary tools, large professional-type rotary tools, and cut-out rotary tools.
Small Rotary Tool
A small basic rotary tool, such as the Avid Power Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, Wen 2305 Rotary Tool Kit, or HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool, has an ultra-lightweight and compact design which makes this type of rotary tool perfect for light-duty maintenance projects, wood finishing tasks, and small hobby-related projects.
These types of rotary tools have smaller motors so they could overheat after long-term use. However, they are perfect for intricate cutting, shaping, polishing, and engraving tasks.
Larger Rotary Tool
Larger rotary tools, such as the WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit or the Milwaukee 2620-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill have high-performance motors, so they are ideal for renovations, maintenance projects, and complex hobby-related tasks.
As they usually come with more attachments, you can complete lots of different functions with just one tool. These high-powered tools can be bulky and noisy, but they are fast and efficient.
Cut-Out Rotary Tools
A cut-out rotary tool is specifically designed for removing drywall and plasterboard. As such it is an excellent tool for larger-scale home renovations or maintenance projects.
Corded or Cordless Rotary Tool
Just like any power tool, you can choose from corded-electric or cordless-battery-operated models. A corded-electric rotary tool, such as the DEWALT Rotary Saw, provides unlimited power, so it is perfect for demanding jobs.
However, if you want unlimited portability, a cordless battery-powered rotary tool, such as the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, is an excellent tool for you.
Variable Speed
Most rotary tools have a variable speed (RPM) motor which allows you to adjust the speed of the tool from 1-3 speeds to suit individual tasks. The tool may offer a wide range of speed versatility such as the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit which has 5,000-33,000 RPM.
The WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit has 8,000-30,000 RPM, and the Hi-Spec Rotary Tool has 8000-35000 RPM speeds.
Ergonomic Design
A rotary tool that has a comfortable ergonomic design allows for better operator control especially when you need to complete challenging tasks.
Ergonomic design features may include a rubber over-molded grip or a minimal vibration design which provides superior comfort and reduces wrist and hand fatigue so that you can work smarter for longer.
Additional Accessories
For ultimate accessorizing for any task, a rotary tool that comes with an accessory tool kit or set means you do not have to keep going to the hardware store to stock up on the bits you need.
An accessory tool kit such as the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, WEN 80-piece Accessory Tool Kit, Avid Power Cordless Rotary Tool 60-piece set, or the Hi-Spec 120-piece kit gives you all the accessories/attachments you need to fulfill all your projects.
Smart Accessory Change Systems
Changing accessories on your tool can be time-consuming, but a smart accessory change system makes it so easy to switch from one attachment to another. Accessory change systems may include:
- Tool-free bit change system
- Tool-depth adjustment change system
- Flip-lock spindle lock system
- Easy-to-lock chuck
- Keyless chuck
- Shaft-lock button
- EZ twist nose cap
- Quick collet lock system
- Universal collet system
8 Best Rotary Tools – Reviews
1. Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
If you have any renovation tasks or hobby projects planned, the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit can tackle any type of application with ease.
The Dremel rotary tool is powered by a strong 12-volt motor that delivers superb performance and its variable speeds of 5,000-33,000 RPM offer you great project versatility.
You will be able to work smarter and faster as the rotary tool has a separate on/off switch, a quick collet lock system, and an EZ Twist Nose Cap for rapid accessory changes. The tool is powered by a powerful 12-volt MAX lithium-ion battery, which has a 33% longer run-time with the super-fast 1-hour charger.
Dremel includes a 28-piece accessory kit, so you can use the rotary tool for cutting, grinding, carving, engraving, cleaning, polishing, shaping, sharpening, sanding, hollowing, grooving, or slotting. It can also be used for a wide range of materials: stainless steel, cast iron, wood, marble, concrete, brick, porcelain, ceramics, leather, stone, glass hard epoxy, drywall, tile, and grout.
With an ergonomic design, the rotary tool’s slim, compact, and lightweight body is well balanced, and the 360° grip zone provides superb control in any position especially in tight areas.
Highly functional, the Dremel 8220-1/28 can be used with all Dremel accessories and attachments. To keep your tool safely stored, Dremel includes a hard carrying case.
A 2-year warranty covers the Dremel rotary tool.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Incredibly versatile
- Powerful performance
- Strong variable-speed motor
- 5,000-33,000 RPM
- Separate on/off switch
- Slim, compact, lightweight, ergonomic body
- 360° grip zone
- Ideal for working in tight spaces
- 28 accessories
- EZ twist nose cap
- Quick collet lock
- Very good battery life
- One-hour charger
- Can be used with all Dremel accessories and attachments
- Hard carrying case
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Battery may not be compatible outside the US
- Battery runs out of power quickly at higher speeds
- Some of the collets do not fit the attachments very well
2. DEWALT Rotary Saw
Built tough for challenging jobs, the DEWALT Rotary Saw is a powerful maintenance and renovation tool.
The DW660 has a strong 5 amp 30,000 RPM that provides the power you need to cut through drywall panels, plasterboard, and even ceramic tiles with the right attachment.
Ultra-durable, the tool has a strong jam-pot construction and its ergonomic lightweight 3.2lbs design means less operator fatigue during prolonged use.
The dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch and tool life. For fast operation and accessory changes, it has a turn-on/bump-off switch, an adjustable guide, and a tool-free bit change.
The rotary tool comes with a drywall cutting bit and a ¼-inch collet and a 1/8-inch collet.
DEWALT offers a 3-year limited warranty on its tool.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Tough and powerful
- Durable construction
- Lightweight
- Ideal for cutting drywall, plasterboard, and tiles
- Turn-on/bump-off switch
- Powerful 30,000 RPM
- Ergonomic slim, lightweight body
- Dust-sealed switch
- Tool-free bit changes
- Adjustable guide
- Spindle lock
- Drywall cutting bit
- ¼-inch and 1/8-inch collets
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a case
- Need to purchase tile cutting attachments separately
3. Hi-Spec Rotary Tool
Powerful, durable, and easy to use, the Hi-Spec Rotary Tool will help you to complete household maintenance tasks and crafting projects fast and efficiently.
The high-torque 1.4 amp/160-watt motor delivers great power for most light to medium tasks and is specifically designed to reduce vibrations.
Whether you need to polish stones for handmade jewelry, engrave a design around a picture frame, sand back vintage furniture, or cut drywall, this rotary tool offers you all the versatility you need. It has 6 speeds ranging from 8,000-35,000 RPM that can be quickly accessed via the thumbwheel on top of the tool.
Compact and lightweight, the rotary tool is comfortable to hold and it has a good-sized 2m power cord. Changing out bits is very easy too as the interchangeable brass collets (sizes 1.5, 2.3, and 3.2mm) can be tightened with included mini-wrench at the locking nut. The universal collet system accepts most rotary tool accessories that are available on the market.
The ergonomic insulated rubber grip provides superior control as you work, minimizes wrist hand fatigue, and keeps you safe during use.
Hi-Spec also provides an extra-large 120-piece Dremel compatible bit accessory set and a plastic storage box. The rotary tool is covered by a 3-year limited warranty. A 130-watt model is also available.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Ideal for small maintenance jobs and craft projects
- Compact, lightweight, and comfortable to handle
- Efficient design
- Powerful motor
- Low vibration design
- Six speeds from 8,000-35,000 RPM
- Easy-to-access thumb speed wheel
- Easy to change out bits
- Collet accepts most standard tool accessories
- Ergonomic insulated rubber over-mold grip
- Comes with a Dremmel compatible 120-piece kit
- Universal collet system accepts most rotary tool accessories
- Plastic storage box
- Available in a 130-watt model
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Bits can come loose easily
- Supplied cutting disks are not overly durable
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Too big and bulky for working in tight spots
4. WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
Versatile and powerful, the corded-electric WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit is a great choice for renovation projects or hobby-related tasks.
It has a strong 1 amp motor that is double-insulated for safety and a variable speed of 8,000-30,000 RPM which gives you great task versatility.
WEN includes a massive 80-piece accessory set that contains all the tools you need to fulfill all your project’s needs. You can sand back furniture, create cutouts in drywall or cabinets, slice through wire, deburr jagged edges or remove unwanted rust from metal. As the tool has a lightweight design, it is effortless to maneuver in tight spots.
For fast bit changes, the tool comes with an on-board spindle lock. One of the great stand-out features of the WEN rotary tool is the flex shaft which allows you to use the tool without having to hold it, so you can perform intricate cutting tasks with minimal vibration but have maximum reach and excellent control.
The WEN 2305 has a good-sized 6-feet power cord, and it comes with a hard carrying case and a bit-changing spanner wrench.
WEN offers a 90-day return policy and a 1-year warranty on its tool.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- High performance double insulated motor
- Compact and lightweight
- Variable speed 8,000-30,000 RPM
- Ideal for intricate hobby-related tasks
- Onboard spindle lock
- Flex shaft
- Good sized power cord
- Set of 80 accessories
- Hard carrying case
- Bit-changing spanner wrench
- 90-day return policy
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Tool can get hot and vibrate after long-term use
- Not a lot of torque
5. Milwaukee 2460-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill
The Milwaukee 2460-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill is an indispensable tool for maintenance contractors, electricians, plumbers, remodelers, and DIY enthusiasts.
The strong 12-volt motor delivers a powerful, unmatched performance under load, and the 5,000-32,000 RPM variable speed dial allows you to adjust the speed to perfectly suit your project.
The rotary tool’s collet is compatible with all current 1/8-inch shank accessories which give you access to thousands of cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and engraving possibilities.
You will experience increased tool run-time with Milwaukee’s special REDLITHIUM 12-volt battery which utilizes innovative technology and the fuel gauge shows you when it is time to charge the battery.
Compact at only 9.5-inch long and lightweight at 1.3lbs, this tool is incredibly easy to work with, and as it is cordless, you have complete freedom of movement and do not have to worry about a power cord.
For long-lasting durability, the tool has a grinder-style exhaust port and a protected front bearing that protects it from dust buildup.
The rotary tool also comes with an easy-to-lock chuck, and the built-in over-mold rubber button allows for fast change bits.
As the tool is built on the Milwaukee M12 tool platform, you can use it with other M12 batteries. So there is no need for any other battery or charger.
Milwaukee also offers a red soft carry bag to keep your tools and accessories safely stored and ready for transport to and from your worksite. It is covered by a 5-year limited tool warranty and the battery is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very powerful motor
- Unmatched speed and performance under load
- Very good torque
- Variable speed 5,000-32,000 RPM
- Compact and lightweight
- Grinder style exhaust ports
- Protected front bearing
- Reliable and long-lasting REDLITHIUM battery and charger
- Easy to lock chuck
- Built-in over-mold rubber button
- 1/8-inch collet is compatible with all current tool accessories
- Part of the M12 system
- Toolbag
- Five-year limited tool warranty
- Two-year limited battery warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Uses battery life quickly at higher speeds
6. Avid Power Cordless Rotary Tool
With a slimline design and long-lasting battery power, the Avid Power Cordless Rotary Tool is an excellent tool for DIY projects and hobby enthusiasts.
The rotary tool is powered by an 8-volt 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery which provides a strong and steady level of power throughout the charge and ensures longer runtime. You have plenty of control over the tool as it has 5 variable speeds that range from 5,000-25,000 RPM, so you can cut, carve, sand, sharpen, or polish metal, wood, plastic, ceramics, and other materials.
One of the most operator-friendly rotary tools to work with, the Avid Power rotary tool has a compact and lightweight body and the non-slip rubber-covered handle is comfortable to hold. The 4 built-in LEDs at the front of the tool illuminate dark areas and give you superior visibility. Bit changes are easy due to the quick accessory change system that can be used with other rotary tool brand attachments.
If the battery runs low, the low battery indicator light lets you know when it is time to recharge the battery and the battery doesn’t take long to charge fully.
The rotary tool also comes with a large 60-piece set, a canvas tool bag, and a fast battery charger.
Avid Power offers a 2-year tool warranty on the rotary tool.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Fast and powerful
- Ideal for light-duty home DIY or hobby projects
- Can be used with metal, wood, plastic, ceramics, and other materials
- Five-variable speeds
- Very good battery runtime
- Slimline design
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable non-slip rubber-covered handle
- Four built-in LEDs provide superior visibility
- Quick accessory change system and spindle lock
- Low battery indicator light
- Fast battery charger
- 60-piece accessory set
- Can be used with other rotary tool attachments
- Canvas carrying case
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Tool can get very hot
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Uses battery life quickly
7. Makita Drywall Cut-Out Tool
Whether you need to complete a woodworking craft project or professional renovations, the Makita Drywall Cut-Out Tool will get the job done fast!
The rotary tool is powered by a strong 5 amp motor that delivers 32,000 RPM for fast cutting across a wide variety of materials. To minimize overheating, the technologically advanced centrifugal design provides efficient cooling of the motor. The fan exhaust vents direct air and debris away from you for a safer and cleaner workspace.
For optimum comfort and precise control for intricate tasks, the tool has a slim 2¼-inch diameter and lightweight 2.4lbs body design.
The 2-way Slide and Bump on/off switch allows for easy handling and the large conveniently located shaft lock button makes bit changes super fast. As the tool has tool-less depth adjustment, you can set your desired cutting depth quickly and easily.
Makita has designed a sturdy and long-lasting tool. The ball-bearing construction reduces friction and creates smooth rotation, and the on/off switch is sealed for extra protection from dust and debris, which maximizes tool life.
It has an extra-long 10-feet power cord with a cord guard. You can store the included wrench on the power cord, and the tool accepts 1/8-inch and ¼-inch bits.
Makita offers a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty on its rotary tool.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for woodworking projects, crafts, or home renovations
- Powerful 5.0 amp motor
- 32,000 RPM for fast cutting
- Lightweight
- Slim body design is comfortable to hold and control
- Two-way Slide and Bump on/off sealed switch
- Tool-less depth adjustment
- All ball bearings construction
- Large and conveniently located shaft lock button
- Technologically advanced centrifugal for efficient cooling of the motor
- Fan exhaust vents
- Extra-long 10-feet cord with cord guard
- Convenient storage of wrench on the cord
- Tool accepts 1/8-inch and ¼-inch bits
- 30-day return policy
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Guard vibrates a lot
- Does not come with a large accessory kit
8. HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool
Lightweight and small, the HARDELL Mini Cordless Rotary Tool is ideal for detailed craft projects and light-duty household repairs.
As well as its ergonomic design that fits easily in your hand and gives you ultimate control and precision, the HARDELL rotary tool is cordless and extremely portable, so it can be used anywhere.
The motor is powerful and the 5-speed settings, 5,000, 7,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 RPM, will suit a wide range of applications and can be accessed by a simple press of a button. A spindle locking button allows for quick and easy bit changes and the built-in LED light provides illumination for dark spots.
HARDELL includes a large 55-piece accessory kit, so you will have a lot of project functionality. You can drill holes, grind and remove rust from metal, sand wood, carve glass, wood, metal, or plastic, engrave intricate artwork around a photographic frame, polish metal jewelry, or even trim your pet’s nails.
The HARDELL cordless rotary tool comes with a strong rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides long-lasting power depending on the speed. Charging time is about 2-4 hours and once the battery is charged, an indicator light will turn green.
You can use the tool with confidence as its heat dissipation holes keeps the housing cool and it is very quiet to work with.
The rotary tool also comes with a micro USB charging cable, an accessory case, and a tool box to keep the tool and accessories safely stored.
HARDELL offers a 1-year warranty on its power-packed mini rotary tool.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Great price
- Five speeds
- One button to switch rotation speed
- Ideal for small repairs, crafts, and pet pedicures
- Fast and convenient charging with an included micro USB cable
- Portable, lightweight, and compact
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Quiet operation
- Ergonomic pen-like design is comfortable to hold
- Built-in LED light
- Heat dissipation holes
- Long-lasting lithium-ion battery
- Charging light indicator
- 55-piece accessory kit
- Accessory case
- Tool box
Cons
- Short battery life when used on higher speeds
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Some complaints about no instructions being included in the box
Our Top Pick for the Best Rotary Tool
Our top pick for the best rotary tool is the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit.
With a powerful motor, a fast-charging battery, a slim ergonomic design, and a multi-functional accessory kit, the Dremel 8220-1/28 cordless rotary tool is a must-have power tool for home DIY renovators, professional contractors, or hobby enthusiasts.
Check the price on Amazon
