A rotary tool is an essential power tool for a craftsman, woodworker, or a 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 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool (Our Top Pick)
- DEWALT DW660 Cut-Out Rotary Tool
- BLACK+DECKER RTX-B Corded Rotary Tool with Storage Case
- WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
- Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 12-Volt Rotary Tool Kit
- Hitachi GP10DL Cordless Rotary Tool With 40-Piece Accessory Set
- Makita 3706 Cutout Rotary Tool
- Tacklife PCG01B Cordless Rotary Tool 31-Piece Rotary Accessory Kit
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.
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.
Complete 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 like 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, and 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 three types: small basic rotary tools, large professional-type rotary tools, and cut-out rotary tools.
Small Rotary Tool
A small basic rotary tool, like the Hitachi Rotary Tool Grinder, the Wen 2305 Rotary Tool, or the Tacklife 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, like the Makita 3706 or the Milwaukee 2620-21 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 rotary 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, like the Dewalt DW660, provides unlimited power, so it is perfect for demanding jobs. But if you want unlimited portability, a cordless battery-powered rotary tool, like the Dremel 8220-1/28, 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 one to three speeds to suit individual tasks. The tool may offer a wide range of speed versatility like the Dremel Rotary Tool which has 5,000-33,000 RPM. The Wen Rotary Tool has 8,000 to 30,000 RPM, and the Black+Decker Rotary Tool has 12,000, 24,000, and 30,000 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 overmolded grip or a minimal vibration design which provide 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 like the Dremel 28-piece Accessory Tool Kit, the Wen 80-piece Accessory Tool Kit, the Hitachi 40-piece Accessory Set or the Tacklife 31-piece Accessory kit, gives you all the accessories/attachments you need to fulfill all your projects.
Smart Accessory Change Systems
Changing accessories on your rotary 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
Best Rotary Tool Reviews
1. Dremel 8220-1/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool
If you have any renovation tasks or hobby projects planned, the cordless Dremel Rotary Tool can tackle any type of application with ease.
The Dremel rotary tool is powered by a strong 12-volt motor that delivers a 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, shaving, 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 rotary 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-degree grip zone
- Ideal for working in tight spaces
- 28 accessories
- EZ twist nose cap
- Quick collet lock
- Very good battery life
- 1-hour charger
- Can be used with all Dremel accessories and attachments
- Hard carrying case
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Battery may not be compatible outside the United States
- Battery runs out of power quickly at higher speeds
- Some of the collets do not fit the attachments very well
2. DEWALT DW660 Cut-Out Rotary Tool
Built tough for challenging jobs, the Dewalt DW660 Cut-Out Corded Rotary Tool is a powerful maintenance and renovation tool.
The DW660 has a strong 5-amp 30,000 RPM motor that provides the power you need to cut through drywall panels, plasterboard, and even ceramic tiles with the right attachment.
Ultra-durable, the rotary tool has a strong jam-pot construction and its ergonomic lightweight 3.2 lbs 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, the rotary tool 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 1/4-inch collet and a 1/8-inch collet.
Dewalt offers a 3-year limited warranty on their rotary 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
- 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch collets
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a case
- Need to purchase tile cutting attachments separately
3. BLACK+DECKER RTX-B Corded Rotary Tool with Storage Case
With twice the power and torque of other leading brands, the Black+Decker RTX-B Corded Rotary Tool will complete all your around-the-house maintenance tasks and crafting projects fast and efficiently.
The high-torque 2.0 amp motor delivers great power and efficiency for challenging tasks, and it will not bog down under load.
Whether you need to polish stones for handmade jewelry, engrave a design around a picture frame, sand back vintage furniture, or cut drywall, you can choose from 12,000, 24,000 or 30,000 RPM, which can be quickly accessed via the separate speed dial.
Compact and lightweight, the rotary tool is comfortable to hold and use. Its exclusive flip-lock spindle system allows for quick and easy accessory changes by eliminating the need to hold down a button awkwardly. The universal collet system is highly efficient and accepts all standard rotary tool accessories that are currently available on the market.
The rubber overmold grips provide superior comfort and control and minimize wrist and hand fatigue.
Black+ Decker provide you with everything you need to get started: five attachments, a durable storage bag, and a wrench. A 2-year warranty covers the rotary tool.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for renovations and hobby projects
- Compact, lightweight, and comfortable to handle
- Efficient design
- Ideal for any home improvement or craft jobs
- Powerful high-torque motor
- Motor will not become bogged down under load
- Three speeds: 12,000, 24,000 or 30,000 RPM
- Easy-to-access separate speed dial
- Exclusive flip-lock spindle system
- Universal collet accepts all standard rotary tool accessories
- Soft non-slip overmold grip
- Separate speed dial
- Five accessories
- Storage bag
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Bits often get stuck in the mandrel
- Tool can get very hot
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Does not come with a lot of accessories
4. WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
Versatile and powerful, the corded-electric WEN 2305 Rotary Tool 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 to 30,000 RPM which gives you great task versatility.
WEN includes a massive 80-piece accessory set which 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 rotary tool has a lightweight design, it is effortless to maneuver in tight spots.
For fast bit changes, the rotary 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-foot power cord, and it comes with a hard carrying case and a bit-changing spanner wrench.
WEN offers a 90-day return policy and 1-year warranty on their rotary tool.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- High performance double insulated motor
- Compact and lightweight
- Variable speed 8,000 to 30,000 RPM
- Ideal for intricate hobby-related tasks
- On-board spindle lock
- Flex shaft
- Good sized power cord
- Set of 80 accessories
- Hard carrying case
- Bit-changing spanner wrench
- 90-day return policy
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- The tool can get hot and vibrate after long-term use
- Not a lot of torque
5. Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 12-Volt Rotary Tool Kit
The Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Cordless Rotary tool 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-inches long and lightweight at 1.3 lbs, 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 rotary 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 overmold rubber button allows for fast change bits.
As the rotary 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. The rotary tool 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 overmold rubber button
- 1/8-inch collet is compatible with all current rotary tool accessories
- Part of the M12 system
- Toolbag
- 5-year limited tool warranty
- 2-year limited battery warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Uses battery life quickly at higher speeds
6. Hitachi GP10DL Cordless Rotary Tool With 40-Piece Accessory Set
With a slimline design, innovative technology, and long-lasting battery power, the Hitachi GP10DL Cordless Rotary Tool Micro Grinder is an excellent tool for DIY home enthusiasts.
The Hitachi GP10DL is powered by a strong lithium-ion 12-volt battery which provides a steady level of power throughout the charge, 3-times longer battery life and it is 50% lighter at only 1.06 lbs. You have plenty of control over the tool as it has a no-load variable speed from 5,000 to 35,000 RPM, so you can cut, grind, sharpen or polish to your heart's content.
One of the most operator-friendly rotary tools to work with, the GP110DL has a slim (8-3/16-inches) profile, a soft grip handle, and Hitachi's innovative anti-vibration technology gives you comfortable control over the tool. If you need to work in low light situations, the built-in LED gives you superior visibility.
If the battery runs low, the low battery indicator light lets you know when it is time to recharge the battery and the battery only takes 40-minutes to charge fully.
Hitachi includes an extra large 40-piece set, a keyless chuck, and a hard carrying case to keep your rotary tool and attachments safely stored.
A 1-year tool warranty covers the rotary and a 2-year warranty covers the battery.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Fast and powerful
- Ideal for light-duty home renovations or hobby projects
- 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
- Variable speed dial
- Three times longer battery life
- Battery is 50% lighter
- Innovative anti-vibration technology
- Compact, slim profile
- Soft grip handle
- Built-in LED light for superior visibility
- Low battery indicator light
- 40-minute battery charger
- 40-piece accessory set
- Hard carrying case
- 1-year tool warranty
- 2-year battery warranty
Cons
- The tool can get very hot
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Keyless chuck does not tighten properly
7. Makita 3706 Cutout Rotary Tool
Whether you need to complete a woodworking craft project or professional renovations, the Makita 3706 Drywall Cutout Corded Rotary 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 work-space.
For optimum comfort and precise control for intricate tasks, the tool has a slim (2¼-inch diameter) and lightweight (2.4 lbs) 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 rotary tool has tool-less depth adjustment, you can set your desired cutting depth quickly and easily.
Makita has designed a sturdy and long-lasting rotary 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.
The rotary tool has an extra long 10-foot 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 their 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
- 2-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-foot cord with cord guard
- Convenient storage of wrench on the cord
- Tool accepts 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch bits
- 30-day return policy
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Guard vibrates a lot
- Does not come with a large accessory kit
8. Tacklife PCG01B Cordless Rotary Tool 31-Piece Rotary Accessory Kit
This compact and efficient rechargeable Tacklife PCG01B Cordless Rotary Tool is a fantastic tool for light-duty household renovation tasks or hobby-related projects.
Ultra-compact and extremely lightweight, the Tacklife rotary tool is very portable, and the soft rubberized handle allows for comfortable gripping while you work.
You can adjust the three speeds – 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 RPM, to suit your specific application with a simple press of a button.
TackLife includes a 31-piece accessory kit, so you have a lot of project versatility. You can drill holes, grind metal, engrave some intricate artwork around a photographic frame or on a glass jug, polish metal jewelry, carve wood, or even trim your pet’s nails.
For quick and easy charge-up, the rotary tool comes with a micro USB charging cable (adapter not included) which is compatible with iPhone and Android phones so that you can recharge your super little rotary tool anywhere, anytime. The full charging time is about 2 hours and can be used for about 90 minutes.
You can use the tool with confidence as Tacklife includes overload protection and the tool is very quiet to work with.
The rotary tool also comes with a lithium-ion battery, a 3/32-inch and 1/8-inch collet, a wrench for easy bit changes, and a carrying case.
Tacklife offer a 24-month warranty on their power-packed micro rotary tool.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 RPM
- One button to switch rotation speed
- Ideal for small repairs, hobby-related tasks, and pet pedicures
- Fast and convenient charging with an included micro USB cable
- Compatible with iPhone and Android systems
- Portable, lightweight, and compact
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Quiet operation
- Soft rubberized easy-gripping handle
- Overload protection
- Good battery life
- 31-piece accessory kit
- 3/32-inch and 1/8-inch collet
- Carrying case
- 24-month warranty
Cons
- Short battery life
- Bits can be hard to attach to the chuck
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
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.
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.
