10 Best Rotary Tools in 2022
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There are many different reasons why you might want the best rotary tool you can find, from home cutting, grinding, polishing and sanding to small scale or more detailed professional work as an electrician, contractor, plumber or many other jobs. There are many different types of rotary tool available, however, and each one has its own specific advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before you choose which model of rotary tool to purchase. We have extensively researched rotary tools in order to narrow down the field a bit and make your decision easier.
Below, you will find the results of our research with our top 10 rotary tools in 2022 list. In each one of these rotary tool reviews, we will break down the most essential features of each of our 10 best rotary tools, exploring the significant advantages and disadvantages of each one in order to help you determine which one is best suited to your personal needs. Read on below to find out what we thought of each of our top 10 rotary tools!
View the Best Rotary Tool, Below.
- Dremel 8050-N/18 Micro Cordless Rotary Tool
- Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool
- WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
- TACKLIFE RTD35ACL Rotary Tool Kit
- DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool
- Milwaukee 2460-20 Rotary Tool
- Dremel 4300-5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool
- BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 Rotary Tool
- GOXAWEE Rotary Tool Kit
- Dremel 3000-2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit
1. Dremel 8050-N/18 Micro Cordless Rotary Tool
Sleek and ergonomic in design, the Dremel 8050 N/18 Micro Cordless Rotary Tool is a slick and flashy looking model of rotary tool that offers excellent performance and comfortable user experience. Its ergonomic design remains comfortable to hold even after extended periods of time, while the docking station ensures that the tool stays fully charged at all times. The range of accessories included ensures that this rotary tool can be used effectively for a wide range of different purposes, and the included front end LED lighting illuminates your work area, allowing for easy use even in dark, enclosed spaces.
The Dremel 8050 N/18 Micro Cordless Rotary Tool is a slick, modern rotary tool packed with high-quality design elements to improve your user experience. This is an excellent premium option for more advanced users in search of a high quality cordless rotary tool.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool
The Dremel 8220 1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool is a compact, powerful, and versatile tool suitable for a wide range of different grinding and sanding applications in many different situations. This is a cordless rotary tool, making it ideal for use on the go or in inconvenient locations without the complexity of tangled power cords. Its body is ergonomically designed for comfortable and stable grip at any angle in any position, and the head is designed for compatibility with all existing Dremel accessories and attachments to further increase the range of potential applications of this rotary tool.
Compact, cordless, and convenient, the Dremel 8220 1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool is an excellent option for sanding and grinding jobs on the go.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
The WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft is a great starter option for anyone looking for an affordable first rotary tool. This is a lightweight and easy to use tool that comes with over 100 accessories, and is also compatible with Dremel accessories for added versatility and flexibility. This rotary tool, however, does not have the durability and long life of more expensive premium brands such as Dremel and is likely to wear out faster than a more expensive model might.
Running relatively quietly even at higher speeds, the WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft is a surprisingly effective and advanced rotary tool for its affordable price.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. TACKLIFE RTD35ACL Rotary Tool Kit
The Tacklife RTD35ACL Rotary Tool Kit is one of the most versatile rotary tool kit sets out there, incorporating 80 accessories, from grinding pads to polishing bits, as well as four major attachments. These attachments consist of an auxiliary handle, a flex shaft, a cutting guide, and a multi-purpose cutting bit for added versatility. Each one of these accessories has a specific and valuable use, adding further to the range of possible applications of the Tacklife RTD35ACL Rotary Tool Kit.
Combining versatility and affordability, the TACKLIFE RTD35ACL Rotary Tool Kit offers an impressive level of functionality and flexibility for such an affordable model of rotary tool.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool
Surprisingly compact for such a heavyweight corded rotary tool, the DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool is a durable and small-sized tool that offers excellent performance in most situations. It weighs quite a lot but is slim enough in design to be relatively easy to hold stably for long periods of time. A range of different bits are included and can be switched between quickly and easily with no wrench required to complete the process. The user interface is very simple and intuitive, and the switch is dust-sealed to protect the internal motors from dust clogging and damage, extending the lifespan of this durable rotary tool.
The DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool is a tough and durable corded rotary tool that’s designed to stay at maximum operational efficiency for as long as possible, even when facing extremely heavy regular use.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. Milwaukee 2460-20 Rotary Tool
The Milwaukee 2460 20 Rotary Tool brings the expertise in industrial straight and die grinders that Milwaukee has developed over the years to the world of lightweight, cordless rotary tools in style. Its body is tough and durable, with grinder style exhaust ports for ventilation to keep the tool as cool as possible, while the speed is controlled by a dial for fluid adjustment and full control over the user experience. In addition to this, the 1/8 inch collet is fully compatible with a wide range of different accessories from many different providers.
Bringing industrial build quality and design elements to the world of small and portable cordless rotary tools, the Milwaukee 2460 20 Rotary Tool is a tough and lightweight option well suited to almost any user.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Dremel 4300-5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool
The Dremel 4300 5/40 High-Performance Rotary Tool is an exceptionally advanced and flexible rotary tool that offers a great deal of functionality in a wide range of situations. This Dremel rotary tool is compatible with a wide range of different Dremel tool accessories for added functionality, and these can be easily switched out without ever requiring a wrench to do so. The body is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip in any position at any angle, and the all-new Pivot Light allows you to illuminate your project directly no matter how you are using your tool.
Dremel rotary tools are the market leaders for a reason, and the Dremel 4300 5/40 High-Performance Rotary Tool is the most advanced Dremel tool so far, with all-round high-quality design and assembly in all aspects.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 Rotary Tool
A flexible and powerful rotary tool for a wide range of applications, the Black and Decker RTX 6 Rotary Tool is designed for quick and easy completion of any job that might require a rotary tool. Its flip-lock spindle system allows you to quickly and easily switch between accessories with no wrench required, while the universal collet system allows this rotary tool to accept all standard accessories currently on the market, no matter which brand they are made by. The body of the tool is designed with rubber over-molded grips for a high level of comfort and control when holding the Black and Decker RTX 6 Rotary Tool.
The Black and Decker RTX 6 Rotary Tool is a versatile and flexible rotary tool that is ideal for use in a wide range of different situations, offering a high level of compatibility with accessories from any rotary tool brand.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. GOXAWEE Rotary Tool Kit
The GOXAWEE Rotary Tool Kit is a versatile and flexible model of rotary tool that can adapt to fit almost any situation imaginable. With a quick change drill chuck and 140 accessories included, you can quickly and easily adjust this rotary tool to fit a wide range of situations right out of the box, and the multi chuck element allows you to use third-party accessories in a far wider range of sizes than other models of rotary tool can support. The body is designed to minimize size and weight, and its ergonomic design ensures that it stays comfortable to use even when in action for extended periods of time.
Compatible with accessories ranging from 1/64” to 1/8” shanks, the GOXAWEE Rotary Tool Kit is more versatile than most other models of rotary tool, making it more flexible than most competing models.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Dremel 3000-2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit
Offering many of the more advanced features of Dremel’s most modern and high-end rotary tool devices, the Dremel 3000 2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit is an excellent choice for most users. The EZ twist nose cap features an integrated wrench element, making it easy to tighten and apply accessories without requiring a separate wrench tool. The symmetrical design features multi-directional rubber grip elements for added comfort, and the body has been designed to feature a more efficient fan and side vents to allow it to run without reaching as high a temperature as most rotary tools.
The Dremel 3000 2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit is a compact and high-quality rotary tool that shows off why Dremel is the market leader in the world of rotary tools.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Rotary Tools Buyer’s Guide
Uses for Rotary Tools
There are many different things that you can use a rotary tool for around the house or at work, and there may be some that you have never considered before. Different accessories will allow you to complete different tasks, and some of the most common accessories available have some extremely important uses that you may well want to take full advantage of around your home.
One of the most important and popular uses for rotary tools is cutting. With a good rotary tool, cutting anything from tiles to drywall can be a simple and straightforward process. The best out there use cut off wheels reinforced with fiberglass, and these can cut through metal, plastics, and wood with ease.
Sanding is also an important and valuable function of a good rotary tool. While you would never want to use a small rotary tool for sanding a large flat surface, it is a great option for sanding down small areas and details on anything from wood to metals. Sanding and grinding accessory kits are often included with rotary tools as standard, and may well also include accessories for performing other tasks such as removing rust from metal or sharpening tools.
Carving and engraving can also be done with a rotary tool, as long as you have a grinding stone or engraving cutter accessory attached. Rotary tools are ideal for cutting patterns into wood or metal, detailing items of furniture or decorative items with ease.
If your rotary tool is one of the really high-end ones available on the market, then you will be able to use it for grout removal as well as for more artistic purposes. Only the best quality and most powerful rotary tools can cope with this, and you will need a high-quality grout removal accessory kit to get the best out of it, but if you are someone who likes to use a premium rotary tool, then removing grout from between tiles can be an excellent use for your rotary tool.
Corded vs. Cordless Rotary Tools
There are two main types of electric rotary tool available: corded and cordless versions. These both have certain advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering before you buy a new rotary tool. Corded rotary tools have a major advantage over their cordless equivalents: you never have to worry about the batteries running out! The cords supplied with corded rotary tools are usually very long, so you can work some distance away from electrical outlets.
This constant power supply means that they can be used for larger projects and for longer periods of time without having to worry about running out of power. Without a battery in the body of these rotary tools, they also tend to be lighter than cordless tools, making it easier to use them for long periods of time without arm and hand fatigue resulting.
Cordless rotary tools may be heavier than corded rotary tools, and may not have the same ability to operate for extended periods of time without running out of power, but they have a number of distinct advantages that are worth bearing in mind. The big advantage here is portability. Cordless rotary tools are great for outdoor use or for other situations where your cord just isn’t long enough to reach what you are working on.
They are also ideal for fiddly situations where the cord of a corded rotary tool might get in the way and be annoying. Cordless rotary tools are heavy and need regular charging, but they are ideal for small, quick jobs or working in inconvenient locations.
Portability
Portability is a major consideration for a number of users, and if you count yourselves among their number, then there are a couple of things you should bear in mind when you are looking to buy a new rotary tool. In most cases, a cordless rotary tool is going to be what you are looking for, as these designs allow you to move around freely as you work without needing to worry about being within range of an electrical outlet or about a long cord getting tangled up and causing problems as you work.
Cordless tools aren’t always the best choice, however, as they are often much heavier, thanks to the battery built into the handle. They also need to be charged regularly, meaning that if you are working on a big job or forget to charge it, then your rotary tool might run out of power while you are working!
Cordless rotary tools are also often a little less powerful than their corded counterparts, so might be less useful for larger and more heavy-duty projects. Overall, your decision should be down to how you intend to use your rotary tool; neither corded nor cordless is objectively better for all situations if you are looking for something portable, although cordless often has the edge for smaller projects!
Attachments
Most of the rotary tools on our list come with a range of included attachments to allow more versatility and flexibility for your rotary tool. Some of them only come with a few of the most useful attachments, while others have well over 100 different attachments included. It is worth considering exactly what you are planning on using your rotary tool for before you buy, so you can make sure you are getting all of the attachments you need for your plans.
If your chosen rotary tool turns out not to have the attachment you need for a project, you can always buy additional attachments to fill the gaps, but this is an added expense that most people would prefer to avoid. It is also worth making sure that the accessories included with your rotary tool are good quality parts, as it is best to avoid breaking and deforming accessories while you are trying to work!
Some of the most common attachments for rotary tools include the following. Drill bits are often used for small scale precision drilling. Carbide bits are great for carving and cutting. Carbide cutting wheels are effective for cutting through metals. Buffing and polishing bits are designed for bringing metal surfaces to a shine.
Sanding drums can sand surfaces or carve bevels, depending on how you use them and what you’re using them on. Wire wheels are ideal for removing rust from metal surfaces. Sharpening wheels allow you to sharpen tools faster and more efficiently with a rotary tool. This is by no means an exhaustive list, though, as some rotary tools come with well over 100 different accessories included!
Expert Tip
The range of different uses for a rotary tool is enormous. If you are not sure whether or not you can use your rotary tool for a task, chances are it will work well!
Did you know?
You don’t always need an enormous range of alternate attachments that come with some rotary tools! A well-chosen set of 10 will often be better than a broad range of 100.