It is always a perfect idea to invest in a versatile tool that you can use for different home improvement projects like crafts, construction, and DIY projects.  One such tool is the rotary tool that is useful for sanding, cutting, engraving, and carving.  It is a straightforward and versatile handheld power tool with a rotary tip that accepts different accessories and attachments. 

Rotary tools are of different types in the market, with each having a different set of features. It makes it quite challenging for any interested buyer and precisely the first time buyers to choose a product that suits them best. We hope you will take your time and go through this review to help you narrow down your options according to what suits you best. Lastly, do not forget to click on the buttons below each item to see its best deal on Amazon.

Best Rotary Tools Comparison & Rating

Rotary Tools

Features

Dremel 4000-6/50 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft- 6 Attachments & 50 Accessories- Grinder, Mini Sander, Polisher, Engraver- Perfect For Routing, Cutting, Wood Carving
  • variable speed of 5,000 to 35,000 RPMS
  • 50 high-quality Dremel accessories
  • 1.6 amp motor
Dremel 8220-1/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool Kit- Engraver, Sander, and Polisher- Perfect for Cutting, Wood Carving, Engraving, Polishing, and Detail Sanding- 1 Attachment & 28 Accessories
  • 28 high-quality Dremel accessories
  • 2-year warranty
  • 360-degree grip zone and lightweight design
Milwaukee Electric Tool 2460-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill, 9/32 x 4-1/4", Cobalt
  • variable speed (5,000-32,000)
  • protected front bearing
  • compatible with all 1/32” – 1/8” shank accessories
WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
  • variable speed of 8,000 to 30,000 RPM
  • 80-piece accessory set
  • onboard spindle lock
Dremel 3000-2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit- 1 Attachments & 28 Accessories- Grinder, Sander, Polisher, Router, and Engraver- Perfect for Routing, Metal Cutting, Wood Carving, and Polishing
  • 28 high-quality Dremel accessories
  • 6 variable speeds
  • 565 multi-purpose cutting kit

1. Dremel 4000-6/50 120-Volt Rotary Tool

Dremel 4000-6/50 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft- 6 Attachments & 50 Accessories- Grinder, Mini Sander, Polisher, Engraver- Perfect For Routing, Cutting, Wood Carving
Specifications:
94% Overall

Brand

Dremel

Dimensions

6 x 2 x 2 inches

Weight

5.57 pounds

Voltage

120 Volts

95%
durability
94%
performance
94%
value for money
93%
ergonomics
Pros:
  • Has a variable speed of 5,000 to 35,000 RPMS that allows you to perform different work types.
  • Sports a grip zone of 360- a degree that ensures you are very comfortable.
  • Its accessories comprise some of the best Dremel bits for metal cutting and compatibility with other tools that give you extra flexibility.
  • You can use this tool to engrave, cut, and other functions since the bits are straightforward to change.
  • Uses a 1.6 amp motor for outstanding performance, and it automatically adjusts the power and speed.
  • Comes with an EZ Twist nose cap wrench making it easy to change attachments; hence, you do not have to slow down to replace an accessory.
  • Works well with a keyless chuck, although it will take some effort to tighten the tips manually.
  • The user manual is well illustrated and very easy to follow.
Cons:
  • It produces a very loud sound whenever it is being used.
  • The tool gets hot whenever speed increases.
Final Take:

This 4000 tool is among the best Dremel tools in the market. Using it is very easy, and it comes with a lot of flexibility without compromising power. It is very versatile and can be used to engrave, cut, clean, sharpen, and clean other tasks.  Its performance is second to none and it is very durable since it is made from high-quality materials. You will never regret investing in this Dremel 4000 tool.

2. Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool

Dremel 8220-1/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool Kit- Engraver, Sander, and Polisher- Perfect for Cutting, Wood Carving, Engraving, Polishing, and Detail Sanding- 1 Attachment & 28 Accessories
Specifications:
92% Overall

Brand

Dremel

Dimensions

9 x 3 x 13.75 inches

Weight

1.6 pounds

Voltage

12 Volts

94%
durability
92%
performance
91%
value for money
90%
ergonomics
Pros:
  • A compact tool that allows you to engrave, cut, polish, and perform other types of tasks without any problem.
  • Solidly built and has a quick collect chuck, enabling you to switch without consuming lots of your time.
  • Takes less than an hour to be fully charged, enabling you to get back to work quickly.
  • Just like other Dremel tools in the market, this Dremel 8220 gives you variable speed control. You will be in a position to adjust RPMs to suit the needs of your projects.
  • Makes engraving easy as it is compatible with high-speed cutters; hence you can always groove, engrave, and hollow on different materials.
  • The design of this tool is compact, meaning you do not have to apply lots of pressure.
Cons:
  • The kit comes minus the right-angle attachment.
  • The 180 grit and 411 3/4″ sanding disc are not available on this kit.
Final Take:

This Dremel 8220 is among the top rotary tools to have been manufactured by Dremel. It works well for drywall cutting, sharpening, and everyday DIY tasks. Its compact and appealing design makes it attractive to users. It is well built using high-quality materials that make it strong and durable. The Dremel 8220 is a very reliable and efficient rotary tool that you can always count on all the time.

3. Milwaukee 2460-21 Rotary Tool Kit

Milwaukee Electric Tool 2460-21 Thunderbolt Jobber Length Drill, 9/32 x 4-1/4", Cobalt
Specifications:
91% Overall

Brand

Milwaukee

Dimensions

9/32 x 4-1/4 inches

Weight

3.75 pounds

Voltage

12 volts

93%
durability
93%
performance
90%
value for money
89%
ergonomics
Pros:
  • Comes with a Red lithium battery and a 12v motor that ensures a more efficient runtime and performance.
  • Has a variable speed that ranges from 5,000-32,000 RPM, offering you full control over its speed.
  • Comes with a 1/8 collet that makes it compatible with other standard accessories.
  • Weighing a mere 1.3 lbs. makes it easy to move or carry around as it is relatively lightweight.
  • Made using durable grinder type exhaust ports that ensure a longer lifespan.
Cons:
  • The case where the motor is stored is too thin and can easily break when not handled with care.
  • Quite expensive, hence not suitable for people who are on a limited budget. Nonetheless, it is a great investment for anyone.
Final Take:

This Milwaukee 2460 ranks high with the best performing rotary tools in the market. It is compatible with most of the rotary tool accessories and very durable. The Milwaukee 2460 comes with a potent motor that works well, and there is minimal vibration even when set at high speeds. Milwaukee 2460 does not require lots of maintenance, and it is beneficial when doing metal works.

4. WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit

WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
Specifications:
90% Overall

Brand

WEN

Dimensions

7 x 11.5 x 3.8 inches

Weight

3.63 pounds

Voltage

120 Volts

92%
durability
90%
performance
89%
value for money
88%
ergonomics
Pros:
  • Comes with a flex shaft, enabling you to do detailed work with lots of accuracy.
  • Has variable speeds ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 RPMs ensuring that you do have full control over the process and that it can also make minute refinements.
  • Comes well equipped with a 1amp motor that gives it the power required for heavy work. There are times when it has double insulation for safety, something that most rotary tools lack.
  • Performs exceptionally well outside the box and is very easy to replace the bits and adjust to the settings.
  • Offers up to 80 accessories included, making it possible to cut, drill, sand, and perform other tasks without purchasing other tools.
Cons:
  • Lacks attachments for stainless steel rod cutting.
  • Basics sets do not come with a drywall cutting bit.
Final Take:

Sometimes even the best cordless multi-tool won't cut it, in which case the Wen 2035 is a good option. It is one of the most versatile rotary tools, and performance-wise will keep DIY users happy.WEN 2305 despite lacking attachments comes with other great features that make it rank top among the wide variety of rotary tools in the market. It is cost-effective and can easily be maintained by an individual on a limited budget.

5. Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool

Dremel 3000-2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit- 1 Attachments & 28 Accessories- Grinder, Sander, Polisher, Router, and Engraver- Perfect for Routing, Metal Cutting, Wood Carving, and Polishing
Specifications:
89% Overall

Brand

Dremel

Dimensions

11.5 x 3.13 x 8.25 inches

Weight

3.33 pounds

Voltage

120 Volts

90%
durability
89%
performance
88%
value for money
87%
ergonomics
Pros:
  • An excellent place to start learning. With variable RPMs of 5,000 to 32,000, the Dremel can handle most DIY projects with ease.
  • Its EZ Twist wrench nose is integrated so you can quickly switch without using a wrench.  It is one of the most convenient features of 3000 as it lets you focus on work.
  • Has a 360-degree grip zone, so you're comfortable regardless of how you hold it. The settings are easy to tweak, with emphasis on comfort and balance.
  • Has a redesigned fan, so it remains cool even when used for long periods. There is an assortment of accessories for the most common rotary tool tasks.
  • The 28 accessories cover all the essentials such as cutting, engraving, carving, sharpening, and grinding. There are also attachments for polishing, cleaning, and sanding.
Cons:
  • Does not come with a flex shaft attachment.
  • A bit expensive for the features it offers.
Final Take:

The Dremel 3000 will provide you with a perfect idea of what they are after. Whether it is carving, cutting, carving, or something more complex, this Dremel 3000 will always rise to the occasion. It also comes with miscellaneous attachments like a wrench and mandrels so you can refine your work. You also get a hard carrying case where you can keep the rotary tool and the accessories.

Best Rotary Tools - Buyer's Guide

portability

Portability is an important factor when shopping for the best rotary tool kit. The tool kit's latest design makes it free-moving, and you can make fair use of it for different tasks. Items are well packed in a way that will help in carrying them with ease from one place to another. When you prefer having the cordless kit, it will prevent problems of getting tangles whenever you have to use it for a longer time. The charging system is straightforward and does for a long time by charging it once.

Ease of use

The rotary tool kit you settle for should be straightforward to use irrespective of whether you are a starter or an experienced user.  Accessibility ease should include changing the tools together with their attachments. The easiness is very common for electric and cordless ones. Ensure that the design of the tool will make handling it better and more comfortable. Ensure that you also check the tool's vibration since it can result in difficulty in your hands when you have to hold the tool for long.

price

Different types of tool kits are always available in the market, and you will have to pick the right ones that meet all your technical requirements. You need to ensure that they are functional enough. Always try to research, knowing that you will get what you pay.

motor speed

It does not matter if you are shopping for a corded or cordless rotary tool; you need to ensure that it is powerful enough for your needs. It will help in ensuring that you never face issues whenever carrying out the required operations. You will also get the idea of a particular rotary tool's performance by checking the rating of the motor speed. 

The motor speed rating is usually given in rounds per minute or RPM and comprises options like 15000 RPM or 30000 RPM. Compared with each other, the higher motor speed rating of 30000 RPM will always result in a better performance.

accessories

Almost every rotary kit mentioned in this review does come with a complete kit. It means that you will get many things included in a particular rotary tool in terms of accessories. Although there are models that include a 50-piece accessory kit, others might have a 100 piece kit for an accessory. 

Any rotary tool with different accessories is a better option as it is quite versatile. You will always get a better value for money when using such types of options for your needs. The accessories include drill bits, cutting blades, carrying cases, sanding tips, chargers and batteries.

warranty and durability

After you have used a rotary tool for some time, it will be facing lots of wear and tear due to the Apart from affecting the tool bit, the rotary tool will also get affected after some time and will start developing some issues. 

It would help if you went for a rotary tool that is reliable and durable enough. Ensure that you check the duration of warranty offered by a particular rotary tool to get an idea about its quality and performance level.

Best Rotary Tools - FAQs

What is the difference between a die grinder and a rotary tool?

They are both rotary tools, although the electric die grinders are more powerful. However, the Dremel rotary tools do spin faster.

What work can I do with a rotary tool?

You can polish, cut into, drill, sand, grind, engrave, clean, and sharpen using these tools.

What type of materials can a rotary tool operate?

Rotary tools can work on marble, soft and hardwood, semi-precious stones, fiberglass, grout, copper, drywall, ceramic, soft metals, and many more.

What is a rotary tool's maximum speed?

The corded rotary tools can reach up to 35,000 RPMs, with the cordless models being slower. There are rotary tools that do not have a variable speed.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.