We evaluated rotary tools based on reliability, ease of use, available attachments, durability, and overall performance. Our top choice is the Dremel 3000, which comes with a flex shaft and 25 useful accessories and attachments. Here are the best rotary tools for a wide range of applications. Since they invented the high-speed rotary tool in 1934, Dremel has been crafting high-quality tools that can be used on a wide range of projects. The Dremel 3000 is one of the best rotary tools ever created by the brand and comes with a flex shaft and 25 pieces that allow you to do just about anything. The Dremel 3000 lets you grind, sand, and cut with a variable speed ranging from 5,000 to 32,000 rpm. The hand-held, plug-in rotary tool is made with cool-running ball bearings for smooth and quiet functionality. This tool works with every Dremel attachment and this set includes 25 of them. To attach the polishing or beveling attachments, you only need to use the EZ twist nose cap for quick transitions—which makes it perfect for a complex project. There are many attachments included in this set, with the exception of drill bits, although most Dremel drill bits will fit the 3000. The Flex Shaft attachment only furthers the versatility of the Dremel 3000. This piece gives the user a new level of precision that is ideal for small crafts and intricate carving. The Dremel 3000 is our top pick for rotary tools because it works well, lasts long, and can do just about everything. Price at time of publish: $75 The WEN 2305 is versatile and durable with a variable speed from 8,000 to 30,000 rpm. This toolkit features 100 individual pieces including polishing pads, sanding discs, and drill bits. Bits can be changed easily via the onboard spindle lock and the bits in this kit can be used for drilling, grinding, shaping, cutting, sanding, and polishing. If you decide to go with the kit that includes a flex shaft, it allows for more precise rotary tool work. DIYers and crafters will love this budget-friendly option for its versatility, lightweight design, and included accessories. Plus, this corded rotary tool features a one-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $20 The small rotary tool is specifically designed for smaller projects, such as engraving glass, sharpening metal, drilling small holes, or carving soft wood. You can even use it to grind down your own or your pet’s toenails. It is not, however, designed for larger, heavier tasks, such as drilling or grinding hard materials. The Hardell rotary tool has five convenient speeds ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rpm. This allows for precise control no matter what job you are tackling. The convenient cordless device comes equipped with 55 accessories, which include seven different collet sizes, so you can use the tool with accessories from most other brands. You’ll also get a variety of attachments for sanding, grinding, drilling, and polishing, as well as a plastic storage case. There’s even a built-in LED light to reduce pesky shadows and blind spots on your work area. Price at time of publish: $30 This rotary tool is often used by electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople who need to cut through different materials quickly, and as a bonus, the thin and compact size is ideal for prolonged use. The tool has very little vibration or sound, so you won’t have that buzzed hand feeling either. The DEWALT DW660 uses spiral drill bits, like a standard power drill, to seamlessly punch through difficult materials. This rotary tool uses a simple mechanism for changing accessories and comes with both 1/4- and 1/8-inch collets. The power tool only comes with one bit, but can easily use a wide range for reliable cutting. The DW660 has a one-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $70 This set features four collets in different sizes, which is uncommon. You’ll also get a flex shaft and an auxiliary “Steady Grip” handle for precision work. Other accessories in the kit include a wide range of attachments for grinding, polishing, cutting, and drilling. There’s even a small container of polishing paste. Each accessory or attachment has a specific use that broadens the possibilities of what you can do with this WEN rotary tool. The rotary tool itself boasts a significant speed range, with variable speeds from 8,000 to 35,000 rpm. It’s 1.3-amp motor provides plenty of power as well. Accessories are switched out easily with a spindle lock system. Price at time of publish: $34 This Milwaukee tool delivers significant power despite being cordless. The lithium-ion battery, called REDLITHIUM by Milwaukee, powers the 12-volt motor and allows users to sand, grind, and cut without issue. The rotary tool has variable speeds ranging from 5,000 to 32,000 rpm. The entire tool only weighs 1.3 pounds and is just under 10 inches in length for optimal maneuverability and effortless carrying. It’s compatible with a wide range of accessories, and it has special exhaust ports that help prevent overheating when grinding or cutting. Note that this model does not include the battery. Price at time of publish: $134 The corded tool has a 160-watt motor and variable speeds ranging from 8,000 to 35,000 rpm. The motor is specifically designed to reduce vibration and that buzzed-hand sensation without reducing effectiveness. The kit includes 121 items in total with grinding stones, sanding pads, felt wheel, mandrels, and much more. The number and variety of accessories make this tool perfect for crafters working with a lot of materials. All accessories can easily be stored in the carrying case. Price at time of publish: $33 The Dremel Lite works with most Dremel attachments and accessories, but you’ll get several useful attachments with this tool, including an engraving cutter, 60-grit sanding band, ⅜-inch grinding stone attachment, a small and medium felt wheel for polishing, and a nylon bristle attachment for cleaning and buffing. The rotary tool has four variable speeds, a twist nose-cap for easy attachment changes, and a battery life indicator. It runs on a 4-volt Li-Ion battery and includes a USB charging cord as well as a plug for charging the device off one of your home’s electrical outlets. Price at time of publish: $64 Corded rotary tools have more power than their cordless counterparts, as a general rule, but the tradeoff is that you’ll be tethered to the nearest electrical outlet. While the majority of rotary tools sold today are cordless, it’s still worth considering a corded tool if you expect to use it for lengthy sessions or for heavy cutting, grinding, or drilling. Cordless rotary tools are the most popular option, as they free the user to work wherever desired. While typically cordless tools have a little less power and aren’t quite as fast as corded options, today’s models are very close.
Power Output
The typical light-duty corded rotary tool has a 1.8-amp motor, but you’ll find stronger models with 2-amp to 5-amps of power. If you use your rotary tool frequently for heavy work around your home or garage, it’s worth paying a little more for a more powerful motor, but if you only need the tool for lightweight work, 1.8 amps should be sufficient. Cordless rotary tools normally run off lithium-ion batteries. Those designed for lightweight tasks generally have 4-volt batteries, but if you need more power, you’ll be happier with an 8-volt or even a 12-volt tool.
Rotations per Minute
Most rotary tools today have a variable speed control, letting you tailor the rotations-per-minute to your needs. As a general rule, the lowest setting is around 5,000 rpm, and the highest setting is anywhere between 25,000 to 35,000 rpm. If you only use your rotary tool for lightweight tasks, such as buffing or polishing, you won’t need the utmost in rotations per minute, but if you plan on using your tool for cutting, carving, grinding, or sanding, particularly of hard materials, you’ll be happiest with a tool that hits the highest speeds.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of rotary tools, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback, as well as advice from Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ.
PolishSharpenCutGrindBuffCarveEngraveSandDrillClean
But one of the biggest differences in these two tools is in the type of power they produce. Rotary tools are all about speed; it’s standard for these tools to have 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, depending on the brand. Drills, on the other hand, are far slower, but have far more torque than a rotary tool. Torque is the force of the spin. So while a rotary tool is well suited to more delicate, precise tasks, a drill is the better choice for tasks that require a little more “muscle” to accomplish. If you enjoy fixing things around your home or taking on a variety of DIY projects, it is well worth your while to own both a drill and a rotary tool. As a general rule, you’ll want to use a slower speed when working on delicate materials or materials that could melt, such as plastic. You’ll also want to use a slow speed for polishing, buffing, or any task that involves an attachment with a brush. Higher speeds are best for tasks that involve cutting or sanding. But always keep in mind that no matter the task, you should start off slowly and gradually turn up the speed. This allows you to maintain the best control of the rotary tool.
Drum sanderSanding discGeneral-purpose cutting wheelMetal-cutting wheelEngraving tipGrinding stonePolishing wheelDrilling bit
Once you have the basics, you can add more specialized attachments as the need arises.
