A dependable rotary tool is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. A Dremel is a versatile tool that can be used for almost any job. In the past, it was simple to find a Dremel. It’s becoming harder to find the right Dremel tool for you, with so many manufacturers putting their hat in the ring. We’ll be covering everything you need to know in order to choose the best Dremel tool.
We’ll now get to the top five rotary tools currently on the market. Each tool is a reliable workhorse and provides all the power, precision, and versatility you want in a rotary-tool.
Five Of The Best Rotary Tools Revealed
1. Milwaukee M12 12V Rotary Tools
It is beautiful to get rid of the wires from a power tool. It can also come back to bite if you’re in the middle of a job and your battery dies. Milwaukee’s M12 line offers the reliability and power of a corded device without the risk of the wire tripping over.
This rotary tool has a motor that can run at 32,000 RPM with no load. Variable speed dials allow you to set the speed that is best for your project. All accessories with shank sizes less than 1″ will fit in a collet. Milwaukee makes a few accessories to this rotary tool. But you can also use any accessories from other manufacturers.
Milwaukee’s M12 line offers 10% more power than traditional cordless-rotary tools. Milwaukee’s M12 line has a life expectancy of up to ten years. This is due to the grinder-style exhaust ports that resist clogging.
Most importantly, the rotary tool can be fully charged within a half-hour so you don’t have to wait for hours if you run out of power.
Although the M12 rotary tool isn’t the most powerful, it does the job well and is cheaper than almost every other tool available. Milwaukee also offers a 5-year warranty that covers you in case of an emergency.
What could be better?
- Manufacturer limited accessories
- Low speeds produce a lot of vibration
2. Dremel 4300-5/40
Dremel is the brand that has become synonymous with quality when it comes to rotary tool. Dremel was the first rotary tool. They continue to innovate to offer more useful accessories and bits than any other manufacturer. The Dremel 4300 is the flagship product of the Dremel brand and the most widely used rotary tool. The variable speed corded rotary tool has a motor that can spin at 35,000 RPM. You can control the speed using its own dial, which is independent from the on/off switch.
The 4300 is distinguished by its ergonomic design and rubber grips. The 4300 runs much cooler than other rotary tools.
Easy bit changes can be made in seconds with the new 3-jaw Chuck. Some accessories will require the collet included with the kit. However, most bits can still be changed in a matter of seconds thanks to this new innovative feature. This will save you time and help you stay on top of your job.
Although Dremel’s warranty is not the longest, it is widely recognized for its durability. I know of men who haven’t replaced their Dremels since the 80s.
What We Like
- Variable speed motor
- Powerful and influential in the industry
- Cooler and quieter than other Dremels
- Includes case and 40-piece accessory set
3. BLACK+DECKER RTX-B
Are you looking for a cordless rotary cutter that is affordable and will do the job without breaking the bank to get the job done? The BLACK+DECKER RTXB is a great choice. It is a familiar design that harkens back the Dremel Moto-Tool’s days. The RTXB has an ergonomic grip and Flip-Lock spindle for accessory changes. It also features three speeds that can be adjusted at 12,000, 24,000, or 30,000 RPM.
You can use any accessories or bits from any manufacturer with the collet. This affordable rotary tool comes with a few accessories, but you’ll be able to find bits and accessories for it.
BLACK+DECKER offers the same 2-year limited warranty as Dremel, which gives you some peace of mind that you will be covered in the event of an accident.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Flip-Lock system allows for quick accessory changes
- Universal collet will accept any bit
What could be better?
- Warranty period only 2 years
- It is not as stable or comfortable as higher-end tools.
4. Dremel 8220-2/28 12V
Although I still prefer the reliability and ease of using corded power tools over corded models, there is something to be said about cordless models. Dremel’s 8220-2/28 is a compelling argument for going cordless when you need a rotary tool. The 8220 is just like Dremel’s top-of the-line corded models. It features variable speed operation of up to 35,000 RPM. The battery system has been completely redesigned and provides 33% more run time than the original model 8220.
Although it is not as fast-charging as our Milwaukee rotary tool, it can still be charged in under an hour. You won’t have to worry about that, as each of the 8220 kit includes a spare battery. The integrated EZ-Twist nosecap wrench will be a big hit. It eliminates the need for tedious accessory changes and allows you to quickly change parts and get back to your original task.
You can purchase the 8220 in either a basic kit and a few accessories or a larger kit that includes tons of bits. These kits are perfect for anyone looking to buy their first rotary tools and don’t have any accessories or bits.
What We Like
- Dremels are more affordable than top-of-the line models
- Included is a second battery
- Easy accessory changes with the EZ-Twist Nose Cap Wrench
What could be better?
- A two-year warranty is the maximum.
- Battery life is average
3. Makita 3706 Rotary Tools
Makita, one of the most respected power tool companies worldwide, is not afraid to make top-of the-line products. This extends to their Rotary tool as well. Although this tool doesn’t offer the same convenience as the Milwaukee M12 or Dremel M12 models, it is still a powerful tool that can be used for many tasks. Thanks to an impressive venting system, the motor stays cool and keeps dust away from the bearings and motor.
This tool has a powerful motor with 32,000 RPM. It is not variable speed so you will be limited to 5th gear when using it. However, most people find that they use the maximum speed possible with their rotary tools at all times so this shouldn’t be an issue.
The power cord on the 3706 is also one of the longest available for rotary tools. The cord measures ten feet and is four feet longer than other competitors. This gives you more freedom than you would normally get with a cordless model. The rotary tool can accept all bits so that you can use any accessory or bit regardless of its manufacturer.
This model may be as heavy as a brick. The average rotary tool weighs around 1 pound. However, the 3706 is 11 kg. This can be problematic for longer tasks.
What We Like
- Impeccable build quality
- Affordable
- Adjustment of depth of cut without the use of tools
- Extra-long power cord
Corded Vs. Cordless Dremel
The tool’s power source is a major concern. The corded rotary tool has been around for many decades. Their cordless cousins arrived shortly thereafter. You get reliable power and reliability with corded tools. You can rock as long as there is an outlet.
You are also tied to a cord and must deal with extension cords if you work far from an outlet. You won’t have a rotary device if there isn’t an outlet nearby. Cordless tools can be used for finishing quick jobs or when you don’t have power.
However, a cordless model is subject to the limitations of its battery life. You could lose precious time on your project if you use the tool for a long period of time or forget to charge it.
For large projects, many people use a corded rotary device. However, a battery-powered one is also useful for smaller projects and projects that don’t require power.
Power
Another important consideration is the power of your motor. Even cheap rotary tools can be equipped with powerful motors that run at 30,000 RPM or more.
Corded models usually have more power than those without cords. You may be able use a smaller power option depending on what you are using the rotary tool for. You should consider a rotary tool with 3.0+ amps and a motor that runs at 30,000 RPM if you are going to tackle heavy-duty tasks or for longer jobs.
Accessory
Most rotary tools now accept bits and accessories from other manufacturers. This is a great advantage if you purchase a rotary tool made by a different brand than Dremel. Most other manufacturers don’t make as many accessories for rotary tools as Dremel.
While accessories from other brands can be used with some models, there is something to be said about the company that makes tools as well as full-line accessories.
Dremel products are worth considering if you intend to buy tons of accessories and push the limits of what your rotary tool can do.
Ergonomics
Even though rotary tools can be small, they can be extremely taxing to use for long projects. Some of the best rotary tool designs reduce stress over longer periods of time, making them great for big projects.
Bit Changing
In the beginning, bits were changed with a small wrench. This process could take up to 30 seconds at most. Today’s rotary tools have easy-to-change bit systems, which allow you to change bits in about a quarter of the time.
This shouldn’t be a major feature, but rotary tools with easy-to-use bit systems can make your life easier and save you time.
Ventilation
A clogged motor is one of the biggest killers of rotary tools. Motors can become clogged from dust and debris as you work. This will eventually cause it to stop working and eventually lead to its death.
You shouldn’t expect much ventilation if you are looking for a low-end rotary tool. If you want a more durable model, make sure it has well-designed ventilation. This will help to prolong the tool’s life.
Replaceable Motor Brushes
If you are looking for a rotary instrument that will last the test of time, another feature to consider is user-serviceable parts such as replaceable motor brushes. The life expectancy of a rotary tool can be extended by replacing motor brushes up to five-fold.
Tool with replaceable brushes must be replaced after 40-50 hours of usage. They should also be replaced simultaneously to ensure reliability.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a Dremel?
A: The answer was yes years ago. Many of today’s top power tool manufacturers produce high-quality rotary instruments. It is possible that you like a rotary tool made by a different manufacturer more than Dremel. Dremel is still the industry standard. However, it’s worth checking out other brands such as Milwaukee, BLACK+DECKER Hitachi, DeWalt and Hitachi.
Q. Do accessories have to be purchased from the same manufacturer that the tool?
A: Accessories from all manufacturers can be used almost in every case with your rotary tools. Certain tools may not accept certain accessories or shaft sizes. You can use most accessories and bits from the manufacturer.
Q. Why do I need to use a rotary instrument?
A: If you’re like me, there will be a thousand uses of your new rotary tool.
Although some tools are better at certain tasks than others, quality rotary tools are almost indispensable for small jobs, detail, light cutting, routing, engraving, and light-to-medium work.
There are many uses for a Rotary tool, regardless of whether you’re working with metal, ceramic, wood, or another material. You can also use your rotary tools for many other projects, thanks to the wide variety of accessories.
A: Yes, you can. But it may not be the right thing to do. Unknown manufacturers make a lot of rotary tools. Many of these tools include tons of accessories and bits, and are a fraction of the price of a more well-respected brand. These tools can be of poor quality, often with no warranty or poor customer service.
Final Verdict
We’ve reviewed five of the most reliable, powerful, and durable rotary tools available, but which Dremel tool is the best? The Dremel 4300 series takes the overall honor. The top-of the-line Dremel model is loaded with industry-leading features such as replaceable motor brushes and ergonomic grips.
Dremel’s vast array of accessories means that you can find the right tool for any job, no matter what it is. The 4300 series is our favourite, but there are many cordless options. The Milwaukee M12 and Dremel 8200 series are both great options for cordless models. These tools are reliable and powerful and can handle almost anything.
Which Dremel tool do you prefer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
