The 8 Best Rotary Tools of 2024

Best Overall

Dremel 3000 Variable-Speed Rotary Tool

$60 at Amazon $64 at Home Depot $81 at Walmart

We cannot discuss rotary tools without mentioning Dremel, the company that invented the high-speed rotary tool in 1934. 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. This set includes many attachments, 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.

_{Power Source: Corded | Power Output: 1.2 amps | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 32,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}

Best Budget

WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit

$19 at Amazon $19 at Home Depot $24 at Walmart

The WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit might not have the catchiest name, nor is it the option with the highest power, but the price tag will definitely catch your attention. This model is a massively popular product that features a low price—with or without the flex shaft.

The WEN 2305 is versatile and durable, with a variable speed from 8,000 to 30,000 rpm. This toolkit features 80 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 choose the kit that includes a flex shaft, you can perform 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. If you're looking for the convenience of a cordless model, the brand also offers a reliable and high-performing cordless option.

_{Power Source: Corded | Power Output: 1 amp | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 30,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}

Best Cordless

Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 12-Volt Rotary Tool

$97 at Amazon $99 at Home Depot View on Toolnut.com

Compact and lightweight, the Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 is an excellent choice for those who don't want a cumbersome cord attached to their tool. Perfectly designed for tradespeople on the go or anyone who wants to keep a versatile tool in the truck, the rotary tool can do just about anything that more expensive or bulky models can and do well.

This Milwaukee tool delivers significant power despite being cordless. Milwaukee's lithium-ion battery, called REDLITHIUM, powers the 12-volt motor and allows users to sand, grind, and cut without issue. Like our best overall pick, the Dremel 3000, this rotary tool has variable speeds ranging from 5,000 to 32,000 rpm.

The entire tool weighs only 1.3 pounds and is just under 10 inches long for optimal maneuverability and effortless carrying. It's compatible with a wide range of accessories and has special exhaust ports that help prevent overheating when grinding or cutting.

_{Power Source: Battery | Power Output: 12 volts | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 32,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}

Best for Cutting

DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool

$66 at Amazon $66 at Home Depot $59 at Lowe's

Drywall, wood, stone, metal, tile—the DEWALT DW660 Rotary Tool can do it all. With a 5.0-amp, 30,000 rpm motor, the DW660 is the strongest rotary tool available and is perfectly designed for difficult cutwork.

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 punch through difficult materials seamlessly. This rotary tool has 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 it can easily use a wide range for reliable cutting. The DW660 has a one-year warranty.

_{Power Source: Corded | Power Output: 5 amps | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 30,000 | Variable Speed: No}

Best Lightweight

Hardell Mini Rotary Tool Kit

$20 at Amazon

Most rotary tools require a thick cord to cut, grind, or sand, but the Hardell rotary tool is completely cordless and not much larger than a pen. The tool uses a 3.7V Li-ion battery that can be charged with a USB cable and lasts up to 200 minutes. This tool only weighs 5 ounces (the lightest on our list) and is a little less than 7 inches in length, so it can easily be carried or stored.

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 in your work area.

_{Power Source: Battery | Power Output: 3.7 volts | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 15,000 | Variable Speed: No}

Best Set

WEN Steady-Grip Rotary Tool with 190-Piece Accessory Kit

$35 at Amazon $35 at Home Depot $35 at Walmart

Many rotary tools are sold in sets, but few boast the combination of accessories and an affordable price tag that the WEN 23190 Steady-Grip Rotary Tool with 190-Piece Accessory Kit does. This inexpensive option provides a quality power tool, 190 various accessories, and a carrying case for all of it.

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. Its 1.3-amp motor provides plenty of power as well. Accessories are switched out easily with a spindle lock system.

_{Power Source: Corded | Power Output: 1.3 amps | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 35,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}

Best for Crafting

Hi-Spec Variable-Speed Rotary Tool Kit

$29 at Amazon

The Hi-Spec Rotary Tool is a great option for crafting because it gets the job done and is user-friendly. Even a first-time rotary tool user will feel comfortable drilling, polishing, or sanding because of the intuitive design and included accessory guide (which gives you instructions on what each gadget can be used for). If you need to change the bit, the onboard lock system allows for quick and easy changes, and the universal collet system means that most accessories on the market will fit this tool as well.

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.

_{Power Source: Corded | Power Output: 1.4 amps | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 35,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}

Best for Household Tasks

Dremel Lite 7760-N/10 Rotary Tool

$60 at Amazon $60 at Home Depot $54 at Walmart

Many people appreciate the versatility of a rotary tool for simple tasks around the home, such as grinding down a pet’s toenails, smoothing a rough edge on a piece of furniture, or working on various hobbies and crafts. For those people, the Dremel Lite 7760-N/10 is the perfect tool. Super-easy to use, versatile enough for most of the tasks a crafter, hobbyist, or handyperson is likely to ask of it, and reasonably priced to boot: what’s not to like?

The Dremel Lite works with most Dremel attachments and accessories, but you’ll also get several useful attachments with this tool, including an engraving cutter, 60-grit sanding band, ⅜-inch grinding stone attachment, small and medium felt wheel for polishing, and 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 and a plug for charging the device off one of your home’s electrical outlets.

_{Power Source: Battery | Power Output: 2 amps | Max. Rotations Per Minute: 25,000 | Variable Speed: Yes}