Rotary Tools Buying Guide
Rotary tools are extremely versatile handheld tools, well-suited to both DIY and professional projects. Since these tools have so many uses, use our buying guide to help you make the best choice.
Do More With Rotary Tools
Instead of using handheld tools on projects, switch to rotary tools and watch as productivity and precision increase. Learn more about what rotary tools do, how to match them to different jobs, and which one is right for you.
Choosing the Right Rotary Tool
If you do mostly heavy work with hard materials, then you're probably better off with a cut out tool. However, if you do small jobs or crafts, the more versatile basic rotary tool would probably be your first choice.
Whatever fits your needs, we've got a wide selection to choose from both online and in-store. For a do-it-all experience, shop for a rotary tool kit so you can have everything you need at your fingertips.
A Few Things You Can Do with Rotary Tools
- Cutting holes in wallboard
- Sanding in tight spots
- Stripping old paint and varnish from woodwork
- Cutting plumbing pipe
- Engraving
- Removing grout
- Cutting the heads off stripped screws
- Cutting nails
- Polishing, deburring, and shaping metal
- Cutting wood, marble, fibreglass, and ceramic tile
- Shaping and cutting in arts and crafts projects
- Sharpening tools
- Etching
- Grinding
Types of Rotary Tools
Rotary tools can be divided into two types: cut out tools and basic rotary tools. The biggest difference between the two is the size of their motors, with cut out tools usually having larger motors.
Cut Out Tools
- Larger motor, averaging three to five amps in size.
- Heavier in weight.
- Requires more control.
- Can cut through a wide variety of materials.
Basic Rotary Tools
- Smaller in size, averaging around one amp in size.
- Lighter in weight.
- Easier to control.
- Mainly used for detail work, like engraving, shaping, cutting, and smoothing.
Attachments
What is it that makes rotary tools so versatile? The answer is simple — the vast array of attachments available for them. Here's a sampling of what you can expect to find.
Attachments for Cut Out Tools
Attachments for Basic Rotary Tools
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