Cordless rotary tools form an essential part of the modern household. Extremely useful, flexible, and multi-functional for novices and professionals alike, they benefit everyone. Buying one though requires some thought. Here we attempt to identify the best cordless rotary tool kit.
Our Top Picks
- Editor’s Choice: Dremel 8220-1/28
- Best Cordless Multi-Tool: TECCPO
- Budget Pick: Avid Power
- Best for Grinding: Hitachi GP10DL
- Best for Engraving: TACKLIFE
What is the best cordless rotary tools?
To determine the best, the parameters used are Versatility, Maneuverability, Battery, and Value for Money. Versatility is judged on the different uses of the tool and its efficiency, effectiveness, power, accessories, adaptability, and utility. Maneuverability is how easy it is to handle and use, based on built, design, dimensions and weight. Since this is a battery-powered rotary tool, the battery features must be analyzed. Value for money compares the unit price to durability and usage offered. The tool has been rated according to each of these factors.
Our research is based on company product pages, brand value, product specifications and feedback from verified customers. Ideally, suited function for each tool has been highlighted. These ratings and research are on a comparison basis across brands and not per individual opinion. The article rates the best cordless rotary tool, followed by a deeper study of products, concluding with a buying guide to assist in making the decision.
1. Dremel 8220-1/28 – Editor’s Choice
FEATURES
- 12V Power, 1.5 Amp-hours (Ah) Lithium-Ion battery (removable)
- Speed Range: 5,000-30,000 RPM
- 28 accessories
- Patented EZ Twist Nose Cap
- Thumb Slide speed adjustor
- 360-degree grip zone & lightweight design
- Accommodates all Dremel rotary accessories & attachments
- 2 Year Warranty
With its name synonymous with rotary tools, Dremel is the established industry giant. The Dremel 8220-1/28 is a compact and powerful cordless tool, with a high-speed range and a powerful motor. Ideal for professionals looking to work across different functions using multiple accessories. The EZ twist nose cap is a great feature allowing the user to change accessories easily and quickly. Dremel’s thumb slide speed adjustor allows you to set the exact speed you are comfortable with. It is compatible with all Dremel accessories and attachments. The Dremel 8220-1/28 comes with a 1.5Ah Li-ion battery that charges quickly. It is a durable tool with a nice design; though it is fairly light at 1.375lbs, it is slightly bulky at the dimensions of 9 x 3 x 13.8 inches. There is no working light at the tooltip. This limits the tool’s effectiveness for precision or microwork.
PROS
- Ample torque/power
- EZ twist nose cap
- Speed adjustment thumb slide
- Compatibility with all Dremel parts
CONS
- No LED work light to illuminate the tip
- Difficult to maneuver for microwork
- Needs different collet or the MultiPro Keyless Chuck for sanding
- No auto shut off button
- Pricier than other rotary tools
2. TECCPO – Best Cordless Multi-Tool
FEATURES
- 12V Power, 2.0 Amp-hours (Ah) Lithium-Ion battery (removable)
- Speed Range: 5,000-28,000 RPM
- 80 accessories and 4 attachments
- Auxiliary handle
- Accommodates Dremel accessories & attachments with diameters from 1/33 to 1/8 inches
- 2 Year Warranty
TECCPO rotary tool is a durable and powerful tool with a six-step speed selection switch covering speed range from 5000-28000RPM. At 4.4 pounds it is heavy but still comfortable to hold and maneuver due to its convenient dimensions of 9.1 x 1.6 x 2 inches. It is easy to use with the auxiliary handle allows a greater degree of control and comfort as well as increased accuracy. It comes with 80 accessories which are more than offered by any other brand. At the same time, the special Keyless Chuck makes it compatible with Dremel accessories & attachments with diameters between 1/33 to 1/8 inches. The flexible shaft attachment is quickly attached, easy to use and very useful to reach hard to reach places. While the TECCPO is sufficiently powerful, versatile and dynamic, a major drawback is that spare batteries are not available. If the charge runs out in the middle of your work, you must break and recharge the tool before carrying on.
PROS
- Compact, portable and powerful
- Reasonably priced
- Compatibility with Dremel parts
- 80 accessories and 4 attachments
- Easy to use
- Auxiliary handle
CONS
- No LED work light to illuminate the tip
- Difficult to maneuver for precision work due to weight
- Spare battery not available
3. Avid Power – Budget Pick
FEATURES
- 8V Power, 2.0 Amp-hours (Ah) Lithium-Ion battery (not external)
- Speed Range: 5,000-32,000 RPM; 5 speed setting
- 101 accessories
- 4 Front LED lights
- Spindle lock
The Avid Power is the cheapest cordless rotary tool on our list. It is compact and very light with the dimensions of 8.5 x 3.6 x 3.3 inches and weighing just 0.66 pounds. Coming with a 101-piece accessory set, easy to change because of the spindle lock, with low power output and 4 front LED work lights offering superior visibility, the Avid Power rotary tool is a bargain buy for the casual user. It can be used to carry out home improvement or for hobbies/crafts and most lightweight work involving cordless rotary tools. It has a built-in, quick-charging battery, but you cannot purchase the battery individually. It is ideally suited for low-speed precision tasks such as grinding nails or carving pumpkins and not a choice for heavy-duty or industrial work. Though Avid power has a decently high-speed range of 32000RPM, it is not a powerful tool. Using it at full power for the long interval is difficult and will cause the tool to heat.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Good for precision work
- 4 front LED lights
CONS
- Tendency to heat
- Spare battery not available
- Does not accommodate the Dremel keyless chuck
4. Hitachi GP10DL – Best for Grinding
FEATURES
- 12V Power, 1.5 Amp-hours (Ah) Lithium-Ion battery
- Speed Range: 5,000-35,000 RPM
- 40-piece accessory set
- Variable speed dial
- Built-in work tip LED light
- Anti-vibration system
- Accommodates all Dremel rotary accessories & attachments
- Lifetime tool warranty and two-year Lithium Ion battery warranty
The Hitachi GP10DL is primarily a grinder. While it can be used for sanding, wire brushing or polishing or cutting, these activities are not recommended to be performed with this power tool. At 1.1 pounds if it is light with convenient dimensions of 8.2 x 2.2 x 3.7 inches meaning it has excellent maneuverability. It is a powerful tool with the highest speed range on our list. The speed dial also allows the user to set the speed they are most comfortable at. With a soft grip and anti-vibration system, it is also easy to use. However, for rough or long tasks, this tool does tend to heat, with the side location of the air vents meaning it cannot be comfortably used until it has cooled. Also, the tool tends to struggle at the highest RPMs for tougher tasks. This is to be expected given the high power, high-speed range and low dimensions and light build especially for long tasks. At the same time, it is ideal for precision low speed grinding tasks such as grinding nails. The LED work light enhances visibility and reduces the reliance on lighting. It is one of the pricier tools, but Hitachi’s lifetime tool warranty makes it a bargain.
PROS
- Compact and Powerful
- Tooltip LED work light
- Speed adjustment dial
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Limited Versatility (mainly for grinding)
- Difficult to maneuver for microwork
- Does not accommodate the Dremel keyless chuck
- No auto shut off button
- Pricier than other rotary tools
- No option for collets of different sizes
- Tendency to heat
- Chuck wrench used for bits takes time and effort
5. TACKLIFE – Best for Engraving
FEATURES
- 8V Power, 2.0 Amp-hours (Ah) Lithium-Ion battery (not external)
- Speed Range: 5,000-30,000 RPM
- 43 accessories
- 1 Year Warranty
At half the price of the Dremel 8220-1/28 with the same speed range and 0.5Ah increase in battery capacity, the TACKLIFE rotary tool is a great buy. TACKLIFE rotary tool has a 5-speed gear selection to set the speed at intervals of 5000 RPM. It has an internally Li-ions battery which means the tool must be plugged in, with 4 LED indicators to show the battery power. The 1A quick charger recharges the tool quickly. At 2.2 pounds it is heavier than Dremel but with the dimensions of 9.1 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches, it is easier to hold and use. This makes it ideal for precision work such as engraving or carving. TACKLIFE has 43 accessories ideally suited for finishing work such as polishing, sanding or grinding and comes with a shield safety attachment.
PROS
- Low price
- Accommodates some Dremel accessories
CONS
- No LED work light to illuminate the tip
- Heavy
- No options for spare batteries
- Not enough power/torque for heavy-duty work
Buying Guide
Getting a cordless rotary tool kit is easier said than done. Given the competitive industry, most manufacturers offer additional features resonating with those of their rivals. A tool is an apt reflection of its handler. It is better to wield one that is best used rather than the best one available. Before purchasing, any decision must be made keeping in mind the use that the cordless rotary tool is to be put to and the level of experience behind the user.
Key features that must be kept in mind for cordless rotary tools are power, battery, ease of use, price, and durability. Most modern rotary tools come with Li-ion batteries, so it is only the duration of the charge that is a contemplating factor. Since rotary tools are multifunctional, their ability to accommodate keyless chuck is important. Keyless chucks allow rotary tools to be used with many sizes of miniature drills which is important especially for expert users. It is better to pay a little extra to get the additional feature as rotary tools are generally a long-term investment. The ability and needs of the user are important considerations to make the best selection. Going through this article should help decide the tool that is most suitable for you.
FAQ
Q. What is the best battery?
A. The Li-ion battery is the best. All the tools in this list come with Li-ion batteries.
Q. How long does it take to charge cordless rotary tools?
A. Most tools are charged in about an hour.
Q. How long does the battery charge last?
A. It depends mainly on the work. Batteries generally last for 1-2 hours of use.
Q. What is the best setting to trim my pet’s nails?
A. All rotary tools can be used to accommodate this task. You need to operate at a low-speed setting and steady power, usually under 10000RPMs.
Q. Are our cordless power tools noisy?
A. There is generally a slight noise mainly at high RPMs.
Q. Does the tool come with a warranty?
A. All tools come with a warranty. The going warranty ranges from 1 year to 2 years. Hitachi is the exception with its lifetime warranty.
Q. Do I need the Keyless Chuck? Which tools can accommodate it?
Accessory for cordless rotary tool
Cordless Dremel comes with a lot of accessories. They perform a lot of functions. These accessories are easily available, especially if you buy a compatible tool.
The aluminum oxide grinding stones are a salient rotary tool accessory with countless uses. They are strong and may be used on glass, steel or ceramics. They may be used to grind objects, sharpen items such as kitchen knives and be used for deburring or removing rust. For beginner users, they can stand rough work as well.
What Cordless Rotary tool is right for you?
For experts and professionals, Dremel is the best option. A powerful tool allowing the user to work in the fashion most comfortable to them at the exact speed they desire. Also, the patented EZ twist cap makes working the tool more convenient, efficient, and less stressful. Furthermore, Dremel is the industry leader and has numerous accessories and attachments. Being compatible with all such allows the Dremel 8220-1/28 to offer users what no other brand of cordless rotary tool can.
TACKLIFE is an economical close alternate that accommodates Dremel fittings. The savings in price are offset by the absence of the EZ twist cap and reduced power. Heavy-duty work will become a tedious chore. For a slight increase in price, TECCPO offers more accessories, has a sturdier built with a flex shaft attachment, and increased power as well. The unavailability of the spare battery restricts its overall efficacy as most professionals would be unwilling to halt work to wait on the tool to recharge. For jewelers or those mainly requiring a cordless rotary tool for grinding purposes, the Hitachi GP10DL is the best option. It may be used else wise but even the company itself recommends it mainly for grinding.
Avid Power is best suited for casual users. It is compact, light, and reasonably priced but its limitations will make intensive users overlook it. TACKLIFE and TECCPO rotary tools are considerable improvements. Overall TECCPO covers all boxes.
And other related questions
Do cordless rotary tools run both ways?
- Most rotary tools, unlike drills, run only in the clockwise direction.
Can cordless rotary tools be used for engraving?
- Yes. The TACKLIFE rotary tool is ideally suited for engraving and carving.
Can tools be used to grind pet nails?
- Yes. Hitachi GBP10DL is the best option.
Can be used to sharpen knives and scissors?
- Yes. All rotary tools can be used for sharpening blades and edges.
Can I remove rust by cordless rotary tools?
- Yes. All cordless rotary tools can remove rust.
What is the best tool for my child’s school project?
- Avid Power.
Wrapping it up
The best cordless rotary tools based on utility are the Dremel 8220-1/28, Avid Power, and TECCPO in the given order. The Dremel cordless rotary tool is powerful and convenient to use, but its EZ twist cap and compatibility give it the edge over competitors. The only drawback would be its limitations and suitability for beginner users. TACKLIFE and TECCPO replicate most Dremel features at significantly cheaper rates and are more user-friendly. But if the tool is to be used on a tedious project, requiring lengthy heavy-duty work involving multiple accessories, Dremel leaves all competitors behind. It is just the right blend of all features. It is powerful with good battery life. Spare batteries are easily available. Additional attachments and accessories are easily available, other than those that come with the tool, offering increase flexibility. But by far the best feature is the EZ Twist Nose Cap which makes all the difference if the tool is to be used in even a moderately intensive or multi-functional manner.
