It's inevitable! As a homeowner or woodworker, you'll have to use a rotary tool at some point. These extremely handy and versatile power tools are designed to help with anything from maintenance and repair to crafting and cutting.
Cutting drywall is messy, time-consuming, and rather demanding, particularly if you utilize the wrong tool. So, which is the right tool?
In this write-up are a few reliable rotary tools for drywall, the best ones on the market. Let's find out why they are the best:
My Top Pick is: Dremel 4000 2/30 Tool Kit
Dremel is an infamous manufacturer, and they've now raised the bar much higher with the Dremel 4000 2/30 power tool, which features a powerful motor and includes 30+ accessories. The entire kit is packed in a robust plastic case which keeps all the accessories organized, leaving your workspace tidy.
Unparalleled performance and great quality are a few of my expectations for Dremel, and the Dremel 4000 is no exception.
Here is what it has to offer:
Specifications
Length: 7.8 In
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Voltage: 120
Cable length: 6 ft
Power source: corded
Max. speed:35,000 RPM
Min. Speed: 5,000 RPM
Accessory switch system: EZ Twist
What I Like
You can easily switch speeds with the in-built speed control button
It has a potent 1.6-amp motor to help with your demanding cutting, sanding, grinding, carving, and drilling tasks.
It is highly affordable, considering it comes with more than 30 accessories.
You can choose from various Dremel 4000 kits, which come with different attachments and accessories.
It has a ball-bearing build for efficient and quiet operation
The slender, ergonomic construction offers a 3600-grasp zone for maximum comfort and control.
What I Didn't Like
The cord might be relatively restrictive when working.
Key Features
Powerful Motor
The Dremel 4000 isn't as powerful as the Dremel 4300, which features a 1.8-amp motor; however, its 1.6-amp motor delivers more than enough power for drywall cutting.
I was impressed since this power tool didn't overheat or underperform even after using it for prolonged hours on drywall. This is thanks to the in-built electronic feedback circuitry, whose sole purpose is to help this magnificent power tool uphold consistent performance despite the task or speed output.
As pointed out, this is a corded power tool, and while this might be a downside, it's also advantageous since you don't have to worry about charging a battery. Besides, corded power tools are known to give their cordless counterparts a run for their money in terms of efficiency.
So, whenever you need this tool, you must find a power outlet, connect the power cable and start working. What's more, the manufacturer is kind enough to include a 6 ft long cord for supreme convenience.
Variable Speeds
Regarding speed, the Dremel 4000 has one of the highest speeds in its range. The minimum speed is 5000 RPM, and the maximum stands at 35,000 RPM, making this handy power tool extremely versatile in the workshop.
Also, this speed range ensures optimum control over your work. You can use the slower speeds (below 15,000) for polishing projects leaving the higher speeds for cutting, shaping, routing, and carving.
Ease of use
The Dremel 4000 rotary tool kit comes with 32 accessories, but if you need more, you can purchase the 38-pc kit.
The thing I love about these accessories, besides how many they are, is that they are easy to switch. This rotary tool features a useful nose cap that's easily twistable to make switching bits as swift and easy as possible; all you need to do is turn the cap to release the bit. You won't even require a wrench!
The Dremel 4000 was designed with user-friendliness in mind; when handling tricky works, you'll appreciate its slender and ergonomic build, making it easy to penetrate even the trickiest corners, and it doesn’t strain your wrist after prolonged use.
The 3600-grasp zone covers the whole tool to offer an unmatched grip, control, and comfort while working in a normal or angled position.
It's no surprise that Dremel has such a wonderful tool considering its good reputation. With that in mind, this tool is easy to maintain, especially regarding the brushed motor. In an attempt to make switching the brushes as stress-free as possible, the manufacturer included two ports; you can open them using a screwdriver and change the brushes when needed.
Accessories
You understand their hype if you've ever bought a Dremel tool kit. In addition to the Dremel 4000 being powerful, efficient, and easy to use, it also comes with everything you'll need to get the job done.
It includes 30 accessories and two attachments:
Straight Edge Guide/ Circle Cutter
Mandrel With Screw
Mandrel
High-Speed Cutter
Grinding/Sanding Guide
0.5 In. 120 Grit Sanding Band (2)
0.75 In. 220 Grit Sanding Disc (3)
0.75 In. 180 Grit Sanding Disc (3)
0.5 In. 240 Grit Sanding Band (2)
0.75 In. 240 Grit Sanding Disc (2)
0.5 In. Sanding Band, 120 Grit (2)
Coarse 0.5 In. Sanding Drum
Polishing Compound
Felt Polishing Wheel
Durable Emerge Cut-Off Wheel (2)
1-0.25 In. Fiberglass Cut-Off (2)
1 In. Felt Polishing Wheel
Carbon Steel Brush
Wheel
Collet Wrench
Grinding Stone, Silicone Carbide
Multi-purpose Cutting Bit
Grinding Wheel, Aluminum Oxide
Grinding Stone, Aluminum Oxide
Sturdy Carrying Case
Cost & Comparison
The Dremel 4000 rotary tool kit goes from $70 to $100. It has a 4.7 rating out of 5 stars on amazon. At this price point, this tool is highly affordable, considering it comes with everything you need to get started.
Other rotary tools worth considering for drywall cutting include the DeWalt DW660, which sells at $60 to $80, and the cordless Milwaukee M12, which is sold at $75 to $100. They are all within the same range, though the DW660 is marginally cheaper.
Worthy Competitors
DeWalt DW660 Cut-Out Tool
From metal and stone to wood and drywall, the DW660 can do it all! With a potent 5-amp motor and a maximum speed of 30,000 RPM, it is one of the most powerful rotary tools on the market.
It is designed to be used by professionals, hence might not be a good investment for beginners. It has a slim and elongated design making it ideal for use in tricky positions. Something else to love about the DeWalt DW660 is that it produces minimal vibration, so much so that you won't notice when working.
Further, it utilizes spiral drill bits to create holes through a wide range of materials effortlessly. It uses a swift and easy system for switching accessories and has 1/8 and ¼ Inch Collets. It only comes with a single bit but is compatible with many others.
Milwaukee 2460-20 Rotary Tool
The Milwaukee 2460-20 tool, unlike its counterpart, is cordless. It is the perfect option for you who doesn't want a corded tool. It is equipped with a 12 Volt motor and can work just as efficiently as corded rotary tools.
It has a speed range of 5000 to 32,000 RPM, less than Dremel's but more than DeWalt's. It weighs 1.3 lbs., making it the most lightweight tool in this review. Also, it's slightly below 10 In. in terms of length for unmatched portability and maneuverability. It can be used with numerous accessories and features a dedicated exhaust port which hinders overheating when cutting and grinding.
The package doesn't include a battery, so you'll have to buy it separately.
Why Choose the Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool Kit?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I chose the Dremel 4000 as my top pick. Having been using it for a long time, I have learned to appreciate its versatility, affordability, and efficiency. It packs impressive power and is extremely user-friendly.
If you're looking for the best rotary tool for drywall, I recommend the Dremel 4000 tool kit.