Choose the Best Rotary Tool or Oscillating Tool for the Job

A rotary tool spins a small wheel, bit or drum at a high rate of speed. Rotary tools can handle tasks requiring a high level of precision, but you need good control for accuracy. With the right rotary tool and accessories, you can:

Handle small crafting and maker projects like:

• Etching glass
• Polishing metal
• Cutting designs in terra cotta pots
• Routing, carving and engraving wood
   

Work on larger maker projects like:

• Building and customizing shelves
• Creating custom light fixtures
• Upcycling thrift-store finds
   

Take on home improvement work like:

• Removing grout
• Cutting wood, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and drywall
• Removing rust
• Removing grout
• Stripping old paint and varnish
• Sharpening chainsaw chains

An oscillating tool moves a blade, rasp or pad in a rapid, back-and-forth motion. These tools can handle larger DIY projects more easily than a rotary tool. Use oscillating tools to:

• Undercut door casings for flooring installs
• Create cutouts for floor vents, outlets and switches
• Scrape off paint
• Remove grout and caulk
• Cut PVC pipe

The accessory you use with a rotary tool or oscillating tool determines the type of work you can do. Make sure the attachment is right for your application and is suitable for your tool.

Rotary tool accessories include:

• Cutting bits and cutting wheels for wood, plastic and some types of ceramic and metal
• Engraving bits and carving bits for wood, plastic, ceramic and some types of semiprecious stones
• Grinding bits for wood, masonry, stone and some types of metal
• Router bits for wood
• Sanding drums and sanding wheels for wood and fiberglass
• Brush bits and polishing bits for stone, ceramic, glass, silver and gold
   

Oscillating tool accessories include:

• Cutting blades for tile, masonry, wood, plastic, fiberglass and some types of metal
• Grout removal blades
• Scraping blades for removing paint and other coatings
• Pads and rasps for sanding and grinding

While you can buy rotary and oscillating accessories individually as you need them, accessory kits bundle together multiple bits, wheels and blades. These let you get started crafting, take on a variety of projects or give you all the accessories you need to handle a single application.

In addition to accessories, such as bits, wheels, blades or rasps, you can find attachments that help you get the most out of your device. Attachments vary by tool type and model. Here are some that can simplify and enhance your work:

• Router Attachment: Allows you to use a rotary tool for routing.
• Work Stand: Supports a rotary tool for more accuracy when drilling and sanding; some allow the rotary tool to function as a drill press.
• Depth Guide: Provides better accuracy for rotary tool cutting applications.
• Flexible Shaft: Allows greater control of a rotary tool for detail work and hard-to-reach places.
• Right-Angle Adapter: Allows more flexibility in reaching the work piece with a rotary tool.
• Sharpening Kit: Contains rotary tool bits and guide attachments for keeping the proper edge on mower blades, chainsaw chains or garden tools.
• Spark and Debris Shield: Connects to a rotary tool to deflect material and sparks from sanding and grinding applications.
• Dust Collection: Connects to an oscillating tool or rotary tool and a shop vacuum to help keep the work area free of dust when sanding.

As with any power tool, you should understand the features when shopping for a rotary or oscillating tool:

• Amperes (amps) and volts (V) measure the power of a tool. A higher rating means a more powerful tool.
• Revolutions per minute (RPM) and oscillations per minute (OPM) measure the speed at which a rotary or oscillating tool operates. Some accessories and applications require specific speeds or have maximum speeds.
• Variable speeds allow you to adjust the tool for operations that require lower or higher RPMs or OPMs.
• Cord length determines the reach of a corded tool without the need for an extension cord.
• A work light illuminates the work area or work piece.
• Quick-accessory-change or tool-free accessory change capability makes moving from one task to another quick and simple.
• Some tools include a case for storage and transport.
• Available dust extraction allows you to attach a dust collection apparatus.