Rotary tools are available both in the corded and cordless variety. Their many different attachments let you perform detailed work on wood, metal, plastic or glass. Although they won't replace every tool in your workshop, they are very powerful and can do many jobs that larger tools can not even attempt. This is one of the many reasons that these tools are given as gifts to loved ones. They can go to the experienced handyperson, or to the person who has never picked up a tool in their life, but wants to learn how to make something.

There are two classes of rotary tools. The basic rotary tools and the cut-out tools. Cut-out tools are heavier and harder to control because they have larger motors. They are meant to cut through a variety of building material and are more powerful, because their engines average between 3 and 5 amps. Basic rotary tools are mainly used for detail work, such as engraving, shaping, cutting and smoothing. They only have 1 amp motors, which lets them be more flexible and allows better control and handling. Because the basic rotary tool has so many uses, it is much more popular than the cut-off tools. Many do-it-yourselfers prefer these, as well as craft people.

So what exactly can a basic rotary tool do? Just about anything you want it to. There are dozens of different attachments that you can buy, that allow you to do a myriad of chores and projects. Their functions become practically endless. They can polish metal, engrave designs, cut and shape wood, plastic or fiberglass, sand and etch, and many more things. These are some of the primary uses, though. However, there are some not so primary uses that people have come up with to use their rotary tool for. These include cleaning your barbeque grill or sharpening your chainsaw. The possibilities are virtually endless!

The most popular rotary tool is the Dremel. The Dremel Company was begun in 1932 by Albert J. Dremel. It was located in Racine, Wisconsin, where it is still located. The Dremel company essentially created the rotary tool market. Their latest corded model is the 400 XPR, which weighs a little more than a pound and starts at about $80. The tool can be paired with a host of kits that are chosen depending on your own personal do-it-yourself needs.

Dremel is pretty much the king of the basic rotary tool. But there are a wide variety of major tool manufacturers that have rotary cut out tools, so shop around. Similar tools, for example, those sold by Sears under their Craftsman brand or Black & Decker, are also sometimes colloquially called Dremels in an example of a genericized trademark. It is also worth noting that some Sears Craftsman rotary tools are actually manufactured by Dremel, particularly those with model numbers beginning with 972. As with any tool, test the weight and feel to get a feel for it first.