Power Tool Buying Guide for Cut Out Tools and Rotary Tools

Cut Out Tool Rotary Tool

A rotary tool or cut out tool is very versatile and can be used for an array of projects. Both of these tools use the same concept, that’s why I put them together. The difference between the two is the size of their motor and the applications they are used for. A cut out tool is bigger, heavier and designed for tougher jobs such as removing grout or cutting drywall. A rotary tool is small, lighter and can be held like a pencil. A rotary tool is used for finer projects such as stenciling, sanding in light places or polishing.

Rotary tools are usually only corded because they are small and light, while cut outs are corded and cordless. If your looking to cut drywall for electrical boxes, a cordless cut out tool is the way to go. If your looking for heavy use, such as cutting out grout or cutting ceramic tile, I would definitely go with a corded version.

Rotary tools and cut out tools are known for the array of applications they can be used on, such as:

Cutting Wood
Sharpening Tools
Cutting Pipe
Cutting Nails
Cutting Ceramic Tile
Cutting Marble
Etching
Engraving
Polishing
Cutting Drywall
Removing Grout
Cutting Fiber Glass
Shaping Metal
Stripping Paint
Removing Glaze from an old window
Grinding
Sharpening Items such as chainsaws

Cut Out Tool Attachments

The tools by themselves are great, but the attachments are what makes these tools so useful.

Cutout Tools have many attachments. There are three primary attachments.

Circular Cutter - Allows the user to cut perfect circles on the material they are using

Grinding, Polishing and Sanding - Obviously an attachment to grind or sand

Guided Bits - Looks like a drill bit and used for cutting into drywall.

Rotary Tool Attachments and Bits

Rotary tools have many more attachments than cut out tools. Rotary tools also have router tables and drill presses available.

Flex Shaft
A long shaft that attaches to the rotary tool that lets the user get in very tight spots. The bit attaches to the end of the flex shaft.