Best Cordless Rotary Tool Compared: Dremel vs Milwaukee vs Ryobi

Looking to add a cordless rotary tool to your DIY arsenal? These versatile gadgets are the "Swiss Army Knives" of the workshop—essential for grinding, polishing, cutting, sanding, and engraving.

Whether you're smoothing out a 3D print, trimming a dog's nails, or cutting a rusted bolt, a cordless rotary tool gives you the freedom to work anywhere without fighting a power cord.

In this review, we break down the top three models from industry giants: Dremel, Milwaukee, and Ryobi. We tested them on performance, battery endurance, and ergonomics to help you pick the right one.

Quick Comparison: The Top 3 at a Glance

In a rush? Here is how the top models stack up.

Feature	Dremel 8220	Milwaukee M12 (2460-20)	Ryobi ONE+ (P460)
Best For...	Precision & Versatility	Heavy Duty / Cutting	Budget & Runtime
Speed (RPM)	5,000 – 35,000	5,000 – 32,000	5,000 – 34,000
Battery Life	~30 Mins	~40 Mins	~45+ Mins
Weight	1.35 lbs (Balanced)	1.3 lbs ( bulky)	Varied (Base station)
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Why Go Cordless? Pros & Use Cases

Cordless rotary tools offer more flexibility and mobility. They're ideal for:

• Home and DIY use
  

• Small workshop spaces
  

• Intricate projects requiring maneuverability
  

Use cases include:

• Polishing jewelry
  

• Cutting screws and bolts
  

• Engraving wood or glass
  

• Sanding corners or tight spots
  

Dremel 8220 Review – The Go-To for Precision

Dremel’s 8220 is a favorite among hobbyists and professionals for its precision and versatility. It’s lightweight, powerful, and includes a 28-piece accessory kit.

Pros:

• High RPM for fine work
  

• Lightweight and ergonomic
  

• Compatible with all Dremel accessories
  

Cons:

• Shorter battery life (~30 mins)
  

• Pricier than Ryobi
  

Best For: Engraving, detailed sanding, craft work, and general DIY tasks.

Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool – Built for Power

The Milwaukee M12 is known for its rugged design and heavy-duty performance. Though it doesn't come with many attachments, it’s built to last and delivers consistent power.

Pros:

• Durable and high-torque
  

• Uses M12 battery system (interchangeable)
  

• Excellent for cutting and grinding
  

Cons:

• Fewer accessories included
  

• Bulkier and heavier than Dremel
  

Best For: Contractors, woodworkers, and users already in the M12 ecosystem.

Ryobi P460 Review – Budget-Friendly Versatility

Ryobi’s P460 is a solid option for users on a budget or those who already own Ryobi’s ONE+ battery system. Though it lacks included accessories, it performs well for the price.

Pros:

• Long battery life (~45 mins)
  

• Great speed range
  

• Affordable and reliable
  

Cons:

• Sold as tool-only (no battery or accessories)
  

• Not as powerful as Milwaukee
  

Best For: DIY beginners, budget-conscious users, casual home projects.

Comprehensive Buying Guide: How to Choose

Not all rotary tools are created equal. Before you click "buy," here are the four technical specs that actually matter for your projects.

1. Ergonomics: Pencil Grip vs. Pistol Grip

This is the most overlooked factor.

• Pencil Grip: (Like the Dremel 8220). You hold it like a large marker. This is essential for engraving, glass etching, or jewelry work where fine control is needed.
  

• Pistol/Bulky Grip: (Like the Milwaukee M12). These are thicker. They are great for "rough" work like cutting pipes or grinding rust, but they can be tiring for delicate work.
  

2. Battery Ecosystem

Do not look at the tool in a vacuum. Look at your garage.

• If you already own Ryobi lawn tools or drills, buying the Ryobi Rotary Tool (which uses the ONE+ battery) saves you money because you don't need to buy a new charger.
  

• If you are a pro contractor, the Milwaukee M12 fits the same batteries as your impact driver.
  

3. Collet Size Compatibility

The "Collet" is the metal tip that holds the bit. The industry standard is 1/8-inch.

• All three tools on this list accept standard 1/8-inch bits.
  

• Pro Tip: If you plan on doing very fine work (like drilling tiny holes in beads), ensure the tool comes with (or you buy) a smaller collet nut kit or a Keyless Chuck (like the Dremel 4486) so you can swap bits faster.
  

4. Power vs. Stall Force

"Stall Force" is how hard you can press down before the motor stops spinning to protect itself.

• High Stall Force: Needed for cutting metal bolts or sanding hard wood (Winner: Milwaukee).
  

• Low Stall Force: Better for polishing and light sanding (Winner: Dremel).

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?

• 1. Dremel 8220 Review – The "King of Versatility"
  

  The Dremel 8220 is the tool by which all others are measured. It feels the most natural in the hand, making it the superior choice for hobbyists and crafters.
  

  • The "Human" Take: The separate On/Off switch and Speed Dial is a huge plus—it means you can turn it off and on without losing your speed setting.
    

  • Best For: Engraving, detailed sanding, and general home repairs.
    

  2. Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool – The "Contractor's Choice"
  

  If you are cutting copper pipes under a sink or grinding off a rusted bolt, you want the M12. It has massive torque.
  

  • The "Human" Take: It runs smoother and quieter than the Dremel, but it is physically larger. It’s harder to hold like a pencil for detail work, but it eats through metal faster.
    

  • Best For: Plumbers, mechanics, and heavy-duty cutting.
    

  3. Ryobi P460 Review – The "Endurance Runner"
  

  Ryobi takes a different approach. The P460 is often a "station" tool or uses a massive 18V battery base.
  

  • The "Human" Take: Because it uses the large ONE+ battery, it lasts forever. You can sand for an hour without recharging. However, the battery adds significant weight if it's attached directly to the tool.
    

  • Best For: Long sanding sessions, drywall cutouts, and budget-conscious DIYers.

FAQs: Cordless Rotary Tools

Q1: What is the best cordless rotary tool for beginners? A: The Dremel 8220 is beginner-friendly thanks to its high RPM, ease of use, and accessory kit.

Q2: Can cordless rotary tools cut metal? A: Yes, with the right cutting discs, tools like the Milwaukee M12 are great for cutting metal.

Q3: Are Dremel accessories compatible with other brands? A: Most are compatible with standard 1/8" collet sizes used in Ryobi and Milwaukee.

Q4: How long does the battery last on average? A: Expect 30–45 minutes of continuous use depending on the model and task.

Q5: Which tool offers the best value for money? A: Ryobi P460 is the most affordable option and delivers solid performance.

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