Dremel vs Rotozip – Oscillating Tool Differences & Uses Explained

Dremel vs Rotozip, which is one of those complicated yet controversial discussions that needs an end. Dremel is overhyped, whereas Rotozip is also popular, and both are big names in the woodwork industry.

Therefore, which will be more preferable for you according to your needings? Well, we’ll find this out by learning what Dremel is and what Rotozip is, and its advantages!

By the way, which material you are using, and what sort of work you want to consider while choosing this multi-purpose tool is a crucial aspect here.

So, let’s get into this in-depth guideline to find out who wins, Dremel or Rotozip?

Things you should know about Dremel and Rotozip:

Before comparing Dremel vs. Rotozip, the first thing we should know is what Dremel is and what Rotozip is!

Well, the Dremel (like Dremel Multi max) falls under the oscillatory tool whereas Rotozip and a few Dremel products fall under rotary tools.

That is why we should learn what these are and what it is for. Scroll down for details!

 

What is an Oscillatory Tool?

An oscillatory tool is also known as an oscillating tool and a multi-tool. The oscillatory tool looks like a grinder with changeable widths. However, there are different-looking models available as well.

Have you thought, about why the oscillatory name tool is? Well, because of the high oscillation rate.

Even a Small oscillatory tool gives OPM (oscillations per minute) of 4th thousand per minute, whereas the PRO models perform up to 20,000 OPM.

It’s powerful and also famous as a multi-tool. Why? You’ll get it to know in the upcoming segment of this guide.

Oscillatory Tool usages:

Obviously, the Rotozip oscillating tool has multiple usages, and it’s famous for it as well. Here are some works that are easier to do with oscillatory tools-

• Trimming and cutting wood even wooden floorboards
• Cutting pipes
• Sizing and fixing screws
• Perform dangerous Plunge cuts, especially on flooring boards
• Cutting out the toughest wallboard. (no matter how tricky the angle is, this multi-tool is enough for it.)
• Cleaning rust from metals to give it a clean look
• Sanding woods
• Get rid of plaster
• Clear old paint (or remove it)
• Grinds the glue or cement type of materials

There is more an oscillatory tool can do. It is most famous for the DIY box and small household works like fixing something or cutting a wall or cutting plasters, etc.

That is why having a full gear of an oscillatory multi-purpose tool is a blessing!

Now, let’s move to the rotary tool. Shall we?

What is a Rotary Tool?

Well, most people consider Dremel as a rotary tool as it’s been there for quite a long time now. However, every Dremel tool is not a rotary tool.

If you are still looking for a definition, then the rotary tool is a handheld tool with a fast-rotating motor connected to an axle. This fast-rotating motor makes it robust and versatile. A rotary tool is every craftsman’s need.

It’s available in three sizes and categories. One is for industrial or professional purposes; one is for typical uses like an oscillatory tool, and the last one is for small uses.

The industrial rotary tool can spin up to 35,000 RPM, whereas a regular one can spin up to 20,000 RPM. The industrial one is big and looks like a giant one.

However, the standard and the smaller ones aren’t uncomfortable at all. The industrial rotary tool is known as the die grinder.

Rotary tools have multiple options as they come with various accessories and attachments. Another thing, the rotary tools have a speed controller so that you can do any sort of work with this.

Usage of Rotary tool:

There are several ways to use a rotary tool. Here are a few of them-

• Polishing
• Glasswork
• Cleaning
• Sanding
• Carving
• Cutting
• Drilling holes
• Grinding

These are some of the notable tasks a rotary tool can do!

Dremel vs. Rotozip Rotary Tool Main Differences:

After reading the previous section, we hope now you know where the actual difference is! Yes, the substantial difference is in the way it runs.

We are making it more explicit now! A Dremel or oscillating tool moves like a saw, whereas a rotary tool spins as a drill machine does!

However, the Rotozip is designed to work like a wallboard saw; even its blade moves like an oscillation tool.

Here are some key differences that will end the Dremel vs. Rotozip war:

#1. Size

Comparing size, Dremel comes in a comfortable and regular size. Rotozip is almost three times bigger than the regular Dremel.

#2. Handling

According to the consumers, Dremel is comfortable, and it has a relaxed and firm grip. However, a regular-size Dremel looks more like an oversized pencil on hand.

The Rotozip is mostly used by the professional who only looks at perfectionism. When it comes to Rotozip, perfectionism comes first then comfort.

#3. Weight

The regular Dremel isn’t massive, which makes it comfortable, handy, and flexible. It weighs around one pound.

And, in this case, the Rotozip is heavier than Dremel. It weighs around three pounds.

#4. Power- where it matters the most

As we know, power is the most sought-after aspect of a tool. The blender of the tools changes the entire game. Like, the Dremel comes with a regular blender which has a 1.6-amp motor.

Whereas the Rotozip has up to a 6-amp motor, which makes it more than three times more powerful.

#5. Cutting

Cutting is what both tools do. The Dremel works excellent when it comes to small cutting. However, the Dremel does a great job of cutting small things in tough-angled areas.

For getting something big like plywood or wallboard, then it’s a big no-go With Rotozip, you can cut any bigger stuff. As we described before, the Rotozip is also known as a wallboard cutter.

It can easily cut tiles, backboards, OSB boards, and wooden trims. Rotozip even performs better with other bits and attachments. For cutting anything more extensive like a 24″ plyboard sheet easily, Rotozip is a great option!

#6. Sanding, Grinding, Shaping, and Buffing

When it comes to all these things, nothing can beat the Dremel.

As Dremel can perform in any hard-to-reach angle and shape, and also grinds anything, all these tasks are its forte.

Rotozip is more of a cutting tool, so when it comes to all these tasks, Rotozip can’t help you anymore! Read Also: 10 Best Knife Grinder for Beginners 2020 Reviews.

#7. Added upgrades and attachments for Dremel and Rotozip

Dremel is highly upgradeable. It has many small kits available, which will make it more effective, and this can do more work because of the kits.

The Rotozip is also upgradable. If you get the accessories, you can upgrade them according to your needs. Here are the following upgrades and you can make-

• Mortar or plaster removal kit. (for faster removal)
• The direct drive attachment. (for making it a mini cut-off grinder)

Here are the upgrades you can make with your Rotozip.

Dremel Attachment VS Rotozip Attachment:

Here are some Dremel attachments you can get to make it better-

• Flap and shaping wheels
• Mini router bits and cutter bits
• Engraver
• Sanding drums

Now, to make your Rotozip even better, to turn it into a real performer, you can do these simple Rotozip attachments–

• Jigsaw handlebar
• Dust vault
• Straight edge and circle cutting guide
• Plunge router

There are more attachments available in the market. However, these are popular, and those will make your multi-purpose tool a true giant.

Which One Should You Choose? Rotozip or Dremel:

After discussing all the key factors of both, we think you already have made up your mind. If you haven’t, here is a short brief again-

Dremel is excellent as a grinder, especially for angle grinding. It’s a specialist for those hard-to-reach points, for small works.

And for your DIY box; it’s something that deserves to be highly recommended. A gear of Dremel can multiply help you.

On the other hand, The Rotozip is made for industrial or more significant uses. This is the best drywall saw ever invented! It is best for bigger jobs like cutting wooden trims OSB boards, wallboards, flooring, tiles, etc.

Now the ball is in your court. If you are in search of a tool that can assist you in doing small household work, then go for Dremel without any shade of hesitation.

But if you are looking for something that can cut anything like a big plywood board off in a few minutes, then Rotozip is for you!

Dremel Cutting Bits vs. Rotozip Cutting Bits:

The Dremel can use bits from 1/8″ to 1/32 inch, which makes it very limited. Whereas, in terms of Rotozip, it can practically use bits from ¼ inch, 1/8 inch, and 5/32-inch bits.

Are Dremel bits compatible with Rotozip?

Seems like both have a 1/8″ bit. However, as both tools have different motions, their bits are also made differently, so it will not work appropriately on Rotozip.

So, Dremel bits aren’t going to be compatible with Rotozip.

Rotozip vs Dewalt Main Differences?

we show the main difference between Dewalt vs Rotozip, here’s a table that highlights each Oscillatory tool’s features:

Tool	Rotozip SS355	Dewalt dw660
Speed Range	30,000 RPM	30,000 RPM
Lateral Cutting	Yes	Yes
Plunge Cutting	Yes	Yes
Specialty	wood, sheet metal, Drywall, granite, cement board, Plexiglas, ceramic tile, solid surface, laminate floor	Drywall, wood, sheet metal, cement board, granite,  ceramic tile, Plexiglas, solid surface, laminate floor
Amp	5.5	5
Bits	Multipurpose ZipBit, Drywall Guidepoint ZipBit	Drywall cutting bit
Collets	1/8 inch, 5/32 inch, and 1/4 inch	1/8 inch and 1/4 inch
Weight	3.2 lbs	3.4 pounds
Product Dimensions	10 x 5 x 4 inches	11.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches
Price	Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will Rotozip bits fit in Dremel?

Yes, only if the model and size match then! However, it’s not recommended, as both are different.

• What is better than a Dremel?

Tacklife RTD35ACL is a better option if you don’t want to take Dremel.

• Is Hyper Tough compatible with Dremel?

Walmart has highly rated Hyper Tough, and it has a good customer base, so yes, it is compatible with Dremel.

Conclusion

We hope you have a clear vision! There is nothing like war. It is a simple thing. The Rotozip is for professional and more prominent works, and the Dremel is for small and tricky works.

Well, it’s the end of the controversy of Dremel vs Rotozip. Now you are going to get the perfect one for you, right?

Last Updated on June 30, 2024 by Rogers Weber

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