Best Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal & Steel

The best Dremel bit for cutting metal for most rotary tool users would be a cut-off wheel, or cutter bit.

Cut-off wheels are more for straight cuts and cutting off sections of either solid, or sheet metal.

A cutter bit is used more for cutting into metal for metal shaping, cutting curved lines and creating holes in metal/steel.

As we mentioned in our Dremel tool guide for cutting metal, keep in mind the Dremel is a finishing type rotary tool best suited to thinner and less heavy duty metal cuts than say a die grinder, angle grinder or circular saws for example.

If you’re unsure of which rotary tool metal cutting bit is best for you – the following list and buyer’s guide is a quick read that will save you time doing all the research yourself.

If you’re running a little short on time, you can check out the top rated Dremel bit for cutting metal and steel list immediately below.

Otherwise, you can read the guide and reviews in full.

 

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Top Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal & Steel List

Dremel Cut Off Wheels For Cutting Metal – Dremel EZ406-02 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheel and Mandrel Metal Cutting Starter Kit (on Amazon)

Dremel Cut Off Wheels For Cutting Metal – Dremel EZ456 1-1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheels for Metal, 5-Pack (on Amazon)

 

Best Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal & Steel: Reviews

 

Best Dremel Cut Off Wheels For Cutting Metal & Steel

The following wheels are…

For cutting metal only.

  • EZ409 EZ Lock™ 1-1/2″ Thin Cut, Cut-off Wheels
  • EZ456 EZ Lock™ 1-1/2″ Cut-off Wheels (lasts 2 x longer than the fiberglass reinforced cut off wheels, compatible with all Dremel rotary tool, and to be used with the EZ402 EZ Lock Mandrel)

 

The following wheels are…

Made of a cubic boron nitride grit which is tested to allow the wheel to last at least 20 times longer than the fiberglass-reinforced cutting wheels.

  • 506CU 7/8″ Premium Metal Cutting Wheel (make sure to buy the 402 mandrel with screw with this wheel)
  • EZ506CU 1 1/2” Premium Metal Cutting Wheel (make sure to buy the EZ402 EZ Lock mandrel with screw with this wheel)

 

The following wheels are…

For cutting metal with limited use on wood and plastic.

Good for cutting or slotting bolts, screws, sheet metal, thin wood, and plastic. These wheels are not for cutting curved holes.

  • 409 15/16″ Cutting Wheels
  • 420 15/16″ Cut-off Wheels

 

The following wheels are..

Reinforced with fiberglass and can be used for cutting metal including hardened steel. Can also be used to cut bolts or screws or make slots in rusted or stripped bolts and screws for removal with a screwdriver.

Ideal for cutting, grooving and trimming all kinds of metal

May also be used on other materials-including thin wood, plastics and ceramics

  • 426 1-1/4″ Fiberglass Reinforced Cut-off Wheels
  • 456 1-1/2″ Fiberglass Reinforced Cut-off Wheels
  • 540 1-1/4″ Cut-Off Wheels

 

Best Dremel Cutter Bits For Cutting Metal & Steel

Steel Cutter Bits

The following Dremel bits are…

Ideal for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying, and making tapered holes.

They can be used on soft metals, plastics, and wood.

  • 100 High Speed Cutter
  • 114 High Speed Cutter
  • 116 High Speed Cutter
  • 117 High Speed Cutter
  • 118 High Speed Cutter
  • 121 High Speed Cutter
  • 125 High Speed Cutter
  • 134 High Speed Cutter
  • 144 High Speed Cutter
  • 190 High Speed Cutter
  • 191 High Speed Cutter
  • 192 High Speed Cutter (carving and engraving cutter)
  • 194 High Speed Cutter
  • 196 High Speed Cutter
  • 199 High Speed Cutter

 

The following Dremel bits are…

Ideal for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying and making tapered holes.

They can be used on wood, fiberglass, ceramics, jewelry, soft metals and more.

  • 115 High Speed Cutter

 

The following cutter bits are…

Made from steel, and designed for use on wood, plastic and soft metals.

Can be used for shaping, hollowing and grooving + tapered holes.

  • 124 High Speed Cutter

 

The following cutter bits are…

Made from steel and for use on wood, plastic and soft metals.

Used for shaping, hollowing and grooving, and good for curved surfaces

  • 193 High Speed Cutter

 

View Dremel Diamond Point Set On Amazon

 

Diamond Cutter Bits

The following cutter bits are…

For fine detail work, cutting, engraving, carving, touch-up and finishing.

They should be used on wood, jade, ceramic, glass, hardened steel, semi-precious stones and other hard materials.

  • 7134 Diamond Wheel Point
  • 7150 Diamond Wheel Points

View Dremel Diamond Point Set On Amazon

 

Best Non Dremel Dremel Brand Kit For Cutting Metal & Steel

  • SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit

We reviewed the SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit in a guide about Best Dremel Accessory Kits.

It is an all-around kit which presents good value for money if you want a cheap rotary tool bit set.

Cutting bits for steel/metal included in the kit are:

  • 10 Fiberglass cutoff wheels
  • 5 Diamond Burs

There are also various other bits you could use for cutting softer metal like the Silicon Cut off wheels.

View the SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit on Amazon

 

 

Best Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal & Steel: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ

You can read our other guides on Dremel Accessories/BitsDremel Accessory Kits/Sets, and Dremel Attachments for further information on Dremel rotary tool metal cutting accessories and attachments.

Note this is a guide on the Dremel rotary tool, not the Dremel Max Saw, or other higher powered metal cutting tools.

 

What Is A Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal?

A Dremel rotary tool bit for cutting metal is either a cut-off wheel or cutter bit that will sit in the collet, or chuck system in the end of your Dremel rotary tool.

 

Types of Dremel Bits For Cutting Metal

There are:

  • Cut Off Wheels

Some cut off wheels are designed specifically for cutting metals, while other will cut metal and other materials like wood or plastic.

Cut off wheels are made with different materials and grit, like for example the cubic boron nitride grit wheels which are much stronger wearing than the fiberglass reinforced wheels.

 

  • Cutter Bits

Steel cutter bits are mainly for use on soft metals, and can be used for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying and making tapered holes.

Diamond cutter bits on the other hand can be used on hardened steel, and used for fine detail work, cutting, engraving, carving, touch-up and finishing.

 

What Is A Dremel Bit Used For When Cutting Metal?

Cut off wheels can be used for cutting up to roughly 1/2 inch nails, screws, bolts, nuts and other solid metal objects of a similar thickness

Cut off wheels can also be used for cutting straight lines in sheet metal

Steel cutter bits are very versatile in their range of uses and are to be used on soft metal

Diamond cutter bits are more for cutting into the surface of hard metals e.g. engraving and carving

 

How To Choose A Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal

  1. Make a list of the metal cutting tasks you want to carry out
  2. Make a list of the relevant wheels or bits you’ll need for your tasks
  3. Check what size bit shanks your Dremel rotary tool accepts – get the proper size collet if you don’t have it. If you have the 3 jaw chuck system, the bit should fit regardless of the shank size
  4. Decide if you want a bit kit/set, or to buy individual bits
  5. Determine if you need to get a mandrel for the wheel or bit you want to buy
  6. Buy the suitable bit kit or individual bit for your task/s by looking at what each bit type is designed for, and considering the metal cutting you want to do

 

Features To Look For In A Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal

What material and grit is the wheel or bit made out of (e.g. diamond, steel) – this effects sometimes the hardness of metal you can cut

What is the bit designed for – what range of tasks, and what range of materials can it be used for and on?

What is the shank diameter (determines what size collet you will need if you have a collet system on your Dremel tool)

How thick and wide is the wheel? Determines what you can cut, and how quickly

What shape is the bit head? (effects the type of work you can do)

Do you need a mandrel to use the wheel or bit?

Is the bit Dremel, or Non Dremel brand? Dremel brand bits are generally high quality, and obviously designed to fit with Dremel tools

 

How To Use A Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal

  1. Look at what sort of bit mechanism your rotary tool has – collet system, or chuck (3 jaw) system? If Dremel engraver tool, just decide if you want the carbide or diamond bit equipped in the tool
  2. On the rotary tool, If chuck system, it should generally fit all bit/wheel and mandrel shank sizes
  3. If collet, look at the size of the bit shank or mandrel for the wheel/bit you want to purchase, and make sure you have the matching sized collet
  4. Secure the wheel/bit in the rotary tool
  5. Begin cutting metal (with appropriate PPE – glasses, hearing protection, spark shield etc.)

 

Best Dremel Bit For Cutting Metal & Steel: Resources

1. https://www.dremel.com/en/

 

 

Friendly Disclaimers 

 

Tooljuice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

Additionally, Tooljuice.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Leave a Comment