Best Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

Best Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

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A Dremel rotary tool is one of those tools that you don’t realise how much they can do until you have one.

With the 100’s of different bits/accessories & attachments you can get for your Dremel, they really can do almost any task you need them to.

With that being said, owners should be aware that a Dremel rotary tool is more a finishing and light works tool than a power tool.

The best Dremel tool for cutting metal isn’t going to be cutting through heavy gauge steel bars or thick metal sheeting – a die grinder or angle grinder will be a better tool for that.

A Dremel will however be the PERFECT tool for quickly cutting off smaller and thinner metal bolts, nails, nuts, washers and other small metal objects.

Both beginners and professional tradesmen use a Dremel for cutting metal and other materials, and can then change bits and grind, sharpen, polish, clean, engrave, sand and more with the same tool.

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

Otherwise, you can read the guide in full.

 

NOTE: we discuss only Dremel’s rotary range of tools in this article. Dremel do have other ranges of tools such as the oscillating and multi-saw tools, which can cut metal and other materials, but don’t have the flexibility in range of uses like the rotary tool.

 

(*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 Rated Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal List

 

Best High Performance Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal – Dremel 4300-9/64 Kit (on Amazon)

Best Value Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal – Dremel 4000 6/50 (on Amazon)

Best Cordless Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal – Dremel 8220 1/28 Kit (on Amazon)

Best Small Electric Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal – Dremel 200 1/15 Kit (on Amazon)

 

Best Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal Reviews

 

We have reviewed both the electric and cordless range of Dremel rotary tools in:

However, below are specific reviews for the Dremel tools and bits/accessories when it comes to cutting metal:

 

Best Corded/Electric Dremel Tools For Cutting Metal

 

Dremel 4300

View On Amazon

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.8 Amp, High Performance, Variable Speed Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Released in December 2016, it is Dremel’s most powerful rotary tool to date.
  • Accepts all Dremel bits/accessories and attachments.

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in the 9/64 Kit)?

  • EZ409 – 1 ½” EZ Lock Thin Cut Wheel,
  • EZ456 – Metal 1-1/2″ Cut-Off Wheel (x3)

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

Compatible with all Dremel rotary tool attachments and accessories (*some applications require the use of a collet system, included in kit).

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Cutting off solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts etc.
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 4300-9/64 Kit on Amazon

 

Dremel 4200

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.6 Amp, High Performance, Variable Speed Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Some users have experienced issues with the chuck system (EZ Change) on this tool among other issues
  • Accepts all Dremel bits/accessories and attachments.

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in 6/40 kit)?

  • EZ409 – 1 ½” EZ Lock Thin Cut Wheel,
  • EZ456 – Metal 1-1/2″ Cut-Off Wheel

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

The Dremel 4200 can use all existing Dremel accessories and attachments to complete the widest range of projects.

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Cutting off solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts, steel rods, metal rods etc.
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal – cutting out logos on 18 gauge steel
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 4200 6/40 Kit on Amazon

 

Dremel 4000

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.6 Amp, High Performance, Variable Speed Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • May be the most popular of all Dremel’s Rotary Tools – certainly presents a good design and value for money
  • Accepts all Dremel bits/accessories and attachments.

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in the 6/50 kit)?

  • 420 Cut-off Wheel (x4),
  • EZ409 EZ Lock 1-½ inch Thin Cut Cut-off Wheel (x2),
  • EZ456 EZ Lock 1-½ inch Cut-off Wheel (x2),
  • 540 1-¼ inch Cut-off Wheel,

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

The Dremel 4000 can use all existing Dremel rotary tool accessories and attachments plus high-performance attachments to complete the widest range of projects.

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Small metal work and making fine cuts in metal
  • Cutting off and notching solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts etc. Especially good for frozen bolts and thin iron bars
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 4000 6/50 on Amazon

 

Dremel 3000

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.2 Amp, All-Around, Variable Speed Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Since models like the Dremel 4000 have come out, this model becomes a great value for money option for those who are ok with a 1.2 Amp Dremel rotary tool
  • Accepts all Dremel bits/accessories and most attachments.

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in the 2/28 kit)?

  • 426 fibreglass-reinforced cut-off wheel (x2)

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

The ability to use all existing Dremel rotary tool accessories and most attachments let the 3000 complete a wide range of applications including cutting, grinding, sanding, carving and polishing a variety of materials.

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Cutting off thin solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts, metal supports, altoid tin, some gun smithing metal
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 3000 2/28 kit on Amazon

 

Dremel 200

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.15 Amps, Two Speed (15,000 and 35,000 RPM), Small Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Built and designed to be a precision and control type tool

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in the 1/15 kit)?

  • 420 Cut-off Wheel,
  • 426 Fiberglass Reinforced Cut-off Wheel.

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

Its two speed settings allow you to use the low speed setting for cleaning applications and using brush accessories and the high speed setting for routing, cutting and sanding applications.

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Cutting off solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts, metal car dashboard parts, metal door know parts
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 200 1/15 Kit on Amazon

 

Dremel 100

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 1.15 Amps, One Speed (35,000 RPM), Small Electric/Corded Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Full speed precision tool

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in N-7 kit)?

  • 420 Cut Off Wheel

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

The Dremel 100 Series single-speed rotary tool is designed for full-speed applications, like routing, cutting, drilling and sanding.

The 100 Series tool has powerful performance for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying and making tapered holes in soft metals, plastics and woods – especially on curved surfaces.

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Cutting off solid metal objects of roughly 1/2 inch like screws, nails, nuts, bolts etc.
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal with a tapered bit
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 100 N-7 on Amazon

 

Best Cordless Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

 

Dremel 8220

What Is This Dremel Tool In A Nutshell?

  • 12 Volt, High Performance, Variable Speed Cordless Dremel Rotary Tool
  • As of December 2016, Dremel’s most powerful and high performance cordless Dremel Rotary Tool
  • Good for people who spend a lot of time up ladders or away from a power source and want a cordless tool
  • Understand that this tool is battery operated – so tasks like cutting metal will drain the battery quicker
  • Having a spare metal cutting tool for heavier metal cutting tasks does help
  • Accepts all Dremel bits/accessories and attachments.

 

What Accessories/Bits & Attachments Does This Dremel Tool Come With For Cutting Metal (in the 1/28 kit)?

  • 426 1-1/4-inch Fiberglass-Reinforced Cut-Off Wheel.

 

What Does Dremel Say The Tool Is Designed For?

The ability to use all current Dremel rotary tool accessories and attachments let the Dremel 8220 complete a wide range of projects

 

Examples Of Metal Cutting Tasks This Tool Has Been Used For

  • Touch up metal cutting tasks such as cutting roughly 1/2 inch like screws, brad nails, corroded nuts, bolts, metal bar links, metal rods, steel studs
  • Cutting straight lines in soft sheet metal
  • Making tapered holes in soft sheet metal
  • Working on any other thin and/or soft metal objects

 

What Else Do You Need With This Dremel Tool To Cut Metal?

Common items people purchase with this Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal are:

 

Where To Check Out This Dremel Tool?

View the Dremel 8220 1/28 Kit on Amazon

 

Best Dremel Tool Bits & Accessories for Cutting Metal

Refer to the section below in the Buyer’s Guide & FAQ section – ‘Metal Cutting Dremel Tool Bits & Accessories’

 

Where Can I Check Out Dremel Tool Bits & Accessories for Cutting Metal?

View Dremel metal cutting bits and accessories on Amazon

 

 

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

 

What Is A Dremel Tool That Cuts Metal?

Dremel has several ranges of tools including but not limited to:

Dremel Rotary Tools (the most popular…when someone refers to a ‘Dremel’ – they usually mean a Dremel Rotary Tool)

Dremel Oscillating Tool

Dremel Maxi Saw Tool

 

Whilst the oscillating tool and maxi saw tool are capable of cutting metal (these tools are more capable of cutting thicker and harder metals), we are discussing the Dremel Rotary range of tools only in this guide as they are the best value for money tool by far with their range of uses.

 

What Is A Metal Cutting Dremel Tool Used For, and What Does A Metal Cutting Dremel Tool Do?

A Dremel rotary tool would be classed as a finishing type tool for light-medium tasks around the house, and sometimes out on the job.

They are useful for anyone from beginners, DIY’ers and home hobbyists, to professionals like plumbers and handymen.

Dremel rotary tools are great for cutting two types of metal:

Thin metals

Soft metals

 

If the metal is thick or hard, you may have issues with a lack of power, or may go through a heaps of metal cutting wheels which can be expensive.

Specifically, a Dremel rotary tools can be used for some of the following metal cutting tasks when using the appropriate Dremel bits/accessories:

Cutting up to roughly 1/2 inch nails, screws, bolts, nuts and other solid metal objects of a similar thickness

Cutting straight lines in sheets of soft metal

Making tapered holes in sheets of soft metal

 

If you are looking for a more heavy duty metal cutting tool, consider a die grinder or angle grinder:

Best Die Grinder: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Best Angle Grinder: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

 

Types of Dremel Tools That Cut Metal

The following types of Dremel rotary tools are most suitable for cutting metal:

 

Dremel Rotary Tools

Corded/Electric Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 4300 (High Performance, All-Around, Variable Speed 1.8 Amp Tool)

Dremel 4200 (High Performance, All-Around, Variable Speed 1.6 Amp Tool)

Dremel 4000 (High Performance, All-Around, Variable Speed 1.6 Amp Tool)

Dremel 3000 (All-Around, Variable Speed 1.2 Amp Tool)

 

Dremel 200 (Two Speed, 1.15 Amp Tool)

Dremel 100 (One Speed, 1.15 Amp Tool)

 

Cordless/Battery Operated Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 8220 (High Performance, All-Around, Variable Speed 12 Volt Tool)

 

Non-Rotary Dremel Tools

Dremel Maxi-Saw range

Dremel Oscillating Tool range

 

Metal Cutting Dremel Tool Bits & Accessories

When looking at Dremel cutting wheel bits and accessories for cutting metal, here are some important specifications to look out for –

Wheel/Blade diameter

Wheel/blade thickness

What the wheel/blade is made of – reinforced fibreglass, or something else?

What materials is the wheel/blade made for cutting – just metal, or a range of other materials?

What is the maximum RPM that the wheel/blade is designed to operate at? (make sure to set your tool no higher than this speed)

What is the shank size (the part that goes into the Dremel chuck/collet), and can your Dremel take this shank size?

How many blades/wheels do you get in the pack (more is better for cutting metal as they can wear out if you are doing a lot of cutting)

 

Having spare metal cutting wheels is always a smart decision – so buying in packs saves you money and is practical.

The following are the best Dremel bits and Dremel bit packs for cutting metal (performing cut offs of solid metal, or straight cuts in sheet metal), and some can also be used on other materials like plastic, wood, ceramics and more, but always check Dremel product instructions of use to confirm:

 

  • 409 15/16″ Cutting Wheels, 36 Pack

For cutting metal with limited use on wood and plastic.

Cut-off wheels make it easy to cut or slot bolts, screws, sheet metal, thin wood, and plastic.

The cut-off wheel cuts only along its edge. Do not attempt to sand or cut curved holes with them.

 

  • 420 15/16″ Cut-off Wheels, 20 Pack

A 15/16-inch diameter cut-off wheel made of a hard abrasive material that’s used for slicing and cutting metal, including hardened steel.

Makes it easy to cut bolts or screws, or make slots in rusted or stripped bolts and screws to allow for easy removal with a screwdriver.

 

  • 426 1-1/4″ Fibreglass Reinforced Cut-off Wheels, 5 Pack

The 426 cut-off wheel is reinforced with fibreglass, and is used for cutting metal including hardened steel.

Cut-off wheels make it easy 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.

 

  • 456 1-1/2″ Fibreglass Reinforced Cut-off Wheels (10PC)

Same use as the 426 Cut-off Wheels.

 

  • 506CU 7/8″ Premium Metal Cutting Wheel

The 506CU cutting wheel features a super abrasive grit called cubic boron nitride or CBN.

CBN used on a cut-off wheel allows the wheel to remain sharp longer, stay cool, and it won’t shrink.

The 506CU cutting wheel lasts at least 20 times longer than our fibreglass-reinforced cutting wheels based on internal testing.

In addition, with the Dremel premium metal cutting wheel you will spend less time changing wheels, save space storing replacement wheels and save money buying replacement wheels.

For use with the 402 mandrel with screw.

 

  • 540 1-1/4″ Cut-Off Wheels, 5 Pack

For cutting metal with limited use on wood and plastic. Cut-off wheels make it easy to cut or slot bolts, screws, sheet metal, thin wood, and plastic. The cut-off wheel cuts only along its edge. Do not attempt to sand or cut curved holes with them.

Ideal for cutting, grooving and trimming all kinds of metal. Cut-off wheels make it easy to cut bolts or screws or make slots in rusted or stripped bolts and screws for removal with a screwdriver

Use on sheet metal, thin wood and plastic.

 

  • EZ406-02 EZ Lock™ Starter Kit

The Dremel EZ Lock mandrel makes accessory changes easy as PULL – TWIST – RELEASE.

The one-piece mandrel design simplifies the process of changing cutting wheels and makes it easy to cut through a range of materials from metal to plastic.

Cut-off wheels last 2 times longer than current fibreglass-reinforced cut-off wheels.

 

  • EZ409 EZ Lock™ 1-1/2″ Thin Cut, Cut-off Wheels (5 Pack)

Same use as the EZ406-02 EZ Lock.

For use with the EZ402 EZ Lock Mandrel.

 

  • EZ456 EZ Lock™ 1-1/2″ Cut-off Wheels (5 Pack)

Same use as the EZ406-02 Lock

For use with the EZ402 EZ Lock Mandrel.

 

Where Can I Check Out Dremel Metal Cutting Bits and Accessories?

Click here to view Dremel metal cutting bits and accessories on Amazon

 

NOTE: there are also ‘Dremel cutter bits’ that you will be able to cut/drill tapered holes into soft sheet metal with.

An example of a Dremel bit used to make tapered holes (holes of varying width from top to bottom) is the Dremel 121 High Speed Cutter bit.

 

How To Choose A Dremel Tool That Cuts Metal

Do two main things:

1) Choose the Dremel rotary tool that most fits your intended use

i.e. do you need a more all-around high performance tool, a one or two speed tool, or a cordless tool?

 

2) Choose the appropriate bits/accessories for your cutting

i.e. do you want cutting wheels which are for cutting off solid metal and straight cuts in sheet metal, OR a cutter bit used for making tapered holes in soft sheet metal?

 

Best Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal…

In our opinion, these are the four best Dremel rotary tools for cutting metal:

Dremel 4300 – Best High Performance Electric Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

Dremel 4000 – Best Value For Money Electric Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

Dremel 8220 – Best Cordless Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

Dremel 200 – Best Small Electric Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

 

Features To Look For In A Dremel Tool That Cuts Metal

What Amp or Horsepower does the tool have – gives you an idea of the thickness and type of metal you can cut

What speed and how many speeds does the tool have – different metal cutting tasks require different speeds

What is the tool designed for -e.g. the Dremel 4300 is the highest performance/power, Dremel 200 is more a precision tool, and Dremel 8220 is a cordless dremel tool with a battery life to consider

What attachments and accessories can the tool take – make sure it can take metal cutting wheels and bits (look at shank size)

Can the tool be a cut-off type tool for solid metal, as well as cut sheets and create holes in metal

 

Safety Tips For Using A Dremel Tool When Cutting Metal

Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp blades/bits and debris

Wear clear safety lenses to protect your eyes from sparks and metal shards/off cuts

Consider getting a Dremel cutting shield attachment if your work produces a lot of sparks and offcuts

 

How To Use A Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal

1) Make sure you have the appropriate Dremel rotary tool for the metal cutting task

2) Make sure you have the appropriate Dremel bit/accessory for the metal cutting task e.g. cutting wheels for cut off tasks, or a cutter bit for making tapered holes in soft metal

3) Secure the bit in the Dremel chuck

4) Have the Dremel set to the right speed

5) Turn the Dremel tool on and begin cutting metal

 

Best Dremel Tool For Cutting Metal Resources

1. https://www.dremel.com/en_US/

 

 

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