The Top Rated Versatile Tool From Harbor Freight Hobbyists Love

When most hobbyists are starting out, one of the challenges is finding the right tools. Each craft has its own demands. Although there are few devices that are universal, the rotary tool comes close. It can saw, drill, engrave, carve, sand, and polish. It can be used with wood, plastic, ceramics, metal, and glass. Most are lightweight and easy to control, which is important when you're working on details. They are so versatile that they also make a great addition to your collection of home improvement gadgets.

There's a highly rated version of this tool that comes from Bauer, one of 9 brands owned by Harbor Freight. They are known for producing reliable devices for keen DIYers and hobbyists at competitive prices. The Bauer 8V Cordless Variable-Speed Rotary Tool comes with a range of over 40 accessories and consumables for just $49.99.

The ability to adjust speed is important when working with different attachments and materials, and the Bauer rotary tool can run anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 rpm, with a useful LED speed indicator. There's a built-in spindle lock for rapid bit changing, a plug-in charger, and a rugged nylon case for storing everything. Harbor Freight customers give the Bauer cordless rotary tool an average of 4.5 stars. An impressive 90% would recommend it to other hobbyists and DIYers. Let's take a look at what they say about it.

Words like "great" and "awesome" are common among owners' feedback. One buyer said, "You can't beat the price and overall quality" while another thought it was the perfect size and weight and had plenty of power. The Dremel brand is at the top of the market for rotary tools, so perhaps the biggest compliment the Bauer model got was from the customer who said, "This is a fantastic rotary tool, just as good and easier to use than my corded Dremel."

A small percentage of buyers were disappointed. Most complaints relate to battery life, and a few experienced charging problems. Corded models could offer improved performance but can be awkward to maneuver. Higher-voltage cordless tools are also an option, but those from competitors like Dremel can easily be twice the price.

Thanks to its ⅛ inch collet (chuck), the Bauer cordless rotary tool can use hundreds of different consumables and accessories from other manufacturers, giving it even greater versatility. As a result, it's a craft tool that can make a host of challenging tasks a whole lot easier. There are a number of Harbor Freight tools under $50 worth buying, and a lot of happy hobbyists will tell you this one deserves a place on the list.