Dremel tools are amazing for small metal projects around the home or workshop. These handy rotary tools can cut through metal when fitted with the right cutting wheel. Finding the perfect cutting wheel can make your projects easier and give you cleaner results.
Metal cutting wheels for Dremel tools come in different materials and designs. The most common types are aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and diamond-coated wheels. We’ve found that the Dremel EZ456 1-1/2-inch cutting wheels stand out from the competition because of their reinforced fiberglass design that prevents breakage during tough cuts.
When shopping for Dremel cutting wheels for metal, pay attention to three main factors: wheel material, thickness, and size. Material affects durability and cutting power, thickness determines cut width, and size must match your Dremel tool model.
We tested fifteen different cutting wheels on various metals to find which ones deliver the smoothest cuts with the least wear.
Key features to look for in Dremel metal cutting wheels:
- Reinforced construction for safety
- Appropriate size for your tool
- Material suited to your metal type
Best Dremel Cutting Wheels for Metal
We’ve tested dozens of cutting wheels to find the ones that deliver clean cuts without wearing down quickly. Our top picks offer the perfect balance of durability and cutting precision for your metal projects. These wheels attach easily to your Dremel tool and make quick work of everything from thin sheet metal to tougher steel components.
Dremel EZ Lock Metal Cutting Kit
The Dremel EZ406-02 Starter Kit is a must-have for anyone needing to cut metal precisely with their rotary tool thanks to its easy-change system and durable fiberglass-reinforced wheels.
Pros
- Super quick wheel changes without tools
- Cuts through hardened steel with minimal effort
- Wheels last twice as long as standard options
Cons
- Wheels can wear down quickly on tough materials
- Discs occasionally may fly off during intense cutting
- Limited to Dremel tools with the EZ Lock system
We recently took this EZ Lock Starter Kit for a spin on some tough metalworking projects. The standout feature is definitely the tool-free disc changes – just pull, twist, and release. No more fumbling with tiny screws or hunting for that special wrench that always disappears.
The fiberglass reinforcement in these cutting wheels makes a noticeable difference. When we cut through some stubborn bolt heads on an old fence gate, the wheel sliced through without shattering. Regular cutting discs would have crumbled halfway through the job.
These wheels work remarkably well on various metals. We trimmed some sheet metal for a small repair job, and the cuts were clean and precise. The wheels hold up impressively even when cutting hardened steel, though they do wear down faster on tougher materials.
The 1-1/2 inch diameter is perfect for getting into tight spaces. We had to fix a rusted screw in a cramped corner of a cabinet, and the wheel’s size let us work without damaging the surrounding area. The thin 0.045-inch blade thickness helps make clean, narrow cuts with minimal material loss.
We appreciate the versatility of these wheels. After finishing our metalwork, we used the same wheel to trim some plastic parts for a model. The kit comes with five wheels, which lasted through several weekend projects before needing replacement.
Quick Tip: When cutting metal pipes or rods, rotate the material as you cut for more even wear on the wheel and cleaner cuts.
The EZ Lock system truly makes a difference in workflow efficiency. We timed it – changing wheels is about 6 times faster than with traditional mandrels. This matters when you’re switching between different cutting tasks or when a wheel wears down mid-project.
Dremel EZ Lock Metal Cutting Wheels
The Dremel EZ456B cutting wheels offer exceptional durability and ease of use, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone needing to cut metal with precision.
Pros
- Quick installation with no tools needed
- Lasts twice as long as standard cutting wheels
- Works on multiple materials including hardened steel
Cons
- Requires the specific EZ402 mandrel
- Can break if too much pressure is applied
- More expensive than basic cutting discs
We recently tested these Dremel EZ456B cutting wheels on several metal projects, and they performed impressively. The fiberglass reinforcement makes a noticeable difference in durability compared to standard cutting wheels. During our sheet metal project, the wheels cut cleanly without falling apart, which is a common problem with cheaper alternatives.
The standout feature is definitely the EZ Lock system. We changed wheels in seconds without hunting for tiny screws or reaching for tools. This quick-change capability saved us tons of time on a project where we needed to switch between cutting metal and wood.
The wheels handled cutting through steel bolts with surprising ease. They run true without wobble, creating precise cuts even on small items like screw heads. We noticed minimal sparking compared to other cutting discs we’ve used.
At 1.5 inches diameter, these wheels provide good reach while still offering control for detailed work. The package of 12 wheels lasted through several projects. Though they cost more than basic wheels, the extended lifespan and time saved on changes make them worth it.
For DIYers who work with metal regularly, these wheels solve many common frustrations. They’re sturdy enough for serious jobs yet precise enough for craft work. Just remember they require Dremel’s specific EZ402 mandrel to work properly.
Dremel Max Life Premium Cutting Wheel
The Dremel Max Life EZ506HP is worth every penny for serious metal cutting projects thanks to its impressive durability and exceptional cutting performance.
Pros
- Lasts 20x longer than standard fiberglass wheels
- Cuts through various metals with minimal effort
- Quick-change EZ Lock system saves time
Cons
- More expensive than basic cutting wheels
- Metal gets hotter during cutting than with standard wheels
- Requires the specific EZ402 mandrel
We recently put this cutting wheel to the test on some stubborn steel rebar and were blown away by how effortlessly it sliced through. The cubic boron nitride coating makes a huge difference in cutting speed and durability. Unlike regular cutting wheels that wear down quickly, this one maintains its edge even after multiple tough cuts.
The EZ Lock system is a game-changer for anyone who switches accessories often. We found it takes just seconds to swap wheels without needing any tools. This feature alone saved us tons of time during a recent project where we had to cut various materials.
At 1-1/2 inches in diameter, this wheel reaches spots that bigger tools can’t access. We used it to cut through some tight metal ductwork where our angle grinder wouldn’t fit. The wheel stayed cool and didn’t shrink during extended use, which is a common problem with cheaper options.
The versatility impressed us most. We cut stainless steel, copper pipe, and even some galvanized strut with the same wheel. While it works on all metals, we noticed it performs best on harder materials. For aluminum, it cuts a bit slower than fiber wheels, but the trade-off in durability makes it worthwhile.
NIANNIAN Reinforced Cutting Wheels
These fiberglass-reinforced cutting wheels deliver outstanding performance and value for anyone needing reliable metal cutting accessories for their Dremel tool.
Pros
- Extremely durable compared to cheaper alternatives
- Works on multiple materials (metal, glass, ceramics)
- Includes 4 mandrels and 60 wheels in one affordable package
Cons
- Can break under extreme pressure
- Requires safety gear (gloves and goggles)
- Not quite as long-lasting as premium brand options
We recently put these NIANNIAN cutting wheels to the test on several metal cutting projects. The difference between these and the brittle red discs sold at big box stores was immediately noticeable. The reinforced fiberglass construction gives them impressive durability while maintaining a sharp cutting edge.
The package includes 60 cutting wheels measuring 1-1/4 inch (32mm) plus 4 mandrels with 3mm diameter. This quantity is generous enough to handle numerous projects without constantly replacing wheels. During our testing, we cut through small steel brackets and only needed one wheel for the entire job.
Safety is important when using any cutting tool. We appreciated the manufacturer’s warning about potential breakage under extreme pressure. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when using these wheels. The medium grit provides a good balance between cutting speed and control.
These wheels fit perfectly on our Dremel tool and also work with other rotary tool brands like Chicago and Craftsman. The versatility impressed us – we used them on metals primarily, but they also performed well on glass, ceramics, and other hard materials.
Best Value: At about 7-8 cents per wheel, these outperform alternatives costing twice as much!
FOTYBEI Cutting Discs Set
This versatile cutting wheel set delivers reliable performance for multiple materials, making it a smart choice for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists who need variety in their Dremel accessories.
Pros
- Includes three different types of cutting wheels for various materials
- Diamond-coated wheels cut through hard materials with minimal heat
- Compatible with standard Dremel rotary tools
Cons
- Plastic storage case is somewhat fragile
- Larger bits wear down quickly on tough materials
- Quality varies between the different wheel types
We recently put this FOTYBEI cutting wheel set to the test and were pleased with its versatility. The package includes 10 diamond cutting wheels, 10 resin cut-off discs, and 6 HSS circular saw blades in different sizes.
This variety gave us options for cutting everything from metal to wood to glass.
The diamond wheels impressed us most. They sliced through glass and stone with surprising ease. We used them to cut some decorative tiles for a small mosaic project and noticed they stayed cooler than expected during use. The fine diamond coating provides a sharp, thin cutting line.
The resin discs worked well for metal cutting tasks. When we needed to trim some thin aluminum rods, these wheels made clean cuts without excessive heat. They come with mandrels that connect easily to our Dremel tool.
HSS circular saw blades in various sizes round out the set. These handled wood and plastic nicely, though they aren’t meant for heavy-duty work. We appreciated having different diameter options from 22mm to 50mm.
During our home workshop projects, we found these cutting wheels performed similarly to more expensive brand-name options. The mandrels fit perfectly in our rotary tool, and switching between wheel types was quick and easy.
One drawback we noticed was the storage case. It’s not very durable and arrived cracked for some users. We recommend transferring these bits to a sturdier storage solution.
For the price, this collection offers good value. It’s particularly handy for crafters and DIY enthusiasts who need cutting options for various materials without investing in multiple specialized sets.
Buying Guide
When shopping for Dremel cutting wheels for metal, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll help you find the perfect wheel for your projects.
Material Compatibility
Different wheels work better with specific metals. Look for wheels made for the type of metal you’ll be cutting most often.
| Metal Type | Recommended Wheel | Features |
| Soft Metals | Silicon Carbide | Fine grit, smooth cuts |
| Hard Metals | Aluminum Oxide | Durability, heat resistance |
| All-Purpose | Fiberglass-Reinforced | Versatility, longer life |
Wheel Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of your cutting wheel affects both performance and safety.
Thinner wheels cut faster but wear out quicker.
Standard Dremel wheels come in 1.5″ to 2″ diameters. Thickness typically ranges from 0.025″ for precise cuts to 0.045″ for more durable options.
Arbor Size
Make sure the wheel fits your Dremel’s arbor (the center hole). Most Dremel tools use a 3/32″ or 1/8″ arbor.
Pro Tip: Keep multiple wheel types on hand for different projects. This saves time and improves results.
RPM Rating
Check the maximum RPM (rotations per minute) rating on the wheel. This must exceed your tool’s maximum speed for safety.
Quantity and Value
Consider multi-packs if you’ll be doing lots of cutting. They usually offer better value per wheel than buying singles.