Use of a Roto Zip

[zendriver]

Anybody ever use one?

I Purchased one cheap at an auction and recently found it with all the accessories in an old toolbox.

I used it once (as a test) widening drywall for an outlet, and it made it a such a mess with dust everywhere. Never again, as I will just use a multi tool.

Any other uses? Kind of a cool tool, but I may just dump it on eBay just to clear out the toolbox.

 

[MoonRise]

Rotozip is typically faster than an OMT in cutting drywall.

With more power often comes more dust.

Rotozip is 1/4" shank (usually), I think of it as a bigger and more powerful dremel type tool or as a die grinder type tool or as a small router (like a palm router) besides 'just' as a drywall cutout tool. Like a dremel tool, you can get a (or you used to be able to get, it's not showing up on the rotozip website now) a flexshaft. Flexshaft 1/4" die grinder with ~5 amps can be handy. https://www.rotozip.com/us/en

I'm not a drywall trades guy. So I don't reach for the rotozip often, but it is there as a tool (and the appropriate bits) for certain tasks besides just drywall.

 

[scooby074]

Rotozips are about speed. They came to fame on jobsites well before interior finish was applied, so extra dust was a non-issue. For single or a few cuts, an osculating tool is considerably neater.

I have one, but unless its a complete room getting new drywall, it stays in the box.

 

[RTM]

Recent threads on the topic

Drywall Cutout Tool - worth the investment?

I know, I know, I know, before I even ask the question. Buy the damn tool already. My question though: I have a rotary tool and an oscillator (both corded), so is there anything that I'm missing that the drywall cutout tool (DCS551) does better than my existing tools? Further, beyond drywall...

www.garagejournal.com

A reason to own a rotozip

I've purchased them at estate auctions and resold, but picked one up super cheap and kept for my own stash. I've used it once to cut out drywall for a fridge valve box but seems like it just made a huge dusty mess. I probably could have done the job as fast and cleaner with my multi-tool. Any...

www.garagejournal.com

And many more, just search this forum for Roto Zip. Probably many more in the garage building forums

 

[nadogail]

I bought a Roto Zip before I learned about the Oscillating Multi Tool.

 

[Just_Steve]

I bought a root zip long before oscillating multi tools were a thing. It comes in handy for more than dry wall, I enclosed a porch and cut out outlet boxes in shiplap also use it for circles for recessed lights, there are bits for cutting just about everything. I love my root zip. works great for tiles also.

 

[alinc100]

I am an interior finish carpenter.I cannot hang drywall like the guys on site do,never spent enough time with it to master the Rotozip. Where mine excels is with a circle cutting attachment cutting holes in ceiling tile/acoustical panels for led or can lights.

 

[Just_Steve]

The one I have has been discontued. Removable handle and variable speed.
RZ!0

 

[driftpin]

I have 2 of 'em. One is old school, one is removable handle. I did a bunch of hi-hats, and I thought the work went well, and easily. I also have an OMT but for some jobs, the RotoZip is quicker and easier. I just moved it from an 'up-high' location on shelving to a lower height, for easier deployment. I have a flex shaft for my Dremel but not for my RotoZip. I also have a Sears Craftsman disc/belt sander, a tabletop model, which can use a flex shaft, but I don't have one for that either.

 

[rust in the eye]

They are very useful but have a learning curve. Like a router the tool needs to traveling in the right direction in relation to its rotation. With a RZ it's different when cutting inside or outside the obstruction. Go the wrong way and walks all over. It takes practice.