Black & Decker RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 30 Accessories and 2 Spring Clamps

by Black & Decker

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The Black & Decker 3-speed rotary tool is created with a high-torque 2 amp motor so it finishes jobs quickly and efficiently -- without bogging down under the load. Versatile, rugged, and loaded with convenience features, this hardy rotary tool will make short work of all your fine detail jobs, craft projects, workshop and household tasks.

The RTX-6 boasts an exclusive Flip-Lock spindle lock system for quick and easy accessory changes, eliminating the need to hold down an awkward button as you try to switch heads. And you'll have a lot of heads to choose from -- because the universal collet system accepts all standard rotary tool accessories. So don't worry about buying special bits, tips, or attachments. This tool accepts any rotary tool add-on you can think of, so the number of potential applications is almost limitless.

This outstanding tool offers three speed settings for maximum precision and versatility, no matter the project. With speeds -- 12,000/24,000/30,000 rpm -- you can customize the power to the project at hand; and the separate 3-speed dial means you can set it and forget about it. Also, the rubber overmolded grip keeps your hands comfortable and your accuracy high, because a tool that's easy to hold is easy to maneuver. This kit includes 27 accessories, 2 clamps, and a soft bag to keep it all together and organized. -- Cherie Priest

Applications:
The RTX-6 is ideal for an immense variety of jobs. It cuts, sands, grinds and carves; it cleans, polishes, engraves, sharpens and drills. This rotary tool smoothes and shapes work pieces, removes rust and corrosion from old metal, and even creates drywall cut-outs. Use it around the home, in the workshop, or anywhere else.

What's in the box:
Black & Decker rotary tool, 27 accessories plus the 2 clamps, soft-sided bag with accessory compartment, user guide, and wrench.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Black & Decker RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool offers superior power and versatility, allowing you to perform a wide variety of jobs with maximum convenience. Its high-torque 2 Amp motor gives you enough power to complete jobs faster than most other tools on the market and without getting bogged down, and with three adjustable speeds (12,000/24,000/30,000 RPM) this tool delivers precision work. Rubber overmolded grips offer comfort, protection, and greater control. This rotary tool also comes with 27 accessories and 2 clamps to perform a wide variety of tasks--cutting, sanding, grinding, carving, polishing, and much more--and for the maximum in convenience, it features a universal collet system to accept any standard rotary tool accessory. Its exclusive "Flip-Lock" system makes switching between accessories quick and easy. The rotary tool also includes a wrench, two clamps, and a soft-sided bag with room for accessories. It is covered by a two-year warranty.

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.8 x 11.2 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001GUDRI
• Item model number: RTX-6
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #7 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Rotary Tools

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 159 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars List of Accessories, August 6, 2008

By 

P. Chan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black & Decker RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 30 Accessories and 2 Spring Clamps (Tools & Home Improvement)

I haven't used this on any projects yet, but it does seem promising. It has a rigid feel to it and the price is ideal. I haven't used a Dremel brand rotary tool so I can't really compare.

The only negative thing I have to say about this is that the collet nut is pretty hard to loosen once it's tightened. However, I found that putting the wrench against one of the fan blades made it easier to loosen. Probably not a good thing to do, but it does work.

Update 10/14/2008: I have used this on several projects now and it has held up very well. Cuts, grinds, and sands plastic and metal with no problems. The cut-off wheels included are not that great, but you can always get reinforced replacements. Also, make sure to let off on the material you are cutting, grinding, or sanding from time to time so that the cut-off wheels or sanding bands can cool off. Otherwise, the cut-off wheels are more prone to shatter or burn the material when it gets too hot from the friction. If you think you need a rotary tool to get a job done, this will do it and then some. In my initial review I stated that I had problems with the collet nut, but after using it I found it was my own fault. I did not have the locking safety mechanism engaged all the way so I had problems getting the collet nut off. Just make sure the safety is engaged all the way and tap the collet when it is loosened to get the attachment off and you will be golden. I am happy that I bought this for about half as much of a Dremel brand rotary tool. If I could change my rating, I would now give it 5 stars.

Amazon doesn't include a list of the accessories, but it's not their fault. It doesn't even say on the box itself. For those wondering what this comes with:

Rotary Tool - 1
Carrying Case - 1
Woodworking Clamps - 2
Wrench/Flathead Screwdriver - 1
1/8" Standard Mandrel - 1
Sanding Drum Mandrel - 1
Rubber Polishing Wheel (Coarse) (Brown) - 1
Aluminum Oxide Stone Bullet (Brick) (For Grinding) - 1
Diamond Point (For Engraving) - 1
Heavy Duty Cut-Off Discs - 20
Sanding Band (Coarse) - 3
Sanding Band (Fine) - 2

93 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Half the price and twice the power, why buy Dremel?, January 27, 2008

By 

E. Hanna "Jasper McGillicutty" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black & Decker RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 30 Accessories and 2 Spring Clamps (Tools & Home Improvement)

First off, I had a hard time getting this question answered when I was looking at rotary tools, so I'll say it right now: ALL DREMEL ACCESSORIES ARE USABLE BY THIS ROTARY TOOL. To someone who's used a rotary tool before I'm sure this is a logical statement, but to someone new to the devices (as I was), it can be confusing. I thought there might be some notch or something in Dremel accessories that made them only usable by Dremel rotary tools, but there isn't. They're all the same.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I just got my RTX a couple of weeks ago, and thus far I'm very impressed by it. It looks and feels substantial and sturdy, and fits very nicely in your hand as you work with it. Though I'd have preferred to see fully adjustable speed settings on this tool, the three speed settings seem to allow more than enough versatility in power to handle any project you throw at it. Mine came with a nice, simple case that's about the same size as a 2 cd tall cd book, which I greatly prefer to the extremely large plastic case that most Dremel tools come in.

My only complaints from this unit are that it doesn't come with a very impressive array of bits/accessories (I bought a 150 piece Dremel accessory kit to supplement it), and I've had some difficulty with the locking mechanism that allows for you to switch accessories getting stuck. It's always loosened up after a little persistent encouragement, but it's still a decent sized annoyance when it happens.

I've used a 300 series Dremel regularly in the past, so I feel that I can safely say that from what I have seen from this tool thus far, the Black and Decker RTX is just as capable a tool as the Dremel, perhaps more so (when you take into account the RTX's superior power). That said, it should probably be noted that the RTX hasn't been around for nearly as long as the Dremel brand, so it's durability over time has yet to be tested.

I've got to wonder why someone would pay 2 or 3 times the price of the RTX to get a Dremel... I suppose name recognition has a lot to do with it, after all people do refer to these things as "Dremel tools" not "Black and Decker tools", but that doesn't seem like a very wise way to make purchases. Puffs facial tissue works just as well as Kleenex, generic cotton swabs work just as well as Q-tips, and the RTX works just as well as a Dremel tool, so why pay the premium price?

If you're looking for the most bang for your rotary tool buck, this is the one you want to go with, hands down.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good value, powerful little unit., September 25, 2007

By 

Comp Expert "Comp" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 30 Accessories and 2 Spring Clamps (Tools & Home Improvement)

Bought one as the Dremel was selling for more $$ and I only needed a rotary tool for a very small home project. Having used a dremel brand before, I was cautious about not overheating the unit by having it bog down on tasks. Well that wasn't a problem with the RTX. Didn't realize that it had more motor juice than Dremel until using it. Lots more torque makes it easier to control. Good value.

Edit: Recently purchased the little jigsaw attachment sold by Dremel. I was told this unit really taxes the power out of a dremel unit due to its gearing system and application (i.e. dremel never designed for this type of task). Well the unit fit perfectly on the B&D and the power really shines with this attachement -- I can slice through wood like butter without any bogging down of the unit. Incredible.