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 30 different accessories, two spring clamps, and a box 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, 30 accessories, soft-sided carry case with accessory compartment, user guide, and wrench.

Customer Reviews Average rating - 5.0

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-14
Content: This B&D rotary gets the job done much faster than my old, now defunct, more expensive Ryobi. Seems to be the best thing out there for the price. Its three speeds (vs. more, or variable) doesn't seem to be a problem.

Cons: the speed switch is stiff and hard to spin, and you never remember which way is up, versus down. On high speed it's loud. Both fairly easy to live with.

All in all, a tool that has worked out really well.



Summary: Lots of torque, hard little worker

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-12-07
Content: I own a professional model shop, and although we occasionally use a Foredom (this is a motor with a cabled handpiece--very powerful, and with a foot pedal speed control, quite easy to use, except for the darn cable) we mainly use Dremel "rotary tools." I've gotten used to them lasting less than a year. They are not in constant use--a week may go by when none are used, but we have several because all of a sudden three people may need to drill tiny holes, or use small burrs, or?

One of my employees came in with this B&D and I was impressed. I ordered one for our shop, and now there are three. It's been less than 6 months, so I'm not sure about longevity, but the oldest still seems solid. There is no external brush replacement like there is on the better Dremels, but I don't know if this is an issue, as generally, the Dremels were dying before the brushes were worn down to replacement status. One of the problems with the Dremel design is the location of the cooling vents--it's hard to hold the Dremel comfortably and not block many of the vents, so the tool overheats.

The B&D is better in this regard, though still not perfect. Balance is good, certainly on par with the top Dremels. Power seems similar. The speed control may be a bit less specific (although there are intermediate settings between the three marked speeds, so this is actually better than expected. Quieter than the Dremels, seems to run a bit smoother. I like the lever lock for the collet change quite a bit too.

Overall, I am very please with these roto tools. Especally at about half the Dremel cost, they are a definite best buy.
Summary: Better than Dremel!

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-06
Content: As an artist who does light sculpting for my paintings, I needed a tool that had a bit of finesse. Something I could do nitpicky little details with. I currently own a Dremel 750-02 Minimite, which has sufficed. However, for some jobs I just... well, I need more power. My little Dremel, while a good tool, just didn't have the power to cut into harder woods like oak.

As an artist, I'm also consistently broke. The comparable Dremel tool would be the 400 series (slightly higher speed at 35000 rpm, as opposed to this tool's 30000 rpm top speed) which costs $90. I figured that for $30, I could take a risk, especially when Black & Decker is a name that I can trust. I was not disappointed. There's a few things that I find to be superior on this tool when compared to its Dremel counterparts.

1. The price. At a third of the price, I can't complain.
2. The spindle lock is a switch, rather than a button. One of my complaints about the Dremel line is that the spindle lock is a little TOO easy to press... as in I press it when I'm working on something. In this case, there's a switch to lock the spindle, the design of which is fairly hard to do on accident. (This was a major issue I had with the MiniMite, but I believe they may have adjusted this on the Dremel 400 models)
3. The torque on this model is exceptional. I've been carving through oak like it's butter.

And in case you were concerned: ALL OF YOUR DREMEL BITS WILL WORK ON THIS TOOL. Get a collet set if you're concerned about the size of the bits, they're dirt-cheap. Like Dremel's rotary tools, this has a 5-year manufacturer warranty. In other words: This is a nice piece of hardware, and it's at a price I couldn't sneeze at.

Plus I like the fact that it comes with a wall-mounted case to save table space. In a cramped studio, I need all the table space I can get.
Summary: A superior tool at a great price

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-29
Content: I love this rotary tool. I was looking for a rotary tool that I could use in my electronic projects, I make my own boards and I was having troubles making tiny holes with a regular drill.
The handle (grip) on this tool is very comfortable, you can drive it like a pen.
I found very useful the wood working clamps, the others accessories are just fine.
I bought a little Dremel mandrel in my local hardware store, so I can use a thin bit without broken it.
It is a good rotary tool at a good price.
Summary: Black & Decker RTX-6

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-25
Content: The RTX is a great tool. For those interested the Dremel flex shaft fits the RTX regardless of what Dremel will try and tell you. The soft case is a pain but it is a case as long as the tool performs well I am happy and it does. It has more then three speeds as there are selections in between the three main speeds. Again, great product!
Summary: Great product