Rotozip Instructions

The Rotozip tool was invented in 1972 by a drywall contractor looking for a better way to cut drywall. The unique side-cutting bit made quick work of this job, and other bits were developed to handle tougher materials such as floor tile, ceramic tile and wood. Rotozip now offers a full line of cutting tools.

• 1

  Loosen the nut around the collet, which holds the bit. Select the appropriate bit for the material you are cutting. Insert the bit all the way into the collet. Press the collet lock button (located on the side of the tool near the collet) and finger tighten the nut. Before it is fully tightened, pull the bit out slightly to make sure the collet jaws are not touching the fluted edges of the bit, but only the smooth portion. Tighten the collet nut all the way and snug it up with the collet wrench. Release the collet lock button.

• 2

  Put the base guide onto the tool and tighten the nut holding it in place, but do not tighten it all the way yet. Place the tool with the bit pointed down along the edge of the material. Adjust the tool up or down on the base guide until the bit extends beyond the material about 1/8 of an inch. This is the proper depth for cutting the material. Tighten the base guide nut to lock it securely onto the tool.

• 3

  Hold the tool securely and turn it on without letting it touch the material (the material should be clamped down on a worktable, with the portion to be cut hanging over the edge.) Place the base guide flat on the edge of the material and slowly move the rotating bit into it. Do not force the bit; allow it to cut without excessive pressure. Move the bit through the material smoothly, with the base guide remaining flat. Continue the cut until you get to the other end of the material and allow the scrap portion to drop away. Turn off the tool and allow the bit to stop rotating.

• 4

  Make a plunge cut in the material, which does not require cutting in from the edge. Start by placing the tool on the material angled sideways so that the bit is not touching the material. Turn on the tool, then slowly tilt the tool upright, allowing the bit to cut into the surface of the material from the side until it cuts through and the tool is resting flat on the base guide. Move the tool through the desired cut, finishing at the starting point so the scrap material falls away. Turn off the tool.