How to Slow Down a Rotary Tool

Plug your rotary tool into an electrical outlet. Pick it up and hold the tool with your hand on the handle but do not depress the trigger at this point.

Look for a rheostat dial on the back side of the rotary tool. This dial will most likely have numbers on it to indicate different speed settings. Each manufacturer is a bit different and the number of speed setting depends on the tool model, but “1” will indicate a slow speed and the higher the number, the higher the speed. In some cases, the rotary tool may have letters on it instead of numbers: “S” for slow speed, “M” for medium, and “F” for fast.

Press down on the trigger to initiate the motor. With your thumb, rotate the rheostat dial counterclockwise to a lower number if you want to slow the speed or turn it to “S” for slow. Adjust the speed up and down until you are comfortable with a certain speed for your project. Remember, you can always change the speed while you are working if you decide you need to.