The 5 Best Engraving Pens: Complete Guide

Looking for an engraving tool that works great and is easy to use? Read on for a quick guide on the 5 best engraving pens plus one honorable mention. 

Engraving pens are a great tool to have on hand for any occasion. They’re perfect for DIY projects, hobbies, and other grinding, polishing, and engraving applications. These engraving tools come in so many shapes and sizes – it’s hard to choose just one. So how do you know which one is best for you? 

The 5 Best Engraving Pens

To help narrow the field of engraving pen options out there, we’ve put together this handy guide featuring our favorites. Read on to find the best engraving pens that would all make a perfect addition to your craft kit.

The 5 Best Engraving Pens

Here are some of the best engraving pens on the market today:

1. USB Rechargeable Engraving Pen With 35 Bits

USB Rechargeable Engraving Machines

These engraving pens come with a Lithium battery that can be recharged through USB. With a fully charged battery, this cordless engraver will last for up to 30 minutes of use. This is the perfect engraving tool to help you create better-etched crafts. 

The metal engraver pen is equipped with a powerful motor that can provide up to 25W of power during use. Depending on your needs, you can adjust the rotation speed from 5000 to 25000 r/min. The lowest speed can be safely used to polish your nails, while the fastest speed is meant for metal carving. 

This metal engraving machine kit comes with 2 drill bits, 30 assorted rotary bits, and 3 saw blades. All are perfect for etching, grinding, routing, polishing, engraving, drilling, carving, sanding, and cutting.

These small and portable etching pens are easy to carry around. So you’ll be free to have some relaxing carving time just about anywhere. It’s compatible with metal, wood, glass, ceramics, stone, leather, plastic jewelry, and even statues.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 7.17 x 2.83 x 2.8 inches
  • Transfer Speed: 5000-25000r/min.
  • ASIN: B09185H4PM
  • Diameter of bits: 2.35mm
  • Rated voltage: 3.7v
  • Item Weight: 9.1 Ounces
  • Gauge: 16*124mm
  • Power source: USB charging
  • Work Rate: 25W
  • Visible speed adjust

Pros

  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Charges quick and battery lasts long
  • Provides permanent engraving making it great for labeling
  • Feels just like holding a pen
  • Multipurpose tool great for different projects
  • Portable and small tool

Cons

  • Needs regular charging
  • Does not perform very well on heavy-duty tasks

2. ARROWMAX Engraving Pen SGS Mini

Customizer Engraving Pen by ARROWMAX

This is an excellent quality engraving and polishing pen that allows all crafters to engrave, polish, carve, and grind. The engraving pen’s mission, according to the brand, is to help creators refresh existing items to give them a new look, customize products to offer customers more options and expand opportunities for engraving and polishing across various materials.

The SGS Mini works on Crystals, minerals, ceramics, glass, gold, aluminum, steel, wood, stone, and plastic. The tool is wireless and compact, and it provides stable control for all product applications. When it comes to allowing your creative freedom to flow, having more control is essential. This product promises to move freely alongside you.

The polishing pen connects to an app via Bluetooth, allowing creators to customize how they use it and save the data to four different modes. This feature ensures consistency and precision, so designers don’t have to figure out what speed or direction to use when using the engraving pen on the same materials every time they turn it on.

Laser Engraving Tips New ARROWMAX Engraving Pen SGS Mini
Laser Engraving Tips New ARROWMAX Engraving Pen SGS Mini

It has a 4V rechargeable battery and can run for 90 minutes after being fully charged. It comes with 36 attachments and accessories and is ideal for a wide range of light-duty projects. All you need for grinding, polishing, curving, sanding, engraving, and other light projects is this handy all-in-one tool. Complete with 24 x Engraving bits and 12 x polishing bits.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 8.62 x 3.94 x 1.85 inches
  • Maximum Rotational Speed: 1000rpm
  • Rated voltage: 3.7v
  • Item Weight: 14.4 Ounces
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Battery Cell Type: Lithium
  • Features: Cordless, Compact, Rechargeable

Pros

  • Charges in 60 minutes and the battery lasts 90 minutes
  • Bluetooth Control
  • Feels just like holding a pen
  • 12 Month Warranty
  • Portable and small tool

Cons

  • User instructions are not the best
  • Does not perform well with heavy-duty tasks

3. FOLAI Electric Engraving Pen Carve Tool

FOLAI Electric Engraving Pen Carve Tool

This engraving pen comes with a diamond tip that can engrave on metal, glass, stone, wood, plastic, ceramic, even leather. You can use this tool to add a one-of-a-kind touch to just about anything. Use it to personalize and embellish dog tags, phone cases, tools, goblets, even wooden picture frames.

From the do-it-yourselfer to the expert technician, anyone can use this engraving tool with perfect precision. 

This tool sits in your hand just like a pen. The ergonomic tri-global grip and accurate fingertip control are built into this little engraver. A safe fingertip-controlled on/off switch and a standard 3/32-inch engraving diamond tip bit is included with the engraver pen. It also uses two AAA batteries and a 21,000 RPM motor to etch glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic. 

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
  • Manufacturer: FOLAI
  • Item Weight: 1.76 ounces
  • Batteries: 2 AAA batteries
  • Battery-powered Engraving Tool
  • Item Model Number: 4336822309
  • ASIN: B01M6X5KWV
  • 21,000 RPM Motor
  • Pen, Light-Weight & Compact Design
  • 3/32-inch engraving diamond tip bit 

Pros

  • Comes with additional bits suited for different projects
  • Simple to use making it great for beginners
  • Ideal for precision work
  • Works well on metal for metal crafting projects

Cons

  • Needs very light pressure in order to work properly
  • Bits do not last very long

4. Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool 

Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool 

The Dremel Engraver is perfect for engraving your name on personal items as well as creating beautiful designs. One 9924 carbide tip and a stencil template are all included in the kit, making it excellent for decorative custom engraving and personalization. Wood, porcelain, machinery, leather, stone, tools, hard steel, glass, ceramics, polymers, and other materials can all be engraved with this tool.

The engraving depth is controlled by a five-position adjustable dial – which allows for a wider range of strokes, from delicate lines to deep grooves. This tool is powered by a motor that moves at 7,200 strokes per minute. For additional comfort over long periods of use, the pen has a soft grip body and is lightweight.

While four 9924 carbide points and a letter/number stencil template are included in the kit, you can use a diamond point (9929) for heavy-duty engraving on harder surfaces. 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Dremel
  • Part Number: JNSN34470
  • Item Weight: 12 ounces
  • Item Model Number: 568-01
  • Color: Black
  • Style: Engraver with Letter/Number Template
  • Material: Plastic
  • Power Source: AC
  • Voltage: 127 Volts
  • Wattage: 35 watts
  • Included Components: ‎Engraver Tool, Letter/Number Template, 9924 Carbide Point

Pros

  • Smooth and easy to use
  • Works great on a variety of metals for a wide range of projects
  • Small size makes it ideal for precision
  • Holds like a pen making it comfortable to use

Cons

  • Set screw is very small 
  • May seem noisy for people that prefer a quiet engraver
  • Must be plugged into a power source

5. General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal

General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal

Anybody from professional technicians to DIYers can use this portable handheld etcher to create precision cordless engravings. It features an on/off switch that can be controlled with your fingertip and a 3/32″ diamond tip bit. 

For additional convenience and ease, this cordless tool incorporates fingertip control and an ergonomic tri-lobal grip. The lightweight aluminum chassis of the tiny compact engraver makes it ideal for delicate personalized gifts and DIY engraving projects. The electric pen has a 20,000 RPM motor that can engrave glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic.

It would be the perfect addition to a metal or wood engraving set. Phone chargers, keyrings, house keys, delicate jewelry, glasses, and watches are just a few of the items that can be personalized with it. 

Specifications

  • Item Dimensions: 5.15 x 11.1 x 1.05 inches
  • Model Name: General Tools
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Brand: General Tools
  • Item Weight: ‎3.52 ounces
  • Item Model Number: ‎505
  • Batteries: 2 AAA batteries 
  • Material: ‎Aluminum
  • Power Source: Rechargeable Battery
  • Included Components: ‎Engraver, diamond tip bit, batteries
  • Battery Cell Type: Alkaline

Pros

  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Long battery life
  • Easy to hold for comfort
  • Secure tip that does not wobble during use

Cons

  • Extremely responsive to pressure, requires minimal pressure and delicate strokes

Honourable Mention: The Original Easy Etcher – Portable Precision Engraving Pen

The Original Easy Etcher - Portable Precision Engraving Pen

This small engraver allows you to turn household objects into unique, personalized gifts. The Original Easy Etcher works on practically every surface with comfort and precision, including plastic, metal, jewelry, glass, wood, leather, and much more. 

This tool has an enhanced 12,000 RPM high-performing motor for better control and handling compared to competitors. It has an ergonomic tri-lobal grip and a robust, lightweight aluminum frame that provides you with accurate fingertip control.

It’s really simple to use and suitable for both beginners and pros. You don’t need enormous, heavy, expensive etching or engraving machines to take your arts and crafts to another level. There are also ten free quantity stencils included with the kit, each with a different pattern that you can trace.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.59 x 0.59 inches
  • Manufacturer: Gadget City
  • Batteries: 2 AAA batteries
  • ASIN: B07SCVMXDH
  • Item Weight: 3.52 ounces
  • Electric Engraver Etching Craft Scribe
  • Includes 10 Graphic Stencils

Pros

  • Small in size and lightweight
  • Power button placement makes it easy to control
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Includes two tips for precision accuracy
  • Cordless and portable
  • Great for craft projects

Cons

  • Not suited for heavy-duty projects or harder materials
  • Limited to a small bit size

Key Factors To Consider When Buying An Engraving Pen

Engraving Pen

When purchasing an engraving pen, there are a few factors you need to consider. These include:

The Price

The current price of an engraving pen can vary depending on the type and quality of the pen. It’s important to find one that is affordable but also fits your needs. Different types of engraving pens cost different amounts, so do your research to find the best one for you. Don’t simply settle for a low price. 

The Type Of Engraving Tool

There are several different types of engraving pens available. Depending on what you’re looking for, some will be better suited to your needs than others. Some examples of the types of engraving pens include:

  • Handheld Engraver: This type is best suited for small and detailed work such as jewelry or other arts & crafts projects.
  • Rotary Engraver: This type is good for larger projects or work that needs to be done quickly. It can also be used on a variety of surfaces.

The Power

The power of an engraving pen can also vary depending on the type and quality of the product you’re using. Some pens have larger motors that provide more output power, while others may not be as powerful but are better suited for smaller projects or people who prefer to do detailed work.

There are two types of power sources for engraving pens: battery-operated and plug-in. The type you choose will depend on your personal preference, but in general, a corded pen may have more consistent power than one that runs off batteries.

The Speed

The speed of the engraving pen can also be an important factor to consider, especially if you’re looking for one that can do large projects quickly. Some pens have adjustable speeds so you can choose the right level for your needs, while others may only have one or two preset speeds.

If you’re looking to do larger projects, a rotary engraver that has multiple speeds may be the best option. These pens are great if you plan on doing many different types of jobs as they can handle most materials effectively.

The Weight

The weight of the engraving pen can also be important, especially if you plan on using it for an extended period of time. Heavier pens may be more difficult to use for detailed work, while lighter ones may not have as much power. Find one that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to use.

The Warranty

Most engraving pens come with a warranty, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before you purchase. This can help protect your investment in case something goes wrong.

The Size Of The Pen Tip

This is an important factor to consider when selecting the best engraving pen. Depending on what you’re looking for, a larger tip may be better suited to your needs while a smaller one might work better for detailed or intricate projects.

The Type Of Material Being Engraved

This can also play an important role in determining which type and quality of engraving pen are best for you. If you’re engraving metal, for example, a handheld engraver might be the best option since it has a smaller tip.

Final Thoughts 

We hope this guide has been a helpful introduction to the ins and outs of engraving pens. If you’ve read this far, congratulations! You have now taken your first steps towards finding an engraving pen that will be perfect for your needs. 

The best engraving pens we reviewed are just a few examples to help get you familiar with all the possibilities out there. There’s a wide range of engraving pens available for purchase online, today. With these reviews as a starting point, it should be a little easier to find the right one.