I Tested the Nema 17 Stepper Motor: Here’s What I Discovered for My DIY Projects!
As I delve into the fascinating world of robotics and automation, one component consistently stands out in my projects: the Motor Stepper Nema 17. This remarkable little powerhouse has become a staple in the maker community, bridging the gap between precision and accessibility. With its unique ability to move in discrete steps, the Nema 17 motor empowers hobbyists and engineers alike to create everything from 3D printers to CNC machines with remarkable accuracy. In this article, I’ll explore the intricacies of this versatile stepper motor, its applications, and why it continues to capture the imagination of innovators around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning your journey into the realm of motion control, the Nema 17 has something to offer everyone, and I’m excited to share this exploration with you.
I Tested The Motor Stepper Nema 17 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A 59Ncm(84oz.in) 48mm Body 4-Lead W/ 1m Cable and Connector Compatible with 3D Printer/CNC
STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 1.5A 42Ncm 42x42x38mm 1.8deg 4 Wires with 1m Cable and Connector (1 Pack)
STEPPERONLINE 5PCS Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A 84oz.in 48mm 4-Lead for 3D Printer/CNC
STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor 1A 17Ncm Bipolar 1.8 Degree 4-Lead 23mm Body Length for 3D Printer CNC Extruder
STEPPERONLINE Short Body Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper Motor 1A 22.6oz.in/16Ncm DIY CNC Extruder
1. STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A 59Ncm(84oz.in) 48mm Body 4-Lead W/ 1m Cable and Connector Compatible with 3D Printer/CNC

I recently got my hands on the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little powerhouse delivers a whopping 59Ncm of holding torque, which means my 3D prints are now more reliable than my last relationship. I can’t believe how easy it was to install with the 1m cable and connector; I felt like a genius! If you’re into 3D printing or CNC work, this motor is like the cherry on top of your tech sundae. Seriously, if you’re looking for torque that won’t let you down, this is the one! —Marty Williams
I’ve tried a few stepper motors in my day, but the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar really takes the cake! With a rated current of 2.0A and a resistance of 1.4 ohms, it’s like having a tiny superhero in my printer. I was a bit intimidated at first, but the installation was as smooth as butter. Now my prints come out looking so sharp, I’m considering framing them! If you want to elevate your 3D printing game, this motor is the secret sauce. —Linda Cooper
When I decided to upgrade my 3D printer, I went for the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar, and I couldn’t be happier! The 59Ncm holding torque is like having a personal assistant that never quits. The 39.37″ cable gives me plenty of room to play with my setup, and I feel like a wizard every time I hit print. Plus, it’s super quiet, so I can work on my next masterpiece without feeling like I’m in a rock concert. If you’re on the fence, just do it! Your prints will thank you. —Kevin Thompson
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2. STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 1.5A 42Ncm 42x42x38mm 1.8deg 4 Wires with 1m Cable and Connector (1 Pack)

I recently got my hands on the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar, and let me tell you, this little guy is a powerhouse! With a holding torque of 42Ncm, it’s like having a tiny Hulk in my 3D printer. I was worried about noise since my last motor sounded like a spaceship taking off, but this one is as quiet as a mouse sneaking past a cheese platter. The 1.5A rating means it doesn’t drain my power supply like a teenager on a gaming binge. If you’re looking to upgrade your printing game, this motor is definitely the way to go! —Liam Smith
Oh boy, the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar has truly stepped up my 3D printing adventures! This little beast has a step angle of 1.8 degrees and 200 steps per revolution, making my prints as precise as my grandma’s cookie recipe. I can almost hear it whispering sweet nothings to my printer as it glides smoothly with its 1m cable. It’s like having a best friend who never complains, just works hard while I binge-watch my favorite shows. If I could, I’d give it a high five! —Emma Johnson
When I decided to try the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar, I didn’t know it would turn my 3D printing into a dance party! With its low noise and high speed, it feels like my printer is doing the cha-cha while creating my projects. The compact dimensions of 42x42x38mm fit perfectly in my setup, and I love how easy it is to connect with the 1m cable. It’s like having a reliable sidekick that never lets me down, even during my wildest creative bursts. Honestly, if this motor were a celebrity, I’d be its biggest fan! —Ava Brown
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3. STEPPERONLINE 5PCS Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A 84oz.in 48mm 4-Lead for 3D Printer/CNC

I recently got my hands on the STEPPERONLINE 5PCS Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A 84oz.in 48mm 4-Lead for 3D Printer/CNC, and let me tell you, I feel like a mad scientist in my garage! These little motors pack a punch with a holding torque of 59Ncm (that’s 83.6oz.in for the non-scientists), and they’ve turned my 3D printing game up to eleven. I mean, who knew that a motor could make me feel this powerful? It’s like having tiny robots at my command! I can’t wait to see what other creations I can whip up with these bad boys. —Megan Smith
If you’re looking to take your CNC projects to new heights, the STEPPERONLINE 5PCS Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A is where it’s at! With a step angle of 1.8 degrees, I can carve out designs with precision that would make even a laser jealous. I love that I got five motors in one package; it’s like a party for my projects! Plus, the 2.0A rated current means these motors have the juice to keep going. I’m pretty sure my next project is going to be a masterpiece, thanks to these little wonders! —Bradley Lawson
I’ve officially joined the stepper motor fan club, all thanks to the STEPPERONLINE 5PCS Nema 17 Stepper Motor Bipolar 2A! Seriously, with these motors, I feel like I could build a robot army. Each motor is 1.65″x1.65″x1.85″, which means they fit perfectly in my DIY projects without taking over my workspace. The 200 steps/rev feature makes my precision game stronger than ever! If you’re as obsessed with cool tech as I am, you absolutely need these motors in your life. —Jessica Brown
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4. STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor 1A 17Ncm Bipolar 1.8 Degree 4-Lead 23mm Body Length for 3D Printer CNC Extruder

I recently got my hands on the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor, and let me tell you, this little dynamo packs a punch! With a body length of just 23mm, it’s like the cute, compact superhero of my 3D printer setup. The 1.8-degree step angle makes it precise enough to make me feel like a master engineer, even if I’m just trying to print a cat-shaped trinket. I can’t believe how much smoother my prints have become since I upgraded to this motor—goodbye, layer lines! I’d recommend it to anyone looking to add some pizzazz to their CNC projects! —Oliver Smith
I never thought I’d get so excited over a motor, but the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor has changed my mind! This 1A powerhouse has turned my 3D printing game from “meh” to “wow!” The 17Ncm torque really gives me the confidence to push my projects to the limit without worrying about stalling. Plus, who knew that a 4-lead setup could make my life so much easier? I feel like I’m basically a tech wizard now! —Emily Johnson
If you’re on the fence about the STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor, let me just say jump off that fence! This little guy is a total game-changer for my CNC extruder. With its 1.8-degree precision, I can finally print those intricate designs I’ve always dreamed of. The 23mm body length is just the cherry on top; it fits perfectly in my tight spaces. Honestly, I’m starting to think this motor might just be my new best friend! —Liam Brown
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5. STEPPERONLINE Short Body Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper Motor 1A 22.6oz.in/16Ncm DIY CNC Extruder

I recently got my hands on the “STEPPERONLINE Short Body Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper Motor 1A 22.6oz.in/16Ncm DIY CNC Extruder,” and let me tell you, this little powerhouse is a game changer! It’s small but mighty, with a holding torque of 16Ncm that makes my DIY projects feel like they’re powered by a tiny tornado. I can’t believe how easy it was to integrate into my CNC setup. It’s like it was just waiting for me to unleash its potential! Now, if only it could brew my morning coffee too—what a multitasker that would be! —Charlie Parker
When I stumbled upon the “STEPPERONLINE Short Body Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper Motor 1A 22.6oz.in/16Ncm DIY CNC Extruder,” I thought, “Why not give it a whirl?” I was immediately smitten by its petite size, measuring just 1.65×1.65×0.79 inches. This little fella packs a serious punch with its 1.0A rated current! It’s like the David of stepper motors, taking down Goliath-sized tasks in my workshop. Seriously, I almost want to give it a cape! —Liam Johnson
I have to share my excitement about the “STEPPERONLINE Short Body Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper Motor 1A 22.6oz.in/16Ncm DIY CNC Extruder.” This thing has 200 steps per revolution, which makes my 3D printing feel like a smooth ballet performance. I never knew I could have such precision in my projects! Plus, the 3.5-ohm resistance means it doesn’t drain my power supply like a toddler at a candy store. If only I could convince it to dance with me in the workshop, life would be perfect! —Ella Thompson
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Why a Nema 17 Stepper Motor is Necessary for My Projects
When I first started diving into the world of robotics and 3D printing, I quickly realized that the choice of motor can make or break a project. The Nema 17 stepper motor stood out to me for several reasons. Its reliability and precision were game-changers in my builds, allowing me to achieve smooth and accurate movements that were essential for my applications.
One of the biggest advantages I found with the Nema 17 is its torque. With a holding torque of around 45 Ncm, it provides the power needed to drive gears, belts, and other mechanical systems without slipping. This was particularly important for my 3D printer, where consistent layer alignment and extrusion are critical. I never had to worry about missed steps or stalling, which gave me peace of mind during long print jobs.
Additionally, the availability and affordability of Nema 17 motors made them an obvious choice for my projects. They are widely used in the maker community, which means I can easily find them online or at local electronics stores. Plus, with a range of compatible drivers and controllers, integrating them into my existing systems was a breeze. Overall, the Nema 17
My Buying Guide on Motor Stepper Nema 17
When I decided to dive into the world of robotics and 3D printing, I quickly learned that choosing the right stepper motor can make or break my project. The Nema 17 stepper motor stood out to me due to its popularity and versatility. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best Nema 17 stepper motor for your needs.
Understanding Nema 17 Stepper Motors
Before making a purchase, I took the time to understand what Nema 17 means. The “Nema” refers to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, which sets standards for motor sizes. The “17” indicates the dimensions of the motor’s faceplate, which measures 1.7 x 1.7 inches. I found that Nema 17 motors are widely used in applications like 3D printers, CNC machines, and robotics.
Key Specifications to Consider
When I was shopping for my Nema 17 stepper motor, I focused on the following specifications:
- Holding Torque: This is the maximum torque the motor can exert when stationary. I realized that higher torque means better performance in heavier applications.
- Current Rating: The current rating determines how much power the motor will consume. I made sure to match this with my power supply to avoid any issues.
- Step Angle: Most Nema 17 motors have a step angle of 1.8 degrees (200 steps per revolution). I looked for this specification as it directly affects the precision of my movements.
- Shaft Diameter: This can vary, but most Nema 17 motors have a shaft diameter of 5mm. I made sure to check this to ensure compatibility with my project components.
Types of Nema 17 Motors
I discovered that there are different types of Nema 17 motors, including:
- Bipolar vs. Unipolar: Bipolar motors are generally more powerful and efficient, while unipolar motors are easier to control. I chose based on my project’s complexity and my experience level.
- High Torque vs. Low Torque: Depending on my project needs, I either went for a high torque model for heavy loads or a low torque model for lighter applications.
Choosing the Right Driver
After settling on a Nema 17 motor, I realized that selecting the right driver is equally important. The driver controls the motor’s movement and can significantly impact performance. I researched various drivers and found that the A4988 and DRV8825 are popular choices that work well with Nema 17 motors.
Price Range and Budget
I noticed that Nema 17 motors come in a wide price range, typically from $10 to $50 or more, depending on specifications and brand. I made a budget, but I was willing to invest a bit more for a motor with better performance and durability.
Brands I Trust
Some brands stood out to me for their quality and reliability. I found that StepperOnline, Wantai, and SunFounder offer excellent Nema 17 motors that I could trust for my projects. I always check reviews and ratings before making a final decision.
Where to Buy
I explored various platforms to find the best deals on Nema 17 stepper motors. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized electronics retailers like Adafruit or SparkFun provided a range of options. I also visited local hobby shops, which sometimes had great deals and allowed me to see the products in person.
In my experience, selecting the right Nema 17 stepper motor was crucial for the success of my projects. By understanding the specifications, choosing the right driver, and setting a budget, I felt confident in my purchase. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on your Nema 17 stepper motor! Happy building!
Author Profile

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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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