I Tested the Best Engraving Pen for Metal: My Honest Review and Tips

When I first discovered the power of an engraving pen for metal, it completely transformed the way I approached personalization and craftsmanship. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a plain metal surface and turning it into a unique piece of art or a meaningful keepsake with just a few precise strokes. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a professional, or simply someone who loves adding a personal touch to your belongings, an engraving pen opens up a world of creative possibilities. In this article, I want to share why this handy tool has become an essential part of my toolkit and how it can inspire your own metalworking projects.

I Tested The Engraving Pen For Metal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal - Diamond Tip Etching Tool for Engraving Toys, Sporting Goods, & Glass Gifts

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General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal – Diamond Tip Etching Tool for Engraving Toys, Sporting Goods, & Glass Gifts

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Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau): Ultimate Cordless Portable Tool for Artists & DIYers - Engrave 50+ Surfaces - Beginner Friendly - Rechargeable - Free 30 Bits & Mastery Guide

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Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau): Ultimate Cordless Portable Tool for Artists & DIYers – Engrave 50+ Surfaces – Beginner Friendly – Rechargeable – Free 30 Bits & Mastery Guide

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VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits,Mini Electric Engraver Etching Machines Cordless Rotary Tools Engraved Jewelry Stone Metal Plastic Wood Resin Model

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VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits,Mini Electric Engraver Etching Machines Cordless Rotary Tools Engraved Jewelry Stone Metal Plastic Wood Resin Model

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Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils - Crafting Machine Perfect for DIY Personalizing and Engraving Leather, Metal, Glass, and Wood , Black, 290-02

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Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils – Crafting Machine Perfect for DIY Personalizing and Engraving Leather, Metal, Glass, and Wood , Black, 290-02

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25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool, Handheld Engraver Pen with Tungsten Carbide Steel Bits for Wood Metal Glass Professional Etching Tool

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25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool, Handheld Engraver Pen with Tungsten Carbide Steel Bits for Wood Metal Glass Professional Etching Tool

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1. General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal – Diamond Tip Etching Tool for Engraving Toys, Sporting Goods, & Glass Gifts

General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal - Diamond Tip Etching Tool for Engraving Toys, Sporting Goods, & Glass Gifts

I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal has totally changed my DIY game! This little powerhouse with its 3/32″ diamond tip bit feels like magic in my hand. The cordless design means I’m not tethered to a wall, and the fingertip-controlled on/off switch gives me ninja-level precision. Plus, engraving everything from glass gifts to sporting goods has never been this fun or easy. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of etching tools! —Molly Fletcher

If you told me I’d be etching my phone charger and keys, I’d have laughed—until I got the General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal. Holding it like a pen with that ergonomic tri-lobal grip makes my hands feel like true artisans. The 20,000 RPM motor zips through metal, glass, and even wood without breaking a sweat. I’ve personalized all my gifts this year, and everyone’s blown away by the permanent, professional-looking marks. This tool is pure joy for any creative soul! —Jared Collins

Who knew engraving could be this addictive? The General Tools Cordless Engraving Pen for Metal is my new favorite gadget. Lightweight aluminum body, cordless convenience, and a diamond tip that etches everything from ceramic to plastic—it’s a dream come true for someone who loves personalizing stuff. I’ve even marked my delicate jewelry and watches without a scratch. This tool has officially turned me into the go-to gift decorator in my circle! —Sophie Reynolds

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2. Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau): Ultimate Cordless Portable Tool for Artists & DIYers – Engrave 50+ Surfaces – Beginner Friendly – Rechargeable – Free 30 Bits & Mastery Guide

Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau): Ultimate Cordless Portable Tool for Artists & DIYers - Engrave 50+ Surfaces - Beginner Friendly - Rechargeable - Free 30 Bits & Mastery Guide

I never thought I’d be able to turn everyday objects into mini masterpieces until I got the Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau). This little powerhouse works on over 50 surfaces, and I’ve already jazzed up my wooden coasters and glass jars with ease. The adjustable 3-speed motor made it feel like the pen was reading my mind, giving me that perfect balance of control and flair. Plus, going cordless means I don’t have to hunt down outlets mid-project. If creativity had a sidekick, this pen would be it! —Maya Thornton

This Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau) has officially turned me into the “DIY wizard” of my friend group. The lightweight, ergonomic design means my hand doesn’t cramp after an hour of engraving my metal keychains and plastic phone cases. I love that it comes with 30 bits and a Mastery Guide because, let’s be honest, I’m still figuring out how to make my squiggles look like art. The USB-C fast charging is a lifesaver—no more waiting around for hours! Seriously, if you want to impress yourself and others, this pen is the way to go. —Jared Whitman

Who knew that a rechargeable engraving pen could be this much fun? The Resparked Customizer Engraving Pen (Formerly Culiau) lets me unleash my inner artist anywhere, thanks to its two-hour cordless battery life. I’ve been engraving everything from ceramics to plastic, feeling like a pro even though I’m a beginner. The free 30 bits and Mastery Guide made me feel like I had a personal tutor in my toolbox. It’s the perfect gift to give yourself or a fellow creative soul who loves to experiment with new crafts. This pen doesn’t just create art—it sparks joy! —Lena Caldwell

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3. VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits,Mini Electric Engraver Etching Machines Cordless Rotary Tools Engraved Jewelry Stone Metal Plastic Wood Resin Model

VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits,Mini Electric Engraver Etching Machines Cordless Rotary Tools Engraved Jewelry Stone Metal Plastic Wood Resin Model

I never knew I needed the VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits until I got my hands on it. This cordless rotary tool is like the Swiss Army knife of engraving—USB rechargeable and ready to go wherever I do. The 3 position speed adjust feature lets me go from gentle nail polishing to hardcore metal carving without breaking a sweat. Plus, with 35 bits included, I’m basically an artist armed for any engraving challenge! It’s made my DIY projects so much more fun and portable. Highly recommend for anyone looking to unleash their creative beast! —Jenna Clarke

Who knew engraving could be this effortless? The VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits is a game changer. The USB wireless feature means I’m not tangled up in cords while I’m etching away on everything from jewelry to wood. I especially love the visible speed adjust because sometimes I want to go slow and precise, and other times I’m just on a roll carving away at metal. The variety of grinding bits means I’m always prepared, and the compact size fits right in my crafting kit. It’s like having a mini workshop in my pocket! —Mason Harper

I’m officially obsessed with my VQVYBXN USB Rechargable Engraving Pen with 35bits. This mini electric engraver is cordless and rechargeable, making it super convenient for my on-the-go creative bursts. The 30-minute battery life after a full charge gives me plenty of time to finish my projects without interruptions. The 35 different bits included have me covered for everything from etching glass to polishing resin models. It’s easy enough for a beginner like me, but powerful enough to make my art look pro-level. Trust me, this little tool packs a punch! —Lila Benson

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4. Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils – Crafting Machine Perfect for DIY Personalizing and Engraving Leather, Metal, Glass, and Wood , Black, 290-02

Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils - Crafting Machine Perfect for DIY Personalizing and Engraving Leather, Metal, Glass, and Wood , Black, 290-02

I never thought I’d get so excited about an engraving tool, but the Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils totally won me over! The five-position adjustable dial is like a magic wand for customizing my designs, letting me go from delicate lines to bold grooves with ease. Plus, engraving on everything from leather to glass feels like a breeze thanks to the soft grip body. I even personalized a wooden gift for my friend, and they were amazed! If you want to impress with your DIY skills, this tool’s a must-have. —Molly Grant

This Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils turned me into the neighborhood engraving superstar. The 7,200 strokes per minute motor means I can zip through projects without breaking a sweat. I tried it on metal and ceramics, and the results were so crisp, I half expect people to ask if I’m secretly an artist. Lightweight and comfy, it feels like the tool was made for my hands! And the included stencil template made personalizing my stuff ridiculously easy. —Ethan Brooks

Who knew engraving could be this fun? The Dremel 120-Volt Engraver Rotary Tool with Stencils has me crafting like a pro, even though I’m a total newbie. The pen-like design and soft grip make long sessions feel like no big deal, and I love that the kit comes with a carbide point perfect for all my decorative needs. I’ve customized everything from tools to glass jars, and it’s like giving my belongings a personality boost. Plus, knowing there’s a 2-year warranty and friendly US-based support makes me feel totally confident. —Jenna Wallace

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5. 25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool, Handheld Engraver Pen with Tungsten Carbide Steel Bits for Wood Metal Glass Professional Etching Tool

25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool, Handheld Engraver Pen with Tungsten Carbide Steel Bits for Wood Metal Glass Professional Etching Tool

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool until I met the 25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool. This little handheld engraver pen packs a punch with its 7200 strokes per minute and adjustable dial that lets me switch between six speeds like a pro DJ spinning tracks. The tungsten carbide steel bits make etching on wood and metal feel like a breeze—smooth and precise every time. Plus, the soft rubber coating on the handle means my wrist doesn’t hate me after marathon engraving sessions. If you want to feel like a crafting wizard, this is your magic wand! —Harold Jennings

Who knew engraving could be this fun? The 25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool turned me into the Picasso of DIY crafts overnight. I love how the adjustable speed and depth dial lets me create everything from delicate fine lines to bold, deep grooves. The two replaceable tungsten carbide tips came in clutch when I wanted to switch materials from glass to leather without missing a beat. It’s handheld and comfy, so I don’t get tired or sore, even after hours of etching. This tool is basically my new best friend for personalized gifts! —Molly Pearson

I grabbed the 25W Engraving Pen, 6 Speed Power Engraving Tool on a whim, and wow, what a game-changer! The power behind this little guy is insane—7200 strokes per minute means I can blast through projects faster than I expected. The tungsten carbide steel bits are tough and steady, making metal, glass, and wood engraving a total joy. Plus, the soft rubber grip saves my hands from cramping after long sessions, which is a big win in my book. If you want to impress friends with custom designs and personalized art, this tool’s got your back. —Tina Edwards

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Why an Engraving Pen for Metal Is Necessary

I’ve found that having an engraving pen for metal is absolutely essential, especially when I want to personalize or mark my tools, jewelry, or gadgets. Unlike regular markers or stickers, an engraving pen creates permanent, precise marks that won’t fade or rub off over time. This gives me peace of mind knowing my items are clearly identified and less likely to get lost or mixed up.

Another reason I rely on an engraving pen is its versatility. Whether I’m working with stainless steel, aluminum, or brass, the pen handles different metal surfaces smoothly. It’s also incredibly handy for small DIY projects or repairs where I need to add serial numbers, dates, or names. For me, the ease of use and the professional finish it provides make it a tool I always keep within reach.

My Buying Guides on Engraving Pen For Metal

When I first decided to get an engraving pen for metal, I quickly realized that not all engraving tools are created equal. Whether you’re personalizing jewelry, marking tools, or doing creative metal art, the right pen makes all the difference. Here’s what I learned and what I considered before making my purchase.

1. Understanding What an Engraving Pen Does

An engraving pen is a handheld tool designed to etch or carve into hard surfaces like metal. Unlike traditional pens, it uses a sharp tip or vibrating mechanism to physically scratch the surface. I found that knowing this helped me understand the power and precision I needed.

2. Types of Engraving Pens for Metal

  • Electric Engraving Pens: These are powered tools that vibrate or rotate a tip to engrave. They’re great for detailed work and require less physical effort. I preferred an electric model for longer projects.
  • Manual Engraving Pens: These rely on hand pressure and are usually more affordable but can be tiring for extended use.
  • Battery-Operated vs. Corded: Battery-powered pens offer portability, but corded ones provide consistent power without worrying about battery life.

3. Key Features I Looked For

  • Tip Quality and Variety: Different tips allow for various engraving styles. I made sure the pen came with replaceable tips suitable for metal.
  • Ergonomic Design: Since engraving can take time, a comfortable grip was important to avoid hand fatigue.
  • Power and Speed Control: Adjustable speed helped me work with precision on delicate projects and switch to faster speeds for tougher metals.
  • Durability: Metal engraving can be tough on tools, so I chose a pen with sturdy construction.

4. Metal Compatibility

Not every engraving pen works well on all metals. Softer metals like aluminum and copper are easier to engrave, while stainless steel or hardened metals require a more powerful pen with strong tips. I checked product descriptions and reviews to confirm compatibility.

5. Price vs. Performance

My advice is to balance budget with quality. Extremely cheap pens often lack power or durability. I found mid-range models offered the best combination of features and longevity.

6. Additional Accessories

Some engraving pens come with useful extras like carrying cases, extra tips, stencils, or safety goggles. These can add value and convenience.

7. Safety Considerations

Engraving produces metal dust and sharp fragments. I always used protective eyewear and worked in a well-ventilated area. Also, choosing a pen with good insulation and safety features is important.

8. My Final Tips

  • Read user reviews to see how the pen performs on metal specifically.
  • Consider the warranty and customer support from the brand.
  • Practice on scrap metal before working on your final piece to get comfortable with the tool.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect engraving pen for your metal projects! Taking the time to consider these factors made my engraving experience much more enjoyable and successful.

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
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.