[Closed] Which Dremel or similar?

Dremel uses Bosch Green batteries if you want intercompatibility.

Bosch also have a professional version using the Pro 10.8/12V system, it doesn't look cosmetically different barring the battery.

Either way you WILL want a second battery as they don't seem to last long enough.

Bits are pretty much intercompatible, Dremel do a proper chuck but I buggered mine and it's locked after the first use. You can also get shims and such but they can be a bugger if they stick.

EDIT: Noted the point about corded, I'd still say the batteries will be supported for years to come and they are easily modded if they stopped doing the All for one system or whatever it's called.

I've got an Aldi special (I think) Corded, and it's been very useful for some fiddly jobs.

I replaced an old Black & Decker Versapak cordless with a proper Dremel a while back.

Anecdotally, the bits were interchangeable which was annoying as I'd thrown all the old ones out by then. The Dremel though is vastly more powerful than the old B&D one (possibly because it's running on 230V).

I have a corded parkside one from lidl and it's good. No issues at all with it, you will need to find out when they are next available

I use a Dremel 3000 .

It's pretty good. I have a little tool free chuck fitted which is handy for different sized bits without having to change the collet.

I just buy cheap bags of bits off Amazon or eBay. The chuck means they all fit. Came in really handy recently cutting away rusted bodywork on my van on difficult to reach places.

Good thread. I also need a Dremel or similar and was wondering how they all stack up. I want a corded model as well for the extra grunt and the fact I'll only be using it in the garage and around the house, not popping it in my camelbak.

I have a genuine dremel with a snake attachment, it was a bit more expensive but it's... oh I dunno, a decade old maybe? Still going strong. I was killing a cheap one every year before that. I think it's basically the equivalent of today's £80 dremel. The snek is absolutely invaluable, it's basically never off.

But, I do also have a cordless draper (same as the Lidl one incidentally). It lacks the torque- it'll stall with cutting discs sometimes- but it's so handy to be totally cordless, and it was incredibly cheap for what it is (£28 including charger and tools). And the batteries are interchangable with the stormforce drill, mini reciprocating saw, and 3/8ths power ratchet so that's really handy too.

A hidden thing to watch for, is buying only tools that are all the same shaft size. This is easier than it used to be as things have kind of standardised but it used to be it was all over the place, especially with cheaper tools, even within a boxed set you'd get 2 or 3 sizes and it's a pain in the arse changing the jaws. Doesn't sound like much but you'll regret it forever if you don't.

Corded here too. Chances are the only place you'll use it is next to an electrical socket.

Average tool size is 3.2mm, so the standard collet fits about everything, with the exceptions being very small or micro drill bits or very large drill bits or dremel spec attachments, like mini saws.
Most of the other brands aspire to be dremel so make compatible sizes. What is good there is the quality of grinding polishing rubbers is exactly the same, only cheaper.

I've been trying to wear out an older 395 over the last fifteen years without success, including an intensive period likely over 8 years. I need to tighten the collet with a pair of pliers, but it holds fine and doesnt slip, unless its been in long use and is red hot. I reckon the motors on these must be industrially rated and ive had mine very hot for consistent use over weeks. Still running absolutely fine.

If you intend to use if for extended periods, be aware holding a buzzing motor in your hand leads to fatigue and numbness or a buzzing sensation. The preferred thing is to hang the motor unit on the wall and use a flexible drive shaft(Again the cheaper models fit), this takes away the majority of the vibration.
While on a flexible shaft, other handgrips are available to do other jobs. One is a reciprocating action and fits mini carving chisels.
sorry for the advert on axminster tools, but its likely many here use them a lot and will sing their praises anyway.
They make a motor unit and flexible shaft along with the different handgrips for the grinding,drilling or carving, if i needed another,i'd go for that type.

I think corded as I want to be able to use it in years to come without a dead battery getting in the way

Corded 3000 the speed switches can be proper temperamental resulting in a fun game if will it spin and how fast will that be. Its a known issue but i can't be arsed fixing it.

I use a 3000 with a snake and it is brilliant.

I would recommend buying lots of cut off wheels as I have a tendency to break them while not in use.

I also picked up a smaller chuck as the stock one didn't go small enough for my 0.8mm drill bits.

nwmlarge
Full Member

I would recommend buying lots of cut off wheels as I have a tendency to break them while not in use.

Oh god yes, this. So annoying.

Thanks peeps. I actually got my job done without a Dremel, but I'm definitely going to buy one next time there's an offer around!

I would recommend buying lots of cut off wheels as I have a tendency to break them while not in use.

I have a tendency to break them off in use. Even if you normally have a World Class Accident approach to health and safety I wouldn't be in the same room as one without eye protection.