What Dremel (type) tool?

I’ve finally found a task which looks like it requires a small metal cutting disc type tool (oven fan retaining nut stuck on, I’ve got all the replacement bits but the damn but has seized and I need to cut it off).

I know such tools are going to be a STW favourite so what not too expensive model do I want (which will do my current job, and also be handy for others)?

Well Dremel obviously, but more possibly an oscillating Multi-Tool

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196003647483?epid=14033956609&itmmeta=01HZT4YDFVWHRV0CJ83J43E657&hash=item2da2ba4ffb:g:1osAAOSwfA9llWV3

Tell me more….

And keen to be pointed to specific models as there looks like there are a lot of things available.

I’ve had an Aldi brand one for years and it’s still going strong even after I’ve totally abused it’s usage for jobs its not really intended for.

The cheaper model is normally the noisiest, I’ve a cheap bosch green one and i need ear defenders using it.

This is the old Bosch model(the pro-designated by its blue casing) but despite being 12 years old, its pretty much the same thing. Bosch pro is about 100 quid. I’d always recommend a quality tool over a cheaper.

They are extremely versatile, and probably a lot safety to use for small jobs than buying an angle grinder or circular saw.

I got a cheapo B+Q random-branded one quite a few years ago.

I always find it deeply frustrating to use as its got sod-all power and slows / stalls too easily.

(Had to use it a fair bit to grind out the pissy crap little Horst Link brgs on the Stumpjumper (as the crap design means they can’t be drifted out and always fall apart trying to use an 8mm extractor, leaving the inner races stuck in the frame)

Keep meaning to get a pukka Dremel with decent umpf.

Whatever you choose, get a cordless model! If you already have other cordless tools, is there a suitable compatible model.

I went down the Makita 18V line a while ago, it suits me just fine for regular DIY work. I have the DTM51Z oscillating tool and have no complaints. The tool is not overly loud but once you get the work piece resonating the workplace can get pretty uncomfortable, wear decent ear defenders.

Also worth knowing (thanks Kayak) is that you can get Chinese? knock-off clones from Katsu that are compatible with Makita batteries. I have the hand held trimmer palm router and for the price it’s very good and does everything and more that I need.

I’ve got a Proxxon. Light, quiet, well engineered. Last used it to cut through a steel security rope on one of the bikes in the garage when I lost the keys

Whatever you choose, wear eye protection.

Whatever you choose, wear eye protection.

Full face if using those stupid little grinding disks on a dremel 😎

You do realise that most oven fan retaining bolt are left hand thread…

I’ve had and still have a few, tbh the dremel is the best, and is best supported with stuff (literally everyone else makes things that fit dremels but not all dremel stuff fits other tools). Also the ecomomics tend to work out well with buying a tool + bits from dremel, if you get the speedclick and such included as they’re silly expensive otherwise.

The one i use most is a cheap draper 12v cordless, cos it’s cheap and cordless. My second one, the first one went on fire a little bit. The cheaper ones can be an amazing buy, sometimes you get a whole big set for barely the price of the bits and discs and such, but equally, the cheap discs especially tend to be really pretty crap.

You do realise that most oven fan retaining bolt are left hand thread…

I found out too late, hence the need for a new tool!

learn something everyday. why are they left hand thread?

if you use hotukdeals dremels regularly get discounted on amazon. i picked up a 3000 with a big discount. i figured wired is ok for the sort of hobby things i woukd use it for.

also have a proper makita multitool. its brilliant but i wouldnt want to be trying to do small stuff with it

tbh if its a screw on something expensive id probably just use a junior hacksaw and take it slow. cut a slot across so you can get purchase with a flat scredriver

I’ve got a basic Dremel, not sure of the model, but with too many old cars it’s had an absolute kicking for at least a decade and it still works well.

I highly recommend the Dremel Speedclic cutting discs regardless of which brand tool you go for. You need the little speedclic adapter and the discs are pricey, but nothing else I’ve used gets close in terms of cutting and durability.

Went for a Worx sonicrafter cordless in the end due to being able to use batteries with other Worx tools, plus I think for me an oscillating cutter will be more suited to other jobs than a hobby type like a dremel.

Oven fan and motor now replaced and working.  Was easier to cut off the back of the motor to enable a good grip on the fan shaft with grips and then unscrew the nut (the right way) as trying to cut the shaft was blunting the blade (faster than it was cutting – must be some hardened steel).