Corded Or Cordless Dremel: Which Is Better?

 

Dremel offers both corded (electric) rotary tools, and cordless (battery operated) rotary tools.

Each type of Dremel has different models in it’s range, with each model having different features and being designed for different uses. 

Below, we’ve listed different considerations when choosing which one to get.

 

(Note – this is a general information buyer’s guide only. Also do your own research before making a Dremel purchasing decision so you get a Dremel best suited to what you intend to use it for)

 

Corded Or Cordless Dremel: Which Is Better?

 

Some Differences Between Corded & Cordless Dremels

Some of the main differences to consider when buying a corded or cordless Dremel might be:

– Cordless Dremels will limited in some instances with portability by their cord

– Cordless Dremels will need to be charged (and have different charging times), and have a runtime to consider too

– Cordless Dremels may require additional batteries be bought in the future if the existing battery gets old. This assuming the battery is removable, and not integrated into the tool

Both a charger and battery will be required for a cordless Dremel

 

Considerations Before Buying Both Corded & Cordless Dremels

 

IF you are considering getting a Corded/Electric Dremel Tool, make these considerations before you buy …

 

1. Decide what reach you want

Cords are generally 6-8 feet long. But, you can use an extension cord for added distance from the power source

 

2. Decide what amperage and overall performance you want

Amperage range is from 1.1 Amps for the Dremel 100, to 1.6 Amps for the Dremel 4300, to 2.5 Amps for the Flexi Shaft tool

 

3. Decide what number of speeds (RPM) you want available

There are single speed, dual speed, and variable speed tools up to 5 speeds (0-35,000 RPMs)

 

4. Decide what bits, accessories and attachments you want with your tool (in a kit) for the tasks you will be carrying out. Decide if you are willing to buy an extra accessories pack is the bits you need don’t come with the tool

Come in kits with bits/accessories for different uses, and attachments for different uses.

But, you can also buy all-around Dremel bit packs as extra, as well as other extras like carbide bits, work stations and more

Check what bits, accessories and attachments the tool you are looking at getting doesn’t take/accept

 

5. Decide what sort of chuck/bit holding mechanism you want – tool-less change, or change with a key/wrench?

Come with three main chuck/bit holder systems – button/twist chuck (keyless chuck), key chuck, and 3 jaw chuck

In our opinion, it is worth steering clear of the Dremel 4200’s EZ change system – which has had some issues in the past with securely holding bits among other issues.

 

6. Decide what sized tool you want

In terms of dimensions (L x W), and the weight of the tool

 

7. Decide what type of electric dremel rotary tool you want

Come in different type tool cateogires – high performance, value for money, single and dual speed, and specialty tools

Check is the tool was designed for any tasks in particular over others

 

IF you want to get a Corded/Electric Dremel Tool, make these considerations before you buy …

 

8. Decide if you are willing to be limited by the operation life of one or two batteries

Cordless dremel tools are battery powered, and they can last anywhere from 10-30 minutes on light-medium tasks depending on the model. But, it varies depending on the tool you’re using and the task you’re performing

If the tool comes with one battery and a charger, are you prepared to buy a back up battery (extra cost) if required?

 

9. Decide what sort of battery you want

The re-chargeable batteries are the Lithium Ion and Nickel Cadmium batteries.

Some cordless dremel tools also come with alkaline batteries which aren’t re-chargeable and require new batteries to be bought when they run out.

 

10. Decide what level of voltage you want from your tool and battery

The 8220 has a 12 volt battery, the 8100 and 8050 are 8 volt, and the 7000 comes in at 6 volts

 

11. How long can you afford to wait for the battery to charge

Most of the re-chargeable batteries take somewhere around 3-4 hours to charge.

Consider getting an extra battery if that is an issue

 

12. Decide what size of cordless Dremel you want

In terms of dimensions (L x W), and the weight of the tool

 

13. Like the electric dremel tools…Decide what bits, accessories and attachments you want with your tool (in a kit) for the tasks you will be carrying out. Decide if you are willing to buy an extra accessories pack is the bits you need don’t come with the tool

Come in kits with bits/accessories for different uses, and attachments for different uses.

But, you can also buy all-around Dremel bit packs as extra, as well as other extras like carbide bits, work stations and more

Check what bits, accessories and attachments the tool you are looking at getting doesn’t take/accept

 

14. Decide how many speeds (RPMs) you want

 

15. Check what bit change system you get with the tool