Corded Or Cordless Dremel: Which Is Better?

 

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

There’s a range of models for each, and each model has different designed uses and features that might make them good for different things.

Below, we’ve listed 15 consideration you might take into account that might help you make a decision on what types of Dremel to get (i.e. which one is better suited for you and your needs)

This guide complements are few related guides we’ve put together about electric and cordless Dremel’s:

Best Electric Dremel Tool: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Best Cordless Dremel Tool: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

 

(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?

 

Corded Dremel Rotary Tools (Electric)

 

High Performance Electric Dremel Rotary Tools (Variable Speed):

Dremel 4300 (lots of features, highest performance Dremel rotary tool, has the 3 jaw chuck system and work light for added visibility)

Dremel 4200 (features the EZ change bit system, which there has been some issues with)

 

Value For Money Electric Dremel Rotary Tools (Variable Speed):

Dremel 4000 (probably Dremel’s most popular electric rotary tool – very easy to use, well designed, and the kit you can get with the tool offers great value for money for all-around use)

Dremel 3000 (also offers great value for money in a kit like the Dremel 4000 does)

 

Two Speed, and One Speed Electric Dremel Rotary Tools:

Dremel 200 (2 speed)

Dremel 100 (1 speed)

 

Flexible Shaft Electric Dremel Rotary Tool:

Dremel 9100-21 Forti-Flex 2.5-Amp Stationary Flex Shaft Precision Rotary Tool (great for carving and detailing)

 

Dremel Electric Engraver and Decorator Tool:

Dremel 290-01 0.2 Amp Engraver (great for engraving and decorating)

 

Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

 

12 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 8220 (variable speed – probably Dremel’s most popular cordless rotary tool – great value for money in a kit considering it is the premium cordless Dremel rotary tool)

 

8 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 8100 (variable speed cordless rotary tool similar to the Dremel 8220)

Dremel 8050 (variable speed – presents probably the best value of the micro range of Dremel’s cordless rotary tools – good power to size ratio)

 

Ni-Cd (Nickel Cadmium) Battery Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 7700 (2 speed tool)

Dremel 7300 (2 speed tool – very popular along with the Dremel 8100 in Dremel’s micro and small range of cordless rotary tools)

 

Alkaline Battery Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 7000 (2 speed tool)

 

Specialty Cordless Dremel Rotary Tools

Dremel 7000-PK 6-Volt (model for Pumpkin Carving)

Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V (model for Pet Nail Grooming tool – although, it should be noted you can get away with using most other Dremel cordless and electric models for pet nail grooming)

 

 

15 Practical Tips For Choosing A Corded or Cordless Dremel Tool

 

• 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

Come in the larger sized tools like the Dremel 3000, 4000, 4200, 4300 models, AND smaller sized like the Dremel 100 and 200 models

 

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

The 8220 and 8100 are the bigger tools, the 8050 is medium-small, and the rest are small/micro tools

 

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

The 8220, 8100 and 8050 are all variable speed tools up to 5 speeds. The others are dual speed/two speed tools

 

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

The 8220 comes with the EZ twist system (for example, which is quite good in saving time when changing bits