As far as the market for cordless rotary tools go, it’s necessary to compare the Dremel 8220 vs Milwaukee M12.
Both tools appear on paper to be at the top of the field in terms of performance and quality – but how do they rate against each other?
We’ve compared the Milwaukee rotary tool vs Dremel side by side, so you can get a better idea of which brand is best suited for you.
Let’s have a look …
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Dremel 8220 vs Milwaukee M12 – Quick Summary: Which Tool Should You Get?
You might choose a Dremel 8220 1/28 Rotary Tool Kit because…
- The Dremel has a higher max speed – 35,000 RPM vs the Milwaukee’s 32,000 RPM
- The Dremel is compatible with all Dremel accessories & attachments
- The Dremel comes with more accessories for a wider range of tasks – 28 accessories for cutting, grinding, cleaning, sanding vs the Milwaukee’s 5 cutting wheels
- The Dremel has the EZ Twist collet system with wrench-free bit changing vs the Milwaukee’s need for a wrench to change bits
- The Dremel comes with a hard carry case vs the Milwaukee soft case
- The Dremel is more affordable
- The Dremel can be used on-site, or at home – but, is probably more versatile as an all around tool for crafts, jewelry making, DIY & general construction than the Milwaukee
View the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
You might choose a Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 12-Volt Rotary Tool Kit because…
- The Milwaukee has a longer limited warranty – 5 Years vs the Dremel’s 2 Years
- The Milwaukee has half the battery charge time – 30 minutes vs the Dremel’s 1 hour
- The Milwaukee is lighter for extended use or long sessions – 1.3 lbs vs the Dremel’s 3.52 lbs
- The Milwaukee is slightly thinner and more compact to hold in hand
- The Milwaukee still fits most Dremel accessories – it can take 1/32” – 1/8” shank diameters on bits and accessories
- The Milwaukee can be used on-site, or at home – but, feels like more of a tradesman’s tool (electrician, plumber etc.) than the Dremel
View the Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
Dremel 8220 vs Milwaukee M12: Cordless Rotary Tool Comparison
Dremel 8220
Type Of Tool – Cordless/Battery Powered Dremel
Amps & Volts – 12 Volt Lithium Ion Battery
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 3.5 lbs/1.6 kg
Tool Length – 9 Inches
Battery Charge Time – 1 Hour
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Ability to use all current Dremel rotary tool accessories and attachments
Chuck System – EZ Twist™ nose cap – tool free bit changes. Have to change collet if going up or down bit shank sizes
Warranty – Yes, 2 Year limited warranty
Other Features – Cordless, 360-degree grip zone for control in any position, lithium ion battery which has 33% longer run time when cutting screws than the previous highest performance cordless Dremel, Separate on/off switch and speed control, ball bearing construction
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Light and small detail tasks like cutting nails and screws. But, in general – cutting, grinding/sharpening, sanding, cleaning/polishing, drilling, carving/engraving, routing + more
Other Notes – 1) Dremel brand – compatible with Dremel accessories & accessories. 2) No tool wrench required to change bits. 3) Higher top speed than the Milwaukee
Summary – Quality cordless rotary tool. Biggest point of difference is it belongs to the Dremel brand and accepts all Dremel accessories & attachments
Milwaukee M12
Type Of Tool – Cordless/Battery Powered Milwaukee
Amps & Volts – 12 Volt Lithium Ion Battery
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed 5,000 to 32,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 1.3 lbs/0.58 kg
Tool Length – 9 3/4 Inches
Battery Charge Time – 30 minute charge
Accepts Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Ability to Milwaukee accessories, and most Dremel accessories. Accommodates all 1/32” – 1/8” shank accessories
Chuck System – Collet System – requires wrench (included) to change bits
Warranty – Yes, 5 Year limited warranty
Other Features – Cordless, Grinder-style exhaust ports and front-bearing protection, separate speed and on/off switches
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Light and small detail tasks like cutting nails and screws. But, in general – cutting, grinding/sharpening, sanding, cleaning/polishing, drilling, carving/engraving, routing + more
Other Notes – 1) Thinner, lighter & feels more solid than the Dremel. 2) Half the charge time of the Dremel. 3) Longer warranty than the Dremel
Summary – Quality cordless rotary tool. Will accept most Dremel accessories. Lighter, less charge time & longer limited warranty than the Dremel
Dremel 8220 vs Milwaukee M12: Reviews
Dremel 8220
You can read about the:
- Dremel 8220 Kit Options (what’s included in each kit, what extras you might need)
- Dremel 8220 User Experience (comments on user experience)
- Dremel 8220 Summary
…in this Dremel 8220 review and guide, or this guide on cordless Dremel tools.
Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool
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Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool Kit Options
1) Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Rotary Tool Kit
Accessories/Bits Included:
- (5) Cutting Wheels
Attachments Included:
None
Extras Included:
- (1) M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery
- (1) M12™ Lithium-ion Battery Charger
- (1) Mandrel
- (1) Wrench
- (1) Contractor Bag
What Else You Might Need:
Some users might like to get the following items with this kit…
- Keyless Chuck (for wrench free & collet free bit changing) – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
- Assorted Bit Kit – Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece (on Amazon)
- Extra Battery – Milwaukee Electric Tool GIDDS2-811057 M12 12V 2.0 Battery Pack (on Amazon)
Where to check out price:
View the Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
2) Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2460-20 M12
This is just the tool without a kit.
If you already have an M12 battery and charger for another Milwaukee tool, and you are ok getting your own accessories – this option makes sense.
View the Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 Rotary Tool on Amazon
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Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool User Experience
What’s Good About It?
- Works well for plumbers, electrician, locksmiths and small trades works like cutting bolts and screws, cutting PVC
- Also works well for home based tasks like crafts and trimming dog’s nails
- Great power, and great battery life
- Battery works with all Milwaukee M12 tools – great if you have other Milwaukee tools
- Most Dremel accessories fit it
- Probably built a little harder wearing and to last longer than the Dremel
- Similar or less noise level compared to the Dremel
What Are Some Potential Improvements?
- Could come with a hard case instead of a soft tool case
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Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool Summary
In our opinion, although the Dremel probably has a little more all-around potential (if you factor in all the Dremel attachments), the Milwaukee is probably the tougher of the two tools.
Massive warranty, quick battery charge time, solid unit and construction, lots of power, low vibration, and ability to accept 1/32” – 1/8” shank diameters are all features that put this tool at the top of the list with the Dremel as the best cordless rotary tools on the market.
Dremel 8220 vs Milwaukee M12: Resources
1. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/
2. https://www.dremel.com/en_US/
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