Below, we compare the Dremel vs the Ryobi Rotary tools.
We compare the main differences, similarities, and features of each brand’s products, and consider which one to get.
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Dremel Rotary Tools, & Ryobi Rotary Tool
If you prefer, you can go to viewing each tool here:
Dremel
Dremel has a range of different rotary tools
But, to compare the most similar tools from each brand, we’ve chose to compare specifically Dremel’s flex shaft attachment, and flex shaft attachment + rotary tool kits.
These are those options:
Dremel 4000 with Flex Shaft Attachment (on Amazon)
Dremel 3000 with Flex Shaft Attachment (on Amazon)
Standalone Dremel Rotary Tool Flex Shaft Attachment (on Amazon)
Ryobi
Ryobi P460 One+ Plus 18 Volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool (on Amazon) (includes tool, plus flex shaft pen)
*Note that Ryobi also has ‘Rotary Cutter’ tool as well, which you can view here:
Ryobi P531 One+ 18V Cordless Speed Saw Rotary Cutter (on Amazon)
But, for the purposes of this guide, we’ve summarised just the ‘Rotary Tool’ product from Ryobi.
Dremel vs Ryobi Rotary Tool: Which To Get?
You might get the Dremel flex shaft attachment if …
You want the ability to attach the Dremel flex shaft attachment to any compatible corded or cordless Dremel tool of your choosing (make sure to check tool compatibility in the product description before you buy)
Dremel has a range of tools to choose from to attach to
You might get the Dremel 3000 or 4000 + flex shaft attachment kits if …
You want to get one of Dremel’s most versatile but also affordable corded rotary tools (as there are more expensive Dremel rotary tools than the 3000 or 4000 models), plus a flex shaft attachment, plus accessories and other attachments for other tasks in one kit.
These kits give you versatility and flexibility to perform tasks other than precision tasks.
You might get the Ryobi P531 One+ 18V Cordless Speed Saw Rotary Cutter if …
You want an affordable cordless flex shaft rotary tool + bare tool kit, where the flex shaft pen attaches to the Ryobi rotary tool
It also comes with some accessories/bits
Although the kit is affordable, you have to check if the battery and charger come included in the kit, or whether you have to purchase them as an additional cost
Dremel vs Ryobi Rotary Tool: Differences
The differences depend on whether you’re comparing just the flex shaft products to one another, or, the flex shafts plus the tools.
Some of the main differences between the products might be:
– The Dremel flex shaft comes as a standalone product that can be attached to different Dremel rotary tools, whereas the Ryobi flex shaft pen comes attached the the Ryobi cordless tool
So, the Dremel flex shaft attachment offers more versatility
There’s also the option to buy the Dremel flex shaft attachment with a Dremel tool in a kit though
– The Dremel flex shaft attachment by itself might have a 1 year limited warranty (with each Dremel tool having separate warranties), whereas the Ryobi flex shaft + care tool kit might come with a 3 year manufacturers warranty
– The specs and performance of the rotary tools differ
Each Dremel rotarty tool has it’s own specs
If we compare some of the basic specs of the Dremel 3000, Dremel 4000, and the Ryobi cordless …
Dremel 3000 – electric/corded tool, and operates with variable speed from 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Dremel 4000 – electric/corded tool, and operates with variable speed from 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Ryobi Cordless – cordless tool, and operates up to 34,000 RPM
In general, Dremel provides more specs for their tools than Ryobi has provided.
– The price of the Dremel vs the Ryobi kits may differ depending on which Dremel rotary tool you end up buying, and, whether you have to purchase the Ryobi battery and charger separately to the flex shaft pen and tool
– The quality (performance and durability) of the Dremel vs the Ryobi accessories/bits may differ
Dremel vs Ryobi Rotary Tool: Similarities
Some of the main similarities between the flex shafts specifically might be:
– Length Of Flex Shafts
Both are 36 inch flex shafts
Some people may find this length too short though
– Collet/Shank System
Both flex shafts may hold up to a 1/8 inch shank
Dremel vs Ryobi Rotary Tool: Main Features
Dremel Rotary Tool Flex Shaft Attachment
A standalone flex shaft attachment for compatible Dremel rotary tools – you can check compatibility on the flex shaft attachment product description
Can be used for a range of light tasks that require precision or detail
Has a 36 inch flexible cable (has a 5 inch bend radius)
Holds up to a 1/8 inch shank in the flex shaft pen
Currently has a 1 year limited warranty (although, confirm this yourself prior to purchase)
Dremel 4000
See the main features of the Dremel 4000 rotary tool in this guide
Dremel 3000
See the main features of the Dremel 3000 rotary tool in this guide
Ryobi P460 One+ Plus 18 Volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool
A flex shaft pen + bare tool + accessories/bits kit
The rotary tool is an cordless rotary tool, mainly for light tasks
Has a rechargeable, 18 volt lithium ion battery
Is a variable speed tool up to 34,000 RPM, and the speed can be changed with a speed dial
Works with a 36 inch flex shaft pen
Flex shaft pen might be good specifically for detail orientated and precision tasks
Pen has an overmold on it for a more comfortable grip
Flex shat pen uses a 1/8 inch collet/shank for accessories
Tool might weigh around 2.65lbs
Kit comes with a range of accessories for different types of tasks/activities
Comes with a 3 year manufacturers warranty
Check with the seller when you buy whether the battery and charger come with the tool or not – if not, you’ll have to buy them separately
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