DREMEL - anything but !

[STATUE]

I have a Dremel Multi-tool.

For the second time in a year I am sending it back, under warranty. It has stopped working.

What alternative is there ?

I use it for cutting off screw heads, fettling sharp metal edges, sanding small metal areas etc, etc.

 

[Keith 66]

Unfortunately Dremel are now garbage, I have got through three of them in 5 years.
Just bought a Proxxon & its far better made though not that powerful.
A few years back i tried a Parkside & for a cheapy it was very good.

 

[lustyd]

In what way did it stop working? Mine has been flawless so I disagree about quality issues.

You've checked the brushes which need replacing every 40 hours I assume?

 

[thinwater]

Maybe what you need is a small 1/4-inch shank die grinder. 1/8-inch grinders are not for HD use. My first one lasted 30 years, the second is about 10. But I use a die grinder for sustained HD work.

 

[samfieldhouse]

The Lidl own brand 'parkside' ones are great.

 

[LadyInBed]

The Lidl own brand 'parkside' ones are great.

I've had one for some time, very good, the only issue I've had with it was the chuck lock pin. The pin is too small for it's surround, I had to pad out the surround to stop the pin wobbling and the chuck slipping when trying to undo it.

 

[bignick]

My Dremel is about 20 years old and still going strong.
if it ever does pack up then I’d buy a Proxxon one to replace it.

 

[Yngmar]

Had similar issues. Replaced once under warranty, repaired myself 3 times more. Each time the motor windings had failed at the point where they're connected to the PCB. Flimsily built rubbish. The fifth time something else broke on it and I left it by the marina bins with a note for anyone who would like to repair it. Bought a Parkside PGS 500 A1 variable speed die grinder for €30. Much stronger and much more reliable. Slightly heavier though.

Dremel's fibre cutting wheels are excellent though and I still buy them, as they're much better quality than the Aliexpress stuff. But the actual tool they can keep.

 

[GrandadPig]

Funny how different folks have different experiences

My original Dremel is 15 years old and is perfect, the newer one must be 5 years old and no issues at all.

Both do a lot of work wood carving

 

[geem]

Gone through 2 in five years. Light duty only. Just rubbish quality.

 

[Supertramp]

15 years, still going strong with a replacement battery and charger. It has overheated doing jobs that are too big for it (cutting anchor chain for example). Invaluable for jobs needing some delicacy. My most used power tool. I keep it at home, not on the boat. Wonder if they don't like salt and heavy work?

Always wear eye protection as it spins fast and accessories can disintegrate.

 

[dankilb]

I’d ‘upgrade’ to a Milwaukee die grinder. Unless you’re fettling something tiny, like jewellery(!), you’ll never look back.

Yes, they’re expensive. But I’ve had one since they came out, so have a couple of jobbing mechanics/engineers I know, and none of us have been able to destroy one yet.

I use mine to grind fibreglass and you can hear it in the bearings but it won’t die (dropping, soaking, gorilla operatives, etc.).

They’ve got a small but loyal following on here too:

 

[Supertramp]

I wonder if it depends which Dremel model you use? There are much lighter models and ones that are mains only. For example I don't believe mine has brushes - it's a "solid state" motor like a pond pump.

 

[Stemar]

Another vote for Aldidl tools. I've had one of their "Dremels" for years. It only comes out a couple of times a year, but I wouldn't be without it.

Their tools are budget DIY, not professional stuff, but they do seem to be far better than the price would suggest.

 

[Refueler]

I have 3 copies of Dremels ..... and TBH - they are great tools but onloy when used for minor light work. When it comes to most things boaty - out comes the angle grinder. The small domestic angle grinders are not much bigger to handle than a large Dremel - but use decent 'discs'. Only downside is 240V requirement.

 

[LadyInBed]

Bought a Parkside PGS 500 A1 variable speed die grinder

A good video showing strip and repair. It looks to be a robust bit of kit.

 

[Rappey]

Dremel's fibre cutting wheels are excellent though and I still buy them,

I now use 20mm diamond cutting wheels . 10 for £3.76 . Eliminates the risk of the fibre one "exploding"

 

[Graham376]

My Dremel knock-off is a Silverline 249765, came with 3 years guarantee. Not the best of makes but it works fine and has lasted 2 or 3 years so far.

 

[jwilson]

Dremel are in my experience junk. Two expensive mains Dremels have now died after quite light use - though of course out of warranty. The replacement Screwfix cheapie is still going fine. The second Dremel just needs a new "chuck lock" part, and I keep meaning to try and buy one. When it died that part was unobtainable, so I bought the Screwfix.

 

[Refueler]

My Dremel knock-off is a Silverline 249765, came with 3 years guarantee. Not the best of makes but it works fine and has lasted 2 or 3 years so far.

My Silverline chuck has worn out and lacks grip now ... cannot find replacement as its strange size compared to other brands and Silverline could not even supply me one direct !!