Dremel vs Multi Tool

What is Dremel

Dremel is a rotary tool that cuts, sands, polishes, restores, engraves, and carves materials. What makes it versatile are the multiple applications it brings and the ability to work on several materials. These materials include wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic. 

What makes it possible for the tool to complete the tasks are the features that accommodate several materials. Amongst the features is the speed variance that allows you to match speed with the material. 

A rotary tool is a valuable tool that makes you complete projects in a short space of time with ease and comfort. I will take you through a thorough discussion on what you can do with a Dremel so that when you buy the tool, you know its value. 

The tool is appropriate for both homes and workshops. When purchasing the rotary tool for removing excess material on your tabletop, that does not mean its use ends there. You still use it for other purposes. 

With the right accessories and the rotary tool, you have a lot of activities to complete. Remember to put on your safety gear before you power on the rotary tool.

Features of a Dremel

Bits

A bit is a tool that changes the function of the Dremel tool and gives it a chance to run a variety of tasks. Bits come in different types. There are sanding bits, cutting bits, etching and engraving bits, routing and drilling bits, grinding and sharpening bits. Each Dremel bit has its specific function. There are bits for wood cutting, metalwork, and glass cutting. 

Shaft

Although Dremel comes with a comfortable hand-held tool, it still needs a Flex-Shaft attachment for polishing, glass etching, engraving, and wood carving. As soon as you attach the rotary tool, it gives you a proper bend radius and more flexibility. The Dremel tool has easy access to tighter spots, and you have more control over the rotary tool. 

Speed variance

The variable-speed motor makes the tool fast. You have control over the rotary tool since you can adjust the speed. Precision and maximum performance are what you get from the Dremel tool. Consistent performance at all speed levels is what you get.

Brushes

It also features replaceable motor brushes for extended tool life. 

What is a Multi-Tool

It is a versatile tool that runs multiple applications. It has a long and cylindrical body. It is 15 inches long with a 90-degree bend at the front, which is where the head of the tool is. The head is where the various accessories and blades are attached. 

The head of the power tool features an oscillating motion, meaning it works by moving the tool head side to side many times per minute, up to 20,000 times. It moves so fast that it looks more like a rapid vibration. These tools can be both battery-powered and electric.

When it comes to large-scale industrial projects, a multi-tool is more advantageous than a rotary tool simply because it makes larger projects much simpler and faster to complete. A multi-tool lets you sand, saw, and cut different materials with one tool. It can be used for numerous jobs, depending on the accessory you use. A multi-tool is for jobs like smaller restoration and installation work.

Features

Accessories 

The accessory is fitted to the tool by a mechanism allowing that accessory to be rotated back and forth. That creates friction with the sanding attachments, or rapid cutting motions with the saw and grinding attachments. The narrow-angle of oscillation allows for precise control over the tool as it does not kick as a rotating or reciprocating tool can. 

The oscillation angle creates increasing friction further from the centre of the tool as these areas travel a greater distance. The increased friction matches with the triangular sanding and grinding attachments, allowing the operator to reach into corners and confined spaces, a feature unique to this type of power tool. The saw blade attachments use the angle of oscillation in the same way.

Blade

The oscillating blade does not clear the swarf in the same way as a rotating blade, that is why you need to move the tool back and forth to allow accumulated sawdust to clear from the cutting area.

Battery

There are improvements in battery technology, such as the lithium-ion battery, for tools that can be small in size and weight but still perform well enough to compete with mains-powered equivalents while freeing the user from the restrictions of cables.

Use

An offset in a fitted blade allows the tool to cut flush with a surface. That makes it useful when fitting flooring along with a skirting board, cutting the skirting to allow the board to slide under for a neat finish. 

The small form of these tools and the ability to mount the blade or accessory in any orientation allows cutting in unreachable areas. Cutting a complex recess without the need to remove the workpiece from where it is fixed increases productivity. Small and precise cuts are possible even on end grain.

Difference between a Dremel and a Multitool

• A multi-tool can sand, cut, and grind almost anything when fitted with various attachments, whereas a rotary tool is a high-performance power tool, as good as the multi-tool. It may come in handy for works that would require a high level of precision.
• The oscillating tool moves back and forth at high speeds, and the Dremel spins. 
• Dremels move at far higher speeds, almost twice as fast as multi-tools on their highest settings. 
• Multi-tools are bulkier than rotary tools. 
• Multi-tools are more user-friendly because the accessories are larger. They allow larger tasks with good speed, whereas a rotary tool is smaller and more compact. 
• A rotary tool is more advanced in functions, as it can do everything a multi-tool can do.

Similarities

• The tools complete similar tasks.
• They operate at higher speeds.
• They can handle different attachments.

Sealey e5188 vs Dremel

Sealey e5188 is a multipurpose high-speed power tool with on/off and electronic variable speed controls. It features stepless control between 8,000 and 35,000rpm and a spindle lock for fast tool changes. 

It comes with a full range of tips, wheels, brushes, sanding discs/bands, dressing stone, and chuck spanner. The tool is for carving, shaping, deburring, drilling, engraving, cutting, and tool sharpening. Dremel has the longest range of working speeds and is quiet no matter how fast it runs. However, it is a high-end tool with a limited accessory collection.

Dremel vs Ryobi Multi-Tool

Ryobi is a powerful cordless rotary tool for sanding, grinding, polishing, engraving, sculpting, and many more applications. The rotary tool comes with a  slide switch, located conveniently. 

Dremel is a rotary tool with a cord, four attachments, and thirty-four accessories. An effective ventilation system makes the workspace conducive and prevents heat. That is why the Dremel tool has managed to be noise-free and smooth.

Milwaukee multi tool VS  Dremel

Milwaukee is affordable and does not sacrifice functionality. It is compact and charges faster. On the other hand, Dremel has a higher speed than the Milwaukee tool and comes with more accessories. It is also more versatile, but the choice you make depends on your budget and preferences. 

FAQs

Can a Dremel be used as a multi-tool?        

Yes, a Dremel can be used as a multi tool.

What’s the difference between a multi-tool and a rotary tool?        

An oscillating multi-tool can sand, cut, and grind almost anything when fitted with various attachments, whereas a rotary tool is a high-performance power tool that is as good as the multi-tool and may come in handy for works that would require a high level of precision.

What is the difference between an oscillating tool and a multi-tool?

An oscillating tool is a multi-purpose tool used for precision cutting in tight quarters, whereas a multi-tool is a versatile tool that excels in any project.