Knowing how to use a Dremel will help you do more DIY projects, while you will be able to prolong its lifespan. As one of the most innovative products in the power tools market, there are plenty of tasks you can perform with it, along with the many accessories you can attach to it.

While DIY repairs and projects can be done with Dremel, it’s important to know as well about the implications of using it–from safety, special accessories, and features.

Rotary thread is just one of the many accessories that works wonders with the Dremel Rotary tool–and one of the few that will bring your Dremel to the next level.

Dremel Background

Dremel is owned by Robert Bosch corporation, which is one of the foremost companies in sensors, precision mechanics, and electrical engineering. It was founded in 1932 by an Austrian immigrant.

Dremel specializes in making rotary tools, or handheld power tools following a rotary motion. It later expanded its product range to oscillating tools, benchtop tools, and butane products. 

Among Rotary tools, though, Dremel is ahead of its peers, having developed the first Rotary tool in 1935.

Its most famous rotary products are the Dremel 3000, 4000, and 8200.

Cord or Cordless Dremel?

Going for the cordless Dremel means you are a huge fan of ergonomics. The decision depends on personal preference. If you don’t mind lugging the battery around, the tradeoff for the slight dip in power would pay off. 

Take note of the charging and the battery cycle life, which we will discuss next. 

Dremel Lifespan

Battery lifespan of a Dremel Rotary tool is not precisely predictable. It’s reasonable to charge it a couple of hundred times before becoming unusable. 

After 3 years of intensive use, you’d expect the battery to run out–and it will. If your Dremel is between 3 to 6 years old and your RPMs are starting to slow down, it’s a sign of wear and tear for the batteries and need for replacement.

Likewise, the lifespan of the Dremel is not predictable. There are several factors which can negatively affect how long your Dremel will last: 

• Dust and debris 
• Heavy usage
• Poor motor maintenance
• Poor usage
• Using wrong speeds

Remember to check the manual to make sure you are using the right speed for the right bit. Also, it is advisable not to use with hardened steel or any thick metal. Avoid drilling too hard as well, and if you are grinding hard materials, be cautious in applying pressure.

Fitting Other bits to your Dremel

For starters, it wouldn’t hurt to practice inserting bits to your Dremel. Keep the following tips in mind. 

• When removing and inserting bits, make sure that your Dremel is turned off. Unplug it from the socket to be sure. 
• Practice inserting and removing bits in order to familiarize yourself with the chucking mechanism and the different bits. 
• Explore using different collet sizes which can serve many different kinds of bits.
• Read up on the bits before using. For example, for metal, there are many kinds of bits you can use for your task.

Using Rotary Thread

Just like Dremel, Rotary thread is an invention by founders who are strong in the engineering and machining space. Check its roots and history here. 

It has a wide application and versatile design that can fix any inch, metric, or pipe thread. It works well with any drill, but more appropriately with a rotary tool like Dremel because of its speed, precision, and rotary motion. 

Fixing threads using Rotary thread  takes advantage of the circular motion of rotary tools, in which case the threads can be evenly repaired one thread at a time. 

Prevent Overheating

To prevent overheating, there are some preventive maintenance steps you can take. 

You can use an air compressor to blow the dirt out of the vents of the Dremel. If your Dremel is simply clogged with dirt, this will clear it up. To avoid this, regular cleaning is also advisable. This will prevent dust buildup which can affect performance.

Every 60 hours of use, Dremel recommends the replacement of motor brushes. The step by step guide is detailed here. Prolonged use means you have to check your motor brushes especially if removing dirt from the vents do not stop overheating. 

Finally, you should also check the fans if they need replacement. 

Some other tips in using your Dremel tool: 

• Make a test before using your Dremel on your workpiece. It’s better to test on a sample material first!
• Aligning your bit with your Multi chuck is one of the best tips you can follow for hassle-free work. Furthermore, a misaligned bit can cause problems to your Dremel.
• Practice the right kind of grips: pencil grip, one-handed grip, and two-handed grip.
• Make sure that your attachment is protruding not more than half of the length of the shank. 

Conclusion

Following useful tips for using your Dremel will not only increase its utility, but also help you master your DIY projects quickly. By learning how to use a Dremel, you will also enjoy the benefits of innovative attachments like Rotary thread and other useful bits.