Rotary tools are handheld tools with spinning blades, as the name implies. They are used for smoothing, grinding, and generally polishing surfaces. This portable tool is highly sought after by both woodworkers and metal workers alike because of its efficiency.
Two brands that have consistently produced quality power tools are Milwaukee and Dremel. They have some of the best rotary tools in the market in the form of Milwaukee M12 and Dremel 8220. These two rotary tools have become the topic of debate to know which is the best.
When buying rotary tools, you want quality at a great price range. On paper, either of the two rotary tools is a no-brainer; however, the question of which is better is not going away. People want to know which one they should buy for use. This guide puts these two brands together and analyses the two most popular power tools they’ve developed.
History of The Brands
Milwaukee is a power tool brand founded in 1924 by Peterson and Albert Siebert. It has its headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA. It makes different tools like pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and knives, but its focus is on power tools like the rotary tool.
Milwaukee continued its upward trajectory till today and has now become the biggest supplier of cordless power tools in North America. This is no small feat considering it tops other big brands like Bosch and Stanley Black and Decker.
Dremel was founded in 1932 by Albert J Dremel, hence the name. It started by producing electronics and power tools but then added the rotary tool, which is its biggest product to date. Dremel is headquartered in Wisconsin, just like Milwaukee.
Dremel has since seen two acquisitions. First by Emerson Electronics in 1972 and then Robert Bosch Tool corporation in 1993. Yes, the same Bosh produces similar products. It has remained a subsidiary of the Bosch brand to date and has grown tremendously since its acquisition.
Milwaukee 12
Milwaukee 12 is a cordless rotary power tool known for its impressive power, even for a cordless tool. Even though the tool only uses 12 volts, it can produce a maximum speed of 32,000 rpm and a minimum speed of 5,000 rpm.
These levels are enough to make clean adjustments to the material. With such an impressive power range, you can handle different tasks without them breaking down. The variable speed is controlled by a speed knob.
Its body is made from durable metal, while the handle features a rubber cover that makes it easy to grasp and hold without it slipping off your hands. It uses a fast-charging lithium battery that enables longer use.
There’s also a battery level indicator, so you know the amount of power you have left at all times. It is small, which makes it suitable for small spaces. With its 5-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’re covered if there’s an issue with the rotary tool within this period.
The Redland feature in this tool ensures control and prevents overloading, which can damage it. The on/off switch not only puts off and on the tool but also regulates the speed. It supports accessories rated 1/32 to 18 inches, which features a whole lot.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great speed range of 5,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm
- Fast charging battery with battery level indicator
- 5-year warranty
- Wide range of accessories available to it
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Noisy
- Questionable durability
Dremel 8220
Dremel 8220 is also a cordless rotary tool with decent power. It has a fast-charging 12V battery that can go from 0 to 100 in one hour. The battery also lasts for a long time, with 33% more run time than the previous 8200 model. This rotary tool is compatible with every Dremel accessory giving you a wide range of options.
It sports an impressive 360 degrees hand handle that allows you to turn in any direction while using the tool. Its speed is superb at 5,000 to 35,000 rpm. This speed capacity means you can do a lot of work with it. It is small and lightweight at just 2.1lbs helping you work those difficult corners without stress.
There’s a LED battery indicator that shows when the battery is low and needs to be charged. The on / off switch also controls the speed of the tool. This package comes with a few extra accessories like a charger, two batteries, and some smaller tools. It has a 2-year limited warranty, and you’ll need to ship it back to the manufacturer with a copy of your receipt.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The impressive speed of 5,000 rpm to 35,000 rpm
- 2-year warranty
- Lightweight and compact
- Fast-charging battery
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heats up during extended use
Milwaukee 12 Vs Dremel 8220 – The Battle
When you look at these tools separately, you see two impressive rotary tools that will provide so much value to you. When you put them side by side, you start to see where each tool excels and where the other may be lacking.
1. Speed
The Dremel 8220 has a higher speed range, with its highest speed at 35,000 rpm and lowest speed at 5,000 rpm. Milwaukee 12, on the other hand, sports an impressive speed range of its own but is ultimately lower from 5,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm.
2. Warranty
Milwaukee 12 beats Dremel 8220 tool here with a 5-year warranty for its product, giving you longer protection in case of damage. Dremel’s warranty is a limited 2-year warranty. The longer the warranty, the more trust users have for the product since it means they are protected for longer.
3. Quality of Other Accessories
Milwaukee is a larger brand with a variety of other well-known tools in its store. This means the accessories from this brand will be high-quality and impressive. With Milwaukee, you also have a wide range of suitable accessories to use.
Dremel, on the other hand, is best known for its rotary tool, which is a good thing but shows its limitations as it only has a few other tools. The quality of these tools is not at the same level as that of the rotary tool, and the limited number shows you’ll only have a few tools to use.
4. Versatility
Dremel is the more versatile option with a higher power range, while Milwaukee is more suitable for small-scale users.
5. Weight
The two rotary tools use lightweight in their description, and while they are both lightweight, they aren’t the same. Milwaukee weighs only 1.2 lbs, while Dremel weighs 2.1 lbs. Lightweight options allow you to use them for longer without feeling the strain of holding the tool.
6. Charging Speed
Since these two tools are both cordless and use batteries to hold power while they work, their charging speed should be a serious concern to you. The faster the charging, the quicker you can go back to your work. Milwaukee charges the battery faster than Dremel.
Milwaukee Vs Dremel – Which is Better?
Now to the main question on the block, which is better between Dremel and Milwaukee rotary tools? This is not a straightforward answer because each tool has areas they excel in. So, we’ll be looking at the better tool in smaller sections.
Milwaukee is more affordable; hence, it will be the better option if you’re on a budget. Its quality is somewhat reduced, but it features a faster charging rate and lightweight design. Dremel may be slightly more expensive, but its quality is undoubtedly impressive, coming from a brand that focuses on the rotary tool. It sports a higher maximum power and greater versatility.
Finally
These two brands are mainstays when it comes to rotary tools. The arguments between the two brands will hardly go away because of their product quality. With their headquarters both in the same state of Wisconsin, their rivalry goes even further.
One of the biggest arguments in the industry today is Milwaukee rotary tool Vs Dremel, with people looking for which is better between the two. Go inside here to find out.
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