As you have landed here, I guess you are quite confused like so many people regarding the exact distinction between two pretty similar power tools – Dremel Vs Drill.
Don’t worry. I am going to provide a forthright confrontation between these two commonly used hardware devices. Both have some kind of identical working appointments. Yet, they differ from each other to a great extent.
But what makes them so different despite having a resembling operative mechanism? Can they substitute each other?
Let’s explore all these queries below.
Why Compare
Hardware tools are an inseparable part of our regular household tasks. Both a dremel and a drill come quite handy to complete those actions. But it is often confusing to choose the right tool for the right task.
Especially, it’s difficult for a DIYER to consider which will be perfect for his/her regular home improvement jobs. Having some similar features, drills and dremels both are needed to perform in certain situations.
But one is a speed-based power tool while another is power-based. Things can go really wrong if you misuse them. So, a head-to-head comparison between them is an absolute must to let you know their exact applications.
Let’s dig into the detailed analysis.
What Is A Dremel Tool Used For
Need a mechanical tool to grind, sharpen, engrave, cut, or polish? Why worry when there is Dremel?
A Dremel is a piece of speed-based hardware equipment that rotates at a pretty fast speed- around 30000 rpm. Being equipped with a number of additional accessories, it is perfect for practicing in a wide range of household activities.
The structure follows a perpendicular style to force the power to the drive shaft. Besides, the high speed performs to produce a high amount of torque that helps a versatile range of speed-based chores to be accomplished.
What Is A Drill Used For
Speaking of another rotary tool like the previous one, a drill conforms and contradicts a dremel at the same time.
You can basically cut holes and drive screws with a power drill. Tailored with a handle, it is quite larger than a dremel.
As it is a power-based hardware device, it has an rpm of 1500. The functional mechanism makes the power output parallel to the propeller shaft.
Though it has a limited functional area, you cannot substitute a drill to complete the chores it masters. For instance, a heavy-duty construction project must be accomplished with a drill as it requires lots of force. In that case, a durable drill is the only option to go for.
Dremel VS Drill: Which One Is Better For You
Now it’s time to draw an analytical analogy between the two most popular power tools- Dremel and Drill.
Let’s look into the prime parameters they oppose each other.
Size And Weight
The very first disparity appears in their appearances. A dremel is way smaller in size than a drill. It is because it doesn’t have the convenient handle that a drill has. Consequently, a drill is heavier.
Usually, a drill weighs up to 10 pounds while a dremel is much lighter weighing only 5 pounds. The lightweight ergonomic makes it easy to handle. But the handle makes the drill smoothly maneuverable.
Speed And Power
As already spoken of, a drill is a power-based apparatus while the dremel is speed-based. In this regard, a dremel has twenty times greater speed than a premium grade drill. The first one speeds up to 30,000 rpm while the latter rarely manages to produce speed around 1500 rpm.
But a drill has a lot more to offer other than speed. Having a pretty high torque, it provides a lot more power than the dremel. While a cordless drill produces torque around 600 lbs, a dremel cannot come close to this torque in any way.
Functionality
As they differ in power and speed, they cover different ranges of chores too. Certainly, dremels are more versatile in this regard working for a lot of purposes such as routing, engraving, cutting, inlaying, polishing, grinding, and the list can go on.
But lacking the power and torque a drill offers, it cannot penetrate through heavy-duty materials like hardwood or concrete. Resultantly, it cannot precisely drill holes or drive screws.
Although a dremel is adaptable to be used with different other power tools, it cannot perform the power-based actions perfectly as a dedicated drill machine.
Longevity
As drills are heavy-weight and high-performance power machines, they last significantly longer. They can withstand even heavy-duty conditions.
But a dremel, on the other hand, malfunctions pretty early if it is used frequently. So, to make it last longer, take a break between two consecutive uses.
Operation
Operating a power tool can be intimidating if you are just a beginner. In that case, a rotary dremel is the most convenient option to begin with. It doesn’t demand a lot of expertise to operate a dremel. Besides, it is quite lightweight to lift as well.
However, handling a drill is no rocket science either. It’s just that it requires some precautions. For example, you need to get rid of any previous debris by blowing it off. Also, start slowly and then speed up gradually. Furthermore, don’t forget to guide the speed throughout the process.
To be exact, a dremel is more beginner-friendly than a drill. But once you master the expertise, a drill can be effective too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can You Use A Drill As A Dremel?
Answer: No, not really. They differ in the very basic operating principle. A drill runs on power and a dremel is speed-oriented. Although you can fit a small dremel bit into a power drill but it wouldn’t work great. As a result, you will end up in a poor finish with a regrettable result. So, we suggest not to use a drill bit in a dremel.
Q: Is It Worth Buying A Dremel?
Answer: Considering your workload, it can be a wonderful addition to your toolbox. As a dremel can replace many tools by performing multitasks, it can be the best bid for you. Even if you have a shoestring budget, a dremel is the first power tool to look for. Its versatility pays off for the cost.
Q: Is A Rotary Tool The Same As A Drill?
Answer: As a rotary tool, a dremel differs in the key mechanism with a drill. They vary in speed, torque, and horsepower. Rotary tools are high-speed low power tools to be used for multiple tasks.
So is a rotary style dremel. Although a drill is also under the wide category of a rotary tool, it is used as a heavy-duty appliance to accurately cut holes or whirling screws.
Q: What Is Better Than A Dremel?
Answer: Despite being a multitasker, a dremel is not the best suitable equipment to do some specific task. For example, it cannot accurately make a cut like a dedicated cutter. Or, it cannot drill through hard materials. So, some specific rotary tool kits, hand saws, power drills, etc. are some possible alternatives to a dremel.
Q: Should You Buy A Dremel Or A Drill?
Answer: It depends actually. From the conversation above, you can easily understand that power-oriented activities demand a drilling machine while a dremel is a speedy apparatus. So, decide your pick based on your purpose.
Bottom Line
We hope the discussion above has been able to eradicate all the abashment between Dremel Vs Drill. Both are expedient work tools in their respective fields.
Being absolutely affordable, both a drill and a dremel can be one of the most useful add ons to your power tool armory.
What do you find the most feasible between these two finest power accessories? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
