How to Use Dremel Tools
Dremels are one of the most popular and versatile power tools used by hobbyists. A Dremel rotary tool is one of a group of tool products that also includes things like sanders and saws. This group of tools is particularly good for home hobby and craft use and occasionally when larger rotary tools are too big to access the space being worked on. The most popular Dremel tools are hand-held, wired or cordless rotary tools that fit comfortably in the hand. The tool is lightweight and if an extension attachment is being used, it is much like holding a heavy pen. The extension attachments allow the power of the drill to be extended through a flexible tube, making accessing small spaces even easier. Most Dremel tools have simple wire brush motors and adjustable speeds.
Things You'll Need
- Dremel tool
- Wrench that comes with the tool
- Collet
- Black Cap (occasionally silver)
- Bits
- Eye protection
Instructions
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1
Remove your Dremel tool from the box and check it to make sure all parts are included and that nothing was damaged in shipping or lost, as sometimes happens, when a box is opened at the store by a customer or employee. (Most Dremel tools come with a selection of bits.) Read your owner's manual.
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2
Select an appropriate project to try based on the selection of bits provided with your tool. You may have: fiberglass cutting discs (good for deep cuts on many materials, even metal); metal cutters (carbide is good to remove things like grout); abrasion (polishing) wheels (these generally thread on to a shaft with a screw-shaped end); sanders and grinders; brushes and what Dremel calls their General Purpose kits (often sold as collections).
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3
Select the bit you want to try and the appropriately sized collet that fits the bit shaft dimension. (Your kit may have three or more different sized collets).
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4
Holding your tool firmly, press the shaft-stopping button and rotate your shaft by hand until the shaft locks.
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5
Use your black wrench (provided with your Dremel) and loosen and remove the black cap. Inside the cap is the collet. There are several sizes of collet, based on the shaft size of the bit you wish to use. Select the collet that fits with your selected bit.
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Insert the collet in the shaft.
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7
Place the cap on and screw clockwise to start the threads on.
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8
Insert your selected bit through the cap and into the collet. Seat the shaft all the way in and then pull it back out approximately ¼ inch. This allows the tool to grab more of the bit shaft.
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9
Tighten the cap by hand until snug, then finish tighten with the wrench (do not over tighten).
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10
Wearing your eye protection plug in your Dremel and you are ready to work on your project.
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Tips & Warnings
All rotary tools spin, which means they throw debris that can damage your eyes. Wear eye protection. If a bit breaks at high speed, those tiny pieces are like little projectiles. Select a beginning project like cleaning rust off a screwdriver using a wire wheel attachment. This type of simple project will give you a good feel for how your tool works and feels.
Dremel tools can be addictive. They have a huge variety of bits and often they can be expensive. Unscrupulous persons like spouses, siblings and friends will happily borrow your Dremel at the first opportunity and you may never see it again. Seriously, Dremel tools are a theft target and should be stored like any expensive tool.
References
- Photo Credit F.R.R. Mallory et.al
