The 10 Best Cordless Dremels
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in January of 2019. Thanks to their incredibly high speed, rotary tools are some of the most versatile implements in the workshop, useful for such tasks as cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing, among others. Dominated by the popular Dremel brand, these multipurpose workhorses can be even more effective when they're not tethered to a wall outlet. Here are some of the best cordless options available today. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Dremel 8220
2. Dremel Lite
3. Dremel 8220
Editor's Notes
December 10, 2020:
For this update, we replaced several of our entries because of availability issues, and added four new Dremel models.
Because of the unique nature of this category, and the fact that the name Dremel has become synonymous with handheld rotary tools, we have a number of options that are not made by Dremel. It's important to keep in mind that just because these entries don’t have the Dremel name, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be useful options. For example, models like the Herzo Mini, Tacklife PCG01B, and Wen 23072 are all priced considerably lower than official Dremel options, making them a good choice for those on a tight budget.
Two of the Dremel options we added are a bit more specialized than their general-use counterparts. The Dremel Versa has a palm-style handle that allows you to use it more as a scrubber, as opposed to the stylus-style design of other dremels. This makes it much more effective as a cleaning and detailing tool. Another addition, the Dremel PawControl, is designed to be used on your pet's toenails, but is still functional as a regular dremel. If you’re looking for a more specialized grooming tool for your pet, these pet nail grinders might be more effective.
If you’re interested in primarily engraving or other small-scale precision tasks, one of these magnifying tools could be very useful. These models come in a variety of styles and designs, from head-mounted options to standalone stations with alligator clamps and LED worklights.
The cordless options above may offer maximum mobility and maneuverability, but if you’d rather have the unlimited runtime of a corded model, this collection of rotary tools should provide you with some good options.
February 18, 2019:
Nearly every dedicated craftsman has used a rotary tool, and just like Xerox and Kleenex, the most popular brand name is now synonymous with the entire category, in this case being Dremel. So it's little surprise that Dremel, themselves, make some of the best, and the 8220 is nearly indistinguishable from AC-powered models. The MiniMite and Micro are also fantastic options for those who are may be a bit more focused on art than construction, but they both still serve a huge variety of purposes. The Herzo is focused towards small jobs, and in particular artistry — it even comes with a stencil for making tiny letters and shapes. The Milwaukee is a good alternative to the more well-known brands, and it has plenty of power in its own right. The Bosch models are awfully expensive for the category, and they don't even come with batteries or charging stations, but they are truly professional-grade implements, which should last for quite a long time.
4. Milwaukee 2460
5. Wen 23072
6. Tacklife PCG01B
7. Herzo Mini
8. Bosch GRO LI
9. Dremel PawControl
10. Dremel Versa
Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.