A power drill is a deal-breaker for drilling through numerous surfaces, while Dremel bits are known for optimum versatility over massive types of tasks. It encourages DIYers to make a combo to boost productivity. But can you use Dremel bits in a drill without any difficulties? Is a drill accepting Dremel bits?
Before trying to insert the Dremel bit into your power drill, you should be confident about this combination and be sure about the potential upcoming experience in terms of safer and better DIY projects. Following the guide, we have briefly discussed this customisation and mentioned some potential pros and cons so you can go ahead confidently or keep away from being alert!
Solution of using Dremel bits in a drill
A regular drill power drill is typically considered for cutting through various types of materials. But when it is needed to sanding, curving or sharpening the workpiece, a rotary tool like Dremel takes over the drill. Though both are different drills and demand compatible accessories, the Dremel bit will fit in a standard drill.
The reason is that the shank of a Dremel bit is pretty much the same as a common drill bit. Dremel bits are typically designed to fit the Dremel bit’s 1/8″ collet; however, they also fit in 1/16″, 1/8″, and 3/32″ collets. Conversely, a power drill is designed with a chuck that holds the bit in place tightly. This chuck can be extended much further than a collet, making it compatible with a wide range of drill bits, including Dremel bits, drill bits, and screwdriver bits.
But does it mean you can use Dremel bits in a drill? Still no. there is another consideration of RPM. In general, standard drills produce a max of 1000-1500 RPM, but some special models can deliver around 4000 RPM. Conversely, the initial RPM delivery range of a Dremel is 5000 RPM which can go up to 30,000 RPM. Thus, the Dremel bits are also designed specially to run at extremely high speeds.
Using a Dremel bit with a standard drill at a lower RPM on harder materials will cause plenty of difficulties. It will not only slow the drilling process but also offer a poor-quality finish. But the size and weight of the drill will make it difficult to control the precision, and the higher torque can cause a bit of damage and injury to the user.
But still, the Dremel drill bit is usable in a regular drill only if the rotary-tool head doesn’t need high speeds. Comparing the pros and cons let you decide even better.
Pros of Using Dremel Bits in a Drill
Whether you forget to charge the Dremel’s battery or want to save money for another tool, this customize combination can be a helpful idea. The following are two key advantages that you can get by using a Dremel bit in a drill:
Dremel bits are available in a range of type
Whether it is sanding, polishing, or drilling, you can use certain types of Dremel bits that are specially designed for a specific purpose. Therefore, it will offer you with versatility in a variety of projects. Some most common types of Dremel bits and their specifications are
| Dremel bits type | Specifications |
| Engraving bits | engraving cutters |
| Grinding bits | silicon carbide grinding stones, aluminum oxide grinding wheels |
| Carving bits | high-speed cutters |
| Cutting bits | diamond wheels, carbide cutting wheels |
| Routing bits | straight router bits, corner rounding router bits |
| Polishing bits | polishing cloths felt polishing wheels |
| Sharpening bits | chain saw sharpening stones |
| Sanding bits | carbide sanding bands, sanding discs |
| Cleaning bits | brass brushes, bristle brushes |
| Drill bits | brad point drill bits, standard drill bits |
Suitable for multi-directional task
The common drill accessories like screwdriver bits and drill bits can only work in parallel directions (reverse or forward). Though this is also true for some rotary tool bits like Dremel bits, as these works at 90-degrees, they are also ideal for sideways work. So, instead of a standard or masonry drill bit, you can use a Dremel bit for sanding, cutting, or polishing.
Cons of using Dremel bits in a drill
Truthfully, the hundreds of types of Dremel bits can boost the productivity of the drill. But its drawbacks are considerably larger than the advantages.
Slower process
The key advantage of a Dremel drill is higher RPM output that you can’t compare with a typical drill. For example, the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill can only produce 1750 RPM while the Dremel 4000 High-Performance Rotary Tool delivers up to 35000 RPM. Thus, using a higher torque compatible kit like the Dremel bit, you won’t get efficient performance, especially while sanding rougher timber or cutting through materials.
Poor finish
Another drawback of using a Dremel bit at lower RPM is you won’t get the good finish they may have used a rotary hammer drill. For instance, using a drill with a lower RPM on a sanding task that requires higher RPM won’t let you remove much material compared to using a rotary tool. Thus, it will leave a rough surface with an imperfect look. Despite cutting will also be an issue. A standard drill with Dremel will take multiple passes and won’t look clean like doing with a rotary tool and Dremel bit.
Can damage the Dremel bit easily
Along with higher RPM, Dremel and rotary tools are also known for getting a lower amount of torque. The drill may have lower RPM, but higher torque. Another vital thing to remember is that Dremel bits are prone to be brittle and cheaper items have a tendency to get creaky. So, even after tightening the bit firmly, it can cause the cutting disc to break.
For this particular reason, the Dremel bit can break easily while working under higher torque than the standard drill. Thus, using the Dremel bit on a power drill is risky, and this is one of the key reasons experts and enthusiasts don’t accept such customization.
Can be unwieldy and awkward
The rotary tool usually comes in a compact design with narrow and short dimensions, making it well suited for the precise job. That’s why its compatible bits and attachments also come in a smaller shape. While the Dremel bit will look balanced with the Dremel tool, it will seem tiny even if you insert it into the smallest power drill. Thus, this combination of drill and Dremel bit will look unwieldy and awkward.
Another reason for the awkward look is that the Dremel bit includes quite a short shank, which won’t extend much distance from the power drill end. While the smaller diameter is balanced with the collet of the Dremel bit, the thicker chuck of the drill will make it even more restricted. Finally, the combination of thicker chuck and short shank will make it difficult to drill sideways.
Harder to control the precision
Due to the lighter and smaller body, the rotary drill can ensure precise tasks over a range of surfaces. Even power drills are two times as heavy as a rotary tool. Thus, using a power drill on a smaller project can make the task more difficult and won’t offer the precise quality that you may have used a rotary tool with a Dremel bit.
FAQs on Can you use Dremel bits in a drill?
Is a power drill accepting any bits?
No, power drills aren’t universally compatible with any drill bits. Generally, ½” sized drill accepts a drill bit that has a ½” shaft and comes in a 3/8″ diameter. Aside from these, a standard drill bit can be used in an impact driver that lacks a hex-shanked bit holder. However, you can use hex shanked bits in typical drill drivers.
Is a Dremel bit is compatible with a rotary tool?
Of course, Dremel bits are perfectly suited for a rotary tool. But make sure the collet of a rotary drill is compatible with the diameter of the Dremel bit so it can properly accept and keep the bit securely.
Are Dremel bits universal?
It depends on the rotary drill where you will insert the Dremel bit. Generally, a Dremel rotary tool that has a threaded nose accepts any Dremel attachments. But all combinations of a rotary tool and Dremel bit won’t offer optimum quality tasks.
Final Words
In short, the Dremel bit is compatible with the power drill bit, but it doesn’t prefer a good combination for productivity. Comparing the pros and cons, drawbacks clearly dominate over the advantage of using the Dremel bit in a drill. Usually, rotary tools deliver higher RPM and Dremel bits are designed to withstand such operations. So, using it on the drill, you will have nothing but a poor-quality finish and a time-consuming project.
Therefore, it isn’t recommended to use the Dremel bit in drills, especially for larger tasks or where precision gets the most priority. Another thing to consider is this combination is significantly risky as the Dremel bit is brittle and the drill delivers higher torque. Thus, while using such a combo, you have to be more careful and wear protective safety equipment.
But still, you can use this combo of Dremel bit and drill, especially for a light-duty task and over softer materials. Despite making sure you are applying lower pressure to lessen the risk of the Dremel bit creaking.
