Torture Testing Cheap vs Expensive Dremel Tools

We're testing "Dremel tools" today, aka variable speed rotary tools. Can the cheap hardware store alternative keep up with the name brand Dremel? Today we find out.

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Donut Media is at the center of digital media for the next generation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts. We are drivers, drifters, and car enthusiasts who love to tell stories.

[gradientO]

Cool. I was wondering which electric toothbrush to buy, video came just in time

[ViloniousTV]

My girl is a jeweler and she says polishing in one direction gives you far less shine than cross hatching since you end up making valleys instead of getting a uniform smooth surface. Just a lil thing I thought was worth mentioning.

[stantheman]

I love how the "Donut Classic" is just beating the shit out of whatever tools you're testing.

[rubbers]

There are a few factors in choosing a tool:
-How often will you use it?
-Can it do things other tools can't?
-How big of an improvement it would be to have it, rather than using other tools?
-Would the quality of the tool matter much (i.e. if it's more of a hassle to use it, than to use something else)?

Those indicate first if you need this tool, and if it's worth investing in. There are some very specific, one use-case only tools, that you use like once a year maybe, but without them, life's pain that one time a year, like screw/bolt extractors. There are also some multi-function tools, that don't do anything better than any of the dedicated tools, but are an all-in-one package, like a Leatherman multi-tool.
There are also tools that you'd think you wouldn't use much, that can be easily be substituted with other cheap tools, that can't do much, but the things they can do, mean they're an important part of the toolbox - that's a rotary dremel tool. In this case, if you need a small, precise cutter, where an angle grinder would be too big, if you need to drill a pilot hole into something, where a normal drill would be too big, if you need to polish something, and a polisher would be too big, and using sandpaper would be too much of a hassle, it's absolutely perfect. The quality of the tool and the speed of it doesn't matter THAT much. So yeah, go with a cheap one, and you're set.

[arcticfoam]

Love it when you guys have the freedom to add humor to the adds, makes them very watchable compared to other channels

[jimmyguy]

Talking long term, I'd have to recommend the Dremel brand. I've had mine for 30 plus years, most of my 35 plus year mechanic career, and it's still going strong. As I was told by an old timer when I first got into the industry, "Service your power tools, and they will serve you well."

[Felix-kdtn]

Big props to the graphic designers and editors, the transitions and stuff really rock!

[glenncrockett]

I have a Dremel Tool that my Grandfather bought in the early to mid 60's that works very good, if you could see the stuff he made with it, a adjustable wrench that looks like the real thing with moving jaws, a copy of his Stanley 16oz claw hammer, a complete Chess Set that looks store bought and the big one that never got finished as he passed away was a clock, with all the parts made out of wood, he was down to figuring out the springs he would need. He has built other things from wood that would just blow your minds.

[franklinbalmer]

I would love to see a mock “long term durability” test, just turn them all on high and see which one stays going for the longest

[shifty]

i think car jacks would be a great idea for the next episode, from a hand/scissor jack, traditional floor jack, even an air jack

[PatGilliland]

I used to sell Dremel back in the day and the single biggest factor was the type of bearings in the tool. Bronze bushings are pretty good and are perfectly good for occasional use, but if you are using the tool day in and out, you want ball bearings or better.

[StrataGz]

as a person who works at harbor i definitely recommend adding the extended warranty for any item you buy, especially if it’s something that you use for work or business it’ll save you a lot of money🙌

[OfficiallySnek]

Don't you think that the drop test was a little unfair? If you look closely, the "rotary tools", the Harbor Freight one fell a bit more sideways, causing it to not hit the and bend the shaft as much. The other ones pretty much had a direct hit with the shaft. It might have been better to do a more controlled drop.

[LazrCat]

Something I learned recently is that Dremels are actually VERY user serviceable which is a huge plus. Had one with a blown board and just bought the part for 6 bucks.

[Der_Kleine_Mann]

I would always take the Dremel. I've used cheaper rotaries, but I prefer the Dremel because it can usually be set slower in speed, and it holds the speed more consistent to cheaper ones, also the torque is usually stronger with Dremel. And I like that you can get a lot of ad-ons for the tool, which makes it super versatile

[mgsPWlover]

This is one of the best series that Donut does, and a big part of it is the AWESOME chemistry between Zach and Jeremiah.

[chrisgenovese]

ive had a rotary tool from walmart (hyper brand) for over 4 years, and it is still going strong. i personally feel these are one of those tools where you can get away with a cheaper brand but spend a bit more on the accessories.

[chillbass]

I feel like Jobe seems a lot happier as of late. Wishing you the best bud, we love all the new content ❤️

[niekversteege]

I bought a real Dremel brand Dremel in like .. 2007 and I still use it. It looks 100% exactly the same as the Goxawee, which is interesting. Even down to the control switch thing and the stub to keep it from spinning when you mount a new disk or tool.

[patrickduclos-knott]

That mural at the end looks amazing. Kudos to Riley, that’s some serious talent.