Dremel Accessories – Explained

When I got my fascinating Dremel Stylus, I was in love. But confused.  My Dremel Stylus came with a box of accessories.  But what in golly geez were they for?  And how do I use those Dremel accessories? There was no manual.  So, I have researched and results can be seen in Individual Dremel Accessories Explained.

Dremel Multi-Chuck

While my Dremel Stylus came with its own box of accessories, it does not come with the indespensable multi-chuck.  I have to thank a friend for putting me wise on this gadget.

The Dremel Multi-Chuck is (more) technically called the Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck.

A very knowledgeable Facebook friend (Chrissie Smith) pointed out to me I would find a Dremel Multi-Chuck very useful. At the time, she might as well have been speaking Greek to me. However I knew I had better listen. She, unlike me, knows what she is talking about when she Dremel-talks! So I got myself a chuck as well. Remember to get one for yourself as well. You will not regret it.

The Dremel Multi Jaw Chuck #4486 makes changing the accessories much easier – something you might be doing quite frequently.

Dremel Accessories

There are endless dremel accessories, and new improved ones all the time.  So this list cannot be comprehensive.  Nonetheless I hope it will prove helpful to you.  What are those accessories, what are they uses, how to use them.

The prices listed are from 2013 – and can only be used to give you an approximate idea on pricing.

My Dremel Styles came with the following free box of accessories.

I also bought an additional box of Dremel accessories.  One can never have enough, right?

General Tips on how to use Dremel Accessories

For best results, insert the accessory bit all the way into the tool and then back it out slightly before tightening down. This provides plenty of shank for the collet or chuck to hold onto.

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Individual Dremel Accessories Explained

Click on links in table to quickly find the accessory you are looking for.

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Collet #481 – 2.4mm/3/32″ ($8.93)

From the Manufacturer
3/32-inch collet for models 245, 250, series 3 and later; 260, 270, 280, series 2 and later; 275, 285, 370, 380, 395, 595, 850, 750, 232, 332, 241, 246, 277 and 8504; no. 225 and 90199 flex shaft attachments, and handpiece 235 and 237. Collets work with the collet nut (threaded) as a means of holding the accessory in the end of the tool.

Product Description
Dremel 3/32″ Collets Provides the optimal grip for bits offered for the Dremel rotary tool line and Heavy-Duty Flex-Shaft Tool (This collet is not suitable for the #236 handpiece)

 

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Abrasive Buffs 320 Grit EZ512 ($16.98)

1 x Abrasive Buff (#512) – 320 Grit Buffs – Light sanding and tarnish removal – also great for car detailing and restoring door & window hardware.

The Dremel EZ Lock Finishing Fine Grit Abrasive Buffs are ideal for cleaning and light sanding and tarnish removal. They can also be used for car detailing and restoring door and window hardware. The EZ lock design allows these buffs to be used on any Dremel rotary tool, without a wrench or any screws. These two fine 320-grit buffs have a 1-inch diameter.
The 320-grit buffs have a 1-inch diameter.

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Dremel Bristle Brush #403 ($8.93)

Ideal for general cleaning and polishing especially in hard-to-reach places, such as slotted surfaces. Its nylon bristles make it great for polishing silverware, jewelry and other precious metals.

TIPS:

• Do not run in excess of 15,000 rpm. Therefore, do not use with a Single-Speed MultiPro Rotary Tool or a Heavy-Duty Flex-Shaft Tool unless you use the #221 Foot Speed Control.
• Keep a light touch, letting the tips of the brush do the work. Too much pressure can break the bristles.
• Before using on a material, allow the tool with brush to run at operating speed for at least one minute to discharge any loose bristles. Make sure no one stands in front of or in line with the brush.
• This bristle brush can be used with polishing compound.

 

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Dremel Diamond Taper Point 2.4mm #7144 ($39.86)

DESCRIPTION
A high-speed cutter made of steel tipped with diamond particles.

USES
Ideal for fine detail work on wood, jade, ceramic, glass, hardened steel and other hard materials. Removes material quickly and easily. Bits are covered by diamond particles. For hard-to-reach areas.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Keep a light touch, letting the speed of the tool do the work. This helps your accessory bits last longer.
• Use higher speeds for hard woods and slower speeds for metals.

 

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Emery Impregnated Wheel (#425)

A disc impregnated with fine emery abrasive.

USES
Ideal for cleaning and polishing coarse surfaces.

TIPS

• Install this bit on the #402 mandrel and put it to work.

 

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Dremel Engraving Cutter 1.6mm #106 ($10.43)

DESCRIPTION
A high-speed cutter designed for precision engraving.

USES
Ideal for detail engraving, carving and routing in wood, fiberglass, ceramics, plastic, jewelry and soft metals.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Use the sides of the cutter (rather than the tip) for effective engraving. The tip cuts poorly and can break under pressure.
• Do not use this bit with hardened materials
• Use higher speeds for hard woods, slower speeds for metals and very slow speeds for plastics (to avoid melting at the point of contact).
• If chattering occurs, increase speed.

 

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Dremel High-Speed Cutter 3.2mm #191 ($8.99)

A high-quality, versatile cutter made from high-grade steel.

USES
Ideal for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying and making tapered holes in soft metals, plastics and woods—especially on curved surfaces.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Use the sides of the cutter (rather than the tip) for effective engraving. The tip cuts poorly and can break under pressure.
• Do not use this bit with hardened materials
• Use higher speeds for hard woods, slower speeds for metals and very slow speeds for plastics (to avoid melting at the point of contact).
• If chattering occurs, increase speed.

 

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Dremel High-Speed Cutter 3.2mm #194 ($16.91)

A high-quality, versatile cutter made from high-grade steel.

USES
Ideal for shaping, hollowing, grooving, slotting, inlaying and making tapered holes in soft metals, plastics and woods especially on flat and slotted surfaces.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Use the sides of the cutter (rather than the tip) for effective engraving. The tip cuts poorly and can break under pressure.
• Do not use this bit with hardened materials
• Use higher speeds for hard woods, slower speeds for metals and very slow speeds for plastics (to avoid melting at the point of contact).
• If chattering occurs, increase speed.

 

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Dremel Mandrel #401

“A shank with a screw-like head used primarily to hold polishing bits and accessories.” (directly from Dremel website on mandrel #401)

As an example, it is used with Dremel #414 and #429.

 

 

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Dremel Mandrel #402 ($8.80)

A shank with a screw-on head.

USES
It is used primarily with sanding discs and cut-off wheels.

TIPS
Simply remove the screw, line up a cut-off wheel or sanding band over the hole in the shank, and replace and tighten the screw.

 

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Dremel Polishing Compound #421 ($8.93)

A solid compound applied with nylon bristle brushes and cloth or felt accessories.

USES
Ideal for polishing or brightening most metals and plastics. You can also use polishing compound to remove light surface imperfections.

TIPS

• When working with felt or cloth bits, keep the tool speed as low as possible. This allows the compound to gently deposit on the bit.
• Use with any of the following cleaning and polishing bits: #414, #422, #423 and #429.
• Or use with bristle brushes #403, #404 and #405.

 

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Dremel Sanding Band #430

The Dremel 1/4-Inch Drum Sander is ideal for rough-shaping and smoothing wood and fiberglass, as well as removing rust from metal and shaping rubber surfaces. Sitting atop a mandrel with a 1/8-inch shank, the cylinder sanding band is covered with coarse 60-grit aluminum oxide abrasive. This purple sanding band is easily replaceable.

• Ideal for rough-shaping and smoothing wood and fiberglass
• Removes rust from metal; shapes rubber surfaces
• Covered with aluminum oxide abrasive
• Features coarse 60-grit sanding
• Measures 1/4 inch in thickness; 1/8 inch diameter shank

 

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Dremel Silicon Carbite Grinding Stone 4.8mm #84922 ($8.93)

A high-quality industrial abrasive made for extended usage.

USES
Ideal for sharpening, deburring and general purpose grinding on harder materials including stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain, gemstones and nonferrous metals. Specially designed for working with conic surfaces.

 

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Dremel 1/4″ Felt polishing pad #414 ($8.93) 

A soft felt disc with a diameter of 1/4 inch.

USES
Ideal for polishing most metal surfaces and plastics.

TIPS

• When polishing precious metals such as gold and silver, use this bit with the #421 polishing compound (jewelers rouge) and apply lightly.
• MANDREL(S) NEEDED WITH THIS BIT: #401 Mandrel

 

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Dremel 1″ felt wheel #429 ($8.93)

A soft felt disc with a 1″ diameter.

USES
Ideal for polishing most metal surfaces and plastics.

TIPS

• When polishing precious metals such as gold and silver, use this bit with the #421 polishing compound (jewelers rouge) and apply lightly.
• MANDREL(S) NEEDED WITH THIS BIT: #401 Mandrel

 

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Dremel Sanding Band #438

An abrasive band made of aluminium oxide.

USES
Ideal for rough-shaping and smoothing wood and fiberglass as well as removing rust from metal surfaces, shaping rubber surfaces and more.

TIPS

• Sanding bands are easily replaceable on drum sanders
• Start your work with coarse bands and finish with finer grits.
• Use a slow speed with this accessory and keep a very light touch for more effective sanding

 

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Dremel Medium Sanding Disc #412 ($9.93)

A 220-grit sanding disc made of aluminum oxide.

USES
Ideal for rough-shaping and smoothing wood and fiberglass as well as removing rust from metal surfaces, shaping rubber surfaces and more.

TIPS

• Sanding bands are easily replaceable on drum sanders
• Start your work with coarse bands and finish with finer grits.
• Use a slow speed with this accessory and keep a very light touch for more effective sanding

 

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Dremel Alum. Ox. Grinding Stone 9.5mm #932 ($8.93)

A high-quality industrial abrasive made for extended usage.

USES
Ideal for sharpening, deburring and general purpose grinding on most materials including stainless steel. Specially designed for working with flat and slotted surfaces.

TIPS
Use the #415 dressing stone to clean the surface of the grinding stone and restore its original shape. You can also use the dressing stone to create a grinding stone with just the right shape for that special job.

 

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Dremel Alum. Ox. Grinding Stone 9.5mm #952 ($8.99)

A high-quality industrial abrasive made for extended usage.

USES
Ideal for sharpening, deburring and general purpose grinding on most materials—including stainless steel. Specially designed for working with curved surfaces.

TIPS
Use the #415 dressing stone to clean the surface of the grinding stone and restore its original shape. You can also use the dressing stone to create a grinding stone with just the right shape for that special job.

 

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Dremel Sil. Carb. Grinding Stone 19.8mm #85422 ($8.93)

A high-quality industrial abrasive made for extended usage.

USES
Ideal for sharpening, deburring and general purpose grinding on harder materials including stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain, gemstones and nonferrous metals. Specially designed for working with flat and slotted surfaces.

 

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Dremel 15/16″ Cut-Off Wheel.(Pack of 36) #409 ($19.91)

A cutting disc made of a hard abrasive with a diameter of 15/16″ (23.8 mm) and a width of 0.025″ (0.64 mm).

USES
Ideal for cutting, grooving and trimming all kinds of materials, including metal, wood and ceramics. You can use it to cut screws and rusted bolts, make slots in screw heads, trim castings and more.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Hold the tool so that the wheel is at a perpendicular angle to the material being cut
• Keep a light touch, as the wheel will break under too much pressure
• If chattering occurs, increase speed.
• Plastics require very slow speeds, because they tend to melt at the contact point

 

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Dremel 1/2″ Drum Sander #407 ($4.50)

A cylinder covered with aluminum oxide abrasive that sits atop a mandrel with a 1/8 shank. The replaceable band covering the cylinder is coarse 60 grit.

USES
Ideal for rough-shaping and smoothing wood and fiberglass as well as removing rust from metal surfaces, shaping rubber surfaces and more.

TIPS

• Start your work with coarse bands and finish with finer grits.
• Use a slow speed with this accessory and keep a very light touch for more effective sanding

 

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Dremel 1-1/4″ Reinforced Cut-Off Wheel (Pack of 5) #426 ($8.99)

A cutting disc made of a hard abrasive and reinforced with fiberglass. It is 0.045″ (1.2 mm) thick with a diameter of 1-1/4″ (32.0 mm).

USES
Ideal for cutting, grooving and trimming all kinds of materials—including metal, wood and ceramics. You can use it to cut screws and rusted bolts, make slots in screw heads, trim castings and more.

TIPS

• Secure objects to a stable surface while working.
• Hold the tool so that the wheel is at a perpendicular angle to the material being cut
• Keep a light touch, as the wheel will break under too much pressure
• If chattering occurs, increase speed.
• Plastics require very slow speeds, because they tend to melt at the contact point

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Just short of a manual, I found that the time-consuming effort it took to compile this list was worthwhile. It proves a handy reference during this period of my early courtship with my lovely Dremel Stylus. I hope it will prove to be of some use to you too.

If you have enjoyed this reference and/or have more info for me, please feel free to add your voice via the comments below ….. 🙂