dremel or dremel-like?

[joaks]

I have found out that my dremel tool has died so I might need a replacement. Here's the scoop:

I want to use it for removing some rust/loose paint on the car to repair. The dremel people suggest using a wire brush at low speed. I want to spend MINIMAL money. A single speed dremel tool is about $20 but this has only high speed. Multiple speed dremels are too expensive. A knock-off brand is maybe $10 or so. Chicago-something brand (?). Online comments state that this tool lacks torque. Maybe that is okay?
Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Pablo]

Really depends on how long you want to keep it.

I buy Dremel, but buy cheapie China tools for it. Huge pack for like $10 or something. Can't beat the combo.

Must be a small rust spot!

 

[joaks]

Yeah, its a lot of stuff for not much money. Of course if it doesn't work they all the money is gone.
I have four spots, each maybe 2" square or so.

 

[Pablo]

I use air tools for something like that.

So far all the tools in the large yellow(?) HF kit - from sanders to cutters, etc have all worked about as good as the super overpriced bits from Dremel.

But I still say if you want something to last a few years get the Dremel motor.

 

[The_Jeff]

Don't knock the single speed. You'll probably press the grinder into the rust until the motor slows anyway.

HF's "chicago-something" is a knockoff of a real "chicago-something-else". If the store is near you and the return policy allows, buy one and bring it back when you're done, complaining about the torque, if it bothers you.

 

[joaks]

I wonder if my drill would be fast enough? I'm thinking not.

 

[bepperb]

A drill with a wire brush would be my choice over my dremel in the first place. Especially if it's corded. Then hit the bare metal with some sandpaper, prime, paint.... maybe a 2 part topcoat?

 

[Rand]

well the wheel with the drill spins as fast. you just buy the bigger wire brush wheel.

2k rpm x 2" radius squared x PI = drill =25k IPM

20k rpm x.5" radius squared xPI = dremel =15700IPM

thats using a dremel wheel with 1" diameter
and a 4" diameter wire wheel on drill
if you used a 3" wire wheel on the drill

2k x 1.5 squared x PI = 14100 IPM

just dont try to use the tiny dremel tool on a drill.

also most drills will goto 2500rpm I used 2k rpm.


breaking out my calc and using fudged numbers(pretty close)

 

[TooManyWheels]

A Dremel is not really a "work" tool, it is more of a craftsmans tool.

The drill is more in the right direction, but possibly not quite enough. If not, I would suggest a Harbor Freight 4" angle grinder with a wire cup.

 

[Rand]

depending on how bad the rust is you could also use a nylon abrasive flapper wheel. (whatever the kosher term for those is)

 

[Merkava_4]

Those small Dremel wire wheels can't handle a lot of speed with a load on them. If you crank it
up to 30k rpm, the wires will start flying out at you and embed themselves in your clothes.
You've got to get a variable speed model if you want to use wire wheels.