Dremel 4000 Series Rotary Tool:

Get ready to ditch your entire toolbox.

We’re serious. Throw out your old screwdrivers, your router, and that old drill that never seems to hold its charge.

There’s a quicker and easier way to handle hundreds of different DIY, hobby, and even professional tasks, and it won’t take up your entire shed or garage after you’ve finished, either (unlike that overflowing toolbox of yours).

Sound too good to be true?

It isn’t.

Say hello to the rotary tool.

If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all tool that’s versatile enough to handle virtually any task you can throw at it, then a rotary tool is an absolute must-have.

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of rotary tools available to help you handle anything from carving, engraving, routing, cutting, sanding and drilling on a whole host of different materials including wood, metal, plastic, glass, and more.

Today we’re going to be looking at the 4000 series – a cordless, 1.6A model from a brand that has become virtually synonymous with rotary tools – Dremel.

So how does it stack up? And more importantly, is it the right choice for you?

Let’s find out by looking at everything you need to know about this Dremel rotary tool…

Because it comes with a powerful 1.6A motor, a variable speed of between 5,000 and 35,000 RPM, and a design that’s easy to use and that’s compatible with hundreds of different accessories and attachments, the Dremel 4000 is an excellent option for beginners, professional tradespeople, hobbyists, crafters, DIYers, and anyone else looking to complete a virtually unlimited number of tasks.

As mentioned, the Dremel 4000 rotary tool is hugely versatile in that you can use it with hundreds of different types of accessory bits on wood, metal, glass, and many other materials.

Here are just a few tasks you can complete with it provided you use the correct accessory and collet (the part that the accessory bit fits to on the Dremel):

While the 4000 model isn’t the most powerful rotary tool in Dremel’s range (the 4300 features a 1.8A motor to justify its higher price-tag), it’s 1.6A output is still more than enough to handle the bulk of your carving, grinding, cutting, sanding, drilling, and other needs with ease.

Unlike other power tools which suffer from a dip in performance while under load, the 4000 series features built-in electronic feedback circuitry, the purpose of which is to help it maintain steady performance regardless of whatever task you’re completing or the speed output you’ve chosen.

Speaking of speed output, another factor that aids the Dremel 4000’s versatility is the fact that you can vary the speed output between 5,000 and 35,000 RPM using the handy speed dial located on top of the tool’s body. This allows you to alter the speed output to best-suit whatever task you’re completing, with slower speeds (15,000 RPM or less) being best for polishing operations, while higher speeds are better for carving, cutting, routing, shaping, and cutting dadoes or rabbets in wood.

While some may view the corded aspect of the Dremel 4000 as a disadvantage, one significant benefit is the fact that you don’t have to worry about charging a battery. Because it’s corded electric, you’ll have power and performance as and when you need it, and it’ll be consistent too, as you won’t have the inconvenience of it fading as the battery starts to die.

As we touched on previously, one of the main reasons why the Dremel 4000 is so versatile is the many different attachments and accessories with which it’s compatible.

So, regardless if you want to turn your rotary tool into a plunging router, a mini-saw, a drill press, or a tool to remove grout from between tiles, there is a Dremel attachment available to best suit your needs.

Here are some of the most popular attachments for the 4000 series which you can either purchase separately or as part of one of the many Dremel kits that are available (we discuss these in detail here):

Popular Dremel 4000 Attachments:

Besides attachments, you can also use the 4000 series with all of Dremel’s accessories (and those made by other companies) given its inter-changeable collet design which has a capacity of 1/32″, 1/16″, and 3/32″ (with these collets sold separately), and also the 1/8″ collet which comes as standard in the Dremel 4000.

With literally hundreds of accessories available to complete a virtually unlimited number of tasks, it’ll be a tool that you can rely on for years to come for all those projects, odd-jobs, and hobby tasks.

The image below shows the various bits available for the Dremel 4000, including those specifically designed for carving and engraving, routing, grinding, sharpening, cutting, cleaning, polishing, sanding, and also drilling (click the image to enlarge it).

All the accessories we’ve mentioned above are great, but if they’re difficult to fit, you won’t want to go through the hassle of regularly changing bits.

Thankfully, the Dremel 4000 comes with a handy and innovative easy-twist nose cap to make changing bits as quick and trouble-free as possible. Now you can effortlessly change bits on the fly by just twisting the cap to loosen and release the bit, no wrench required.

Fear not when tackling more intricate and fiddly tasks too, as the tool’s slender body has been ergonomically designed to be as easy to hold and maneuver as possible. It features a 360-degree grip zone that wraps around the entirety of the tool to provide comfort, control, and superior grip while working in any position or angle.

Finally, Dremel clearly understands the need to make their tools as easy to maintain as possible, which is especially important when it comes to perhaps the weakest link of a brushed motor – the brushes themselves. In a bid to make it as easy as possible to change the brushes and to prolong the life of the tool, the 4000 series comes with two ports that can be opened using a simple screwdriver to replace the motor’s brushes as and when needed. Simple!

Like hoover when it comes to the vacuum cleaner, or Jeep when it comes to the 4×4 off-road vehicle, there’s a reason why the Dremel brand has become synonymous with the rotary tool.

With hundreds of accessories available and a virtually unlimited number of uses, along with its powerful motor and sturdy design, the Dremel 4000 will be a tool that you can rely on for years to come when tackling all those odd-jobs, projects, and hobby tasks.

The only slight disadvantages when it comes to this model are the power cord and the fact that it comes with a brushed (as opposed to a brushless) motor. Having said that, it’s still a lot of tool for the money, and the sheer versatility offered from being able to handle a wide variety of materials when tackling an even wider range of tasks more than makes up for these slight downfalls.

So, if you’re in the market for an affordable rotary tool from a company that has built its reputation on manufacturing quality tools since 1932, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Dremel 4000 was at the top of your list.

Still not convinced? We’ve included a summary of the various advantages and disadvantages of the Dremel 4000 rotary tool below to help you make up your mind.

Dremel 3000 vs 4000

There are more similarities than differences between the Dremel 3000 vs 4000.

As you can see from the table below, they’re both corded electric and feature brushed motors, and each one is capable of a variable speed of between 5,000 and 35,000 RPM. They also both have a collet capacity of 1/32″, 1/16″, 3/32″, and 1/8″ (the 1/8″ collet comes as standard in the Dremel 3000 and 4000, while the others sell separately).

When it comes to accessories, you can use all of Dremel’s rotary tool attachments and accessories in each model.

So why would you pay more to go for the Dremel 4000 over the 3000? Well, the main advantage of the 4000 series is that it comes with a more powerful motor (1.6A vs the 1.2A motor in the 3000 series), and it also comes as standard with electronic feedback circuitry which helps provide consistent performance across the entire speed range (which the Dremel 3000 doesn’t have) to help provide a better quality finish.

It isn’t all positive though, as a potential disadvantage of the 4000 series is that it’s larger and slightly heavier than the 3000 series.

Here is a summary of the key details for each model:

(Scroll table if needed)

Model Number:	3000	4000
Manufacturer:	Dremel	Dremel
Voltage:	120V	120V
Amperage:	1.2A	1.6A
Motor Type:	Brushed	Brushed
Variable Speed:	Yes	Yes
Minimum Speed:	5,000 RPM	5,000 RPM
Maximum Speed:	35,000 RPM	35,000 RPM
Electronic Feedback Circuitry:	No	Yes
Chuck Type:	Keyed	Keyed
Chuck Capacity:	1/8″	1/8″
Collet Capacities:	1/32″, 1/16″, 3/32″, 1/8″	1/32″, 1/16″, 3/32″, 1/8″
Cordless/Corded:	Corded	Corded
Cord Length:	6 Feet	6 Feet
Shaft Lock Button:	Yes	Yes
Tool Length:	7.5″	9″
Tool Weight:	1.2 LBS	1.45 LBS
Warranty:	2-Year Limited	2-Year Limited
	Read Reviews	Read Reviews

As we’ve mentioned, one of the main selling points of rotary tools, in general, is how versatile and well-suited they are to performing a wide variety of tasks, and the Dremel 4000 is no different.

You’ve now seen that Dremel manufactures hundreds of different accessories and attachments, each of which you can use across their entire range of rotary tools.

Naturally, certain accessories will be better suited to different types of task, and because of this, and the fact that every user’s needs will be different, Dremel offers the 4000 series in a variety of different kits with varying attachments in each (as shown below).

So what do the various kit numbers mean?

Well, looking at the Dremel 4000-1/26, for example, this kit features the 4000 rotary tool, and it comes with one attachment and 26 accessories.

The Dremel 4000-6/50, on the other hand, features the same 4000 series rotary tool, but it comes with six attachments and 50 accessories instead.

Here is an overview of the more popular kits:

Dremel 4000-1/26 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 1x Attachment (1x Sanding/Grinding Guide)
• 26x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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Dremel 4000-2/30 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 2x Attachments (1x Sanding/Grinding Guide, 1x Circle Cutter/Straight Edge Guide Attachment)
• 30x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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Dremel 4000-3/34 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 3x Attachments (1x Sanding/Grinding Guide, 1x Detailer’s Grip Attachment, 1x Multipurpose Cutting Kit)
• 34x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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Dremel 4000-4/34 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 4x Attachments (1x Sanding/Grinding Guide, 1x Detailer’s Grip Attachment, 1x Multipurpose Cutting Kit, 1x Circle Cutter/Straight Edge Guide)
• 34x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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Dremel 4000-4/36 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 4x Attachments (1x Sanding/Grinding Guide, 1x Detailer’s Grip Attachment, 1x Multipurpose Cutting Kit, 1x Circle Cutter/Straight Edge Guide)
• 36x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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Dremel 4000-6/50 Rotary Tool Kit

• 1x Rotary Tool
• 6x Attachments (1x Flex Shaft, 1x Circle Cutter/Straight Edge Guide, 1x Sanding/Grinding Guide, 1x Multipurpose Cutting Kit, 1x Shield Rotary, 1x Garden Tool Sharpening Attachment)
• 50x Dremel Accessories
• 1x Accessory Case
• User Manuals

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1. What is the difference between the Dremel 3000 vs 4000?

2. What is the difference between the Dremel 4000 vs 4300?

3. Does the Dremel 4000 feature a variable speed control?

4. What size of bits does it accept?

5. Can you use a flex shaft with the Dremel 4000?

6. Can you use it to cut bolts?

7. Can you use it to cut plywood?

8. Is the motor brushed or brushless?

9. Is it cordless?

10. How long is the cord?

11. Does it come with a carry case?

12. How long is the warranty period?