Dremel has come out with a new generation of rotary tool, the 4300. You can find it at Amazon, and it should be available elsewhere this quarter.
So what’s so different or special about the new Dremel 4300?
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Dremel has offered a 3-jaw attachment for a very long time, and it remains a popular accessory (from what I’ve seen). Each rotary tool works with a collet system as standard, with the 3-jaw attachment being an optional add-on.
The new Dremel 4300 rotary tool kit can be used with a collet or 3-jaw accessory. A 3-jaw chuck is included in both 4300 kits currently available, and the tool is shown equipped with the 3-jaw chuck in each and every product image.
It’s emphasized in the description to, as a Universal 3 Jaw Chuck.
I asked Dremel about this, and they said that:
Adding the 3-jaw chuck is all about simplicity…
Feedback from our consumers tells us that using the collet represents a significant learning curve for many people and they would rather that collets be done away with. The 4300 represents ease of use, simplicity and providing consumers what they have asked for.
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Generally, 3-jaw chucks are great for vertical (perpendicular) loads, and collets for side loads. That’s why you’ll see drills with 3-jaw chucks and tools like routers with collets.
I asked Dremel about this, and they said:
The same engineering standards for run-out and side-load apply for the 3-jaw chuck as they do for our collet system. While some users hand-tighten the chuck, it is made to accept our wrench and the wrench should be used to tighten the chuck for proper securing of the accessory.
We include collets with the 4300 so users have a choice of whether to use the chuck, or if they prefer to use collets for any application whether it has a heavy side-load (such as routing) or not.
That makes me a little more open-minded about the 3-jaw chuck, but I’m likely to stick to my generalizations.
The 4300 can work with standard Dremel attachments, such as their detailer’s grip, and also comes with a rotating Pivot Light LED worklight.
This LED worklight module can be used with any standard Dremel rotary tool, as it’s held in place by the threaded nose cap, and so we might see it sold as a separate accessory later on.
Features & Specs
- 1.8A motor with electronic feedback (Dremel’s most powerful motor yet)
- 5,000 to 35,000 RPM variable speed
- Slim, ergonomic body with 360° grip zone
- Redesigned airflow system for cool, quiet, smooth operation
Amazon’s tool comparison table shows the Dremel 4300 alongside 4000 and 3000 series rotary tools, and the Fortiflex flex-shaft tool, but not the 4200.
Right now, the 4300 will be sold alongside the Dremel 4200, but my guess is that the 4300 might replace the 4200 and its innovative tool-free collet mechanism.
At launch, you have 2 choices of Dremel 4300 kits.
Dremel 4300 5/40 Kit
This kit comes with the rotary tool, 5 attachments, and 40 accessories.
Attachments include:
- Pivot Light
- Lawn mower and gardening tool sharpener (675)
- Guard attachment (A550)
- Multipurpose cutting kit (565)
- Sanding/grinding guide (A576)
The accessories list includes some nice stuff, including EZ Lock sanding discs and cutting wheels.
Price: $120
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Dremel 4300 9/64 Kit
This more featured, and pricier, kit comes with 9 attachments and 64 accessories. The attachments include:
- Pivot Light
- Garden tool sharpener (679)
- Guard attachment (A550)
- Multipurpose cutting guide (565)
- Sanding/grinding guide (565)
- Flex shaft (225)
- Detailer’s grip (A577)
- Circle cutter and straight edge guide (678)
- Right angle attachment (575)
There’s a greater selection of EZ Lock accessories here, including the EZ Change sanding drum, polishing wheels, and a wood cutting wheel, just to name a few.
Price: $200
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
When Dremel came out with their semi tool-free collet wrench nosepiece, I thought that the learning curve for beginners was dramatically reduced. And with the EZ Change accessories, it’s never been easier to work with Dremel rotary tools.
The Dremel 4300 is the first Dremel rotary tool to allow tool-less and collet-less accessory changes with the inclusion of the three-jaw chuck. The chuck accepts all Dremel accessory shank sizes for fast and convenient accessory changes without ever using a wrench.
Dremel’s marketing rubs me the wrong way. The Dremel 4300 is NOT the first Dremel rotary tool to allow for tool-less and collet-less accessory changes. All they did was throw their standard 3-jaw chuck in the box, and then pose the 4300 equipped with the drill-style chuck for all of the product photos.
This 4300-series tool is now Dremel’s most premium model, going by the model number and new powerful motor.
My contact at Dremel specifically mentioned that the [included collet wrench] wrench should be used to tighten the chuck for proper securing of the accessory. But it can be hand-tightened, perhaps for light duty tasks. But that’s more than a little different from the without ever using a wrench claims.
I’ve seen some great work done with Dremel rotary tools, and have used them in more ways than I’d try to remember.
I’m happy to see them marketing towards beginners, and more casual users. But I would also like to see some more products aimed at more experienced and demanding users.
I think that the 4300 shows some promise, and the new grip looks interesting.
If I were to buy a rotary tool right now, it’d likely be a 3000 series kit, unless it was more economical to get a 4000, 4200, or 4300 series kit with specific attachments and accessories I wanted.
Dan
I have an old Dremel, bought around 20 years ago: a variable speed MultiPro model 395 type 5. It’s a good tool and on the occasion I have to pull it out, it serves me well. Do the modern Dremels offer much difference that I should consider replacing it? On the surface it seems that the body of the tool is shaped a little differently and it’s not just black any more, but I wonder if there are things about it that make it clearly better than the old one I have.
steve
If you have an older one, keep it. The newer ones tend to be much more breakable than the old ones, especially the quick lock buttons. I’ve pretty much given up on dremel brand rotary tools because on every one, the shaft lock slips and there’s no way to tighten or loosen the bitholder when this happens. You can replace the shaft lock pin, but it’s usually the hole on the shaft that gets stripped in my experience. This didn’t happen on the old model 395 that I used to have (It was stolen unfortunately)
Dan
Thanks for the feedback, Steve, though it’s disappointing to hear of the problems you’ve had.
Drew M
The case that comes with the DREMEL 4300 9/64 KIT looks nice and I wonder if it is a pretty piece of junk or if it is a pretty and nice case.
fred
There is something about having a burr cutter spinning in a 3-jaw chuck at 35,000 RPM that I don’t like. I kind of chuckle about the “learning curve” for using a collet. I think that the learning process will increase quickly if a novice user sends a loose bit flying or messes up a piece of work.
Nathan
yeah I have a probably 15 year old one myself in the kit that came with the orginal flex shaft. I don’t know I’ve ever used the flex shaft now that I think about it.
I’d be equally curious to see how much powerful the new motor is in comparison. I mostly use the 3 jaw chuck also – rarely ever have a bit move but I also don’t rout with it. or never have. Biggest thing I see is that nifty light – is that powered by the tool? because if it is I see that being a non – add on. Also do my eyes deceive me or do they have a dust collection piece now?
Cr8ondt
I got a hecka good deal on mine a couple years ago, 3k series for $20 on clearance… Now where did I put it…. Hummmmmm
Noah
Looks better than the 4200. That quick change chuck blows. Tools slip so easily.
Chris
I have a dremel 3000 that I got 2 Christmas ago. It’s not a terrible tool but I do have some problems with it.
-The lower speeds are practically useless as the tool stops when it’s brought to a work piece.
-The included accessory kit was meh. I understand that it’s a starter set but a few more accessories would be nice.
– The non-reinforced cutoff wheels are rubbish. They shatter really easily.
– The polishing pads always spin on the screw on shaft.
– my biggest complaint is the accessories are so darn expensive. (even the basic ones that should be cheap). Sometimes the accessories don’t appear to be engineered to perform properly even though we’re paying quite a bit for them.
My thoughts are that the dremel name is associated with detailing/small hobby tools so while they don’t need to be very powerful, I’m kind of disappointed with the power mine has. I’ve always been the one to say that a detailing rotary tool is obviously not a die grinder and that it’s meant for light use, but I’ve been in situations where more power would be much appreciated.
fred
You hit the nail on the head. We often complain about power when we push a tool a bit beyond its intended purpose – but would appreciate it when the tool outperforms expectations. Now if a Dremel could do the job of the Dotco die grinders we used in the shop – we’d really have something – but at $120 or $200 for a kit – comparing the Dremel’s power to a $6oo or $700 Dotco pneumatic would only be wishful thinking.
For my home shop – and the mostly bench work I was doing with a Dremel – I gave up on them some years ago in favor of a Foredom – now having 2 motors and several handpieces. But I didn’t get rid of my old Dremels (280 and 395) because of their portability.
Satch
Fred, indeed. In addition to a Proxxon rotary tool for portable work and convenience, a Fore Dom tool is the way to go. A number of motors and hand pieces are available and if you shop carefully you can buy one much more reasonably than a person would think.
Satch
I have just about given up on Drexel for rotary tools. The quality is not good even though I understand this is a hobbyist tool. They are LOUD and rough running. I love the accessory and burr kits you get at Christmastide on great sales at Home Desperate and Menard’s but the tools themselves are not exactly well made.
I am switching over to Proxxon for my next rotary tool and to be honest, there is not much comparison between them. The Proxxon has ball bearings on the motor shafts vs Dremel’s bushings. This contributes to the noise and vibration.
Check out YouTube videos on the Proxxon I/BE professional vs Dremel for decibel levels.
I wish Bosch would introduce a high end rotary to compete with the Proxxon but they are likely afraid it will take sales from Dremel. Heck, market it under the Dremel name for that matter.
Like you I don’t like Dremel’s marketing ploys with little more than repackaged tools and calling it the latest and greatest.
Toolfreak
I got the full Dremel 4000 kit at Lowe’s for less than half what the cheapest 4300 kit is going for.
Based on reviews, the hardcore Dremel users still prefer the collet, and the 3-jaw chuck, while a nice option, isn’t the best choice for certain attachments. I’d have to agree since it’s nice to be able to change tools quickly, but it’s even nicer to have a very sharp, very fast rotating tool very securely in a wrench-tight collet.
Nice to have a more powerful motor and I guess the cosmetic update looks a little more modern, but right now it just seems like overkill at a higher price. Will be interesting to check back after a few months and see if the new motor makes that much difference.
JoeM
Let’s be honest here. This is where they SHOULD have gone instead of the 4200.
It’s a more powerful, ruggedized grip version of the 4000, not the 4200. So it should handle Router bits and Cutting Wheels with less resistance than the 4000 does, and the 4000 already does these things spectacularly.
I have owned my 4000, and an 8200, for about 5 years now, and would still buy this 4300 in a heartbeat. Under 1 condition… They sell it with just the Jaw Chuck, Collet/Wrench set, and that new little work light. I have bought every last one of those attachments, and a few more not seen here. I don’t need duplicates, but having a backup 4000 with more power would save some time switching in the middle of a project. I could leave my 4000 in the Drill Press/Workstation and use the 4300 on other projects.
Just an extra hint… If you call Dremel directly, they can and do offer kits and parts not available in retail settings. Induatrial kits and special combos, sometimes discontinued stuff. And it is MUCH cheaper to do so.
Grady
It seems to me that the old Dremel had a collet chuck with a a drill chuck accessory, and the new model has a drill chuck with a collet chuck accessory and a higher price.
Dear Dremel, I will be keeping my $200.00 & my 20 year old model. Never had a problem using either chuck. Tell your marketing department “better luck next time “.
Mike aka Fazzman
Nothing like companies listening to people who shouldnt be using tools to go by their designs. If you cant figure out a collet you are not capable of using the tool.
Goodnightjohnboy
I’m not impressed with anything dremel has made in the last 10 years. Their rotary tools are trash. The bits are even worse. Every dremel I’ve bought within the past 10 years, whether it be the $100+ model or the $40 model, none of them haslasted more than a year. I do some metal fab for tool parts & small motor repair in spare time, so I use rotary tool alot. Their quality has gone from crappy to . I’ve got several grinding bits that are at least 30 years old & you can tell they were made right because the abrasive is fused to the metal. The trash dremel sells now they just glue it to the metal & put on a plastic ring to hold it. Pathetic BS. The irony of it is that the $20 WEN rotary tool I bought 3 years ago has outlasted every dremel that I’ve owned. The rotary tool bits I got from HF are better than dremel. As far as this chucked dremel, I’ve had the chuck for a long time. Never used it. Now they’re making one with a chuck in place of the collet because some village idiot don’t know how a collet works. Shouldn’t buy the tool if you’re too inept to know how it works. It ain’t rocket science. Nonetheless I’ll never buy it or any other dremel rotary tool again. Waste of money imo.
Peter Coffin
I expect to take some flak for recommending a tool from Black and Decker but their rotary tool has been terrific for me. It is advertised as having three speeds but actually is infinitely adjustable. It has a totally logical shaft lock that does not require keeping your thumb on it. The best part is the on-off switch is up at the head end of the tool where your thumb is already. Somebody put some thought into it.
Satch
Peter, you wil, receive no flak from me! I own one of them. Bought it about 15 years ago. It has the 5 speed dial but as you noted, it really is infinite when you dial it up or down. It is actually one of the better Dremel alternatives I have used. I haven’t touched my old Dremel in years but when I need a rotary tool, I reach for the B&D. Good call.
If not for the Proxxon models I would say this is the best of the alternatives.
Adam
Peter, I second or third ever they you said about the b&d rtx. I’m a carpenter by trade and a woodworker by hobby…. I had actually never owned a small hobby size rotary tool until I purchased the dremel 4300 when it first became available. I shortly thereafter came upon the b&d Rtx for a very reasonable price and decided a cheap backup for the more grimey or taxing applications (considering how much I spent on the dremel) wouldn’t be a bad idea. Well I came to realize that while the b&d was inexpensive it was anything but cheap. I now own another backup rtx for the first rtx and while I have never counted a tool out based solely on its badging because it’s been my experience that while some tool brands are clearly superior as a whole to others, it is not a rare occurrence to find a gem produced by by even some of the brands with the worst reputations; that being said the rtx’s level of quality and amount of features have actually found me pleasantly surprised. lol I actually feel like black and decker has undersold this product. Don’t get me wrong I certainly don’t think any tools should cost more than they do but it just seemed to be marketed as a bare bones basic rotary tool and it’s anything but in my experience… I admittedly have little time spent working with hobby grade rotary tools but I now own 6 different brands of tools classed as such and the little orange one is the best one not produced by a German firm.
Kirk Whitham
I have a few old Dremels kicking around, but the rotary tool I use the most is an ancient one in the Tim Allen tool line. I think I bought it at Target. Plenty of power and the stupid thing just won’t die. People laugh when they see his name on it, but it’s really been great.
Justin
I have went through 4 dremels in 6 months and the only thing I can say is-their service has been great, even though the tool lacks. Lowe’s made it impossible to recoup my losses, and so I am stuck with this dremel brand 4000, but when it quit I called Dremel, and without question they shipped me a new 4300 with flexshaft since I keep having issues with the tools. The best and easiest customer service call I have ever made!
Oleg K
Look, i love Dremel but… Really? Who are they kidding by trying to pass this for a brand new tool? This isn’t a bad rotary tool by any means but it’s not great either, why?
Because 4200 was quieter and allowed you to change bits by simply pulling on two little levers, it was also cheaper while being equally powerful and easy to use, I mean, 0.2 amps is nothing for a tool really, they both go up to 35k Rpm which says it all. Other claims of “improvement” like cooling performance, grip comfort, noise levels are just claims with no substance because they’re close to impossible to verify and are meaningless either way because both tools look and weight almost the same, have same old technology motors inside, how different can they be in terms of comfort and noise levels improvement ???
From what I gather Dremel just repackaged the 4200 and increased the output a tiny bit, the only real change is an led light but that’s something that’s been readily available for other rotary models from third parties for a while now.
Dremel needs to invest into switching to brushless motors or they will be overrun by cheaper yet more powerful competition and then no amount of fake uogrades will help.