An Improvement to a Dremel Tool

The cutoff wheel is one of my favorite tools for use on a Dremel. But, the little discs do not last long when cutting on a piece of sheet metal and frequently need to be changed. That means I need to have a screwdriver at hand to remove the small screw that holds the disc in place, and to tighten the new disc onto the mandrel. This Instructable will show a simple modification that should be standard on every Dremel. The only thing needed to make this modification is a grinding stone. One attached to a Dremel will do the job.

Step 1: Screwdriver Options

I usually use a very small screwdriver, but I also discovered the middle screwdriver bit on my Leatherman PST will also do the job in a case of necessity. 

Step 2: The Other Tool for a Dremel

Everyone who has a Dremel knows the little wrench that comes with the Dremel. Why does this little wrench not have a spot on it that doubles as a screwdriver bit to remove and to tighten the little screw on the mandrel? One tool could serve two functions. 

Step 3: Do a Little Grinding

Almost any grinding wheel will do the job. Here you see a common grinding stone in a Dremel. Even an oilstone and some hand labor would do the job. I chose to grind on the side of the wrench because it already has a straight edge, but the round end of the wrench could be made flat and straight, too. I ground at a very shallow angle until the edge of the wrench was thin enough to fit the slot in the mandrel screw. 

Step 4: And, It Works!

In the photo you can see the new, thinner edge of the wrench mated with the slot in the mandrel screw. 

My Dremel came with a plastic case that holds the various bits and the Dremel wrench. That case is always in a drawer at my workbench. I can put my hands on the wrench very quickly anytime I need it. But, the small screwdriver I usually use to change the cutting discs seems to wander around the top of my workbench and even hide under other things. This will save me time I would spend looking for my small screwdriver.

Comments

[peter.lambert.woking]

Mount a magnetic knife rack (horizontally or vertically) over or near your bench and it will keep all your favourite dremel bits handy.

[Chipr46]

...nice job, however, might it be better to grind the round heal of the wrench ??? I believe it would easier to loosen the screw with a bit more of a grip. ...just a thought ! Thanks for the idea ! ! !
Chip,
In Rhode Island

[Phil B]

Thank you, Chip. A great thing about Instructables is that we can adapt other people’s ideas to fit our needs. Thank you for your comment.

[neil.spurr67]

I added a hex mini phillips head to the end of mine using super glue it works fine but will do what you said to the other tool i have

[Aerospaceman]

The older models like I have, were equipped with a Dremel wrench that had one end shaved and it acted as your screw driver.

[Countrywings]

For the small Dremel grinding discs that are not reinforced, I have heard of taking thin super glue (CA) and saturating the discs before use and letting them dry completely, to add strength. Personally, I've never tried this, as I use larger, fiberglass-reinforced wheels. But regardless of the type, eye protection is a MUST!

[Phil B]

Thank you for the idea.

[Blackhart_inc]

i just bought a new Dremel " https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dremel-4000-Series-39-Piece-Variable-Speed-Multipurpose-Rotary-Tool-Kit-with-Hard-Case/3824381 " it has a quick collet changer so Dremel is trying to keep up

[SherylinRM]

I have used a dremel for decades and never thought of this.

Smart man :)

Thanks for this :)

[Phil B]

Thank you. As you can see from some of the other comments, newer Dremels come with a screwdriver point on the little collet wrench. Mine was inherited from my father-in-law's estate and is older. It came without that little screwdriver tip. I am glad you can use the idea.

[gromitnyc]

I have to call lame on Dremel. Every one I've bought in the past had a combo wrench screwdriver. This type of change is the result of not caring about our even considering your customers when the company can save 1/10th of sent. #nosympathy #crappycompanies

[Phil B]

The Dremel I have is from around 1990. It is not new.

[gromitnyc]

cent

[Bobblob]

I stopped using the Dremel colletts a while a go and use a chuck made for the Dremel that fits every tool shaft I've needed and made the use of my Dremel even more joyful!

Walmart has them in my area.

[Phil B]

Thanks.

[MandalorianMaker]

my dremel wrench has a mini Philips head already

[cowboyathome]

Sorry, but that is not a "Philips" head. That is just a standard slotted screw head driver.

This is a Philips head:

[Phil B]

If you read other comments, you know that it was not always so. I did not know Dremel began adding screwdriver ends on the wrench until after I published this. My Dremel was inherited from my father-in-law and is decades old. The end on your wrench looks like a straight blade screwdriver rather than a Phillips.

[SeksBomb]

You can also block the head by pressing the little button, and "unscrew" the cutting disk just like you would open a beer. This loosen the screw and you can easily remove it by hand afterwards.

[Phil B]

When it is time for me to unscrew a disc the disc has shattered or worn down to nothing. Otherwise, yours is a good idea and would be useful in some situations. Thank you.