Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool Review: Brushless 8250

Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool Review

Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool Offers Brushless Performance, Lifetime Warranty

Dremel is as connected to rotary tools as Kleenex is to tissue and the brand is no stranger to the cordless realm. In fact, our first Dremel cordless rotary tool review was done more than a decade ago. Fortunately, there has been plenty of improvement in that time for both our writing and rotary tools, and the Dremel 8250 is a fine example of what the latest technology has to offer.

See also our best rotary tool review where Dremel’s other models are featured in.

Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool Performance

Polishing Pliers

The big deal on the performance side of things is that Dremel packs a brushless motor into the 8250 and uses a 3.0Ah 12V battery to power it. In terms of power, it ends up having 20% more than the corded Dremel 4300 (Dremel’s strongest corded model). On the runtime side of things, it has twice the working time compared to the cordless 8220 when cutting 1/4-inch lag bolts.

Dremel 3.0Ah Battery

That’s all great, but what does it mean practically?

The brushless motor has the advantage of being more efficient compared to brushed motors, giving it the ability to have more power and longer runtime with no carbon brushes to change out. If you’ve used earlier Dremel cordless rotary tool models, you’ll notice you can apply more pressure when you’re cutting and sanding without stalling the tool. And of course, it runs longer when you’re doing similar tasks.

Speed Dial

The motor is tuned to provide 5,000 – 30,000 RPM using the dial below the on/off switch. When you turn the tool on, a blue LED lights up the speed in 5,000 RPM increments with a few speeds occurring between two of the indicators. The dial has detents to slip into but no full stops when you get to the lowest or highest speeds.

Speed Indicator

There’s also a red indicator to warn you about overload and high temperatures.

Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool Design

Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool Review

As rotary tools go, the Dremel 8250 is designed for high performance rather than precision work. It’s 9.6 inches long with a somewhat beefy girth that widens on the back half to make room for the 12V battery.

Considering the work it’s capable of performing, its 1.3-pound weight is very reasonable, and that includes the 3.0Ah battery.

Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool Review

There’s a generous amount of rubber overmold surrounding the tool. It helps with overall comfort while improving the security of your grip.

As we’ve seen before, there’s also a steel wire tool hanger built in.

Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool Price

There are several ways to get your hands on the Dremel 8250. The basic kit includes the tool, 3.0Ah battery, charger, and a 5-piece accessory kit for $149.99. We’ve also seen it with a flex shaft attachment for $184.99 and that option with a 160-piece accessory set for $224.99.

Here’s the cool thing: Dremel back this tool with a limited lifetime warranty. That’s a big deal considering previous models were only guaranteed for 2 years. The battery comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

With more power than corded options and far greater runtime than previous brushed models, the Dremel 8250 cordless rotary tool is a full corded replacement. While it’s excellent the way it comes, heavy rotary tool users might want to consider adding a second battery, and precision users can benefit from adding the Flex Shaft.

Specifications

  • Model: Dremel 8250
  • Power Source: Dremel 12V battery
  • No-Load Speed: 5,000 – 30,000 RPM
  • Collet: 1/32 – 1/8 in. (1/8 in. collet included)
  • Accessory Compatibility: All Dremel rotary tool accessories
  • Length: 9.6 inches
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds with 3.0Ah battery
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime

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