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Rotary tools are go-to picks for engraving, sanding, and cutting projects. These compact little powerhouses accept interchangeable bits that perform a variety of tasks, and they’re especially well suited for delicate work on small projects. Dremel, a company that’s been making tools and products for more than 90 years, is well known for its high-performance rotary tools, and the Dremel 4300 is no exception.
I put the Dremel 4300 to the test at home and in my workshop to determine whether the tool lived up to its reputation. Additional testing by Bob Vila test team members included the hands-on evaluation of several leading rotary tool models. In that broader test of the best rotary tools, the Dremel 4300 emerged as the best overall pick.
I’m familiar with rotary tools and their benefits, and I thoroughly enjoyed testing the 4300. Ahead, find out what features I liked the best and what I would ask Dremel to change if I had my druthers.
The Dremel 4300-5/40: At a Glance
Rating: 9.25/10
SPECS
- Power: 1.8 amps
- Corded/cordless: Corded (6-foot cord)
- Speed: Variable 5,000 to 35,000 revolutions per minute (RPM)
PROS
- Adjustable speeds for use on various types of materials
- Keyless chuck makes it quick and easy to change bits
- Comes with hard case, attachments, and an assortment of bit accessories
- High-quality construction—tool feels well built and durable
CONS
- The 4300 is not available in a cordless version, which limits portability
- Relatively pricey when compared to brands that offer similar features
Get the Dremel 4300 rotary tool at:
- Amazon for $109.99
- Lowe’s for $139.00
- The Home Depot for $139.00
- Menards for $124.99
- Grainger for $153.54
What is the Dremel 4300?
The Dremel 4300-50/4 is the kit version of the tool. It comes with the rotary tool itself, a case, and a starter kit with commonly used bits and attachments. This Dremel tool kit includes an adjustable light, an optional safety shield, a grinding attachment, a blade sharpener, a multipurpose cutting kit, and 40 Dremel accessories. The tool features a high-powered motor with adjustable speeds ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm.
It comes with a keyless chuck that accepts all Dremel accessories and doesn’t require the use of a wrench to change bits; I used it with some off-brand bits as well and had good luck. It also features an air-cooling system to keep it from overheating. It has a 6-foot cord length and a soft grip for comfortable use.
That being said, while the 4300 is a premium rotary tool with a powerful motor, I would prefer a cordless model for portability and convenience—take the Dremel 8250, for example.
Performance Particulars
While the Dremel 4300 is one of the company’s most powerful rotary tool models, it’s still designed primarily for crafts and small DIY projects. In other words, don’t expect it to offer the same power as a cordless drill or a professional oscillating tool.
During my testing, I attached a cloth polishing wheel and used the Dremel tool to buff a brilliant shine on a sterling silver ring I’d crafted. Then, I switched to a cutting disk and was able to cut away the top of a dried gourd, after which I switched to a sanding attachment to refine the cut edge.
Thanks to the wide variety of accessories available, the tool is still pretty versatile. I invested in a chainsaw sharpening bit that I used to sharpen the dulled edges of my blades since that’s a task that can be monotonous when done manually. To get the most out of the tool, consider investing in several different types of bits.
A User-Friendly Tool
I found the Dremel 4300 to be very user-friendly. I’m familiar with older models that require a wrench to loosen the chuck before changing bits and then again to tighten the new bit. If you misplace one of those wrenches, which is easy to do, you’re out of luck until you find one that fits. But with the 4300, all I had to do was press and hold a button on the shaft of the tool while twisting the chuck to loosen the bit when I wanted to use a different one.
Dremel also offers an easy-lock shaft system that allows switching just the heads of specific bits, including two that come with the kit: a cutting bit and a sanding bit. I didn’t have to remove the shaft from the chuck to swap these out—I just pulled downward on a collar on the underside of the shaft to release one head and then attach the other. Not all bits offer this feature, but it’s handy for quickly switching between the ones that do.
Is the Dremel 4300 worth the price?
The Dremel 4300-5/40 currently sells for between $100 and $160 at multiple retailers, but that’s substantially more than some other brands of rotary tools, such as WEN’s 2305 rotary kit that sells for around $20 and Ryobi’s rotary tool kit that comes with similar accessories and sells for around $70.
I haven’t tested either of those models, but I’ve used other brands of rotary tools in the past, and I prefer Dremel. Dremel’s build quality is top-notch, and its wide range of available accessories makes it versatile. In my testing, I connected a Dremel flex shaft, which didn’t come with the kit, but I prefer that attachment for performing delicate cutting and polishing tasks.
The Dremel brand has held up well for me, so I don’t mind spending more on their tools. However, it’s good to know that several other quality brands are making rotary tools at a more affordable price point.
Is the Dremel 4300 right for you?
Those looking for a high-quality rotary tool with several attachments and an assortment of the most commonly used accessories won’t go wrong with the Dremel 4300-5/40. When paired with Dremel’s extensive lineup of accessories, this is one versatile little tool.
However, if you’re looking for more portability than a 6-foot cord offers, you may want to look at a cordless model. Dremel offers a few, and so do other manufacturers, including Milwaukee and Kobalt.
Remember, though, that a rotary tool, even one as powerful as the 4300, has limitations. It’s indispensable for small DIY projects and crafts, but it doesn’t offer the robust power needed to perform heavy-duty drilling, sawing, and cutting.
Where to Buy the Dremel 4300-5/40
Get the Dremel 4300 rotary tool at:
- Amazon for $109.99
- Lowe’s for $139.00
- The Home Depot for $139.00
- Menards for $124.99
- Grainger for $153.54
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
