Dremels Do Eventually Break

Fluesheet

Member
The Dremel model 395 (corded variable speed) broke last night while I was using it for fairly heavy work (cutting pipes). The chuck simply stopped turning, although the motor was running.

The problem turned out to be pretty simple - a sheared "flex coupling". This coupling is a softer synthetic material that joins the splined motor output shaft to the splined chuck drive shaft. See photo. Also as an aside, I finally had an opportunity to use that yellow handled torx bit driver in the background while dissassembling the tool... :mrgreen:

I called Dremel's Wisconsin number today and crossed my fingers that I'd be able to get what I needed - and was astounded with the customer service I got. The woman I spoke to knew exactly what I was talking about and exactly what I needed. Apparently this is a common failure point in model 395 series I & II. She also suggested a second piece that is also known to fail in older models.

Total $4.00 out of pocket, including shipping. Props to Dremel Customer Service!:thumb:
 

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Cannonball

More Trains Than Brains
My wife bought me one of the most expensive Dremels out there and a ton of attachments to go with it.

I think I've used it twice.
 

Jim Krause

Active Member
I had really good service from Dremel when I had to have the battery changed in my old (original cordless) Dremel. My only complaint is that they have started the Chinese manufacturing thing.
By the way, that's superb close up photography.
 

Fluesheet

Member
I had really good service from Dremel when I had to have the battery changed in my old (original cordless) Dremel. My only complaint is that they have started the Chinese manufacturing thing.
By the way, that's superb close up photography.

The outsourcing bothers me as well, but is the only way these manufacturers can stay competitive. I don't mind paying extra for American (or European) stuff, but the fact of the matter is that most of us consumers ARE price concious and will find the best combination of quality / price that fits their needs. I.e. - it's our fault... :mrgreen:

Thanks for the comment on the photo. That was taken with a simple Canon SD300 point and shoot set to the lowest image resolution, 100 ASA, flash turned off, on macro. These little cameras take amazing pictures (other brands as well, I'm sure), it just takes a little patience to get good close up shots than with an SLR. Just getting the autofocus to focus at the right depth is the toughest part. Also, it's worth while to back up as far as possible and use the optical zoom to come back close - this will give better depth of field (focus depth) and will cut down on the wide angle "fishbowl" effect.
 

jbaakko

Active Member
Rock on, my el-cheapo corded dremel is still going strong after 6 years, Love the way they last. Lets hope my new cordless one last too!
 

Fluesheet

Member
I guess I didn't mention that I've had that tool for at least 15 years, but it didn't get a lot of heavy usage during that time. Light grinding and cutting for the most part.

Just by sheer chance I'd picked up the 10.2 volt cordless the very day this one broke, which allowed me to finish off the job I was working on. Like you, I'm curious as to how long it will last.
 

ezdays

Out AZ way
When we sold our business, we had two old dremels that had a lot of time on them, and two others that were not demels, but they were newer. I opted to keep the two newer ones, and kinda regretted that I didn't keep the dremels instead. The ones I kept work OK, they just don't have the feel of the demel, and the chuck threads are different so I can't use any of the dremel adapters that screw onto the chuck bushing.
 

Fluesheet

Member
The parts came in. I installed the new flex-drive (notice the difference in color - either a different material, or simply age), but chose not to install the new spline driver, as the old one appeared to be in fine shape (plus, I couldn't get it off...). I also installed some new brushes, and gave everything a minor cleaning.

Everything is as good as new. Again, props to Dremel's courteous and *expert* help!

Fluesheet
 

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