Dremel 3981-01 Professional 1.15 amp Digital Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories

by Dremel

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Dremel came out with the first rotary tool long ago, and this professional model, the latest evolutionary leap in the Dremel line, is a great tool for a huge range of projects, from home improvement tasks to hobbies and crafting. Its new soft-start technology, electronic controls, and ergonomic grip make it easier and more comfortable to use than any other rotary tool we've tried. It has a continuously adjustable speed range from 5,000 to 30,000 rpm, with a precise speed gauge, allowing the user to effectively work with materials as soft as balsa wood and as hard as ceramics. And we really like the innovative electronic feedback control on this model, which takes the jerk and torque out of lower-speed applications. Another great feature of this kit (that Dremel's other MotoTools could benefit from) is the 10-foot long cord, which lets you maneuver without reaching the end of your leash. The kit also comes with a huge assortment of accessories and a handy carrying case. If you're looking for the smoothest and easiest-to-operate rotary tool on the market, look no further. Dremel's professional kit is as good as it gets. --Brian Trinen

From the Manufacturer

This professional tool kit from Dremel features an electronic feedback controller that enhances overall torque and performance at low- and mid-speed ranges (5,000 to 30,000 rpm). Separate on/off buttons and variable-speed buttons make the unit easier to control. Also features soft-start technology, ball-bearing construction, and a 10-foot power cord.

Product Details

Product Manual [1.29mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000302Y0
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 3981-01
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,209 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The all around tool made even better, March 11, 2001

By 

John Ingle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dremel 3981-01 Professional 1.15 amp Digital Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories (Tools & Home Improvement)

What seperates this Dremel from the others you ask? Well for starters it allows you to control the RPM's electronically. From 5 to 30k RPM's you can finally gain a sense of complete control over any situation with this tool. Using it primarily to Modify my computer cases and other strange little nuances of mine I can go from plastic to steel in the touch of a button without having to worry about melting plastic or taking forever to cut through metal.

However my dremel has found very other useful activites as well. The grout attachment works wonders in the bathroom and kitchen and I fixed the gate on my wife's horse's stall with it as well as modified my desk with it (I needed a couple extra slots for my computer cables).

I guess the only downside to this Dremel is the flimsy control switch. Well its not really flimsy but it does rattle when you bump up the RPM's.

Overall I am very pleased with the many different uses the Dremel finds itself in while in my hands. The addition of the electronic control switch for manipulating the RPM's is a godsend as it offers so much more flexibility than the older Dremels. This particular case comes with an assorment of goodies (including the universal chuck) so you really shouldn't have to buy any other accessories with the exception of some of the other specialized tool sets or the flex attachment.

Well in conclusion this little tool is BIG enough to handle most any application a hobbiest or tinkerer can put it through. Its uses are infinite and is simple enough to be operated by anyone...with the exception of the little tikes wandering around the place...and is a very useful tool to have around the house or shop.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top-of-the-line Dremel, October 28, 2000

By 

Tool Connoisseur (APO, AE United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dremel 3981-01 Professional 1.15 amp Digital Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories (Tools & Home Improvement)

If you appreciate quality tools, and want the most out of whatever tool you use, go with the Pro model. The electronic speed control is great for selecting, and more importantly, holding, precise speeds. It has more power than the other Dremels too. It's comfortable to use, has a long cord, and the standard accessories fit.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad the old one blew!, April 24, 2003

By 

woscar (LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dremel 3981-01 Professional 1.15 amp Digital Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories (Tools & Home Improvement)

I had a Dremel Model 280 for many years and it served well. It was a single-speed model, so I had to buy a separate speed control for it. Two years ago, it suddenly blew up in my hand when a commutator section dislodged. Fortunately, the 3981 was on sale in a kit that included the flex shaft and a lot of attachments. As soon as I used it, I was happy the old one blew up! I love the soft-start, integrated speed control that doesn't bog down at low speeds, and it gives you a readout too. The biggest improvement is that it doesn't get too hot to hold after a few minutes of hard use, like the 280 did even when it was new. I used the 3981 with the grout removal attachment to take up some irreplaceable mosaic tile. It burned up a few bits, but not my hands.

The only downside is that I had to purchase all new attachments to fit the nose piece. Dremel even helped out there, by making up a new support arm for my D-Vise base to fit the new tool at a moderate cost. That allows the tool to be stationary while working on small pieces. This is the best rotary tool I've ever used!