Only a select few brands hold the iconic value the way Dremel does. Best known for their rotary tools, Dremel remains present in most every homeowner’s garage and with good reason. In addition to their well-loved rotary tools, Dremel also seems to put out a lot of tools geared towards a very niche audience (pet nail trimmer, anyone?). Dremel decided that a tool geared specifically towards crafters was exactly what the market needed, and in the world, of Pinterest and Etsy, its a smart move on their part. The Dremel Stylo is a spin on the classic Dremel rotary tool, but is it really that different? Let’s dig a bit deeper and check out the Dremel Stylo Review.
Dremel Stylo Review Overview
If there is one thing Dremel can do, its make a rotary tool. Dremel was the original inventor of the rotary tool, and they’ve continued to build on their long history since. One of the major bonuses to rotary tools is their overall versatility, but due to their size and shape, the grip changes can make certain detail work difficult. The Dremel Stylo is a mix of Dremel’s roots while lightening the weight and footprint to alleviate common concerns for detail work and to cater towards the crafting fanatics out there.
The Dremel Stylo, Model number 2050 comes packaged in a small box including the tool, power cord and plug, manual and a small bag of accessories.
Dremel Stylo Review Features
The Dremel Stylo provides up to 22,000 RPM’s at only and weighs .45 pounds.
Equipped with an easy to see, on/off button conveniently located on the top of the tool.
The variable speed dial allows for 5 different settings to customize the speed to the project at hand. Suggested materials range from glass to leather and wood.
The Dremel Stylo operates similarly to their other rotary tool with a simple shaft lock button for secure switching of bits.
The grip of the Dremel Stylo is what sets it apart. Having the option for a pencil-style grip creates the optimum control.
The motor has two ventilation openings on the side to keep air circulating, which is important to prevent overheating of the motor.
The Dremel Stylo is powered by a cord and a DC adaptor that measures in at 6.5 feet.
The Dremel Stylo comes with a small bag of accessories, with significant others available on the market.
The Dremel comes with the 1/8″ collet, however, the manual does state other sizes to be compatible as well.
Enclosed with the manual is a handy reference guide to help select the right bit for your application.
Dremel Stylo Review Performance
The Dremel Stylo does exactly what Dremel intended for it to do. It equips crafters or detail seekers to have a better grip, or at the very least options for gripping. The tool is light, and exponentially more quite that other rotary tools.
I played around with the Dremel Stylo just to see how well I could actually trace with it, and I gotta say it was pretty awesome. To clarify, I have awful handwriting, thank goodness for computers. Given that fact, I wouldn’t generally carve out things freehanded. I usually would use a stencil, but for those who don’t lack in the handwriting department, the tool does allow for the control you’d want to skip the step of stenciling. While I focused on wood as a medium, the Dremel Stylo is meant to be used on glass, leather, ceramic etc. A nod to Dremels consistent versatility.
While for some the size may not seem significant, the variation between the Stylo and my other corded Dremel tool, model 3000 was staggering. The Stylo weighs .45 pounds, where the Dremel 3000 weighs in at 3.3 pounds.
The one gripe I would have about the tool, in general, is the power adaptor. I would have preferred there be no break in the cord from tool to plug, or if one needed to be placed for it to couple at the tool. This didn’t interfere with function or use, it’s just a personal preference as I think the fewer interruptions in a power source the better. Also, I would have preferred the cord a bit longer. While 6.5 feet is probably more than sufficient for most, I like the versatility a longer cord provides.
Dremel Stylo Review Value
The Dremel Stylo clocks in at $59.00 dollars at The Home Depot. Dremel has rotary tools that are less expensive and some that are more. Given the size and 5 speeds, I think the price falls pretty well in line with their tools. I think for someone searching for a more comfortable way of carving or etching, the Dremel Stylo is a great investment. The lighter weight and change in grip will make a significant difference in comfort and allow for extended use.
Dremel Stylo Review Final Thoughts
Dremel strikes a chord with this tool for a lot of users. While I have several other Dremel tools, The Dremel Stylo will definitely be used as the compact nature cant be beat for certain applications. The ability to squeeze into tight spaces is a big bonus for me and the weight makes prolonged use much more comfortable. The only thing I would change was the cord and it wasn’t a deal breaker at all. Personally, I think a future cordless version of the tool would also be a wonderful addition if it could be done without adding significant weight. Overall, I love Dremel as a whole and the Dremel Stylo certainly adds an extra level of uses that a lot of consumers will appreciate.
How does it compare to the dremel flow drive attachment? That is about the size of a giant sharpie,possibly smaller. I know the extension can be a pain if room is an issue,but I just hang my Dremel on a clip and go to town.
Thanks
Hey Kenny! I am not sure I have ever seen a flow drive attachment, if you’re referencing the flex shaft models then they are pretty close. This one is a bit larger for sure and has a contoured grip but overall they have similar concepts. Power wise, it would depend on the model to compare. The Stylo is a great little tool!
I just bought this tool dremel 2050 and the tip can’t be is not tight can’t it be screwed tightly?
I haven’t had that issue at all. In order to tighten the chuck, you do have to make sure and depress the lock button and use the included tool or a substitute to tighten it. I hope that helps a bit!
is it possible to install the flex-shaft attachment 225 (old one, fit to models: 275, 285, 398 and 780) in the dremel 3000 or in the stylo ??? Thank you
Hello Juan. I do not believe you can use the flex shaft attachment on the Stylo. I have not personally tried it, but the design of the stylo is very similar to the flex shaft in terms of size.
I have owned a lot of Dremel tools since 1975. A big fan. When I saw this tool I wanted one to use with my more roboust Dremels. So I bought one, I really loved the feel of the tool and size. One of my favorite Dremels is the Stylus, light with a pistol grip and small size, unfortunately battery operated so this one was a great adition to the colection.
I started to use it for about 30 seconds and the tool suddenly stopped. But I noticed that there was almost no torque. Owning a lot of Dremels I understand that speed does the work and light multiple passes with the tool is required to do the job. So I tried again and after very little time I heard a clicking sound and the tool shut off.
I found out in the web that this tools have a thermal swithc that might be shutting down the tool. So I thought it might be defective, went to the store where there was a Dremel representative and the checked and determined it was a defect, changed for a new tool. Headed home again and tested the new tool. Too bad, the same problem. This time I just took back the money and returned sad.
So I wonder if the batch of tools that arrived to that store was bad or is this a common tool fault because I really liked the tool.
Hope Dremel corrects this and builds a corded Stylus and oerfects the Stylo.
Is there a way I can detect this faulty tools?
Roberto, thank you for the comment. I’ve been scouring the internet for the last hour trying to figure out why mine just did the same thing (couldn’t get ahold of a rep as its later at night). THANK YOU!
Can you say if a Dremel saw bit would work with Stylo? I’m only cutting 1/8 balsa wood.
Will stylo work for trim dogs nails?
Forget it! By the time you finished one nail, the others will have grown another 1/4”.
Dremel is the best rotary tool I have ever used. That being said, I recently purchased the Dremel Stylo because my 4300 finally quit. First the Stylo is a convenient size and can be held comfortably (I always start out on a positive note). After that, nothing positive can be said. My battery powered toothbrush has three times more power than the Stylo. Even at top speed it will come to a screeching halt at the slightest pressure. It is over advertised when they say it can be used to polish jewelry (stops repeatedly due to lack of power) and if you try to drill a hole in soft wood with a #60 drill bit, be prepared to start and stop repeatedly. Overall, I am sorry to say that the Dremel Stylo is a BIG disappointment and a complete and total waste of money. I ordered brushes for my 4300 and I can’t wait for them to arrive tomorrow. Dremel made a big mistake marketing the Stylo. They should take it off the shelves before it causes more harm to their reputation.