Dremel 8250 vs. Milwaukee M12: Which is Better for DIY?
- Nest Alpha
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
If you are looking to buy a cordless rotary tool, the landscape has changed. The old heavyweights are gone, and now we are looking at the new flagship: The Dremel 8250.
We are comparing Dremel’s latest Brushless smart tool against the contractor favorite, the Milwaukee M12.
On paper, the Dremel 8250 is the superior machine. It boasts a brushless motor that Dremel claims is even more powerful than their corded models. But does that high-tech gloss hold up against Milwaukee’s rugged grit?
But as soon as you pick them up, you realize they are built for two completely different types of people.
We’ve tested the battery life, "stall force," and comfort of both. If you are still deciding, read our full guide on the Best Cordless Rotary Tools, but if you are stuck between these two specific models, this head-to-head battle will decide the winner.
Quick Specs: Head-to-Head Comparison
For the data lovers, here is how the specs stack up.
Feature | Dremel 8250 (New) | Milwaukee M12 (2460-20) |
Motor Type | Brushless (Advanced) | Brushed (Standard) |
Best For... | Heavy Duty & Precision | Construction & Rough Work |
Speed (RPM) | 5,000 – 30,000 | 5,000 – 32,000 |
Battery Life | Excellent (+20% vs 8220) | Very Good |
Price | $99 | $99 |
Check Price |
The Dremel 8250: The High-Tech Flagship
The 8250 is Dremel’s response to power users who complained that cordless tools were too weak. By switching to a Brushless Motor, they have created a beast.
The Pros:
Brushless Power: Unlike older models, this motor doesn't use physical brushes, meaning it runs cooler, lasts longer, and delivers 20% more power. It doesn't bog down easily.
LED Indicators: It features digital LED bars to show you exactly how much battery life remains and if you are overloading the tool.
Ergonomics: It retains that sleek, pencil-grip shape that Dremel is famous for, making it superior for detail work.
The Cons:
Price: It is significantly more expensive than the Milwaukee M12.
The Milwaukee M12: The Beast of Burden
Milwaukee doesn't make toys; they make construction tools. The Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool is essentially a miniature die-grinder disguised as a rotary tool.
The Pros:
Stall Force: This is where Milwaukee shines. You can lean into a cut—slicing through copper pipes or rusted exhaust bolts—and the motor will keep spinning. It has massive torque.
Battery Life: If you use the larger XC batteries, this tool runs significantly longer than the Dremel.
Durability: The exhaust ports are designed to keep debris out of the motor, making it better for dirty jobs like drywall cutting.
The Cons:
The Size: It is bulky. Holding this like a pencil is difficult if you have smaller hands.
Vibration: It runs slightly rougher at high speeds compared to the smooth Dremel.
Round 1: Ergonomics & Grip (Winner: Dremel)
This is the most important factor for DIYers. How does it feel in the hand?
The Dremel 8250 feels natural. The rubber over-mold is grippy, and the body tapers down near the nose, allowing you to get your fingers close to the work piece. If you are engraving a wine glass or polishing jewelry, the Dremel is the clear winner.
The Milwaukee M12 feels like a power drill. It is thick and square. While it is comfortable for "fist grip" tasks (like grinding a lawnmower blade), it feels clumsy for delicate work.
Winner: Dremel 8250
Round 2: Power & Stall Force (Winner: Tie)
In the past, Milwaukee always won on power. But with the Dremel 8250’s brushless motor, the playing field is leveled.
The Dremel 8250 offers massive torque. We found it could cut through hardened steel bolts just as effectively as a corded tool. Because it is brushless, it optimizes battery usage to maintain speed under load.
The Milwaukee M12 is still a tractor. It grunts through tough jobs, but it uses older brushed motor technology (unless you upgrade to the much more expensive M12 FUEL version).
The Verdict: If you want raw, efficient power, the Dremel 8250 actually takes the crown here. If you want "abuse-proof" durability on a job site, Milwaukee still holds its own.
Round 3: Battery Ecosystem & Value
Dremel uses a proprietary 12V MAX battery. It works great, but it only works with Dremel tools. If the battery dies, you have to stop and charge it (unless you buy a spare for ~$50).
Milwaukee uses the famous M12 RedLithium system. This battery fits over 100 other tools—drills, saws, lights, and heated jackets. If you are already in the "Red Team" ecosystem, buying the Milwaukee tool (often sold as "tool only" for cheaper) is a no-brainer because you already own the batteries.
Winner: Tie (Depends on what tools you own).
Safety: OSHA mandates eye protection and guards for rotary tools to avoid fragments—download their Portable Power Tools Guide.
Final Verdict: Which One Belongs in Your Shop?
There is no "bad" tool here, only the "wrong tool for the job."
Buy the Dremel 8250 If:
You want the most powerful cordless tool on the market.
You want Brushless technology for longer runtime and motor life.
You are willing to pay a premium for the best specs.
Buy the Milwaukee M12 If:
You are on a budget (it is cheaper than the 8250).
You already own Milwaukee batteries.
Ultimately, if you want finesse, go Dremel. If you want a mini-sledgehammer, go Milwaukee.
FAQs
Q: Do Dremel bits fit in the Milwaukee M12?
A: Yes. Both tools use a standard 1/8-inch collet. You can use Dremel brand accessories in the Milwaukee tool and vice versa.
Q: Which tool is louder?
A: In our testing, the Milwaukee M12 is slightly louder, largely due to the aggressive exhaust vents designed to cool the motor during heavy loads.
Q: Can the Dremel 8250 remove grout? A: Yes, it handles grout removal well. However, because grout removal generates a lot of dust, we recommend blowing out the air vents with compressed air after you finish to keep the motor clean.
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