How would you fix this 90's Craftsman rotary tool?

[Bennylava]

I have a Craftsman brand "dremel" type rotary tool from 1998 or 1999. The pic shows the part that is missing. It's some kind of nut-collar, and as far as I can tell it just keeps out the debris that flies away from the business end. The Dremel that's also in the pic shows a tool that still has the collar.

Should I just use some big nut from the hardware store? And glue in a piece of rubber with a hole in it. That would seal it up. Maybe you guys know of a better idea. Thanks!

 

[hudstr]

You won't find that in any hardware store. It is 3/4" by 12tpi. You can probably just use it as is because the regular nut collar doesn't have any kind of seal. Those threads are for attachments or the flex shaft and the collar just protects them from damage. If you really want I'm sure you could by a replacement online or 3dprint one. I guarantee someone within 3 miles of you has one unless you live in the middle of nowhere. The hard part is finding and making friends with them, or you might find one at a library or community center.

 

[jayemm]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1838853166...KOF4AoPF8UJnZ1DMlpV734pQ==|tkp:Bk9SR9an55L4Zw

Also, if no need for a cap you could tightly wrap some electricians tape around the threads to add a bit more clamping force to hold the nose together more.

 

[KnurledNut]

You won't find that in any hardware store. It is 3/4" by 12tpi. You can probably just use it as is because the regular nut collar doesn't have any kind of seal. Those threads are for attachments or the flex shaft and the collar just protects them from damage. If you really want I'm sure you could by a replacement online or 3dprint one. I guarantee someone within 3 miles of you has one unless you live in the middle of nowhere. The hard part is finding and making friends with them, or you might find one at a library or community center.

If this is true, then garden hose thread is really close at 3/4" x 11.5 tpi.
I would try a hose cap. They are cheap and readily available at most hardware stores.

 

[Davefr]

I'd:
1. Ignore it and use it as is
2. Go to a few garage sales. Corded Dremels are very common.
3. Use thick wall heat shrink tubing. Maybe two layers.

 

[RTM]

Those threads are for attachments or the flex shaft and the collar just protects them from damage.

This is the big point. I've had mine apart to put a lawn mower sharpening fitting on there, and realized all it really does is keep your fingers away from the spinning shaft, or the bit if you chuckled it in deep.

 

[sparky 1971]

My M12 rotary tool has been missing that piece for several years. I fixed by doing absolutely nothing about it.

 

[Bennylava]

Yeah it came with some long attachment on it. Some kind of special use, I dunno. Maybe it always had the attachment, and never had a normal collar.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[darkzero]

They always come with the nose cap regardless if they came as a kit with attachments. The nose cap serves no purpose other than to protect the nose threads, there is no seal.

You can find replacement nose caps on Amazon & ebay but they'll be the newer style with built in collet nut wrench for newer gray models. Literally any nose cap from any rotary tool modeled after the Dremel should fit.

Only the caps from the really older models won't fit (like pre 80s or something like that) which have a finer thread. But I doubt you could even find one of those easily.

If you have access to a 3D printer you can find models of the caps online. Or you can get the Wen light ring for less than $10 that looks more like the older Dremel light. The newer Dremel one is much more expensive & is not nearly as sleek looking. But the Wen runs on batteries. I have the older Dremel light which does not run on batteries, no idea if the latest Dremel one does.

https://wenproducts.com/products/wen-rta004-led-light-collar-for-wen-and-dremel-rotary-tools?srsltid=AfmBOopjFKVvk1zJyp3Bz-ydOJETkLnCF6OSb4RUOIJDaa6t6YEcX61E

 

[The Cobbler]

garden hose thread is really close at 3/4" x 11.5 tpi.

3/4 is not the OD of garden hose thread ... it's more like 1"

 

[The Cobbler]

I think that nut helps to keep the shell from opening up at the split line. some wire wrap & epoxy might solve that . otherwise it's an unneeded part

 

[Beerhippie]

I wouldn't fix it as it isn't broken. That collar is a thread protector--nothing more. If the threads make it uncomfortable to use, just wrap it in some electrician's tape or shrink tube.

 

[Bennylava]

They always come with the nose cap regardless if they came as a kit with attachments. The nose cap serves no purpose other than to protect the nose threads, there is no seal.
...

Looks like this?

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-23072-Variable-Lithium-Ion-Accessory/dp/B07MJ7T8TL?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[darkzero]

Looks like this?

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-23072-Variable-Lithium-Ion-Accessory/dp/B07MJ7T8TL?tag=atomicindus08-20

I linked it in my post. I didn't see it on Amz. Can get it from Home Depot free shipping or ship to store.

 

[Bennylava]

I linked it in my post. I didn't see it on Amz. Can get it from Home Depot free shipping or ship to store.

Oh yeah I was just asking if yours looked like that, when it's on and working. Can't really see the LEDs one the one in your link

 

[darkzero]

Oh yeah I was just asking if yours looked like that, when it's on and working. Can't really see the LEDs one the one in your link

Mine isn't very bright as it doesn't run on batteries, just two LEDs, power is generated by a magnet. These lights are useless IMO, I never use mine. I only suggested the Wen because of the price & cause it matches better in appearance.... if you really wanted some sort of nose cover.