Looking to get a dremel for all around use for the car and was wondering if anyone could recommend a specific type / bits needed, and how much you paid for yours. I'm mainly looking to clean the crud off my exhaust tips and muffler right off the bat. Thanks.

 

A few years ago I bought one of the higher end 'kits' that came with a nice variable speed Dremel (important to me) and an assortment of different attachments and bits all in a nice carrying case. This is exactly what I would recommend, it has served me well and has a nice variety. If I remember correctly, I think it was somewhere around $80 for the kit.

 

First decision is whether you want a battery powered or plug in.
Plug in has more speed and power, but battery powered is handy for quick jobs where you don't want to drag out a cord.

I have used both. Currently own the battery powered and it has served me well.

Use a Mothers Powerball for my exhaust tips, but use my Dremel to get to those little creases the Powerball misses.

 

Dremel are good , have 3 but a bit pricy. Me Iuse the ell out of them and would get cord motors for duration etc. Costco has them at good prices, but Harbor Freight costs are still about 1/2 and work. THeir tools are rated with a warranty so take a look, there are lots of bits available in the catalog and there is always EBAY for deals. Woody Got my 05 SRT on ebay for a real savings, one owner .

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately I live in a metro area and have to work on my baby outside away from an outlet, so i'll have to get a battery powered dremel. I've linked two options below; would either of these have the speed/torque to shave rust/caked on carbon off the exhaust tips/muffler? Or conversely, is there any easier way i can take this gunk off without a dremel, that i'm overlooking?

Amazon.com: Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Dremel 750-02 Minimite 4.8-Volt Two-Speed Cordless Rotary Tool: Home Improvement

Much thanks.

PS. I've tried carb and choke cleaner.

 

Crome polish or if you have it LIGHT rubbing compound. Brushing on oven off works too, just control its application. Woody

 

Buy a can of Never Dull wadding -- it cleans real well with a little elbow grease and won't scratch. Then wax the exhaust inside and out and it will clean even easier the next time.

 

Yup, thats the stuff I use. It's pretty great and cleaned the tips up well but this stuff is really caked on. The previous owner neglected the small things that I always notice. ;/

So what would a good rubbing compound be waldig?

 

Go with the higher voltage, batteries suck so get the most powerful you can, 4.8 volts is barely enough for an electric toothbrush.
These things may rev a lot but put a load on them and they stall really easy.

 

seems like its a fairly common issue in the older reviews on lowes and amazon. Maybe they changed their battery manufacturer later. I'll probably pay a few bucks more and get it from lowes in case I need it returned. Do you have a recommendation for a particular bit that would do the job described above? I know there's a million bits and wouldn't know where to start o.0.

 

You do not want to use any bit like a grinding wheel as it is too harsh and you will end up with worse scratches that will pick up the dirt and look worse than you have right now.
I would use very fine wire wool #000 but no coarser than #0 with a soap/water lubricant and remove the dirt by hand and then use the Dremel to polish the tip with a felt wheel and chrome polish or a polishing rouge which often comes with the kit.
Be careful that the chuck that holds the buffing wheel does not touch the tip, the tips are pretty hard but it will leave a mark.
Personally I would forget the Dremel and do it all by hand or use the Power Ball in a battery powered drill and hand polishing for the final finish. I used a Dremel on mine and I thought it was a waste of time, as you have to keep the chuck from marking the tip and the access is not easy. The narrow wheels mean you get 1/8" - 1/4" wide polished areas that are hard to blend together.
Do the job very good the first time and remember to keep them clean and save the same hassle later.

 

Clearcoat safe rubbing compound is a very mild abrasive cleaner for scum and marks that are more serious. Woody