For EM-work, the cordless Dremel 8220 has served me incredibly well for portable multifunction tasks. It has long battery life and powerful operation. I have used it to cut through thick padlocks on pinball trailers, polish contacts, sand/reshape metals, smooth reel glide tracks and much more on a single charge without the necessity of lugging around a wheelbarrow of tools.

It is always a good idea to get a second battery so that you can run the primary down to zero before recharging.

Most cordless Dremels sold in stores are the lower-end models. These are the ones most often referred to (including in this thread). Avoid them. Low power, poor speed control, low battery life... they will frustrate you.

Not so with the current 8220 top model. I’ve used one in hundreds of games and the original battery still runs all day.

Like all tools, using a Dremel is a matter of preference and technique. It’s all about the journey and the end result.

I personally don’t use the Dremel for playfield swaps or prep. Mostly common tools as flynnibus mentioned previously. A small bit and drill will do fine for clearing pop ring holes and making small pilot holes.

Definitely have a staple puller on hand. Those are useful as heck.