I'd like to understand: what is the point of a Dremel tool? I know that there are many Dremel accessories that are indeed useful, but why should I have to get the tool itself? Couldn't the whole system be implemented using an adapter for an ordinary electric drill? Is there some special attribute about the Dremel motor of which I am not aware? Or is it just unnecessary vendor lock-in?
What can a Dremel tool do that a drill cannot
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Related Solutions
A few things I've done/do with my rotary tool that can't be done with a oscillating tool:
- Etching numbers/letters with a diamond point (in very hard materials; such as marking serial number/ownership on a bicycle frame or tool).
- Polishing; many rotary attachments are made for polishing fine items.
- Routing. There are several router bit setups for roto-zips and dremels for doing very fine (i.e. gingerbread) work.
- Curved work, such as fitting tile or wooden flooring around a small curved spot.
Overall, the oscillators have their uses, and replace other tools, but the blades can be hideously expensive. The bits can be cheaper for a rotary tool, and sometimes they're just better suited for a job -- cutting holes in drywall to fit an electrical box is one great example of a task where you can do it by hand, you can do it with an oscillator or even a reciprocating saw, but once you do it with a rotozip and the right bit you're just going to hate doing it any other way.
It should be good enough, even though you are using a rue of thumb. You might try a screw extractor.
Here's the instructions on using a screw extractor.
Here's a link from a previous post on suggestions on removing damaged screws.
If you extract it in a good way you won't damage anything and can reuse the old parts. The screw extractor kit is handy to have around, even if it is only used a couple times a year, if that much. It easily gets the bad screw out, get a replacement handle and screw a new set screw back in. If you drill it out, the you risk damaging the threads or you might have to tap the hole and go with a large size that might stick out more than the designed screw.
Best Answer
An ordinary electric drill does not have the speed of the Dremel (30,000 rpm) which is the key to getting the best results from many of the accessories. Also, the Dremel tool is much smaller and lighter than an electric drill which is very useful in many applications such as carving, etching and working with small work pieces. Dremels can be used with non-Dremel accessories such as drill bits and grinding wheels so you are not locked in. As an example, the Dremel tool is excellent for cutting screws and nails to size using the 1 inch diameter cutting wheels. It would be very awkward to achieve the same results with an ordinary electric drill.