Don't Make 'em Like They Used To

My first Dremel tool was purchased in the 1970's. Still remember gasket/port matching and polishing combustion chambers on a pair of small block cylinder heads right there on the kitchen table with it. I abused the heck out it and it got really hot in the process, but kept on going. Never failed that time, never failed afterward.

Now the last two I have purchased recently both gave out already. They seemed very touchy from the start, speed would suddenly drop off and then speed up later while the switch was in the same position. Also got very noisy, like a bearing was going out or something.

Since I lost the receipt, I guess I will call on the neighbor down the street who advertises that he repairs starters and alternators, I assume a small electric motor with brushes is very similar. I checked the brushes already, they still have some "meat" on them. I sprayed some contact cleaner through all of the vent holes and that, of course, had no curing effect either.

The little gadget attached to the electric cord has a warning "do not remove" so I left it on there. I find that is a theft-deterrent and has no bearing on the function of the tool:
What Is That Thing? – BTA Blog