Fein tools quality?

[Aaron_W]

The local metal supplier has started to carry Fein tools. This is a brand I'm not familiar with but Goggle tells me it is a German company.

This shop stocks (so far as I can tell) quality industrial tools, machines and related as their customer base is fabricators, construction companies etc. Thankfully they are willing to work with local DIY and hobby types and treat our penny ante orders the same as those dropping some real money, but we are not the reason they are in business.

Anyway about a year ago I noticed that they added some Fein tools, and they regularly offer a pair of Fein 4-1/2" corded angle grinders for $99. They must be moving them, because there will be like half a pallets worth by the entrance, then they go away, and a month or two later I'll see another big stack. $50 for an angle grinder is like mid range Harbor Freight pricing, I don't really need another angle grinder but I paid around $99 for one Milwaukee angle grinder so that is a nice price if they are decent. Not sure the model number, but looking at the Fein website, I'm thinking they are the WSG-115.

They are carrying some other Fein tools as well, higher cost items like chop saws and such, so I'm thinking maybe the deal on the angle grinders is to get the brand in the hands of local tradesmen who may then go with them for more expensive tools instead of the more common Jet, Milwaukee etc.

Anyway now I'm curious if I should be paying more attention to the brand since I seem to have a local distributor.

 

[cgrutt]

Fein makes awesome tools i have one of their isolating tools since early 2000s can't kill it just runs and runs. Like everything else you can get tools that do same thing for a lot less out of pocket. The only issue that I have with my isolating tool is the blades are (somewhat) proprietary so the universal blades you can get in the big box stores don't fit. They can be hard to source. Festool blades work though.

 

[tamaraw]

They're fine

I have heard very good things about Fein, particularly grinders (die & disc), multitool, and drills. I have had some of their stuff on my shopping list for a while.

I think they basically created the multitool market? And their grinders tend to have lots of safety features. I believe they have different product tiers with the German models being more spendy and imports being more affordable, that could explain the prices you are seeing.

 

[Monte]

The WSG 7-115 is made in China hence the price. The more expensive models are made in Germany.

 

[Dave455]

Fein tools are, for the most part, superb.

They’re one of the few manufacturers who cater primarily for the metalworker, though some of their newer tools are aimed at other trades.

I have three Fein grinders, and all are superb. Decently made, very smooth, and superbly durable.

I also have their BOS 16 drill, and the 350 Watt Multimaster. All are superb, professional grade, tools, and I’d replace them with the same if I had to.

The only one I might hesitate on is the current WSG 7-115. As Monte says, this machine is made in China, and for me, part of the reason for buying a Fein is to obtain a GERMAN made tool. The German made grinders will only be a little extra - I wouldn’t hesitate to pay it.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Every brand's $50 grinder is made in China and they're all about the same level of meh (except for Milwaukee, theirs is utter garbage).

Fein's German-made tools are second to none. I have a couple of their high-end angle grinders and their oscillating multi-tool. The quality is fantastic and their vibration isolation is amazing.

 

[RTM]

their oscillating multi-tool. The quality is fantastic and their vibration isolation is amazing.

I used to think my Fein oscillating tool was great at vibration isolation, but my neighbor got a new 18v Makita oscillating tool, and it is fantastic compared to my Fein. Not trading it in cuz I use it so little, and it is great quality otherwise.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I used to think my Fein oscillating tool was great at vibration isolation, but my neighbor got a new 18v Makita oscillating tool, and it is fantastic compared to my Fein. Not trading it in cuz I use it so little, and it is great quality otherwise.

Of course it's badass. It's a Makita.

I talk myself out of buying that thing every couple months or so.

 

[Chester in Florida]

I‘ve had a Fein multi tool for 20+ years. It gets occasional use only, but has been a very nice tool addition. No complaints from me at all, and I like it very much.

If buying new though, would probably get the Makita, just to loose the cord. Back when I bought the Fein, it was by far the best multi tool on the market (still is for a professional).

 

[scooby074]

Fein's German tools are VERY high quality, amongst the best out there, however, like a lot of high end pro brands they cant resist getting into that sweet, sweet low cost market. That grinder is Made in China. I havent used it, only the "Genuine" Feins from Germany, but Im going to assume its just like everyone else who is offering a cheap MiC grinder these days, probably shares the same internals as well.

 

[Aaron_W]

Thank you

The angle grinders looked like generic angle grinders, but I can see their higher end grinders have a more distinctive look to them. Based on the appearance of these grinders I was wondering if Fein was actually German made or just another importer trying to make Chinese tools more attractive by appealing to buy the home country buyers. Sounds like these are just from their lower tier line up of tools.

I did find an online seller with prices, and the two pack is definitely a bargain package, singles are almost $90, and the two pack $99, so a pretty good discount. I'll take a closer look at what other tools they have available the next time I go metal shopping.

 

[Dave455]

Thank you

The angle grinders looked like generic angle grinders, but I can see their higher end grinders have a more distinctive look to them. Based on the appearance of these grinders I was wondering if Fein was actually German made or just another importer trying to make Chinese tools more attractive by appealing to buy the home country buyers. Sounds like these are just from their lower tier line up of tools.

I did find an online seller with prices, and the two pack is definitely a bargain package, singles are almost $90, and the two pack $99, so a pretty good discount. I'll take a closer look at what other tools they have available the next time I go metal shopping.

Disregard the cheapest model.

I don’t even think it’s the “lowest tier”, I think it’s just one model.

Disregard the “looks” too. whether they are distinctive or not (and for a long time they were not) isn’t relevant either.

What you have left are absolutely top end tools, from probably Germany’s highest quality power tool manufacturer.

They make almost everything in house, including winding the motors. Here’s some footage showing the manufacture.

 

[dutchgray]

The German made stuff is generally excellent.
I have a pair of 9" grinders, a 7" grinder, corded multimaster, 5mm capacity nibbler, drywall screwdriver, tec screwdriver, 65mm capacity magnetic drill and 32mm magnetic drill (which I think is made in India and is so so but it is the cheap option).

 

[GrayFlattop]

Multi-tool is very nice. I have two of their shop vacs, quiet and bulletproof. One of them is ~30 years old and still works great. The tool triggered feature gets a lot of use.

 

[Monte]

The German made stuff is generally excellent.
I have a pair of 9" grinders, a 7" grinder, corded multimaster, 5mm capacity nibbler, drywall screwdriver, tec screwdriver, 65mm capacity magnetic drill and 32mm magnetic drill (which I think is made in India and is so so but it is the cheap option).

Are you sure ? The lower priced options used to be be made in USA..... ?

 

[dutchgray]

Are you sure ? The lower priced options used to be be made in USA..... ?

That's what my memory tells me, I was shocked at the time when I got it. I would have to dig it out our storage container at work to confirm.

 

[neophyte]

Fein purchased Slugger, a maker of metal drills, and a few other items like metal saws.
I believe the drills were constructed in the USA, and the saws Taiwan.
I think Fein just rebranded the tools as “Fein Slugger” and added some orange paint to the exterior.
I have no clue otherwise about the COO of the Slugger tools.

As far as the other Fein Tools go, the higher end tools, which was most of Fein’s lineup, were/are made in Germany, although possible with some foreign made components, which were/are likely from Europe.
The Vacuums are usually not German made. The Older Vacuums were made in Italy, alledgedly by Nilfisk/Wap, although with some customization for Fein.
The Current Vacuums are still made in Europe, maybe by Karcher, but I’m not sure.
The older plunge router Fein offered in the USA was made by Felisatti in Italy.
The cordless tools used to have batteries which I believe were assembled in Korea, although Fein is switching to one of the German multi brand battery systems. (The Bosch AMPshare system).
Some cheaper cordless tool models, and items Fein doesn’t specialize in, are made in China, like impact drivers.
Fein seems to have their nibbler and shear heads manufactured by both Trumpf and Draco depending on model, although possible with customization.
Fein pneumatic oscillating tools (Multimaster and Supercut) are/were made in Japan, from what I’ve seen.
Fein had a circular saw once in their lineup that appeared to be made by Mafell, and a reciprocating saw that appeared to be a rebranded German made Flex model.

There are currently some lower cost angle grinders in Fein’s lineup that are made in China, although Fein would know what specifications to ask for to help insure durability.

 

[tarbellb]

@Rabid Badger hit it on the head

German made Fein is second to none typically, w/ lots of specialty tools. I would wager their $50 China grinder is better then most $50 grinders too?

 

[KnurledNut]

Anyone used the newer brushless corded angle grinder that is made in Germany?

And where’s the pictures of your tools? Im thinking we need a dedicated Fein tool thread.


Edit: I found the Fein Addiction thread by Monte but it never really took off and hasnt seen any traffic since 2016.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/fein-addiction-thread.314937/

 

[F-22]

I think they basically created the multitool market?

Actually, Fein invented the power tool. The founder made the first handheld (corded of course) power drill by the end of the 19th century. It is the first company to actually make a power tool, and they still make them in Germany. Quite exceptional and it is surprising how little known they are.

 

[Aaron_W]

Anyone used the newer brushless corded angle grinder that is made in Germany?

And where’s the pictures of your tools? Im thinking we need a dedicated Fein tool thread.


Edit: I found the Fein Addiction thread by Monte but it never really took off and hasnt seen any traffic since 2016.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/fein-addiction-thread.314937/

No kidding, I did a search before posting and found little mention here of the brand other than an occasional mention of a specific tool in a generalized topic.

 

[Under_Pressure]

When I was a kid I remember them being known for what we now call the "oscillating multi-tool." Marketed in woodworking magazines mostly as a close-quarters sander. As far as I knew they invented it and it was all they made. I think maybe the plunge router was around also as a premium "euro" option. Funny they are mentioned as catering to metalworking, I always (perhaps wrongly) considered them more a woodworking brand. I think that was mostly how they were marketed in the US in the early 90s, plus my dad must have been on a woodworking kick at the time and subscribed to a bunch of magazines and catalogs so that's what I saw. When I was older my career was in metal fabrication, and our go-to brand for magnetic drills and annular cutters was Jancy Slugger. In fact we used "slugger" as a generic term for any annular cutter or drill made to use them. I was quite surprised when one day I found out they were now orange Fein Sluggers.

 

[cgrutt]

When i bought my fein supercut a buddy who owns a large glass company (architectural windows for skyscrapers, etc) recommended it for a project where I was replacing the glass in a condo that I owned. He got me one from one of his suppliers. Recently bought a set of glass blades for it to cut the urethane adhesive on my truck's windshield. So used in glass business too.

 

[tarbellb]

Anyone used the newer brushless corded angle grinder that is made in Germany?

And where’s the pictures of your tools? Im thinking we need a dedicated Fein tool thread.


Edit: I found the Fein Addiction thread by Monte but it never really took off and hasnt seen any traffic since 2016.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/fein-addiction-thread.314937/

There was a member who went on a big grinder research quest and I believe ended up with a VERY nice Fein brushless...

cant recall anymore, just that he bought and tested a few highend grinders and landed on Fein (maybe 12-18 months ago)

 

[KnurledNut]

There was a member who went on a big grinder research quest and I believe ended up with a VERY nice Fein brushless...

cant recall anymore, just that he bought and tested a few highend grinders and landed on Fein (maybe 12-18 months ago)

Ahhh yes. This thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/best-angle-grinders-2024-edition.533187/

 

[neophyte]

When I was a kid I remember them being known for what we now call the "oscillating multi-tool." Marketed in woodworking magazines mostly as a close-quarters sander. As far as I knew they invented it and it was all they made. I think maybe the plunge router was around also as a premium "euro" option. Funny they are mentioned as catering to metalworking, I always (perhaps wrongly) considered them more a woodworking brand. I think that was mostly how they were marketed in the US in the early 90s, plus my dad must have been on a woodworking kick at the time and subscribed to a bunch of magazines and catalogs so that's what I saw. When I was older my career was in metal fabrication, and our go-to brand for magnetic drills and annular cutters was Jancy Slugger. In fact we used "slugger" as a generic term for any annular cutter or drill made to use them. I was quite surprised when one day I found out they were now orange Fein Sluggers.

Fein allegedly did invent the Oscillating “multi-tool”, or at least get a patent on the design for use as a tool.
Fein wasn’t by any means just a “woodworking” power tool manufacturer though.
The oscillating tool design seems to have originally been for medical use, and I believe is the type of saw that may be used for cutting open skulls for autopsies, although the medical tools are branded differently, and I think routinely have the blade oriented at a different angle to the tool (like a die grinder, but oscillating).
The oscillating tools are also used in orthopedics for removing casts, and I’ve come across one or more orthopedic suppliers selling Fein units, since they seem to be cheaper than the versions from medical tool suppliers.
Some of the medical branded versions used to be made by Fein, private label, judging by looks, just in a different color and branding.
The Fein Multimaster, and the Fein vacuums seem to be what got Fein noticed in the woodworking trade, since both were widely available from quality woodworking tool suppliers.
The Fein Multimaster was mostly marketed as a detail sander, even though saw blades were available, probably because the original saw blades sort of sucked. (Fein only included a regular, relatively soft steel saw blade with the Multimasters, and the steel was significantly softer than their HSS blades).
The Fein vacuums, were sold because they were incredibly quiet, and were rated for use with asbestos once outfitted with a hepa filter.
The fein plunge router, as I mentioned above, was manufactured in Italy, by a power tool company called Fellisati.
Fellisatti, seems to have been a known power tool manufacturer in Italy, but outside Italy, the tools were mostly made private label for other brands like Skil and Porter Cable.
Most of the Fein tools marketed to woodworkers, were not actually made by Fein, other than the Multimaster, one or two cordless drills, and a couple random orbit sanders.
Fein tried marketing a jigsaw model in the USA, but it was less versatile than many other cheaper options, such as the Festool Jigsaw and top of the line Bosch jigsaw, because the Fein saw designed for cutting thick steel, unlike the other two.
The German Fein manufactured tools were comparatively expensive, especially compared to other “Industrial Brands” sold in North America, and seem mostly to have been marketed to industrial users.
Fein has had tool distribution in the USA from a headquarters in Pennsylvania, going back probably to the 1950s or 1960s.

 

[Under_Pressure]

I forgot about the vacuums, that was another big one. I think there was a particular focus on woodworking at that time (not to say they weren't also active in other markets in America) because they weren't a widely recognized name and decided to focus on some markets where they thought a little-known but premium-priced brand could make headway. Woodworkers- especially WWII Generation retirees who were a big part of that market at the time- weren't as afraid to spend money on unusual tools, and I think some tended to be attracted to what they saw as Old World tools and brands. More so than, say, typical building tradesmen at the time.

 

[neophyte]

I forgot about the vacuums, that was another big one. I think there was a particular focus on woodworking at that time (not to say they weren't also active in other markets in America) because they weren't a widely recognized name and decided to focus on some markets where they thought a little-known but premium-priced brand could make headway. Woodworkers- especially WWII Generation retirees who were a big part of that market at the time- weren't as afraid to spend money on unusual tools, and I think some tended to be attracted to what they saw as Old World tools and brands. More so than, say, typical building tradesmen at the time.

Fein was mainly a manufacturer of specialty industrial tools, usually sold by specialty industrial tool suppliers.
From old photos, I think Fein used to be sold alongside the nibblers and shears manufactured by Trumpf, and I’m not sure whether any hand held Trumpf shear sell for less than $1,000 nowadays, and the Trump shears and nibblers have always been a specialty industrial product.
Fein also used to separate their dealers by which products were sold by which dealers, which some dealers only carrying certain product lines.
I think they’ve adjusted from that nowadays.
The Multimaster, was probably one of the first Fein tools sold more widely, and that likely came after a FineWoodworking article on “detail sanders” which mentioned the tool.
With the second version of the Multimaster, and later models, fein even had one or more infomercials made, which was distinctly not their prior sales style.

 

[Lasu]

Good quality, like many other pro brands, they have also used components/parts from other companies, e.g. well-known mG = minigears in several made in Germany models, bearings from different manufacturers/countries, electronics, switches, etc. I don't know about the current ones.

 

[dutchgray]

Are you sure ? The lower priced options used to be be made in USA..... ?

Was over the yard so dug it out of storage.

 

[neophyte]

Was over the yard so dug it out of storage.

 

[scooby074]

Was over the yard so dug it out of storage.

I think that was one of the Slugger models that Fein got when they bought Slugger. Sold here as a JME ShortSlugger, . Marketing is an interesting thing.

 

[dutchgray]

I think that was one of the Slugger models that Fein got when they bought Slugger. Sold here as a JME ShortSlugger, . Marketing is an interesting thing.

Probably, all I know it's the most basic cheapest one they do, but it works and for my very intermittent use, normally the odd extra bolt hole in a steel building frame and the odd use in the workshop it's fine.
I also have a very nice 2 gear and variable speed 65mm capacity model which is extremely nice but far too heavy to be lugging around a construction site for drilling 20mm or under bolt holes.

 

[scooby074]

Probably, all I know it's the most basic cheapest one they do, but it works and for my very intermittent use, normally the odd extra bolt hole in a steel building frame and the odd use in the workshop it's fine.
I also have a very nice 2 gear and variable speed 65mm capacity model which is extremely nice but far too heavy to be lugging around a construction site for drilling 20mm or under bolt holes.

Yeah the traditional mag drills are mucho heavy. I used to have to lug around a Milwaukee corded mag drill and the thing had to weigh 50lbs+. Definitely a place for the new, lighter, compact mag drills.

 

[dutchgray]

Yeah the traditional mag drills are mucho heavy. I used to have to lug around a Milwaukee corded mag drill and the thing had to weigh 50lbs+. Definitely a place for the new, lighter, compact mag drills.

One of our sub contractors has a great big old British one (they only use it in their workshop now) stands 3' high off the floor and is well over what your allowed to lift nowadays.

 

[scooby074]

One of our sub contractors has a great big old British one (they only use it in their workshop now) stands 3' high off the floor and is well over what your allowed to lift nowadays.

Sounds simular to one of the old BUX units. They were obscene lol. So unwhelidy.

 

[Monte]

Was over the yard so dug it out of storage.

interesting....
Last chance: Maybe the magnetic base was made in India and the motor in the USA... ?

 

[Monte]

at least all of my Fein tools are made in Germany (except the flash light, batteries and charger)

 

[KnurledNut]

Old school goodness:

 

[cgrutt]

Old school goodness:

Are those windshield/urethane blades?