First Oscillating Tool?

[BDFan1981]

Does anyone remember who did the first oscillating multi-use tool that was the forerunner to such modern versions as the Chicago Electric 68861?

I know Dremel had the honor of doing so back in 1932 with its "Moto-Tool," though back then it was just a hobbyist's tool rather than for the more serious professional contractor.

Apparently, though, the origin of the modern oscillating multi-tool can be traced to Germany's Fein, the same company who invented the world's first electric power drill in 1895. Fein first produced the first oscillating multi-tool in 1967 for doctors, in order to efficiently cut open plaster casts (they did have similar plaster cast saws as far back as 1945, but with a circular rotation action). 18 years later, in collaboration with the automotive trades, Fein invented the first modern version of the multi-tool, which was marketed as an auto body saw, eventually dubbed the MultiMaster... though it didn't have much market saturation until Fein's patents for its tool, in particular the heart of it that is the oscillating mechanism, had expired in 2009.

~Ben

 

[KRB52]

As I remember, they developed it and owned the patent. No one else wanted (or could) license it from them. The patent has run out, now you see similar ones and knock-offs and such. Plus the original one.