Zeke
Well-known member
I actually prefer corded because of weight and girth. But I'll listen to any argument. Cost is not an objective. Quick change blades is almost a must.
Found nothing using search. Looking for the best (quiet) multi-tool.
- Thread starter Zeke
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dr_clyde
Well-known member
Just because of how the tool works I don’t think I’ve ever seen a “quiet” oscillating multi tool.
I have a Fein and it is amazing quality, and my dad is very happy with his Bosch.
I have a Fein and it is amazing quality, and my dad is very happy with his Bosch.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
They are all loud, but yes, the HF single speed screams
I love the form factor of my M12. It's quite compact and the variable speed give you a chance of quieting it down a little
I love the form factor of my M12. It's quite compact and the variable speed give you a chance of quieting it down a little
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I have an older Fein and a newer Milwaukee. The Fein is a workhorse but uses special blades and its older so not quick change. Surprised how good the Milwaukee was for the price. Neither are particularly quiet IMO. Always was interested in checking out the Festool, which happens to use same blades as my Fein.
Back in 2021, ToolboxBuzz reviewed 12 models and included noise in their ratings. The best for noise was the Fein 500 with 94.2 dB at no load and 112.9 dB while cutting metal. The Bosch GOP 18V-28N was the worst with 105.6 dB and 119.6 dB respectively. For audio, a 10 dB change is a doubling in loudness. If those are the best, good luck!
I have the Fein corded 500 and don't feel the need for any hearing protection when using it. It vibrates significantly less than a friend's Harbor Freight unit (model unknown).
Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Head-to-Head - Tool Box Buzz
An oscillating multi-tool is a saw, scraper, sander, and grinder. Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Head to Head
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Blue Chips
Well-known member
I have an older Bosch cordless, without the quick-change feature. It recently gave up the ghost quite suddenly with a nasty grinding and rattling sound, but I used it hard for years so that's not saying anything against Bosch. I might tear into it one of these evenings and see what let go. It could be worth fixing, depending on replacement part cost, etc.
I also have a newer corded DeWalt, which I like quite well. Can't recall the model...XR, maybe?
As to noise, besides the actual 'measured' noise level of a tool, there is also a 'subjective' component to noise. Some noises are distinctly more unpleasant or irritating than others, which is not always a factor of loudness. Noise can be very complex, with all kinds of superimposed patterns, harmonics, etc. It's kind of a personal thing. For example, I've never been bothered by the 'scratching fingernails on a blackboard' sound, but it drives others up the wall. I suspect that there are differences in the 'character' of the noise between various models of oscillating multi-tools.
If possible, try before you buy.
I also have a newer corded DeWalt, which I like quite well. Can't recall the model...XR, maybe?
As to noise, besides the actual 'measured' noise level of a tool, there is also a 'subjective' component to noise. Some noises are distinctly more unpleasant or irritating than others, which is not always a factor of loudness. Noise can be very complex, with all kinds of superimposed patterns, harmonics, etc. It's kind of a personal thing. For example, I've never been bothered by the 'scratching fingernails on a blackboard' sound, but it drives others up the wall. I suspect that there are differences in the 'character' of the noise between various models of oscillating multi-tools.
If possible, try before you buy.
seber
Well-known member
I have an older Fein and and an M18. The Fein is a bit quieter but I always grab the Milwaukee, just because it is more practical and any other difference isn't worth mentioning.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
It doesnt matter how quiet the tool is; once the blade hits the work its gonna rattle your brains out.
But for the sake of discussion, my Fein Supercut is quieter/smoother than my 18v Makita. Like an idling Lexus vs Jeep Wrangler.
But for the sake of discussion, my Fein Supercut is quieter/smoother than my 18v Makita. Like an idling Lexus vs Jeep Wrangler.
For me, I'm absolutely going to wear hearing protection when using a tool like this. Wished I'd done that earlier in my life.
The M18 Milwaukee FUEL has gotten a lot of kudos. It's loud, but it's fast and very effective. I went with the M12 FUEL when it came out mainly because my applications weren't worthy of the M18.
The M18 Milwaukee FUEL has gotten a lot of kudos. It's loud, but it's fast and very effective. I went with the M12 FUEL when it came out mainly because my applications weren't worthy of the M18.
scooby074
Well-known member
Fein is pretty smooth. Nature of the beast is that they are a bit buzzy
Jmonnty
Well-known member
Fein had been making the Festool version, parts were interchangeable between them.
(copied from one of my previous posts about OMTs)
HF- basic tool is LOUD, buzzy (hands will go numb in about 5 minute of use), needs three hands to change a blade (one to hold the hex key used to remove the mounting screw, one to hold the tool, and one to hold whatever. It's a pain.), it gets HOT pretty quickly (the tool, not just the blade) and did I mention that it is LOUD? I have one, used it a few times, was/am annoyed with it. It works, both the tool and to do the job/task, but is annoying to me. And the blade screw always seemed to loosen up at least somewhat during the limited use I did with the tool.
The two 'best' names in OMT would be Fein and then Bosch. Their 'recent' (a few years ago by now) change to the yet-another-blade-mounting-system of Starlock actually works well. There are other brand names that make OMTs that are 'good' (various levels of 'good' in there too), but Fein and Bosch are the top tier. The 'recent' Fein OMTs are supposed to have some vibration-reduction design in them, and the 'recent' Bosch OMTs as well (but not quite as smooth/good as the Fein's).
I bought a Bosch (corded, with the Starlock blade system) OMT a few years ago. MUCH nicer to use than the HF. More power, not as buzzy, not as loud, doesn't get HOT in 5 minutes, easy tool-free blade changes. The Bosch felt better in my hand than the comparable Fein and cost a little less.
The one hand tool-free blade release on the Bosch (well two, one to hold the tool and one to move the release lever) is a JOY to use. I didn't like the Fein one-hand blade release as much as the Bosch one. Tool-free one-hand blade release is (should be) a MUST IMNSHO. Quick, easy, no touching a HOT blade (they do get hot when cutting things
). Installing a new blade works best (for me) by having the new blade sitting on a table/bench/floor all ready to go and just push the tool 'nose' onto the new blade and click/ping the jaws lock the blade into the tool 'chuck'. Literally one handed (holding the tool) to install a new blade that way. As opposed to holding the new blade in one hand and the tool in the other and clicking them together.
I like the Bosch so much, that I bought a cordless 18V Bosch OMT on sale recently. Bare tool with 'free' battery and charger. Same one-hand tool-free blade change lever as the corded Bosch. No case or storage bag, so I did have to buy something to put it into. It works well for the tasks I've used it for so far.
Both Bosch OMTs are variable speed. For 'quiet' times I'll turn the speed all the way down, but it obviously cuts slower and the control is actually better on high speed. Grab and use the hearing protection 90% of the time anyway (which I now try to do with ALL power tools, except maybe the drill press as that is pretty quiet and smooth in most use).
Although both Bosch OMTs are MUCH-MUCH-MUCH quieter than the SUPER-LOUD HF single speed OMT (and better in pretty much every way except price), they are still power tools and make noise.
I've come to appreciate using a 'good' tool more and more. Your call on just where on the price-versus-good scale you want to go. For the 'extra' $50-$100 that the Bosch corded tool was over the next level 'down', I feel that it has been worth it to me. The cordless Bosch OMT was pretty much the same price or LESS than the other cordless 18V OMTs.
HF- basic tool is LOUD, buzzy (hands will go numb in about 5 minute of use), needs three hands to change a blade (one to hold the hex key used to remove the mounting screw, one to hold the tool, and one to hold whatever. It's a pain.), it gets HOT pretty quickly (the tool, not just the blade) and did I mention that it is LOUD? I have one, used it a few times, was/am annoyed with it. It works, both the tool and to do the job/task, but is annoying to me. And the blade screw always seemed to loosen up at least somewhat during the limited use I did with the tool.
The two 'best' names in OMT would be Fein and then Bosch. Their 'recent' (a few years ago by now) change to the yet-another-blade-mounting-system of Starlock actually works well. There are other brand names that make OMTs that are 'good' (various levels of 'good' in there too), but Fein and Bosch are the top tier. The 'recent' Fein OMTs are supposed to have some vibration-reduction design in them, and the 'recent' Bosch OMTs as well (but not quite as smooth/good as the Fein's).
I bought a Bosch (corded, with the Starlock blade system) OMT a few years ago. MUCH nicer to use than the HF. More power, not as buzzy, not as loud, doesn't get HOT in 5 minutes, easy tool-free blade changes. The Bosch felt better in my hand than the comparable Fein and cost a little less.
The one hand tool-free blade release on the Bosch (well two, one to hold the tool and one to move the release lever) is a JOY to use. I didn't like the Fein one-hand blade release as much as the Bosch one. Tool-free one-hand blade release is (should be) a MUST IMNSHO. Quick, easy, no touching a HOT blade (they do get hot when cutting things
). Installing a new blade works best (for me) by having the new blade sitting on a table/bench/floor all ready to go and just push the tool 'nose' onto the new blade and click/ping the jaws lock the blade into the tool 'chuck'. Literally one handed (holding the tool) to install a new blade that way. As opposed to holding the new blade in one hand and the tool in the other and clicking them together.I like the Bosch so much, that I bought a cordless 18V Bosch OMT on sale recently. Bare tool with 'free' battery and charger. Same one-hand tool-free blade change lever as the corded Bosch. No case or storage bag, so I did have to buy something to put it into. It works well for the tasks I've used it for so far.
Both Bosch OMTs are variable speed. For 'quiet' times I'll turn the speed all the way down, but it obviously cuts slower and the control is actually better on high speed. Grab and use the hearing protection 90% of the time anyway (which I now try to do with ALL power tools, except maybe the drill press as that is pretty quiet and smooth in most use).
Although both Bosch OMTs are MUCH-MUCH-MUCH quieter than the SUPER-LOUD HF single speed OMT (and better in pretty much every way except price), they are still power tools and make noise.
I've come to appreciate using a 'good' tool more and more. Your call on just where on the price-versus-good scale you want to go. For the 'extra' $50-$100 that the Bosch corded tool was over the next level 'down', I feel that it has been worth it to me. The cordless Bosch OMT was pretty much the same price or LESS than the other cordless 18V OMTs.
Toomanytools?
Well-known member
I have the Fein and it must be 15 years old, great tool.
hefnerconstructionlc
Well-known member
We have several of the Makita corded ones they are excellent. Not quiet. I'm sure the bosch are good too. I think fein started their proprietary blade system again which is annoying so I would avoid that.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
I have the DeWalt 20v one because I find this is a type of tool that is much handier cordless, and I already had the batteries. Generally I'm grabbing the multi tool to do small flush cuts or other oddball cuts in the middle of a bigger job, and I'm much more likely to grab it when I don't have to unroll 25 ft of extension cord to reach the job.
As others have said, I don't think any of them are "quiet". I did have a cheap corded Mastercraft one before that had a ton more vibration. The DeWalt one isn't quiet but it's much more pleasant in the hand to use. And it has the quick release blade system.
There might be better ones out there, but it's not exactly a precision tool, so I would just go with whatever battery platform you already have. Any of the name brands will be similarly better than a cheapo HF model.
As others have said, I don't think any of them are "quiet". I did have a cheap corded Mastercraft one before that had a ton more vibration. The DeWalt one isn't quiet but it's much more pleasant in the hand to use. And it has the quick release blade system.
There might be better ones out there, but it's not exactly a precision tool, so I would just go with whatever battery platform you already have. Any of the name brands will be similarly better than a cheapo HF model.
SuitorsGarage
Well-known member
I just got the M12 Fuel. Like you, I had the old single speed corded H.F. special. Remodeling a 120 year old house I needed an upgrade. The M12 did not disappoint. I chose it over the M18 because of battery weight.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Multiplied by the stench of burning tree carcass while cooking a blade...
”just push harder, it’ll go...”
alinc100
Well-known member
The metal cutting circular saw ,screaming through metal studs is the worst in my opinion.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have both the Fein corded and the Bosch corded made in Switzerland. Both Quiet and tool free blade replacement. You can’t go wrong with either one.
bwringer
Well-known member
They all require hearing protection. As noted above, they're all ridiculously loud when making a cut. The no-load noise doesn't really tell you much since that's not how you use the tool.
I can say the cheap-n-nasty and unholy loud and buzzy Harbor Freight unit is a great way to test out the concept. I bought mine for $15 aeons ago and it's gotten a ton of work done. It works, but it doesn't work great. You can certainly tell it's a bargain basement item, and that better stuff would be faster and more pleasant.
I can say the cheap-n-nasty and unholy loud and buzzy Harbor Freight unit is a great way to test out the concept. I bought mine for $15 aeons ago and it's gotten a ton of work done. It works, but it doesn't work great. You can certainly tell it's a bargain basement item, and that better stuff would be faster and more pleasant.