I'm in the market for a oscillating multi tool. Have a couple project to finish around that house that this tool would make life easier. It will be used mostly for cutting out boxes in drywall, couple baseboard cuts and a little grouts removal. I've read quite a few reviews and watched a couple YouTube videos. Even went to the local hardware stores and inspected a few. I am not brand loyal just want a good quality tool that will last. So far I like the Bosch gop40 and the dreamer mm40. Anyone have any experience with either of these units. Is there any other brand I should take a look at.
Help me choose a OMT (oscillating multi tool)
- Thread starter shawhite
- Start date
I have the rockwell and like it. Haven't used it that much but it seems pretty solid.
http://www.lowes.com/pd/ROCKWELL-So..._clickID=7f3aff23-f436-43dc-9192-8ec4971f11df
http://www.lowes.com/pd/ROCKWELL-So..._clickID=7f3aff23-f436-43dc-9192-8ec4971f11df
mmelton005
Well-known member
i have a rockwell sonicrafter and like it ok. If i were to buy one now it would be a dewalt. I like how you can control the speed with a trigger
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-3-Amp-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Kit-29-Piece-DWE315K/204841480
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-3-Amp-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Kit-29-Piece-DWE315K/204841480
joe_padavano
Well-known member
I've had a Fein for a long time now. I use it a lot, both in the house and on the car. Expensive, but bulletproof.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Fein or Bosch
I have one of each, corded Fein and cordless brushless Bosch which is excellent.
I have one of each, corded Fein and cordless brushless Bosch which is excellent.
Jacko264
Well-known member
I don't want to put you off using this type of tool [ we use air knifes for cutting windscreens out buses ] but watch your times when using them H& Safety time is only something like 5 minutes in 8 hour
graham
graham
I have a Harbor Freight variable speed OMT that is great. I have used the cheap HF single speed OMT and it works alright. But the OMT I use the most by far is the Ridgid Jobmax 18v cordless. It has all the power I need and the Jobmax has a trigger so it is variable speed.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I will second the HF model. I'm not even sure mine is variable speed. Give it a whirl. The blades are cheap at HF and they last a good while. They make quite a racket so wear hearing protection. It was something like 15 bucks. I was going to use it before I moved on to a more expensive model like the fein , but I haven't found a need to move on ... Yet. Detail sanding may be a different story. Undercutting door jams and such work great with Model.
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I like my rockwell F50 I have been trial and error with these for a long time. I have a
porter cable corded 3 amp
Porter Cable 20v
Dremel
Ryobi 18v with the trigger, triggers are no good for long use
Rockwell F50
Rockwell F30
Milwaukee 12v love that little one
Norge corded (re branded harbor freight) surprisingly good.
The 2 rockwells are my favorite then the 12v Milwaukee
Blades are expensive and the weird thing is different blades work better with different tools.
The newest rockwell has varying oscillating degrees that would be awesome.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
porter cable corded 3 amp
Porter Cable 20v
Dremel
Ryobi 18v with the trigger, triggers are no good for long use
Rockwell F50
Rockwell F30
Milwaukee 12v love that little one
Norge corded (re branded harbor freight) surprisingly good.
The 2 rockwells are my favorite then the 12v Milwaukee
Blades are expensive and the weird thing is different blades work better with different tools.
The newest rockwell has varying oscillating degrees that would be awesome.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
justme-
Well-known member
I have also has a fein since they were the only one...paid $450 for it and there is nothing else on the market that I have used that feels as solid or works as well.
We have a Rockwell at work for window repairs...it works but it's not as smooth or powerful. My father in law has a HF....very underpowered. HF blades are junk ime also. They don't last anywhere near as long as fein.
Blades are basically interchangeable these days..if there is a difference in mounting the company will have an adapter hub.
My fein has cut countless door jambs, sub floors, window trim and casing, siding, t-111, sanded high spots and levelastic in multiple rooms....and has never missed a beat in over 15 years.
We have a Rockwell at work for window repairs...it works but it's not as smooth or powerful. My father in law has a HF....very underpowered. HF blades are junk ime also. They don't last anywhere near as long as fein.
Blades are basically interchangeable these days..if there is a difference in mounting the company will have an adapter hub.
My fein has cut countless door jambs, sub floors, window trim and casing, siding, t-111, sanded high spots and levelastic in multiple rooms....and has never missed a beat in over 15 years.
Dirtydan69
Well-known member
I have two Boschs, one on the truck and one in the garage. I prefer them for finer work. When I really want the power I break out the Milwaukee. They are all cordless.
Evilunclegrimace
Well-known member
There is a place that is out of Canada, I think it is called Multi fit blades. I have had good luck using their blades in my Fein for the last couple of years. They will send you sales notices from time to time. If you are cutting wood check out the Japan toothed blades they work well for me.
engineer2
Well-known member
I bought my Rockwell because it will use any brand of blade. Been working great so far and is solidly built. Last used it to cut cement board.
home depot sells a blade adapter for these , they claim it fits all models and blades,,,for under 1.50
thebeekeeper1
Well-known member
I like my Fein a great deal. It's hard to beat the original, as the rest are just "me too" copies. Fein is the Stihl of multi-tools. 
MushCreek
Well-known member
I have a variable speed Makita, and I love it! It's one of those tools that I never knew I needed, until I got one.
I purchased the Porter Cable from Amazon that came with a large assortment f blades to do a kitchen floor. Work great for undercutting jambs and getting into tight spots under the toe kick. I went with Porter Cable because the price was right, came with plenty of blades and included a hard case. It also shares the same quick release with Dewalt since Dewalt owns Porter Cable. I figured it is a tool that works great when needed, and not something you will use daily like an impact driver. Has handled everything I have thrown at it. I will use the Dewalt blades when the time comes to buy more, but as much as I use it I probably have a lifetime supply! I think I got mine for $79 when it was on sale at Amazon. Looking at the current price you can get the Dewalt for the same price, but less cutting blades.
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCE605K-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Accessories/dp/B008V4NFC2
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCE605K-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Accessories/dp/B008V4NFC2
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sberry
Banned
I believe the Performax is the same thing at Menards, feels just like the Bosch, Rigid and Dewalt, 1/2 the price and comes with blades. If I was a trades guy leaning on it every day it may be a different story but for common use it works well. It looks like it came from the same mold with different color plastic. They make an ubber cheap one but that isn't it, this one was about 40$ or so.
bcradio
Well-known member
corded for sure. You don't want to have to buy a new one every 5-8 years... buy it for life.
I would say Bosch or Fien get my vote for great options
I would say Bosch or Fien get my vote for great options
Cheap?
H-F single speed version. On sale with a coupon usually you can get it down to about $10-$15 dollars.
If works. It's loud, single speed only, need to use the (or "a") hex key to put on and take off attachments, vibrates like crazy (will make your hands go numb after a while, YMMV there).
Want top of the line, smooth, variable speed, tool-less blade changes, and such? The latest Fein QSL-350 or the Bosch GOP40-30. Both use the new Star-Lock blade attachment system (can't use the 'old' style blades here), but if you don't have 'old' blades to use that doesn't really matter. The tool-less quick change of the blades is very nice IMNSHO.
The Bosch has soft-start, so the tool doesn't 'jump' out of your hands when you switch it on (nice feature), and LED light in the nose (nice feature), and variable speed (on low, the machine is quiet enough that you don't even need hearing protection and someone in the next room might not even notice the noise). Go for the GOP40-30C kit, and you get a decent hard case and some more blades along with the OMT.
The Fein is nice, but a bit more money than the already higher-end priced Bosch.
Blades? Bosch. Other companies may make some decent blades, but I don't think I have ever gotten a 'bad' Bosch blade (in several tool types).
Tip, make sure to use the 'right' blade for the task at hand! Using a 'wood' blade to cut (or try to cut) metal (like a nail inside the wood) ruins the blade almost instantly.
H-F single speed version. On sale with a coupon usually you can get it down to about $10-$15 dollars.
If works. It's loud, single speed only, need to use the (or "a") hex key to put on and take off attachments, vibrates like crazy (will make your hands go numb after a while, YMMV there).
Want top of the line, smooth, variable speed, tool-less blade changes, and such? The latest Fein QSL-350 or the Bosch GOP40-30. Both use the new Star-Lock blade attachment system (can't use the 'old' style blades here), but if you don't have 'old' blades to use that doesn't really matter. The tool-less quick change of the blades is very nice IMNSHO.
The Bosch has soft-start, so the tool doesn't 'jump' out of your hands when you switch it on (nice feature), and LED light in the nose (nice feature), and variable speed (on low, the machine is quiet enough that you don't even need hearing protection and someone in the next room might not even notice the noise). Go for the GOP40-30C kit, and you get a decent hard case and some more blades along with the OMT.
The Fein is nice, but a bit more money than the already higher-end priced Bosch.
Blades? Bosch. Other companies may make some decent blades, but I don't think I have ever gotten a 'bad' Bosch blade (in several tool types).
Tip, make sure to use the 'right' blade for the task at hand! Using a 'wood' blade to cut (or try to cut) metal (like a nail inside the wood) ruins the blade almost instantly.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I ll add another vote- While I use the HF only twice a year or so it works. If you plan to use often, get one with a tool -less blade change. That part would be a deal breaker if I used it for different tasks in a regular basis.
Is their anything the fein offers to warrant the higher price over the Bosch. I am starting to lean towards the Bosch.
visiting guest
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2015
- Messages
- 177
visiting guest
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2015
- Messages
- 177
if you buy the hf model.
instead of buying new blades
you just buy another tool
and it comes with 3 new blades
all for < 15 bucks.
instead of buying new blades
you just buy another tool
and it comes with 3 new blades
all for < 15 bucks.
The Fein felt 'nice' to my hand, the Bosch felt even better. To me.
The Fein release lever is on top of the tool head, the Bosch swings out-n-around the tool head.
Fein 'invented' the OMT.
Fein and Bosch collaborated on the new Starlock (in it's current three different possible configurations) tool-to-attachment interface.
The Bosch GOP40-30 lists 4.0 amps power input, 3.3 lbs, 3 degree tool oscillation, a "ball joint cord swivel", and 8k to 20k opm, among other features/specs.
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/oscillating-multi-tools-23414-c/
The Fein FMM350QSL lists 350 watts power, 3 lbs, 10k to 19.5k opm, and a 16 ft cord.
An info page about some different OMTs.
http://www.protoolreviews.com/category/tools/power/corded/multi-oscillating/
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
All I can add is to get one with variable speed. I have a Dremel corded and a Bosch 12V cordless, both with variable speed. I always grab the cordless one first, although it does wear down those little batteries pretty quickly.
bob15
Well-known member
I like Fein. i bought mine when Zoro had a 25 or 30% off sale. Well worth the money!
davethorik
Well-known member
I'm a contractor, I bought the Milwaukee 18v omt to match my drill and impact. I like it, good balance, good power, toolless blade change, variable opm, good placement of led light. It was only $99 for the bare tool at HD.
I don't use it all the time but it is very handy.
I don't use it all the time but it is very handy.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
I'll give another vote for the Bosch. I really like mine.
I'm surprised no one mentioned Rigid brand from Home Depot. Lifetime warranty and has removable heads for different tools.
Edit: http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-JobMax-4-Amp-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272
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Edit: http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-JobMax-4-Amp-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
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ford33
Well-known member
I have a Dremel and a Fein. Both corded models. Cost difference aside, the Fein doesn't transfer vibration to my hands as much as the Dremel. The Fein feels better in my hands. Fein and Bosch are promoting the Star Lock type tool mount which is fine but my Home Depot and Menards do not carry them in the store. You can get Dremel blades anywhere.
Recommend you get a corded model. When you use these tools they tend to be used for a long period of time constantly. You don't want to run out the battery and have to wait.
Recommend you get a corded model. When you use these tools they tend to be used for a long period of time constantly. You don't want to run out the battery and have to wait.
the gypsy
Well-known member
I can't tell you what to choose. BUT I can tell you what NOT to choose. Whatever you do, don't buy the Dremel, it overheats easily. I have a FEIN a KING equivalent to your Harbour freight, and the RIDGID. They all work well except for the DREMEL.