input on multitool

[toytech40]

I am looking to add a multitool to my arsenal of tools, and was looking at the Fein multitool, and liked it except the price. I read many reviews on it and all were good except the price. I was looking yesterday while out shopping at the Craftsman cordless multitool and the Dremel multitool. At first glance they look similar, may not have as many options as the Fein, but the ones I am most interested in they do have. So I thought I would ask you guys here that may already own anyone of these and hear what you have to say about them. Thank you for your input.

Andrew

 

[toytech40]

Here is a link to the Fein multimaster I am considering;

http://www.cpofein.com/fein-fmm-250...default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=fein-multimaster

I am going to research the craftsman and dremel online over the weekend as I have time. Thanks again.

Andrew

 

[Scotto]

I got my dad the Harbor Freight version last year for Christmas (it's $30 with a coupon): http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/multifunction-tools/multifunction-power-tool-67256.html
He's a contractor and has used it a few times. He's used it for a number of things and he said it works fantastic. The FEIN will most likely hold up better, but how often are you going to use a tool like this? It's something you'll pull out when no other tool will work for cutting, scraping, or grinding something.

 

[toytech40]

The FEIN will most likely hold up better, but how often are you going to use a tool like this? It's something you'll pull out when no other tool will work for cutting, scraping, or grinding something.


So true Scotto this tool, even though they are callin it a muli tool, I see it as you do as a specialized purpose, or last ditch tool to get a job done. I worked as a auto tech for 25 years and always bought top of the line tools and paid the premium prices and never regretted it, but even then I would lower my sights on some tools that may only see daylight a couple times a year for special applications if an alternative were available.

 

[Jeepguy]

i went through this tough choice last year, and i went with the dremel over the fein, based on price, and availability of accessories. and im glad i made the dremel choice, it gets used all of the time, the wood bits dont last very long but the price of the blades makes that okay, the drywall bladed worked perfectly, and the sanding attachment is perfect for smaller work pieces. i never thought i would use it but the scraper blade worked great for tearing out an old vinyl floor. i was and am very happy with the dremel.

 

[cheap bastard]

I went with the Dremel, also. It works well, but I've only needed it three times in a year. Truthfully, two of those times I used it just to see what it could do compared to other methods.

 

[scott37300]

I ordered a reconditioned dremel from CPO outlets for 59 bucks. I don't use it that much because I have a bunch of other saws but there are times where it is a very handy tool to have. Most of the time a circular saw or jig saw or rotozip or sawzall does the job with cheap blades but sometimes this tool is the only one that will get the job done, but the blades are a lot more expensive than the other tools.

 

[hotsam]

I got the HF air tool for $19. It works great....of course, I had to completely take it apart and clean/rebuild it before it worked. That's HF for you.

 

[Danglerb]

Big Lots has the Dremel as a refurb with full warranty for $50.

What costs with a multitool are the blades, not the base machine.

 

[Monte]

Fein

 

[american lockpicker]

Fein

+1 I would recommend Bosch but the tool is made in China, blades are Swiss IIRC but I don't know if they are compatable with other models.

 

[BigEd]

My Harbor Freight version has held up well for over a year now, and I was surprised at how many times I reach for it each day. If it were to die today it would owe me nothing and I would get another one right away. Watch for coupons and they can be bought for $29 - $39.

 

[scooby074]

im having the same dilemma. From what ive read the bosch batts dont last more then 10 mins under heavy use.

Bosch is supposed to be releasing a corded version that has the same power as the fein. Its already out in europe. Dont bother calling bosch to find out... their help line is absolutely useless, however it has been seen in the wild at demos.

If i cant get the corded bosch ill likely go with the Fein. Ive used one before and it really is a Cadillac. Ive tried the dremel and its not even close IMHO.

 

[Monte]

only FEIN has the QuickIN rapid change system: Save time with the user-friendly lever for fast, tool-free accessory changes !

I think also only Fein has this "profile" sanding set

and this

 

[Stuey]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/power-tools/4325505

Here's a round up from about a year and change ago.

Bosch came out witha new interface that offers cross-platform compatibility.

 

[wafrederick]

The batteries for the Bosch and Craftsman do not last since they are both cordless.I have the Fein and love it with no regrets.Attachments for the multimaster are not cheap and Fein does not give them away.I will buy the attachments from one Ebay seller which is a very good seller,has free shipping.Here is the website: www.TheFeinGuy.com

 

[Danglerb]

"Quickin" main feature is that you can't use anybody elses blades.

Fein may be the best, but they aren't a competitive product in any value sense.

With competition will come progress, first you get lower prices from the new brands, but ultimately somebody will come up with a flat out better tool, or better blades, so I figure why tie up more money than you need to in something you will want to replace in a few years when the newer and better shows up.

BTW this is NOT a tool that appeals to me as a cordless unit. Better a cord than double the weight and bulk adding batteries.

Main thing I hope to see, a LARGE good value bundle of blades. That could convince me to buy a brand I might not otherwise consider based on the merits or cost of the tool itself.

 

[american lockpicker]

only FEIN has the QuickIN rapid change system: Save time with the user-friendly lever for fast, tool-free accessory changes !

I think also only Fein has this "profile" sanding set

and this

I wouldn't mind having those but they want $400 for the full kit with all the accessories at Woodcraft... How much does the bare tool go for?

 

[scooby074]

I wouldn't mind having those but they want $400 for the full kit with all the accessories at Woodcraft... How much does the bare tool go for?

You want the "start" kit.
\I think they are about $200.

But they lack the quick change feature. They might also not have VS. Cant remember.

If you think your going to want accessories, its cheaper to bite the bullet and get them in a kit.

Take for example the carbide rasps and grout tools. They are around $50 each. Basically you do get a bit more for your money in a kit,

 

[Monte]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/power-tools/4325505

Here's a round up from about a year and change ago.

Bosch came out witha new interface that offers cross-platform compatibility.

thx for the link !



résumé:

Top Pick For: Pretty much everything. Still leading the pack after years of owning the market, the Fein tool isn't outdated at all--in fact, the manufacturer recently redesigned the blade-clamping mechanism, making it much quicker. This powerful, incredibly precise oscillating tool was the hands-down winner of the showdown.

Don't Pick It For: Penny-pinching. The high price might scare off some, but there's no mistaking that this is clearly the best oscillating tool on the market.

I wouldn't mind having those but they want $400 for the full kit with all the accessories at Woodcraft... How much does the bare tool go for?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U8Q812/?tag=atomicindus08-20

couldn´t find a bare tool


btw: the price ain´t that bad - just take a look at the Super Cut for comparison.....

http://www.cpofein.com/fein-fsc-2-0...ic,default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=fein-supercut

 

[Pjiman]

There really is no comparison:

Fein--Made by skilled German craftsmen

Dremel/Craftsman... --Made by Chinese school kids

I have the Fein and it is a high quality tool but I agree that if this is a tool you will be taking out only once in a blue moon you probably would be better off going with the cheap brand.

 

[Stuey]

Fein is seen as the best. Rockwell is competetive.

I'd go corded, but cordness could be handy at times.

I see a LOT of refurbed Dremel units on the market. a LOT.

 

[padronanniversary]

what about the bosch equivalent ? I see botch parts all the time, and they seem to be cheaper than the fein blades

 

[Stuey]

what about the bosch equivalent ? I see botch parts all the time, and they seem to be cheaper than the fein blades

Bosch is rolling out a new system of attachments intended to be cross-platform compatible. I don't remember if they're compatible with Fein, but can find out.

The Bosch tool is cordless.

 

[1969]

From the reviews I'v read; Fein has NO equal.

 

[Danglerb]

From the reviews I've read they are all about the same with minor differences in vibration and noise levels, but all do the same task. This isn't precision engineering, this is a ******** with a tool attached.

 

[Monte]

That´s the new Bosch corded multitool:

Price in germany similar to the basic Fein model - in the US probably cheaper.

 

[american lockpicker]

That´s the new Bosch corded multitool:

Price in germany similar to the basic Fein model - in the US probably cheaper.

Where is that one made? It seems European ones are made in Hungary when the US ones are Chinese or Malaysian.

 

[Monte]

I don´t know. I think it´s not out yet ? Just buy the Fein Super Cut or the Multimaster....

 

[american lockpicker]

I don´t know. I think it´s not out yet ? Just buy the Fein Super Cut or the Multimaster....

I probably will but if I could get a Swiss made Bosch one...

 

[Stuey]

Bosch's "Swiss-made" tools may not be 100% Swiss-made. Their newest jigsaw says made in Switzerland online, but the box says "Assembled in Switzerland". I have yet to see what the tool itself says.

 

[american lockpicker]

Bosch's "Swiss-made" tools may not be 100% Swiss-made. Their newest jigsaw says made in Switzerland online, but the box says "Assembled in Switzerland". I have yet to see what the tool itself says.

I've seen that on the cheaper jigsaw at Home Despot. Better than made in China I guess...

 

[Monte]

A Bosch rep once told me that they make all motors in germany. Also the ones of the tools made in overseas because it´s still cheaper to send the motors there and assemble the tool there than over here.

A Panasonic rep once told me that they make (all ?) parts in Japan and then send it to China to assemble the tools because it´s close to Japan and cheaper and they don´t have to give the blueprints out of their hands. The tools say "Made in China" though.

So not everything "Made in" is also made there sometimes just assembled and not everything "assembled in" must also contain parts from there ... ?? or so....? (if it´s true)

I don´t care so my advice is just buy the Fein Super Cut much more powerful motor, oil bath gear train, industrial grade stuff.....

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Fein.

Because it's orange, 'nuff said.

 

[mtkst19]

i just seen the fein at a pawn shop for like 150. i had no need for it so passed. didint realize it was a 500 tool. anyone wants it i can snag it up and ship it to you provided you pay for the tool and shipping.

 

[scooby074]

I don´t know. I think it´s not out yet ? Just buy the Fein Super Cut or the Multimaster....

Bosch's corded has been out for a bit http://www.bosch-presse.de/TBWebDB/en-US/PressText.cfm?id=4574

Its at retail in now in europe.


As far as the Corded one coming to NA, i called bosch and couldnt get a answer, however i understand that some contractors are actively testing pre production models and its made its way around the various trade shows.

I ve heard that bosch is aiming for a March 2011 Launch date. No word on COO

 

[Stuey]

Bosch's corded has been out for a bit http://www.bosch-presse.de/TBWebDB/en-US/PressText.cfm?id=4574

Its at retail in now in europe.


As far as the Corded one coming to NA, i called bosch and couldnt get a answer, however i understand that some contractors are actively testing pre production models and its made its way around the various trade shows.

I ve heard that bosch is aiming for a March 2011 Launch date. No word on COO

Not anytime soon. Bosch's communications dept. and PR are usually great about giving a headsup about new tools. I didn't hear a peep about the corded model being released in the USA, yet.

 

[toytech40]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful input. After reading all this and my futher research on the net this weekend I think I have come to a conclusion. I do beleive that Fein is the best of the best, but is a budget buster for me at this time. So am planning to do what I have done in the past with other tool purchases and purchase a less expensive version/brand to see how much I actually like/use said tool. Then if see i use it more then i thought and have funds later upgrade to better quality tool and sell off first tool. Yea may be waste of money but usually get enough out first tool that difference from orignal cost isn't bad considering the work I already did with it. So right now kind of looking at dremel either new or refurb because the blades are available at hardware store semi close to me(35 miles). Unless i find a smokin deal on a Fein before I pull the trigger that is the way I am going.

Thank you all for input

 

[toytech40]

Well finally pulled the trigger and bought an oscillating tool and went with a refurbished Fein from CPO bought off of ebay for $256 and free shipping,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280607408363

Received it in just a few days and works and looks great, so far pleased with it. Will put it to the test when I do a wood floor install and make necessary cuts to door trim. It has a small assortment of attachments, and blades, and I already ordered extra blades for upcoming project, and still price less then new.

I will keep you advised as to it's durability and usefulness.

Thank you everyone for your input on this subject

Andrew

 

[Monte]

Where is that one made? It seems European ones are made in Hungary when the US ones are Chinese or Malaysian.

Malaysia .