Oscillating Multi-Tool Recommendations

[winlinmac]

Oscillating Multi-Tool & Accessories Recommendations

A lot has changed in the world of Oscillating Multi-Tools. Much of the feedback I've come across dates back to 2009, 2010, 2011.

Which is a good Oscillating Multi-Tool to own?
I see the family using this multiple times during the year, and not just once or twice.
I'm not that fond of Harbor Freight's version, especially since they're too far.

I'm deciding between the $60 Dremel MM30-04 and $99 Rockwell Soniccrafter F50

Harbor Freight's Chicago Electric Pro $25

 

[danski0224]

With the possible exception of the Milwaukee 18V version, nothing else comes close to the original Fein.

There are many options for blades, and the Fein versions have come down in price over the last couple of years.

Yeah, not in the <$99 budget, but it works well. In my opinion, there is little difference in most of the knockoffs. If you want cheap, then just close your eyes and pick one.

The difference seems to be in the fine control of the variable speed, oscillations per minute and number of degrees of oscillation. The knockoffs are lacking in these areas, and they seem to have more oscillations than the Fein- coupled with poor speed control, the blades burn up fast. I have used Bosch, DeWalt, RIDGID, Dremel and Makita versions.

I was expecting the Milwaukee to be like those others, and expected to return it, but it is a very good knockoff.

 

[metaldad]

i have the rockwell. nice unit, comes with a storage case with plenty of room to store blades/discs. tool less clamp, decent selection of attachments in the kit, universal.

 

[Badger 13]

I have the Bosch MX25EC and could not be happier. I know it cost a little more, but as they say you get what you pay for.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks for the recommendations, Rockwell seems to brag over their speed. However, a faster speed would not suit well for work where precision matters. If not the Fein, and if I choose a knockoff like the Dremel, should I just go for the Harbor Freight version instead and save the extra dollar?

 

[acer66]

I have the Bosch MX25EC and could not be happier. I know it cost a little more, but as they say you get what you pay for.

I also have A Bosch which I really like besides the noise when using it
but I guess that goes for all of them and the second one is the lack of led's.

I am not familiar with HF or Rockwell but I would not get anything w/o with a tool less blade change.

The more you use it the better the tool should be IMHO.

 

[rice rocket]

The Harbor Freight OMT works, it vibrates a lot and is possibly the noisiest tool on the planet, but in the end, it cuts.

The Bosch 18v brushless one is really the only one worth buying if you want to go cordless. The vibration levels are much much lower than anything else, and heat buildup is much lower as well. And most importantly, it improves on the horrible runtime of most cordless OMTs.

 

[winlinmac]

I'm hearing the Bosch 18v brushless OMT for the first time. Glad to know that a brushless version exists. I used Bosch and Black & Decker as my primary corded power tools.
My Cordless Tool selection is currently very limited at the moment. I might start off with the Milwaukee line since they have the one battery fits all application.

 

[dogdog]

Fein it is heavy duty build....... or harbor freight corded if you are light use.
haven't tried Bosch but tried the Rockwell and harbor freight ones against the Fein...

Fein kicked ***.

 

[bcradio]

My vote is for the Bosch 3 amp corded version. It works very well and this "knockoff" is actually better than the original.

 

[Fender1325]

I use the HF to cut drywall. Works great. If its something you wont use every day, save your money and get the HF.

 

[Chevy-SS]

If you're a builder, then MAYBE a corded tool. But even then, I'd still opt for cordless, as the newer batteries are so good nowadays and an Oscillating Multi-Tool is most often used for short durations (in my experience).

I absolutely love my Ryobi cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool. I am using the biggest Li-ion batteries and the performance is terrific.

Good luck in your final choice.

 

[winlinmac]

Good Luck to me indeed I think the mid-price options are a Placebo. If you want something that works, but know that it won't be used often (i.e. everyday situation), then the Harbor Freight version should be more than ample as far as corded goes. I have the Black & Decker Matrix (2015) Cordless System, may be I should get the Oscillating Multi-Tool attachment for the Matrix System, or may be, just jump start my Milwaukee Cordless Power Tools selections now No need to wait for this 2016's Holiday Shopping Season to come about, haha.

If you're a builder, then MAYBE a corded tool. But even then, I'd still opt for cordless, as the newer batteries are so good nowadays and an Oscillating Multi-Tool is most often used for short durations (in my experience).

I absolutely love my Ryobi cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool. I am using the biggest Li-ion batteries and the performance is terrific.

Good luck in your final choice.

 

[RM209]

The Harbor Freight OMT works, it vibrates a lot and is possibly the noisiest tool on the planet, but in the end, it cuts..

This. It definitely cuts, and the price is right, but with all of the vibration, I can't see how it would last a long time.

RM209

 

[winlinmac]

I've been reading the comments about the Harbor Freight OMT all over Garage Journal. Some just can't get rid of it at all. It doesn't want to fail. It's probably the only Power Tool gem Harbor Freight has to offer. However, I can't validate this 'till I try their tool myself. I did use a friend's Harbor Freight OMT, and didn't find anything out of the ordinary with it. As far as buying and owning one for myself, I definitely don't want to participate in the buy and return cycle. Once I buy, I'd own it for life, or just pass it on if something else better comes along the way.

Also, the Dremel OMT is Made in Mexico, closer to the homeland. My Dewalt Corded Tools are also made there and some are Assembled here in the USA with global components. Again, it can just be the placebo effect. If it works, it works. For $30, the Harbor Freight may be a no-brainer then.

This. It definitely cuts, and the price is right, but with all of the vibration, I can't see how it would last a long time.

RM209

 

[charger0926]

Anyone have experience with the dewalt corded or cordless versions of these?

 

[morgaj1]

For Christmas, I put down 1,100 sqft of hardwood floors for my wife. I used the following OMT's for a jamb saw:

Ridgid 12V cordless OMT- not enough power to cut wood effectively. Ridgid blades were terrible.

Fein Multimaster - Great saw, plenty of power. Built like a tank. Great blades.

Bosch MX30E - Great saw with plenty of power. Build quality equal to Fein. I liked the quick blade mechanism better than the Fein. Blades are good.

At the end of the day, my favorite was the Bosch.

 

[winlinmac]

Seems like some were able to buy the Dremel OMT MM45 last year (around this time) for ~$33. I'll have to visit my Home Depot and master the art of snagging a deal like this, haha.

 

[Techie1961]

I have the Fein multimaster corded with quick change and it is amazing. Never let me down and so much power. The quick change is very well built. I put a lot of time in on it when doing some flooring in the kitchen.

 

[Dirtydan69]

I have used the Fein. Someone else's, not mine, and it IS an awesome tool. I personally bought one of the first Dremels. Burned it out in a year from weekly use as a contractor. I'm in my second Bosch 12v cordless. First one was replaced under warranty. It's a very good tool but not the Fein. I still have the Bosch that I use for smaller work. I also purchased the Milwaukee 18v after seeing one in another's hand on a job. WOW! Great tool. When I want something cut fast and precise I grab the Milwaukee. I do quite a bit of floor work and bought a jamb saw for the big stuff but my oscillating tools help with some of the small detail work the jamb saw doesn't get.

 

[franzdom]

I went with the Bosch MX30 last year, it has gone up a lot since then. The 30 is made in Europe. It is a beast. I have used it a bunch and love it!

 

[kngelv]

I have used Fein and Bosch. Currently own a Bosch. They are so similar I'd get the one you get the best price on. The HF ***** b@#ls for precision work. Way too much vibration.

James

 

[Fender1325]

OP just be honest with your needs from a multi tool. Do you have a lot of heavier duty jobs you'll need it for or is it for occasional convenience? Spend the money on the fein, rigid, etc. if this thing is going to be worked hard, and if not buy the cheapest HF one. I have that one (red body, non variable speed) and I think I paid like 15-20 bucks for it, and then something stupid at home depot on some quality bosch blades. But its a convenience tool for me. There when I need it. Its not bad at all.

Someone told me the original patent for these type tools ran out, so now everyone is copying it very well.

 

[djjsr]

I got the HF version several years ago when they first started selling them. It runs a little hot and I fully expect the smoke to escape but it still works just fine.

Last year I got their multiple speed version. It works great and is a bit more controllable for more precision cuts. Also less heat and vibration. Well worth the money.

 

[the gypsy]

Stay away from the Dremel. It gets hot real fast. I have a King probably like your HF stuff and works much better than the Dremel. I also have the first Fein and that thing can work all day with no problem.

 

[jwh]

Another vote for the Milwaukee M18. Have it, works well, variable speed, little if any vibration.

John

 

[OKDave]

I have had the HF for 5+ years. It is there basic single speed one. I think I picked it for $20. I use it almost everyday, and it just keeps taking the abuse. Do not knock it until you try it, but I do use ear muffs with it, but I also use muffs with most of my saws. I have seen this saw for $14 dollars from time to time.
Dave

 

[1dwn5up]

I have the SonicCrafter F50, it's very good. I had to cut a stud vertically and it did it fast. You can lower the speed from 1-5. Go to their website, 20%off, although it's listed at $119. I got mine from Lowe's for $99 I think, and had 5% off with Lowe's CreditCard. All blades are interchangeable from other manufacturers.

The only thing you should think about is how often you'll use this tool.

 

[gol4]

I like my Rockwell. It will fit pretty much any blade, quick change, has more than enough power and decent priced. Blades are what cost you if you are going to use them a lot.

 

[Ainsley]

Fein for me. Unless you want the convenience of cordless then buy which ever cordless platform you're already invested in.

 

[winlinmac]

Well, seems like I'm between the HF Variable Speed OMT and the Rockwell F50 now. My uncertainty with Rockwell's Customer Service tells me to go with the HF OMT and if anything goes out of ordinary, the $6 dollar extended one year warranty program should do. The only pro's I see with the F50 are its faster speed, less vibration, and built-in LED light (there is also the cheaper F30 and 3.0Amp models, not sure what compromises are involved). Though warranty is apparently '3' years with any of the Rockwell's, I'm not sure if their Customer Service is reliable.

 

[Monte]

one of these

 

[TerryH]

Is there a big advantage to variable speed with these tools?

 

[acer66]

Is there a big advantage to variable speed with these tools?

I can only speak for the Bosch I have and it makes a difference.
Especially the longer and more narrow blades can wiggle quite a bit
so that it is sometimes hard to start a clean cut and it also comes in handy
when cutting a lot of different types of material.

 

[cheechi]

Either buy the Fein, Bosch, or HF. None of the ones in between are worth the money. any of the other they're not enough better than the HF to justify paying more. I have a Fein and a HF. Both are worth what I paid for them. Both get used. I also have a M12 that I think has had two or 3 uses, it was free. Not the kind of tool that greatly benefits me by being cordless.

I generally buy a mix of HF and Imperial blades. There are a few threads here with links to others. These are the ones that work for me.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I heard my FIL using his HF oscillating multi-tool last weekend installing a new front door. So did the people three states away. If I didn't know better, I'd swear he had a mini jet engine in his hand. Loud is not the word for it. And it will vibrate your hand numb in short order. Spend a little more, get a lot more.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I've had several of these:

Original Harbor Freight single speed: Cuts great, very noisy, high vibration levels, had it about 6 years and it keeps going and going and going. Tough as nails.

Menards Performax Variable Speed: Same as HF Variable Speed. A much nicer unit with much less vibration and lower noise levels. Cuts good too. Preferred as the variable speed is very useful many times. For these tools, sometimes precision and gradual cuts are more important than brute speed.

Ridgid corded JobMax Variable speed and Ryobi 18v Cordless Jobmax compatible: Ridgid corded is functionally similar to the Performax variable speed but has more power so can cut things faster. The Ryobi cordless for me is my go to most of the time as I'm not always next to an outlet, so where I need the OMT functions of cutting, sanding, etc but away from an outlet, that is king. It's about the same as the Ridgid functionally.

When I can plug in, the Ridgid or the Performax are my go to ones. Cordless is the Ryobi. The extra Jobmax heads are just a great idea, though I don't really think they are as good as separate tools because the vibration method to drive them isn't as good as normal tools, but close maybe 80% as good. If you have Ryobi 18v tools, it is a must buy to get the Ryobi OMT and then the Ridgid corded too and get all the heads you can use for both. I gave away my original HF fixed speed to my sister, who loves it !

Sure Fein is great, Bosch is good, Dremel low vibes (civilized OMT), Rockwell tough as nails, etc. But these things just vibrate their way to success and they all do that. The cutting blades are more important than the tool vibrating the cutting blade is. So I would go fairly cheap and get a bunch of blades instead with your money, unless you are a pro. The only one I wouldn't get anymore is the cheapo HF single speed, but the variable speed HF is just fine or Performax. Rigid is step up from there and Rigid or Ryobi for cordless.

Also you can re-set your cutting blades once they get dull. Only the very end has short little teeth on it. You can remake your own teeth on them easy and keep going with a blade till there isn't much blade left. Also, if you ever have to make a cut back towards you, you can bend a blade around and get it in there and go to town with these! Only precision tool to safely cut things backwards known to man! Sometimes just an essential tool to have. - Paul

 

[PelicanPines]

I have the Rockwell. The fein Multi. The dremel.

For me its about what I'm doing with it. I break the fein out for everything big. The dremel for small stuff. The Rockwell always has a metal cutting blade on it.

To be honest if I could only have one it would be the fein.

 

[danski0224]

Is there a big advantage to variable speed with these tools?

Yes. Fast speed + nails = very quickly killed blade.

Slow speed + nails = much longer lasting blade, but still kills.

I've had several of these:

But these things just vibrate their way to success and they all do that. The cutting blades are more important than the tool vibrating the cutting blade is.

Some vibrate into your hand much less than others, but all are loud.

The Fein is well balanced and transmits very little vibration into the user. If anything, the Milwaukee M18 is even less, but you give up corded power and some jobs need a cord.

I have had very good luck with the Fein general purpose universal wood+metal blades. On slow speed, a nail will not instantly destroy the blade. Purchased in a 10 pack, the price per blade is very good and sometimes less than generics purchased one at a time.

One day I will get the Fein Super Cut.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Danski, thanks for your post. Can we also get some suggestions on the blades to use, with links or best place to buy them for price? I'm cheap as many are around here, so I don't know about Fein but can you post a link? Fein quality and design is not a question of any sort, as widely known to be best in OMT area. But price matters as blades do wear out, even the best of 'em. thx- Paul