Oscillating Multi-Tool Recommendations

[Vantastic]

I an a contractor, I bought the HF first to see if I'd use it on jobs. I did a lot. So I upgraded to the makita 18v to match my other tools. The tooless blade change is nice. I use the HF blades because they are cheap I have never even tried any other real brand of blades.

 

[winlinmac]

Lowes lists the F50 for $159 now, http://www.lowes.com/pd_571002-54602-RK5141K___?productId=50169949&pl=1&Ntt=soniccrafter

The price is extremely inflated now it seems.
Rockwell doesn't included a wide of variety of attachments, lots of Sandpaper for fillers though

Doesn't Zoro Tools stock attachments for cheap? I should have purchased a bunch during the Holiday Shopping Season.

I wish there was a Menards around me as I've read a lot of rave reviews on the store itself. I do feel content with buying the Chicago Electric Professional OMT for now and upgrade when I feel the use is a little more than average.

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.

 

[highland_hunter]

Most of my corded tools are Bosch, but could not pass up the deal I got from Amazon on my Fein Multimaster. The quick change rules! This is definitely a tool that needs to be corded, as any of the cordless versions I've used always seem to die midway through the job. As previously stated sometimes you get what you pay for and the Fein is one of those tools.

 

[danski0224]

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

In a 10 pack, the price on these is good- competitive with knockoff blades, other people sell them: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fein-63502133130-1-3-8-Multimaster-M-E-CUT-Blades-10-Pack-/252006139642

There are lots of people making blades now. Just look around. Multiblades is one supplier.

Many of the knockoff "universal" tool blades only allow repositioning every 90 degrees on a Fein tool. I think Fein has a patent on their star design.

 

[rice rocket]

Bosch blades are easy to find, and inexpensive in bulk. They've done 50% off Bosch accessories on Amazon in the past, which makes 'em real cheap.

Last March, I got a two 10-packs, made 'em about $3.25/blade.

I haven't used the Fein blades, but everyone who has used the Boschs seems to agree they're the best bang for the buck. All the Bosch blades are made in Switzerland.

 

[speed bump]

I have the hf variable speed and it works well but it is loud and vibrates a lot. In its defense it wasn't any worse than the ridgid I used on a project.

Considering how useful it has been I will buy a higher quality next time although I'm not sure that I would be as excited to fill a $150+ one full of sheet rock dust.

 

[dogdog]

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

I used Craftman / HF blades on my Fein, I think also tried older sonic crafter blades on them and it all worked fine. I did kill all my original Fein blades from trying to push the work attempt to make it go faster, instead of trying to let the tool doing its work.

 

[anndel]

Fein Multimaster corded

 

[pauls_workshop]

Most of my corded tools are Bosch, but could not pass up the deal I got from Amazon on my Fein Multimaster. The quick change rules! This is definitely a tool that needs to be corded, as any of the cordless versions I've used always seem to die midway through the job. As previously stated sometimes you get what you pay for and the Fein is one of those tools.

The Ryobi 18v cordless OMT with the newer 4 amp hour batteries can go for an hour straight without losing charge. Take a couple along and you can get through that job. It is a real good one for cordless, esp with the Rigid head compatibility. - Paul

 

[brianh]

I have the Fein I bought it when they were the only ones making them close to 20 years ago then it was close to 400 I still use it.

Though a few years ago I picked up a basic HF single speed for job sites I have to say I am quite impressed with it, cant beat the price and its gotten a good amount of use with no wear.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I have the Fein I bought it when they were the only ones making them close to 20 years ago then it was close to 400 I still use it.

Though a few years ago I picked up a basic HF single speed for job sites I have to say I am quite impressed with it, cant beat the price and its gotten a good amount of use with no wear.

Wow, that is comparing the very best to the very worst! But I agree on the HF. Loud and huge vibrations, but it does the job, just have to wear hearing protection, but really you do with any power tool. I would get the HF variable speed or Performax Menards though instead of the bottom of line one. Much better model for a little more. - Paul

 

[pacemade]

Re: Oscillating Multi-Tool & Accessories Recommendations

I bought a husky die grinder and adapter kit, and where my compressor cant reach I use extension cords and use my electric drill.

 

[TXBDan]

I use a corded 3A Porter Cable quite a bit and it works well. Tooless change is nice as i do wear through metal cutting blades quickly. I've been using it lately to get behind 100yr old molding to cut the nails so I can remove it without damage. Hours of continuous use.

I got it as a gift and I'm glad I did because I don't think I would have thought to buy one on my own. It's been the MVP tool of the day on a number of occasions!

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Anyone who has a Fein will love it. Fein is the Stihl of multi-tools. Worth the price of admission. The very looooooooooong cord makes it nice too--it's like 15', so I see no need for a cordless with the resultant battery dying at the worst possible time.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Anyone who has a Fein will love it. Fein is the Stihl of multi-tools. Worth the price of admission. The very looooooooooong cord makes it nice too--it's like 15', so I see no need for a cordless with the resultant battery dying at the worst possible time.

The need for cordless is when you are up on the roof or side of house up high on a ladder! I've cut out rotten or damaged siding or trim with the OMT and replaced/glued in with Gorilla Glue Exterior new wood pieces as needed without needing to replace whole sections of wood! Works great for that. Also sanding, other things where cords are just not good like on a high ladder. Could manage cords on most roofs but not preferred for sure. Cordless has a place IF you need it. I do consider the OMTs essential tools though, for homeowners or contractors. Can do things not done otherways safely or easily. - Paul

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

What about a Craftsman multi-tool:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-quic...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-next...lerId=SEARS&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10

I'm going to use this around the house, race shop, and motorhome. I've lot a ton of outlet holes to cut in the OSB going on the inside of the shop. I already have a CM 12volt Nex-Tec auto-hammer, battery, and charger. That said, I have to objection to a corded tool if its better. I also have a ton of C3 tools and batteries (both Ni-Cad and Li-Ion), but I don't see a C3 multi-tool.

 

[sberry]

None of the above. I am not sure about the HF but the Performax at Menards is the one they rebrand under several brand names, it cost about 40$ and comes with a case and a bunch of blades. Spitting image of the 100$ ones that come with nothing, weight is even the same.

 

[dutchgray]

I have the previous generation Fein multimaster corded and the Bosch brushless 18v.
Both are great. I probably use the Bosch more but for longer jobs I get the Fein out.
Both make decent blades, I generally get Bosch as they are cheaper and available locally.
Both quick changes work well, the Bosch is easier to use but the Fein seems to hold better.
You can't go wrong with either for pro use.

 

[pauls_workshop]

None of the above. I am not sure about the HF but the Performax at Menards is the one they rebrand under several brand names, it cost about 40$ and comes with a case and a bunch of blades. Spitting image of the 100$ ones that come with nothing, weight is even the same.

Actually one of the above. I had recommended the Performax quite a ways up above. I think it is the best deal for a low cost variable speed out there, corded. - Paul

 

[volunteers]

Re: Oscillating Multi-Tool & Accessories Recommendations

Nobody uses dewalt 20v version ?


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[ddawg16]

I have the HF variable speed....I think I got it on sale for $29

I've used it about 6 times....paid for itself the first use. It will do thing you can't do with other tools.

The way I see it....if you are going to use it weekly in your business....yea, spend a few more $$. But if you are like me and maybe need it once or twice a year....HF is a good value.

I would suggest the non HF blades.....they tend to last a lot longer.

 

[Plombob]

I love my Dremel. It was cheap and does the job.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Dewalt 20v and I use it on almost every job. I would be lost without it now. Blades are pricey as hell and I only use the dewalt ones. The HF blades don't hold up.

 

[sberry]

Actually one of the above. I had recommended the Performax quite a ways up above. I think it is the best deal for a low cost variable speed out there, corded. - Paul

Sorry, didn't see you caught it.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Sorry, didn't see you caught it.

No worries. Good to know another feels the same way sberry! Performax/HF Variable speed corded is good. But with the Performax, when on sale, it is much less than HF with coupons and has tons more bits for free. Can't be beat for the value. My Rigid corded has just a bit more power than the Performax, but I think vibrates more too in the hand. - Paul

 

[LandofRath]

I have been using the Ridged job max one for 3 years now without an issue.. It has never failed me and worked perfectly.. works for me..

 

[Johnny787]

Re: Oscillating Multi-Tool & Accessories Recommendations

I got a Ridgid 12v for Christmas with the sawzall head. It works great and you have got to love the lifetime warranty.


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[ewang]

BOSCH MX30EK. Ramp start makes fine work a dream, and it comes with a long electrical wire so extension cords are almost never required.

 

[rice rocket]

The GOP 10.8v (called the PS50 here) is in dire need of an update.

The 18v was updated recently to be brushless and much lower vibration, I can only hope they bring that to the 10.8v/12v version soon.

 

[rice rocket]

It lacks even simple things like tool-less blade changes. People need to stop buying them so they're forced to update it.

 

[rice rocket]

Yeah that's true, I forgot about the whole new Starlock interface, so a revamp is probably already in the works. Thanks for the reminder.