chipper
Well-known member
Im in the market for one and im looking at the rockwell 4amp kit but im still looking are any brands superior to others? I know i want a corderd version and id like to stay under $150 any thoughts?
oscillating multi tool
- Thread starter chipper
- Start date
jakemac
Well-known member
I've had one of the early model Rockwell's for about 10 yrs. It's never failed me.
From what I've heard, the HF ones have been good for home use, but get the better model not the cheaper model.
Most contractor's that I used to know hated the Dremel version. They liked that it was less money than the other brands, but it wouldn't hold up to professional use and they ended up throwing it in the trash before the first job was done. I was working at a local hardware store back then and was selling the Rockwell's at the rate of a case a month or more. The supply chain was slow when they first came out with them, and I would sometimes have to wait a month or two for the boat from china to arrive. One contractor bought one for each man on his crew as that year's X-mas gift (it was a very good X-mas for both us and his crew that year). Usually he would give them each a new tape measure.
From what I've heard, the HF ones have been good for home use, but get the better model not the cheaper model.
Most contractor's that I used to know hated the Dremel version. They liked that it was less money than the other brands, but it wouldn't hold up to professional use and they ended up throwing it in the trash before the first job was done. I was working at a local hardware store back then and was selling the Rockwell's at the rate of a case a month or more. The supply chain was slow when they first came out with them, and I would sometimes have to wait a month or two for the boat from china to arrive. One contractor bought one for each man on his crew as that year's X-mas gift (it was a very good X-mas for both us and his crew that year). Usually he would give them each a new tape measure.
kd3pc
Well-known member
Fein is great, mine is 6 or 8 years old, used daily and never an issue.
djjsr
Well-known member
Fein, rock solid and heavy duty..... but have heard good things about the HF ones also ... I know the early rockwell sonic something ones heats up very hot when you continuously used it for about 10 to 15 mins. Not sure if it still does.
jakemac
Well-known member
My early Rockwell doesn't have that problem. 
mrjaw14
Well-known member
Bosch. Greatest variety of blade compatibility. I really like mine
AE2
Well-known member
My dad and I both have the black & decker. He uses his all the time, I don't use mine much. Relatively inexpensive model when compared to others. I have no complaints. The b&d brand will fit the porter cable accessories too.
Fifelaker
Well-known member
I have a tool shop from Menards, I paid $25 or so for it. I have abused it for 4 years, still works. I do buy good blades for it.
Fein invented the multi tool.......they are the gold standard for the category. I have one that is 20 years old. They are pricey but worth every penny......likely to last a life time or two.
What ever tool you choose the blade quality varies widely........cheap poor quality blades can last just a few minutes.
What ever tool you choose the blade quality varies widely........cheap poor quality blades can last just a few minutes.
Van Johnson112
Member
I have the blue hf one I picked up for cutting old work boxes in plaster. 2 years later I've used it for more than I ever thought and almost daily at work and it has held up great. But like others have said buy good blades. I get fein or bosch ones.
kythri
Well-known member
Bosch heads or Ridgid heads?
mcmtech
Well-known member
I bought the hf one 3-4 years ago for what was a couple small house projects and I can't kill the thing. Lived through 2 total house renovations and came in real handy cutting out some rotted decking on our old houseboat.
gnpenning
Well-known member
I bought the dremel years ago and it still works well. It does get warm and has vibration. I just bought a used Fein for a great price off CL. Quick release, soft start, no vibration, no heat. Been using it on the same job as the Dremel. The Dremel will be for sale. I enjoy using the Fein.
Keep in mind some of the ones that sell as a kit give you extra blades cheaper than you can buy blades for. Just make sure there extras that you will use.
Keep in mind some of the ones that sell as a kit give you extra blades cheaper than you can buy blades for. Just make sure there extras that you will use.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've got the 12Vcordless Rigid and a corded HF model.
The Rigid is ok for very light duty tasks, something that takes less time than dragging out an extension cord.
The HF is a workhorse. It does get a bit hot when using it for long periods of time though. I haven't been able to kill it yet, and believe me, I've tried...
Maybe the best tool in the store, IMO..
The Rigid is ok for very light duty tasks, something that takes less time than dragging out an extension cord.
The HF is a workhorse. It does get a bit hot when using it for long periods of time though. I haven't been able to kill it yet, and believe me, I've tried...
Maybe the best tool in the store, IMO..
JonnyMac
Well-known member
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Yes Ridgid heads and the the Ryobi 18v one + cordless are compatible. I got some of each used a while back as I have most of the Ryobi 18v lineup over the years but did not have this. Some of those Ridgid heads are handy and make the Ryobi 18v cordless version really a must have in the Ryobi lineup if you have other Ryobi cordless 18v tools. Only way to get a cordless 3/8 ratchet and impact nail hammer for the Ryobi lineup and an alternative way to get jigsaw, sander, 1/2" stroke recip saw, or 90Deg angle drill for Ryobi lineup vs. separate tools for each of those. Kind of a no brainer for ryobi users to get these. New the heads are all pretty expensive though -- I find Ridgid pretty robust so used isn't a total **** shoot. My used ones are all still pretty functional for DIY homeowner uses. I also picked up a proper corded Ridgid tool too for when heavy duty amperage is needed. Those are nice ones to have as well.
I started with an HF basic tool and used for years till I gave to my sister. Got a Menard's Performax variable speed after that = and same as the better HF one. I like that one a lot. The Ridgid corded is going to be more powerful than that one and of course the multi head compatibility for it, but I don't think I'd say the corded Ridgid is 100% better than the variable speed HF or Menard's Performax, maybe 25% better. A little more ergonomic to hold and just slightly more powerful motor. - Paul
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Patrick67
Member
Fein is probably the best there is, but it is expensive....
Ford Farmer
Well-known member
For casual use I think a quality blade on about any tool will serve you well. I have the Fein and wouldn't trade it for anything.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I have a tool-less model. I don't have to screw around with adapters, tools, or anything else other than flip a lever and install a blade. I just like the simplicity of using whatever blade I want without anything to loose.
Having said that, the Bosch blades are the best as you've said. Toolguyd did some testing and they won by a good margin I think. I'd get a multitool that accepts Bosch blades without an adapter and call it good. If the HFT one accepts Bosch blades, then I don't doubt it'd be a decent setup.
AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,808
Whats the cheapest price the hf ones run for and what specific adapter do you need to run the bosch blades?
if you are willing to spend 13$ more......
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PY1IMK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
if you are willing to spend 13$ more......
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PY1IMK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
That does look nice...today im thinking get a cheaper model and high quality blades...tommorow it might change though
CanyonRider
Member
I recently picked this one up.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IC8FD4U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Awesome price, plenty of power - can't believe I've lived without it. Bonus, most people can't borrow it because they don't have an air compressor.
CR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IC8FD4U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Awesome price, plenty of power - can't believe I've lived without it. Bonus, most people can't borrow it because they don't have an air compressor.
CR
bfm336
Well-known member
Best deal is (on sale/promo) the Menard's tool shop that comes with several blades (prob same as performax). Used one on several projects the last 5 years and works perfect. I probably paid $30 or less for it if I know me. With the blades it was a better deal than HF.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have the Fien FMM 250Q and the Bosch MX30E and Love them both! As everyone has said the tool is as good as the blades you place on it so don't skimp on the blade Quality does matter when it comes to the blades.
stonesfan68
Well-known member
I don't own one of these tools, but like you I am thinking about getting one.
Amazon has the Bosch MX30EC-21 for $186. If you add $14 worth of Bosch accessories then you get a $50 credit at check out. That meets your $150 budget requirement.
BOSCH MX30EC-21
Amazon has the Bosch MX30EC-21 for $186. If you add $14 worth of Bosch accessories then you get a $50 credit at check out. That meets your $150 budget requirement.
BOSCH MX30EC-21
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mrjaw14
Well-known member
Looks like the one I have. That tool free blade change is awesome. I highly recommend that tool.
bp460
Well-known member
I have the HF version and a Bosch. The HF gets the job done, but the Bosch is smoother, quieter, has a tool free blade change and is a pleasure to use.
-Brad
-Brad
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LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have the Ryobi JobPlus (Ridgid calls it the JobMax) Multi-tool. No complaints. Used it on 4 or 5 projects. Definitely worth the $50 I paid for it, and so it's paid for itself.
I didn't even buy any decent consumables for it yet. I just bought a $8 kit off ebay that came with metal and wood saw blades, and some sandpaper discs. I imagine with quality consumables, it will be even better.
The jigsaw and right angle driver attachments would come in handy for it.
Is this the decent HF unit?
http://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-multifunction-power-tool-67537.html
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I'm always kinda leery about "tool-less" blade change schemes. Sometimes they don't hold the blade very well, and let's face it, a person who owns a multi-tool is probably not going to have a problem keeping an allen wrench handy. On my Ryobi multi-tool, I think the allen wrench fits into (and stores in) a slot in the tool itself.
But I have no idea about the Bosch toolless blade change. It might be awesome and works great.
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thebeekeeper1
Well-known member
I can only speak to the Fein tool less change setup but it is absolutely rock solid. If I were the OP I would save up and get the Fein--they are the original and the best by far.
I can only speak to the Fein tool less change setup but it is absolutely rock solid. If I were the OP I would save up and get the Fein--they are the original and the best by far.
Yeah, it looks like a nice piece of kit.
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