Oscillating Multi Tool

[WANNAFARM2]

Looking to get a CORDED multi tool. Currently I'm still running the 18v Dewalt line and will continue to until I'm forced to upgrade to either the 20v or 18v Milwaukee. Anyway, because of that I want this multi tool to be corded and quite honestly it will probably only get used a few times every year doing odds and ends around the house.

Looking for a something middle of the road. I would like something better than the HF model, but I also don't have a need for a Fein. Was looking at the Dewalt DWE315K. Any good or bad experiences with this model? Any other suggestions for different makes/models? Thanks

 

[billp603]

I've got this Rockwell Sonicrafter which I picked up last year for a specific project and figured I'd find other uses for it. I've only used it 2 or 3 times since but has done everything I asked of it. I wish it was this price when I had gotten it.

Note: Link is to Lowes price of $59 as of 12/1/19

 

[Rabid Badger]

Here's a detailed comparison of a ton of oscillating tools:

https://www.protoolreviews.com/buying-guides/best-oscillating-tool-review-and-shootout/37382/

It's from early 2018 so some of the models aren't available anymore but it gives you a solid idea of how the different brands stack up and what makes a good oscillating tool.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have the Rockwell, and it has done what I asked. I just bought and received a 10 pack of blades on Amazon for it for $6.99. Going to give them a shot to see how they do. Worn blades work great to remove old subfloor glue from joists where flooring has been removed for repairs. Buzzed it right off, and it works great for peeling rtv off certain surfaces. They absolutely will cut where and in a way no other sawing tool can.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have the Bosch corded multi tool. I have used it for sanding, cutting out outlets in drywall, notching out decking for post, and bunch of other projects. I like it a lot.

 

[mikegt4]

I have the Bosch corded multi tool. I have used it for sanding, cutting out outlets in drywall, notching out decking for post, and bunch of other projects. I like it a lot.

Same here, the extra long cord comes in handy too.

 

[WANNAFARM2]

Can you use other brands of blades, such as the one in the link below, with the Bosch Starlock or do only the Bosch blades fit the Starlock system?

Masterforce® 1-1/8" Wood End Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade - 2 Pack at Menards https://www.menards.com/main/p-1444451079541.htm

 

[engineer2]

I've had the Rockwell Sonicrafter for years and it works well. I like it because it will take about any brand of blade.

 

[Badger 13]

Years back I purchased the Bosch corded on the suggestion of a carpenter. I don't use it that often and that is why I didn't want cordless. It is every duty and serves me well. Not sure if the blades from Menards will work or not.

 

[Nineeightyone]

If you're only using it a couple of times a year, the HF one isn't an awful buy. I've been using mine pretty extensively in carpentry projects (particularly to make plunge cuts) as well as for modifying plastic pieces where necessary... For the ~$20 (probably cheaper with a coupon out there somewhere) it's been just fine for the past year or so, I got my money's worth from it after the first two projects so at this point if it dies I'll likely get the Dewalt as I greatly prefer the blade attachment being sprung versus bolt-in.

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

Goes against what you said but I was in your shoes a few months ago. I was down to 4 18v batteries though.

I have a ton of Dewalt 18V stuff. Bought a dewalt 20v drill and impact driver kit and got any bare tool under 200 for free. Since then I have bought 1 or 2 more 20v tools and several batteries. I use the 20v batteries in the 18v tools with adapters.

Farm and fleet has the special going again.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have Porter-cable one that I have used for a couple of years with no complaints.

 

[SteveCh]

When I was looking into them, I happened across a sale on the Porter Cable kits walking through Lowe's. I think it was $70. Bought one, five years ago maybe, and have used it a fair amount. Works very well. I considered a more expensive brand, but this one has been very good. Price was right, too.

 

[freudianfloyd]

I have Porter-cable one that I have used for a couple of years with no complaints.

I just used my Porter Cable yesterday and it works great, at I believe was around $60 when I bought it.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I have a Makita corded. It has a soft start but does not have a quick change blade system, which is not a real big deal for me. I do not replace a blade unless it is completely worn out. I bought this OMT because I own many other Makita tools, some 20 and even 30 plus years old, and all have been very reliable.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

A buddy dropped my tool shop brand one in some water so I upgraded to the performax. Still a value brand but i only work on the house when I absolutely have to.

 

[kctyphoon]

Everyone is gonna give you good feedback, regardless of model. They are all gonna be really close to one another. IMO - if you're dead set on corded, and really DONT care which brand, focus on things like blade attachment design and blade compatibility.
Realistically all these things do is vibrate. I dunno if there's an actual stroke length associated with them, but that might be something worth looking into.

 

[oflannabhra]

My Porter Cable pce605k is useless now. I'd only used it for maybe an hour of runtime, but now it gets so hot to the touch I can't hold it. I've got it partially torn down, but to be honest I'll probably never fix it.

I switched to a Makita cordless one that I much prefer.

 

[PelicanPines]

Anything Fein

 

[sberry]

A buddy dropped my tool shop brand one in some water so I upgraded to the performax. Still a value brand but i only work on the house when I absolutely have to.

I got the Performax. Its the spittin image of the yellow, the Rockwell and a couple others, same weight. Looks like it came from the same mold, it might have a vinal cord on it which is better than rubber anyway.

 

[ive]

I’d see what a fein costs around you. It’s wonderful. Used it today. Money well spent.

 

[nieuport17]

I have Dewalt Dwe315k.
Only negative is the variable switch or max power. If I was to cut a baseboard with steady hand, holding on to the variable switch at mid range is a pain. OR I push down the button on the side and it goes FULL power. Annoying.
Other than that, great saw.

I also have that blue HF oscillating tool back when it came with a case. I tried to kill that thing with harsh projects so I can toss it, but it just wont die.

I know you, op, said you don’t want a HF tool, but the blue one is actually not bad.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I've learned the hard way, that when buying portable power tools , buy the best. A oscillating multi tool is a must have tool for work on RVs and remodeling around the house. Going price around here for a cheap one is about $50 and a Fien is about $200. The price of the Fien has come down now that the patient is off. I bought one when I rebuilt a camper. Anyway I see some cheap Mastercraft on sale and get one for each of my boys. While helping the youngest on his house, I used my present. Boy, it's nasty. The difference between $200 and $ 50 is worth that twice over. Get the good stuff.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I had a bigger Dremel at one time that I ended up giving to my brother. I tended to get pretty warm with extended use. I replaced it with a Bosch that I've been really happy with. Had Makita had theirs out at the time I would have considered it too. Both have nice tool less blade change and adjustable speed features. The Bosch is rated at 5.5 amps to the 3amps of the Makita. The Makita can be turned down lower than the Bosch and I think the Makita feels a little better in the hand.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I also have a Rockwell that I bought because I had gift cards and couldn't think of something I really needed. I don't use mine often, but when it's needed it's worth gold. I'm using it a bunch right now because I'm switching from carpet to laminate floors in my house. I use it to trim the bottom of the trim around all doorways so I can slip the laminate under the trim. Just lay a scrap piece of laminate on top of a scrap piece of underlayment, lay the oscillating tool blade on top of the laminate, and cut the trim around the doorway at the perfect height.

 

[tyyost]

I bought the Makita last Christmas to replace a HF unit I had for a few years. I looked hard at Fein and some of the other models. I did a full gut and remodel to a bathroom that winter and it did everything from clipping nails in trim, cutting out old copper, prepping thinset from tile and tons of other odd jobs. The Makita is refined, quiet, and takes all blades on the market.

I see Bosch in my box stores now too, and I’m sure it’s a good choice, but it was not out locally when I bought mine. I encourage you to go handle the models you are considering, like drills and guns there is a fit to these. As mentioned upthread, these just vibrate, so a good grip, and comfort will equal control when you use it.

 

[Robinson1]

Take a look at a Dewalt before you buy anything. They were one of the last manufacturers to bring a multitool to market. They really sat back and watched the competition. Then they designed the best tool on the market.

 

[speed bump]

I have the blue variable speed harbor freight one and all it has convinced me of is I wish I would have bought an expensive one. If I wasn't going cordless I would happily drop the money on a Fein or a Bosch.

 

[quattro_sinko]

If you are ok with the price-tag, get the Fein. It is absolutely the highest quality too out of all of them (IDK if Festool makes one, nor would I consider it over the Fein.)

I am on my second one after 10 years, my tools do not live an easy life - and my first one owes me nothing.

 

[madison069]

I've got this Rockwell Sonicrafter which I picked up last year for a specific project and figured I'd find other uses for it. I've only used it 2 or 3 times since but has done everything I asked of it. I wish it was this price when I had gotten it.

Note: Link is to Lowes price of $59 as of 12/1/19

Just ordered mine for pickup today. Reason I decided to go with this one was due to its ability to use different brands of blades. Like you I don't plan to use it much but I got a project that's coming up that it can be handy. Will see how it goes!

 

[foodie]

I love my Fein corded it is amazing. I use it more than I thought I would. I cut up old carpeting in my basement like going through butter. Cut through old paneling, 2x4’s you name it. This tool can do so much more than I imagined.

 

[PelicanPines]

Two blades I highly recommend... beyond the normal ones...

The round blade is basically a saw blade that can cut from any angle... sounds like MEH... but it is my go to blade. It is made by Fein and I believe it is used primarily in the medical field.

The offset blade is OMG useful if you ever want to cut the useless parts out of blow molded cases. It's a "china" blade and can easily be searched for on Amazon.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have the Bosch corded multi tool. I have used it for sanding, cutting out outlets in drywall, notching out decking for post, and bunch of other projects. I like it a lot.

Same here, the extra long cord comes in handy too.

I have a Bosch and like it, too.

 

[TJKamp]

In he the dewalt corded one. It’s awesome. I’m in the same boat with the dewalt 18v. I own just about every 18v tool they make. With the oscillating tool it is kind of like a grinder anyway, having the cordless is nice, but the corded version has a lot more power.

I really like the variable speed switch, though it does take a little getting used to. When I got the tools for Father’s Day I had just a couple of planned uses for it on projects I had already started, now I use it all the time.

 

[scooterbum46]

My Porter Cable pce605k is useless now. I'd only used it for maybe an hour of runtime, but now it gets so hot to the touch I can't hold it. I've got it partially torn down, but to be honest I'll probably never fix it.

I switched to a Makita cordless one that I much prefer.

I had a corded PC, older style with exposed aluminum about 1/2" wide towards the head end of the tool. It'd get hot enough to burn my hand. A friend had the cordless version with the same issue. When mine finally smoked, I bought a Fein - not for everyone, I understand, but if you're looking at less expensive, you might look at other than Porter Cable..

 

[PelicanPines]

FWIW... I own and use four different brands. Two corded, two battery... it's why Fein was and will be my recommendation. It's cord is also very long and is supple so coiling it is super easy.

 

[Monte]

 

[dogdog]

Fein is a luxury... not really necessary...dependents on the use of cause... once a blue moon jobber.. anything would do I have the Fein and the HF cordless 12V ones both worked fine.. the Corded HF one also have good review... but I am suspecting it is not for day in and day out uses.... Also have used the Sonic Crafter ones... they do over heat or gets very hot.. at least the older model is like that, not sure if the newer one does the same thing or not... The Ridgid one is also very good...

The differences in brand is your hand after prolong use... I know the fein I am comfortable and fingers don't vibrates after a long use, the first gen Sonic Crafter OTOH my fingers feel like it continues to vibrate after the tool is off... same thing with the HF... but they cut ...


Most of the accessories kits are design to accept almost all / a lot of other brand attachments, I know my Fein can accept Craftsman, and HF blades as well... so....

 

[Adderall]

Is that the M12 or M18? I was reading numerous negative reviews about the M12 batteries falling out under light use. I'm already invested in the platform so I was hoping to stay with it.

Two blades I highly recommend... beyond the normal ones...

The round blade is basically a saw blade that can cut from any angle... sounds like MEH... but it is my go to blade. It is made by Fein and I believe it is used primarily in the medical field.

The offset blade is OMG useful if you ever want to cut the useless parts out of blow molded cases. It's a "china" blade and can easily be searched for on Amazon.

Sent from my SM-G950U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[PelicanPines]

Is that the M12 or M18? I was reading numerous negative reviews about the M12 batteries falling out under light use. I'm already invested in the platform so I was hoping to stay with it.

Sent from my SM-G950U using The Garage Journal mobile app

That one is M12... never dropped a legit Milwaukee battery. I have several 3rd party batteries that don't fit as snug but truly don't consider it an issue.