Oscillating Multi-Tools

[bushmechanic]

I can see a few carpentry and tile uses for these, but what the heck else are people using them for? I'm wondering if they could be useful around a car or building computers.

What do they do that makes a big difference in precision or ease of use outside of flush-cutting wood, tile stuff, and sanding?

I've been seeing these things for quite some time now. First one I actually noticed on the market was a Rockwell, I think; on an infomercial.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I thought the same thing. until I bought one. Now I use it for everything. I used it to butter my English muffins this morning. My heart surgeon friend was standing by my truck and saw my multi tool sitting on the front seat and thought he could use something like that for heart surgeries and asked if he could hold it and I told him no!

 

[zendriver]

I didn't really find the cut all that precise.

The are good to get into hard-to-get areas to cut or maybe sand, etc.

I've only used mine a couple of time, once to cut out the insides of a plastic blow-molded tool case, which it was perfect for.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I didn't really find the cut all that precise.

The are good to get into hard-to-get areas to cut or maybe sand, etc.

I've only used mine a couple of time, once to cut out the insides of a plastic blow-molded tool case, which it was perfect for.

Not so good for sanding unless it was micro surgical.

 

[Ray-CA]

They're great for removing grout, cutting outlet boxes into dry wall, sanding inside corners.... Since buying one, I've found more uses for it then I thought.

Ray

 

[joseywales]

I understand the OP's concern. I have a Roto Zip and it just never got the use I thought it would. Heck, I use my Dremel a lot more. A relative owns his own construction company: decks, bathrooms, basements, etc. and he loves his Dewalt multi-tool. He simply prefers the Dewalt because of the quick-detach.

I just got the multi-tool with the Ryobi combo I bought, so I can't wait to try it out.

 

[The Cobbler]

they are handy as heck in home repairs is all I can say .

 

[OccupantRJ]

I don't use it all that often, but when I do it is a labor saver. It will cut places nothing else will. It especially useful in remodel work.

 

[Dave455]

Well, for a start, they are very easy and comfortable to use!

I use mine with a segment blade for cutting everything I used to use an angle grinder for, but without any risk of the blade shattering, and without chucking crud everywhere!

Sure, they work as a wood saw, but put a thin blade on and you have effectively a power chisel. I got mine prior to flooring out a loft and don't know how I managed before when I had to chop chunks out of 3/4 ply by hand!

Taking mine on a decorating job recently I used the scraper blade to strip some reluctant wallpaper, then the rasp to flat some uneven plaster, then the sanding head to sand the skirtings prior to paint! Sure, a proper sander might have done a better job, but I hadn't bothered to bring it just for that!

Probably my second most used power tool at the mo, after my cordless drill!

 

[anndel]

I bought a Fein Multimaster 250 6 years ago is used it to cut trim/molding, cut laminant flooring, remove grout and even cut a bolt. There's lots of times I think about what I'll have to do if I didn't have it.

 

[Zeke]

they are handy as heck in home repairs is all I can say .

I made my money back double in the first day.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

At home, I've used mine several times to cut out damaged/rotted exterior trim without removing the entire piece, and for undercutting interior door jambs during flooring installs.

At work, we use them a lot to cut both wood/plastic trim, and plastic panels for sewer drain access holes on RVs.

 

[jd_1138]

At home, I've used mine several times to cut out damaged/rotted exterior trim without removing the entire piece, and for undercutting interior door jambs during flooring installs.

At work, we use them a lot to cut both wood/plastic trim, and plastic panels for sewer drain access holes on RVs.

Yeah, I used my $30 corded Ryobi multi-tool to precisely cut some rotten trim on my shed so I could replace the rotten parts without having to remove all the trim. It's more precise and less dangerous than using a reciprocating or circular saw. And a lot of times a jigsaw just goes too deep.

Also I used it when installing the new floor. I also used it to cut some PVC pipes when I redid the drains. And I use it for sanding stuff. If you don't already own some sanders, an OMT is a great pickup because you can use it for sanding various materials besides all the cutting uses.

Ryobi and Worx have pretty reasonably priced corded models. Or you can get a cordless model in whatever battery family you belong to.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Mine ( M12 ) was awesome for the week when I replaced all my homes doors.

Aside from that I have not used it but maybe once. Outside of home realm, I would consider one if you have to scrape a lot of pan gaskets, urethane or seam sealers. It scrapes well if you have variable speed.

If mine went up in smoke, I doubt I would buy another until I needed it.

 

[bushmechanic]

All very helpful.

Has anyone tried to cut metal, such as 1-2mm aluminum? I do all of my work by hand, for the most part. Jigsaws are nice, but they are overly aggressive on those extremely precise jobs, and don't fit inside when you suddenly realize you forgot to clear out a cable management hole.

People say use a Dremel. I HATE Dremels.

I'll take my little coping saw, my files, and go to town; or just call in lasers and water jets. I just don't know what these things are designed to cut. They seem to oscillate quickly enough that they might not have to move all that far; which might allow cutting of thin aluminum.

Is this the case? What about automotive uses? I'm putting a lot of little work into my Impala, and some might justify the tool I haven't really considered until now.

 

[holt2ton]

They are great for cutting out rotten stringers in a fiberglass boat hull.

 

[sberry]

Get the Performax from Menards.

 

[Olafur]

All very helpful.

Has anyone tried to cut metal, such as 1-2mm aluminum? I do all of my work by hand, for the most part.

Not sure about that, but I can tell you - if you want to make a quick cut of 2-3mm alu (several inches long) they are not so great for that. Jig saw is much faster. Unsure if you get better precision out of multitool. Don't think so really.

 

[catron44]

I bought the Ridgid jobmax when it first came out. It was in a kit with the corded base, a ratchet attachment, a palm nailer attachment, a right angle drill attachment and a right angle impact driver in addition to the multi tool head. I've since purchased the 12v and 18v bases with additional multi tool heads. I usually keep one loaded with a wood cutting blade, one loaded with fine grit sand paper and the third with a course sand paper.

I use all of the attachments more than I ever thought I would with the exception of the palm nailer. I don't really use that one. I've got a real pneumatic one for those times I have to install joist hangers.

I never got the jigsaw attachment because I have a couple of jig saws already and that one doesn't seem comfortable.

When using the wood blade, you can be as accurate as you want to be. I recently scarfed a section of door stop on an exterior door that had rotted away. I little sanding and a small amount of bondo and it's ready for paint.

 

[ThatSickRip]

They're great for removing grout, cutting outlet boxes into dry wall, sanding inside corners.... Since buying one, I've found more uses for it then I thought.

Ray

Same here. Great tool for assorted uses

 

[fourjeepin]

They're great for removing grout, cutting outlet boxes into dry wall, sanding inside corners.... Since buying one, I've found more uses for it then I thought.

Ray

I thought it was a gimmick until I got one. When you need one, it is a huge timesaver. I ended up buying the roto attachment, right angle drill, and right angle impact. Make sure you get one with a quick blade change mechanism.

 

[Monte]

I'm wondering if they could be useful around a car

cutting out car windows

cutting down the window sealant

removing mirror holders

scraping off underbody coating

body saw:

making cutouts in the interior for additional switches or for a bigger radio. Cutting out the rear bumper for a trailer hitch...etc. etc.... etc.... + no sparks...no dust...

 

[bcradio]

making cutouts in the interior for additional switches or for a bigger radio. Cutting out the rear bumper for a trailer hitch...etc. etc.... etc.... + no sparks...no dust...

No Dust???

 

[Monte]

No Dust???

ok a little bit...but the dust doesn´t fly around like with an angle grinder. It´s also not as fine since the saw teeth are rather coarse. So not really a problem.

 

[FigureItOut]

I use mine primarily for trimming radio openings in the dash, much less risky than any other method I've found. Also very handy for cutting trim panels and splash shields when installing trailer hitches. I also use it for cutting in electrical boxes installing security cameras, and its way easier than a keyhole saw.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

I got one about half way through our recent remodel. Wish I bought it at the beginning

 

[jd_1138]

I got one about half way through our recent remodel. Wish I bought it at the beginning

Yep, it's a PITA to do remodeling/repair jobs, may as well make it as easy as possible. Even if used on one or two projects, then presto it paid for itself.

jigsaw
reciprocating
circular
OMT
hand/coping saws (though the other power saws can replace these most of the time)

 

[6PTsocket]

I can see a few carpentry and tile uses for these, but what the heck else are people using them for? I'm wondering if they could be useful around a car or building computers.

What do they do that makes a big difference in precision or ease of use outside of flush-cutting wood, tile stuff, and sanding?

I've been seeing these things for quite some time now. First one I actually noticed on the market was a Rockwell, I think; on an infomercial.

Fein was the first one to make them. I have a Rockwell, too. I got sucked in by the infomercial but I don't use it much. I have no complaints about the quality. It is a well made tool. Maybe somebody can come up with some good uses for it.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[yhprum]

They work pretty good for scraping off undercoating from your car.

 

[PelicanPines]

Few work as well as the fein multimaster... I have the Fein and two other brands... fein is the heaviest but the best. The Milwaukee M12 is on my Xmas list.

 

[ddawg16]

I bought the cheap HF variable speed model....I use the dog **** out of it.

By far the best use is removing glued down vinyl.....

 

[toplessHO]

I bought a Dremel brand one many years a go
Im sure its not the best(used a DeWalt and it was nice but much heavier)
Tried the HF battery one for cutting glass out at junkyard and took it back,just not enough power. I use the **** out of mine,especially for those odd scraping jobs.

One tip I will share,I recently did stain and varnish on a couple 15 lite french doors
what a PITA they are.but didnt bother masking just razor bladed some and put a green scotchbrite pad on the velcro sander and it cleaned the glass right up with no scratches

 

[G1K]

They are great for cutting out rotten stringers in a fiberglass boat hull.

That's the reason I bought one, and the only thing I have used it for so far.

Ryan

 

[engineer2]

Just used mine to fab a new drive-belt guard for my lawnower...out of a plastic flower pot bottom.
Mine's a Rockwell. It'll take any brand attachment.

 

[dwasifar]

Recently I replaced a regular hinged closet door with a sliding pocket door, and I demo'ed the studs without removing the drywall on the room side. The drywall was glued-and-screwed to the studs, and the Fein Multimaster was perfect for cutting through the glue and screws, as well as the nails securing the studs to the bottom plate, and other minor demo tasks during that project. It will cut neatly in spots where a recip won't go.

 

[Cope]

They're kind of like a Dremel tool; you don't need them every day but when you do, there's nothing else. I have the Porter Cable, son-in-law has the HF and a good friend has the Rockwell.

 

[sberry]

Like a Dremel I got one and never used it. My tech used it a couple times, I have them just in case but have figured out a way by now using more powerful way to do most things.

 

[Cope]

Like a Dremel I got one and never used it. My tech used it a couple times, I have them just in case but have figured out a way by now using more powerful way to do most things.

I've seen some innovative uses here, but most people use them for carpentry work.