Oscillating tool question. Fein vs. Bosch vs. Porter-Cable

[buening]

I noticed Home Cheapo has the Bosch in their clearence section. I think the price is marked $129? Not sure.

Might be the 2.5A (MX25) version. They have the 3.0A ones out now (MX30), so most likely its their older model on clearance. For a homeowner I doubt you'd notice the 0.5A difference, so the clearance ones would be a good buy. My MX30 is still going strong!

 

[hevnbnd]

Yes it is an old thread but good info. I have a fein and need some new blades. Looking at either the Long Life e-Blades from fein or the Imperial Titanium Blades. Anyone tried them both and have a recommendation? They are very close in price. Or if there is a better solution out there now. Thanks

 

[Todd.Brock]

Brought back from dead!!
I need to remove 5 tiles and replace them. I have extra, but the grout won't match. I thinking about springing for a multi tool. They look gimmicky. I want to replace the broken tiles and then regrout the whole bathroom.
I read so many reviews here that they are legit, so I will give it a shot. My bathroom is about 45sq ft. Has anyone used a multi tool for grout? I found lots of promo videos on YouTube, but nothing real world.

Thanks!

 

[cheechi]

let me put it this way; I would recommend the multi tool over the dremel attachment for this use. Some guys will only do it with hand tools even today with other options, others will go grab a power tool just for the sake of a power tool.

Me personally, I have removed a few tiles with the HF blades on a HF oscillator. The world didn't end. It was loud, annoying, and my least enjoyed use of this tool. But it did the job. The remaining grout won't be pretty, there is the possibility you can go too deep (the finer/nicer the grit blade the more its likely to cut into the back board or other materials) and you can have chips of grout & tile flying every which a way. It's not like cutting wood at all with one, which is what I use mine for almost exclusively. Afterward there was still some hand tools needed to clean up the cuts some but it wasn't bad, just not very much fun.

 

[Bigplum]

Love my fein , tried the cheaper ones and the vibration kills my damaged wrist , very good tool . It's got me out of endless trouble ,
Some of the cheapy tools are driven by a flexi speedo type drive bent at a 90* angle ,very limited life span

 

[cheechi]

Oh yeah now that I have a Fein i would only use the others for when I need another right on hand (some trim jobs it helps to switch blades; I switch tools) and you're right about the vibration. a good pair of gloves is still a good idea even with the Fein.

 

[skruft]

I have a Fein that seems good so far. I would not buy their very expensive blades though. Other brands work the same. This is my first saw of that sort so I have limited experience with them.

The Bosch seems to get good reviews.

Many of the tasks they do can also be done with a small hand backsaw if there is space and you are careful. Maybe the backsaw is better for some. But the Fein saw has been great for working in places where no other saw will fit and I would otherwise use a chisel.

 

[Lightfoot]

HF power tools are all **** and not worth the box they come in. If you you really use your tools you would know.

Sorry RC, i gotta disagree with ya this time, and side with BimmerZ5 on this one. Normally i steer away from HF too (on anything electrical), but i needed a multi-tool for two small jobs. Rather than spend 150-200 bucks for 2 small jobs, i bought a HF one for $19.99 with coupon. It paid for itself on the first task. That was three years ago i think. I have used the heck out of the thing, and even loaned it out a few times too, and it just keeps working. This is the one and only HF electrical tool i have had a good experience with, but i would have no problem recommending this particular tool. I would be the first to bash a HF electric tool if it weren't good, but this one has been more than worth the money for me.