Recommend me an oscillating tool

[mrjaw14]

Never thought about an oscillating tool until yesterday. I'm doing some closet remodeling and going to be

1. Cutting bottom plate for new door and I don't want to mar the adjacent flooring. I have two doors to cut out. Thought if I can flush cut the 2x4 bottom plate that'd be a good use for an oscillating tool.

2. I need to move one partition wall and remove another. I already know they're non-load bearing. I'd rather not get into the ceiling on either side of the wall to make the ceiling repair as small as possible. plunge cutting the top plate would be awesome.

I did some research and I found that oscillating tools are expensive and their blades are ridiculously expensive and don't last long. People reporting dulling a $20 blade with just a few plunge cuts into drywall. Doesn't sound like it'd handle 2x4 framing very well.

What would you guys do?

 

[djjsr]

I got a cheap one from HF several years ago. I only needed it for one project but found I've used it many times over the years. I have no faith in HF power tools but this thing hasn't quit yet. I found some universal fit blades on ebay that are better quality.

 

[Jeeper]

I sure like my Milwaukee m12 version. It seems plenty powerful and works with the rest of my 12 batteries. I suppose the good wired ones have more power but the portability is hard to beat.

 

[warweapon762]

I have a Genesis model (comparable to HF) that is a work horse, I bought an adapter so I could run good blades in it. Haven't had problems yet and its been pretty abused.

 

[Bigplum]

I love my Fein , well made and vibration from the tool is low compared to the cheap tools

 

[LEVE]

I'm not a carpenter, nor do I ever think I will be. I'm a wood butcher, at best. That said, and knowing the fact I like HF tools, I bought one of their oscillating multitools when they came out a couple of years ago. To my surprise, it's held up well and I use it all the time for small jobs. I've gone through a few sets of blades and now I watch the sales for good buy's on them. It's always nice to have a fresh blade when needed.

For your infrequent use, I'd recommend one. If you were going to use it professionally, well, that's another matter; then I'd go with another higher end manufacture.

 

[cburnscrx]

I have a Genesis model (comparable to HF) that is a work horse, I bought an adapter so I could run good blades in it. Haven't had problems yet and its been pretty abused.

You and me both! I too have the Genesis, and it's a great tool. I've used it a bunch prepping a rental and gutting a house. I have the "original" that does not have variable speed. For $39.99 you can't go wrong. 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon with 293 reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003H054RY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you want to get all fancy, you can get the variable speed one. It's a whopping $49.99

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CXFVIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JD291]

I don't personally own one. I will eventually pick up the dewalt 20v, Toolguyd had some reviews http://toolguyd.com/category/power-tools/oscillating-tools/ .

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Since I'm not a huge cordless fan, I recommend a corded model. I looked at all of them that were on the market about a year ago. I ended up with the Bosch http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=MX30EK-33#specs

There are quite a few more models available now then just a year ago. I also like the newer model from Makita. http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=TM3010CX1

I don't have issues with my blades dulling as fast as what you have heard. I also sand the edges top and bottom from time to time to help them stay in better shape.

 

[Packard V8]

Now that most are paying big bucks to go battery-powered, the corded models can be found for cheap. I bought a like-new Fein for HF money. It's stronger, smoother, quieter.

jack vines

 

[dledinger]

I have the Porter Cable. Love it. Never dreamed I'd use it as much as I do. I don't have much of a problem with blade life...I back off when they start smoking, and its not a tool I use for more than a few minutes at a time. I'll eventually get a cordless model as well.

 

[Lightfoot]

I got a cheap one from HF several years ago. I only needed it for one project but found I've used it many times over the years. I have no faith in HF power tools but this thing hasn't quit yet. I found some universal fit blades on ebay that are better quality.

I agree. HF is one i usually stay away from on anything electric, but this tool has more than paid for itself many times over, and it just keeps running (i bought it for one or two small jobs.). I received a coupon flyer in the paper this morning. They are $14.99 with coupon. I think i paid around 20 for mine. Like i said, i'll be first in line to bash a harbor freight tool if it's junk, but this one i can personally recommend-at least mine has been good. Your results may vary.

 

[nexum1919]

I have one from Porter Cable, mainly for the toolfree blade changes. Even if you don't have the need to change the blade during a job, you'll find yourself changing the angle of the blade during a cut several times, for that reason alone I would strongly recommend one with the toolfree blade change feature.

 

[Highlux]

I have a Rockwell one...does a great job. Way better than my buddies Fein...stronger...easier to hold.

 

[rust buster]

I sure like my Milwaukee m12 version. It seems plenty powerful and works with the rest of my 12 batteries. I suppose the good wired ones have more power but the portability is hard to beat.

x2. I really like the Milwaukee, but make sure you have lots of extra batteries as it is a huge battery hog. As for blades, I've found that you definitely get what you pay for. The Bosch blades are the best I've found. As long as you don't use a wood blade on metal or wood with nails in it, they last quite a while.

 

[whyNick?]

The HF one is great, I've used and abused mine and it still works like new, I'm a hack when it comes to carpentry and use this thing all the time to persuade stuff to fit.