Recommendation for Oscillating Multi Tool

[db55]

Hi,
I'm a DIY homeowner and I am interested in recommendations for purchasing a battery-powered oscillating multi tool. Up until now, my battery-powered tools are Milwaukee 18V and 12V. The contractors who are currently remodeling our laundry room and half-bath strongly recommend Flex power tools and in particular they love the Flex 24V oscillating multi tool. With the limited research I've done, the Flex multi tool is reasonably priced, has good reviews, but the attachments are quite expensive. I also saw one post stating that other brands of attachments don't fit well in the Flex multi tool.

The Flex battery also has an interesting "limited lifetime warranty" (with a maximum of 3 replacements).

So I'd like to get your recommendations for an oscillating multi tool and also for which brand attachments (blades, etc.).

Also I'd be interested in specific feedback on the Flex oscillating multi too and attachments that fit it. Thanks.

 

[BrandonV]

Up until now, my battery-powered tools are Milwaukee 18V and 12V.

Your answer is chosen.

No reason to deviate from what you have. Both the M12 & M18 Fuel oscillating tools are excellent.

As for blades, Bosch, Diablo, Milwaukee. You'll find most them are all made anyways by Bosch. I like STARLOCK as well.

The only time I deviate from this is when someone has Bosch power tools and I'll direct them to Fein.

 

[zendriver]

The contractors who are currently remodeling our laundry room and half-bath strongly recommend Flex power tools and in particular they love the Flex 24V oscillating multi tool.

Let's guess - that's what they use?

They could be honorary members, here at this forum.

I like Hercules, but since you already have Milwaukee, go that way.

 

[BrandonV]

I'll also add the oscillating multi-tool is one of those things like an electric ratchet that even as a M18 guy, I'd get the M12 version.

The biggest plus to the oscillating multi-tool is using it in tight situations. Some of the bigger battery platforms make the tool somewhat unwieldly.

 

[RimRider]

I used Dewalt Model #DCS356SD1 Oscillating Tool. It worked well and the attachment price is reasonable.

 

[tyyost]

Milwaukee 18 volt for the win. Not the kind of tool worth another battery ecosystem, unless your saving serious money.

 

[lardy1]

I like my Bosch 18v. But I was already invested in their cordless tools. I would think any of the better lines would probably work just fine.

 

[MongoTA]

I also have the Dewalt DCS356. It's been a strong performer, it's never angered me by it's performance. It's done everything asked.

If you're on the MKE platform, I'd certainly recommend staying with that as the MKE tools are quite good. It's an easy choice and on the surface the most sensible.

As far as crossing platforms, I have a slew of DW 20v tools and batteries. I've read too many reviews that convinced me to stay away from Dewalt 20v nail guns, so I went with a couple of Milwaukee nailers, the M12 23ga pin nailer, and the M18 16ga nailer. While they both came with Milwaukee batteries and chargers, I also picked up an adaptor that allows Dewalt 20v batteries to power M18 tools. Adaptor works fine, my own personal caution is due to possible BMS issues (might not be any) I won't leave a yellow battery connected to a red tool overnight. That's just me.

The FLEX line might be fine. I'd recommend you take a holistic look at what you have and what you want. Does it makes sense money wise to jump to a new line. If you're acquiring 10 more tools, it might. If you're heavily invested in red batteries and are only looking at 2 or 3 more tools, or even 8 more tools, it might make sense to stick with red tools.

I will say as a woodworker, I was in early on Dewalt 12, 18, and 20v. The 20v stuff, ZERO complaints. Early on, Dewalt had a better lineup of tools than Milwaukee. Nowadays I think Milwaukee has a better overall line regarding wood and metal tools, and today I do a fair amount of metal work. The quality with both lines is fine. An occasional tool is better here, another therel like I found with the nail guns (my opinion).

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you already have the Milwaukee battery platform, I would stay with it.

 

[Rinspeed]

Just my opinion but Milwaukee makes some of the most durable cordless tools. You will want to handle both because the 18V is a little on the heavy side when used for any length of time.

 

[dutchgray]

I like my Bosch 18v. But I was already invested in their cordless tools. I would think any of the better lines would probably work just fine.

I liked my bosch 18v OMT as well, until it broke after relatively little use, something came apart in the blade holding mechanism and now the blades fly off when you turn it on, probably had 15 hours use on the thing.
The variable speed dial was annoying too, no detents and it was in a location that you frequently touched when using the tool, often inadvertently changing the speed.

 

[Rusted Nut]

We've been using an M12 Milwaukee on a commercial project for cutting in electric strikes on hollow metal door jambs, for over two years; same tool. No complaints!

 

[bonneyman]

My brother who is a construction contractor uses 18v Makita stuff. Oscillating tool, impact driver, circular saw. Loves the platform.

 

[DGersic]

So I'd like to get your recommendations for an oscillating multi tool and also for which brand attachments (blades, etc.).

M12 fuel owner here. Despite most of my battery tools being yellow, I got this on sale with free 2.5AH battery last year. It’s nice.

IMHO, the M18 is too big.

Blades, I’ve been buying all over. The Milwaukee ones are nice. HF had a bunch of Bauer blades on clearance cheap last time I was there, so now I have a bunch of those. Got some at Menards for a recent bad idea project that worked pretty well too.

 

[Achilleus]

I have the Dewalt corded oscillating tool and its one of the very few in tools in that brand that I am not impressed with. Same for their blades - their wood and nail and bimetal blades are dead after one SS or deck nail. If anyone can recommend a decent hardened-teeth blade let me know.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have both M12 and M18, neither are Fuel, if there even is such an animal. The M12 is the third most useless tool I've ever owned that said Milwaukee on it. The M18 is great though, not quite as good as my corded Rockwell Sonicrafter, but good enough that it's the only one I use.

 

[Dig Doug]

M 18 fuel tool only

there is a cool single & dbl gang electrical box blade that works great !

 

[RivennHewn]

Just my opinion but Milwaukee makes some of the most durable cordless tools. You will want to handle both because the 18V is a little on the heavy side when used for any length of time.

Tools , I agree. Batteries, not so much.

 

[mikey03]

M12 fuel bro

 

[Lazy]

I have the M18 non fuel. I've used it at work almost daily for 3 years now (drywall, trim, flooring, nails, grout). Not a single issue.

However, a coworker has the Dewalt with the quick change blade lever. A very nice feature when you want to reorientate the blade angle.

 

[gsanvi]

I have the Milwaukee M12, it's very good. I wouldn't go for the M18 version - the tool itself is quite large and bulky, I use them with smaller batteries only. You won't be dissapointed.

 

[dscheidt]

I have both M12 and M18, neither are Fuel, if there even is such an animal. The M12 is the third most useless tool I've ever owned that said Milwaukee on it. The M18 is great though, not quite as good as my corded Rockwell Sonicrafter, but good enough that it's the only one I use.

the regular m12 is garbage. It's marginally improved if you put a big high output battery on it, but it's still junk. The m12 fuel is much better.

 

[bwringer]

the regular m12 is garbage. It's marginally improved if you put a big high output battery on it, but it's still junk. The m12 fuel is much better.

Side note, but I've always found this supremely annoying about Milwaukee and most tool lines; it's never just "monkey see tool monkey buy tool"; oh no, you have to rummage through the fine print to land on the variant and sub-version of the tool that actually works.

Same goes for the batteries; you need a four page chart and a seasoned guide to figure out which nearly invisible muy macho modifier or subtle change in striping designates the better battery.

Bah, humbug, get off my lawn, etc.

 

[Catfishdan]

the regular m12 is garbage. It's marginally improved if you put a big high output battery on it, but it's still junk. The m12 fuel is much better.

This is absolutely correct. I’ve had both.

 

[swsman]

I have M12 Fuel, lately I have been experiencing battery losing connection when tool is in use.

Likely easily solved with taping the battery up.
Other than that I have been happy with the tool/its capacity.

 

[cgrutt]

I have an older Fein Supercut which is arguably the best tool I own. Been reaching for my M18 oscillating tool more often than not past couple of years. It works great and blade availability is much better than with the Fein. I'd recommend the M18 as you're already on that platform.

 

[DGersic]

I have both M12 and M18, neither are Fuel, if there even is such an animal.

M12 and M12 Fuel are different animals. $60 price difference at Home Depot just now (bare tool).

 

[sparky 1971]

M12 and M12 Fuel are different animals. $60 price difference at Home Depot just now (bare tool).

I bought the M12 so long ago that it requires an Allen key to change the blade, I'm not sure there was even a Fuel drill available at the time. The M18 I have works extremely well even though it isn't a Fuel. If it ever dies, I might look at the Fuel line, but I doubt that day ever comes.

 

[DGersic]

I bought the M12 so long ago that it requires an Allen key to change the blade, I'm not sure there was even a Fuel drill available at the time. The M18 I have works extremely well even though it isn't a Fuel. If it ever dies, I might look at the Fuel line, but I doubt that day ever comes.

The M12 Fuel has an interesting blade release. Lever handle on top releases a thumbscrew on the bottom by the blade. There’s a tiny magnet to hold the blade too, while you do the screw, then flip the handle closed. No tools needed. Pretty slick compared to the cheap one I had before this that needed an Allen wrench.

 

[cgrutt]

The M12 Fuel has an interesting blade release. Lever handle on top releases a thumbscrew on the bottom by the blade. There’s a tiny magnet to hold the blade too, while you do the screw, then flip the handle closed. No tools needed. Pretty slick compared to the cheap one I had before this that needed an Allen wrench.

Sounds the same as what's on my M18.

 

[dscheidt]

I bought the M12 so long ago that it requires an Allen key to change the blade, I'm not sure there was even a Fuel drill available at the time. The M18 I have works extremely well even though it isn't a Fuel. If it ever dies, I might look at the Fuel line, but I doubt that day ever comes.

it probably wasn't. I got the regular m12 11 or 12 years ago; the fuel didn't come out until several years later. I'm convinced the only reason they still sell the junk one is they made too many, and can't get rid of them. It's so bad I was sure they all sucked until I borrowed a cheap one with a cord, and it could actually cut stuff instead of just vibrating and making noise.

 

[tarbellb]

If it doesnt have a Quick Change feature its JUNK

 

[cgrutt]

If it doesnt have a Quick Change feature its JUNK

My Fein Supercut doesn't have quick change. I wouldn't say it's junk.

 

[tarbellb]

My Fein Supercut doesn't have quick change. I wouldn't say it's junk.

I would every time I had to find my allen key to change the blade....

 

[tarbellb]

I say the same thing every time I have to change blades on my Olskool Milwuakee corded Sawzall

 

[cgrutt]

I would every time I had to find my allen key to change the blade....

LOL

 

[RTM]

My brother who is a construction contractor uses 18v Makita stuff. Oscillating tool, impact driver, circular saw. Loves the platform.

I have a vintage corded Fein, and love it. My neighbor got the new Makita 18v LXT model, and it’s even smoother than mine. Did not use it for real work, but seems pretty sweet.

 

[Mr..Plow]

Go electric and Cheap- the Hyper tough from walmart does all i needed for $16..Has a cord and will start 20 years from now without a battery platform you may or may not have at that time.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have an irrational hatred of more than 1 battery platform for some reason, so I would stick with Milwaukee. I have the M18 and it's done everything I've ever asked of it and more. I might get the 12 volt now, but at the time I didn't have any M12 tools so I stuck with what I had and ran with it.

 

[tak1313]

I've always used corded because I don't need an oscillating very often. Recently needed one, which gave me an excellent excuse to get a new one, and decided to try the NON-FUEL Milwaukee M12 since I have both M18 and M12 batteries, and the job wasn't that big.

Used it for the project and returned it. After a while, the blade kept falling off from the vibration. Note that being the older non-fuel, it had the old style allen bolt to hold the blade. Even tried thread locker and it still vibrated off after a while. I researched it to see if the problem was an anomaly, but apparently it's fairly common with that model.

Got the Ryobi brushless with the newer spring loaded clamp style (I also have some 18v stuff and batteries), and aside the performance advantage from being 18v, it is actually "smoother," quieter, and faster cutting than the Milwaukee (bigger arc swing). It's hard to describe the "smoother" part other than to say it doesn't feel like it jumps around as much when initially cutting or when in the cut.

I must say, IN MY OPINION, Ryobi has been stepping up their game in the past couple of years with more and better tools. I know they're still considered "DIY" than pro, but they've been putting out some pretty unique stuff lately - maybe because they're under the same TTI umbrella. Milwaukee still looks better though.