What are your thoughts on Multi-tools ?

[Tsquare]

I been thinking about buying a Milwaukee M12 Multitool - I currently have a few M12 tools and batteries so it is just the cost for the tool, my hesitation is "are these really useful tools".

Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[TomB19]

I went years without a multi-tool. Zero need for one.

... then I had a ton of wood and laminate flooring to install. It literally can't be done without a multi-tool.

They're kind of handy but extremely occasional use for all but flooring installs, as far as I can tell.

 

[FMC1959]

A year or so ago, l met have answered more gimicky than useful. When you give a it try, with the right blades and the right job, they do become useful and sometimes easily the best tool for the job.

 

[firworks]

I just got the Fein Super Cut and it is a ridiculous beast. I already had a situation where I had to do some exploratory drywall and wood paneling surgery to figure out how to route a dryer vent and it just blasted through everything. I'm sold on them.

 

[ddawg16]

I went years without a multi-tool. Zero need for one.

... then I had a ton of wood and laminate flooring to install. It literally can't be done without a multi-tool.

They're kind of handy but extremely occasional use for all but flooring installs, as far as I can tell.

I bought the HF version. It will do things other tools want. I don't need to use it often...but when you need it....saves the day.

Because I don't use it much...the HF ver works fine for me.

 

[PJNJ]

For me, a multi-tool is a once in a while use item but when I do use it, it is probably the only tool that will do the job.

If you do a lot of heavy DIY around the house, you will use it and it will come in very handy. If not, then you probably will never use or actually need it.

 

[FigureItOut]

My experience has been similar to most posts so far, but I know some guys say an OMT changed a lot for them. I think it's rare that there's a job where nothing else will do, but when I think to use it is probably the best tool for the job.

 

[tube_guy]

I have the Harbor Freight version. I really didn't want to invest serious money into such an occasional use tool. However, now I'm considering buying a Fein when my HF tool finally kicks the bucket. For installing doors and windows, my HF tool has been extremely useful and has saved me some serious time. And it also makes the job come out better too.

 

[Bro-Hio]

I have the Milwaukee M12 one and it works alright. I already had some M12 stuff so I picked it up to help me floor installation.

My Dad has the 3 AMP Dremel one and although it isn't cordless, I kind of like it better. It has a better feel to it and a lot more accessories. Note that the Dremel accessories don't fit on the Milwaukee tool.

 

[bcradio]

Tons of uses for these. I would get the corded version though instead. I have a small 12v (10.8v really) Bosch version and never use it because of the lack of power. Buy a corded and you will have it the rest of your life.

 

[ruffryder]

Tsquare,

Did you ever make the purchase? I am thinking about getting into the M12 game, and also a multi tool. Not sure if I should go cordless (M12) or not (HF).

Thanks also for everyone's comments. Interesting discussion points about using the corded version of the tool.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought the ridgid pneumatic multi tool. It's really handy when doing carpentry. The heads can also be swapped out for right angle drill, 1/4" ratchet and a few others. I used it with the sander head to sand down rust spots in the corners of my tool box drawers. Not sure if m12 has different heads, but it is still a useful tool in certain situations. A must for carpentry.

 

[CTyankee]

I've got the HF one..my boss has a Fein. Both perform the exact same tasks. The whole thing with these is not to put a lot of pressure on the tool. Let it do the cutting. If you push too hard you inhibit the tool from vibrating...and hence actually impede its cutting.

Problem is it's natural to want to press on them thinking they will cut faster. If you force the HF one, it will eventually burn up/break. The Fein will take such abuse and probably still last forever.

If I had to recommend one I'd go with a Rockwell(corded). Lots of features at a reasonable price.

 

[jkwilson]

It's one of those things you don't think you need because you don't know what jobs it's perfect for. Once you use one it seems like you always have a need for it.

 

[Gotcha640]

I have a corded one, not sure what the brand is (mother in law got the best rated on amazon for under $100).

I used it for blind dovetails on my daughters bunk bed, attaching the top to the face. I also used it for making dadoes on the 2x6s when I put in the raised floor in my attic before blowing in insulation. Making the side cuts and the bottom cut is way faster than making a lot of passes with a single blade on a table saw or circular saw, and attic deck didn't need to be pretty.

I'm putting door activated lights in pantry and closets, and it's nice for making the hole for the switch.

Used one to get the grout off some tiles during a kitchen remodel, saved having to find and buy replacement tiles.

I probably wouldn't have bought one for my self before I'd used it for those jobs, but now I've used it, I'd hate to be without.

 

[G_P]

I just helped a friend install a french door while his wife was on vacation. He has the dremel corded multitool.
It made quick work of making neat cuts in the drywall and some wainscoting. Also used it on the outside of the house to cut the cedar shingle siding without destroying the shakes or cutting too deep and going through the sheathing. It saved quite a bit of time.

I have the HF version as I rarely use it, but when I need it, I'm glad I have it.

 

[ike]

for putting in floors, they are great. i recently used mine to cut a root that had grown against my water line shutoff valve. as others have said, at times you don't know what you will need it for, but then when you need it, you can't imagine anything else that would have worked so well.

 

[cgrutt]

I just got the Fein Super Cut and it is a ridiculous beast. I already had a situation where I had to do some exploratory drywall and wood paneling surgery to figure out how to route a dryer vent and it just blasted through everything. I'm sold on them.

+1 on Fein Super Cut. I've used it on everything from fixing floors to replacing windows. Just an awesome tool.

 

[ruffryder]

So it sounds like the tool is best purchased in the corded version, not the cordless type?

 

[jd_1138]

So it sounds like the tool is best purchased in the corded version, not the cordless type?

Nah, I think the cordless is super handy. I had a 18V Ryobi cordless multi-tool that came in handy a lot of times.

I sold all my Ryobi stuff but will definitely pick up a DeWalt multi-tool (I am in the DeWalt camp now).

Probably a 18V or 20V multi-tool would be more powerful/useful. Once you have a multi-tool, it makes itself super useful for cutting, trimming, sanding, etc..

 

[jd_1138]

It's one of those things you don't think you need because you don't know what jobs it's perfect for. Once you use one it seems like you always have a need for it.

Exactly. Before you have one, you force other tools to do these jobs, but a multi-tool does it way easier/faster.

 

[Dave455]

I bought a Fein about 18 months back. Been thinking about it for a while and finding a deal with a load of accessories made me go for it!

I have to say I've used it far more than I ever thought! With a wood blade you can think of it as a power chisel, which is what I got it for, but the things are so versatile it's become my second most used power tool.

I was helping a friend refit / redecorate his house, and I was using the thing all the time. Sawing, fitting, sanding, scraping, polishing - it does the lot!

Well worth it. I'd probably advise the corded version too. I find that cordless tools are great for the pro who starts every day with 3 fully charged batteries and charges as he goes, but corded is the way to go for the amateur, unless you are working on properties without power!

 

[Zeke]

I've got the HF one..my boss has a Fein. Both perform the exact same tasks. The whole thing with these is not to put a lot of pressure on the tool. Let it do the cutting. If you push too hard you inhibit the tool from vibrating...and hence actually impede its cutting.

Problem is it's natural to want to press on them thinking they will cut faster. If you force the HF one, it will eventually burn up/break. The Fein will take such abuse and probably still last forever.

If I had to recommend one I'd go with a Rockwell(corded). Lots of features at a reasonable price.

I have a couple of the HF ones. They are fine. You do have to push some just to make sure it doesn't jump all over the place. If I were to get a cordless one I'd step up a few notches.

No matter what you have/get, the blades are expensive. So much so that they ought to give you the tool. Well, HF just about does. But good quality blades from Bosch or Dewalt and they will serve. For junk cuts where you know you are going to ruin the blade, use the HF ones only if they are on sale. At the normal price of $9.99 they aren't that much cheaper.

 

[bcradio]

So it sounds like the tool is best purchased in the corded version, not the cordless type?

Yeah, corded first and if you still need cordless get it next.

 

[CTyankee]

I have a couple of the HF ones. They are fine. You do have to push some just to make sure it doesn't jump all over the place. If I were to get a cordless one I'd step up a few notches.

No matter what you have/get, the blades are expensive. So much so that they ought to give you the tool. Well, HF just about does. But good quality blades from Bosch or Dewalt and they will serve. For junk cuts where you know you are going to ruin the blade, use the HF ones only if they are on sale. At the normal price of $9.99 they aren't that much cheaper.

Ahhhhh...The blades made of gold.. Really is insane what they cost. The dedicated wood ones make for some quick cutting, but hit ANYTHING metal and kiss it goodbye. I read a blade review awhile ago. Think the Bosch came out on top if I remember correctly.

 

[ruffryder]

I have a couple of the HF ones. They are fine. You do have to push some just to make sure it doesn't jump all over the place. If I were to get a cordless one I'd step up a few notches.

Step up all the way to a Fein? Or the Rockwell, Dremel, types?

 

[JJThrasher]

We use one at work to cut adhesive wheel weights off of wheels. It works better than anything else we've found.

 

[southalabama]

I bought a genesis. Didn't think I would use it enough to justify a Fein. Then ran across a dremel at big lots. So now I have two.

If it were more of an occasional tool I would get the Fein. I just couldn't justify the difference in price.

They fill a unique void in the tool arsenal. Had to cut about 50 outlets in a remodel project. Wish i had it then.