Who makes a good oscillating multitool?

[fr0mastaj]

I think that's what they are called. Like the Fein Multimaster.

But the Fein is out of my price range. This will only be for occasional home use, so I would like something maybe around the $150 area? It seems like every one and their mother makes one of these now, not sure which are good and bad .

Also... I dont trust anything from HF with moving parts, so not that one... And IMO, anything that cuts should be corded -- Unless someone cant point out a reason why i should go cordless with this?

Thanks!
________
AIRSOFT PISTOLS

 

[Bull]

I want one, too, so I will be keeping an eye on this.

 

[padronanniversary]

I love my bosch. I can't wait for the corded version of the bostch

 

[PaulR]

I want one, too, so I will be keeping an eye on this.

Three.................

 

[Stuey]

I'd suggest a reconditioned Dremel for $50-55:

http://toolguyd.com/2010/11/factory-reconditioned-dremel-multi-max-50/

Then, when you've used it a whole lot, you can upgrade.

Bosch's corded version will likely be awesome - the only problem with their cordless one is reports of poor battery life.

Rockwell also offers decent kits that include quite a few accessories for the $$.

 

[Flathead Youngin']

my neighbor has the fein and it is nothing short of perfection....so smooth and refined....

but, i think it's way too much for my blood and an occasional use tool.....

i don't want a battery, it would be absolutely useless in a few years...

i've been hesitant to pull the trigger being afraid that i won't be satisfied with anything less than the fein....

i sure could have used it to cut the bottom of some jambs the other night!

big lots has a recond. dremel for $50 but i see they are all over the net for that price.....thinking about trying one of them....

watching this thread too

 

[Auzivision]

For $30, I bought one at Harbor Freight and it works great... the 6 or 8 times I've used it so far. There really isn't much to it so I don't see any reason why it won't last. Probably the handiest little tool I have when it comes to cutting/trimming a board that is already in place.

It seems to always be on sale too:
http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...tml&cust=99999999999&keycode=0000&single=true

 

[bchee]

Too bad you don't trust the HF one, especially for occasional home use.
It's $20 on black friday and well-reviewed.

Around your price range of $150, Rockwell has one at Lowe's called the Sonicrafter

 

[Major Ramifications]

This has been discussed on here before, with many people liking the HF models (especially the more expensive one).
I have the Dremel and I love it. I bought it because I can get the blades cheaper from where I work. It is a noisy little ****** though, and it produces a lot of heat. I guess they all do.
I will say that you want something with multiple speeds. I was cutting some thick foamboard with it and it didn't cut very well until I changed the speed.

 

[Dodge]

I also have the Harbor Freight tool. Used the heck out of it cutting the door frames in my entire house last year putting down new flooring. Worked great. I was hesitant to buy it, but glad I did.

 

[Chris Adams]

I picked up the cheap HF one.
It's noisy, a little more than my sister's Fein, but then, I paid less for mine than she paid in tax on hers...

I've used it about 50 times. Worn out the sandpaper that came with it, burned up a blade (my fault, I get in a hurry a lot) but otherwise I consider it an essential tool now.

My sister paid lots more for hers, but it's a 'hanger queen' as it cost her too much to take out into the weather, to leave it in one of the sheds etc.
So she's used it less than I've used my cheap one.

Last time she was working on one of her rental houses and needed the tool, she borrowed my HF since she had to leave the tools unwatched for hours at a time.

She told me she preferred her Fein, but is buying one of the HF units, for 'regular work', so no fear of it being stolen, dropped, or wearing out an expensive tool on a cheap job.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Chris,
So your sister has a Fein? Is she married? Could we see some pictures?

 

[bchee]

Are you calling dibs on the sister?

 

[Chris Adams]

Chris,
So your sister has a Fein? Is she married? Could we see some pictures?

Single, with a big ugly boy friend, who ain't good with tools...
She gets lots of guy attention when she climbs down out of her F350 dually
I drive it and nobody notices me.
A five foot six 120 lb woman and every guy it the place wanders over...

She owns and maintains a small ranch, does most everything herself. Last month I drop by and she's moving a 10x20 shed by herself, got it on rollers and is wenching it across the back acre... she built it herself, then decided to move it 100 feet away.
I told her 'Just like a woman, always rearranging things.'
Seriously, she tackles jobs I won't.

 

[Monte]

Fein
spam !!!!

 

[Danglerb]

Who makes a "bad" one?

Fein had the design totally sorted out by the time the patents ran out, so everybody making one must of taken a few apart copied it. The cheapo's have been in the field for more than a year, so if there was a bad brand we would know about it.

Personally I would look at blade quality, cost, and compatibility, and base my choice mostly on the lifetime blade use.

*** What would be sweet is if somebody came up with some arbor adapters so any blade you want could be used. ***

 

[Monte]

*** What would be sweet is if somebody came up with some arbor adapters so any blade you want could be used. ***

there is..... it was once posted here at GJ....a company from the UK iirc

 

[american lockpicker]

Single, with a big ugly boy friend, who ain't good with tools...
She gets lots of guy attention when she climbs down out of her F350 dually
I drive it and nobody notices me.
A five foot six 120 lb woman and every guy it the place wanders over...

She owns and maintains a small ranch, does most everything herself. Last month I drop by and she's moving a 10x20 shed by herself, got it on rollers and is wenching it across the back acre... she built it herself, then decided to move it 100 feet away.
I told her 'Just like a woman, always rearranging things.'
Seriously, she tackles jobs I won't.

How interesting...

 

[GrantMLS]

I got the HF one, paid 20 with a coupon - worked great the few times I used it.. didnt see much differnt from it and the dremil one i tried.

 

[Stuey]

there is..... it was once posted here at GJ....a company from the UK iirc

http://toolguyd.com/2010/11/dremel-universal-adapter-fits-all-oscillating-multi-tools/

Dremel has an adapter so you can use their accessories on any tool.

Ridgid's accepts Dremel or Bosch accessories.

http://toolguyd.com/2010/09/a-sneak-peek-at-milwaukees-new-m12-multi-tool/

Milwaukee's upcoming cordless model will have a universal head.

 

[danski0224]

Check out the available accessories for the different brands.

Yeah, the Fein is pricey, but there are lots of attachments for it.

Some of the Chinese knockoff blades aren't substantially less than Fein parts.

Best way to get Fein blades is in a 10 pack- much less $$ per piece that way.

Fein's latest quick release blade holder is much nicer than the setscrew type.

 

[volpster31]

i have the rockwell that came with a 72 piece acessory kit which includes a universal attachment piece to fit all other brands blades...i must say ive used this for everything....i just finished sanding 4 layers of old paint off a pine door and this thing is invaluable...ive also cut door jambs and flush cut nails..i bought the variable speed model,but im sure the basic one is just fine....i highly recommend it

 

[mbatarga]

+1 HF version. For the few times I expect to use it, it will be just fine. It already "paid" for itself in its first use.

 

[toytech40]

I have been trying to make up my mind on this same purchase myself. Alot of factors to consider, and not only price. Due to my location, availability of replacement blades is a factor as the closest store that handles any type of multitool is 35 miles away, and those are small stores, so limited replacements. I do alot of internet shopping and may be where this purchase is made, but I still like to hold the item in my hand whether I use it or not is a non issue, just like to look at it and hold it, and not just the box.

When i started looking I was looking at Fein, and have read on here and else where on it and other brands, even had my own thread on here asking for input. Thought I made up my mind to get a Dremel but keep coming back to the Fein. Which by the way the closest dealer for them to me is 130 away, so that is a factor, either stock extra blades, or hope you don't break or wear out last one in the middle of a job.

I have always bought the best tools I could afford, or couldn't afford and got them anyway. As I get older/wiser seem to have have a hrader time turning loose of the cash required to get some tools that I know may only see daylight a couple times a year. Then again once I get it I use for more jobs/projects then first thought and will be glad I spent the extra money for the best and will glad for years to come due to its quality and durability.

So Yes i am still trying to make a decision, but need to decide as I have projects coming up that it will almost be a necessity.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Pretty disappointing the the most recommended one is the HF! Must resist.......

So I took a trip to my local Lowes last night to see what they offer. They have the Rockwell, Dremel, Task force, and Bosch cordless.

I think I am currently leaning towards the Rockwell - are they a good tool manufacturer in general? I only know them for the Jawhorse...

The Dremel version felt like a toy in my hand compared to the Rockwell, it was almost all plastic (almost weightless); the Rockwell has a metal housing and felt beefy enough to take a beating.

The Bosch one is cordless so that is out of the picture since I've decided to go corded with this...

I didn't see a task force one on open display so I have no comments on that one yet.
________
THE CIGAR BOSS

 

[toytech40]

I had a friend who helped a friend of his with a project and used the HF version and didn't like it due to the noise vibration and quality of cut it made. But he has never used any other brand of multitool, and is not a woodworker by nature so take that for what it is worth. He like myself buys the best tool that he ca afford for the job.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I looked around and ended up with the Dremel. All seemed to have decent reviews, so I went with the one that had the best power/weight ratio. It's very noisy...to the point I wear ear protection.

Good to see they have a universal adapter now. The Dremel bits are spendy, and it's a bit disappointing when a hidden nail ruins your $10 bit.

FWIW Fein didn't really invent these. This type of saw started as a cast removal tool for orthopaedic surgeons. Fein patented it as a woodworking tool.

These tools are MUST have. I'm amazed at how often i use mine. As stated above, any time you have to cut on something in place you'll want one.

 

[bchee]

Whatever multitool you choose, try to get this deal
http://www.boschjoethepro.com/REGISTER/free-OIS-offer.aspx

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81381

 

[Vinko]

I have been trying to make up my mind on this same purchase myself. Alot of factors to consider, and not only price.

I have always bought the best tools I could afford, or couldn't afford and got them anyway. As I get older/wiser seem to have have a hrader time turning loose of the cash required to get some tools that I know may only see daylight a couple times a year. Then again once I get it I use for more jobs/projects then first thought and will be glad I spent the extra money for the best and will glad for years to come due to its quality and durability.

I'm of the same mind here. I can't imagine the HF one is any good. How can they make something good for that price? But if I do try it out, I'm only out $20 or so if it's junk. But that Fein does seem to be a great tool: I've borrowed one that was really well-used by a contractor, and it worked damn well. If I'm going to be doing work on my own house (not a job), I damn well want to enjoy it, and I can't enjoy crappy tools, so this might be a vote in favor of getting the best I can (reasonably) afford.

 

[walrus]

Milwaukee is making a cordless version for there 12v line. Only seen an ad so I have no idea if its any good but plan to look at one in the near future

 

[willf650]

I was looking a while back and got the Rockwell. I thought it was the second only to Fein when I bought it and am pleased with it so far.

 

[danski0224]

When i started looking I was looking at Fein, and have read on here and else where on it and other brands, even had my own thread on here asking for input. Thought I made up my mind to get a Dremel but keep coming back to the Fein. Which by the way the closest dealer for them to me is 130 away, so that is a factor, either stock extra blades, or hope you don't break or wear out last one in the middle of a job.

You have got to stock extra blades.

Closest place to home where I can buy them is the local Woodcraft store, which is, if anything, even more expensive than Berlands on Fein stuff. Naturally, the place the blade gets trashed at is at least an hour away.

A pack of 10 blades is a lot less than 1 at a time times 10.

Woodcraft is launching a line of "universal" multitool blades. The pieces I saw on the shelf were made in USA.

 

[NWphotog]

+1 HF version. For the few times I expect to use it, it will be just fine. It already "paid" for itself in its first use.

Mark up another win for the HF models. I bought the more expensive one and it has done everything I ve asked of it and more. I would say if a person is going to use it once a month or more go with one of the more expensive ones just for personal satisfaction. If you will use it less then HF will do everything the more expensive modals do and probably last just as long. Save the hole in the wallet!

 

[Monte]

wait for the new corded Bosch....

 

[fr0mastaj]

wait for the new corded Bosch....

wait how long!? when is that bad larry coming out??
________
#NAME?

 

[Monte]

i dunno exactly, it was just released in germany and also is already available in the UK so can´t be too long until you can buy it i guess. Price is about 140 Euro = $191
But usually the prices in the US are way lower than here in continental europe so maybe around $150.- ??

 

[Stuey]

wait how long!? when is that bad larry coming out??

I'll try to find out as well.

 

[MoparMikeO]

I have the dremel. Noisy, vibrates, gets hot but I could NOT kill it when cutting out sections of 3/4 particle board and trimming 3/4 OSB when repairing the bathroom floor. Blades aren't cheap, and don't last but it did make the job a LOT easier.

 

[Vinko]

One thing I liked about this type of tool was the attachment I saw for just abrasive work on trim. I've got a lot of paint build up on 100 year old kitchen that I'd like to get off and I thought it'd be quicker with the Fein but wasn't sure.

Also thinking about the festool detail sander (but if the Fein can do the same thing why buy two tools) and the attendant vac. But that's got to be about $1000 purchase and haven't been able to take the plunge. But when I re-do the kitchen, it's something I'm considering.

 

[scooby074]

Fein is the cadillac. NO doubt.

Tried the clones ad none have the feel of the Fein that ive used.

That said im holding out for the mains powered Bosch to arrive for trial. I called the bosch help desk only to be told that its not available nor is it coming. Honestly i dont think they had a clue Totally goes against what ive known and expected from bosch.

This is BS as its already here and in the hands of several contractors being tested. On another forum i frequent, i was told expect a March arrival. I was also told the delay is from bosch having issues meeting CSA/UL approval, which is strange as it's CE approved.

Anyways, spec wise the bosch is 250W which matches the Fein. I think it should be a good match for the fein at a lesser price, It'll be interesting to see when it arrives.