Suggestions for Oscillating Tool Purchase

[julian abram]

I've had the Harbor Freight version of this tool for several years. It has finally given up the ghost on me. I would consider purchasing another HF but would like to move up to something better. I know I want a corded tool instead of cordless. Seems like the quick change blade feature would be desirable as well. Dewalt, Bosch, Porter Cable, Dremel, Rockwell, etc, any suggestions? Fein would not be a consideration based on price.

[Chris Padilla]

I have a Bosch and am quite happy with it. I had a shock when I found out the cost of new blades (they really don't last long, do they?) but when I demo'ed my bathroom, it was THE tool for cutting out bad studs and sill plates and such so totally worth it.

[Mike Henderson]

I tried several and when using them, there's not a lot of difference. I haven't tried the Festool but the cost kind of eliminates that one. I have the HF now and if it died I'd probably buy another one.

But a lot depends on how frequently you use it. If it's for a one time project, go HF. If you use it every day, I'd go with a more name brand. And as Chris said, no matter which you buy, the cost is in the blades.

Mike

[Ed Labadie]

I went with the DeWalt cordless, been very pleased with it. Only thing I dislike is the variable speed trigger, would prefer a separate speed dial.

They also offer a corded version.

Ed

[Larry Fox]

I have a Bosch and am quite happy with it.

Same here.

[Tom Willoughby]

I went with the DeWalt cordless, been very pleased with it. Only thing I dislike is the variable speed trigger, would prefer a separate speed dial. They also offer a corded version. Ed

I also purchased the DeWalt cordless; mainly since I already have the batteries and didn't want a cord on the tool. I bought the HF corded version first and ended up using it more than anticipated, which prompted the upgrade.

Tom

[Art Mann]

I have used the heck out of my Porter Cable corded tool for remodeling purposes and it has never let me down. I must warn you that it requires Porter Cable or compatible blades. Some saws will use generic blades that are more widely available.

[Yonak Hawkins]

I have a Bosch and am quite happy with it. I had a shock when I found out the cost of new blades (they really don't last long, do they?) but when I demo'ed my bathroom, it was THE tool for cutting out bad studs and sill plates and such so totally worth it.

I also have a Bosch, battery powered but, unfortunately, the battery doesn't last with this tool. I'm thinking of buying a corded one.

..And, speaking of using it on a bathroom project, it's great for removing grout.

[Mike Schuch]

My HF variable speed oscillating tool has been running well for about 6 years now. My GF bought the non-variable speed version and she has had 2 die on her in a couple of years. I don't know if the variable speed versions are more robust, if I just got lucky or if HF cheapened their oscillating tools over the years?

[Jim Dwight]

When my first HF died I bought a second one. First HF tool I've had die. I used it hard when I used it. The new one is shaped a bit different. It works just like the last one. It isn't a real nice tool but how can you go badly wrong when it is on sale for $15? The multi-speed one is $30. I'd like to have the Ryobi 18V but I can't justify $70 (without batteries) when the $15 tool works fine. I don't do any work on finished pieces with it so I don't see why the cruder tool isn't OK.

[Myk Rian]

I've had the Harbor Freight version of this tool for several years. It has finally given up the ghost on me. I would consider purchasing another HF but would like to move up to something better.
Have you changed the brushes? They do come with a new set.

[julian abram]

Have you changed the brushes? They do come with a new set.

Yes brushes did not help. It's death was my fault, got baptized during a bathroom remodel. They do not like water immersion!

[Neil Gaskin]

I've had the Harbor Freight version of this tool for several years. It has finally given up the ghost on me. I would consider purchasing another HF but would like to move up to something better. I know I want a corded tool instead of cordless. Seems like the quick change blade feature would be desirable as well. Dewalt, Bosch, Porter Cable, Dremel, Rockwell, etc, any suggestions? Fein would not be a consideration based on price.


I know you said Fein is not a consideration but I would try to reconsider if you use it heavily. In my remodeling company we have owned several and the Fein model we originally purchased, along with two others are still in use. The other brands have not lasted. With that said, our guys use them daily and they take a beating.

I did see Home Depot had the Fein for $199

[Robert Parent]

I also have a Fein and really like it..... If I were to buy a lower cost tool, I would read the reviews and then go to the store ans see which one fits your hand best. Variable speed is a must have.

Robert

[Mike Hollingsworth]

Another reason to get on the bandwagon with the Milwaukee 12 volt system.
This thing works better than my multimaster.
Bare Tool is $119


312489

[julian abram]

I know you said Fein is not a consideration but I would try to reconsider if you use it heavily. In my remodeling company we have owned several and the Fein model we originally purchased, along with two others are still in use. The other brands have not lasted. With that said, our guys use them daily and they take a beating.

I did see Home Depot had the Fein for $199

Well I guess I will give Fein a look. I knew they ran about $300+ but see now that they have a lower amp model in the $160-170 range on Amazon. Was not aware of that, thanks for the heads up!

[David Hendricks]

I love my Porter Cable 18V multi tool, as noted the blades are a PITA in that you can either use PC or Rockwell blades and are pretty expensive. Truth be told I would consider the HF multi tool, get the warranty and blade prices would probably pay for the warranty pretty quickly.

[John K Jordan]

I have also had the Fein kit for years and I'm impressed by the quality (and even by the length of the power cord!) I use it often. I am by no means a tool snob but the thing I've learned over the decades is I'v never been sorry buying the best tools I could afford.

JKJ

[Justin Ludwig]

I have used the heck out of my Porter Cable corded tool for remodeling purposes and it has never let me down. I must warn you that it requires Porter Cable or compatible blades. Some saws will use generic blades that are more widely available.

+1 I'm very happy with mine. With whatever brand you choose, shop around for blades. They can be expensive. Sometimes the cheapest is Amazon, sometimes AcmeTools, etc.

[Jim German]

Another reason to get on the bandwagon with the Milwaukee 12 volt system.
This thing works better than my multimaster.
Bare Tool is $119


312489

Thats the 18V version, which has a toolless blade change and is $120, the 12V version is only $80 (bare tool) but needs an allen key to change blades.

I've found the 12V version to work quite well, but if you're going to be using it day in and out, the 18V version is worth the extra $40 (assuming you're already in the Milwaukee battery system)

[Rick Lizek]

Google oscillating tool reviews. I like cordless as I only use intermittent. I have the Makita 18 volt because I have a set of makita tools. Look for Imperial blades. Also consider the Oshlun blades. Best prices!

[Lee Schierer]

The first Oscillating tool I used was loaned to me by a contractor. It was a Dremel and while it did a good job of cutting, it was very loud and got very hot during use. I purchased a Bosch corded model and it has done excellent work for me and I use it fairly often. The Bosch I have has variable speed which is a nice feature. Bosch seems to have the best blade selection. It works for long periods of time without getting hot like the Dremel did and I don't think it is quite as noisy, though you'll want to wear eye and ear protection when using any of them. I would definitely buy another one.

[Douglas Williams]

I’m just curious. I have the variable speed HF and it is a screamer when cutting. Are the higher priced models quieter or do all of them put out a lot of noise.

[Roger Pozzi]

Interesting thread but, could someone state the need for variable speed?
(Hope this isn't considered a hijack.)

[cody michael]

I have a corded, cheap model, probably the same as hf, and a battery ridgid one, the ridgid is defienetely nicer, and I have rarely ran out of battery power, I normally use it for small odd jobs, my cheap (menards cheap brand) model is very loud, like you need ear plugs loud, I think the ridgid is quite a bit quieter.

[Matt Meiser]

I had the Rockwell which I got pretty soon after it came out and while it was good it did get quite hot. I found a good deal on a Fein starter kit and bought that which is a lot nicer tool and has a quick-release blade. However, if I was buying a new one today, I'd probably buy the Milwaukee M12 since I don't use it a ton and the convenience of not having to find a plug would be really nice.

[David C. Roseman]

Julian, I have both the Fein and Harbor Freight variable speed, corded models. The Fein is superb, of course, but I've got to say the HF model is quite impressive, even apart from the price point.

[Yonak Hawkins]

...could someone state the need for variable speed?

Good question.

[John Sanford]

Yes brushes did not help. It's death was my fault, got baptized during a bathroom remodel. They do not like water immersion!

Ahhh, it didn't die, it was murdered!!! :eek:

You can get the "classic" Fein at a lot of Home Depots for $199. I even saw one of the stores near me clearing them out for some odd reason for $117!!! :eek: I shoulda grabbed one, but I've only used my 12v Bosch unit twice, so I passed. They were gone the next morning....

[John Sanford]

Interesting thread but, could someone state the need for variable speed?
(Hope this isn't considered a hijack.)

Material. If you're cutting plastics you'll want to slow down, otherwise you can melt the plastic and that just gets troublesome....

[Lee Schierer]

Interesting thread but, could someone state the need for variable speed?
(Hope this isn't considered a hijack.)

The variable speed lets you cut without melting the material if it is plastic and without burning the wood and/or blades if it is wood.

I find that the noise level depends on some degree on what you are cutting. Wood items can resonate and get quite loud. I don't have any other unit to compare to and manufacturers typically don't publish sound levels. I did find a review (https://toolsreviewer.com/oscillating-tool-reviews/) of some models where sound levels are discussed.

[Frederick Skelly]

Hmmmm. Looks like I'm the only person who has/likes the Ridgid corded oscillating tool. Bought it online 3 years ago and it does everything I need. Price was fair. Performance is good.
Fred

[Bruce Wrenn]

I have two of the HF's and a Fein that my son rescued from a dumpster. Use thew HF's daily. Still haven't even plugged in the Fein.

[Mike Cutler]

Hmmmm. Looks like I'm the only person who has/likes the Ridgid corded oscillating tool. Bought it online 3 years ago and it does everything I need. Price was fair. Performance is good.
Fred

Frederick

Nope, you aren't the only one. I too have the Rigid and pretty much brutalized it doing a roofing/front porch repair a couple years back. I cut shingles, nails, barn board and batten siding. As a matter of fact, I have to perform a similar job with it soon.
I just used it a few weeks ago to cut out and replace some sheetrock and wooden trim in the house. It's a nice tool. Kind of limited use, but it works.

I got the Rigid at Home Depot.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I have a Porter Cable, it worked fine for the one thing I've "needed" it for, which was flush cutting a drain pipe in a shower. I have to wonder though, is this tool the rotozip of this era??? I resisted buying one for a long time because I could always find a way with an existing tool. In a moment of weakness, I took the retail therapy and the PC followed me home, but I can seriously think of pretty much no real world situations where having it is beneficial.

[Lee Schierer]

but I can seriously think of pretty much no real world situations where having it is beneficial.

If you put laminate flooring down, the multi tool is terrific for trimming all the door trim so the laminate will slip under the trim. I also used mine to install light switches in two closet doors so the light would come on whenever the door was opened. I could plunge cut through the door jamb and into the jack stud to accommodate the electrical box. We used my multi-tool to plunge cut pieces of decking directly over the joist where pieces needed replacement where we didn't want to rip up the entire board.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Lee, glad you use and like yours. I have used a purpose made undercutting saw and my biscuit cutter for cutting door jams, so I didn't need it for that. It does plunge cut solid wood better than anything else I've used, but I tend to just use the sawzall with a good blade to do the same thing, but much faster. To each their own, not trying to pick on happy owners, just saying that I personally find very little use for one.

[Jim German]

Has anyone used the Fein Supercut, or the Festool Vecturo and compared it at all to one of the ones that costs 1/4 the price? Everyone so far in the thread seems happy with the one they have, I'm curious if the more expensive ones cut faster, or quieter, or with less vibration or something.

[Matt Meiser]

Also awesome for cutting accurate openings for wall boxes with minimal damage to the drywall.