MultiTool

[Bill McNiel]

I have an install coming up later this week that a MultiTool would really help with (have to cut out a section of wainscoat consisting of a 8" diameter half round, 1" x 10" fir base and 3' of corrugated sheet metal).

Question is.....which one to buy? The Festool is over $600, Fein at the BORG is $200 and then there are all the rest (Dremel, Dewalt, Makita, etc.) I really don't anticipate using this tool for many other projects, but it will probably come in handy someday, so Festool is probably out.

I would really appreciate some advice/help. Thanks folks by the creek.

[Ben Rivel]

Been thinking about getting one myself. I was planning to go with the DeWalt. Good price, comes with some accessories and good reviews.

[Frank Pratt]

I got a Fein years ago & it hasn't been used a lot. But when you need it, you really need it. The Fein is a wonderful tool to use; very well designed & built.

[Larry Browning]

Bill,
I don't know how you feel about Harbor Freight, but for a one time job, their tools are a pretty good value. They do not even begin to compete with the Fein or even the DeWalt. But they will get the job done at least once, and you will still have some money in your pocket. They have 2 corded versions, one for $20 and the other for $40.

[Malcolm McLeod]

I bought a Dremel for 1-time use - basically looked at it as a throw-away, and paid the absolute least I could find. It did what was needed well, but no clue as to it's durability. It just isn't the do-everything tool they advertise - - at least for me.

If above fits your requirements, then consider this a ringing endorsement. ...IF you work the who-do out of it and it breaks, we never met.

[Cary Falk]

The HF one is hard to beat for the money. I have one somewhere. I replaced it when I got a Bosch with toolless blade changes for a steal. The Bosch is much nicer but the HF got the job done. I find all kind of uses for mine and use it all the time.

[Art Mann]

I have the Porter Cable tool and I have used it many times over many years. I like it a lot. The only problem I have with it is that the blades aren't the standard configuration and some after market brands won't work. I have never had a problem finding blades though.

[Bryan Cramer]

I like the Bosch. It seems to be the best middle of the road tool and It fits other brands of blades.

[Tom Ewell]

I've had Feins in the kit since well before the 'clone wars' but have used a Bosch corded version several times, they're pretty decent and had I started a recent hunt for one I'd look at the Bosch.

Keeping up with blades once you get one is the pita part. I've pretty much settled on Imperial brand for mine but for occasional use the Oshlun stuff is not bad.

[Bill Ryall]

I like the Bosch. It seems to be the best middle of the road tool and It fits other brands of blades.

+1 for the Bosch. I don't use mine all the time, but am really glad to have it when I do. Well worth the money.

[Randy Viellenave]

I bought a $30 Harbor Freight a few years ago thinking I would get a good one when it died if I liked it. Problem is the damn thing won't die! It has ample power, is loud, and I have abused it heavily. Cut wood, metal (great for slipping between things to cut nails), and grout . Some day I will finally kill this thing and get a cordless.

[Javed Akhtar]

I have the Ridgid cordless one. The only reason I chose that one is because I already have a number of Ridgid 18V tools, so being able to share batteries topped the list. I don't use it a lot, but when I do, it's often the only tool that will do the job.

[Frederick Skelly]

I have the Ridgid corded model. Works just fine and performs well. I just can't see a need to spend any more, given how seldom I need to use it.

[Kevin McCluney]

I've had a Dremel for a number of years. I don't use it day in and day out, just occasionally. It's only drawback so far is the vents are positioned so that after extended use it's uncomfortable to hold due to the heat.

[Lee Schierer]

+2 for the Bosch. I used a Dremel multi-tool once for a short while and it got so hot I could hardly stand to hold on to it. The Bosch has more power, is somewhat quieter and has variable speed.

[John Sanford]

If you're already invested in a cordless system, just get the unit (bare tool) that goes with your cordless. Or go Harbor Freight.

[Greg R Bradley]

For one time and maybe sometime later, the question is Multi-tool or no Multi-tool. Any Multi-tool does some jobs very well that can't be done with others. Originally developed for cutting plaster casts off people without hurting the human inside, they are magic for some jobs.

I certainly love many of my Festool tools but their Multi-tool seems silly for almost everyone other than a few users. I have an older Fein and also the new 350Q, which is a big improvement for regular use where you are constantly changing blades for different functions. My Bosch 12v is great when I (rarely) need the cordless.

Just buy ONE and go from there - and don't believe they are worth much for sanding except for very rare functions in corners and such........

[Rich Engelhardt]

HF - $17 on sale.
I have two. I keep a half moon undercut blade on one and a 2.5" Imperial blade on the other.

I just burned up one of the HF ones last Winter. One second it was working, the next it was dead.
No great loss. I worked it really hard & it did the job well.

I had a Dremel. Piece of junk. Ran so hot you had to wear a glove. It burned up after a grand total of less than an hour running time spread out over a year and a half.
Dremel did away with that original configuration because it was so bad.

I had the pure pleasure of using a corded Ridgid a month ago. Lots of power, comfortable grip & multi speed. Very nice unit.
If I used one more often, I'd probably go with the Ridgid.

[Ed Edwards]

I have to cut out a section of wainscot consisting of a 8" diameter half round?

I have and will continue to recommend the Fein unit. Hard used between my Son and myself, good running piece.
Also Imperial blades from Tools on Sale.

Ed :D

[Pete Janke]

Years ago I bought a Genesis brand (clone of many other cheap brands) off Amazon. I think it was under $40 and came with several accessories. It won't die and does a lot of little things: cutting out the base boards for the new tile, chopping off nails in tight spots, cutting that odd shaped hole or space out of a wooden project, scraping glue off smooth concrete, sanding in tight spots, cutting out the whole for a new outlet in sheetrock. You get the idea. I tried the more expensive brands at shows. They work great and are probably better balanced and quieter, but for the small amount I use it, the cheapo does the job.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I have a Bosch cordless, for the reasons you want cordless. Works well, batteries last pretty long time. I agree with the others, not a lot of use, but it does that odd job well. Sits collecting dust most of the time. I've used the Fien, it's much better, but heavier. Ironically, I just used it a couple days ago. Glad I had it. Batteries had some juice in it after sitting for a long time unused.
Can't argue with the HF version though......

[Paul F Franklin]

Bought the Fein many years ago. Went to use it last year and the internal fork broke (which seems to be fairly common, from what I read). Part from Fein is $90! And a @$#@ to replace as the bearings are pressed in.

Threw it on the "to be fixed" pile and bought the dewalt cordless and haven't looked back. The only thing I miss from the Fein is the profile sanding attachment. Dewalt has flat sanding pads but no profile attachment.


I would suggest that while this might seem like a one time need...as so often is the case, once you have it you will use more than you might think....so I suggest buying a quality tool.

[Paul Wunder]

Like Randy, I too bought a $20 Harbor Freight multi tool for "one job." It is now four years old and it is my "go to" tools for trim, hanging doors, cutting tile grout and just about anything where I can try to kill this beast.

Best "durn" $20 tool I ever bought.

[Greg Hines, MD]

I got a Porter Cable version on discount at Woodcraft a couple of years ago, and while I do not use it often, it has worked very well the times I have needed it.

Doc

[Mike Hollingsworth]

I've had a Fein for 10 years but prefer my Milwaukee cordless.

[Steve Wilde]

The festool is basically a rebranded fein by the way. I have had a fein for close to 10 years and it doesn't get used that often, but when it does its worth it's weight in gold!

[guy young]

I have both a Dremel and a Fein. I bought the Dremel as I thought I would only use it once in a blue moon. I used all the time, enough to wear it out. It lasted me a few years. So I bought the newest Dremel for work in grout, cement, and fiberglass; as these material eat the motor. I also have the Fein for my wood work and renovations. I found that this is an indispensable tool.
So if you are sure you will not be using it again, get a Dremel.

[Sam Murdoch]

I am amazed to say but I WIL HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Harbor Freight variable speed models. Less than $ 32.00 with their ubiquitous 20% off coupons :D. I bought one about 3 years ago when I asked the same question here on the Creek. I have used mine very hard - (as professional remodeling and cabinetry builder and installer - among other things in the trades) very hard - for those 3 years - exclusively as a cutting tool - no sanding. I have cut through sooo much old house imbedded with nails as well as some custom cabinetry that needed a tweak and plumbing too and lots of sheetrock.

AND - I just today (TRULY) received my new cordless version with an extra battery to give my corded one a rest.


The down sides:

1) The carrying case is just barely big enough.
2) The cord is just barely long enough.
3) It is a loud screechy thing.
4) Totally inadequate for sanding.

The battery version doesn't come with a carrying case or any accessories.

After 3 years the corded version seems to be loosing the ability to maintain the high speed. Vibrations keep winding it down. Still works great but I need to constantly change the speed. Figured it is on its way out so I bough the cordless, though I would not be surprised to work the old one hard for still another year.

Blade are more expensive then the machine. I have learned to buy Bosch carbides for metal and nail imbedded wood, and Imperial by the 10 or 20 pack for the woodwork.

I very rarely use my nice Makita anti vibe sawzall since buying this HF tool.

All this from a guy who is by local reputation a tool snob. Lots of Festool and Milwaukee in my work day. I only own 1 HF tool (now 2) and they are both Chicago Electric multi tools. No verdict or recommendation on the cordless version yet - but I'll keep you posted :).

[Mel Fulks]

Thanks for revue ,Sam. Gonna get one. Reading the "down sides" it sounds like they are up to USA standards!

[Ben Rivel]

Which Bosch do you guys that are recommending it have? There are a couple different models on the market now it looks like.

[Sam Murdoch]

Thanks for revue ,Sam. Gonna get one. Reading the "down sides" it sounds like they are up to USA standards!

Don't mention it :D. I can with confidence say - you'll get your money's worth. Even if you need to buy two more in the next year you will still be ahead - of all the options. :rolleyes: But as I and others have said, these seem hard to kill. Enjoy the new tool.

[Cary Falk]

Which Bosch do you guys that are recommending it have? There are a couple different models on the market now it looks like.
I have the Bosch mx30ec-31with the tooless blade changes. Lowe's was closing them for $80.:D

[Michael Sloop]

I've had the dremel for years and love the tool. I'm not a professional, but it has never disappointed with the occasional use I require of it. No experience with other brands.

[Bill McNiel]

I want to thank (mahalo) all the fine folks here who took the time to give their honest opinions on muti-tools. This sharing of experiences is a significant part of what make Sawmill Creek such a great resource.

Thank you again! Bill

[Mark W Pugh]

I got a Fein years ago & it hasn't been used a lot. But when you need it, you really need it. The Fein is a wonderful tool to use; very well designed & built.

+1 I've had one for years, and I've used it more than I thought I would have. There is always a cut that you just can't seem to figure out with other tools. This is where this tool shines.

[Paul F Franklin]

Probably not a factor here, but since it hasn't been mentioned in this thread...Fein and Bosch have adopted a new quick attach blade configuration, called Starlock (or something close to that). Now that there are lots of choices of compatible blades that work on multiple machines...this will add another version to the mix...and probably lock in proprietary blade sales, at least for a while.