Multitool

[bvmsheds]

Hi happy new year to all. I am after a multitool any info gladly received.

 

[marcros]

as in leatherman or fein?

 

[bvmsheds]

Hi As in Fein Makita that type

 

[D_W]

If you post it in this forum, you're likely to get suggestions of combination planes.

(I've got a fein set "top plus" or something and like it, but they sold returns here in the US at one point "refurbished" for $199 in that set. half price. I've rarely used it, but when redoing my kitchen and cutting odd bits to fit flooring round or under something, invaluable).

 

[Cabinetman]

Not a tool I use very often, but as most people know completely invaluable sometimes. I bought Screwfix's Erbaur, not expensive and it came in a nice carry bag, it’s done quite a bit of work really – works well if a bit noisy. Ian
Ps I see they have an updated version for £60 now

 

[marcros]

I bought a black and decker. it wasnt expensive but probably best avoided. It has done the couple of jobs that I wanted it for.

 

[Rorton]

for me, I prefer having one with the quickly removable blades - it can be a pain when using that you have to keep getting an Allen key out to change the blade, so some sort of quick release mechanism gets a thumbs up from me. I dont use mine a lot either, but it has been useful fitting wardrobes and cutting the skirting boards - ive yet to try it, but people also love it for flush cutting things like dowels etc

 

[johnnyb]

I've got the fein one with starlock. it really is an incredible tool. a true game changers tbh.(not really in the workshop but on site) as a comparison I found the erbauer just makes a lot of noise with hardly any cut. to perform at the top level the blade is very important. Saxton japanese style are best for wood.

 

[johnnyb]

just a correction saxton don't sell starlock(that i could see) i think i used shark blades on ebay.

 

[NewbieRaf]

I got the fine cordless, nice bit of kit although I don’t use it much. It’s great for those quick jobs oh and also detail sanding

 

[robgul]

For the odd use I have a cheapie VonHaus multi-tool (corded) - plus some extra blades from Screwfix. Works for me for cutting and sanding

 

[OrangeFive]

I have a Makita 18v multi tool. Like has already been mentioned it’s an Allen key to change the blade. The Allen key is held on the machine but it vibrates off. Invaluable tool for things nothing else will do but very noisy.

 

[Mickjay]

I have a corded green bosch bought in 2013 for a house refurb, it doesn't get used that often now but when it does it's invaluable. When my sons ring up to borrow it they ask for 'the magic tool'. No idea about later models but this one is very noisy but I would replace it in a flash if and when it dies. I'm also a big fan of Saxton multi tool blades.

 

[porker]

I've got the cheaper green Bosch and the Fein. They both work OK but the Fein is nicer to use as less vibration through the hand and easier blade changes. The Bosch works fine though, but I think that's what you get for paying a bit more. I've tried all the blades from expensive to cheap and although some of the dearer ones are marginally better, I think for the price you get more mileage from the Saxton / Shark tier of blades. I do mostly home DIY where I am often undercutting wood against plaster and masonary. As soon as wood teeth hit masonary or a nail it takes the teeth off and even cheap blades aren't cheap. Very useful tool and I would say gets used most days for something and the delta sanding can occasionally be useful to get into tight spots.

 

[bvmsheds]

Thanks all for the great comments , will have a look online now. Regards Bernard

 

[Ollie78]

Get a Fein, all others are a copy of it.
The new anti vibration system in them is very good. I managed to buy a non star lock one but with the newer anti vibration system.
The Starlock bit holder method means you have to buy more expensive blades.

 

[Rorschach]

If you think you are going to use it a lot, buy a good one. If you are just dipping your toes in, buy any one of the cheap models around £20-30, corded. They are fantastic tools but despite their "multi" name they are actually rather specialist in what they do. I use mine a handful of times a year, when I do use it it's great, but for most everyday jobs there is a better tool.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

As above with Saxton - if you're going to ruin a blade, you'll ruin it whether it's cheap or expensive, and if multitool blades are like their jigsaw blades expensive ones don't give a significant enough advantage to justify the extra cost.

 

[Lonsdale73]

I had an Erbauer which was LOUD but did cut - eventually. It was bought for a specific task then sat, largely forgotten for months until I remembered I had it and promptly sold it. As usually happens, soon after selling it I had a need for one. I managed to pick up a DeWalt cordless one for not much more than the Erbauer cost. World of difference, much, much quieter and cuts like the proverbial hot knife. Still doesn't get used much.

 

[Doug71]

Until recently I always used the corded Fein ones, can't fault them. Thing is I often only need it for a quick cut on site, plugging it in was an extra hassle and sometimes I use it up a ladder so it made sense to go cordless. I'm on the Makita battery platform so went for theirs, it's definitely not as smooth as the Feins, more vibration but like I say it's only for quick cuts, if I need it for something serious I can blow the dust off the Fein. I got the Makita model where you don't need an Allen key to change the blade, the little lever you lift instead is plastic and feels a bit weak but hasn't snapped yet! Regarding blades I use Saxton.