Comments on: Multi-Tasking Tools

By: John

John — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:10:24 +0000

Al, I see the HF model now, thanks. I made a mistake with the Hardin tool; it has variable speeds. It looks like the Hardin speeds are a bit higher than the HF speeds (2400 vs 2000 opm) but it’s hard to see any other difference.

If I get either one, I’ll post back.

John

By: Al

Al — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:34:33 +0000

John,
Harbor Freight has an upgraded version of their original tool like the one you have.
This upgraded tool has variable speeds and it costs about $60.
They also have a pneumatic version that costs about $49.
Al

By: Tristan Katz

Tristan Katz — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:00:38 +0000

Hi John,
We have been working to implement this function. Unfortunately some of the software presents glitches and problems for a few readers, so we have tried to keep things simple for everyone. I’ll see what I can do!
Thanks,
Tristan

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:53:18 +0000

Moderator Question: Can I subscribe to this thread so that if anyone posts I’ll be notified?
Thanks,
John

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:41:35 +0000

I don’t know if it’s too late to be commenting on this article but I have the HF version of this tool. I bought it as a test to see how much I’d use it and I find that I don’t use it every day but if it broke tomorrow I’d run out and get another.
The current job has involved a lot of detail sanding and this tool is getting a workout (as are my helpers)
I’d like to upgrade to a multi-speed (and higher speed) tool but not spend the $ on the Fein. The HARDIN AZ318-2 is selling on Ebay for under $70(sometimes) and they have a 250w motor like the Fein but only two speeds. They come with a 2yr warranty and I think they take most other blades.
Has anyone had a chance to check one of these out? As far as the corded models go, they seem to be a nice upgrade from the HF version without even approaching the Fein price. I can’t find any independent reviews of them online though they’ve been selling via Ebay for some time.

Thanks,
John

By: Robby

Robby — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:26:25 +0000

I’ve used all but the dremel. I held off on buying a Fien simply because they were so expensive. I’m the guy who usually bucks up and buys the best. I always end up regretting the purchase of a lesser quality tool when I replace it with the quality tool I should have bought in the first place.

With that being said, I found myself in a situation where I HAD to have a multi tool to perform a jamb cut in repair. I bought the Harbor Freight unit figuring if it got me through this one job it would be money well spent.

Well it was. I’ve used it a dozen times since and it has earned a spot in my ‘go-box’. And at $40, I can afford to replace it quite a few times before I get to the cost of the Fien, although I imagine I will step up the the Fien when the Harbor Freight tool dies, but I think thats just the tool snob in me. The harbor Frieght tool has been a pretty good performer, I reluctantly admit.

By: Wyatt

Wyatt — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:02:38 +0000

I bought the Bosch Multi-X a year ago with the intention of using it for all the great things that I used to borrow my father’s Multimaster for. It has really been an awesome tool for the money. After having it out to cut in an outlet on a job I figured I would use it to cut some shims as well. Best time / knuckle saver I have found recently as a finish carpenter. I never use my utility knife to cut shims anymore. Job after job it continues to be great and reliable for cutting shims on tons of doors, windows, extension jambs, built-ins etc… On top of all of the other great uses.

By: Richie

Richie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:31:30 +0000

Great article! My company owns 4 Fein Multi-Masters. The Fein tool is a bit pricey, but we use them everyday on almost every job. We primarily use it when replacing casing, by cutting back baseboard. Its also great for cutting shoe mold. Sometimes its a bit dangerous cutting small shoe on miter saw, so we usually just cut it all with the fein. It also cuts copper pipe like butter. Just last week I was cutting out some damaged crown only to find the crown was hiding an “exposed” copper water line. Man did that water flow fast. The tool got soaked and still worked like a charm!

I am curious about the author’s after-market blades. I plan on ordering some assuming they are just as good as the Fein blades.

Personally I own the Dremel. Its great for the occasional user, but for a serious profession the Fein can’t be beat.

By: Curtis

Curtis — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:08:31 +0000

We’ve been using the Dremel for a few months now with so-so results. Our ultimate need was for removing silicone caulk “window glaze” to replacing Andersen and WeatherShield glass seal failures. It has worked out well but the unit definitely gets too hot to handle and must be set aside to cool.

Additional uses have been slow to develop as they did with the original too small Dremel rotary tool.

We will purchase a Fein when we can afford to!

By: Al Constan

Al Constan — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:02:48 +0000

Dan,
The other day I was playing with one of the 2 Chicago tools I own for testing purposes and it did a very decent job at cutting a section of hard oak.
The one I was using was the first one to come out, without the 4 pins in the arbor and the blade was coming lose no matter how hard I tightened the screw.
Then I tried the one with the pins in the arbor and the blade didn’t come lose.
These are inexpensive tools expected to be discarded when they breakdown because there is no repair service available for them like Fein or other manufacturers have for their tools.
That’s the drawback with the tools Harbor Freight sells.
Aside from that those cheap, throw away tools are a valuable alternative to the more expensive versions for those people who will use it sporadically.
Al