I have a home project that I need a multi-tool. I have an old HF one that has been used beyond what it should have, and I want a good replacement.
In my search of what is available locally, most are cordless and I'm thinking I would rather have corded. I see a Craftsman for $89, Kobolt for $99, and a Dewalt for $159. Other local store has some very inexpensive lower power ones and then a 4-amp Masterforce (89+ before rebate). Leaning toward the Craftsman or Kobolt as I don't use my current one a lot, but do want something solid when needed.
well i have one of the original ones made by fein which is top of the line. recently i bought a metabo (formally hitachi) cordless because ive got a bunch of their tools and batteries. it has worked quite well.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
I’ve got the DrWalt model. I think I got it for $99 because I didn’t get the battery (already had them). Aside from not knowing what it costs now (that was a looong time ago), I’ve had no complaints with it.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
I also have a fein---I was told it is the Cadillac of multi tools....of course that was the salesman....BB...I don't know now if one outshines the others, I would just go with whatever cordless line of tools u have for batteries. I would however look to get the Fein line of saws for it...they are expensive but hands down better than most of what is out there.
Thanks for that Pottz. I'm in the market for "middle of the road" so the Fein is well beyond my price point. I understand going with a cordless if you already have invested in that product line.
When I bought mine about 18 years ago Fein was the only one I could buy. But if I had to buy one now maybe I would buy a cheaper one. But the fact that it is already 18 years old makes it clear that the quality of the Fein is excellent. In addition, the vibration transferred to the hand is low.
I have an old Rockwell that I have abused the heck out of and it's held up really good.
Here is a newer one you can compare to with the rest of them. I like that it has 4 1/2 amps over 3amps If I had to buy another one though I would probably splurge for the Dewalt Kit
Figuring out how to do something you have never done is what makes a good challenge.
yeah when i got the fein it was all there was. they had the patent on it i believe ? it was originally invented to cut plaster casts off. i would put fein in the same league as festool.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
I have a 12v and a 18v, along with a corded Bosch Professional All are good tools used in different situations. 12v is light work; 18v is harder small jobs and corded for whatever you through at it.
Sorry I missed several early replies. I am leaning heavily toward corded as I find the charging of batteries to be more frustrating than dealing with a cord. Exceptions exist for sure, but thinking corded at this point.
Guessing Fein had the original patent and thus was the only one until that expired. Sounds like high quality but cost in my quick check is more than I want to spend.
I would buy corded also. Batteries are good but when you don't use it very often. I hate waiting for a battery to charge so I can use the tool for 16 mins
Most lithium chargers go into sleep mode once the battery is charged so there is not problem with just leaving them plugged in and no timer is needed. Mine stay plugged in all the time ensuring that I've always got a fully charged battery. I just tested 3 chargers with fully charged batteries in them by plugging them into my Kill-a-watt and they are pulling just 2 watts for all 3 chargers which is probably just the circuit for the LED that indicates that they are charged. The timer probably pull 1 or 2 watts on it is own so it is not saving you much.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
barb ive had mine on chargers for many years. the reason i went to a timer was i was finding if left on all the time they would discharge ! ive found some batteries do and some dont ? the timer fixed the problem, at least for mine !
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Good battery chargers (from reputable mfgs) meter the charging so they don’t overcharge…never batteries have their own chips inside that do this for themselves…so all you need is a proper power supply and the battery handles it all on their own.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
