All too often, things break down or go bust. Door frames show signs of aging, pipes become rusted and so on. You want to save your precious time for important things, like having a barbecue with the family, seeing a movie with your friends, or eating ice cream. You should be able to do all of those things, in that order, because this is a free country, and, getting work done on your house is, quite often, outrageously, expensive. So, you get out your saw set and start hacking away, but, somewhere between frustration and exhaustion, about eight hours later, you give up on the to-do list. Instead of giving up, go back to the start and step up your game with an oscillating multi-tool set. With one of these onboard, along with some tips about the tool and reviews of the best units, you’ll be ready to take on that busted flooring or burst pipe, once again.
Tool and Features
The size, strength and adaptability of any specific multi-tool are completely variable. A small, corded oscillating saw can be more powerful than a large model of a cordless saw. However, the opposite is also true. The right tool for you depends on your specific needs.
For most DIY projects and at home repairs, a hand operated, cordless multi-tool, like the Rockwell RK2863K, is the perfect type of model. If you prefer a model that has a bit more size to operate with, the DEWALT DCS355D1 is a great two-handed unit. If you are doing more hardwood and hard metal cutting on a regular basis, it might be better to get a corded tool.
Even so, a 20-volt battery unit, such as the Bosch MXH180BL, will get you through quite a number of cuts before the added stress would warrant a charged battery replacement. Units, like the FEIN AFMM 14, can cut through nails as though they were balsa wood. However, unlike other models, this unit does not have the feature of universal adaptability, though it does come as a kit that includes most of the necessary attachments.
As you review the proposed units, think about what features stick out as being potentially useful to your usage needs. Also, pay attention to the benefits that might come from the features that you never thought of needing. Each cordless multi-tool reviewed represents a type of oscillating multi-tool.
Best Cordless Multi-Tools
1. Rockwell RK2863K 20V Max Cordless Li-ion Sonicrafter 27-Piece Kit
Rockwell has designed a compact and powerful multi-tool in the RK2863K. The unit is built to have a tool-free changing system, which results in seamless transitioning between attachments. Rockwell has also designed it to be universally adaptable with its own and many other brands accessories. The angled design of the battery pack acts to evenly displace the weight of the unit. With a variable speed adjustment feature, users can limit or extend the oscillation rate for precise work, when needed. Finally, this multi-tool comes with 27 cutting, sanding and grinding accessories and a 20-volt battery, giving users enough power and versatility to tackle any job.
The benefit of this tool comes from its power and many features. This unit is one of the smallest of the cordless multi-tools, making it great for tight, hard to reach spaces. It also comes with 27 accessories, perfect for beginners and craftsmen who need extra parts. And the fact that these parts are universally adaptable puts the Rockwell RK2863K oscillating multi-tool at the top of the list.
2. DEWALT DCS355D1 20V XR Lithium-Ion Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
DeWALT has put together the multi-tool and a few attachments, along with lots of little extras. 28 pieces and accessories are included in this pack, filling out the many functions of this tool.
The unit is cordless but it is not weak. The body of the tool sports a 20 Ah battery and all together, the kit weighs 6.6 pounds, with 3.2 of it coming from the main multi-tool unit. What’s more, there’s no need to get a wrench out every time you wish to switch attachments. Pressing the spring-pressured clamp allows the blade or attachment to be detached for an easy exchange.
Two few features that make this multi-tool unique are its size and light. It comes equipped with an LED light and oscillation speed control that can be operated with one hand. Also, the innovation of a brushless motor gives up to 57% more power than its competitors.
This unit is perfect for projects in which you want more control. The size of this unit allows for sturdy, two-handed operation and is built for increased pressure excursion, from other models. This multi-tool is the best for experienced contractors and those working with heavy duty cutting requirements.
3. PORTER CABLE PCC710B 20-Volt MAX Lithium Bare Oscillating Tool, 20-Piece
The Porter features a two-finger tool-free system. It is fitted with an adjustable speed dial, with capabilities between 8000 and 18,000 oscillations per minute. It is outfitted with an LED work light and includes 20 accessories.
The benefit of the tool-free feature is the speed and efficiency of switching attachments. This saves time and effort, rather than using a wrench. A variable speed-dial grants the ability of the user to fine tune the cutting speed, for the needs of individual materials. An LED work light is especially useful for such a small, one-handed unit. It has the ability to fit and see into dark, tight spaces. The accessories which are included are a complete set of accessories needed for most, small scale, projects.
The Porter Cable PCC710B is the best cordless precision multi-tool, for the value, here reviewed. Coming in under $100 makes it a great choice for those interested in some extra attachments that are not included in the set. The power and torque that is packed into this compact design is impressive. It would take a while to cut a 4 by 4 in half. This is why, a craftsman should have both: a unit for larger work like the DeWalt DCS355D1, and a precision multi-tool, such as the Porter Cable PCC710B.
4. Bosch MXH180B Bare-Tool 18V Brushless Oscillating Tool
Designed with brushless EC motor technology, the bare-tool is yet another high-quality oscillating multi-tool by Bosch. It features a multi-X design and a tool-free change lever. The speed is variable, between 8,000-20,000 oscillations per minute. This unit features a constant response circuitry, a unique feature.
The brushless motor provides up to 30% more power for a longer operational period. Its multi-x design allows for many different job applications, such as flush-cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, grinding, grout removal, and scraping. No wrench or screwdriver is needed, as the Bosch bare-tool multi-tool allows for 12 different position changes, and accessory swaps, with nothing but a lever. The greatest benefit of this multi-tool is the constant response circuitry, which maintains the oscillation speed, even when under intense pressure.
The Bosch MXH180B bare-tool 18-v brushless oscillating tool is the best-reviewed pick for quality cordless multi-tools on the market. Bosch has, for a long time, been a quality standard in oscillating tools. There are not many companies that manufacturer both oscillating tools and oscillating accessories at the quality of Bosch products. The power on this guy is high, because of the brushless motor. The stand out feature of this oscillating tool is the circuitry control system, granting the consistency and reliability needed for fine work. It is the best multi-tool for contractors and professionals, as well as users who prioritize quality.
5. Fein Cordless MultiMaster AFMM 14
The Fein Cordless features an identical power ratio to that of the corded multi-tool version. It has a large battery capacity, comprised of eight Li-ion batteries. It features electronic speed control and eight-point tool mounting. It has been designed with a soft grip zone and balanced weight distribution. It is compatible with many of the multi-tool accessories on the market.
The parallel performance attributes come from the high-torque motor and large battery capacity. The quick rapid change system makes for convenient attachment swaps, and each battery has an indicator for easy identification of battery status. The battery is a high tech Li-ion battery and monitors the eight cells individually, for masterful torque transfer.
The Fein Multi Master is the pick for best feature for multi-tools, due to its self-monitoring, 8-cell Li-ion battery. Torque is everything, as anyone who has used one knows. The more torque, the more power and control. For a craftsman, it’s all about control. However, the unique feature of the Li-ion also means that the product is more a more specialist tool and might be harder to find parts. All in all, the Fein Cordless Multi Master is a great pick for beginners, intermediates and masters alike.
Don't get your hacksaw stuck behind the water heater again. Invest in a tool that will do the job and will let you enjoy the work. No one likes spending their days as the unstoppable force, against the unmovable object. Make your life a little easier and consider getting one of the best cordless oscillating multi-tools on the market. You will have so much more time to do all the overdue stuff that you’ve been putting off because of projects that you couldn't complete at home. Your house, family and friends will all thank you and they might even want you to help them with projects of their own.
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