A very useful tool which as a plumber I have used many times in many situations, one thing i have learned is to go with a variable speed unit and when cutting wood run it at the lowest speed, it is easier to control and won’t burn the blade as easy. Another thing, don’t force the cut, let the tool do the work and back it out periodically to clear the sawdust.
take a 1/8 inch drill bit and probe before cutting. You will feel the stud behind the OSB with the drill bit. Can save a ton of time as the 1/8 hole is easy to patch.
Very useful, thanks. If using a thin Angle-Grinder cutting blade to re sharpen multitool blades (or anything else) note that they are not supposed to be used as side-grinding discs. You might get away with slight side-pressure (you might not). You really don’t want a faceful of 12000 rpm shattering cutting disc - it is not a beauty treatment! Les
I bought a Fein Multi-tool years ago after seeing it at a woodworking show. I was worried a bit at the time as it was the most expensive tool in my arsenal. However it became my 'Get Out Of Jail Free Card' on countless occasions. Every serious DiYer or Tradesman should have this in their tool kit. Thanks for the video Stuart, very informative and clearly explained as always.
Before I retired I used to sell them One customer came in and bought one for one particular job as the amount of time it saved him made the cost worthwhile (he was a tradesman) He came back a couple of weeks later for more blades and told us he used it daily and didn't know how he'd survived without ine
I treated myself to a Fein after seeing my regular window and door man using one. I like Dave a lot. Very independent and interested in history. When we emigrated for a few years, I offered my Fein to Dave at half price (it’d hardly been used & he used his almost everyday). I bought another recently. Just a nice piece of kit. I was refinishing our front door and I took the opportunity to enlarge the slot to accept a bigger letterbox fitting. The multitool cuts a 2 1/4” hardwood door so easily.
Very useful advice. Thanks Stuart. For those on a budget, without the angle grinder, catching the blunted blade earlier, before the teeth have gone, can save time and effort. 60 seconds on a needle or triangular file would be enough to bring it back. Much like regularly making a few passes on the stones with your chisels.
Very useful and practical, especially resharpening. For straight cuts in timber, it can be helpful to score the pencilmark a few times with a craft knife or a sharp scribe to O.5 mm to create a little track to guide the blade.
Another fabulously clear, to-the-point, and very helpful presentation, Stuart - I hope you continue with your kind and brilliant contributions to our DIY world.
I own both cordless and plug-in versions of this tool and use them often as a builder. Still enjoyed your vid and appreciate the tip on resharpening blades. Cheers from over the pond!
I have found is that the bulk boxes from the like of Amazon are just as good and last just as long as the named brands ones. Box of 50 blades for about £20 rather than £5 a blade from a shop.
Lol, I have a multitool and don't use it a lot. Last saturday I had a friend over to do some DIY on my home and it was the first time he has used one. Some tricks you've shown, using a guide for a straight cut (the surface of a workmate, serving the clamping force and a straight edge) and using masking tape for a depth stop, we have been using as well. I will send him this video so he can see we were a the right track. I'm not a proper DIY-er as you are, but I'm glad that my experience and common sense is sort of in your level regarding multitools. I own a cheap corded Parkside with a quick change clamp and am very pleased with it.
My favorite oscillating tool attachment is a rectangular box saw that cuts a perfect single gang opening for an electrical box in one go. Somehow incompatible with the oscillations of my Dewalt tool, so I keep a Skil branded tool around just for that purpose. Goes through drywall perfectly, not so good on wood.
I have the Erbauer 18 v model which for my old trade as antique furniture restorer and for all work tasks this tool is a must for every serious project. Yes you can buy cheap or expensive blades so I have a large selection of different types with the carbide tipped being expensive but very effective and efficient. Not had any problems with inaccuracy with the trick being not to force the cut but to let the teeth do the cutting.
Something I do that really works great and saves money. If you are buying blades to cut screws or nails or even light metal, you know they wear out pretty quickly. But if you take the blade flatten and remove all the teeth from any type blade, if there are any remaining from the front edge, you can cut part of a hacksaw blade (the width of the worn out blade) and spot weld it on to the front of the worn out blade. It then cuts metal like magic and actually works better than the expensive metal blades you buy.
I'm a laminate floor fitter and I use a Fein multitool with Bosch blades, I sharpen/ cut new teeth with a dremel and some tiny discs I found on Amazon, since doing so I haven't needed/ bought any new blades in over a year, and my blades get a lot of hammer. Takes a little practice but the little discs and mandrel cost around a fiver. Glad I kept loads of old blunt ones. Saved a small fortune.
As a retired nurse I have used the original plaster cutter tool. All these years watching diy videos I never made the connection. Great video as always Stuart😊
I remember having a desoutter tool placed against my arm at an engineering exhibition in the 70's. Used for bone, it was said to not cut muscle. The blade was a complete circle, so it looked like it was rotating! Scary!
Also a retired nurse, but was a tech at the time. 1982, our cast cutter gave up the ghost, and they ordered a new one. I was assigned to bring the no longer working one to the dumpster; well I kept going, all the way to the trunk of my car. Took it home, took it apart, got it working again. The biggest plus, was the dust collection that it had. It was a lovely green color, which matched my table saw's cabinet.
The problem with a multi tool is not the tool itself, it's the user that presses too hard to cut; let the tool do it's work. Great channel, always great videos.
I've never purchased a. multipurpose tool, but your video has shown me many purposes of what I could use one for, if ever needed-thank you so much. Especially love the repurposing of worn out blades by using the angle grinder to make new cuts and start over again. Love it!
I needed one of these for a DIY, because I thought it was going to be a one job use, I bought a cheap one. I never get expensive on one time use tools. Now I have one, I use it ALL THE TIME!!! Go figure, that cheap one time use tool is still going strong! The rubber on the grip area is worn off, but the rest of it works like day one! I use it for so many tasks that I often think "How did I get by before having this?" Then watching this I see you using it to cut caulk off base moulding, I used to use a utility knife, USED TO being the important part!!!
Just what I needed to see today. I need to take 1/2” off of the length of an installed piece of ❤3/4” trim board in a very visible place. Turning the tool upside down, and clamping on a guide should do the trick to give me a straight, clean cut! Thank you!
Worth also pointing out a safety comment on multi-tools that you shouldn't use them continously for too long. The oscillations can damage the nerves in the hand over time if you are using it. I have heard of guidance limiting their use to no more than twenty minutes per day for this reason.
I bought one of these from QVC many years ago,the battery didn't last long and it took forever to charge,i could only get blades from the maker,then after a couple of years the tool became obsolete,went into the back of my shed,i gave it to a mate of mine a few years ago who was working on his daughters kitchen,four years ago bought an Erauber replacement,240 volt,like chalk and cheese and takes most of the blades on the market,great bit of kit.
Ah yes, QVC........ Bought a small power saw that was demonstrated (in perfect hands) to cut tile, laminate, wood etc with nice straight lines. Used twice and struggled with it before giving it to my son-in-law who was tiling and agreed with me ...... threw it in the bin and I bought a wet saw for the tiling, perfect
The ‘standard’ blade adapter as you showed for Dewalt etc tools actually comes in two versions, the quick release with the opening as you showed and a completely round version that is compatible with cheaper multi tools where the blade is held onto the head with a hex headed bolt. I had to cut openings in all my remaining blades when I bought a Dewalt multi-tool. Rennie Tools and Saxton Blades make good priced blades for DIY task, used them for years and it doesn’t matter so much to throw them away
6:41. 😂 I know that feeling too well! I never know what to call it, frustrating or a waste of time. I remember when an electrician was installing a twin socket, and he cut out a piece of plasterboard, and hit appeared to be the building block right behind there. His reaction was the same as yours. So, of course, I had to fill in the hole. 🤙🏼🙂🤙🏼❤️
Good tip on reusing dull blades👍I've tried about every brand of blade out there, cheap and expensive, for me they all last about the same which is not very long. I've also found that when removing baseboard an old toothless blade works best, it won't cut the wood but melts it's way through the paint and caulking.
I had a cast cut off my arm with an oscillating saw in 1955 when I was a little kid. The nice doctor touched the buzzing blade to prove it wouldn’t saw my arm off.
I had the same experience in 1985. My 7 year old self didn’t completely trust the doctor and his demonstration but I was really ready for that cast to be removed.
Multi tool blades are one of the few things I buy from those Chinese companies that ship directly to you. 50 or so for the cost of two at a home center store. From the best of them to the worst they are just thin, cheap metal with little teeth cut into them regardless of the name on them.
I had 50 from a certain 'online platform. Used then for woodmonly and to be fair each one lasted for plenty of cuts. Not very good for hardwoods though!!
Great detailed video! I agree that you don't need an expensive multitool for random jobs around the home. I also agree that you need PPE -- these will damage your hearing before you realize it happened!
Hey mate, I remember seeing the first oscillating saw like 15-20 years ago, and it was a FEIN brand, and it was around $700 USD back then. Yes, I've been sharping my blade the same way up did.
I was one of those kids that had a cast removed in the 60's by that method... they work great... unless your arm swells and your hand turns blue. The skin doesn't vibrate with the cutter so, the skin cuts. I have a 12" long scar on my arm. But, back to your vid, I do own a multi-tool and love it. Thanks for the memory remind and the tool advice.
Got blown away twice! An Englishmen fully accepting the metric system! Leaves the whole US behind in the dust. Thanks Stu, here in Australia we are blessed with half price Einhell stuff sold locally as Ozito. Of course most other brands are stocked as well. So far I had attacked them worn blades with a triangular file. Things you do with age 67 never knowing when dementia is going to hit you.
What’s so odd about that ? British industry has been metric since 1968 or thereabouts. The last time I worked from a drawing in inches was in the very early Seventies.
@@wulf67well he no where near correct in that statement obviously, but America is great at believing they created many things or is responsible for the invention of most things people in the USA use. This is basically patriotism and I think most countries feel like this. Einstein, Fermi, Tesla, and so many others are not American’s but don’t try to tell everyone that. Best to do some research before debating anything and definitely debate it, don’t argue, that belittles the country you represent.
@@derekparent752 Actually Einstein, Fermi, and Tesla were all nationalized citizens of the United States. The U.S. is a nation, not an ethnicity. They came here to live and work for good reason.
I bought one ten years ago thinking how many door jambs will i cut. Probably one of my most used tools now. Love it. Milwaukee blades are good quality but pricey.
Great video and great timing! I searched your channel about these tools last night but couldn’t find anything- went ahead and bought one which is getting delivered today.
Great video - good to see you address two issues: Safety - how many of us 'forget;' to spend 30 seconds to don PPE? Perhaps a video on safety in the future? Sustainability - much better to re-use rather than chuck a used blade in the recycling bin.
One of the ways I use my oscialating tool is to carve in wood. It is too inaccurate to do the details, but for rough shape carving and removing a lot of materials it works great. What I have found to work best is to angle the blade 90 degree and control using a two handed technique. It gives me actually pretty good control on the cut.
Fab! Having bought one very recently, I can see the many uses this tool will have. I used a single blade to work on plaster board and also to remove the dot and dab from the thermalite blockwork behind, without damaging the soft blocks, when fitting gun cabinets to a 'cheese built' house. The blade lasted throughout the day (it was a big job....) and it did very well to even sculpt back the very hard morter between a few blocks to help get a flat wall. At the end of the work, the blade was totally devoid of teeth, but I had already worked out that I can re-cut it and modify it to use again. Despite the limitations of these tools, they are incredibly useful for specific jobs that would take forever using other methods. Absolutely wear a quality dust mask..... I really stupidly didn't to start with and regretted that! Also vital to wear eye protection (stuff flies out at your face) and definitely hearing protection as they make a high frequency nasty noise that will wreck your hearing in no time. Love your videos! 👍🏻👏🏻
Thanks a lot, I didn't know about the origin of oscillating tools. I have rewarded my promotion, about 20 years ago, with a FEIN MultiMaster, Germany's top-notch OMT. You have to keep in mind that it's designed to not damage soft tissue, so you can only cut hard materials, which are kept in place - any wiggle will cause the tool to fail. Holding a tile in one hand and trying to cut with the other hand is a guaranteed failure. BTW: you can determine the cutting depth of a circular saw very well by simply raising it from the base-plate - just saying. The OMT is a precision tool and sometimes far superior - I don't know any other tool you can take away the first 2mm from the ground/ceiling/corner with. Never regretted buying it.
If you use the full depth plunge facility, an absolutely fascinating thing to see for the first time, be aware that you can burn the work & also you can so heat the blade and take out its hardness. I personally don’t know how to retreat the metal so recommend you avoid the situation! I agree definitively get used to re profiling simple blades. For coarse cuts it’s perfectly adequate and it’s essentially free! And a bit of fun, I find.
Just bought a cheap one from lidl today used to get the acrylic caulking out from the skirting board ready for wallpapering it was perfect for that job!!
I have a Milwaukee variable speed multitool, as a bathroom fitter/tiler i use it a lot. Mostly to cut into architrave and door frames for a good finish when tiling floors. Its a brilliant bit of kit, though i hate the racket it makes. Blades are a rip off though, think i will buy a needle file and have a go at sharpening, bit tired of buying 5 Erbaur bldes foe £20 and they are ruined in a few cuts. Thanks for the tip, great channel.
Also for straight cutting long cuts (I actually saw from some other video) is to angle the blade 45 to 70 degrees back towards you then pull the tool along the cut. You can also do this angled forwards and push the cut but isn't always as steady...
Thanks Stuart, a good overview, I've had one of these for years back when the only choice was Fein and it's been a great tool, I also have a cordless Bosch now and consider them an essential DIY tool now, they have so many applications !
Take a look at the Diablo carbide tip blades they are phenomenal, little bit pricey but they are well well well well well well well well worth the money
Really useful guide, thanks. Tool free blade changing is a bonus but at the cost of a larger head, which limits flexibility when working in really tight spaces. The corded model is an advantage in these cases.
Very informative, Stuart! It's definitely on my wish list, but so far I just haven't had a project where I would really need it in order to justifying buying one. My dad calls these multitools "Feins" after the original manufacturer.
I first became aware of multitools about 20 years ago when I saw a specialist police unit using them to cut apart locked-on protestors. Since then, I saw them used by the workers who replaced my windows - heritage area, so wooden frames - they were using Festool and even then the old windows didn't give up without a fight - but I've been snug and warm since.
Best tool on my van. Use it for so much. For me, blades are a disposable item, I dont have time to sharpen them. Crap for sanding to be honest, the head moves too fast and the velco.pads melt very quick... and yes I don't apply too much pressure, it gets used a lot.
Good video, great piece of kit, used a multitool for years got me out of a few awkward situations. They are brilliant for cleaning mortar off bricks or grout off tiles and floors if you have a small repair to make, bluntish blades work a treat. Deffo not a precision tool.
its a good idea but with the quick release system and being placed far enough from the switch theres no need. never happened to me to accidentally switch it on and id be the first to remove the battery if thats the case
I bought a festool rotex sander with an interchangeable delta head to sand all my cedar window and door frames, that were narrow and multi layered. I gave that up after a while, as the head movement would cause the tool to catch on the narrow edges and ruin them. In the end I used the sanding head on the oscillating tool instead. Not only could it get into tighter spots, such as corners, but right up to the edges without the tool catching, and jerking across the edges or glass windows. Only drawback was no dust collection. This is my go to tool for sanding narrow or tight areas.
I’ve just bought a bimetal blade for my silverline multi tool to take pallets apart (cut through the nails)to clad the inside of my shed with the planks. Works well!
Thank you so much. I've owned one of these oscillating cutting tools (Bosch) for only a short time, and I've learned a lot of good useful information from your vid.🙂
As a decorator of many years, I bought a multi tool years ago having seen guys using them on jobs. But never took it out the box as I didn't know what blades to use ... nor had the confidence to "just do it". Your video was excellent in addressing all the uncertainties that made me not use it. I now can't wait to wipe off the cob webs and start getting confident by using it. I always knew I needed to make it a comfy friend in my tool box .. and with your video that will now happen. Thank you x
Good video! I've been using the multi-tool ever since Fein patent ran out and they because available for cheap. They aren't a general purpose tool but there are times where nothing else will do, short of a major amount of work... so the tool is quite valuable! I actually have a spare, new in the box, because mine is a Harbor Freight tool and we know about their reliability; it's more important to not have to stop, clean up and race out to buy another one. Personally I don't screw around with re-sharpening blades. You can by an assortment of 24 blades for under a dollar each. Yes, Chinese but this is one case where more money doesn't mean the blades will be better or last longer. None of the blades, no matter how much you spend, last very long. Because this tool is not a primary tool, I don't mind the cord... it avoids having to tend to the batteries and I am never stuck while the battery is charging. Use the money you save to buy a spare tool!
Thanks Stewart great video as always , you mentioned that is really important to use a mask, some DIY content makers scare the bejesus out of ya, MDF seems to be the worst but you don't get a health warning at B&Q when you buy a sheet, are there regulations?. hope I have given you food for thought for a video.
The only thing I've used my oscillating multi-tool for is to cut the bottoms of door jambs and door frames and trim when installing laminate flooring, so that the flooring will slide right up under it....much easier and quicker than any other tool and its a lot more accurate than other tools for that use too. I do have that sanding attachment, and I've yet to use it because they make a sander that does that already....the problem is the sanding pads are more expensive for them, so I try to avoid having to sand anything with corners that require anything other than the standard random orbit sander LOL. For blades, buy multi-packs, its usually cheaper than buying 1 or 2 single blades. I don't use my multi-tool enough to really care to waste time trying to sharpen blades, which what you showed isn't sharpening them at all, its just creating a new blade, and not worth the time and effort when you can order them in packs of 20-50 usually for about $1 a blade or less if you can find them on sale on different websites during the year.
Honestly I Score my line for the mutilt tool with a knife first , preferably with a marking knife. But flipout or snap off will do. Same idea as a knife wall in wood woodworking.
Great video. As a user I would.also point out if you can slide along cut to.help cut and save blade. I also use finger.on back side of.blade occasionally to help prevent jumping around. Most of all.let.tool.do the work, not brute force...
Nice overview, appreciate the video. I had some drywall to do so I got a Hammerhead a couple of weeks ago before I saw the video, and it seems to do the job since I didn't want to into get the cordless price range. I wanted to do a better job cutting straight lines which it did well despite not being at all fancy.
I can't say yours is the best DIY channel on UA-cam, as I haven't seen them all, but it's certainly the best I've come across. Another really useful video, Stuart.
The one blade you have missed is my latest OMG blade. Wavy blade for cutting PIR or polysterene I got mine from Toolstation in the U.K. Also easier and quicker to use if you put the blade at 90deg to the tool.
Very timely video, thank you Stuart. I’m embarking on replacing the rotten end of a window frame. I have a Bosch multitool, that frankly, gives me the heebie-jeebies (no idea how you spell that), but it’s the tool for the job. I’ll be going at it with more confidence and control in light of your tips. Thank you. Nes.
I did a lot of research and ended up buying the original corded Fein 10 years ago. it vibrates a lot less than the cheaper ones. I also saw that reforming hack from Drill with Jane. You could also file fldoen and use the blunt ones as scraper blades. I really ike this saw and its not as deadly as other saws. Another video from project farm showed that Ezarc bladed performed admirably. Ive just discovered diabl9 make bladed...i think i just wee'd a bit lol.
Interesting as always, good money saving Idea. I have also found it useful to sharpen reciprocating saw blades with the angle grinder in the same way. Looking forward to seeing the next video.
Thank You so much. I always learn something from your channel. Oh, by the way I always seem to smile at the opening of your show when the broom breaks! Kind of ironic 🙂
Fein had the patent on this tool for years, so I don't know if they made the one for plaster or not. Easy to resharpen these will just a needle file, but better to just follow the original teeth. Good tools. I did some laminate flooring years ago, and it expanded massively, so used one of these to nip out the expansion gap
I got that DeWalt cordless with two batteries and a charger for 49$ (USD) at home Depot. I thought they made a mistake and priced it wrong, and I made them triple check because I didn't want anyone to get in trouble. I don't use it much, but when I need it, there's no other tool that would work there.
Wouldn't normally recommend Ryobi, but their multi tool is fantastic. The cutting head can rotate 90 degrees so you can reach awkward places. It has helped me a lot.
I have one which I got on ebay and it works very well. I have bought into the Ryobi battery system so it makes sense for me to buy their tools! I think they are under rated and for a diy'er who doesn't take on massive projects I find them ideal. I really hammered my impact driver when I built my pergola driving in coach bolts and it is still going strong. Sort of a half way house between cheap and pro. I'd recomend Dean Doherty's channel. He's a genius no nonsense fixer of power tools although he rarely get's an Ryobi tools in for repair.
I purchased my first Ryobi power tools in 1990 and they were then relatively unknown brand compared to Bosch , AEG, Makita etc however they were fabulous, durable , no fussing design and reliable . However since then they seem too be out for world domination so I suspect the quality is not as it was
@@andrewarthurmatthews6685 Ryobi are fine, at least for DIY use, and in fact many professional people (at least on YT) use their stuff. I bought into their battery system too, so have stuck with it. Not as keen on their gardening tools, because often they seem unnecessary - a pair of shears will do better than silly little battery-powered ones, etc. but I have a drill, angle-grinder (eats batteries!), impact-gun, circular saw, and all do a very good job. “10 out of 10, would buy again” (ToT) … except the angle-grinder - better with mains-power. Les
Ridgid allows me to position my blades in an 8 point 360° rotation without an additional tool to change blades... so sure ill believe you. Plus the ridgid has changable beads to convert it into other types of tools.
I got a corded one from Harbor Freight (chain cheap tool store) for $20 and it works just as good as my $200 cordless one. Actually better since the batteries went bad very quickly so I don’t use it at all.
A very useful tool which as a plumber I have used many times in many situations, one thing i have learned is to go with a variable speed unit and when cutting wood run it at the lowest speed, it is easier to control and won’t burn the blade as easy. Another thing, don’t force the cut, let the tool do the work and back it out periodically to clear the sawdust.
when you cut through the OSB and found solid framing behind and said "you must be joking" I felt it in my soul.
take a 1/8 inch drill bit and probe before cutting. You will feel the stud behind the OSB with the drill bit. Can save a ton of time as the 1/8 hole is easy to patch.
😂
@@pibblesnbits it's easier than that. If you NEED a cavity there, it will be framing.
😂😅
@@kenbrown2808 Hey Murphy!
Very useful, thanks. If using a thin Angle-Grinder cutting blade to re sharpen multitool blades (or anything else) note that they are not supposed to be used as side-grinding discs. You might get away with slight side-pressure (you might not). You really don’t want a faceful of 12000 rpm shattering cutting disc - it is not a beauty treatment! Les
I bought a Fein Multi-tool years ago after seeing it at a woodworking show. I was worried a bit at the time as it was the most expensive tool in my arsenal. However it became my 'Get Out Of Jail Free Card' on countless occasions. Every serious DiYer or Tradesman should have this in their tool kit. Thanks for the video Stuart, very informative and clearly explained as always.
Before I retired I used to sell them One customer came in and bought one for one particular job as the amount of time it saved him made the cost worthwhile (he was a tradesman) He came back a couple of weeks later for more blades and told us he used it daily and didn't know how he'd survived without ine
I treated myself to a Fein after seeing my regular window and door man using one. I like Dave a lot. Very independent and interested in history. When we emigrated for a few years, I offered my Fein to Dave at half price (it’d hardly been used & he used his almost everyday).
I bought another recently. Just a nice piece of kit. I was refinishing our front door and I took the opportunity to enlarge the slot to accept a bigger letterbox fitting. The multitool cuts a 2 1/4” hardwood door so easily.
"See Jane Drill" did an excellent primer a while ago on re-sharpening blades and I've been re-using mine for ages.
Thanks for the headsup! I always enjoy her videos.
Very useful advice. Thanks Stuart. For those on a budget, without the angle grinder, catching the blunted blade earlier, before the teeth have gone, can save time and effort. 60 seconds on a needle or triangular file would be enough to bring it back. Much like regularly making a few passes on the stones with your chisels.
Agree,Looked like the grinder made teeth that were wider than the side to side stroke of. The tool
Very useful and practical, especially resharpening. For straight cuts in timber, it can be helpful to score the pencilmark a few times with a craft knife or a sharp scribe to O.5 mm to create a little track to guide the blade.
Good idea
Another fabulously clear, to-the-point, and very helpful presentation, Stuart - I hope you continue with your kind and brilliant contributions to our DIY world.
May I second this comment, couldn't put it better.
I own both cordless and plug-in versions of this tool and use them often as a builder. Still enjoyed your vid and appreciate the tip on resharpening blades. Cheers from over the pond!
I have found is that the bulk boxes from the like of Amazon are just as good and last just as long as the named brands ones. Box of 50 blades for about £20 rather than £5 a blade from a shop.
Lol, I have a multitool and don't use it a lot.
Last saturday I had a friend over to do some DIY on my home and it was the first time he has used one. Some tricks you've shown, using a guide for a straight cut (the surface of a workmate, serving the clamping force and a straight edge) and using masking tape for a depth stop, we have been using as well. I will send him this video so he can see we were a the right track. I'm not a proper DIY-er as you are, but I'm glad that my experience and common sense is sort of in your level regarding multitools.
I own a cheap corded Parkside with a quick change clamp and am very pleased with it.
Thank you!
A must have tool for any serious DIYer have found a multitude of uses for it. Wouldn't be without it.
What’s a “serious DIYer?”
It was a must have tool in my professional woodworking career.
My favorite oscillating tool attachment is a rectangular box saw that cuts a perfect single gang opening for an electrical box in one go. Somehow incompatible with the oscillations of my Dewalt tool, so I keep a Skil branded tool around just for that purpose. Goes through drywall perfectly, not so good on wood.
I watched this video and went straight to Amazon and bought one! THANK YOU!!!!
Haha DIY UA-cam is a dangerous thing isn't it. Which one you go for??
DCS356B
I use a scratch awl to pre-scratch a straight line across the wood and the blade will tend to follow the line.
I have the Erbauer 18 v model which for my old trade as antique furniture restorer and for all work tasks this tool is a must for every serious project.
Yes you can buy cheap or expensive blades so I have a large selection of different types with the carbide tipped being expensive but very effective and efficient. Not had any problems with inaccuracy with the trick being not to force the cut but to let the teeth do the cutting.
Something I do that really works great and saves money. If you are buying blades to cut screws or nails or even light metal, you know they wear out pretty quickly. But if you take the blade flatten and remove all the teeth from any type blade, if there are any remaining from the front edge, you can cut part of a hacksaw blade (the width of the worn out blade) and spot weld it on to the front of the worn out blade. It then cuts metal like magic and actually works better than the expensive metal blades you buy.
Great tip
Is it only possible to do that if you have a welding machine?
@C4sp3r123 save money on blades to buy a welding machine 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@C4sp3r123 save money on blades to buy a welding machine 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@C4sp3r123 You could drill a couple of holes and use rivnuts or two small nuts and bolts, but the depth of your cut will be fairly short.
Doh... It has never occurred to me to resharpen them. Great tip ! Thanks.
I'm a laminate floor fitter and I use a Fein multitool with Bosch blades, I sharpen/ cut new teeth with a dremel and some tiny discs I found on Amazon, since doing so I haven't needed/ bought any new blades in over a year, and my blades get a lot of hammer. Takes a little practice but the little discs and mandrel cost around a fiver. Glad I kept loads of old blunt ones. Saved a small fortune.
I used one for the first time yesterday. These things are freaking awesome.
As a retired nurse I have used the original plaster cutter tool. All these years watching diy videos I never made the connection. Great video as always Stuart😊
@@Edward-G-i1c there's a Steve Mould video about why those saws cut plaster but not skin, which is quite interesting.
@@awt Thanks I will check it out.
Yes the first time I was confronted with a vibrating saw was when my plaster cast was cut open at St Albans Hospital back in 1979
I remember having a desoutter tool placed against my arm at an engineering exhibition in the 70's. Used for bone, it was said to not cut muscle. The blade was a complete circle, so it looked like it was rotating! Scary!
Also a retired nurse, but was a tech at the time. 1982, our cast cutter gave up the ghost, and they ordered a new one. I was assigned to bring the no longer working one to the dumpster; well I kept going, all the way to the trunk of my car. Took it home, took it apart, got it working again. The biggest plus, was the dust collection that it had. It was a lovely green color, which matched my table saw's cabinet.
The problem with a multi tool is not the tool itself, it's the user that presses too hard to cut; let the tool do it's work. Great channel, always great videos.
I just bought a Ryobi multi tool and a quick test just went straight through 1/2 inch floorboard easily.......
Good tips, Thanks. Also when blades worn out 10 seconds with angle grinder and you have a scraper.
I've never purchased a. multipurpose tool, but your video has shown me many purposes of what I could use one for, if ever needed-thank you so much. Especially love the repurposing of worn out blades by using the angle grinder to make new cuts and start over again. Love it!
I needed one of these for a DIY, because I thought it was going to be a one job use, I bought a cheap one. I never get expensive on one time use tools.
Now I have one, I use it ALL THE TIME!!! Go figure, that cheap one time use tool is still going strong! The rubber on the grip area is worn off, but the rest of it works like day one! I use it for so many tasks that I often think "How did I get by before having this?" Then watching this I see you using it to cut caulk off base moulding, I used to use a utility knife, USED TO being the important part!!!
Every DIYer should have one. I use mine all the time.
Just what I needed to see today. I need to take 1/2” off of the length of an installed piece of ❤3/4” trim board in a very visible place. Turning the tool upside down, and clamping on a guide should do the trick to give me a straight, clean cut! Thank you!
Great vid. Noise, smoke and vibration make it the tool i hate using most. Plus the feeling that death is just around corner...
Yeah I hate using mine, the racket and rip off blade prices.
Worth also pointing out a safety comment on multi-tools that you shouldn't use them continously for too long. The oscillations can damage the nerves in the hand over time if you are using it. I have heard of guidance limiting their use to no more than twenty minutes per day for this reason.
I’ve used both Makita and dewalt and the Makita is much more gentle with the vibrations
I’ve warned my wife about excessive vibrations and oscilations.
@@Traitorman..Proverbs26.11 yeah they soon get used to it shame ours don’t vibrate or oscillate
@@Traitorman..Proverbs26.11HAHAHA and that's true.😂
Would the same apply to a reciprocating saw? I’ve used mine for long periods.
I bought one of these from QVC many years ago,the battery didn't last long and it took forever to charge,i could only get blades from the maker,then after a couple of years the tool became obsolete,went into the back of my shed,i gave it to a mate of mine a few years ago who was working on his daughters kitchen,four years ago bought an Erauber replacement,240 volt,like chalk and cheese and takes most of the blades on the market,great bit of kit.
Ah yes, QVC........
Bought a small power saw that was demonstrated (in perfect hands) to cut tile, laminate, wood etc with nice straight lines.
Used twice and struggled with it before giving it to my son-in-law who was tiling and agreed with me ...... threw it in the bin and I bought a wet saw for the tiling, perfect
Sunday check, it’s raining check, coffee check, proper diy time ❤
You could be my neighbour. Rainy, Sunday, zevia cola not coffee and DIY. ✌️ 🇨🇦
puff
No bacon sarni?
@@AdamSmith-du6us and proud
The ‘standard’ blade adapter as you showed for Dewalt etc tools actually comes in two versions, the quick release with the opening as you showed and a completely round version that is compatible with cheaper multi tools where the blade is held onto the head with a hex headed bolt. I had to cut openings in all my remaining blades when I bought a Dewalt multi-tool.
Rennie Tools and Saxton Blades make good priced blades for DIY task, used them for years and it doesn’t matter so much to throw them away
Yes Saxon are worth considering
6:41. 😂 I know that feeling too well!
I never know what to call it, frustrating or a waste of time.
I remember when an electrician was installing a twin socket, and he cut out a piece of plasterboard, and hit appeared to be the building block right behind there. His reaction was the same as yours.
So, of course, I had to fill in the hole. 🤙🏼🙂🤙🏼❤️
Good tip on reusing dull blades👍I've tried about every brand of blade out there, cheap and expensive, for me they all last about the same which is not very long. I've also found that when removing baseboard an old toothless blade works best, it won't cut the wood but melts it's way through the paint and caulking.
I had a cast cut off my arm with an oscillating saw in 1955 when I was a little kid. The nice doctor touched the buzzing blade to prove it wouldn’t saw my arm off.
I had the same experience in 1985. My 7 year old self didn’t completely trust the doctor and his demonstration but I was really ready for that cast to be removed.
Me too, legs,arms around the 70s. first encounter with sophisticated tools: vacuum and safe saws. 1st seed of technology interrest
Don't know how we lived without them.
Wow, such a game-changing tip! I never realized you could create new teeth so easily with an angle grinder. I can't believe how simple it is! Thanks
Multi tool blades are one of the few things I buy from those Chinese companies that ship directly to you. 50 or so for the cost of two at a home center store. From the best of them to the worst they are just thin, cheap metal with little teeth cut into them regardless of the name on them.
I had 50 from a certain 'online platform. Used then for woodmonly and to be fair each one lasted for plenty of cuts. Not very good for hardwoods though!!
Great detailed video! I agree that you don't need an expensive multitool for random jobs around the home. I also agree that you need PPE -- these will damage your hearing before you realize it happened!
Hey mate, I remember seeing the first oscillating saw like 15-20 years ago, and it was a FEIN brand, and it was around $700 USD back then.
Yes, I've been sharping my blade the same way up did.
This has certainly cleared up a lot of issues with my cutter - time to get it out of the box and review how to use it - many thanks!!!
I was one of those kids that had a cast removed in the 60's by that method... they work great... unless your arm swells and your hand turns blue. The skin doesn't vibrate with the cutter so, the skin cuts. I have a 12" long scar on my arm. But, back to your vid, I do own a multi-tool and love it. Thanks for the memory remind and the tool advice.
Got blown away twice! An Englishmen fully accepting the metric system! Leaves the whole US behind in the dust. Thanks Stu, here in Australia we are blessed with half price Einhell stuff sold locally as Ozito. Of course most other brands are stocked as well. So far I had attacked them worn blades with a triangular file. Things you do with age 67 never knowing when dementia is going to hit you.
What’s so odd about that ? British industry has been metric since 1968 or thereabouts. The last time I worked from a drawing in inches was in the very early Seventies.
@@timcarnell5133 Canada had gliding planes with the discrepancies of 2 different gallons. As a metric freak I pump my tires in psi.
“US behind in the dust.” Yeah that’s us. Always the last to come up with technological innovations.🙄
@@wulf67well he no where near correct in that statement obviously, but America is great at believing they created many things or is responsible for the invention of most things people in the USA use. This is basically patriotism and I think most countries feel like this.
Einstein, Fermi, Tesla, and so many others are not American’s but don’t try to tell everyone that.
Best to do some research before debating anything and definitely debate it, don’t argue, that belittles the country you represent.
@@derekparent752 Actually Einstein, Fermi, and Tesla were all nationalized citizens of the United States. The U.S. is a nation, not an ethnicity. They came here to live and work for good reason.
I bought one ten years ago thinking how many door jambs will i cut. Probably one of my most used tools now. Love it. Milwaukee blades are good quality but pricey.
Great video and great timing! I searched your channel about these tools last night but couldn’t find anything- went ahead and bought one which is getting delivered today.
For a nice straight edge I put in on a 90 degrees angle and pul the tool towards me. Is very stable way and easy to. No swabbing.
Great video - good to see you address two issues:
Safety - how many of us 'forget;' to spend 30 seconds to don PPE? Perhaps a video on safety in the future?
Sustainability - much better to re-use rather than chuck a used blade in the recycling bin.
One of the ways I use my oscialating tool is to carve in wood. It is too inaccurate to do the details, but for rough shape carving and removing a lot of materials it works great. What I have found to work best is to angle the blade 90 degree and control using a two handed technique. It gives me actually pretty good control on the cut.
I recently saw a video with a multitool blade sharpening device you attach to a drill.driver . It's my new must have device for sure
Fab! Having bought one very recently, I can see the many uses this tool will have. I used a single blade to work on plaster board and also to remove the dot and dab from the thermalite blockwork behind, without damaging the soft blocks, when fitting gun cabinets to a 'cheese built' house. The blade lasted throughout the day (it was a big job....) and it did very well to even sculpt back the very hard morter between a few blocks to help get a flat wall. At the end of the work, the blade was totally devoid of teeth, but I had already worked out that I can re-cut it and modify it to use again. Despite the limitations of these tools, they are incredibly useful for specific jobs that would take forever using other methods.
Absolutely wear a quality dust mask..... I really stupidly didn't to start with and regretted that! Also vital to wear eye protection (stuff flies out at your face) and definitely hearing protection as they make a high frequency nasty noise that will wreck your hearing in no time.
Love your videos!
👍🏻👏🏻
Thanks a lot, I didn't know about the origin of oscillating tools. I have rewarded my promotion, about 20 years ago, with a FEIN MultiMaster, Germany's top-notch OMT.
You have to keep in mind that it's designed to not damage soft tissue, so you can only cut hard materials, which are kept in place - any wiggle will cause the tool to fail. Holding a tile in one hand and trying to cut with the other hand is a guaranteed failure.
BTW: you can determine the cutting depth of a circular saw very well by simply raising it from the base-plate - just saying.
The OMT is a precision tool and sometimes far superior - I don't know any other tool you can take away the first 2mm from the ground/ceiling/corner with. Never regretted buying it.
If you use the full depth plunge facility, an absolutely fascinating thing to see for the first time, be aware that you can burn the work & also you can so heat the blade and take out its hardness. I personally don’t know how to retreat the metal so recommend you avoid the situation!
I agree definitively get used to re profiling simple blades. For coarse cuts it’s perfectly adequate and it’s essentially free! And a bit of fun, I find.
So useful. Have been considering getting one and that is such a clear explanation of the various functions.
Great close-up camera work Stuart. I'm now tempted to buy a small cordless angle-grinder too. 😀
Just bought a cheap one from lidl today used to get the acrylic caulking out from the skirting board ready for wallpapering it was perfect for that job!!
Great tip about resharpening blades - I’ve got loads of blunt ones ready to be resharpened!
I have a Milwaukee variable speed multitool, as a bathroom fitter/tiler i use it a lot. Mostly to cut into architrave and door frames for a good finish when tiling floors.
Its a brilliant bit of kit, though i hate the racket it makes.
Blades are a rip off though, think i will buy a needle file and have a go at sharpening, bit tired of buying 5 Erbaur bldes foe £20 and they are ruined in a few cuts.
Thanks for the tip, great channel.
Also for straight cutting long cuts (I actually saw from some other video) is to angle the blade 45 to 70 degrees back towards you then pull the tool along the cut. You can also do this angled forwards and push the cut but isn't always as steady...
Thanks Stuart, a good overview, I've had one of these for years back when the only choice was Fein and it's been a great tool, I also have a cordless Bosch now and consider them an essential DIY tool now, they have so many applications !
Take a look at the Diablo carbide tip blades they are phenomenal, little bit pricey but they are well well well well well well well well worth the money
Great video, thanks! Ear protection is an absolute must for these in addition to eye and respiratory protection. These things are so loud!
Really useful guide, thanks. Tool free blade changing is a bonus but at the cost of a larger head, which limits flexibility when working in really tight spaces. The corded model is an advantage in these cases.
Very informative, Stuart! It's definitely on my wish list, but so far I just haven't had a project where I would really need it in order to justifying buying one.
My dad calls these multitools "Feins" after the original manufacturer.
I first became aware of multitools about 20 years ago when I saw a specialist police unit using them to cut apart locked-on protestors. Since then, I saw them used by the workers who replaced my windows - heritage area, so wooden frames - they were using Festool and even then the old windows didn't give up without a fight - but I've been snug and warm since.
Best tool on my van. Use it for so much. For me, blades are a disposable item, I dont have time to sharpen them. Crap for sanding to be honest, the head moves too fast and the velco.pads melt very quick... and yes I don't apply too much pressure, it gets used a lot.
Thanks for the idea.
I'll use the tiny discs on my dremmel to re serrate my old blades
Excellent demo ❤ I have seen sharpening techniques using a Dremel with stacked grinding discs separated by washers.
Good video, great piece of kit, used a multitool for years got me out of a few awkward situations. They are brilliant for cleaning mortar off bricks or grout off tiles and floors if you have a small repair to make, bluntish blades work a treat. Deffo not a precision tool.
I got one a couple of years and wished I had got one sooner. I have so many different blades/heads to address many DIY needs.
Brilliant as usual. Thanks. However I was taught to unplug/remove battery before changing the blades. What do you think?
its a good idea but with the quick release system and being placed far enough from the switch theres no need. never happened to me to accidentally switch it on and id be the first to remove the battery if thats the case
Wouldn’t put Bosch in the same category as Makita or Festool these days.
Sorry, wrong place for that comment.
I bought a festool rotex sander with an interchangeable delta head to sand all my cedar window and door frames, that were narrow and multi layered. I gave that up after a while, as the head movement would cause the tool to catch on the narrow edges and ruin them. In the end I used the sanding head on the oscillating tool instead. Not only could it get into tighter spots, such as corners, but right up to the edges without the tool catching, and jerking across the edges or glass windows. Only drawback was no dust collection. This is my go to tool for sanding narrow or tight areas.
I've heard DeWalt makes dust collection attachments for theirs
Been re cutting blades for years amazing how much more you can get from them 😊
I’ve just bought a bimetal blade for my silverline multi tool to take pallets apart (cut through the nails)to clad the inside of my shed with the planks. Works well!
Thank you so much. I've owned one of these oscillating cutting tools (Bosch) for only a short time, and I've learned a lot of good useful information from your vid.🙂
As a decorator of many years, I bought a multi tool years ago having seen guys using them on jobs. But never took it out the box as I didn't know what blades to use ... nor had the confidence to "just do it".
Your video was excellent in addressing all the uncertainties that made me not use it. I now can't wait to wipe off the cob webs and start getting confident by using it. I always knew I needed to make it a comfy friend in my tool box .. and with your video that will now happen.
Thank you x
Good video! I've been using the multi-tool ever since Fein patent ran out and they because available for cheap. They aren't a general purpose tool but there are times where nothing else will do, short of a major amount of work... so the tool is quite valuable! I actually have a spare, new in the box, because mine is a Harbor Freight tool and we know about their reliability; it's more important to not have to stop, clean up and race out to buy another one. Personally I don't screw around with re-sharpening blades. You can by an assortment of 24 blades for under a dollar each. Yes, Chinese but this is one case where more money doesn't mean the blades will be better or last longer. None of the blades, no matter how much you spend, last very long. Because this tool is not a primary tool, I don't mind the cord... it avoids having to tend to the batteries and I am never stuck while the battery is charging. Use the money you save to buy a spare tool!
You can always buy a second battery which is recharged while working with the other.
Thanks Stewart great video as always , you mentioned that is really important to use a mask, some DIY content makers scare the bejesus out of ya, MDF seems to be the worst but you don't get a health warning at B&Q when you buy a sheet, are there regulations?. hope I have given you food for thought for a video.
The only thing I've used my oscillating multi-tool for is to cut the bottoms of door jambs and door frames and trim when installing laminate flooring, so that the flooring will slide right up under it....much easier and quicker than any other tool and its a lot more accurate than other tools for that use too.
I do have that sanding attachment, and I've yet to use it because they make a sander that does that already....the problem is the sanding pads are more expensive for them, so I try to avoid having to sand anything with corners that require anything other than the standard random orbit sander LOL.
For blades, buy multi-packs, its usually cheaper than buying 1 or 2 single blades. I don't use my multi-tool enough to really care to waste time trying to sharpen blades, which what you showed isn't sharpening them at all, its just creating a new blade, and not worth the time and effort when you can order them in packs of 20-50 usually for about $1 a blade or less if you can find them on sale on different websites during the year.
Honestly I Score my line for the mutilt tool with a knife first , preferably with a marking knife. But flipout or snap off will do. Same idea as a knife wall in wood woodworking.
Great video.
As a user I would.also point out if you can slide along cut to.help cut and save blade.
I also use finger.on back side of.blade occasionally to help prevent jumping around.
Most of all.let.tool.do the work, not brute force...
Great video, I like how you mention corded and battery. It’s the tool that matters, not the power source. Get one folks…..they are the bollocks!
Would be nice if the blades had teeth on the sides also. What do you think Stu?
Blimey! I ordered a set of blades for my multitool about 5 hours ago. I hope they aren't going to be crap
Nice informative video. Maybe one day I will go for it. Ive currently mastered a circular saw. Next an angle grinder for me.
Nice overview, appreciate the video. I had some drywall to do so I got a Hammerhead a couple of weeks ago before I saw the video, and it seems to do the job since I didn't want to into get the cordless price range. I wanted to do a better job cutting straight lines which it did well despite not being at all fancy.
I can't say yours is the best DIY channel on UA-cam, as I haven't seen them all, but it's certainly the best I've come across. Another really useful video, Stuart.
Great tip on resharpening blades. Thanks Stuart!
The one blade you have missed is my latest OMG blade.
Wavy blade for cutting PIR or polysterene I got mine from Toolstation in the U.K.
Also easier and quicker to use if you put the blade at 90deg to the tool.
Very timely video, thank you Stuart. I’m embarking on replacing the rotten end of a window frame. I have a Bosch multitool, that frankly, gives me the heebie-jeebies (no idea how you spell that), but it’s the tool for the job. I’ll be going at it with more confidence and control in light of your tips. Thank you. Nes.
I did a lot of research and ended up buying the original corded Fein 10 years ago. it vibrates a lot less than the cheaper ones. I also saw that reforming hack from Drill with Jane. You could also file fldoen and use the blunt ones as scraper blades. I really ike this saw and its not as deadly as other saws. Another video from project farm showed that Ezarc bladed performed admirably. Ive just discovered diabl9 make bladed...i think i just wee'd a bit lol.
Excelente idea maestro , saludos desde Venezuela
Interesting as always, good money saving Idea. I have also found it useful to sharpen reciprocating saw blades with the angle grinder in the same way. Looking forward to seeing the next video.
Thank You so much. I always learn something from your channel. Oh, by the way I always seem to smile at the opening of your show when the broom breaks! Kind of ironic 🙂
Fein had the patent on this tool for years, so I don't know if they made the one for plaster or not.
Easy to resharpen these will just a needle file, but better to just follow the original teeth.
Good tools. I did some laminate flooring years ago, and it expanded massively, so used one of these to nip out the expansion gap
Well done Stu. Nice Sunday morning video 😀 really early too 🤦♂️🤣🤣 but very well explained and demonstrated. Keep up the good work Stu 👌👏👏👏👏👏
Excellent as always Stuart 👍
Thank you Stuart.Never knew how to use one until now.Very helpful advice.
Missed you last week
I got that DeWalt cordless with two batteries and a charger for 49$ (USD) at home Depot. I thought they made a mistake and priced it wrong, and I made them triple check because I didn't want anyone to get in trouble. I don't use it much, but when I need it, there's no other tool that would work there.
Wouldn't normally recommend Ryobi, but their multi tool is fantastic. The cutting head can rotate 90 degrees so you can reach awkward places. It has helped me a lot.
I have one which I got on ebay and it works very well. I have bought into the Ryobi battery system so it makes sense for me to buy their tools! I think they are under rated and for a diy'er who doesn't take on massive projects I find them ideal. I really hammered my impact driver when I built my pergola driving in coach bolts and it is still going strong. Sort of a half way house between cheap and pro. I'd recomend Dean Doherty's channel. He's a genius no nonsense fixer of power tools although he rarely get's an Ryobi tools in for repair.
@@johnthresher259 Nice. All my tools in work are DeWalt, and all my tools at home are Ryobi. They are a DIYer brand, and that's fine.
I purchased my first Ryobi power tools in 1990 and they were then relatively unknown brand compared to Bosch , AEG, Makita etc however they were fabulous, durable , no fussing design and reliable .
However since then they seem too be out for world domination so I suspect the quality is not as it was
@@andrewarthurmatthews6685 Ryobi are fine, at least for DIY use, and in fact many professional people (at least on YT) use their stuff. I bought into their battery system too, so have stuck with it. Not as keen on their gardening tools, because often they seem unnecessary - a pair of shears will do better than silly little battery-powered ones, etc. but I have a drill, angle-grinder (eats batteries!), impact-gun, circular saw, and all do a very good job. “10 out of 10, would buy again” (ToT) … except the angle-grinder - better with mains-power. Les
Ridgid allows me to position my blades in an 8 point 360° rotation without an additional tool to change blades... so sure ill believe you. Plus the ridgid has changable beads to convert it into other types of tools.
I got a corded one from Harbor Freight (chain cheap tool store) for $20 and it works just as good as my $200 cordless one. Actually better since the batteries went bad very quickly so I don’t use it at all.