Best Cordless Impact Driver

There’s no doubt that Impact Drivers have completely changed the construction industry and drastically improved both productivity and quality. Impact drivers allow users to install screws, structural fasteners and small bolts more efficiently than a drill. Impact drivers drastically reduce broken fasteners, stripped screw heads and costly delays. An impact driver relies on a hammer and anvil mechanism to deploy rotational force when fastener resistance is encountered.   

In our Best Cordless Impact Driver Head-To-Head test, we’ve selected 19 full-size impact drivers from a wide range of manufacturers. We invited all of the major manufacturers to participate, with some brands sending multiple impact drivers.

 

Features Qualitative Scoring Results
MFG	Score	Rank
Bosch	1	1
Makita 18v	2	2
Makita 40v	2	2
Skil	2	2
Festool	3	5
FLEX	3	5
Kobalt	3	5
Metabo HPT 18DC	3	5
Metabo HPT 18DBD	3	5
Metabo HPT 36v	3	5
Milwaukee	3	5
Ridgid	3	5
Ryobi	3	5
DEWALT	4	14
Hilti	4	14
Metabo 18 LT	4	14
Metabo 18LTX	4	14
FEIN	5	18
Hart	5	18

WP DataTables

Best Size and Weight | Winner DEWALT

Size matters to users, in this case, they want a smaller, compact impact driver that still has the power for the applications they need to deploy it in. Compact also means that the tool can be used in more situations, think of tight spot applications like sistering floor joists with a 5 or 6-inch fastener,  in between joist bays. We felt the two most important factors for an impact driver were the weight and head length.  Having a lightweight tool when working overhead, coupled with a compact size that can fit into small openings is a huge win.

To determine a final ranking for size and weight, each driver was weighed without the battery and the head length, from bit holder/collet to back was measured.  Each of these values were ranked separately and then combined into a single factor to determine the winner.   The DEWALT was the most compact impact driver of the bunch. It measures 3.9″ and weighs 2.1 lbs and is 1/2″ smaller than the 2nd place Metabo HPT 18DC  which measures 4.51 inches and measures 2.0 lbs.  Third place was the Makita 18V measures 4.53  inches and weighs 1.9 lbs.

An interesting fact is that all of the tools weigh from 1.9 lbs. to 3.3 lbs.

MFG	Length (in)	Weight (lb)	Rank
DEWALT	3.94	2.10	1
Metabo HPT DC	4.51	2.00	2
Makita 18v	4.53	1.90	3
Milwaukee	4.48	2.20	4
Makita 40v	4.77	2.20	5
Metabo 18V LTX	5.10	2.10	6
Ridgid	5.02	2.20	7
Festool	5.17	2.12	8
Metabo HPT 36v	4.52	2.50	8
Hilti	5.44	2.20	10
Skil	4.92	2.47	10
FLEX	4.68	2.70	12
Kobalt	5.27	2.40	12
FEIN	6.00	2.20	14
Metabo HPT DBD	5.04	2.90	15
Hart	5.82	2.50	16
Ryobi	5.60	2.55	16
Metabo 18 LT	5.64	2.60	18
Bosch	5.82	2.60	19

WP DataTables

Best Cordless Impact Price  | Winner Skil

Price is undoubtedly an important consideration when buying tools, especially for those of you who are just starting out in the trades. We can certainly agree on that and also agree that the majority of contractors have strong brand loyalty and would rather continue with their current battery platform than venture out and create a new line of cordless power tools.

We did not include the price in our scoring criteria but included bare tool pricing for you to use as needed.

The best-priced impact driver was the  Skil coming in at $69.99 bare tool. The second lowest price was the Hart at $77.85 and the third was the Bosch at $99.00. The team all agrees that the Skil and Hart impact drivers fall into the DIY category for users.

There are several pro-grade impact drivers in this test, I’ll use the Festool as an example. In their research and testing Festool found that the most frequent failure point on impact drivers was the anvil mechanism, so they adjusted the shape and material hardness of their anvil to increase the lifespan of the tool. They also decreased the internal strike speed (BPM) so it was less likely to break.

Festool also incorporated a longer trigger which allows for finer control of the variable speed trigger making it easier to manually control slow speed on hardware attachment. The moral of the story here is that pro-grade tools are designed to last longer, for us PROs a tool is an investment that is needed for our livelihood – invest wisely!

Best Cordless Impact Driver Head-To-Head | 2023 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool – Comparison Testing 2021

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew recently looked at twelve major brands of multi-tools and carefully planned a range of uniquely crafted tests (with some sweet custom jigs) to determine which one was the “Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool.”

An oscillating multi-tool is a saw, scraper, sander, and grinder. The tool, as the name suggests, is an all-in-one and versatile tool. A variety of blades/attachments can be used to provide job site solutions to a wide range of cutting and sanding challenges. If this was impressive enough, the consumables are designed to handle a diverse set of materials to include: mild steel, aluminum, carpet, hard tile, soft tile, laminates, hardwood, softwood, and various plastics. So true to form, the Tool Box Buzz team of experts got together to execute some Pro-centric Head-2-Head Testing – And provide the data you’ve come to expect (and crave) from our Head-2-Head tests!

Oscillating Multi-tool History

You may notice that many tradespeople refer to an oscillating multi-tool as a “Fein” tool whether it’s made by Fein or not. There’s good reason for this! Fein invented the tool and for many years they were the only company making OMTs. The origin for this tool is a plaster cast saw that Fein produced in 1967. It was designed to cut hard plaster without cutting a patient’s skin. In 1985 Fein then worked with the automotive industry to adapt this technology to make a tool for cutting silicone to remove panes of window glass from cars. In 1986 the OMT techology was adapted to create the “Fein Grinder” which we now recognize as a delta pad sander. The Fein grinder was the basis for the Fein Multimaster which is the tool that started it all! Once Fein’s patent expire in 2009 the floodgates opened. Oscillating multi-tools went from a niche pro tool only available through direct purchase through Fein, to a mass market tool available in every lumber yard and home improvement center seemingly in a matter of months.

Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Evaluation Format

For this Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool evaluation, our team evaluated a total of 8 essential categories as detailed below. Each of the categories was ranked individually and ultimately used to declare the “Overall Best Cordless Multi-Tool” based on the combined test results.

• Accuracy– The accuracy of the multi-tools was compared including the ability to follow a line and cut splice joints in trim.
• Performance [Power / Speed Test]-We looked at cutting speed through metal and wood as an indicator of saw motor performance.
• Features– An overall comparison of features and specifications.
• Ergonomics– Ergonomics are really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool. In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category.
• Vibration – We analyzed the vibrations of the tools during our speed testing.
• Noise – We used a decibel meter used to measure the tool under no load, and identical cutting load conditions.
• Price– Price is always an important factor in determining which saw is best for a user. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the saws “as-tested,” at the time of publication.
• Best Value – Often times this category winner tends to resonate with most folks as it tends to perform well in the tests but feels good on the wallet.

Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Specifications

Here is the list of specifications for all the Oscillating Multi-tools the Tool Box Buzz Pro team tested in this Head-2-Head:

BOSCH GOP18V-28N

• 18 volt –  4 Ah battery
• 8,000- 20,000 OPM
• 2.55 lbs bare tool  and 3.9 with 4.0 ah batt
• Variable Speed
• Oscillation angle 2.8°
• Starlock and Starlock Plus blades
• BOSCH GOP18V-28N

DEWALT DCS355B

• 20V – 4.0 Ah battery
• 0 – 20,000 OPM
• 2.35 bare tool, and  3.75 lbs with 4.0 ah battery
• 3-speed variable speed / VS Trigger
• Oscillation angle 1.6°
• Open back blade
• DEWALT DCS355B

FEIN AMM 700 Max

• 18 V – 3.0 Ah battery
• 10,000-19,500 OPM
• 2.5 lbs bare tool and 3.5 with 3.o Ah battery
• Variable speed
• Oscillation angle 2 X 2,0°
• Starlock Plus and Starlock Max blade
• FEIN AMM 700 Max

FEIN AMM 500 Plus

• 18 V – 3.0 Ah battery
• 11,000-18,500 OPM
• 2.9 lbs bare tool and 4.35 lbs with 3.0 ah battery
• Variable speed
• Oscillation angle 2 X 1,7°
• Starlock Plus blades
• FEIN AMM 500 Plus

FESTOOL OSC 18 E Vecturo

• 18 V – 4.0 Ah battery
• 10,000 to 19,500 OPM
• 2.9 lbs to 4.35 lbs with 4 Ah battery
• Variable speed /Auto setting
• Oscillation angle 4.0°
• Starlock Max blade
• FESTOOL OSC 18 E Vecturo

FLEX FX4111-1A

• 24V – 5.0 Ah battery
• 10,000 – 20,000 OPM
• 2.85 lbs bare tool and 5.5 lbs with 5 ah battery
• 5-speed variable speed
• Oscillation angle 4.0°
• Starlock blade
• FLEX FX4111-1A

MAKITA XMT04

• 18 V – 5 Ah battery
• 6,000-20,000 OPM
• 3.1 lbs bare tool and 4.45 lbs with 5.0 ah battery
• Variable speed / soft start
• Oscillation angle 3.6°
• Starlock blade
• MAKITA XMT04

METABO 613088850

• 18V – 4.0 Ah battery
• 8,000-20,000 OPM
• .295 lbs. bare tool and 4.2 lbs with a 4.0 ah battery
• Variable speed
• Oscillation angle 1.6°
• Starlock Plus blades
• METABO 613088850

METABO HPT  CV18DBLQ5

• 18 V – 4.0 Ah Multi-Volt battery
• 15,000-20,000 OPM
• 3.05 lbs. bare tool and 5.25 lbs. with 4.0 Ah battery
• Variable speed
• Oscillation angle 3.2°
• Starlock and open back blade type
• METABO HPT  CV18DBLQ5

MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 2836-20

• 18 V – 5.0 Ah battery
• 11,000-18,000 OPM
• 2.6 lbs. bare tool and 3.35 lbs  with 5.0 Ah battery
• Variable speed
• 4.2°
• Starlock and open back blade type
• MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 2836-20

RIDGID R86240B

• 18V – 4.0 Ah battery
• 10,000 – 20,000 OPM
• 2.05 lbs. bare tool and 3.65 lbs. with 4.0 ah battery
• Variable speed
• Oscillation angle 3.6°
• Starlock and open back blade type
• RIDGID R86240B

RYOBI PBLMT50B

• 18 V- 4.0 Ah battery
• 10,000 – 20,000 OPM
• Variable Speed
• 2.0 lbs bare tool and 3.65 lbs with 4 Ah battery
• Oscillation angle 3.0°
• Starlock and open back blade type
• RYOBI PBLMT50B
  

Imperial Multi-tool Blades

All of the multi-tools tested were outfitted with task-specific, brand new, Imperial multi-tool blades. This ensured that the focus was on the tools and not the blades. Using standardized blades throughout the test also helped maintain consistency since it removed an outside testing variable. Imperial blades are a crew favorite and have been a go-to blade for years on our construction sites. Imperial was also able to supply blades that fit all of the blade clamp/mount types as well as the material-specific blades we required for our testing.

Imperial Blades Used:

• Bi-metal Wood with Nails
• Hardwood
• Carbide

The Imperial blade interfaces included Starlock, OIS, and “Open-back” compatible blade mounts. This range of mounting interfaces was critical to ensuring a universal match with all the Multi-tools tested. Of note, some of the Multi-tools tested are compatible with multiple blade mounting interfaces giving them increased blade selection options.

Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Accuracy

Oscillating multi-tools are extremely adaptable. Everything from rough frame to metal cutting, sanding, and trim carpentry can be accomplished using an oscillating multi-tool. There are times in carpentry where accurate multi-tool cuts matter. Our Pro crew also frequently uses oscillating multi-tools when completing exterior trim repairs. These trim cuts can be the difference between a clean splice joint or a jagged, ugly joint.

For our accuracy test, we asked one experienced user to use every multi-tool to freehand cut cedar bevel siding (sometimes called clapboards) in place and to cut a 1×6 pine corner board in place using a jig and then assess and rank the tools based on their performance. We purposefully had a single operator execute this to better control the test standardization. Our assumption was that multiple users might have slightly different techniques, and therefore results, as compared to a single Pro operator.

Range of test criteria:

• Accuracy: Ease of controlling the tool and how clean a cut did the OMT produce.
• Vibration: A subjective assessment of how much the tool vibrated during use and if the vibration negatively impacted the accuracy and cleanliness of the cut.
• Ergonomics: Related to control/accuracy, an assessment of how comfortable the tool was to hold and use while performing these tasks. A good grip can make or break a tool, while a poorly placed knob or lever or a slippery hard to hold tool can negatively impact control and accuracy.
• Power: A tool with adequate or better power allows greater control by minimizing the amount of pressure the user has to use to complete the cut. “Let the tool do the work” is much easier when the tool has good power!

Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Accuracy Winner – Fein 700, Fein 500, Festool

There was a three-way tie for the winner of the multi-tools accuracy-test between the Fein 700, Fein 500, and Festool Vecturo, with almost identical results during accuracy testing as a result of the very similar overall designs and performance.

The Flex, Makita, and Milwaukee came in a three-way tie for second. But all due to slightly different standout design reasons. The Flex has a good grip, with rubber pads on each side of the head. This provides excellent overall control. The grip design complements solid power and when paired with its vibration-damping decoupled design, provided great overall accuracy.

The Makita has a generous amount of rubber over-mold and very effective decoupling to provide excellent grip and control, and therefore excellent cuts. While the Milwaukee has decoupling and a decent grip the power of this tool made it cut through the corner board like a hot knife through butter. And in this case, a fast cut also made for a cleaner, more accurate cut.

The Metabo HPT was a surprise stand-out in this category. While it doesn’t have a decoupling design feature (which all 6 tools above have), its oscillation action was very smooth and the tool was easy to control. This led to solid overall accuracy and provided a surprisingly smooth cut.

Performance Testing (Power/Speed)  (Wood/Metal) – Winner Milwaukee

An obvious question when comparing the performance of different multi-tools is “which saw cuts the fastest?”  This test also equates to power and power equates to cutting thicker, and or, harder-to-cut materials.

Recognizing that using a multi-tool requires the operator to make dozens, if not hundreds, of minuscule adjustments during each cut we decided to try to eliminate the human variable. To test the power, we built a jig to hold the saws and complete two tests:

• Test 1: pull the saws into 3/4″ plywood using a weighted pulley system.
• Test 2: cut five 16-penny framing nails using a weighted pulley system.

In the TBB jig, we supported the plywood on a frame, that in turn was held to the workbench by clamps. The tools were leveled and strapped to the test fixture.

We used this jig to remove as much human variation as possible to allow for the fairest test possible. We used a rope and pulley system to transfer a 5.5 lb weight into a constant 5.5 lb horizontal force for each and every cut.  All saws had variable speed motors and the highest oscillating speed was selected for the tests.

Weighted Pulley System

The pulling force was provided by a weighted pulley system which pulled the multi-tools through the material with consistent force. This approach has 2 main benefits:

1. First, it allows a constant force to be applied to each multitool in the same way that an operator tries to apply a constant force while cutting.
2. Secondly, by allowing for natural resistance (as opposed to forcing a constant cutting speed via mechanical motors) it allows the saw to cut at its natural maximum speed based on the maximum oscillations per minute and the power of the motor. This also underscores the importance of using the same blade types on all of the saws.

The sled fixture held the multi-tools securely and level while the aluminum tracks kept the saw moving in a consistent and parallel fashion. The saws were in contact with the sled and the sled in contact with the workpiece. During the course of testing, the fixture performed with no issues. An automatic timer with contact switches was used to start and stop the timer for each test.  Removing the human error element of a handheld stopwatch.

All the tools selected for this test were members of the 18V-24V high-performance line supplied by each manufacturer. Batteries supplied ranging from 3 to 5 amp-hour capacity.  In the previous head-to-head test, we’ve normalized the field by considering the size of the batteries (Amp Hour) and Voltage of the platform to calculate the Watt-Hour of each tool tested.  This is particularly critical when performing endurance or run-time tests where you are testing the amount of work a tool can perform on a single battery charge.  In this test, we are testing for speed and power, not work capacity.  Thus the Watt Hour considerations you may have seen from us in the past are not used here.

Performance Testing (Power/Speed) in Wood – Winner Milwaukee

One of the most common, if not THE most common materials on a construction site is plywood. So for our Power/Speed test, we used our Multi-tool jig to test each tool’s cutting speed through 3/4″ plywood.  Three runs were performed for each tool and their times were averaged.

Milwaukee came in first place with an average of just 4.18 seconds per cut. Milwaukee claims to have the fastest cutting saw and from what we saw in testing, their tool delivers on that promise.

The second and third-place finishers were Ryobi with a  6.11 average cut time and DEWALT with a 7.45 cut time.  Both these tools cut through the material exceptionally well. The rest of the rankings can be found in the following chart.

Wood Cutting – Use testing sled rig to cut 3/4 plywood under steady load

Winner of Metal Cutting – Milwaukee

To test the tools against metal, a series of five 16-penny nails were arranged in a series in a straight line.  The nails were located close together to minimize the slamming of the tool into the material and damage blade teeth.  The timer was started just before the first nail was contacted and immediately after the fifth nail was cut.

It’s always nice to see consistency across performance tests and the top three tools managed to do just that.  The fastest cutting tool was again the Milwaukee at 17.06 seconds, followed by the Ryobi at 26.61 seconds and the DEWALT in third at 28.68 seconds.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the bunch was the Ryobi, dethroning all but one tool in the performance rankings.  As the lowest cost option of the group, the Ryobi boasts some serious cutting prowess.

Metal Cutting – Use testing sled rig to cut 5 nails/screws in sequence under steady load

Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Features – Winner  FLEX

It’s never easy to compare tool features from different brands, but the devil is in the details, thus a feature comparison is necessary.

The entire team used all of the tools in a variety of cutting configurations and tests to rate four separate features on these saws on a scale of one to five. [With 1 being the best]

Features that we looked at:

1. Blade Change
2. LED Light
3. Decoupling
4. Variable Speed

The number one slot for features went to the newcomer, the FLEX Multi-tool with 8-points. FLEX had the best wraparound LED light coverage, excellent vibration decoupling and scored second in blade change and third in its variable speed adjustment.

A close second place went to Milwaukee with 9-points. The Milwaukee has low cutting vibration, excellent LED, and variable speed with auto-setting. Third place was a three-way tie [10-points] with both FEIN tools and the Festool Multi-tool. These tools were extremely smooth cutting [low-vibe] and, along with the Bosch, sported the best style blade clamps and blade changing system.

Stand Out Features

There were a few stand-out features that affect performance and safety. While not all of the multi-tools had stand-out features, we broke down a few that matter.

Blade Change

All of the multi-tools can use the base Starlock and several can also use the open back blades. 

Slide & Click Lock – Bosch, Festool, and Fein

These multi-tools require the user to simply push the blade into the tools blade accessory holder. It’s fast, easy and the team feels it is far superior to the other methods.

One thing we noted during testing was that the Festool power switch is easily actuated to the on position when changing the blade. The user needs to be careful when reaching for the blade change lever, so the thumb can easily hit the power switch.

Lever-Based Lock – DEWALT

The team rated the DEWALT’s blade clamp mechanism as having the second-best blade change system. This system is effective, but the spring tension on the clamp can be difficult for some users to actuate. Overall, the team felt that the DEWALT clamp was not a bad design.

Note – DEWALT offers an accessory washer, lock washer, and Allen bolt to mount Starlok blades or accessories to the tool. We did not test this feature as we did not see the value in speed over the spring blade clamp system.

The FLEX multi-tool has a similar Starlock mechanism to the Fein and Festool but the locking mechanism requires the user to use the locking lever. This lever spring is very aggressive when returned to lock position and likely to bruise the user’s knuckles.

Lever Lock & Locking Clamp – Ridgid and Ryobi.

This locking clamp is permanently attached and will not fall out of the tool.

When you’re in a tight spot to rotate the blade to get at a particular angle with the multi-tool, ideally you’d be able to rotate the blade without having to manipulate the locking clamp. This may be an intentional design decision but one that the team feels is a pain point in the field. Having more throws on the locking clamp could resolve this issue.

Pin & Lever System – Metabo, Metabo HPT, Milwaukee, and Makita

The Metabo multi-tool design is set up that the pin can fall out during storage, even with the lever closed, requiring you to keep a blade in the tool in order to lock the on in place. One nice feature is that you can adjust the blade without removing the pin – something that the team feels is important in the field.

The Metabo HPT has a 3-step blade change process. It has a lever, pin, and a locking twist collar. It is not easy to use and the team felt it was the worst blade clamp set up.

LED Light

The best light was on the FLEX due to its ability to completely illuminate the blade at 90-degrees, Milwaukee was a close second with its super bright 3-LED array, which also provides some peripheral side lighting.

The Bosch, Metabo HPT, and Ridgid multi-tool lights do not stay on after the power switch is turned off. The Feins and Festool do not have LED lights, something that seems so simple to add.

Decoupling

Fein, Festool, FLEX, Makita, and Milwaukee have decoupling setups on the working end of the tool.

Variable Speed Control

Metabo HPT and Milwaukee have Auto settings on the variable-speed dials that allow you to set the upper limit of motor speed but start your cut at a lower RPM until your into the cut. The team favored the auto setting in the field as it allows you to slowly start your cut and power up once your kerf is established.

The DEWALT is the only multi-tool that offers a variable-speed trigger to allow you to vary the speed of the saw according to how hard you pull the trigger or where the speed adjustment 3-step mechanical, the setting is set.

The FLEX was unique with its 5-step digital, push-button, variable speed setting. It’s super easy to use and does not lend itself to accidental changing of setting.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools that improve a worker’s efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and risk of injury.

Ergonomics Winner – Fein 700

Our pro team members evaluated each tool under a simulated/real-world test setup. Materials cut included drywall, clapboard, plywood, pine trim, baseboard freehand, and a “splice” jig. We also used the tools to free-hand cut 16D common nails and drywall screws.

In laymen’s terms, ergonomics is the interface between the user and the tool. How’s it feel when using it? For this ergonomic section, we considered the following factors, rating them 1 thru 5. [1 being best]

Ergonomics Factors

• Grip
• Vibration
• Balance

Regardless of how fast a multi-tool cuts, the less vibration it produces, the better. Some multi-tools employ some sort of decoupling system to reduce vibration. The FEIN 700 multi-tool scored tops in balance and came in at 2-points for vibration and balance. Second place was a tie between the FEIN 500 and the Festool – both scoring 2nd place in all three categories. Third place went to Milwaukee and was noted well balanced.

Noise – Winner FEIN 500

OSHA allows 8 hours of exposure for up to 90 dB, for exposures 95dB and greater, the exposure limits drop dramatically. So clearly these saws all need hearing protection.

We used a fixed Decibel Meter to measure these multi-tools in the following workshops tests and ranked them on that average score:

1. No-load
2. Metal cutting
3. Woodcutting

The quietest saw was the FEIN 500 averaging at 106.5 decibels followed by the Metabo at 106.7 decibels and the FLEX at 106.8.

Price

Below we’ve included the current pricing (at the time of publication). Pricing is based on the bare tools where available. We chose the bare tool because a multi-tool is typically a secondary tool to one’s tool arsenal and one typically purchased to compliment an already established battery platform.

The only tool that is NOT available as a bare tool is the FLEX multi-tool. The most affordable tool is the Ryobi but the real surprise is how many of the “higher-end” tools are in the $150 range.

The best-priced cordless multi-tool was the Ryobi at $ 99  Second place was the Metabo HPT at $109 followed by Makita at $119. The highest-priced saw in this testing was the Festool which sells as a bare tool for $375.

Best Cordless Multi-tool Winner –Milwaukee

The competition for the best cordless multi-tool went to Milwaukee M18 FUEL multi-tool, with 19-points. Milwaukee crushed its competitors in the controlled wood and metal testing rig. It scored well in the accuracy and features sections coming in second place in both and taking third place in ergonomics.

Second place went to the FLEX multi-tool, with 24-points, which surprised the team. The FLEX is a feature-rich tool and came in first in that section. Scoring second in accuracy and third in the decibel testing, the FLEX solidly secured its position as the second-best tool in the testing. It was also the fourth-fastest cutting tool in metal.

Third place went to the Festool with 26-points. The Festool came in first for accuracy, second in ergonomics, and third in features rankings. Festool has the best blade clamp of the top three contenders and is a top-tier, easy-to-use, and intuitive saw.

Best Value  Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool– Winner Flex

As a new brand, the Flex was an unknown to the team and it surprised and impressed everyone.  The Flex is the only tool in the field however that is only sold as a kit.  While this can be frustrating to those looking for a bare tool, as a new tool brand most people looking to buy into the platform will likely require batteries and chargers.  The kit with battery and charger retails at $199.  The battery and charger if purchased individually would cost $160 alone, pricing the bare tool in the $40 -$50 range.  Couple that with a lifetime warranty, and you have an outstanding value for new users.

Conclusion

This is the MOST COMPREHENSIVE data on the market. Our ALL-Pro contractor team dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to our Best Cordless Multi-tool Head-to-Head comparison in order to provide you with the most thorough data possible.

Because we’re not a professional testing company and have limited time to assess the tools, these tests and evaluations are tough, time-consuming, and ultimately limited in scope. We can’t undertake long-term testing to determine longevity, and we can’t possibly test every application that one of these saws could be used for.

We get a lot of questions regarding how we come up with the final rankings. As previously noted, comparing tools can be done in a variety of ways. The good news is that we’ve made ALL of our test data publicly available, and you can rate the tools any way you wish. Don’t care about an item we ranked? No problem. Simply take that out of the matrix and re-rank them. When evaluating cordless multi-tools, we hope you’ll find this Head-to-Head comparison beneficial.

If you have a moment, please check out our other Head-to-Head Tests.

Best Cordless Multitool Comparison Testing

Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-tool Head-to-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Dust Extractor

Construction is a messy business and dust is one of the biggest evils in our industry. Not only can dust be destructive to personal property but is dangerous to our health. Recent OSHA regulations have highlighted how dangerous dust can be and how important it is to capture dust on the jobsite. In our latest Head-to-Head tool testing we evaluated eight of the industries top Dust Collectors in the 8 to 12 gallon capacity size. The lineup includes dust extractors from: Bosch, DEWALT, Fein, Festool, Hilti, Makita, Metabo and Milwaukee. Read on to find out who makes the Best Dust Extractors!

Dust Extractor Lineup

The eight dust extractors used in this Head-to-Head evaluation are listed below. A link to each is included with specific manufacturer specifications.

• Bosch VAC090A 9 Gallon Dust Extractor with Automatic Filter Clean
• DEWALT DWV012 10 Gallon Wet/Dry HEPA/RRP Dust Extractor
• Fein 69908195402, Fein Turbo II X AC 9.3 Gallon Wet/Dry Dust Extractor
• Festool 584014 9.5 Gallon Dust Extractor CT 36 E AC
• Hilti VC 150-10 XE 10 Gallon Universal Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner with Automatic Filter Cleaning
• Makita VC4710 12 Gallon Xtract Vac® Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
• Metabo ASR 35 ACP HEPA (US602057800) 9 Gallon All-purpose Vacuum Cleaner
• Milwaukee 8960-20 8 Gallon Dust Extractor

Dust Extractor Testing / Evaluation

For the Dust Extractor Head-to-Head we evaluated the tools in the following categories:

• Air Volume (CFM) Test – Tests the Air Flow volume of the unit in Cubic Feet per Minute. This test was conducted twice, once with a clean set of filters/fleece bag and once with the dirty filters/fleece bag.
• Suction (Water Column) Test – This provides a relative measure of the motors suction power. We also tested suction with a meter to compare the results to the water column test. This test was conducted twice, once with a clean set of filters/fleece bag and once with the dirty filters/fleece bag.
• Airwatts – Calculated standard measurement used in the vacuum industry. Best indicator of the overall relative power and efficiency of the units because it takes into consideration both the water column and the CFM factors. Airwatts was calculated for both the clean and dirty filters/fleece bag.
• Noise – Decibel measurements including the average and maximum value under high load.
• Cost – Current costs available online.
• Ergonomics and Features – We ranked each vacuum in categories including: Canister handles, wheels, locking caster feature, accessory attachment, hose attachment to vac, ease of controls, auto-clean switch, power broker switch, maneuverability, hose storage, cord storage, cord length, hose features, ease of filter change, mess changing filters without fleece bag, compactness, and weight.

All of these tests and evaluations were performed by our Tool Box Buzz Team of contractors. Each of the guys on the team is a contractor, a PRO, a guy that actually uses tools every day to make a living. We know you have lots of places to get this sort of evaluation of tools, but we think ours are the best based on our vast construction experience.

Using Fleece Bags as Primary Filter

For the air volume, suction, and airwatts measurements and calculations, testing was done with clean dust extractors as an “out of the box” baseline. Each dust extractor was equipped with a filter(s) and a fleece bag (without a bag the filters would clog very fast, and we always recommend using fleece bags on the jobsite).

In the second round of testing each dust extractor was used to suck up 20 lbs of drywall compound powder before performing all the measurements and calculations. This helps show the potential performance in a real application. Certainly the results could vary depending on the application, but we felt this was a great way to show before and after performance.

As stated above, we used fleece bags in all of the dust extractors as the primary filter to prevent premature clogging of the pleated filters. Using fleece bags increases the life of the pleated filters (they cost far more than the fleece bags), increases the life of the motor, and makes cleanup easier and safer for users.

Fleece filter bags drastically reduce your EXPOSURE to the vacuum contents – such as silica or lead paint. The use of fleece filter bags is a best-practice methodology, and this was validated by all but one of the vacuum manufacturers that we interviewed for this article. You can learn more about this topic in the following article: using fleece bags in dust extractors.

Dust Extractors – Testing Measurements

One of the key reasons to develop a Head-to-Head test of dust extractors is to objectively measure the relative differences in performance. Tool Box Buzz carefully researched how to best derive these measurements. Our goal was to create a series of measurements that accurately depicted the unit performance.

Our research led us to an industry standard of Airwatt as the objective criteria for overall unit performance, as this unit of measurement is dependent on both pure suction power (measured by inches of water column) and air flow (measured by cubic feet per minute – CFM).

An Airwatt or air watt is a measurement unit of the effectiveness of vacuum devices which relates the relationship between the airflow produced, the suction and the amount of power (watts) a vacuum cleaner produces and uses. The formula we used to compute airwattage was calculated using the  ASTM International Standard ASTM F558 – 13.  The formula for this ASTM standard is: P = 0.117354 x (F) x  (S).

’P’ is the measured and derived power in airwatts,’F’ is the rate of air flow in cubic feet per minute (denoted in cu ft/min or CFM) and ‘S’ is the suction capacity expressed as a pressure in units of inches of water column. The constant in the equation (0.117354) makes the calculated result, over a wide range, come out to where one airwatt is roughly equal to one electrical watt. Our testing methods enabled us to calculate the Airwatt or ‘P’ for each dust collector.

We needed two test jigs built  – one to produce inches of water column (S) and one to give us airflow CFM (F).

Air Volume Measurements

CFM Jig

To accurately measure the air volume (flow) through the dust collectors, TBB used a commercial Dwyer hot-wire anemometer. This measuring device has a probe in the air stream that has two openings. In one opening, there is a temperature sensor. In the other opening is a very small wire that is heated up by a power source in the anemometer. As the air flows over the heated wire and cools the wire, additional power is supplied to keep the wire at a constant temperature. The additional power needed is directly correlated to the air flow over the wire. TBB constructed a jig to hold the anemometer probe in the center of the airflow to consistently test units. A close up view of the front of the CFM test rig follows:

TBB took CFM measurements after each unit had run for one and one half minutes. This 90 second run time allowed the anemometer to reach a steady state and allowed the anemometer to calculate and record the average readings for CFM over that timescale. The nearby decibel meter had a stopwatch feature that was consistently used to time the 90-second period for both the CFM and sound level readings. Also, each vacuum was on full power, and if available, had the auto-clean feature turned on.

It’s important to note that our CFM measurements will be consistently lower than the manufacturers published data. All but Makita test their CFM at the bare motor inlet. Makita tests theirs at the end of the supplied hose. Our tests were conducted at the opening of the canister with a fleece bag and standard filter attached.. Our testing was done consistently for each unit and provides a more realistic measurement during actual use.

It’s also important to realize that most manufacturers are focusing on CFM as a direct result of the OSHA regulations for silica exposure. Table 1 sets CFM limits for applications like grinding wheels. For a hand held grinder it requires 25 CFM per inch diameter of the grinding wheel. So if you want to use a 6″ grinding wheel, you’ll need a dust extractor that’s capable of producing 150 CFM at a minimum. The tool owner or operator must use the manufactures’ certified data in determining compliance with OSHA for selection of grinding wheel size or any other such determinations. TBB data cannot be used for any compliance determinations.

Suction Measurements

Water Column Jig

To measure static power (suction) we used both an industrial gauge that registered up to 200 inches of water column, and a water column test. The water column test is a much more visual representation of suction so it’s a great way to show the relative suction of the dust collectors. We also used the gauge to calibrate the water column jig that TBB built. The Water Column Jig had a clear 2” PVC water column that visually indicated the suction power of the test units using colored water and a measurement scale. TBB marked the maximum water column reading on to the PVC column with tape that indicated the unit name and test type. The units were tested with the manufacturers’ supplied hoses for each unit and the hose was coupled to the Water Column with airtight rubber compression fittings.

TBB also used the industrial gauge to measure the test units’ suction to create a second set of readings to ensure a good correlation between results of the Water Column and the industrial gauge. Also, each vacuum was on full power, and if available, had the auto-clean feature turned on.

Dust Collector Noise Measurements

For each dust collector we also measured the noise in decibels. During the CFM test, we placed a decibel meter in the same exact location (we placed tape on the floor so the supporting tripod was in the same location) for each vacuum and measured the average and maximum decibel level. Measurements were recorded both when the vacuums were clean, and when they were dirty with drywall compound (under extreme motor performance, the sound levels are higher).

Dust Extractor Head-to-Head Results

Measured Air Flow (Volume) Results

Below are the results from our air flow tests. The measured air flow in CFM is shown for both the clean and dirty dust extractors after sucking up 20 lbs of drywall compound. For the clean condition the top three included:

1. Hilti 172.2 CFM
2. Festool 159.5 CFM
3. DEWALT 153.4 CFM

In the second test with a dirty fleece bag and filter, the top three were:

1. Makita 134.2 CFM
2. Festool 129.7 CFM
3. Hilti 111.7 CFM

What’s quite glaring in the results is the drastic drop by DEWALT from third place to last place in eighth.

Measured Suction (Water Column) Results

Below are the results of the suction (water column) tests. The measured suction (water column in inches) is shown for both the clean and dirty dust extractors after sucking up 20 lbs of drywall compound. For the baseline clean dust extractors the top three included:

1. Hilti 97.8 inches
2. Festool 96.3 inches
3. Makita 93.4 inches

After sucking up the drywall compound the top three remained the same with:

1. Hilti 99.4 inches
2. Festool 97.5 inches
3. Makita 91.5 inches

Interestingly enough both Hilti and Festool recorded slightly higher suction values in the dirty configuration. Statistically there really isn’t much difference between their first and second test however. DEWALT struggled in this test and was significantly lower than the rest of the field.

Airwatts – Results

Below are the results of the airwatt calculations. The top three in the clean condition were:

1. Hilti 1,986
2. Festool 1,801
3. Makita 1,653

The results after sucking up 20 lbs of drywall compound were:

1. Festool 1,483
2. Makita 1,440
3. Hilti 1,302

Again we see DEWALT drastically fall off and this is due to it’s struggle in the suction testing above. Both Bosch and Milwaukee dropped about 40% from clean to dirty which is also something to consider when evaluating this data.

Noise Results

Below are the results from our decibel measurements.  We recorded the average sound level along with the maximum values. As you can see below the top three quietest were:

1. Makita 76.3 db (83.3 db max)
2. Milwaukee 79.8 db (84.0 db max)
3. Metabo 80.6 db (89.4 db max)

While the results might look really close, differences in decibel levels are logarithmic, so levels of 90 are actually MUCH higher than levels of 80, essentially 10 times louder. Noise is a serious hazard in construction so any tool that offers lower sound signatures are important for hearing protection.

Dust Extractor Costs

Cost is always a factor in determining what tool to buy. Below is a chart showing current pricing (at the time of this publication) for each of the dust extractors that we tested. Both DEWALT and Makita ring in at the lowest cost of $529 which is almost half the cost of the highest priced Hilti at $949. It’s worth pointing out that the total cost may be a bit deceiving, especially with companies like Hilti and Festool that offer robust warranties. Hilti offers a 20 year limited warranty and a 2 year wear and tear warranty and Festool offers full coverage for 3 years, both are significantly longer than any of the other tool manufacturers.  While we’re not going to dig into the details of the warranties here, it should be looked at when considering to the total cost of ownership.

Ergonomic / Feature Results

Ergonomics are critically important when considering new tools. For this evaluation we included a long list of features in our ergonomic evaluation. Our team of contractors rated each feature from 1 to 3 for each dust extractor with 1 being the best score and 3 being the lowest score. The average score across each category was used to rank the dust extractors with the top three being:

1. Fein with an average score of 1.24
2. Milwaukee with an average score of 1.53
3. Bosch, Hilti and Metabo tying for third with an average score of 1.71

Overall Winner – Best Dust Extractor – HILTI VC 150-10 XE

The toughest part of these Tool Box Buzz Head-to-Head evaluations is coming up with an overall winner. The TBB team has been working hard to develop a good ranking system. The current ranking system assigns a number from 1 being the winner of a category up to the total number of entries. Each category is added up and the tool with the lowest overall score is the winner. Below is a table with all the results from each category. As usual, the top three tools were extremely close and rightfully so as they are excellent dust extractors.

First Place – Hilti

Coming in first place, and what we consider to be the BEST dust extractor on the market today is the Hilti VC 150-10 XE. While it may be the most expensive dust extractor to buy, it offers excellent power and it comes with an excellent warranty that is tough to beat in the industry. The Hilti 20-2-1 warranty is a 20 year limited manufacturers warranty, a 2 year unconditional warranty  covers anything including cutting the cord and other non-manufacturer related items, and a 1 day in Hilti’s regional repair shop with pre-paid shipping labels, all of which is really awesome!

Second Place – Makita

Coming in a very close second place was the Makita VC4710. Tied for the least expensive dust extractor we tested, this is an extreme value for contractors on a tight budget. It held its own with Hilti and Festool in the performance testing we did and its also the quietest extractor. There’s no doubt this is a top notch dust extractor with a price that’s tough to ignore.

This extractor was also the quietest one which can be an important safety issue for everyone to consider.

Third Place – Festool

In third place was the Festool 584014. Festool has been a leader in dust control for years so its no surprise to see them at the top of the list. Also priced on the higher side compared to other models we tested, it too offers an exceptional warranty that will keep you working worry free for the first three years. This dust extractor was very consistent in the performance testing boasting the best airwatt measurement in the dirty filter testing.

Final Thoughts – Dust Extractors

Recent OSHA regulations are changing the way we work. OSHA’s respirable crystalline silica rule, which affects 2 million construction workers who drill, cut, crush or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, as well as general industry operations such as brick manufacturing, foundries and hydraulic fracturing.

We hope this Head-to-Head tool testing we developed clears up some confusion on which Dust Extractor is best suited for your construction applications.

Dust Extractor – Head-2-Head Video

Best Dust Extractor – Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

FEIN MultiMaster FMM 350 QSL w/ Starlock Plus

FEIN MultiMaster w/ Starlock Plus

5/5

Manufacturer: FEIN
Model number: FMM 350 QSL
Price: $349
Power source: 120V AC
Motor size: 350 Watt
Weight: 3.1 lbs

Earlier this year FEIN and Bosch joined forces to develop a new type of blade and blade locking mechanism called Starlock. Starlock blades come in several different formats including: Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max. We recently tested the new FEIN MultiMaster with Starlock Plus on the jobsite to see how it comes to the older versions we’ve been using for years.

FEIN FMM 350 QSL Features

• Self-supporting motor with vibration decoupling for outstanding vibration and noise reduction.
• Very powerful 350 Watt FEIN high-performance motor for optimal cutting speeds and maximum work progress.
• Highest quality and stability thanks to metal gear case and consistent use of ball or needle bearings.
• Convenient QuickIN rapid-clamping system
• Electronic speed control with tacho generator for constant speed, even under load.
• Integrated interface for mounting additional system accessories.
• Softgrip zone provides optimal handling.
• StarlockPlus tool mount with outstanding torque transfer, fits all Starlock and StarlockPlus accessories.
• Wide selection of accessories available for all applications.
• Oscillations: 10,000-19,500 rpm
• Cable Length: 16.4 ft long

Starlock Blade System – The Future of Oscillating Tools

I love seeing all the advancements within the tool industry of late because the results are impacting jobsites all over the world. Without doubt OMT’s have become a huge part of the construction industry due to their incredible versatility to adapt to almost any situation on the jobsite. So the development of the Starlock blade system will no doubt further expand this category allowing users to do more tasks including more high demand tasks that require larger motors.

The Starlock blade system using some of the old approach to securing the blade with the addition of a 3D chuck system. Not only does the tool clamp to the blade as it did in older versions, but the blade itself has a 3D impression in it that allows the blade to wrap around the chuck for a significantly stronger connection. Another big bonus with the new system compared to the old is not having a loose pin that could be lost. There are not parts you remove in order to attach the blades unlike the older version.

The result allows the tools to have larger more powerful motors, and the tool can transfer maximum power to the blade without fear of the blade slipping especially under challenging applications like cutting stone or metal.

FEIN FMM 350 QSL – On The Job

In order to really appreciate the FEIN MultiMaster you’ve got to start using it on the job. The first thing that I noticed when using the new MultiMaster with Starlock is a feeling of security knowing the blade won’t slip regardless of the pressure or position the tool is subjected to. While I can’t really say that blade slippage was a big problem in the past, it did occur on occasion and always left me wondering. Starlock virtually assures there will be no slippage and allows for maximum power to the work piece.

Blade changes with the MultiMaster are quick and easy. One of the best features on the FMM 350 QSL is the extra long cord. While we certainly see the end of the “corded” tool in the not so distant future, when a cord is needed, it’s really nice to have one long enough so you can get some work done without needing an extension cord. Not only is the cord long but it’s made from really good quality rubber.

Final Thoughts – FEIN MultiMaster with StarLock Plus

If you asked me a couple years ago if there was anything FEIN could do to improve the MultiMaster I’d probably say no. The MultiMaster has been the flagship OMT on the market for years and that’s because it was powerful, very well built, and optimized for amazing cutting, grinding, and sanding. When I first saw the new StarLock blade system at a trade show I was really impressed. What impresses me the most is the opportunity to develop new tools with greater power and new blades for high demand applications. Putting StarLock on the already awesome FEIN MultiMaster platform is a huge development that all of us that use tools to make a living can be excited about.

Bottom line is simple, the FEIN MultiMaster FMM 350 QSL with StarLock Plus is an amazing OMT and worth every dollar. If you’re looking to upgrade your current OMT or purchase  your first one, this is the one to buy!

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FEIN MultiMaster Top Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

FEIN MultiMaster, MultiTalent, SuperCut and accessories with Starlock

Pittsburgh, March, 2016. In April 2016, FEIN will introduce to the market all oscillating power tools with the new, patented Starlock tool mount. This mounting system, developed jointly with Bosch, precisely matches machine and accessories and ensures maximum power transmission and perfect results. The accessories, which have been available since January, reach their full performance capabilities in combination with the new oscillating power tools: Starlock accessories are changed in less than three seconds. With the FEIN Starlock mount accessories, the new FEIN MultiMaster and MultiTalent work up to 35% faster than their predecessors. The FEIN SuperCut achieves up to 45% faster cutting speeds. With almost 50 years of experience in this tool category, this well-established German company offers the most powerful oscillating power tool in every performance class and the largest range of accessories in the market.

Starlock: Tool mount for power tools and accessories

For oscillating power tools to saw, sand, scrape or polish as efficiently as possible, power must be transferred from machine to accessory with minimal backlash. That is why the Starlock power tool and accessory system works faster, more conveniently and more economically than previous systems with conventional tool mounts. The accessory snaps onto the power tool mount and locks in securely. The tool change takes less than three seconds. Starlock accessories are equipped with a recessed, three-dimensional mount and achieves more precise results and up to 45% faster work progress. FEIN is the only supplier to manufacture its E-Cut saw blades with a rigid stainless steel holder. This makes the blades even more powerful and with less vibration, less noise and greater precision. Original FEIN accessories with Starlock mount are compatible with most oscillating machines in the market (FEIN, Bosch and other manufacturers with 12-point mounts). Up to 25% faster performance is achieved with all FEIN oscillating power tools in the market.

The most extensive machine and accessory system

As the inventor of oscillating power tools, FEIN offers the widest range in the market: from the universal, new-user model for interior construction and renovation with 250 watts of power output to the most high-performing oscillating power tool with 450 watts output for specific applications in specialized industries. Each machine achieves the highest cutting speeds in its particular performance class.

The battery-operated power tools (from 12 to 18 volts) are as powerful as the corresponding corded models. FEIN has tuned the system of power tool and accessories for high power, fast work progress and precise results. With over 100 different accessories, this manufacturer offers the largest variety of applications. Many parts are patented and only available from FEIN.

FEIN manufactures all its oscillating power tools and many accessory components at its company headquarters in Schwäbisch Gmünd-Bargau, Germany. Another special feature developed by FEIN, which was presented for the first time in 2014, is its patented anti-vibration system. Due to an innovative construction, almost none of the oscillating motion of the power tool is transferred to the user. Vibrations are reduced by up to 70%. The self-supporting motor is connected to the motor housing via flexible damping elements. This means that continuous daily operation for eight hours is achievable, even when sawing. In addition, the anti-vibration system reduces noise generation by approximately 50%. Almost all FEIN oscillating power tools work with this vibration damping (with the exception of the MultiTalent Start and QuickStart corded tools).

New FEIN oscillating power tools with Starlock mount

At 450 watts, the FEIN SuperCut Construction FSC 500 QSL is the most powerful renovation system in the market. The new generation with Starlock tool mount is now, for the first time, equipped with the FEIN anti-vibration system and offers an impressive performance with an increased oscillating angle of twice 2.1 degrees. The FEIN SuperCut is designed for professional groups such as carpenters, interior remodelers, window restorers, tile installers, HVAC installers and plumbers. Each of the professional sets is matched to the trade and its special applications.

The equally new FEIN cordless SuperCut AFSC 18 QSL operates with powerful 18 volt lithium-ion batteries, with optionally 2.5 or 5 ampere-hours. It is shipped with a newly-developed, high-efficiency, brushless FEIN PowerDrive motor.

Additional information about FEIN oscillating power tools with Starlock tool mount and original FEIN accessories will be available, beginning in April, at: http://www.fein.com/original

FEIN oscillating power tools and accessories are available at specialty dealers. The FEIN MultiMaster, FEIN MultiTalent and accessories are also available at Bauhaus branches.

Find suppliers at: http://www.feinus.com/en_us/dealer-repair/

New FEIN Tools and Accessories with Starlock is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Head to Head Testing

Oscillating Multi-Tools (OMT) have exploded in popularity and created a huge sector of the power tool industry. These versatile tools offer contractors, renovators and DIY’ers a go-to option for a variety of cutting, grinding and sanding applications where limited space is an issue. Recent developments in battery technology have allowed the tool manufacturers to produce cordless OMT’s with similar power and performance to the original corded versions.

We recently evaluated seven cordless models in a head to head testing battle in an effort to help you choose your next cordless OMT. The results of our head to head comparison are based on all day testing by seven carpenters/contractors. The testing involved cutting applications including: cutting plywood, pine trim, and 16d nails. These cutting tests allowed us to evaluate power/speed, precision cutting, noise level, ergonomics and blade change design.

In order to have a relative comparison between models with our cutting evaluation, we opted to use the same blades on all the models. The folks at Bosch were kind enough to supply all of the blades for our OMT head to head testing. We used the following blades in our testing:

• Wood – OSC114    (Precision)
• Hard Wood – OSC114JF  (Precision Japanese tooth)
• Wood with Nails – OSC114F (Precision Bimetal)
• Metal – OSC114C (Carbide)

Models Featured In Our OMT Head To Head

• Bosch 18V Multi-X Oscillating Tool, MXH180BL
• DEWALT XR Lithium Ion Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, DCS355D1
• FEIN MultiMaster Cordless, AFMM 14
• Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool, XMT03Z
• Milwaukee M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION Multi-Tool, 2626-22
• Porter-Cable 20V Max Lithium Oscillating Tool, PCC710
• Ridgid JobMax 18V, R862004

Bosch MXH180BL

The Bosch MXH180BL is sold as a bare tool in an L-BOXX2 storage container. It also comes with an accessory storage box, and one blade (OSC312F Segment Saw Blade). If you don’t own a Bosch 18V battery pack then you’ll also need to order a battery and charger to go along with this kit.

The MXH180BL offers an EC brushless motor, tool-free blade change design, variable speed dial, and a slider type on/off switch. It’s worth noting that this is one of the models that does not feature a work light. The tool-free blade change system on the Bosch is the simplest and most stream-lined of all the models we tested. It has no need for special blades and has no loose pins/bolts.

You can read our review of it here: Bosch MXH180BL Review

DEWALT DCS355D1

The DEWALT DCS355D1 is sold as a kit in a soft contractor style bag. The kit includes a nice accessory storage box along with a nice assortment of accessories including: DEWALT Oscillating Tool Guide System, wood with nails blade, sanding pad, (25) sheets of sanding paper,  and a universal accessory adapter. This kit also comes with a fast charger and one 2.0 Ah 20V Max battery pack. The 20V Max in a nominal 18V platform.

The DCS355D1 features a variable speed trigger with a lock, LED work light, and a trade marked QUICK-CHANGE system for tool-free blade changes. However, the QUICK-CHANGE system requires DEWALT blades. This OMT can be set up with other blade systems using an adapter but you’ll have to change blades with an Allen wrench.

You can read our review of this tool here: DEWALT DCS355D1 Cordless OMT Review

FEIN AFMM 14

The FEIN AFMM 14 is also sold as a kit with a hard plastic carrying case. The kit includes the most extensive set of accessories of any of the kits we tested. The kit includes: (5) P60-Grit Sanding Sheets, (5) P80-Grit Sanding Sheets, (5) P120-Grit Sanding Sheets, (5) P180-Grit Sanding Sheets, Sanding Pad, Standard Wood Blade, 1-3/4-in Universal E-Cut Blade – 63502152010, 2-1/2-in Carbide Segment Saw Blade – 63502118016, 3-1/8-in HSS Segment Saw Blade – 63502106015, Rigid Scraper Blade, and the Carbide Rasp – 63731001014. The kit comes with a charger and two 14.4V, 3.0 Ah battery packs.

It’s notable that this is the only tool in this group that doesn’t use an 18V battery, this tool runs on a 14.4V platform. This is another one of the tools that does not feature a work light in it’s design. The FEIN AFMM 14 does offer a tool-free blade change (FEIN is the father of these tools and the tool-free design!), along with a standard on/off switch and variable speed dial. The tool-free blade change system uses a removable pin/bolt that holds the blades in position.

You can read our review of this OMT here: FEIN AFMM 14 MultiMaster Review

Makita XMT03Z

The Makita XMT03Z is so new it’s not in the stores yet, however, it will be soon so we included it in the head to head. The XMT03Z is basically the same tool as the Makita LXMT025 but this new version includes a tool-free blade change design. Considering all the cordless OMTs with a tool-free design the XMT03Z is a welcome refinement. At the time of this article it wasn’t clear if the tool will be sold in a kit form or as a bare tool.

The XMT03Z includes a standard on/off switch along with a variable speed dial. This OMT does not include a work light and the tool-free blade design includes a pin/bolt design similar to the FEIN.

Milwaukee 2626-22

The Milwaukee 2626-22 comes in a kit with a soft contractor style bag, charger and two extended run 4.0 Ah batteries. The kit also includes a blade adapter, one wood cutting blade, sanding pad, and 5 sanding sheets.

The 2626-22 features a tool-free blade change design that’s somewhat similar to the FEIN design with a pin/bolt that holds the blade in place. This OMT does feature a nice LED work light, on/off switch, and variable speed dial. The big bonus with this kit are the two 4.0 Ah batteries that come standard.

You can read our review of this OMT here: Milwaukee 2626-22 Cordless OMT Review

Porter-Cable PCC710B

The Porter-Cable PCC710B is sold as a bare tool only and fits their 20V Max battery platform (the 20V Max is a nominal 18V battery). This tool is compatible with the DEWALT Universal Fitment style blades and features the same style tool-free blade change design that DEWALT uses. This OMT comes with an accessory box and a number of accessories including: (14) Sanding Papers, (1) PC3005 Sanding Platen, (1) PC3010 Precision Wood Blade, (1) PC3012 Bi-Metal Blade, (1) PC3020 Rigid Scraper, and (1) PC3030 Carbide Grout Blade.

This OMT features a LED work light, on/off switch, variable speed dial, and 2 Finger TOOL-FREE SYSTEM.

Ridgid R862004

The Ridgid R862004 is sold as a bare tool and fits all of the Ridgid 18V batteries including their new 4.0 Ah pack. The R862004 accepts all popular multi-tool accessories with the included universal adaptor. This is the only OMT that we tested that does not offer a tool-free blade change. To change blades a bolt must be removed using an Allen wrench.

This OMT features a LED work light, variable speed trigger and a belt hook. It also has the ability to run other JobMax tool heads including several drilling and cutting heads. Because of the JobMax design the head can be rotated in 4 different positions with respect to the grip/trigger.

Oscillating Multi-Tool Head to Head Summary Video

If you’re the type that would rather watch a video then here’s a quick summary on the results below.

Blade Change Winner – Bosch

Changing blades on power tools can be really frustrating when you misplace the wrench or don’t have one with you. So tools that offer easy to use tool-free blade changes are very attractive to most users. Most of the models we tested offer a tool-free blade change system with the exception being the Ridgid JobMax. There are three basic designs including levers that release a pin/bolt, a lever system that requires special blades, or a lever that opens a jaw which clamps the blade.

The last design, used by Bosch, is the best design in our opinion because it’s tool-free and it has no loose parts (pin/bolt) to lose. It works very well and doesn’t allow the blade to slip or vibrate loose. FEIN may have started the tool-free trend but Bosch clearly developed an even better approach.

DEWALT and Porter-Cable have a really easy to use system that doesn’t need a pin or loose part as well. In fact, their system is even easier to use than the Bosch’s, but you have to use a DEWALT blade in order to use this tool-free design. While you can still use other brand blades, other blades must be installed using an adapter and bolt.

The FEIN, Makita and Milwaukee all use a lever and a removable pin to secure the blades. The FEIN and Makita work very well while the Milwaukee is a bit harder to release the pin.

Ergonomics Winner – DEWALT & Milwaukee

The ergonomics best in class was a tie for us between DEWALT and Milwaukee. Both tools have very comfortable grips combined with well balanced tool weight. Ridgid and FEIN came in tied for 2nd in this category. The smaller grip on the Ridgid combined with the variable speed trigger makes it feel a lot like the DEWALT (the only down side on this one is the cutting blade/head is further from the hands). The FEIN has one of the sleekest and most compact designs which all of us felt lent to a very comfortable tool to use. Both the Bosch and Makita feel very bulky and not as well balanced as the other models we tested so we ranked them both as third in the group.

The Porter-Cable finished off last in large part to significant vibration. With respect to vibration, the group felt that both the FEIN and Makita were best in class with respect to lower vibrations.

Noise Winner – Makita

Noise can be a significant factor both for personal safety and also the comfort of people in close proximity to a work area. We measured the decibel level of each tool at it’s highest speed under no load. The quietest OMT was the Makita at 68 decibels and the loudest was the FEIN at 81 decibels.

Metal Cutting (Power/Speed) Winner – Bosch

All of the guys testing these OMT’s agreed that power is a big deal when considering this type of tool as all of us agree that we use them for cutting more than any other task. Whether it’s cutting metal (nails, screws, and duct work) or cutting hardwood, power combined with a quality blade means speed and efficiency.

We put the cordless oscillating multi-tools to the test cutting 16d framing nails. This was a pretty extreme test that allowed each of us to quickly handle each tool cutting the same material. These results are subjective meaning we did not time the cutting, rather each of us ranked the tools based on our experience cutting 20 nails for each tool. This test was performed using the Bosch Carbide Metal Blade (OSC114C).

Best in class goes to the Bosch MXH180BL. Each of the guys testing the OMT’s had the same impression after cutting through the nails. The Bosch quickly cut through the nails with ease and had a noticeable advantage over all the other models. Both the DEWALT and Makita models tied for 2nd place with very impressive power and speed as well. Milwaukee wasn’t far behind the 2nd place finishers in 3rd place. 4th place was a bit of a surprise with Ridgid performing almost as well as the Milwaukee.

The FEIN AFMM 14 was a bit disappointing in this particular power test. However, in all fairness to FEIN, this model runs on a 14.4 volt battery platform compared to all the other models running on 18 volt batteries. I’d really like to see FEIN redesign this tool on an 18V platform and I feel it would do very well.

The Porter-Cable was in another class altogether with this extreme power testing. This isn’t all that surprising as we consider this more of a DIY option or very light contractor grade jobs. While it did cut the nails, it struggled compared to all the other models that we tested.

Precision Cutting Winner – FEIN

To test precision cutting applications we used the OMT’s to cut vertical lines in 1×6 pine baseboard to simulate a renovation application. The goal was to cut a straight line that has good enough precision to be left as a finished cut. The FEIN really excelled at this test compared to the other tools. The lack of power may be a big reason for this result as the tool seemed to have less vibration resulting in more user control.

Coming in second was the DEWALT model. Users felt the variable speed trigger and “drill style grip” made it easier to control with precision cutting applications. Milwaukee was the next pick in this category, users felt the grip contributed to better control. Overall both the DEWALT and Milwaukee performed very well in this application.

Bosch and Makita finished 4th and 5th with good smooth cutting but users felt that the bulky handle design hindered their ability to control the tools as well as some of the other designs with smaller grips. The Ridgid model didn’t score as well in this category due to noticeably more vibration and the configuration of the blade isn’t as close to users hands which makes control harder.

Rounding out the back of the pack is the Porter-Cable due to excessive vibration and lack of power.

Plunge Cutting Winner – Milwaukee

Plunge cutting is something that most of us use OMT’s for quite a bit. Whether it’s cutting drywall, siding, or sheathing material these tools are faster and easier than other saw options. To simulate this plunge cutting application we used the OMT’s to cut rectangular holes in 1/2″ plywood.

Best in class for this test was the Milwaukee based on a combination of power and comfortable grip. A very close tie for 2nd place included the DEWALT, Bosch, and Makita. All of these tools work extremely well in this application and the distinction between one and two was very small.

The Ridgid model was next followed by the FEIN (mostly due to the less power). Rounding out the bottom was the Porter-Cable again due to vibration and overall lack of power.

It should be noted that the results of this test would likely be much different if this tool was being used solely to cut drywall, or small pieces of trim.

Pricing & Value of Cordless OMT’s

Pricing is certainly one of the biggest considerations for most people when they buy new power tools. Comparing pricing in this category is tough as each tool is sold in quite a few different ways including bare tools and some with full kits. The table below summarizes current pricing at the time of this article (May 2014) along with basic info on what comes with the tool at that price.

Because none of the brands packages their tool the same way it’s pretty hard to compare costs. However, I created the table above with the name of each tool, the price I found the day of the article, information about cases, number of batteries and the battery size. Then I created a column at the end that includes an updated price that includes the tool, a charger, and two (2) full size batteries (4.0 Ah when available). This is the true cost that is needed to compare them side by side.

From this pricing I give the best value to Milwaukee and DEWALT. The DEWALT is a slightly better value as the kit includes a few more accessories and you would end up with 3 batteries (the 2.0 Ah that comes standard, plus the two extra included in the revised pricing).

Overall Winner Oscillating Multi-Tool Head to Head – Too Close To Call

When I starting researching the cordless oscillating multi-tools for this head to head I never imagined the competition would be as close as it was. All of these OMT’s performed the tasks we set up and several of them really surprised us. All things considered we are going to give a tie for the Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool to Bosch and DEWALT. These two tools finished in the top two slots for almost every category we looked at. While the DEWALT has an edge on value, the Bosch has an edge on it’s tool-free design. Both tools are excellent options for PRO users.

I’d be remiss to not mention that the Milwaukee OMT was next in line and frankly not by much. When you consider the price point of this tool many will likely find this to be their top choice.

Final Thoughts – Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tools

While we didn’t rank the FEIN AFMM 14 as high as many of the competing tools, the fit and finish, and long standing leader of this category shouldn’t be overlooked. I’m fairly confident that this tool will perform well on the job-site and it’s certainly backed by a strong history of performance. We’d love to see FEIN step this tool up with a larger battery platform to get it on par with the other 18V models.

The Porter-Cable ranked at the bottom of most of our testing. However, this tool is an excellent choice for DIY’ers, occasional PRO use, and users that already have the Porter-Cable 20V battery platform when you consider the excellent price point of the bare tool.

The big take away from my perspective is this. If you already own one of these Brands battery platforms, each of these tools will perform well. If you’re looking for a versatile platform the Ridgid JobMax is an excellent choice because it can be expanded to other cutting and drilling applications.

Best Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tools |Head to Head Comparison is a post from Tool Box Buzz

FEIN Model AFMM14 MultiMaster Cordless Kit

FEIN MultiMaster Cordless

4/5

Manufacturer: FEIN
Model number: AFMM 14
Price: $499
Power source: 14.4 Volts
Weight: 3.7 lbs (Incl. Battery)

The head to head testing and evaluation was a unique opportunity to use the tool side by side with the other leading cordless OMT’s. The testing was a great way to compare all the features in a very relative process.

FEIN MultiMaster Cordless Features

• High torque motor with performance identical to corded version.
• Large battery capacity and maximum performance due to 8 lithium-ion cells.
• Convenient, tool-free accessory change, using the QuickIN rapid change system.
• Highest ‘Made in Germany’ quality
• Capacity indicator on every battery.
• High-tech Li-ion battery technology with monitoring of individual cells.
• 8 point tool mounting for outstanding torque transfer.
• Electronic speed control.
• Integrated interface for mounting additional system accessories.
• Softgrip zone provides optimal handling.
• Wide selection of accessories available for all applications.

Compact Portable Design

The FEIN AFMM 14 cordless MultiMaster is a very nice compact and portable oscillating multi-tool (OMT). While it’s slightly larger than the corded version it’s considerably smaller than some of the larger 18V brands on the market. The first thing I noticed about the AFMM 14 is it’s sleek design that incorporates the shape of the battery pack into the tools overall shape and appearance. The result is an OMT that fits into tight spaces and won’t get caught on things as you cut, sand and scrape with it.

The AFMM 14 comes with a very nice hard case that holds the batteries, charger, and accessories in a very organized way. It’s certainly the nicest OMT case on the market hands down.

FEIN MultiMaster AFMM 14 Precision

During my recent head to head testing of seven different cordless OMT’s I found the FEIN AFMM 14 to be one of the most precise, and easiest to control during precision cuts. Testing involved making vertical plumb cuts in pine baseboard. The FEIN was the easiest to control and most comfortable in this application. I think one of the biggest reasons is this tool seems to be the smoothest in terms of vibration (which is a strange concept considering these tools work by using vibration).

FEIN AFMM 14 Comfort / Ergonomics

Obviously ergonomics is a very subjective topic. However, I think it’s quite obvious that FEIN has spent a lot of time working on the shape of this tool in an effort to make it very comfortable to use. Anyone that uses an OMT on a regular basis knows that the tool is always being rotated, tipped, and tilted in your hands as you use it to cut. Because the FEIN cordless MultiMaster is so sleek I find it very easy to move around from position to position in a very fluid motion. It may not sound that important, but when you pick up 7 different models and start performing the same tasks, it really stood out to me as an important factor to consider.

FEIN Accessories

One of the really impressive things about the FEIN AFMM 14 is the number of accessories that come with the kit. It includes everything you need to get started on most any project. In addition to the accessories that come with the kit, FEIN produces lots of accessories for their OMT line including a cutting guide and depth guide. The quality of their blades and accessories are very good and I find that the blades stay sharp longer than many of the competitor blades.

FEIN MultiMaster Cordless Power

The one place that the FEIN AFMM 14 falls short of the competition is power. The problem from my point of view is the fact that the FEIN is the only OMT using a 14.4 volt battery platform. This puts the tool in a strange situation, as it’s more powerful than the 12V models out there yet falls short compared to the 18V models. I’d really like to see them upgrade this tool to an 18V battery platform which would likely drastically improve how this tool compares to the other 18V models.

To test the power of the AFMM 14, we did head to head testing against 6 other brands all using the same blades (Bosch OSC114C, Multi-Tool Carbide Tooth blades), cutting 16d framing nails. This is a fairly extreme test but it allowed us to get a very relative comparison of power. While the FEIN AFMM 14 was able to cut the nails without any trouble, it wasn’t able to keep up with the speed and ease that other 18V OMT’s produced.

While this tool didn’t offer as much power, that lack of power most likely was a primary reason that I felt this tool handles much better in precise cutting situations.

Overall Impression of the FEIN MultiMaster Cordless AFMM 14 Kit

The FEIN MultiMaster Cordless AFMM 14 Kit is an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a cordless OMT. If you’ve owned a MultiMaster in the past you’ll find the cordless version works exactly the same as the corded version and offers the same speed and oscillations. The fit and finish on FEIN tools is always very impressive. This tool performs very well in finish applications where precision and accuracy are important. Because this is a 14.4 volt cordless tool there are other more powerful cordless OMT’s on the market if you need to cut lots of metal and difficult materials.

FEIN is the father of OMT’s and their quality and attention to detail are still one of the reasons they lead this category. While certainly not the cheapest option out there, you do get what you pay for and this is a tool that will last for years to come.

FEIN AFMM 14 MultiMaster Cordless Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz