Fein FMM 250Q MultiMaster Select

[rickharris]

Any one seen or better used one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Fein-FMM-250Q-MultiMaster-Select-603778.htm? is it as good as the advert, I have always doubted multi tools.

[Greybeard]

I agree, that most multi tools are pretty good at some things, but usually not realy good at naything. I've watched parts of their infomercials here and there, and they see, to do pretty good at the tasks they put them through, but I'm sure they use a fresh blade for every task, and none of these tasks are realy challenging to any tool. Perhaps a little less dust, because of the thin blade, but that blade will only reach so far. And it's not as if cutting through sheetrock is very tough.
Fein makes some fine tools, but the realy good ones sell themselves, and don't need hour-long infomercials.

[Kyle]

Any one seen or better used one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Fein-FMM-250Q-MultiMaster-Select-603778.htm? is it as good as the advert, I have always doubted multi tools.

One issue I always ran into as a tileman was door casing I had to cut to slip tile underneath. Generally not hard work with a dovetail saw but there were plenty of times when the casing was only a 1/4" from a side wall or slammed right up against it and the dovetail saw a poor option . I did have the oportunity to use a Fein multimaster in one such case and it worked like a dream. So well in fact that I went to buy one online as soon as I got home. I figured it would be $150 luxury, especially with a tile blade. Then I saw the price...$300-$400 . It would have been a nice tool in my arsenal but it would never have earned its price in saved time for me.

In my opinion, although it does have a lot of optional blades, its only real use is for work in tight spots. It's not meant to be a tool you would use all day. It's a tool that'll sit on a shelf 99.9% of the time and only pull out as a last resort and, frequently, a rotary tool or chisel could do the job just as well if not better. If you already have all the power saws, sanders and grinders to do the jobs you want to do and you plan on doing a lot of work in tight corners then, maybe you would want to spring for the Fein multimaster. If it's just a luxury item, I have seen knockoff versions recently at half the price or less that would probably outlast you since it really won't get much use.

[Kyle]

I have seen knockoff versions recently at half the price or less that would probably outlast you since it really won't get much use.

Sears just started advertising the cordless Craftsman 12 Volt NEXTEC Multi-Tool for $99

[rickharris]

i suspected as much - looks good in the advert but as you say traditional tools get more use! About the only new tool I use a lot is my cordless drill and that is a good quality 24 volt model that packs a decent punch.

[GrandfatherClock]

i suspected as much - looks good in the advert but as you say traditional tools get more use! About the only new tool I use a lot is my cordless drill and that is a good quality 24 volt model that packs a decent punch.

Not so fast there folks. It actually IS a pretty durn good tool, and does indeed do most if not all of what they claim it will, BUT, it IS a rather pricey tool. It's *origional* use, and still one of the ones it's most used for, is replacing auto glass. It gets behind all the gaskets and adhesives pretty well and does an outstanding job of cleaning everything out and getting the frame ready for new glass in a very short period of time. A new windshield can be installed in less than an hour with one. I had to have the back window of my truck replaced due to some kids with to much time on their hands, and a bunch of bricks, and the guy showed up at lunchtime and had me back to work before the hour was up. I've not used one myself as I cannot justify it's price, but I would not mind having one at all. I have other tools to do almost anything IT does, but it's one of the VERY few *all purpose* tools that IS well made, and can do at very least MOST of what they claim it can. For anyone who is already in the construction buisness however, be it professionally or as a better than average weekend warrier, chances are they can do anything it can with what they already have.
Al

[Kyle]

i suspected as much - looks good in the advert but as you say traditional tools get more use! About the only new tool I use a lot is my cordless drill and that is a good quality 24 volt model that packs a decent punch.

Not so fast there folks. It actually IS a pretty durn good tool, and does indeed do most if not all of what they claim it will, BUT, it IS a rather pricey tool. It's *origional* use, and still one of the ones it's most used for, is replacing auto glass. It gets behind all the gaskets and adhesives pretty well and does an outstanding job of cleaning everything out and getting the frame ready for new glass in a very short period of time. A new windshield can be installed in less than an hour with one. I had to have the back window of my truck replaced due to some kids with to much time on their hands, and a bunch of bricks, and the guy showed up at lunchtime and had me back to work before the hour was up. I've not used one myself as I cannot justify it's price, but I would not mind having one at all. I have other tools to do almost anything IT does, but it's one of the VERY few *all purpose* tools that IS well made, and can do at very least MOST of what they claim it can. For anyone who is already in the construction business however, be it professionally or as a better than average weekend warrier, chances are they can do anything it can with what they already have.
Al

I've found myself with another tight spot and I know the multi-tool will get me out of it. However, since I'm not a professional anymore, I'm going to get the single-speed knockoff for $39.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/multifunction-power-tool-67256.htm . At that price it's worth a shot. Once I own one I'll let you know how often it actually gets used. I still don't think it'll be very often.