Need to cut exhaust fan out of ceiling. Have never used/owned a multi tool before, but is about the only way to get this out. Have 1 M-12 Fuel tool, a 3/8 driver. I am an average DIY type, but a full kitchen remodel is in our future. Would you go for the quality Milwaukee or HFT corded for about 40 bucks?
I assume you’re asking about the oscillating multi-tools? I haven’t used either of those brands so I can’t comment on them specifically. I started out with a Dremel brand corded tool I received as a gift from a family member who didn’t know much about tools. It worked fine but I found the cord to be a hassle so I went and bought a Dewalt 20V. At the time that was the only cordless system I was bought into so it was really the logical choice for me. I am extremely happy with the cordless. Once you have one of these tools the more you find uses for them. I’ve used them for cutting baseboards when installing new doors, scraping floors, removing old grout and loose mortar, sanding rough spots when repainting the house, cutting out old pipe fittings, making cutouts in drywall for electrical boxes, and so much more. I’ve even used it for working on my truck–scraping off undercoating, cutting rusty bolts I couldn’t access any other way, etc. I never use the corded one anymore, the cordless is just so much less hassle, especially in tight spots, and that’s where these tools really shine. If this is for a one-off job I might consider the corded tool but if you do any sort of DIY on a regular basis or you have a big remodel planned I think you’ll be much happier with the cordless one. I have several M12 tools now (just not the oscillating one) and I am very happy with all of them so I can’t imagine the Milwaukee would be a dud.
Thank you sir, exactly what I was looking for.
I want to second this. I have a corded HFT multitool and it works well. But once I got my cordless Dewalt it was night and day difference in the convenience in using this type of tool (brand shouldn’t matter too much just get one you’re already invested in the batteries for).
Another thing I just remembered is the sheer ease of the blade changes on the big-name tools like the Milwaukee or the Dewalt compared to the Harbor Freight $30-40 models. Those HF tools require you to use an allen wrench to change or reposition the blades. The big-name tools are pretty much all tool-free blade change now. The DeWalt has a trigger lever on it that instantly releases the blade so you can move or replace it. The Milwaukee has a lever on top which does a similar thing. Those are huge advantages–you don’t have to worry about misplacing the allen wrench or fiddling around with it whenever you need to move the blade.
Picked up a Milwaukee M-12 Fuel yesterday, went to the local HD, wanted to compare to the Ridgid, since I have those batteries also, Milwaukee will be better i think. Thanks for your assistance.
Id highly suggest the m12 fuel omt over the regular m12 omt even though its almost twice the price Especially for occasional use it will function better and last longer. I have read of many people who use theirs way more frequently than me complain about the power or the tool failing over time. I currently have a 2-year old m12 that i need to replace/repair under warranty. For me the biggest problem is it vibrates the whole tool too much. I believe it has shaken itself apart where now the operation of the tool causes either the battery to dislodge or an electric connection to come loose. I used mine working in the trades but not daily. I would equate it to 5 or more years of use from a diy person who doesnt use tools at their job. Therefore it likely wouldnt fail until after the warranty period expires.
I have used a cheap corded omt and wouldnt recommend because the action of the tool actually wore out the blade engaging “teeth” on the chuck prematurely making the tool useless may have come partly from improper use before me.
FWIW, about the only M12 tool I’ve heard bad things about is their regular OMT (oscillating multi-tool.) The M12 FUEL is a different beast altogether, by all accounts.
I wouldn’t mess with the corded tool. For one thing, you will have to hold the tool over your head. The cord will get heavy and cumbersome quickly.
By the way, I’d suggest getting a dust mask and goggles, and also maybe wearing a hooded sweatshirt, to keep drywall out of your hair.