I have been planning to get one of these and I like the idea of a cordless one, but have seen a few comments that corded is the way to go. So I am focusing in on the Bosch MX25EC-21 which has some really good and consistent reviews. But I also saw the Ridgid Jobmax at HD and was wondering about the removable head on it. It is currently $125 but includes a second head (any one of many that they offer). I thought the 90 degree drill head could be useful. But I am concerned about the removable aspect and wonder if the connection would allow some movement making the tool less useful and durable. It seems like any movement in this joint would be a bad thing in a tool like this. So does anyone have any experience with either of these and would like to venture an opinion? If so, I would greatly appreciate it.
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Replies
I saw that in the flyer today as well.
My interest would be in the 90 degree impact driver though
Have neither........
but have used the heck out of my Fein Multimaster.
If it died, I'd get another one.
No regrets and no reason to change.
I do own a Festool multi headed drill motor. The 90 degree head can be put in any configuration, which I think and know from using it, is the way to go. A 90 in one direction would be too limiting. Hope your model has that feature-it's worth it.
Best of luck in your decision!
Choosing a multi tool
Thanks. The Fein would be great, but I am not a pro, so I don't think I can justify the extra expense over the Bosch or similar models.
Many good tools
I have both the Fein (was $200, now $300) and Harbor Freight (low sale price $40) variable speed multi tools, and can't say I prefer one over the other. Although the Fein is supposed to eliminate the hassle of changing blades with its quick remove spindle, removing the sanding head is still a pain because the sandpaper has to be removed to take out the spindle. The new Porter Cable looks intriguing with blades that slide off horizontally, obviating the need to remove the spindle. And blade quality doesn't need to be a factor with the Bosch adapter allowing Bosch blades to be used on other brand tools (not including the unique Porter Cable). So my advice is to find the Harbor Freight on sale and buy a Bosch adapter, and with a $45 investment try out this useful tool. There's money left over if you also want a right angle drill.
Choosing a multi tool
I do use Harbor Freight for the occasional small tool since often their prices are hard to beat. But I have never thought of buying one of their electric tools since I thought the quality might be pretty marginal. Their website shows their multi tool on sale for only $49 - certainly a bargain over the $155 I have seen for the Bosch. I have had really excellent luck with Bosch tools though. What prompeted you to buy a multi tool from them when you already had a Fein?
Why both
I had a project where I went back and forth cutting and sanding, and it was a pain to repeatedly take off the sandpaper to change tools. So I leave the sandpaper on the HF and cut with the Fein. You could buy 5 HFs and put a different tool on each and come out cheaper than one expensive multi!
HF tools can be awful, but the reviews for the multi tool are great. The technology is probably not difficult and Fein has been overcharging for years. I like the soft start feature of the HF, and with the Bosch adapter I'm not limited to HF blades. My low level Fein didn't come with a case, so I keep it in the HF case!
Last year Fein rejiggered their model line, and the Select Plus was $200, which I could justify. Now they have added a plastic case and the price jumped to $300. Once every two months the HF variable speed model drops to $39.99. If I had to make the whole purchase decision again today, I'd buy two HFs.
Choosing a multi tool
I think I'll go buy the HF. For the current $49 price and the positive recommendations I have heard here and other places, I figure there it is not much of a gamble. Many thanks to all of you for your comments and help.
berg
Remember what I said if you go after a right angle drill motor-rotating head is a real crown and task pleaser. You'll be able to do so much more not being limited by the drill body.
Enjoy.
HF Multi Tool
I bought the HF multi tool. The Bosch blades fit it without an adapter.
Multi tool
I had the dremmel first ,it was junk. After it was stolen from my truck I got the ridgid and am very happy. The ridgid comes with an adapter for other brand blades. The other attachments work well too but I wish the drill had a half inch chuck. I went corded because I don't want yet another charger to keep track of and to start replacing batteries next year.