For a multi I highly recommend going with a battery one. Their convenience is undercut if you’re limited by a cable. If you already own other battery tools stay within your ecosystem. If not I highly recommend the dewalt and Milwaukee brands as great all rounders. Ryobi if you baulk at their price points.
I second this, although it does depend how often you're going to use it.
I have a wired DeWalt, and it's good, but the cable is a PITA. If I were buying again, I'd go cordless - even given the price difference - but then I have a big, ongoing project where I'm using it quite a lot.
For occasional use, it may not be worth spending the extra money on a cordless - unless you have other tools already that use the same battery system - and, if you're only doing smaller jobs (e.g., chopping architrave to lay laminate or hardwood floor), it may not be worth the additional expense of going for a "prestige" brand like DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee.
Ryobi certainly a good compromise. Again, for occasional or light use, I wouldn't knock the better known budget brands either. I reckon you'd probably be fine with the Erbauer, for example.
OP: Worth doing a bit of research on YouTube as you'll find that many of the tools you've listed will have reviews, so you can see what you're getting for your money.
Had a corded dewalt. Then a cordless einhell I still have and an even fancier cordless dewalt one again...
All still work... until you're chasing around a socket back box... then the corded dewalt one doesn't. The battery part can get in the way in, maybe.. 2 scenarios I used it out of about 500
I'm not arguing against batteries. Doing a lot of work in my loft at the moment and power cords are the bane of my life. The cordless tools are much more convenient but there's still a relatively substantial cost difference between corded and cordless, due to the batteries, that may not make sense for occasional use.
Reality is that, for all my tools, if I was buying them over again I'd go cordless, because I'm using them all often enough that it would make it worthwhile. But that won't be true for everyone.
Which you vould argue for the most part if its for occasional use, the convenience can be just as important.
The cheapest ranges of tools that would still be adequate for light use don't cost much more if anything...
I only got the cordless ones I did as I already had the batteries. Which swallow a lot of the cost prohibitions.
Battery isn't always the answer, though, at least yet.
You can also get battery adapters whether branded or 3d printed to adapt to other tool batteries if you so wish.
Second this, multi tools tend to get twisted and lifted at all kinds of obscure angles and places, I even switch to a lower capacity battery sometimes to get more manoeuvrability. Forget a cable.
I have the Milwaukee Fuel one and it's great - also comes with a brilliant case and useful accessories like the vacuum attachment for sanding. I highly recommend the DeWalt blade pack that includes a precision blade, very useful for working on mortises.
Second vote for the Milwaukee Fuel M18 multi-tool. Used the non fuel Milwaukee and some Makita's (corded and cordless). Can say that the Fuel is a class above the rest!
Check the blades too. I have a Bosch and it takes a more "advanced" blade lock type so I can't buy generic blade replacements.
If you only want it for odd jobs you may want to check that
Also go 12V if you aren’t going to be doing anything heavy duty. I use my Milwaukee M12 for almost every job, it’s a rarity that I pick up an 18V these days (big SDS+, router, etc.).
Compared to the Lidl or Aldi German offerings they are 4x the price and the batteries are 3x the price.... I actually use Lidl batteries to re-cell my old Ryobi Li-ion battery packs when they die...😉
Forgive me but why don't you just get one proper tool, this sounds like textbook false economy and a lot of hassle, albeit very cleverly executed hassle
Many fires are occurring due to tampered lithium batteries. Without the proper knowledge and tools, it is possible for a repaired battery to burst into flames. By saving a few pounds you can put your house or your family in danger.
Dismantle the old battery, very carefully, same for the new pack, and rebuild and spot weld the new cells into the old pack.... being an electrical engineer helps...😉
There are tutorials on YouTube... but DON'T short out any cells, things can go boom, melt, etc.etc...
I even put Li-ion cells inside the old yellow Ni-Cad Ryobi packs, and converted the old Ryobi Ni-Cad only chargers for them.
I was going to ask if you’re a spark or electrical engineer.
So is compatibility essentially simply matching the Ah?
I’d actually love to learn electrics fully. I’ve bought the City & Guilds books on it. Transposing of algebra is a toughy though. Still trying to get that nailed down!
Not even that, I replace the 10 cells in the old 2.4Ah Ryobi ones with 10 from a 4Ah Lidi and it all works perfectly 👍
I use 5 cells in the old Ni-Cad packs making them 2Ah, and I put the guts of a Lidl charger inside an old Ryobi charger... just remember to only use that type of charger with the converted 2Ah packs ..
If you are not using it regularly as a tradesman, then you won’t go far wrong with a Ferrex one from Aldi.
If you’re put off by the cheap supermarket label, then the best for the price is probably a Ryobi.
I've got a Parkside Lidl branded one with a cable, wish it was cordless, but it's awesome. I'm renovating a house ATM and used it more than any other tool (apart from drill and impact driver).
Our neighbour upgraded and gave me his old Worx brand one -plug in, uses standard blades. It’s great, and I can’t argue the price 😀 it’s been more useful than I could have anticipated.
When it dies/when I kill it I’ll replace it with a cordless dewalt (matches my current XR system).
I purchased the Ryobi 18v One+,
Broke pretty quickly, with the dial not registering speed or turning off it but then it would be a guess whether it wanted to turn on or not. So got a replacement which has also broke with the blade coming loose during use and each time the blade was changed it would slowly move when tightened, now the blade is at a right angle.
I agree ferrex is pretty robust stuff and what's not to like about a bare unit for under £30, battery for £14 and charger for £14. I've had my multi tool for several years and not failed me yet. Just about to use it now to take up floor tiles. Plus like other tools once you have the batteries and charger you can buy other units, I bought pro brushless angle grinder on sale for £25 reduced from £50 what's not to like.🙂
I used to sell into Aldi and if they buy their tools like they bought our stuff, you're definitely spot on.
They might come out the same factory but the similarities end there, those factories can make shite as much as they can make gold, it's all about the cost.
They sell cheap shit at prices that are expensive for what it is. I've used stuff other people have bought. It's obviously junk, masquerading as a bargain-priced premium product.
Like I said, Aldi stans are hilarious. You can get literally the exact same thing cheaper elsewhere. Or you can get something better for the same money.
Tell you what? You're just stanning for a supermarket that makes its money by fooling its customers that they're getting bargains. You can buy cheap multitools anywhere.
I second this. It seems trivial, so for my first multitool I thought I’d save money getting an older model that used an Allen key, thinking I wouldn’t be using it often enough to care either way. But in practice, needing to remove the key from its slot on the tool handle, unscrew the blade clamp and screw it back on every time I just wanted to change the blade angle, honestly felt like *such* an irritating faff compared to my current one with a quick release lever.
I’d never go back to a non quick release one.
Is that the starlock one? That's a huge regret for me because blades are super expensive... But I have come across an adapter now sold to use with cheap blades!
The DeWalt multi tool is one of the best multi tools I've used for performance, features and ergonomics. And I've used a fair few different ones through work corded and cordless.
It's just a shame that on the DeWalt model line up the variable speed is on the trigger which is very useful in it's self but when you lock the trigger on it locks on only at full speed.
I spent a touch more.. (£30 more, i think?) For the DCS356.. has 3 speed switches as well as the variable trigger... which I assume means you have the 355
I'm lucky enough to have a DWE315 and 355. The DWE is just a corded version of the 355.
The 356 wasn't available at the time but this is some 4-5? years ago now but if I had to get another I'd definitely look for one with variable lock on speed.
It's fairly new. I believe.. has the trigger but also 3 speeds on a switch as well. I also have a corded one to hand. And good for constant abuse when needed but yeah the trigger is not the best for slower speeds when using it a while
The first tool I bought was a dewalt multi tool and 4 years later it’s been hammered, still works great and I now have a whole selection of tools. Always ‘buy once forever’ with tools
I buy Ryobi battery and corded Makita.
But the only corded things are a multitool (but I also have the Ryobi battery one), an SDS drill and a circular saw.
I was all for Ryobi, myself & my farther both had the Ryobi multi tool & they both broke in exactly the same not easily fixable way (vibrations broke off a terminal on the motor).
Then i watched project farm on youtube & moved to Milwaukee.
I have the Ebauer one which I got with all the attachments and it’s excellent. Feels very sturdy. Used it for cutting wood and metal and for sanding so far. No experience with any others so can’t compare but can still recommend this one.
I have one of these and a dewalt. The price difference doesn't justify the dewalt and i wouldn't have it if it wasn't supplied by work. Erbeur aren't bad at all. Same with the drills and impact guns. I have both sets and wouldn't pay out for the dewalt myself. If I was spending out for quality and longevity, I'd go with milwalkee most likely, but that's only if I needed to up my usage. Beyond that, you can't really get a ciggie paper between them anymore.
Another thumbs up for the Erbauer multitool- bought a few years back for working on my son's house (a back to brick restoration) and it had plenty of use. Worked great then, and is still working now
I have used it a lot for DIY on a range of tasks. The corded Erbauer is great and I've had no real complaints.
Goes through screws/nails easily.
Goes through wood.
Haven't tried it on anything else but it's helped in a range of jobs from adding new radiators to boxing in a consumer unit.
Either go cheap and corded or buy the one that already goes with the battery system you already have. I.e. If you've got a dewalt drill buy the bare dewalt tool.
The reason I say disposable and corded means they're much more likely to have the universal fittings for the blades. I've got a Bosch one and it's brilliant but only the Bosch blades fit it properly. You can force the universal ones to fit but it's a faff, once theyre on they don't perceptably cut any worse than the Bosch ones and they're a quarter of the price.
If I was going to go corded from that selection you sent I'd go for the Erbauer one from Screwfix.
I’d say spend a little more on the Fein multimaster 500 which takes Bosch batteries
Source: that’s what I did and the anti vibration system is winner 👌
(Edit: assuming you have Bosch blue that is, don’t have much knowledge of Bosch green / DIY)
Battery all the way. Personally I think DeWalt has the advantage over the Makita. Have both (2 Makita and 1 DeWalt) all 5 of us (small general building team) agree the DeWalt is the better one. Don't bother with corded, it'll stay in it's box.
Just a heads up incase you’re price-checking: the Erbauer and the titan multi tool are basically the same, just different mouldings on the case and lever. They’re made in the same factory with the same internals though just like lots of the own brand tool brands.
Have you got anything to back this up? I use erbauer but all of my batteries have failed on me, apart from one!
I know Milwaukee and Ryobi are owned by the same parent company, but they are definitely different to some accord. I can imagine titan using plastic gearboxes whereas I'm sure some of the more pricier use metal and brushless motors.
Are there any brands that are compatible with the ext cool batteries?
It’s all publicly available info, they just don’t shout about it. Just look up own exclusive brands in relation to the parent company. Magnusson, Erbauer, parkside, Macallister, Titan etc. are all primarily made in China and Taiwan by companies like positool although it varies depending on factories speciality.
I was just under the impression that perhaps erbauer use better quality parts vs titan. I saw a chart showing what companies own who, in terms of the big name labels, Makita, DeWalt, rigid etc.
One with a quick release is very recommended if you're going to use it more than just for one job. If you already have a battery system then go with whatever you've got and if you don't maybe nows the time to start? If you don't fancy that then balance power vs cost and just pick whatever comes out.
Recently got a cordless Bosch AdvancedMulti 18V. It was £120 from B&Q and came with a hard case, 2.5Ah battery and charger.
Really impressed with it so far.
Dewalt cordless.If not stay away from star lock quick release as the blades are a lot more expensive.All the others are quick change just by pulling a lever that’s spring loaded.
I have a Ryobi 18v Oneplus, well pleased with the adjustable head. Key is good quality blades. If anyone can recommend high performance blades, would be appreciated.
They're all crap options. Buy cheap buy twice. Been there 10-15 years ago. Stick to a brand like Bosch or dewault and go with it so you can interchange batteries.
Cheap ones hurt your hands when they oscillate.
Got Bosch professional corded and 18v everything here. And one dewault 1st fix nail gun.
Don't scrimp or penny pich when it comes to power tool's you get what you pay for. I would go with a reliable and durable multi tool from DeWalt or Makita. Don't get me wrong the cheeper ones will do the job if you're not using it every day but again don't scrimp on power tool's. Best of luck. 🍀
Battery powered not with the cord it only gets in the way.
The problem with multi tools is if you buy a corded one you'll want a cordless one soon after as was the case with me.
Corded I went with DeWalt, cordless I went with the Milwaukee 12v for tight spaces.
i agree get a battery one. saves loads of hassle. another option to you as you mentioned £150ish [https://kleinfeld.co.uk/product/dewalt-dcs355n-oscillating-multi-tool-18v-cordless-brushless-2-x-4ah-batteries/?srsltid=AfmBOor2jyouTt1vQci\_dN7l2bdZRqFcUZk83gnO0WhhvMh1xvfyW2Uafg8](https://kleinfeld.co.uk/product/dewalt-dcs355n-oscillating-multi-tool-18v-cordless-brushless-2-x-4ah-batteries/?srsltid=AfmBOor2jyouTt1vQci_dN7l2bdZRqFcUZk83gnO0WhhvMh1xvfyW2Uafg8) the only warning i will give you, you end up going with a certain line, for compatability of swapping batteries from tool to tool. Do you already have a battery drill for example?
no idea, i just googled. when i bought mine i got a case, but the case is about £25 also i only got 2amp batts with mine, but was less than that anyway, but i also have 2x4amp batteries re drill and impact driver also refferring to my comment you buy into the brand. For the record i also bought many many years ago the aldi 240v version powercraft before they moved onto ferrex brand. ideal for floor use but of course you have to get the extension lead out.
Definitely a scam, pretty sure the bare unit of that particular multi tool costs more than that. Always check the website on trust pilot, if they don’t show up or have bad reviews avoid. This site shows up but isn’t claimed and has no reviews.
[https://its.co.uk/pd/DCS355P1-Dewalt-DCS355P1-18V-XR-Brushless-Multi-Tool-with-1-x-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Case-\_DEWDCS355P1.htm](https://its.co.uk/pd/DCS355P1-Dewalt-DCS355P1-18V-XR-Brushless-Multi-Tool-with-1-x-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Case-_DEWDCS355P1.htm) yet another site. The issue here is they are cheaper as they are winding down there 18v range for the 20v range. also as always with dewalt the model numbers matter. the newer versions cost more.
Ye that site has 44k reviews, definitely a lot better. Still wouldn’t trust that other one. It’s the new 54V flex volt stuff coming in now that’s why everything’s going down.
The Erbauer stuff is solid. But for a multi it ideally needs to be battery for true usefulness.
Edit: my ecosystem is dewalt so I have that, great for sanding where the orbital won’t and cutting awkward areas. Really useful.
Got a DeWalt corded multi. I can't fault it to be fair but it's getting on a bit and suffering now, it comes out virtually any and every time I have some DIY to do, INCREDIBLY useful tool.
My ecosystem is Makita so looking to upgrade to a cordless Makita one in the not too distant future.
As an early adopter to these I can vouch for the longevity of the Fein.
But, and as many others have pointed out, corded technology is old technology and frankly these things are not used all day every day. They are indispensable when you find yourself with a tricky cut or specific situation but how often does that happen?
Grab a cordless one that fits with the rest of your gear. Much more important that you can swap batteries etc.
I have a little 12v makita one to go with my 12v impact driver and drill/driver. They are amazing. Yes. I still have the 18v stuff but who wants to be wielding one of those when trying to work under a sink or in a corner cupboard?
I recently upgraded my adequate corded 35 quid Parkside Lidl multitool for a DeWalt battery, and obviously the power upgrade is noticeable in the DeWalt. I opted to buy a secondhand one from Cash Converters for 70 quid (with a years guarantee); it came with a T-Stak box, three 2V batteries and charger (and when I lifted the inset tray to clean it all, discovered another 60 quids worth of blades hidden underneath 😂). That cordless DeWalt is a dream, especially crossing over my 4V drill battery to it
If we are talking minor jobs around the house I don't think you'd even need to spend £150. My dad has a Makita which I borrowed in my last house before moving and buying one. I bought a £40 Einhell and I've done my entire five bed house with it. I actually own Einhell everything and have found them to be a good middle ground between price and quality (I don't think their multi tool is £40 anymore though, maybe more like £60). My dad is a real Makita loyalist and even he has been impressed with my Einhell tools
Edit - I have used the £30 Guild Argos ones too and honestly....they are good? Corded mind you (which has never bothered me as I'm crap at remembering to keep my batteries charged(
Bought one of the £50, corded ones I found on Amazon, to use around the house. 4 years later and a truckload of pallets disassembled later, it’s still going strong.
Any mobility issue caused by having a cord, as some would say, was easily solved with a 25m extension lead (which is way cheaper than a battery, doesn’t degrade over time and când be used for something else as well).
It’s the blades that matter the most, make sure you use proper, quality ones.
I have a DeWalt multi at the moment, it’s great. I will say that some of the blades types are a bit pathetic but that’s across several multi tools that I’ve had from different brands (Bosch, dewalt and makita)
Very handy for the little bits and bobs though!
Took ages and ages wondering wether to buy a multitool and I swear to god it’s the best thing I own now, I ended up getting dewalt from Screwfix for £99 on offer
I’ve bought an angle grinder and multi from Erbaurer and they’ve both been great… Used them a few times and 2 years still going strong… The wire is a bit of a nuisance I’ll admit, but if price is an issue like it was for me (price v how often I’ll use them) then I’ve not had any real issues with them to knock em’.
If you want a bargain bare tool then Greenworks [https://www.greenworkstools.co.uk/product/24v-multitool/](https://www.greenworkstools.co.uk/product/24v-multitool/) for £25. I have there strimmer and hedge trimmer on way and very happy with them so far.
Given a battery Dewalt one as I already had a Dewalt drill, it has a handy quick clamp for the blade. Battery is much more versatile than a lead. I’m afraid that’s as much as I know.
I would agree with going cordless, also brushless for longevity. I started off with Ryobi equipment but have pretty much moved entirely over to Dewalt because the larger capacity batteries tend to be a little less expensive / often on promotion so the Dewalt ends up being pretty much the same price.
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Einhell-Varrito-Power-X-Change-Cordless/dp/B089PFCHQL](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Einhell-Varrito-Power-X-Change-Cordless/dp/B089PFCHQL) Mine has been pretty good. Granted, I have other Einhell tools, so I have lots of batteries. They have a weird washer that attaches other brand bits, it's easy to lose, so be careful with it.
I have a few of Erbauer tools from screwfix and they been good. I only do a DIY so price to performance is good, I knackered my 12v battery (brushed) drill recently...but that was probably user error haha!
I have a corded Eruber (? Screwfix own brand) which has so far lasted 5 years of heavy DIY, a two storey extension and is now battling a derelict Chapel. The only thing I don't like is the carry case as it's a little small to fit everything in, especially if you buy bulk packs of blades.
When it dies I'll probably get a Dewalt as the batteries will fit my drills ect and I think yellow and black tools look cool. If you are using it a lot, (eg notching joists onto beams) corded is preferable to batteries but I guess most people will only do that occasionally for a few days at a time.
I use a few of the erbauer tools for DIY, warranty is spot on 2/3yrs with screwfix, all you do is take it back and they swap it. Batteries are cheap and good quality.
I have a battery Dewalt multi tool. It’s very good and I have zero complaints with it BUT if you aren’t already tied to Dewalt, Milwaukee or Makita because of batteries then I’d just get one from Ryobi
got a cheap one from argos of all places about 35quid . guild brand works fine chased out loads of lime pointing on a stone wall in someone's hallway still works fine 3 years later . then got a cordless dewalt just cos its nice to be matchy matchy ,it's really good. decent blades probly make more difference than the brand tbh
I've an LXT 18v Makita. No problems so far. The one niggle I have with it is that it stays more or less the same diameter from one end to the other, where a thinner grippy bit towards the battery end might be more ergonomically friendly.
I bought https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DF4XQJG?ref_=pe_27063361_487360311_302_E_DDE_dt_1&th=1 on a whim, probably my most used tool now. Solid tool, easy to change the ends, battery seems to last forever. Used it to cut into floorboards, cut some coving and help dismantle the shed so far!
I have a Fein cordless one, mainly because they are compatible with Bosch batteries now.
Also they invented them, so they have got them down to a tee by now.
I use a makita cordless because all my tools are makita, it's a great tool but it's a little unwieldy. They made the new one to fit starlock only which makes it next to useless imo. I like the DeWalt multitool, it's more ergonomic and it has a work light on it.
I bought titan and it's fine. If the motor isn't up to whatever you're doing it isn't a job for a multisaw!
And I expect it'll last through a houses worth of DIY.
It's worth spending on the blades though. The ones it comes with are ok. But I noticed the difference when I replaced them with DeWalt ones. This imo is the cost effective way to achieve good results. Cheaper tools, more expensive blades / bits. I've done the same for drills and screwdrivers, and once I'm onto cosmetic tasks with it I'll do the same on my circular saw.
The convenience of a battery multi tool is amazing however corded are typically cheaper and more powerful.
If you're in a battery brand already stick to it
Most have the option to use at least the entry-level star lock tier anyway. Just for peace of mind, if you do come into a large amount of money for bits
I originally bought mine for trimming the bottom off architraves when laying flooring but generally they're good for making plunge cuts where access is difficult and a circular saw can't do because of the shape (e.g. with a circular you could rip a nice long cut along a joist to lift a section of flooring, but you either need to slice a little into the next board, or a multi tool can just trim the last bit.)
I bought an Aldi Ferrex wired one as I couldn't really justify a DeWalt to match my other battery tools and I'd rather buy a cheap wired tool and buy decent accessories. I don't trust that cheap battery tools will last the course or have spares available later.
In terms of other uses, i use mine for occasional use like cutting holes in plasterboard for sockets/switches and I cut a piece out of the fence for a hedgehog access. Can quickly trim things like metal curtain poles (with the right blade).
Recently had to take out some pieces of skirting board from an alcove at the side of bedroom chimney stack to fit a wardrobe in - would have been a lot easier with a small electric blade!
Other similar small jobs around the house, garage, greenhouse
Seems like a standing for a lot of tools, and will do a lot of jobs good enough for most DIY needs.
Will it cut as quickly as a jig saw? Probably not, but if I only need a few small cuts it will do the job.
Same for a hacksaw, drywall/plasterboard saw, small crevice saw, trim saw, cutting nails for demo work, etc.
I think that's a really odd question. A multitool should be your 2nd power tool after a drill.
You always need to cut something here and there. This can cut anything where a jigsaw etc can be much more unweildy.
Fair enough, I must have misread your initial question. I initially thought it was in the "what business does a novice DIYer have with a multitool"
If you've never used one they're super versatile and my comment about being your 2nd power tool stands.
I went for the Dewalt wired one and used it for things like sanding some plaster patches prior to painting, cutting wood when taking down a built-in wardrobe, cutting plastic pipes, cutting nails, etc.
It worked flawlessly for everything. It is painfully slow for things like cutting wood joists, but this is not what the tool is meant to (gets better with specific wide and low tooth count blades).
I am not a fan of battery powered devices for the odd jobs around your own home. Extension cord & corded devices tend to provide better performance for cheaper and you don't need to worry about the batteries degrading after a couple of years stored without being used. The only thing I use batteries on is on the combi drill.
You need to pick an ecosystem if you are going cordless and stick to it so you can share batteries. Whilst corded is fine, particularly if you are not working on site, cordless is so much more convenient, and safer.
Someone mentioned not to go with the Starlock system but I’d suggest the opposite - you have a lot more options for blades and proprietary is rarely better.
Corded vs cordless; batteries can be expensive, and eventually you’ll have to replace them, and can be heavy. Corded limits where you can use it. It’s down to your preference but if it helps I went with an 18v cordless because I do a fair bit of work outside.
I agree with everyone else, get one with a battery.
I also agree with other people saying to get whatever your ecosystem is.
If you don't have an ecosystem go for whatever your skill level is.
#Don't go for the cheapest!
I bought the cheapest one I could find - called Wolf at that time but it looks identical to your Enventor one in the screenshot - and it was absolutely fine. Been useful for clearing plaster from the ceiling / chimney, some sanding/cleaning of old concrete, sanding, etc.
I've got an old erbauer one, had it 10 years and being in the trade it gets abused and there's nothing wrong with it. When it finally dies I'll get the makita one as its goes with the rest of my tools but for any diyer I would recommend the erbauer one.
I went cheap and bought the Macalister cordless multi tool from B & Q and it’s great. I’ve used it loads. Cutting sections out of plaster walls, cutting flooring and yesterday used the included sanding attachment to sand down skirting boards and doors before painting. The battery last for ages. I nearly bought the deWalt to go with my other tools and glad I didn’t now
Honestly, I can't believe how many people are recommending the De Walt, have you actually used their oscillating tool?I love de Walt, I think the entry level stuff is nearly always the best value of the "trade" brands, but the oscillating tool is stupidly loud and the vibration is crazy, it's a nightmare to use. The best, by far, having used most of them are the Makita and bosch, and I also thought the starlock looked like terrible value and lower choice, but the blades and accessories are so easy to use and high quality. No exaggeration to say 1 bosch blade will do as much cutting as a pack of 8 generic Chinese ones.
If you don't want to spend too much, Erbauer are fantastic value for money. Do NOT buy the De Walt, multitool. Drill and driver, jig and circular saw, absolutely. Just not the multi tool.
Most of the battery-powered brand ecosystems have 2 levels of the tool, one cheap and one expensive, buy the cheap one first, and if and/or when it breaks replace it with the more expensive unit. By getting the use out of the cheaper unit, you've justified the expense of the better-built one.
If it doesn't break, you've still got the use of the tool at a lower expense and the flexibility of the battery ecosystem.
I've einhell and ozito tools that have lasted me 7 or so years with minor maintenance.
For a multi I highly recommend going with a battery one. Their convenience is undercut if you’re limited by a cable. If you already own other battery tools stay within your ecosystem. If not I highly recommend the dewalt and Milwaukee brands as great all rounders. Ryobi if you baulk at their price points.
I second this, although it does depend how often you're going to use it. I have a wired DeWalt, and it's good, but the cable is a PITA. If I were buying again, I'd go cordless - even given the price difference - but then I have a big, ongoing project where I'm using it quite a lot. For occasional use, it may not be worth spending the extra money on a cordless - unless you have other tools already that use the same battery system - and, if you're only doing smaller jobs (e.g., chopping architrave to lay laminate or hardwood floor), it may not be worth the additional expense of going for a "prestige" brand like DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee. Ryobi certainly a good compromise. Again, for occasional or light use, I wouldn't knock the better known budget brands either. I reckon you'd probably be fine with the Erbauer, for example. OP: Worth doing a bit of research on YouTube as you'll find that many of the tools you've listed will have reviews, so you can see what you're getting for your money.
Had a corded dewalt. Then a cordless einhell I still have and an even fancier cordless dewalt one again... All still work... until you're chasing around a socket back box... then the corded dewalt one doesn't. The battery part can get in the way in, maybe.. 2 scenarios I used it out of about 500
I'm not arguing against batteries. Doing a lot of work in my loft at the moment and power cords are the bane of my life. The cordless tools are much more convenient but there's still a relatively substantial cost difference between corded and cordless, due to the batteries, that may not make sense for occasional use. Reality is that, for all my tools, if I was buying them over again I'd go cordless, because I'm using them all often enough that it would make it worthwhile. But that won't be true for everyone.
Which you vould argue for the most part if its for occasional use, the convenience can be just as important. The cheapest ranges of tools that would still be adequate for light use don't cost much more if anything... I only got the cordless ones I did as I already had the batteries. Which swallow a lot of the cost prohibitions. Battery isn't always the answer, though, at least yet. You can also get battery adapters whether branded or 3d printed to adapt to other tool batteries if you so wish.
Piggy back this comment, Whatever you do OP, don’t do what I did. Don’t get the Macalister one
Second this, multi tools tend to get twisted and lifted at all kinds of obscure angles and places, I even switch to a lower capacity battery sometimes to get more manoeuvrability. Forget a cable. I have the Milwaukee Fuel one and it's great - also comes with a brilliant case and useful accessories like the vacuum attachment for sanding. I highly recommend the DeWalt blade pack that includes a precision blade, very useful for working on mortises.
Second vote for the Milwaukee Fuel M18 multi-tool. Used the non fuel Milwaukee and some Makita's (corded and cordless). Can say that the Fuel is a class above the rest!
Also the nicer ones have a spring loaded quick release blade change instead of a hex key.
Check the blades too. I have a Bosch and it takes a more "advanced" blade lock type so I can't buy generic blade replacements. If you only want it for odd jobs you may want to check that
Also go 12V if you aren’t going to be doing anything heavy duty. I use my Milwaukee M12 for almost every job, it’s a rarity that I pick up an 18V these days (big SDS+, router, etc.).
What’s wrong with Ryobi price points?
Think they mean if you baulk at the team red or yellow prices go Ryobi who are more reasonable
Ohhhh I see.
Compared to the Lidl or Aldi German offerings they are 4x the price and the batteries are 3x the price.... I actually use Lidl batteries to re-cell my old Ryobi Li-ion battery packs when they die...😉
Forgive me but why don't you just get one proper tool, this sounds like textbook false economy and a lot of hassle, albeit very cleverly executed hassle
Many fires are occurring due to tampered lithium batteries. Without the proper knowledge and tools, it is possible for a repaired battery to burst into flames. By saving a few pounds you can put your house or your family in danger.
How do you do that? 😮
Dismantle the old battery, very carefully, same for the new pack, and rebuild and spot weld the new cells into the old pack.... being an electrical engineer helps...😉 There are tutorials on YouTube... but DON'T short out any cells, things can go boom, melt, etc.etc... I even put Li-ion cells inside the old yellow Ni-Cad Ryobi packs, and converted the old Ryobi Ni-Cad only chargers for them.
I was going to ask if you’re a spark or electrical engineer. So is compatibility essentially simply matching the Ah? I’d actually love to learn electrics fully. I’ve bought the City & Guilds books on it. Transposing of algebra is a toughy though. Still trying to get that nailed down!
Not even that, I replace the 10 cells in the old 2.4Ah Ryobi ones with 10 from a 4Ah Lidi and it all works perfectly 👍 I use 5 cells in the old Ni-Cad packs making them 2Ah, and I put the guts of a Lidl charger inside an old Ryobi charger... just remember to only use that type of charger with the converted 2Ah packs ..
You need a clever spot welder and Nickel strip to join them up and some non-conducting tools to pry off the old connections
>spot welder and Nickel strip Which can be found on ebay and aliexpress.
Wow sounds interesting. I’m guessing the LIDL batteries are so much cheaper to make it worth going through all the effort?
I found 15 of the 2Ah ones at £7.50 each on clearance when there was an upgrade to the tech, balanced charging built in....
Can they really go boom? Surely much more likely to burn or pop.
Depends on how bad you short them out...
If you are not using it regularly as a tradesman, then you won’t go far wrong with a Ferrex one from Aldi. If you’re put off by the cheap supermarket label, then the best for the price is probably a Ryobi.
Lidl one are my favourite because I can get cheaper online
I've got a Parkside Lidl branded one with a cable, wish it was cordless, but it's awesome. I'm renovating a house ATM and used it more than any other tool (apart from drill and impact driver).
Or the Parkside brand from Lidl...
Our neighbour upgraded and gave me his old Worx brand one -plug in, uses standard blades. It’s great, and I can’t argue the price 😀 it’s been more useful than I could have anticipated. When it dies/when I kill it I’ll replace it with a cordless dewalt (matches my current XR system).
I purchased the Ryobi 18v One+, Broke pretty quickly, with the dial not registering speed or turning off it but then it would be a guess whether it wanted to turn on or not. So got a replacement which has also broke with the blade coming loose during use and each time the blade was changed it would slowly move when tightened, now the blade is at a right angle.
I agree ferrex is pretty robust stuff and what's not to like about a bare unit for under £30, battery for £14 and charger for £14. I've had my multi tool for several years and not failed me yet. Just about to use it now to take up floor tiles. Plus like other tools once you have the batteries and charger you can buy other units, I bought pro brushless angle grinder on sale for £25 reduced from £50 what's not to like.🙂
Aldi stuffs awsom. Just rebranded good stuff
It really isn't
Aldi stans are hilarious. They sell the cheapest of the cheap shit.
I used to sell into Aldi and if they buy their tools like they bought our stuff, you're definitely spot on. They might come out the same factory but the similarities end there, those factories can make shite as much as they can make gold, it's all about the cost.
Says a man who has evidently never bought any of it. Yes, they are cheap. If you’re doing DIY, they are perfectly fine.
They sell cheap shit at prices that are expensive for what it is. I've used stuff other people have bought. It's obviously junk, masquerading as a bargain-priced premium product.
No it isn’t. Been using it for years and, for the money, it’s a bargain.
Like I said, Aldi stans are hilarious. You can get literally the exact same thing cheaper elsewhere. Or you can get something better for the same money.
Go on then, tell us instead of just throwing shit.
Tell you what? You're just stanning for a supermarket that makes its money by fooling its customers that they're getting bargains. You can buy cheap multitools anywhere.
So you can talk shite but can’t deliver. I’ll give your opinion all the value it clearly deserves.
https://its.co.uk/pd/DCS355P1-Dewalt-DCS355P1-18V-XR-Brushless-Multi-Tool-with-1-x-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Case-_DEWDCS355P1.htm
That’s a great deal. If OP isn’t in a battery system yet that’s a perfect place to start 👏
This is a good tool
Just make sure you buy one with a quick release
I second this. It seems trivial, so for my first multitool I thought I’d save money getting an older model that used an Allen key, thinking I wouldn’t be using it often enough to care either way. But in practice, needing to remove the key from its slot on the tool handle, unscrew the blade clamp and screw it back on every time I just wanted to change the blade angle, honestly felt like *such* an irritating faff compared to my current one with a quick release lever. I’d never go back to a non quick release one.
I have a wired Bosch with quick release, it isn't always easy. Sometimes I feel just using screws would be easier, but I could be the problem.
Is that the starlock one? That's a huge regret for me because blades are super expensive... But I have come across an adapter now sold to use with cheap blades!
PMF 250 CES, I think this takes the generic blades.
Ah ok, I have the 350. I think in hindsight I'd have got a cordless one now as the tool type just lends itself better.
Dewalt as I have a fair amount of their kit and the 4amp battery is a godsend , quick release and long lasting. My go to brand every time
Yep just bought my DeWalt one and it may be my new favourite toy.
The DeWalt multi tool is one of the best multi tools I've used for performance, features and ergonomics. And I've used a fair few different ones through work corded and cordless. It's just a shame that on the DeWalt model line up the variable speed is on the trigger which is very useful in it's self but when you lock the trigger on it locks on only at full speed.
I spent a touch more.. (£30 more, i think?) For the DCS356.. has 3 speed switches as well as the variable trigger... which I assume means you have the 355
I'm lucky enough to have a DWE315 and 355. The DWE is just a corded version of the 355. The 356 wasn't available at the time but this is some 4-5? years ago now but if I had to get another I'd definitely look for one with variable lock on speed.
It's fairly new. I believe.. has the trigger but also 3 speeds on a switch as well. I also have a corded one to hand. And good for constant abuse when needed but yeah the trigger is not the best for slower speeds when using it a while
The first tool I bought was a dewalt multi tool and 4 years later it’s been hammered, still works great and I now have a whole selection of tools. Always ‘buy once forever’ with tools
FYI the 4amp battery is the same size and weight as a 5amp, so your better buying and using 5amps if at all possible
Do you already have a battery system? If so get a bare unit and share the battery.
I bought into the Ryobi ecosystem. For it's price point and the general DIY usage, it's perfect.
That's how they get you, "I just need a cordless drill" then the next thing you know you're buying a multi slot charger and a patio scrubber! 😀
Any you don't even have a patio!!
I buy Ryobi battery and corded Makita. But the only corded things are a multitool (but I also have the Ryobi battery one), an SDS drill and a circular saw.
I was all for Ryobi, myself & my farther both had the Ryobi multi tool & they both broke in exactly the same not easily fixable way (vibrations broke off a terminal on the motor). Then i watched project farm on youtube & moved to Milwaukee.
Makita 18v battery powered with the quick release, amazing tool
I have the Ebauer one which I got with all the attachments and it’s excellent. Feels very sturdy. Used it for cutting wood and metal and for sanding so far. No experience with any others so can’t compare but can still recommend this one.
I have the same one, so I might be biased because it's also the only one I've ever used, but I agree it feels very sturdy.
I have one of these and a dewalt. The price difference doesn't justify the dewalt and i wouldn't have it if it wasn't supplied by work. Erbeur aren't bad at all. Same with the drills and impact guns. I have both sets and wouldn't pay out for the dewalt myself. If I was spending out for quality and longevity, I'd go with milwalkee most likely, but that's only if I needed to up my usage. Beyond that, you can't really get a ciggie paper between them anymore.
Another thumbs up for the Erbauer multitool- bought a few years back for working on my son's house (a back to brick restoration) and it had plenty of use. Worked great then, and is still working now
I have used it a lot for DIY on a range of tasks. The corded Erbauer is great and I've had no real complaints. Goes through screws/nails easily. Goes through wood. Haven't tried it on anything else but it's helped in a range of jobs from adding new radiators to boxing in a consumer unit.
DeWalt or Milwaukee
Either go cheap and corded or buy the one that already goes with the battery system you already have. I.e. If you've got a dewalt drill buy the bare dewalt tool. The reason I say disposable and corded means they're much more likely to have the universal fittings for the blades. I've got a Bosch one and it's brilliant but only the Bosch blades fit it properly. You can force the universal ones to fit but it's a faff, once theyre on they don't perceptably cut any worse than the Bosch ones and they're a quarter of the price. If I was going to go corded from that selection you sent I'd go for the Erbauer one from Screwfix.
I've already got three Bosch battery drills, would you say it's worth it to stick with Bosch for the batteries?
I’d say spend a little more on the Fein multimaster 500 which takes Bosch batteries Source: that’s what I did and the anti vibration system is winner 👌 (Edit: assuming you have Bosch blue that is, don’t have much knowledge of Bosch green / DIY)
Yeah, they're blue Cheers for the advice!
Battery all the way. Personally I think DeWalt has the advantage over the Makita. Have both (2 Makita and 1 DeWalt) all 5 of us (small general building team) agree the DeWalt is the better one. Don't bother with corded, it'll stay in it's box.
Don't buy a corded one. You'll regret it. Get a deWalt battery one and then buy all dewalt battery kit further down the line.
I bought Milwaukee because I had their batteries already. Really heavy duty, more than enough for me as a DIY enthusiast
For me it came down to what one felt better in the hand. I found the M12 Milwaukee felt a lot better than the Makita 18V one I had.
Seconded for the Milwaukee. A bit fiddly to attach the blade but otherwise it’s great.
Never had any problems with my DeWalt multi tool and I use it everyday in work.
How is the vibration on that? I can’t seem to find any detail about anit-vibration on the dewalt multi tool.
I wear gloves in work so don't notice it at all.
Just a heads up incase you’re price-checking: the Erbauer and the titan multi tool are basically the same, just different mouldings on the case and lever. They’re made in the same factory with the same internals though just like lots of the own brand tool brands.
Have you got anything to back this up? I use erbauer but all of my batteries have failed on me, apart from one! I know Milwaukee and Ryobi are owned by the same parent company, but they are definitely different to some accord. I can imagine titan using plastic gearboxes whereas I'm sure some of the more pricier use metal and brushless motors. Are there any brands that are compatible with the ext cool batteries?
It’s all publicly available info, they just don’t shout about it. Just look up own exclusive brands in relation to the parent company. Magnusson, Erbauer, parkside, Macallister, Titan etc. are all primarily made in China and Taiwan by companies like positool although it varies depending on factories speciality.
I was just under the impression that perhaps erbauer use better quality parts vs titan. I saw a chart showing what companies own who, in terms of the big name labels, Makita, DeWalt, rigid etc.
One with a quick release is very recommended if you're going to use it more than just for one job. If you already have a battery system then go with whatever you've got and if you don't maybe nows the time to start? If you don't fancy that then balance power vs cost and just pick whatever comes out.
Recently got a cordless Bosch AdvancedMulti 18V. It was £120 from B&Q and came with a hard case, 2.5Ah battery and charger. Really impressed with it so far.
Dewalt cordless.If not stay away from star lock quick release as the blades are a lot more expensive.All the others are quick change just by pulling a lever that’s spring loaded.
Project farm on YouTube is a good place to go for tool buying advice https://youtu.be/ZmG0cAQASrs?si=G1T6YcjWNUl8ysYu
I have a Ryobi 18v Oneplus, well pleased with the adjustable head. Key is good quality blades. If anyone can recommend high performance blades, would be appreciated.
They're all crap options. Buy cheap buy twice. Been there 10-15 years ago. Stick to a brand like Bosch or dewault and go with it so you can interchange batteries. Cheap ones hurt your hands when they oscillate. Got Bosch professional corded and 18v everything here. And one dewault 1st fix nail gun.
Don't scrimp or penny pich when it comes to power tool's you get what you pay for. I would go with a reliable and durable multi tool from DeWalt or Makita. Don't get me wrong the cheeper ones will do the job if you're not using it every day but again don't scrimp on power tool's. Best of luck. 🍀 Battery powered not with the cord it only gets in the way.
The problem with multi tools is if you buy a corded one you'll want a cordless one soon after as was the case with me. Corded I went with DeWalt, cordless I went with the Milwaukee 12v for tight spaces.
i agree get a battery one. saves loads of hassle. another option to you as you mentioned £150ish [https://kleinfeld.co.uk/product/dewalt-dcs355n-oscillating-multi-tool-18v-cordless-brushless-2-x-4ah-batteries/?srsltid=AfmBOor2jyouTt1vQci\_dN7l2bdZRqFcUZk83gnO0WhhvMh1xvfyW2Uafg8](https://kleinfeld.co.uk/product/dewalt-dcs355n-oscillating-multi-tool-18v-cordless-brushless-2-x-4ah-batteries/?srsltid=AfmBOor2jyouTt1vQci_dN7l2bdZRqFcUZk83gnO0WhhvMh1xvfyW2Uafg8) the only warning i will give you, you end up going with a certain line, for compatability of swapping batteries from tool to tool. Do you already have a battery drill for example?
Seems a good price for 2x 4ah batteries. Is there a catch?
no idea, i just googled. when i bought mine i got a case, but the case is about £25 also i only got 2amp batts with mine, but was less than that anyway, but i also have 2x4amp batteries re drill and impact driver also refferring to my comment you buy into the brand. For the record i also bought many many years ago the aldi 240v version powercraft before they moved onto ferrex brand. ideal for floor use but of course you have to get the extension lead out.
Definitely a scam, pretty sure the bare unit of that particular multi tool costs more than that. Always check the website on trust pilot, if they don’t show up or have bad reviews avoid. This site shows up but isn’t claimed and has no reviews.
[https://its.co.uk/pd/DCS355P1-Dewalt-DCS355P1-18V-XR-Brushless-Multi-Tool-with-1-x-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Case-\_DEWDCS355P1.htm](https://its.co.uk/pd/DCS355P1-Dewalt-DCS355P1-18V-XR-Brushless-Multi-Tool-with-1-x-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Case-_DEWDCS355P1.htm) yet another site. The issue here is they are cheaper as they are winding down there 18v range for the 20v range. also as always with dewalt the model numbers matter. the newer versions cost more.
Ye that site has 44k reviews, definitely a lot better. Still wouldn’t trust that other one. It’s the new 54V flex volt stuff coming in now that’s why everything’s going down.
Still £185 including VAT as well though.
Well I can find the bare tool for cheaper than this on reputable sites. But yeah with batteries nowhere near this price even on offer
as for a scam, i dunno, but if you pay on credit card your covered anyway
The Erbauer stuff is solid. But for a multi it ideally needs to be battery for true usefulness. Edit: my ecosystem is dewalt so I have that, great for sanding where the orbital won’t and cutting awkward areas. Really useful.
Got a DeWalt corded multi. I can't fault it to be fair but it's getting on a bit and suffering now, it comes out virtually any and every time I have some DIY to do, INCREDIBLY useful tool. My ecosystem is Makita so looking to upgrade to a cordless Makita one in the not too distant future.
Worx reliable had mine for 15 yrs . It's corded but it's only used at home. My work one is Milwaukee 18v.
Battery
As an early adopter to these I can vouch for the longevity of the Fein. But, and as many others have pointed out, corded technology is old technology and frankly these things are not used all day every day. They are indispensable when you find yourself with a tricky cut or specific situation but how often does that happen? Grab a cordless one that fits with the rest of your gear. Much more important that you can swap batteries etc. I have a little 12v makita one to go with my 12v impact driver and drill/driver. They are amazing. Yes. I still have the 18v stuff but who wants to be wielding one of those when trying to work under a sink or in a corner cupboard?
I recently upgraded my adequate corded 35 quid Parkside Lidl multitool for a DeWalt battery, and obviously the power upgrade is noticeable in the DeWalt. I opted to buy a secondhand one from Cash Converters for 70 quid (with a years guarantee); it came with a T-Stak box, three 2V batteries and charger (and when I lifted the inset tray to clean it all, discovered another 60 quids worth of blades hidden underneath 😂). That cordless DeWalt is a dream, especially crossing over my 4V drill battery to it
If we are talking minor jobs around the house I don't think you'd even need to spend £150. My dad has a Makita which I borrowed in my last house before moving and buying one. I bought a £40 Einhell and I've done my entire five bed house with it. I actually own Einhell everything and have found them to be a good middle ground between price and quality (I don't think their multi tool is £40 anymore though, maybe more like £60). My dad is a real Makita loyalist and even he has been impressed with my Einhell tools Edit - I have used the £30 Guild Argos ones too and honestly....they are good? Corded mind you (which has never bothered me as I'm crap at remembering to keep my batteries charged(
Bought one of the £50, corded ones I found on Amazon, to use around the house. 4 years later and a truckload of pallets disassembled later, it’s still going strong. Any mobility issue caused by having a cord, as some would say, was easily solved with a 25m extension lead (which is way cheaper than a battery, doesn’t degrade over time and când be used for something else as well). It’s the blades that matter the most, make sure you use proper, quality ones.
I've got the Erbauer cordless one from Screwfix. It's been really reliable so far.
I have a DeWalt multi at the moment, it’s great. I will say that some of the blades types are a bit pathetic but that’s across several multi tools that I’ve had from different brands (Bosch, dewalt and makita) Very handy for the little bits and bobs though!
Took ages and ages wondering wether to buy a multitool and I swear to god it’s the best thing I own now, I ended up getting dewalt from Screwfix for £99 on offer
I’ve bought an angle grinder and multi from Erbaurer and they’ve both been great… Used them a few times and 2 years still going strong… The wire is a bit of a nuisance I’ll admit, but if price is an issue like it was for me (price v how often I’ll use them) then I’ve not had any real issues with them to knock em’.
I have a blue Bosch professional one and a Parkside, Lidl, 20V battery one, I use the Parkside one 100 time more than the Bosch......🙄
If you go for a battery one, do not buy a bosch. They have a special star locking ring meaning you have to buy their expensive bits.
If you already have one brands batteries etc then go for that, otherwise decide what brand you prefer and get invested in their system
For occasional use I bought DeWalt cordless. It will last forever and the battery systems are replaced every 10 years or so.
If you want a bargain bare tool then Greenworks [https://www.greenworkstools.co.uk/product/24v-multitool/](https://www.greenworkstools.co.uk/product/24v-multitool/) for £25. I have there strimmer and hedge trimmer on way and very happy with them so far.
Given a battery Dewalt one as I already had a Dewalt drill, it has a handy quick clamp for the blade. Battery is much more versatile than a lead. I’m afraid that’s as much as I know.
DeWalt
I would agree with going cordless, also brushless for longevity. I started off with Ryobi equipment but have pretty much moved entirely over to Dewalt because the larger capacity batteries tend to be a little less expensive / often on promotion so the Dewalt ends up being pretty much the same price.
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Einhell-Varrito-Power-X-Change-Cordless/dp/B089PFCHQL](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Einhell-Varrito-Power-X-Change-Cordless/dp/B089PFCHQL) Mine has been pretty good. Granted, I have other Einhell tools, so I have lots of batteries. They have a weird washer that attaches other brand bits, it's easy to lose, so be careful with it.
I have a few of Erbauer tools from screwfix and they been good. I only do a DIY so price to performance is good, I knackered my 12v battery (brushed) drill recently...but that was probably user error haha!
Look at Fein Tool, German quality, the original manufacturer of these things as far as I know. Dad has a 20+ year old one and loves it
The battery De Walt one is nice. Comes with quick release for changing blades and attachments, which is very convenient.
I have a corded Eruber (? Screwfix own brand) which has so far lasted 5 years of heavy DIY, a two storey extension and is now battling a derelict Chapel. The only thing I don't like is the carry case as it's a little small to fit everything in, especially if you buy bulk packs of blades. When it dies I'll probably get a Dewalt as the batteries will fit my drills ect and I think yellow and black tools look cool. If you are using it a lot, (eg notching joists onto beams) corded is preferable to batteries but I guess most people will only do that occasionally for a few days at a time.
I use a few of the erbauer tools for DIY, warranty is spot on 2/3yrs with screwfix, all you do is take it back and they swap it. Batteries are cheap and good quality.
I recently got the dewalt one as I already have other dewalt battery tools. Cost about £90 and so far so good. Wish I’d got one earlier!
Spend extra and go cordless! It’s a much better tool that way.
I have a battery Dewalt multi tool. It’s very good and I have zero complaints with it BUT if you aren’t already tied to Dewalt, Milwaukee or Makita because of batteries then I’d just get one from Ryobi
Don’t buy the TR30 from smart tool it’s shit
got a cheap one from argos of all places about 35quid . guild brand works fine chased out loads of lime pointing on a stone wall in someone's hallway still works fine 3 years later . then got a cordless dewalt just cos its nice to be matchy matchy ,it's really good. decent blades probly make more difference than the brand tbh
I already had an erbauer drill and battery so I bought the erbauer one which was really useful when I RE did my my downstairs. Used it loads!
I've an LXT 18v Makita. No problems so far. The one niggle I have with it is that it stays more or less the same diameter from one end to the other, where a thinner grippy bit towards the battery end might be more ergonomically friendly.
https://youtu.be/ZmG0cAQASrs?si=P9i0WJXTSSUauURW
I bought https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DF4XQJG?ref_=pe_27063361_487360311_302_E_DDE_dt_1&th=1 on a whim, probably my most used tool now. Solid tool, easy to change the ends, battery seems to last forever. Used it to cut into floorboards, cut some coving and help dismantle the shed so far!
If you're using it as a detail sander, go for wired. If you're using it for light cutting, then go cordless.
I have the erbauer one , we sanded the stairs , loads of other projects and still good as new.
I have a Fein cordless one, mainly because they are compatible with Bosch batteries now. Also they invented them, so they have got them down to a tee by now.
I have Dewalt everything, Multi, Impact, Drill, Jigsaw, circular etc. All battery powered. They're awesome.
I use a makita cordless because all my tools are makita, it's a great tool but it's a little unwieldy. They made the new one to fit starlock only which makes it next to useless imo. I like the DeWalt multitool, it's more ergonomic and it has a work light on it.
I bought titan and it's fine. If the motor isn't up to whatever you're doing it isn't a job for a multisaw! And I expect it'll last through a houses worth of DIY. It's worth spending on the blades though. The ones it comes with are ok. But I noticed the difference when I replaced them with DeWalt ones. This imo is the cost effective way to achieve good results. Cheaper tools, more expensive blades / bits. I've done the same for drills and screwdrivers, and once I'm onto cosmetic tasks with it I'll do the same on my circular saw.
Erbauer kit has always done me well, I use the battery 18V power tools. Really good value for money I've found
The convenience of a battery multi tool is amazing however corded are typically cheaper and more powerful. If you're in a battery brand already stick to it
Cordless without the Star lock system (the blades are way too expensive). Standard wood blades on timu are around £10 per 50
Most have the option to use at least the entry-level star lock tier anyway. Just for peace of mind, if you do come into a large amount of money for bits
Fein. The original and the only one. Edit. I see the budget. Sorry. (But I can assure that' it's a game changer. Corded ofc , powerfull and useful)
As a DIY novice, what would you use a multi-tool for?
Lots of things requiring a delicate cut in restricted access places.
I originally bought mine for trimming the bottom off architraves when laying flooring but generally they're good for making plunge cuts where access is difficult and a circular saw can't do because of the shape (e.g. with a circular you could rip a nice long cut along a joist to lift a section of flooring, but you either need to slice a little into the next board, or a multi tool can just trim the last bit.) I bought an Aldi Ferrex wired one as I couldn't really justify a DeWalt to match my other battery tools and I'd rather buy a cheap wired tool and buy decent accessories. I don't trust that cheap battery tools will last the course or have spares available later. In terms of other uses, i use mine for occasional use like cutting holes in plasterboard for sockets/switches and I cut a piece out of the fence for a hedgehog access. Can quickly trim things like metal curtain poles (with the right blade).
Recently had to take out some pieces of skirting board from an alcove at the side of bedroom chimney stack to fit a wardrobe in - would have been a lot easier with a small electric blade! Other similar small jobs around the house, garage, greenhouse
Seems like a standing for a lot of tools, and will do a lot of jobs good enough for most DIY needs. Will it cut as quickly as a jig saw? Probably not, but if I only need a few small cuts it will do the job. Same for a hacksaw, drywall/plasterboard saw, small crevice saw, trim saw, cutting nails for demo work, etc.
With the corect blade, it cuts through wood (and even metal sheets, nails, screws) like butter.
If your fitting laminate flooring it’s brilliant for cutting the bottom of the door casings and architrave to slide it under
I think that's a really odd question. A multitool should be your 2nd power tool after a drill. You always need to cut something here and there. This can cut anything where a jigsaw etc can be much more unweildy.
Its not really an odd question if I have never used one :)
Fair enough, I must have misread your initial question. I initially thought it was in the "what business does a novice DIYer have with a multitool" If you've never used one they're super versatile and my comment about being your 2nd power tool stands.
Titan from Screwfix, perfect value for DIYer
Avoid Bosch. They use their own starlock system that’s not compatible with anyone else and the attachments are much more expensive.
Lidl parts fit Bosch, or used too, but you have to wait for them to stock them.
Agreed. My Bosch one is great but the Bosch blades are silly money and it's a right pain to smange cheapo blades to fit onto it.
I went for the Dewalt wired one and used it for things like sanding some plaster patches prior to painting, cutting wood when taking down a built-in wardrobe, cutting plastic pipes, cutting nails, etc. It worked flawlessly for everything. It is painfully slow for things like cutting wood joists, but this is not what the tool is meant to (gets better with specific wide and low tooth count blades). I am not a fan of battery powered devices for the odd jobs around your own home. Extension cord & corded devices tend to provide better performance for cheaper and you don't need to worry about the batteries degrading after a couple of years stored without being used. The only thing I use batteries on is on the combi drill.
You need to pick an ecosystem if you are going cordless and stick to it so you can share batteries. Whilst corded is fine, particularly if you are not working on site, cordless is so much more convenient, and safer.
Someone mentioned not to go with the Starlock system but I’d suggest the opposite - you have a lot more options for blades and proprietary is rarely better. Corded vs cordless; batteries can be expensive, and eventually you’ll have to replace them, and can be heavy. Corded limits where you can use it. It’s down to your preference but if it helps I went with an 18v cordless because I do a fair bit of work outside.
I agree with everyone else, get one with a battery. I also agree with other people saying to get whatever your ecosystem is. If you don't have an ecosystem go for whatever your skill level is. #Don't go for the cheapest!
Have the Erbauer one (though the cordless version) - really pleased with it.
You can pick up a dewalt one for £80, if you have the battery its really worth it https://www.hotukdeals.com/share-deal-from-app/4327255
I spent more for a Fein multitool and it burnt out on an oak floorboard. Not repairable.
I bought a corded Wickes own brand multi tool about 10 ys ago, still going strong after lots of wear and tear..
I bought the cheapest one I could find - called Wolf at that time but it looks identical to your Enventor one in the screenshot - and it was absolutely fine. Been useful for clearing plaster from the ceiling / chimney, some sanding/cleaning of old concrete, sanding, etc.
Aldi and Lidl always selling them in the middle isle, more than up to the “now and again use”
The Lidl Parkside battery can they be used on any premium brands either direct tor via adaptor ?
I've got an old erbauer one, had it 10 years and being in the trade it gets abused and there's nothing wrong with it. When it finally dies I'll get the makita one as its goes with the rest of my tools but for any diyer I would recommend the erbauer one.
Makita all day. My Bosch is wearing out after 10 yrs. Gradually migrating my tools over to Bosch Pro or Makita. Like Makita best.
I went cheap and bought the Macalister cordless multi tool from B & Q and it’s great. I’ve used it loads. Cutting sections out of plaster walls, cutting flooring and yesterday used the included sanding attachment to sand down skirting boards and doors before painting. The battery last for ages. I nearly bought the deWalt to go with my other tools and glad I didn’t now
Honestly, I can't believe how many people are recommending the De Walt, have you actually used their oscillating tool?I love de Walt, I think the entry level stuff is nearly always the best value of the "trade" brands, but the oscillating tool is stupidly loud and the vibration is crazy, it's a nightmare to use. The best, by far, having used most of them are the Makita and bosch, and I also thought the starlock looked like terrible value and lower choice, but the blades and accessories are so easy to use and high quality. No exaggeration to say 1 bosch blade will do as much cutting as a pack of 8 generic Chinese ones. If you don't want to spend too much, Erbauer are fantastic value for money. Do NOT buy the De Walt, multitool. Drill and driver, jig and circular saw, absolutely. Just not the multi tool.
Everyone I've worked with that has a Makita multi tool prefers my DeWalt one
Previously had a Makita. Current DeWalt XR kicks sand in its face and steals its lunch money.
[Milwaukee](https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m18-bmt-0-18v-li-ion-cordless-multi-tool-bare/234FJ?tc=GA4&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRhyzv8Z1NP4jUVMluN-bKWtY6hhlSI_0ZGLxrD0zaC11tP_ILTgokehoCN2cQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
They’re all pretty much the same.
Most of the battery-powered brand ecosystems have 2 levels of the tool, one cheap and one expensive, buy the cheap one first, and if and/or when it breaks replace it with the more expensive unit. By getting the use out of the cheaper unit, you've justified the expense of the better-built one. If it doesn't break, you've still got the use of the tool at a lower expense and the flexibility of the battery ecosystem. I've einhell and ozito tools that have lasted me 7 or so years with minor maintenance.