Bauer Oscillating Multi-Tool

[Bill B]

I've been doing some repairs around the house, shower remodel and wood siding, and needed a surgical removal process instead my usual nuke with a 10# sledge.  The Harbor Freight Bauer oscillating multi-tool has more than pulled its weight.  I didn't want another battery system so I went with the corded model at $47. 

I used it to cut nails from 20 penny down to 10.  The only draw back is blades.  I'm finding the adage of "if I could give away printers, I would still make a fortune on printer ink" to be true.  So far the best have been the Hercules brand from HF.  The Milwaukee are junk, and the 100 for $25 from Amazon a little better.  I haven't tried the carbide blades yet, but the bi-metal could at least cut a dozen nails before they were trash.  I understand there are sharpeners for the blades, but knowing how much use the tool will get in the future I can't justify the cost.  Bill

[Rancanfish]

Being a wad of severe tightness at this time, I have taken to using my metal cut off blade to recut angled teeth in the O-tool blades.

[oldmanjoe]

Yes I have cut slots for teeth in the old blades with a cut off blade .   Otherwise you windup with a lot of scrappers .

[foakes]

EZARC's are good blades.  But even on Amazon, they are $8 each, or more.

I have found buying 100 pack the best, providing you can verify and have a "feel" for the reliability of the ratings.

Last half as long, cost 10% of the price.  And quite frankly, not every job is going to wear out the blades —- just depends on the material.

They will cut nails a time or two. But if I run into a nail, I just get out the sawzall with a Diablo metal cutting blade that I use for demo work.

Bought my first one 16 years ago for the remodel on our current home.  It is still very effective, corded, and was purchased at HF for $15. Have a Milwaukee 12V battery MT.  It works OK on light stuff.

These multitools are game-changers, and for a contractor who does remodels —- their best friend.

Typically, the less expensive blades work well enough most of the time.

The expensive ones might last a little longer —- but not worth the high price, at least to me.

One last thing —- don't toss the old blades away.  They can be easily honed down to a sharp edge on a bench grinder.  They make outstanding and quick scrapers for adhesive, built up tar, roofing, pitch, or glue.

Always be aware of potential wiring, gas lines, water lines, copper lines, etc —- that may be hidden as you cut into a wall or a panel.  Not everyone installed these hidden things according to code.  Go easy and be careful.

Best, Fred

[oldmanjoe]

 Sometimes  you don`t have the sawall with you or you run out of blades , or you have a lot of nails to cut Hacksaw blade will work and much cheaper .  The blade is flexible and can be held with vice grips and has a longer reach .

[Midway Tommy]

Concrete is pretty dang tough on blade teeth, even hacksaw teeth. 

I like my Dremel Brand Oscillating tool a lot. I don't use it much but it sure comes in handy every once in awhile. I really like the sanding attachments for tight places.

As far as sawzall/reciprocating blades, I only buy or use Lenox blades. They're by far the best quality blades and last the longest. On another note, Bosch has a really nice 9" pruning blade for reciprocating saws. I use them regularly rather than cranking up the old chainsaw.   

[oc1]

The first thing I grab is an angle grinder with thin cut-off wheel.  If that can't get into the tight space then try a recip saw.  When all else fails then try the multitool and hope you can get the job done by trashing only one blade.