Do I need a multi tool?

bainbridge · 28 Apr 2021 at 07:24

I've seen these new fangled tools becoming more popular and wondered if it was worth adding one to my DeWalt xr armoury of cordless tools.

Are they mostly used for fiddly bits of sanding?

jsmoke · 28 Apr 2021 at 07:26

Good for cutting the heads off bolts.

The Artfull Bodger · 28 Apr 2021 at 07:33

Used for taking floorboards up mostly and removing sections of skirting for me, they do come in handy, not sure how much it would pay off for a diyer though, also you can get grout removal bits, but I often find there is not enough of a gap between tiles to use.

divuk83 · 28 Apr 2021 at 07:35

I rarely use the sander attachment. I use the metal cutting bit for cutting nails/pipes etc in situ. I also use the wood cutting bit to make punge cuts for sockets/pipes in plasterboard of through floorboards. They are also handy for under cutting door frames when fitting laminate. It's not a tool I use very often, but when I need it nothing else will do the job. I have an old Bosch Green one which is OK, I'm an XR user too, but I don't use this enough to justify buying one.

Dave

IceBear · 28 Apr 2021 at 07:37

If you can find one on offer as a bare unit then it's worth getting.
I don't use mine very often but has been life saver at times.

dlockers · 28 Apr 2021 at 08:15

Even just for that one time you need it, yes. I use mine for sanding more than anything else. Altho I'm privileged to have lots of wooden sash windows that need constant care

Cadder · 28 Apr 2021 at 08:23

My Bro-in-law's Dewalt multitool was fantastic for notching door frames and skirting boards to fit laminate.

Journey · 28 Apr 2021 at 08:28

I've not got a fancy branded one, but I got he Parkside Lidl special, and a load of extra attachments for less than £25, it is one of the most handy tools I've ever had. I especially like the flat/scraping plate, and the larger cutting tool, the small saw blade is also useful for detail that isn't Dremel level in size.

Buffman · 28 Apr 2021 at 08:40

Journey said:
I've not got a fancy branded one, but I got he Parkside Lidl special, and a load of extra attachments for less than £25, it is one of the most handy tools I've ever had. I especially like the flat/scraping plate, and the larger cutting tool, the small saw blade is also useful for detail that isn't Dremel level in size.

Yeah I had an aldi or lidl one and it was useful.

I "upgraded" to the makita cordless one as the rest of my tools are cordless, but the aldi one works fine.

Mr.Cookie · 28 Apr 2021 at 09:53

I've got a Saxton one it's corded but awesome for the jobs nothing else will do.

pastymuncher · 28 Apr 2021 at 10:03

Journey said:
I've not got a fancy branded one, but I got he Parkside Lidl special, and a load of extra attachments for less than £25, it is one of the most handy tools I've ever had. I especially like the flat/scraping plate, and the larger cutting tool, the small saw blade is also useful for detail that isn't Dremel level in size.

I also have that and it's been really handy. Like you I also bought extra fittings for it and have removed grout, tiles, cut tiles, cut pipes in situ that I otherwise wouldn't be able to get a hacksaw on, cutouts in door frames, cut plasterboard for electric sockets to be fitted and cut sheared off screws flush to the surface. No doubt I will find other jobs for it as well. The hoover attachment is essential for grout removal but I wouldn't use a ordinary hoover as it will probably clog up. I have a Parkside wet/dry hoover with fittings for power tools.

NoobCannon · 28 Apr 2021 at 10:03

I have the dewalt xr one. Fantastic tool couldn't do without it.

i buy blades from Saxton blades, dont bother with the dewalt ones

200sols · 28 Apr 2021 at 10:05

They are ideal in tricky situations, most of the time I will reach for another tool but sometimes the multi tool offers something different like others explain above.

IceBear · 28 Apr 2021 at 10:10

Another +1 for Saxton blades.

DXP55 · 28 Apr 2021 at 10:22

As above - used rarely but it pays for itself when you need it.

ZG002 · 28 Apr 2021 at 13:57

It's one of those tools that when you need it nothing else will do.

Worth having, but you could wait till you have a job you will actually use it for.

SexyGreyFox · 28 Apr 2021 at 14:10

I've never used the sanding bit, used for getting into bits other tools don't.
I've go tan electric Bosch but waiting for the cordless ALDI Ferrex one to come back into stock then I'll store it away with all my other named tools.

lookitsjonno · 28 Apr 2021 at 14:50

I'm on the dewalt ladder, this will be my next tool. Addictive this power tool lark

SoliD · 28 Apr 2021 at 15:14

Dewalt here and as above its bloody useful for those little bits like floorboards and skirting boards. I'm lazy and use mine for sanding quite regularly and it saves a load of time before having to get in with the fiddly bits by hand.

dlockers · 28 Apr 2021 at 15:16

SoliD said:
Dewalt here and as above its bloody useful for those little bits like floorboards and skirting boards. I'm lazy and use mine for sanding quite regularly and it saves a load of time before having to get in with the fiddly bits by hand.

Have you found a decent pad yet? Ended up with cheap and expensive but they all seem to heat up and the Velcro disappears. Partly user error I know but sometimes I plead innocence that it was my fault...