Milwaukee oscillating tool M12 versus M18 brushless versus Fuel - any real world experiences?

[Craig-SM]

@Wildefalcon this might help you decide

 

[Craig-SM]

I didn't realise that, but never having never seen or used a dewalt cordless m/tool I can understand that.

I moved away from Dewalt years ago after all my batteries died at once...

Dewalt's mains version is brilliant...imho

My brother has Dewalt cordless but starting to swap to Milwaukee after borrowing more and more of my tools. If he was cutting something flush he would bend the blade up first as the battery sits below otherwise the blade would dig in at an angle.

 

[dobbslc]

best tool ive ever bought gets used daily fast and quick changed blades i have a chorded bosch but its retired now

I have a corded Bosch but it has the Starlock plus blades that are expensive and a PITA to get.
It also doesn't have a quick release blade.

 

[dobbslc]

My brother has Dewalt cordless but starting to swap to Milwaukee after borrowing more and more of my tools. If he was cutting something flush he would bend the blade up first as the battery sits below otherwise the blade would dig in at an angle.

That's a very poor design and pretty well defeats the whole point of a multi tool!

I'm tempted with a Milwaukee Fuel 12v as it's got 'normal' blades and quick release.

 

[voipio]

My brother has Dewalt cordless but starting to swap to Milwaukee after borrowing more and more of my tools. If he was cutting something flush he would bend the blade up first as the battery sits below otherwise the blade would dig in at an angle.

I have the DeWalt DCS356, and it cuts flush OK with a 5Ah battery on it.

 

[brightspark]

I was looking at these about 2 years ago, I ended up going with a Dewalt mains unit, mainly because I don't use a Multi-tool much (4 times a year maybe??), but the main deciding factor for me was the Dewalts tool less blade changing system, just depress the level to replace/reposition the blade.....

The only change I made was to replace the mains lead for a 7 metre one, I hate tripping over extension reels....

used my multitool to day had to alter the blade position 5 times doing the jobs totaly useless if it hadnt been quick change and 18 volt as no electric was on

 

[julianf]

I think I'll go for the fuel 12v. It's got toolless blade change, and that's important to me.

It's one of those tools that when you need it, you need it. But I'd only use it occasionally. Thanks all.

Ive got the m18 one. Its got tool-less blade change also.

I cant compare it, as its the only multitool ive ever owned, but i think its done everything ive ever asked of it.

 

[Craig-SM]

I have the DeWalt DCS356, and it cuts flush OK with a 5Ah battery on it.

I’m not sure which Dewalt multitool he has but fitted with the battery both the blade and battery touch the surface at the same time. He complains it makes it awkward to get a clean flush cut so bends the blade upward to avoid the battery dragging.

 

[Wildefalcon]

I did have this problem with the parkside, but I was using a parkside to Milwaukee adapter which adds depth.

I still don't understand why they don't angle the battery at 90°, like the early Hitachi battery angle grinders. It was great being able to stand the tool on end.

 

[zzr1200]

I did have this problem with the parkside, but I was using a parkside to Milwaukee adapter which adds depth.

I still don't understand why they don't angle the battery at 90°, like the early Hitachi battery angle grinders. It was great being able to stand the tool on end.

Probably because someone pointed out, if the grinder was knocked over the disc might crack and exploded on start up......a H&S kind of thing........

Lawsuit kind of claim....

 

[hotponyshoes]

Some of the bosch ones have the battery mounted sideways so plenty of space.

Metabo are on an angle.
On several of the metabo tools you can rotate the battery to whatever position you like. Don't know if they do a multitool with that feature?

 

[brightspark]

I’m not sure which Dewalt multitool he has but fitted with the battery both the blade and battery touch the surface at the same time. He complains it makes it awkward to get a clean flush cut so bends the blade upward to avoid the battery dragging.

checked mine with the 5ah battery sat on the table the battery is about 1/8th of an inch higher than the blade so it can cut flat

 

[Craig-SM]

checked mine with the 5ah battery sat on the table the battery is about 1/8th of an inch higher than the blade so it can cut flat

I'm only conveying what he has to do and I've heard others complaining of about it too. 3mm isn't a great deal of clearance to work with.

 

[MattF]

It could well be that he only has large capacity batteries, hence the issue.

Sometimes, it's worth having a few lower capacity batteries simply for their size. Just means more frequent rotation & charging.

 

[Craig-SM]

It could well be that he only has large capacity batteries, hence the issue.

Sometimes, it's worth having a few lower capacity batteries simply for their size. Just means more frequent rotation & charging.

I don’t think he has anything over a 5ah but I have read others complain about it in the comments on comparison tests on YouTube