chicago electric oscillating multifunction power tool accessories factory

Why buy several power tools when this one can tackle many jobs all by itself? This easily affordable multifunction power tool from Chicago Electric works at 21,000 OPM to put some real power into the tough jobs, and it"s easy to switch the attachments depending on the task at hand. The multifunction power tool cuts through cable, air ducts, downspouts, plasterboard and pipes... sands down cement, concrete, stone, plaster, tile adhesive, paint and wood... even saws through wood up to 2 in. thick! A multi-use tool like this is perfect for remodeling and repair jobs, as well as hobbies, tile, car repairs, even scraping freshly painted windows or old floor coverings.Delivers 0-21,000 OPM (oscillations per minute)

Chicago Electric Power Tools are only available from Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight has a reputation for supplying value-oriented tools at bargain basement prices. While primarily a mail order/catalogue company, Harbor Freight also has physical locations. One of them happens to be within 15 minutes of my home, which is why I decided to stop off and purchase their new Chicago Electric Power Tools Multi-Function Tool. Now that the Fein MultiMaster patent expired, there are lots of new oscillating tools. The Chicago Electric Multi tool is possibly the cheapest model. This oscillating multi-tool was on sale for just $39.99, making it the absolute cheapest multi-tool in existence. We wanted to give it a go and see if its low retail price translated into extreme value, or extreme bust. This was also one of the tools in our corded oscillating multi-tool shootout comparison.

It’s no secret that the Harbor Freight version of the oscillating tool was destined to be generic… but this may have taken the term to a new level. The reddish-orange body of the tool is very squared off and feels awkward in the hand. It’s almost too big in terms of its girth, but stops just short of me calling it cumbersome. The power cord that comes with the tool is about 6 feet in length, making it one of the shortest we’ve seen in these tools and all but certain to make you utilize an extension cord on every job. An oversized orange slide-switch controls the power for the tool and it felt good under our thumb.

As we surveyed the silver flake painted die-cast aluminum housing surrounding the motor structure, we spied something inside we hadn’t seen in the other tools – white plastic or nylon. Ugh. Put plastic motor parts with a 90 day warranty and we’re pretty sure that’s going to be a recipe for trouble. The tool itself runs at 11,000 opm (oscillations per minute) and there is no adjustment for speed. Having no adjustment isn’t such a big deal except that the tool operates at only halfthe speed where most other oscillating tools can go. Ordinarily that would mean slower cutting. Those looking for maximum speed may consider this to position this tool as a sanding device and make it less “useful” for serious cutting.

We used the Multi-Function Tool on a number of projects, each with varying degrees of success. The end result is that the tool will get the job done, and get it done quickly. The accessory included with the tool, while cheap seemed to cut quickly (though we were scared it would fold over at any minute). The blade is cheap and will need more frequent replacement, but at the prices they are available for online ($5.99 ea), this isn’t a terribly bad thing. The tool, it turns out, is actually quite good for sanding and cutting into hardwood. Overall the tool simply feels a bit unrefined and is more cumbersome to use than many other multi-tools. The constant fear of losing the accessory during use remained on the top of our list.

Harbor Freight has presented a truly entry-level option with the Chicago Electric Tools Multi-Function Tool. As inexpensive as it is (we picked up ours for less than $40) anyone intending to use the tool on multiple projects might want to look into spending a little more on alternatives from Dremel Multi-Max ($99) or Craftsman Nextec Multi-Tool ($99). While we’ll stop short of telling you to run for your life before using this tool, it certainly doesn’t present itself as something we’d really enjoy using on a daily basis. We also don’t feel that it will hold up well over time given the quality of the visible components we observed. The accessory slippage is extremely frustrating and will leave you questioning the stability of the tool every time you use it, though when it cuts – it cuts fast. If you need something quick, want to spend as little as possible and don’t intend on using it often this might be your tool. For everyone else, check out the excellent options now available on the market.

An oscillating tool is a compact, portable power tool that accepts a wide range of interchangeable blades, which can be use to sand, cut, scrape, grind and polish. The blade vibrates—or oscillates—back and forth at very high speed, making the tool much easier and safer to use than a circular saw, reciprocating saw, or even a jigsaw. It’ll slice through virtually any building material, including wood, metal, drywall, cement, mortar, plastic, and fiberglass. And, a multi-tool will work in places other power tools wouldn’t dare go, including narrow spaces, tight corners, and awkward angles.

Oscillating multi-tools might all look alike, but power, performance and durability vary widely. Here are some important features to look for when shopping for a multi-tool:

Imperial Blades is dedicated to providing high performance solutions for every oscillating multi‑tool user. With tool fitment compatibility for every brand, our quality USA made blades power through a wide range of applications whether it’s on the jobsite or at home.

I love posts by someone who has never used the tool. I have used many oscillating tools and the HF one is awesome and the single speed can be found on sale for $29 with attachments. “*may* be better than no multi-tool at all”…what arrogance!

BUT, I obviously am biased against cheap tools. Inexpensive tools are fine by me, which is how I often describe cheap tools that have proven their quality. Some people treat these Chicago Electric tools as disposable – one breaks down and they purchase another or trade in the bad one for a replacement.

In terms of why I said a cheap multi-tool *may* be better than none, I have seen where bad quality or badly designed tools and equipment made a situation far worse than if an alternative tool or even a hand tool were used instead.

I re-read the comments from the original post and didn’t come to the conclusion you did at all. The one review that didn’t like the tool hasn’t tried one. Most of those that did liked it a lot, and a few commenters had some concern about the longevity of the blades and attachments. Even you threw out a faith-based review, stating that you “believe that the major brands produce far superior offerings”. Come on, try one and see how it holds up first before you make a statement like that!