Dremel Multi-Max Oscilating Tool Review and Giveaway (and helpful tips!)

I admit it, I am a woman that knows very little about the tools my husband is always putting on his Christmas wish list.  If you are anything like me, you stand in the middle of the tool aisle with a blank stare on your face and a glazed look in your eye until a wonderful sales person comes to your rescue.

Now that I am a stay at home mom, I have been working on little projects around the house and learning a little more about tools but I am still at a loss for anything more than a drill, hammer, screwdrivers or other simple tools.  Now that is not to say I have not attempted to or needed to use some other item in his tool collection.

The Dremel Multi-Max is one of those tools that might even make it to the top of my Christmas list (better yet, I will sneak it on hubby's list and swipe it).  Yep a tool on my list!   The Multi-Max oscillating tool offers the power and freedom to take your Multi-Max anywhere. It can take on a variety of projects that involve repair, remodeling, or restoration. The Multi-Max can be used for cutting, grinding, sanding, scraping and grout removal.  Many of which I have done (I assume the hard way) over the past few months, this tool would have been so handy.

I am not a big fan of power tools, they startle me when they start up with such force no matter how much I try to prepare myself for it (kind of like opening a can of Pillsbury biscuits, I know it is going to pop but it gets me every time).  The cordless Dremel Multi-Max offers a soft-start feature that minimizes abrupt starts and provides a feeling of control as the tool ramps up to the desired speed, as well as an electric break that stops the tool’s oscillation immediately when it is turned off.  Don't you hate it when you are using a cordless tool and the battery just dies on you?  The Dremel Multi-Max features an on-tool battery fuel gauge that allows you to keep track of battery life while working.

Decoding the Oscillating Aisle (copy provided by sponsor)

Everyone – from your favorite tool blog to your local home improvement store – seems to be buzzing about oscillating tools these days. But what exactly are oscillating tools, and how can shoppers figure out if they need one and which one is best for their needs?

Ask yourself the following questions, and be sure you know each of the answers, before making a purchase to ensure you find the best solution for your needs:

- What are oscillating tools?

Oscillating tools are compact, yet full-featured multi-tasking tools designed for a wide range of home projects, especially repair, restoration, installation, remodeling and renovation work. A variety of blades attach to the tip of the tool and oscillate from side to side at high speeds in a small arc so that the blades appear to be vibrating.

- What can oscillating tools do?

By switching out the blade, oscillating tools can be used to tackle a wide variety of applications and materials, including wood, laminates, metal, grout, adhesives and drywall. Many people know that oscillating tools cut and sand. What they might not know is that they can be used for so much more, including grinding, scraping, flush cutting, plunge cutting, caulk removal, grout removal and more.

- Why would I need an oscillating tool?

Users find that oscillating tools often accomplish what other tools in their toolboxes can’t, and many times turn typically time-consuming projects into ones that are much more manageable. For example, oscillating tools allow users to make cuts in tight spaces. They turn the process of installing new flooring into an easy job: Using a scraping blade, power scrape tacky flooring adhesive to remove existing flooring. Then, cut rolls of carpet in manageable pieces with a cutting blade. Flush-cut baseboards to install new tile flooring with a wood cutting blade.

Additional common applications include removing tile grout and tub adhesive, sanding down old wooden furniture, removing rust, grinding out thin set beneath a tile, cutting drywall to install an electrical outlet or cutting an old pipe flush to a wall.

-How much do I need to spend on an oscillating tool?

Oscillating tools have a wide range of price tags, from $70 all the way up to $400. You should consider several factors in determining how much you should spend on an oscillating tool:

-          How will you be using the tool?

If you are planning to use an oscillating tool frequently in a professional setting, you will need to opt for a tool that offers the highest level of performance. Typically, these tools have the highest price tags. The homeowner planning to use an oscillating tool for work around the house can find all the features he or she needs in a tool priced around $100 - $150, such as the Dremel Multi-Max, which comes in a corded or cordless variety. While less expensive tools can also be used for home improvement tasks, they offer far less versatility and range of use.

-          What tool features are important to you?

Users who want to get the most versatility out of their oscillating tool should opt for one with variable speed. Most tools on the low end of the price scale only offer a single speed. Other nice features to have include: electronic feedback, so the tool maintains a constant speed under pressure, and an electronic brake, which stops the tool immediately when it is turned off. 

             

-Are accessories compatible between systems?

Typically, oscillating tools are not compatible with all brands of oscillating accessories. There is some crossover between brands, so check packaging before you buy to confirm which accessories will work with the tool you select. However, oscillating tool manufacturers are continually working to increase the versatility of their oscillating tool systems. The Dremel brand recently introduced a new Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter, which allows users of all brands of oscillating tools to utilize the brand’s patented Quick Fit oscillating accessories. Quick Fit accessories cut the time it takes to change oscillating accessories in half, compared to the time competitive systems require.

For more information on oscillating tool systems, visit www.dremel.com.

Top Five Money-Saving Winter Projects (visit here for details on completing each project)

1. Create a festive, wooden door hanging: Avoid annual holiday decoration costs by making your own personalized door hanging out of sturdy wood to withstand yearly wear and tear. 

2.  Install a humidifier: As dry, winter air settles in, you can keep the air in your home moist by installing a whole-house humidifier. Adding moisture to the air ensures your house will hold heat longer, reducing utility costs. 

3. Make a wine rack: Wine racks make great holiday gifts – especially when they’re handmade, one-of-a-kind and easy for the gift giver to make. 

4.  Replace window glazing: A little preparation before winter weather rolls in can keep your utility costs low as you turn the heat up. Replacing old window glazing is a simple way to reduce drafts that can increase heating costs.

5. Insulate light switches and door frames: Another way to reduce heating costs is to insulate drafty light switches and door frames with expandable foam insulation. On existing walls, select a minimal-expanding foam insulation to prevent any distortion of the frame or wall due to over expansion of the foam. 

Looking for more great projects to do with your Dremel tools, check out their projects and community section

WIN IT! 
One Over Thirty Mommy Readers will win a Dremel Multi-Max Tool

 

How to Enter: Mandatory

Visit Dremel and tell me what tool is at the top of your (or your spouses) wish list.

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This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents 18+ only. Please have a valid email address in your comment or on your blogger profile.  

Giveaway ends midnight PST on December 19th

**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.   I will receive a Dremel Multi-Max tool for the purpose of this review .  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the.**