Craftsman Oscillating Tool

[Usedtobeiowadave]

I've had a cheap Harbor Freight model for some time. Needs a hex key to change tools, loud as all get out, but has done a good job on what I've needed it for. Working on a daughter's new-to-her house and needed one this weekend past. Mine wasn't available, bought her an early Christmas present: a Craftsman from from Lowes. I haven't been high on Craftsman tools for some time, but this thing has a thumb lever release to change blades that's slick as goose poop. Much quieter than mine, came with a bag, a wood blade, a bi-metal blade, and a sanding head she's going to get a lot of use out of in a hurry going over old trim work before painting. Around $63 with on sale with a 10% discount.

 

[showcrop]

I have the harbor Freight unit. I asked for one for my birthday four years ago just because I knew that they were useful. At least a year went by before the first time that I used it, but it saved me a whole lot of time on that first job and many more since. They are an important part of the tool kit. This one has the thumb release.

 

[Russ from MN]

I have one from HF, its been a handy tool, I don't use it very often, but you can do things with them that would be hard to do otherwise.

 

[504]

I bought a Porter Gable a few years ago. I don't use it often,but they sure nice when you need one.( my wife bought me a battery operated one, and I took it back and swapped for the corded one.I just could not see an odd, for me, battery to use twice a year.

 

[Aaron SEIA]

I've got the cordless version of that tool. Absolutely love it. I've seen that thumb release on DeWalt and maybe a couple others. The Rockwell one isn't too bad either with the flip out lever to tighten the screw.
AaronSEIA

 

[Brian G. NY]

(quoted from post at 01:01:18 11/09/21) I have one from HF, its been a handy tool, I don't use it very often, but you can do things with them that would be hard to do otherwise.

I bought the HF one about three years ago when I installed laminated flooring in my kitchen/dining room. Had 5 doorways to "adjust". Worked perfectly. I've used if for a few other jobs since then. Handy tool.....and for home use, the HF unit is plenty good enough for my purposes.

 

[bmack95hd]

I have the cordless Milwaukee 12V version. Love it for small jobs. The Craftsman should serve you well. If I needed one to earn a living day in day out Id buy the Milwaukee corded. Sold Milwaukee Tools for a bunch of years, I just like them.

 

[sms]

They make carbide blades for them also that will surprise you. Thought a bunch of old farts working on old tractors might find a use.

 

[Steven-Id]

I bought the harbor freight version for a project at home and I couldn't keep the blade in it. My daughter did some searching online and bought me a Rockwell. It has a handle that you turn to tighten the blade up. You can really get it tight with it. She also found that the different models have different degrees of oscillation on the blade. The one she got me has more swing to it than the one I use at work and it makes a lot difference in the cutting action. I may have just gotten a dud from the HF one but there is no comparison to the Rockwell.

Steven