3 comments about Dremel 6300-01 1.5 Amp Multi-Max Oscillating Kit.

1. I've always loved my Dremel tools so I jumped on this & bought it as soon as it was available. I didn't read the "fine print" that it's for WOOD ONLY. I wish someone would have warned me.
   
   The Dremel Multi-Max does NOT have a "REAL" METAL=IRON=NAILS cutting blade! It is not ready for prime time, i.e. a busy worksite! Even Bosch makes their PS50 use a Fein blade adapter.
   
   One the other hand, it is SUPER on wood by itself (= 5 STARS !!). Plunge cuts into 3/4 sub-floor plywood for air ducts are wonderfully smooth, pencil line thin, cuts with very little dust thrown about. Detail smoothing, edgeing, shaping around hard to get at places is as easy as can be. I've even "planed" slivers off of cupboard doors, and other tightly fitted pieces, so they fit snug but don't rub/touch. The more I use it the more I LOVE it!
   
   But even home DIY projects have nails in them. Careful! Just get a Fein 250Q instead ($$), or get the Bosch PS50 (8 minute battery)(Dremel's parent company) and use Fein blades for small projects. Save yourself some frustration & dull/broken blades if you are out of a wood working shop.
   
   Bosch/Dremel says that they will actually send "replacement" blade stock to stores sometime in November. Here's hoping (After CPODremel unceremoniously CANCELLED my order through Amazon!)! I've hit a couple of nails so far and the kit included blade still works for now. I'm getting the 422 blades when available because they are the strongest.
   
   Two week owner Update: Lovin' it more each time I turn it on! I'm now glad I got mine before they raised the price! You betcha!
   
   Three week update: The blades haven't actually broken on nails yet. And it still seems to cut OK, as in - not too dull. Got a B&D CHS6000 6-Volt Handisaw for those pesky nails when I find them. Seems to be a good combo as the Handisaw will cut a bit faster on heavier wood after the M-Max defines the cut line & corner shapes, which it is super at. The limited amount and lack of dispersion of sawdust still surprises me every time!
   
   I've tried several ways to make my overall review 4 stars but Amazon doesn't change it. Sorry, Dremel...
   
   12-02: Added three images of a sub-floor patch showing the use of a Guide Board to get real square straight & parallel to the supporting joist. Wore out the first Wood Cut MM440 blade to butter knife sharpness. It just smoked when pressed to the wood-- after several dozen yards of 3/4 plywood and hitting numerous nails. Not too bad for a one inch cutting surface.



2. I received my Dremel Multi-Max about a week ago and was anxious to try it out on a serious project. The Project: Cut out exterior window molding that had begun to rot. The tool did the job as expected; in fact I felt like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. However, after just a few minutes of use, the blade came off - not good. The tool oscillates at a high rate of speed which also means it vibrates. I must admit when I installed the blade I was skeptical that a simple hex nut and beveled washer would hold the blade in place. Obviously, it didn't (and yes, the beveled washer was installed correctly per Dremel's clear warning). I reinstalled the blade and re-tightened the hex-nut (forcefully to the point the amount of torque made me wonder how long the hub mount would last).
   
   I contacted Dremel and they admitted the loosening blade was a known issue and a fix had been developed in the form of another washer (I presumed a lock washer, but the customer service rep was not sure). She offered to overnight express the washer to me and of course I declined the generous offer and suggested they simply drop it in the mailbox.
   
   Aside from this mishap, I'm pleased and the prospects of the tool are very good. As the first reviewer points out, the blades that come with the kit are wood only blades. However, metal and grout blades are available. Here's my rating of the various aspects of the tool:
   
   1. Ergonomics - 5-star. Ergonomically, this tool feels good in your hand. Not too big with enough heft to feel like a quality tool. I have used the Fein Multi-master which is bigger and heavier than the Dremel version. However, I like the feel of the Dremel.
   
   2. Power - 5-star. Although I cut through relatively easy-to-cut pine, the tool never felt under-powered. For most projects where you'd use this tool, I don't think power will be an issue. The ability to cut through materials is likely to be dictated by the blade used (true of any saw).
   
   3. Durability - ?-star. Time will tell. My guess is that the blade changing hub will be the first to go if you end up changing blades frequently.
   
   4. Blade Change Feature - 2-star. In the era of quick blade change everything, Dremel missed the mark with a conventional hex screw setup. It is a slow process of switching from one blade to another. This is where the Fein tool has a distinct edge.
   
   5. Carrying Case - 5-star. Surprisingly nice, well made, attractive, and can hold a few extra blades.
   
   6. Cord Length - 3-star. It's 6' feet long and of avg quality. Would have been nice if longer and more rubbery than plastic (just doesn't uncoil like you'd expect from a good quality electric tool). However, tools with long cords can introduce some baggage.
   
   7. Dremel Customer Service - 5-star. My experience exceeded my expectations. Other companies should take notice.
   
   8. Value - 4-star. In case you're unaware, Fein had the patent on the oscillating saw until September 30, 2008. This is why it cost $400+ all these years. On October 1st, Dremel, Bosch, and Chicago all came out with competing versions. The Chicago version is on sale at Harbor Freight for $39 while the Bosch (which is battery operated) is just under $200. At just under $100, the Dremel is likely a little over-priced, but, still a decent value. I suspect once Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and others get in on the act, the price will get closer to $50. Their money is made with the replacement blades.
   
   Washer Update - I received the washer from Dremel. As I said above, their customer service was impressive; at least over the phone. The washer I receiver appears to be more of a passifier instead of a solution. It is a flat washer that is significantly over-sized; not fitting the hub's shaft. I finally bought a right-sized lock-washer and it appears to have done the trick. I retract my 5-star Dremel Customer Service rating above, however, I still recommend the product.



3. I was looking for a corded oscillating tool and looked at the Fein Multitasker and blades, but it is just way too expensive to purchase for my needs. So I bought the Dremel and the Rockwell to compare side by side...
   
   The $100 Dremel is lighter and a bit smaller but the buzz the motor makes compared to the Rockwell motor [a little bit heavier and slightly bigger] which humms smoothly is like comparing a Vespa scooter to a Victory street bike.
   
   Since the basic Rockwell is only $20 more than the Dremel and the extra blades are about the same price, there was no question about going for the quality/durability of a Rockwell.
   
   The only convenience problem that I can foresee is getting replacement blades:
   Dremel is carried by big box hardware stores; hobbyists who do crafts on the spur of the moment and do not need to rip open walls, will appreciate the around-the-corner convenience.
   Rockwell is carried by speciality woodworking stores or the internet; the Home Proj. kind of guys have to plan ahead before ripping into a wall for remodeling. So ordering parts in advance should be a no brainer.
   
   I also really liked the Rockwell case, it is created with niches and screw-downs to hold lots of blades/attachments in place.
   
   I looked at the Bosch 12v battery operated version, and that would have been a good choice but I do not want to have numerous 18v tool systems and chargers for the various power hand tools that I use. I read that the Bosch delivers 20 min of battery power and I might need more time than that between charges.
   
   All four tools mentioned above have variable speeds pretty much the same: 10,000 - 21,000 opm. The Bosch details that I read boasted of 5,000 - 20,000 opm, but I do not know if I need to go that slow. If I did I would have researched more into the rare Praxon version of oscillating tool, which is reportedly underpowered and equivalent to size and weight of the Dremel.

5 comments about Fein 63502134025 2-1/2-Inch Standard E-Cut Blade, 3 Pack.

1. I use saws all the time for cuting base moulding for repairs these blades are fast and acurate. Much simpler than a hand saw.



2. This oscillating saw is built with the highest quality materials to provide a dependable tool that should last a very long time. It is indespensible for making flush cuts and doing cutouts in wood and other workable materials. The big problem is the blades that are quite costly (about $20. each- from the manufacturer) are not of the same quality materials and dull quite quickly even just working in materials such as pine or plywood. Hopefully at some point in the near future other tool makers will be granted the rights to produce the blades which will not only bring down the price but should improve the quality and maybe some new blade designs.



3. The multimaster is the tool for plunge cuts. But the blades are way too expensive. If I can buy an excellent utility 7 inch carbide blade from Freud for $9, and a durable sawzall blades for $3, why must a Fein blade cost $19?
   
   Teeth sheer off on nails.



4. Very expensive, but they do a fantastic job. I'd be lost without this tool and its attachments, now that I have come to rely on it so much.
   
   jackew



5. The Fein product is OK BUT YOUR AGREEMENT ISN'T WORTH ANYTHING: YOUR
   AGREEMENT WAS THAT IF I SIGNED UP FOR YOUR CHASE CREDIT CARD THAT YOU
   WOULD CREDIT THE ACCOUNT FOR THE SUM OF $30.OO THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED
   AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY.

5 comments about Gator Grip ETC-200MO Universal Socket.

1. I've used this socket several times and it works well. I used it to take apart the steering parts of a Murray riding lawn mower, it was very nice not having to hunt for sockets in my disorganized tool box. I haven't put huge stress on it, but it's survived fine so far. Even though it appears to be a deep socket, the pins only push in so far, so I would guesstimate it won't work with nuts with more than 3/4" or so of the bolt sticking out.



2. Overall this was pretty disappointing, but one has to wonder whether some industrial designer could fix its inherent flaws. It's cheaply made and has a lot of slop in it, and sometimes the spring isn't strong enough to pop the pins back into position -- pain in the neck to re-position.
   
   It's far too inferior in quality to be used for serious mechanical work, but it might be handy if you were installing a whole bunch of big plant hangers, or something else strangely shaped.
   
   The basic idea might be workable, but the actual tool is of the "99-cent tool bin" quality.



3. I've had mine for several years. I've been fairly please with it. I do bear it some suspicion every time I grab it. The bottom line is that I don't have a lot of confidence with it when I grab it. Some tools are truly friends -you know dependable, working as advertised -while some are,....well, are suspicious and are they worth in the fold or in the trash heap?
   
   It will take some getting use to at first in centering the nut or bolt on the socket. Also, you must completely cover the nut area with the pins otherwise it could easily slip off, and with the tool being top heavy, it is difficult to do. I find my fingers firmly attached to the businiess end of the socket to prevent slippage and keeping it on the fastener. The slippage can result in rounding like in one of my car's oil drain plug. If you have it secure, it can stand some good torquing but because it is top-heavy, it becomes a learned skill. For really small nuts or fasteners with small area, it becomes very difficult in keeping the socket engaged unless your are completely on top of it. Large and tall ones maybe easier.
   
   I find it useful if I see that I might fasten scores and scores of nuts and bolts. I use this to start them and the job can go by quickly with this tool. After the structure is free standing, go back and torque them properly.
   
   I would wait for sales. IMHO it is worth $10 and would not pay the close to $20 for it.



4. I have had one of these since they were advertised on TV years ago. It is the best all-purpuse hex wrench on the market and I especially like that it comes with an electric drill attachment. I have used it for many DIY home projects and it has worked wonderfully. It is strong enough to drive a 1/4 inch by 4 inch hex screw directly into a stud with no problem. I would have expected one of those pins to have fallen out by now, but they are obviously really secure and made of incredibly strong steel.
   
   I bought a second one after I moved and couldn't find it in one of my boxes for a while. It was nice to see that they didn't start using cheaper, less effective materials after so many years. I am impressed.



5. I do renovations of old homes and don't come across bolts very often so I don't like to keep a whole socket set cluttering up my tool bag or truck. However, I do come across them occasionally and have found this "universal" socket wrench to handle virtually every situation in one handy little tool that has earned a spot in my tool bag.
   
   Removing a wrought iron railing the other day, one of my carpenters asked if I had a socket set to remove the bolts holding the railing to the brick, and I handed him this. He looked at it suspiciously but tried using it and now he wants one. Even though the bolts had been painted over several times, the Gator Grip removed them with no problem, and probably a regular socket would not have fit.
   
   The only time it didn't work for me was when I needed to tighten some concrete anchors and the bolt extended through the nut further every time we tightened it. Eventually the bolt stuck out far enough that that Gator Grip could no longer touch the nut. However, a standard socket wouldn't have worked anyways, it ended up requiring a deep well socket so this was a fairly specialized application.
   
   Is it the perfect tool? No, and if I knew I was going to be doing something that required a lot of bolt tightening or removing, I'd probably plan ahead and bring a regular socket set. However, it is a great tool to keep around for those unexpected situations, and it will handle the majority of those situations very well.

5 comments about Factory-Reconditioned RotoZip RZ20-2100-RT Premium Cut-Off Kit.

1. Just a month beyond the warranty expiring, one of the brush springs broke. There are no parts available for this tool. For lack of a 5 cent spring, the entire kit is now scrap metal. Unacceptable!



2. Saw and accessories work great , shipping was faster than expected.
   
   I would buy again.
   
   Tom



3. I have had the unit for a month now. I have used it twice and must say that I am pleased so far.



4. Good product but not so good at cutting wood 1/2inch or thicker becomes difficult to control and greatly reduces cut quality.



5. great product, real bargain at half price and less than the zip `10 model
   good delivery from tool king, condition was new w/ all the parts

5 comments about Dremel 575 Right Angle Attachment.

1. This should prove to be a first class item. When working in cramped areas this is better then the Flex Shaft since you can get the whole tool in where you need it. Plus the quick installation is so useful.



2. The attachment is great. I use my Dremel with it on more than off. It makes the job easier.
   You can get it for $19.99 at The Home Depot. Call Amazon before you order and they will lower their price.
   
   Before you call, please have the following ready:
   
   The item and model number (identical brand and model number to the one we carry at Amazon.com)
   Price (including shipping charges, taxes, gift certificates)
   Store name, location, and phone number
   Important: Price match must occur before purchase.
   Now that you're ready, contact one of our customer service representatives at (800) 358-3096, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.



3. I bought this unit to get into a small space in the rear of my engine compartment and it fit the bill. I was drilling out some broken bolts in an exhaust manifold. Using the diamond point tool and the tungsten carbide bit I was able to dimple the bolt enough to use a right angle Ryobi cordless to do the real drilling. Be careful using real drills as the speed is excessive to drill in steel. Cutting using drills in steel requires much slower speeds, and while the Dremel can go slower, it does not develop enough torque at those settings. Be sure to use the collar lock in the attachment and not the spindle lock in the Dremel tool itself or it will break the internal shaft.
   
   I also used it for cutting off the stub of the bolt, and found the right angle attachment allowed me into spaces that the tool would not go otherwise.
   
   All-in-all a good Dremel attachment but with the same limitations of the basic tool. Use for smaller jobs.



4. I installed this on my 300 series dremel tool. When you remove the collet to install the special adaptor they include, make sure you remove the small metal insert that fits within the collet too. This stumped me for a few minutes as the adaptor would not screw in far enough to get the right angle attachment on. All-in-all I am very happy with this tool.



5. This product is excellent for extending your dremel and cutting at right angles. I am no longer hit by sparks when cutting off old nails etc.. At first I was skeptical, but no longer. I have used this for several products I have been doing outside. Definately recommended.

5 comments about Stanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme Fubar Functional Utility Bar.

1. This tool make demo work so easy from the board gripper which makes twisting studs out so easy to the pry bar nail puller, this tool rocks!!!



2. The tool has been a great addition to my tool resource. Recommend it for anyone who likes to build.



3. We used 2 of these to demo the plaster/lathe in a finished attic. It worked well in tight corners. Where there was more room to move, a Stanley framing hammer was just as effective. If you are "pulling" the plaster and lathe from the joists the Stanley framing hammer is an easier two handed grip, it has a longer straight handle. I think that the curved version of the fubar looks more useful than the straight version for prying, but didn't need to do much of that. I recommend the curved Fubar as general purpose demo only tool.
   For this job the AO 95090 Respirator worked great, and also the DeWalt Concealer DPG82-11C (but you have to use an anti-fog coating on it no matter what the product specs say). I'd recommend strongly using these in any kind of dirty/dusty demo situation they work orders of magnitude better than the usual face mask with elastic and the standard safety glasses. The Amazon prices on these were much better than the local big hardware store.



4. First man discovered fire and the wheel. Then he discovered the Stanley Fubar. I've used this to tear down a shed and some outdoor structures and it has performed flawlessly. It's very durable and built in such a way it's usage is almost intuitive. Everything is angled ideally for maximum torque and ease of use. Read the other reviews for all it's features.
   
   If you're looking to tear something up this is the tool.



5. This is a tool I'd like to have, but refuse to buy. It's a very good persuader. It has a ton of demolition applications. We sell a lot of them at the lumber yard/hardware store I work at.
   
   It has one huge, fundamental flaw, which I can't say I'm surprised by, considering that Stanley is pretty much a Chinese name anymore. The flaw is that this hammer was made for lefties when the construction industry is dominated by righties. How do I know this? Look at the curve in the pry bar. The teeth scrape against the inside of your right arm when you hammer with it. Sure, you could have your wrist bent so the teeth fit into your wrist, but I don't find that comfortable, as bend my wrist and elbow when I hammer.
   
   It was also noted by someone that the hammer head isn't ground. While I have swung it, I've never tested nail driving with it, but the problems with the hammer head don't surprise me.
   
   Basically, for the idiots now running Stanley, "they don't make 'em like they used to."

5 comments about Monster Cable PowerCenter HTS 2000 MKII.

1. First time, when I bought it, it did sound like an expensive surge protector, but after using it for about 2 months, I think it was worth buying it and paying the money.
   
   You need it if you have:
   - HDTV & watch HD channels.
   - Phone & internet/wireless router are in same room as TV Center.
   - Lots of connection cables for your entertainment center.
   
   Likes:
   - Color coded power sockets and matching labels.
   - Cable & phone connection goes through the power center to remove any degradation of signal due to interference.
   - Noticeable improve in the HD quality. The effect on analog channels is very low and not observable.
   
   Dislike:
   - Size. It is big & bulky. you need to place strategically to hide it.
   - Price. Not easy to spend so much on a power center. But other options from Monster are expensive and other brands lack reliability & reputation.
   
   
   I don't know, whether it improves the sound quality of the sound system, since I haven't got one yet.



2. This PowerCenter is excellent, the picture quality is something else and the sound is perfect. Besides, I feel calm with my electronic equipment.



3. Purchased it few weeks ago. Works very well. I have connected my HDTV and audio receiver to it. Setup was also easy. I would recommend it at this price.



4. I've always used monster cable surge protectors and have been happy with them. I've had this one for 3 months now. I have a 58" plasma and blue ray player plugged into it and I really have piece of mind that everything is protected. I really like the design, and the many outlets it has. But this is a very large surge protector. I could not fit in any shelf of my TV stand. I had to place it behind the TV stand. Make sure you have enough room before purchasing it. Other than the size, I would recommend it to anyone.



5. Yes it's big, it's Monster, it's probably overpriced but it is sturdy and reliable. I won't say it makes my sound and picture noticable better because I have relatively clean power in my area so it didn't make much of a difference. But I am confident in its surge protecting ability. I like the labels on the strip itself and the stick-on labels provided for your power cords. The digital current gauges are a nice touch. It's interesting to see how much power is consumed in standby mode. I would recommend this.

5 comments about Makita 784869-A Shorty 3-1/8-Inch Bit Tip Holder with 12 Bit Tip Assortment.

1. I love this thing! I bought a second one to throw into my extra cordless drill. The length is good (allows you to get into most places...not much longer than other bits). Swapping out bits is a breeze! Note: it doesn't use the "Power" style bit with the relief to lock it in, but the magnet is sufficient to keep the bits in place (plus it keeps the driver shorter in overall length). The first one I bought has lasted for YEARS of medium duty use. I like the sleeve that covers teh screw, doesn't always work for longer screws (but I have a longer version of this for those rare occasions).



2. Inexpensive and well built.
   Just get it.
   Does not come with any carrying case but you can easily toss the pieces into any of your existing drill bit boxes.
   Pretty strong magnet.



3. Very well made. Like that the guide is short as you do not always use long screws. Nice and compact -works well!!!



4. There are times that you need a shorter screw holder to fit in those tight spaces....this is perfect.....



5. I probably have thousands of driver bits and many sets just like this one. This particular set was offered for free with a recent Makita impact driver purchase. The set includes a nice selection of bits that are of good quality as well as the extension/bit holder. The bits have held up to a good amount of abuse from the impact driver so I can't complain about them really!

5 comments about Shop-Vac 962-16-00 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum.

1. We were really in need of a shop vac. I saw this had great ratings and it was a blower too. So I figured it was worth a shot. I love it! The only thing I don't like is how big it is, so it is hard to move around and carry. It does the job!



2. This is an excellent product and does all it's asked to do. Lives up to the ShopVac name



3. I bought this vacuum through Amazon and was disappointed that the vacuum pictured really isn't the one you'll be getting. Well, the vacuum is, but the tool bucket isn't a bucket, and isn't what is shown here. It's a thing with round knobs to shove your tools on, and it isn't very useful. A bucket or tray would be better. Secondly, it only came with two crevice looking tools, not the three smaller ends that this description provides, and it doesn't come with the foam filter as shown. It is a nice vacuum and I'm surprised how quiet it is. The vacuum is a 5 star vacuum, but due to the deceptive description and picture, it gets three stars from me.



4. Fantastic power for picking up everything. Have been using it to clean up while building a new house and it does a great job. Also used it to get water out of a ditch after it rained. Completely satified with the unit and all the accessories.



5. I bought this after realizing the very expensive ($300-$800) drywall vacuums use the same dust collection principle and have similar power (based on amp draw). I added a HEPA filter, drywall dust collection bag, and used inexpensive Hyde screen sanders and the job was dust free. After the drywall project, I cleaned up fine sawdust in my shop and vacuumed out the wood stove ashes while I was at it. Absolutely no dust escaped the bag and the inside of the vacuum was as clean as the day I received it. I am 100% satisfied and would recommend this product.

5 comments about Designers Edge E-103 Cord Storage Wheel.

1. This electrical cord storage wheel really solved a headache I was having every time I needed to use my 125' extension cord. What a tangled mess I would end up with. I dreaded the thought of having to rewind that cord mess. I usually end up deligating that task to my Brother, LOL... Now it sits neatly tucked away in the corner of my garage, ready for simplified use.....



2. it does hold 100' of cord, but it would have been way more useful, if it could plug into an outlet and let you unroll the cord as it is plugged in.



3. I am going to all electric lawn tools, which means plenty of extension cords. This little light weight reel is a happy solution to avoid tangled and hard to store cords. Came fully assembled and ready to go to work.



4. This is a cheapo plastic reel. Seems to be holding up. I drilled a hole in the plastic to feed the male end of the extension cord though. I can't imagine how you are supposed to use this without the hole. I have a 100 ft. 12 guage electrical cord, which fits just fine.



5. There must be some trick to getting the cord wrapped on this thing that I don't know. I simply could not figure out how to be able to extend the cord to the wall socket and to the attached device. If I left a long bit so I could reach the socket, I couldn't turn the wheel to roll up the rest of the cord(and while trying, cut myself on the cheap plastic). Instead, I had to secure the female end, which means I'll have to move the unit to my appliance and whenever I want to move the shop vac, or whatever, I'll have to move the cord reel too. I thought all these things were supposed to make the job easier, but I was wrong. The stand on my other cord wheel is open on one side, which allows one end of the cord to stick out through a hole in the reel and allows easy wrapping, plus it's far better quality and has no sharp edges. I'll probably end up throwing this thing away. I could only get 50' of yellow cord around it anyway. Wrestling with the cord would be easier for me than trying to use this thing. I recommend spending a bit more and getting a unit that isn't so flimsy and limited in design.