Does an Oscillating multi tool have a purpose in the carwash tool bag?

[Greg Pack]

Hi Guys, I have a little different topic. I was talking to a friend in construction the other day that said his oscillating multi tool is invaluable and said I should get one. My response was , eh, I really can't see using it much. But I thought the same thing about a cordless ratchet and now it's my favorite tool. Anyway, I'm sure it would be handy for a few things, but wanted to see if any of you guys had one and used it very much around the wash.

One potential use (if it will work) for the multi tool would be if you could cut high pressure hose with it. I currently use a cordless cutoff tool which does great provided you can get to the hose. But often I'm cutting hose on an automatic where the fittings are close to another and have rusted to the point I can't wrench them off. Has anyone tried to cut hose with an oscillating multi tool?

Maybe I should just turn this into a tool bag thread. Are there any other indispensable tools out there?

 

[Eric H]

I have one that I use for carpentry work. It is great for undercutting door trim when installing new flooring and cutting Sheetrock to add an outlet or switch box.
I don't see much use for it at the Carwash. A cordless sawzall or cordless grinder would be better suited for Carwash use. The multi tool isn't well suited for cutting masonry or steel, especially stainless.
Having said that....I'm sure you could find a use for it around the house. The Fein is the gold standard but I own the harbor freight mult-speed model. It was >$60 when I bought it when the others were going for $400. Be forwarned that the blades are expensive.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I have a dewalt, at the car wash I've used with a "razor blade" attachment for removing hard-to-remove laminated stickers (thicker, more like a glued-on sign), worked like a charm. Also used it once to cut off some copper that was hard to get at - a cut off wheel might have worked better but I didnt have one with me.
In general its handy but other than for a few carpentry tasks I dont use it a lot.

Now, a dremel on the other hand, is probably indispensable.

 

[Greg Pack]

Thanks Guys. I think I'll wait on the multi-tool I have zero carpentry skills. Yeah, I'm thinking cordless dremel would be used more. Milwaukee makes one that uses the same M12 battery that my cordless ratchet uses.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Cfcw, I have numerous ratchets. All are cordless.

 

[Greg Pack]

Cfcw, I have numerous ratchets. All are cordless.

Nobody likes a smartass

 

[cwguy.com]

cordless ratchet

I search and all I could find is something like this Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit.... Is that what you are talking about?

http://amzn.to/2e6guX2

I use an impact wrench a lot.... 1/2"

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I use an impact wrench a lot.... 1/2"

I use a pneumatic impact wrench a lot for auto repair, I definitely count it as an indispensable tool -- but I dont see a lot of use for it at the car wash, what do you use it for?

This is the one I have in my garage: https://amzn.com/B0002SRM3I (Ingersol Rand 231C 1/2" super duty)

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

Also, on the topic of cordless tools - I am so sick and tired of charging batteries, replacing batteries, replacing cordless drills. I've switched back to corded tools for most tasks, I think the only cordless tool I have at this point is a dewalt Li drill.

 

[cwguy.com]

I use a pneumatic impact wrench a lot for auto repair, I definitely count it as an indispensable tool -- but I dont see a lot of use for it at the car wash, what do you use it for?

This is the one I have in my garage: https://amzn.com/B0002SRM3I (Ingersol Rand 231C 1/2" super duty)

I have been moving and taking apart equipment recently? It seems like I use it all the time? Maybe I am getting it out of my truck and using it at my house?

I purchase the Bosch CLPK233-181L lithium-ion brushless kit.... which has that weird chuck. It accepts 1/2 sockets and regular bits.

http://amzn.to/2dBYpgD

I think everyone has a crappy tool story about why some tool caused trouble.... but I purchased the brushless tools this time because I had a Dewalt drill flame out. I assume because of brushes? Also I think this nicd battery thing caused people to dislike cordless tools to be honest. Lithium-ion is a lot better.

I agree with you though.... when drilling holes in concrete or lots of holes in random things. Corded tools are better.... unless you have 10x batteries.

I have never got into air tools.... but I am trying to sell a Cleco 8RSA-20 inline pneumatic screwdriver actually. LOL

 

[MEP001]

I bought a Ryobi One+ set - if it doesn't hold up it'll be my last cordless tool purchase. I've gone through a dozen cordless drills, always end up tossing a perfectly good drill because a pair of batteries cost more than a new drill.

 

[Washmee]

I have a Ryobi cordless tool set that has served me for years without any problems. The Lithium batterys are the way to go.

 

[Scrub Free]

I use my air chisel/hammer all the time. I have gained skill with this tool through auto repair but it works great for freeing up stuff. A little penetrating oil and some hammer vibrations break a lot of stuff free. One particular is laserwash 4000 rollers and spindles, always grab my air hammer and cordless impact for this job!

 

[Greg Pack]

I search and all I could find is something like this Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit.... Is that what you are talking about?

http://amzn.to/2e6guX2

I use an impact wrench a lot.... 1/2"

yes, thats it.

I use it mostly working on the automatics, which seem to have tons of nuts to remove. Many of them have very little clearance. The cordless ratchet doesn't have much torque but it just saves a lot of time when dealing with the equipment.

I bought one from zoro when they sent out a 25% discount code.

https://www.zoro.com/milwaukee-cordless-ratchet-kit-120v-38-in-drive-2457-21/i/G3988354/

 

[Greg Pack]

I use my air chisel/hammer all the time. I have gained skill with this tool through auto repair but it works great for freeing up stuff. A little penetrating oil and some hammer vibrations break a lot of stuff free. One particular is laserwash 4000 rollers and spindles, always grab my air hammer and cordless impact for this job!

slightly off topic but I was reading that a 50/50 mixture of acetone and Transmission fluid makes a great penetrating oil, better than all commercial products.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/ot-penetrating-oil-196347/

 

[Randy]

Someone was so happy with their Dremel Oscillating multi tool that they put 2 of them complete in the case in my garbage can at the car wash. I haven’t used them on any projects yet, but they look nice

 

[cwguy.com]

Someone was so happy with their Dremel Oscillating multi tool that they put 2 of them complete in the case in my garbage can at the car wash. I haven’t used them on any projects yet, but they look nice

Well I purchased a Porter Cable version.... it was pretty cheap I believe? $55 with no battery http://amzn.to/2dR6cKi and so far I should have thrown the $55 in your garbage can. It seems underpowered or something.... but I purchased it to cut bolts. The blade things seem to also get dull fast? I have really only used it as a sander though.... but I have a couple other corded sanders already. Plus it seemed to burn through batteries. But this is a cheaper battery version.

Maybe when I do some fine wood working it will come in handy.... like this cart I made. LOL

BTW I cut down this tree with a battery powered chain saw.... this is to elevate a table. Looks even better with a wooden table on top.

 

[Greg Pack]

That looks like some of my wood work!