The Fein MultiMaster includes a 250 watt motor (equivalent to about 2.3 amps here in the States). Between the force of the lever (opening and closing) and having to monkey around with a bolt, we preferred the less finicky and less explosive tool-free design found on multi tools like the Porter Cable and Bosch MX30 models. That might break-in over time, but initial use displayed snap-back power that I would guess could cause a pretty serious finger injury. Three, the lever snaps back into place with a surprising amount of force.

Two, the system relies on a bolt that has to be fully removed and then reinserted with whatever Fein accessory you’re hooking up again. One, the lever for accessory changes requires a lot of force to move it. Despite being far, far, far superior to the old hex key approach, we were a bit disappointed in Fein’s Quick-In design. Happily, the tide has turned, and most newer entrants to the oscillating market have featured tool-free changes. It seemed for a long time, I was practically begging other competitors not to release their new OMT’s without a tool-free system. Solid but a bit cumbersome Quick-In tool-free accessory change leverįein was way ahead of the game when they introduced tool-free accessory changes years ago, and I was curious to see how their system stacked up against recent tool-free competitors. And if accessories are a must for you, you can always step up to a spendier Fein kit or just buy additional accessories (Fein or otherwise), as needed. Even with the scarcity of accessories, we think this is a great value, and one that will hopefully introduce more people to Fein’s quality tools. Definitely enough to get you rolling on several projects the MultiMaster excels on, but still a far cry from a well equipped OMT accessory arsenal. Basically, you get sandpaper, a sanding pad, bimetal blade and a scraper. However that excitement won’t last long when you realize 20 of those 23 accessories are sandpaper triangles. You might get really excited when you hear that the Fein Start Q kick comes packed with 23 accessories. While we’ve never had a Fein accessory fail us, this separated sanding pad somehow slipped through quality control.ĭas Original!As with Bosch’s high-end multi tool, the reasonable price point comes at a cost, and that cost is manifest in fewer accessories. It’s still 2-3 times the cost of more entry-level product offering from brands like Dremel, PC, etc. $199 is right in line with the Bosch MX30, and not too far off from some other comparable competitors. What?! If you are of the belief that an authentic Fein MultiMaster will necessitate a second mortgage and/or your firstborn, think again. Their reputation for being spendy led to my disbelief when I discovered Fein is selling the Start Q for just $199 (purchase link from our sponsor Tyler Tool at the end of the review). Storage bags aside, let’s talk details on the Fein Start Q Kit, and (later), Fein’s dust collection options.įein is known for having not only top quality tools accessories, but also really expensive tools and accessories. Man-purse comments are bound to start flying! We’re partial to the original metal case that came with our first MultiMaster long ago. While the strap might come in handy, we’d guess you’re unlikely to see most US tradesmen transporting their beloved Fein MultiMaster over their shoulder. True to their European heritage, the storage bag sports a non-removable should strap. The Start Q Kit in particular promises an affordable kit that includes some accessories, as well as a storage bag. Included bagWhen Fein sent us their MultiMaster Start Q and some accessories, including their dust collection kit, we were excited to see how it stacked up to recent competition.

The Start Q is light on accessories but heavy on value It was time to see what Fein is shipping out their doors these days, which led us to this review of both the Fein MultiMaster Start Q, and their optional Dust Collection Kit. But that age also started to reveal a few wrinkles in particular the lack of a tool-free accessory change, and the very frustrating loosening of accessories under load with the original hex-key accessory design. Despite it’s age, it continued to serve me well. That intrigue naturally led to a purchase of my first Fein MultiMaster many, many years ago. It was from Germany, orange, really expensive, and could do things no other tool could. Back in my formative years of home improvement, my mentor and tool guru Richard described an almost mystical tool. That’s right, “Das Original”, the Fein MultiMaster. After the downright onslaught of oscillating tools and accessories that have flooded the tool market in recent years, it’s time to get back to our roots with the company that started it all.

Fein multi tool 250q