The Fein Multimaster tool is a remodeling tool that combines 7 tools into one, making it easy to complete a variety of tasks with just one tool. Tasks include the ability to saw wood, fiberglass, plastic, and metal; detail sand; notch; undercut; plunge cut; flush cut; remove grout; and scrape. While many homeowners and hobbiests do indeed buy the Multimaster, it is essentially a commercial-grade professional tool that contractors and remodeling professionals would purchase. It would be difficult to justify the near 0 price of the entry-level model unless there were multiple jobs for which the tool could be leveraged.
I tested the Multimaster 250Q Top, the top of the line Multimaster kit, for the first time on a job refurbishing several apartments. I was impressed with the saw to start. The saw made easy work of cutting through and removing tile in several bathrooms, cutting through walls around windows which were being replaced, and all sorts of odds and ends cuts. The size of the Multimaster also allows you to get into much smaller work areas than you would be able to do with a regular size reciprocating saw.
18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
On this particular job I ended up using the sander quite a bit. A sander is a sander really, but it was nice not needing another separate tools for this work. And the dust collection system on the Multimaster tool is the best I have seen on any tool, not just sanders.
Fein has been building a version of the Multimaster oscillating tool for over 20 years, and it works and feels like a well-designed tool that is built to last. The downside, as mentioned, is that this is an expensive tool, running around 0 for the 250Q Top which I tested, and the replacement blades are expensive.
Fein has a lot of competition now that their patent has expired, but the company and the Multimaster tool are still at the top of the market for oscillating multi-purpose tools. The latest model has done away with the cumbersome allen wrench chuck key and instead has a tab that you lift to you release the entire bolt from the chuck. Once the accessory is in place, replace the bolt and press the tab back into place, making it quick and easy to change accessories. This is a great feature and saves a ton of time if you are constantly switching between accessories.
Overall, the Fein Multimaster is an excellent tool for many remodeling jobs. If you are a professional who would use the tools over and over, and especially if you do a lot of close-in precision work or work in tight spaces, the Multimaster is certainly worth a try. For everyone else, it depends on if you can justify the price or you just like to own every kind of power tool!