4 Useful Harbor Freight Multi-Tools That Customers Love For Home Projects
Harbor Freight is one of the best places to look into if you are in need of tools, equipment, and supplies for home and outdoor DIY projects. Not only does the retailer have an extensive selection of products in these categories, but more often than not, you'll also find items throughout the store at extremely low prices. Among Harbor Freight's most popular offerings are multi-tools, compact and versatile oscillating workhorses designed to carry out multiple functions in one body, such as cutting, sanding, grinding, and scraping. There are several Harbor Freight tool brands worth buying, so there's no shortage of options to choose from if you are looking for a worthwhile multi-tool to add to your home toolkit or workstation.
From the top-end Hercules Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool to the more budget-friendly Bauer Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool, Harbor Freight's highest-rated options give you big bang for the buck by packing as many specialized tools as possible into one high-quality package. You can find these multi-tool devices and other options on Harbor Freight's online store. If you play your cards right, you could even get them at discounted prices when you check out on days when special promos are live.
Warrior 2 Amp Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Warrior 2 Amp Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool is capable of cutting, sanding, and scraping various materials, making it a much-loved pick for DIYers who do indoor renovations and outdoor repairs. It has a durable build and a 6-speed adjustment button, so users can set it to go from 10,000 to 20,000 OPM, depending on the task at hand. Just a warning, though: This device may get very noisy at high speeds.
The corded Warrior multi-tool works with over 30 attachments and accessories via a four-pin arbor system that uses a standard hex key and screw to tightly secure compatible fittings in place. Sadly, all attachments and accessories are sold separately. But that's to be expected, considering the device retails for only $19.99. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,400 reviewers and 93% recommendation score, it stands out among the many power tools at Harbor Freight. One reviewer stated that the Warrior 2 Amp Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool offers great value and "cuts where nothing else does."
Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
Another item Harbor Freight customers can't seem to get enough of is the Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool, which has a 2.9-degree oscillation range for precise, powerful cuts and an LED light. The rubberized grip is more comfortable in the hand, and the head fits accessories from brands including Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Dremel. As one user states, "This one with the quick change head, the convenient speed control location, the weight and balance and small head size is wonderful."
As indicated on its package, the device's brushless motor provides more power and longer run time than standard oscillating motors. It is also cordless, allowing users to move around freely while using it to grind, cut, sand, and scrap even in tight spaces, without worrying about tripping or the need to constantly attach it to a power source. However, investing in this Bauer-branded cordless multi-tool also means investing in a Bauer 20V lithium-ion battery and charger. The $39.99 price tag only covers the tool, which can be a bummer for those thinking of saving big on this purchase. Harbor Freight is selling a separate battery and charger kit for $99.99. But so far, the device not coming with a battery inside the box appears to be a non-issue for many users. Buyers agree it's one of the many Harbor Freight tools under $50 that are worth buying. The multi-tool has even racked up a 4.8-star rating and a 97% recommendation score from nearly 900 customers on Harbor Freight's website.
Bauer 3 Amp Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
The corded Bauer 3 Amp Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool is a compact option, with a size ideal for one-handed use and work in tight and tricky spaces. Customers praise the design's durability, easy use, and efficiency. Despite the small frame, it has a robust 3-amp motor that delivers 50% more power than tools like the Warrior 2 amp model. Its 6-speed dial at the rear allows users to adjust oscillation speeds from 11,000 to 20,000 OPM smoothly while in use.
The standout feature of the corded device is its universal quick-change blade system, which is reminiscent of the Makita Quick Release technology for fast installation and removal of accessories. Speaking of accessories, the Bauer 3 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool is compatible with detachable tools from other brands, including Bosch, Craftsman, Dremel, and Rockwell. Thus far, the device has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 1,300 reviewers and 96% customer recommendation score on Harbor Freight's website. One customer who was "pleasantly surprised" by the multi-tool stated, "Worth every penny. Plenty of power and easy to use and change bits."
Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool is one of the most reviewed and recommended cordless power tools from Harbor Freight in the multi-tool category for several reasons. First, it delivers more efficient power and performance than many other options in this category. The brushless motor produces more power, torque, and speed while minimizing friction between components, so it operates more quietly. Meanwhile, the 3.1-degree oscillation angle means the device is able to cut faster.
Next, the Hercules Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool's compact design and anti-vibration technology make it feel light in the hand and easy to control for extended use. Another perk: The device also has a keyless blade-change mechanism for easy blade changes. Retailing for $79.99, this device has won many customers over, as indicated by its 4.7-star rating and 95% recommendation score. It is worth noting, though, that the unit doesn't come with a battery and charger, just like the Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool. Unless you already have Hercules power tools using compatible batteries, you'll have to factor in the cost of a battery and charger.
Methodology
For this article, we only considered tools labeled as "multi-tool" on Harbor Freight's website and those with more than three specialized functions to prove their versatility. Our selection process for this list involved checking the star ratings and recommendation scores of different multi-tools. Only products with a minimum rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and a customer recommendation score not lower than 90% made it to this list. We also took into account the number of reviews each entry received on the retailer's online store. Since pricing for the featured products is subject to change depending on available discounts and promos, we mentioned only their original prices or suggested retail prices, as indicated on Harbor Freight's website.