In the early 2000s, I had read about this tool in Popular Mechanics and was really wanting one, but Fein held the patent and they were like $500.
Then I had a flooring project to do, and learned about under-cutting moulding. The multi tool is perfect for this. The year was 2013. The only one I could afford was at Harbor Freight for like $30. I figured if it got me through this job, I'm good. It even came with extra motor brushes. Ha ha.
I'm still using it today!
Exactly, mine is the variable speed HF (with extra brushes - which seemed weird), it was "Chicago Electric" brand back then (2015, I marked the box, not sure what I paid though, something like $20-$30?), I think it is the same as the "Warrior" they sell now.
Two - semi-funny stories.
1) It *is* perfect for undercutting door molding when doing flooring. I helped DD and son-in-law with new flooring in their 'nursery' room. DD seemed to remember that I had the hand-saw version of the saw made for under-cutting door trim (it has no kerf on the flat side, and the handle is angled up so you can get your hand in there and cut flush to the floor). Since she asked me, my mind focused on that hand flush-cut saw, and I said "Yes, I'll be sure to bring it". Well, son-in-law got the job of under-cutting the molding, and early on, he hit a nail (easy to do), so the saw was dull, and it was a lot of frustrating work to finish the remaining trim. I felt sorry for him, but I sure wasn't going to lay on the floor and do that job! The cutting/fitting was already hard on my old knees.
When I got home, it hit me that I had that power oscillating tool, and extra blades. It would have made quick work of that job. I told DD, but said, don't tell him, I feel bad now!
2) Those extra brushes - I was surprised they included them. Well, I tested the saw out on some scrap when I first got it, satisfied it worked OK, and put it away for quite a while. When I did have a use for it, it cr@pped out and started acting really erratic after just another minute of use. I noticed sparking by the brushes - geez, is *that* why they include brushes, do they wear out in 10 minutes??!! That's what I get for buying cheap HF cr@p!
I get it apart, brushes aren't worn - so what's up? Bad spring? Hmmm. Nope, there was a little burr on the brush holder, and the brush was hanging up on that burr. A little sanding/filing, and it's been fine. I still have those brushes in a bag taped to the box.
-ERD50