How do you choose a rotating multi-tool?
Choose rotating multi-tool
You can use rotating multi-tools for detailed and precise jobs. Which rotating multi-tool and accessories you need depends on your job. Ask yourself the following:
- Do you want to cut or sand?
- Do you want to drill or grind?
- Do you want to engrave or polish?
- Do you quickly want to switch attachments?
- Do you want to work corded or on a battery?
Do you want to cut or sand?
Cutting and cross-cutting
If you want to cross-cut thin tubes or screws that stick out, a rotating multi-tool is a good choice. You can easily reach anything, because the multi-tool isn't very large. Use a cutting disc as attachment for these jobs. There are cutting discs for wood, metal, and plastic. You can choose the cutting disc that suits your job.
Detailed sanding
Do you want to sand small surfaces or hard to reach spots? Use a rotating multi-tool with a sanding belt, sanding brush, or sanding disc. You can use a sanding belt for coarse sanding jobs, like smoothing flat surfaces. For sanding an upper layer without damaging the surface, use a sanding brush. Do you want to smooth edges for a neat result? Choose a sanding disc.
Do you want to drill or grind?
Drill small holes
With a rotating multi-tool, you can also drill small holes in wood, plastic, and soft metal. You can use special drill bits that fit your multi-tool for this. It's very useful to drill small holes for hobbyists. For example, model builders.
Grinding, deburring, and removing rust
Do you want to grind, deburr, and remove rust? A rotating multi-tool is useful for this as well. You can use a grinding stone or grinding disc for this. This way, you can easily grind a metal tube. You can also smoothen sharp, protruding pieces of metal or remove rust from a garden fence.
Do you want to engrave or polish?
Engraving and milling
You can also use a rotating multi-tool for precise jobs, like engraving and milling. For example, you can decorate a jewelry box or wooden box with a pattern. Use an engraving pen or mill as an attachment for this. There are several sizes of pens and mills. With a small pen or mill, you can make thin lines. Do you want wider lines? Use a larger pen or mill.
Polishing and cleaning
If you use a polishing disc or brush, you can clean metal objects and make them shiny again. For example, jewelry like necklaces and rings. You can also smoothen crystal with these attachments. You can even treat the smallest corners, because the attachment is so small.
Do you quickly want to switch attachments?
The attachments of a rotating multi-tool should be firmly locked in when you get to work. There are 2 ways in which you lock in accessories: with and without a (hex) key. For a tool switch with a key, you twist the attachments on or off yourself. This is easy, but takes some time. A tool switch without a key is much faster as you lock in the accessories with a click system.
Do you want to work corded or on a battery?
Rotating multi-tools work on the power grid or on a battery. Both have pros and cons. With a corded multi-tool, you always have power. You do need a socket or extension cord. Does the multi-tool work on a battery? You have more freedom of movement. You're also not bothered by cables and you can use the multi-tool in places without a socket. You do have to charge a battery when it's empty. If you don't have a second battery, you can't work without interruptions.
