Fein has been making one of the best specialty tools for remodeling and light construction for over 20 years. The Fein Multimaster, as it is called, is a multi-purpose tool that uses a motorized oscillating head to run the many attachments that are available for the tool. And, for quite a long time they have been the only ones that sold this type of tool because they has a patent on the technology. Well, now that their patent has expired they are, of course, seeing some competitions from other tool makers. Major hand-held power tool manufacturers like Bosch and Dewalt are now coming out with their versions of an oscillating multi-purpose remodeling tool like the Fein Multimaster tool.
So, being in the construction business no for many years I have seen contractors using the Multimaster on various jobs. I have admired how they can cut out precise holes in drywall, cut through tile and various other tasks that are generally quite time consuming in no time at all with the Multimaster. And I have been tempted to pick one up for myself just to play around with and see what sorts of jobs I might find it useful for in my line of work as a general contractor. But, when I looked into buying the Multimaster I found out that they are not cheap. Not by a mile. The entry level tool costs about $200 and that is with almost no attachments. Too much money for just a tool that I had no concrete idea what I would do with. So I waited and looked in the paper for a used one, but I never saw any ads. I even asked a couple of guys I would see at different job sites if they were interested in selling me their old Fein Multimaster so they could buy a new one, but nobody was interested. It is like they actually prized their old and banged-up tools, which I know, some of they do.
Recently, however, my situation has changed with the downturn in the economy. There are very few general contractor jobs around and I have really been resisting taking smaller jobs in the field where I started out in this business, and that was in bathroom remodels. But, I finally relented and took a couple of referrals from several friends who know where I am at with work. And, more importantly (smile), I can now justify actually purchasing a Fein Multimaster tool because I will use it plenty ripping out old tubs and cutting drywall and sawing through old and new tile. And I am actually warming to the idea of getting back into the business. Who would have thought? Could it all be because of the Multimaster?
