There are quite a few multifunction oscillating tools on the market these days. Some are built by well known and reputable brands – Fein (the original), Rockwell, Bosch, Dremel, Ridgid, and Craftsman, but there are also generic branded import tools popping up at more and more retailers these days.
Amazon recently started promoting the Genesis GMT15A oscillating tool, which not surprisingly looks identical to the multifunction tool carried by Harbor Freight under their Chicago brand.
Advertisement
In any case, does anyone here have experience with the cheaper import models? I imagine that the tool’s $40 pricetag is quite attractive, but for just a bit more, a refurbished Dremel version can be found for $55 or so. I’m not a fan of refurbished or reconditioned tools, but then again I’d definitely prefer that to a cheap Genesis or “Chicago Electric Power Tools” version of uncertain quality.
Genesis Multifunction Oscillating Tool via Amazon
We cannot seem to find a company home page for Genesis. That’s not a good sign.
Chaim
I’ve used the HF tool since it came out and it’s awesome. The HF blades are much cheaper than the other brands making the cost of ownership dramatically lower.
Ron
Bought the HF one when they had a coupon for about $25 – figuring I can’t go wrong with it, worst case scenario – it will tell me if investing in a better quality tool is worth it.
As the poster above – it is just fine, works well, never fails, cheap attachments. It is not a heavy use tool in my toolbox, but when I need it – it works just fine.
Rascally
Like above, I bought the HF model, and it works GREAT! The problem is blade usage. The common cutting blade needs to be sold in a pack of 5. That blade always seems to be sold out at the HF store. It looks to me, like some of the other manufacturers blades might fit the HF model. If that’s true, I may try them to see if they last any longer than the HF blades. I’d rather pay more for a tougher blade.
JeffD
Since I can’t justify or afford the Fein version of these tools, maybe, just maybe the Genesis version is a good starting point.
Anthony
i bought the rockwell brand and thats the lowest i would go quality wise.i thought about buying the h.f model ,but i cant see it lasting with regular use.the saying”you get what you pay for” is usually true
DC
I have the HF version as well and the way i look at it (like the other posters), is that its a cheap investment into a tool that could be very useful for specific applications and i wont care if it breaks! So far its been great and i have not regretted it!
uthscsaedu
I also have the harbor freight version. It has been working fine. I dropped it and it stopped working. I opened up the handle and had to reconnect the on/off switch.
I got mine for $30, there was some coupon around.
I think it has paid for itself.
My 2 biggest complaints are 1) loud 2) metal part gets kind of hot
They have a newer variable speed model for about $60
I have not purchased any attachments from HF; I have only used the ones that it came with.
Chuck
Works well. Made my own grout removal blade from the $5 HF 4″ diamond grit cutter blade for their mini-table saw. Just drilled 4 holes for the alignment pins. Works great on grout, okay on wood, and even goes through ceramic tile without noticeable wear. Thinking about other attachments I can make. Also, the much more expensive blades with a 3/8″ hole (or slightly larger) from other manufacturers will fit on the HF. Don’t see much point except for the straight plunge cutter, HF’s lasts about 5 minutes before the teeth are gone, though you could use a triangular file to create more!
Lee
RichPower is by another website as thew maker of this tool, not sure if that helps
Elliot Actor
I have used the HF tool on two major bathroom remodeling jobs and am very satisfied. I found that the Bosch blades fit perfectly and eliminate the blade wear issues.
My partner has the Fein tool and I have used it also on my last job. The only advantage to it is that it is variable speed and a little lighter. It doesn’t work any better. Definitely not worth the $200 plus additional costs. If HF has a variable speed tool for $60 that might be a perfect way to go.
Peter
I purchased the Genesis oscillating tool about 6 months ago when renovating a basement bathroom. I used it to scape laminate floor from concrete, grind concete around a w/c flange, trim mouldings and sand old adhesive residue.
I am still very impressed by this tool.
BRN
I own the Genesis GMT15A. I used it for my DIY hardwood flooring job, mostly to trim molding. I’ve also used it for sanding purposes. Works well and has lasted over 2 years. It is loud and the blade can get hot. My dad has borrowed the tool twice. Now, I’m either going to buy him the Genesis or the Harbor Freight’s Chicago Electric 67537. Both are around $40, but the HF model is variable speed.
Kody
I bought the Rockwell sonicrafter and it lasted a few minutes and won’t turn on at all now. Don’t buy this junk.
Tom
I purchased the HF brand on ebay for 17 $, its an awesome tool!
DC
I have bought two of the HF variable speed units and used them in our work and they have held up fine. I have had failures with other HF power tools but they replaced them with no issues and they are still on the job. Now that blades fit most all Multitool brands the selection is better. Never could justify the Fein cost. As good as a Hilti tool? Hardly but then they use double helical gears and bearings vs oil soaked bushings. Abuse any tool and it will not last. Hit a nail with the wood blades and you will be replacing it.
Kerry
Mine just failed.
Bought two years ago, so no warrantee, from Princess Auto in Canada, this was only the 8th or 9th time I have used it. There is no possibility that it even has one single hours worth of use.
Genesis anything?
Never again.
Michael Thompson
Like above, I bought the variable speed Harbor Freight model a few years ago, and it’s still working great! I was pleasantly surprised to find that Walmart sells replacement sanding pads and blades in their tool section that fit perfectly and are dirt cheap. I think the assortment of sanding pads was less than $4 and an assortment pack of blades (wood/metal/grout) was about $8. They may not be the best but at that price I can replace them a couple of times a year.
Michael Thompson
Found it on the Walmart website – search for “hyper tough 4 piece wood and metal cutting kit” and it costs $8.94.
Robert
Have two variable speed Chicago electric multi tools and a hypertough branded one, all work great and are still going strong. Might not be as nice as Dremel etc. But they get the job done and without failure. Maybe under heavy pro use there might be issues but not sure about that, have cut 2×4, 3/4 plywood, sanded, cut through nails, and some smaller bolts no problems.. have had them running steady for hours at a time, no problems. I’m sure they cut slower than some of the competitors that have 3 amp and larger motors but for general diy and hobby projects they are well worth their low prices of 24.00 hf version and 16.99 hypertough branded.