Dremel has launched another new 20V Max cordless power tool, an oscillating multi-tool kit.
This is now Dremel’s second 20V Max cordless tool, with the first being the US20V Ultra-Saw that came out last year.
The new Dremel cordless Multi-Max oscillating multi-tool, model MM20V-01 for the kit, quietly launched on Amazon this week.
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Dremel says that their new cordless oscillating multi-tool has an exclusive tool design, with a compact front end to get into the tightest corners and reduces hand drag. Their product listing also says that the angled-bodied tool design provides continuous comfort and improved control when flush cutting.
The Dremel MM20V has a knob-based tool-free accessory change system that looks to work with their existing blades and accessories.
There aren’t any details about universal or cross-brand accessory compatibility. I did find an online copy of the user manual, and it only talks about Dremel accessories. Based on this, I assume that you can only use Dremel-branded accessories and any other oscillating multi-tool accessories specifically made for Dremel Multi-Max tools.
The oscillating multi-tool operates at 10,000 to 21,000 OPM. It has a variable speed dial as well as separate on/off switch.
The tool comes with (1) 2.0Ah battery, a 1-hour charger, (3) cutting blades (including 1 carbide), and a dust extraction adapter.
Street Price: ~$140
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Discussion
The new Dremel MM20V has a familiar Multi-Max oscillating multi-tool design, with similar controls and blade clamp as their previous models.
Part of me is excited to see Dremel expand their 20V Max cordless power tool system, as this release effectively doubles their offerings.
But the other part of me wonders if this is a compelling entry.
Dewalt and Milwaukee both recently offered cordless oscillating multi-tool kits at $99 promo pricing during the 2021 holiday shopping season. The Dewalt is brushless, and both brands’ tools come with universal accessory adapters that work with other brands’ oscillating multi-tool accessories.
The Dremel MM20V is priced at ~$140 on Amazon ($136.43 at the time of this posting and subject to change), and $149 at other retailers that don’t currently have the kit in stock.
Also at Amazon, they have the Skil PWRCore 20V Brushless oscillating multi-tool kit, priced at $144.76 at the time of this posting.
The Skil tool has a brushless motor, vibration reduction system, and it comes with a fast charger than can bring the battery from 0 to 25% in 5 minutes, and a battery with a built-in USB port, giving it a secondary purpose as a power bank between projects.
Ironically, the Skil tool is compatible with universal accessories such as Starlock and OIS. OIS was designed by Bosch, and Starlock by Bosch and Fein. Bosch is and Dremel are owned by the same parent company.
The Skil also has a dual-LED worklight.
Dremel’s banner says that the MM20V is the Evolution of Innovation. It might sound as a harsh criticism, but where’s the innovation here?
I understand that the tool’s angled geometry gives you more hand clearance when flush-cutting, but is that it?
I feel almost hypocritical for thinking this, because I felt the opposite about Dremel’s other new release, their 8260 “smart” cordless rotary tool. With the new rotary tool, I like the idea of the separate built-in tool and battery temperature gauges. But am I – or most users – really going to dig into a smartphone app to adjust speed settings or check battery charge capacity? Is that too much “innovation?” The brushless motor does increase the rotary tool’s appeal, though.
Am I wrong for feeling underwhelmed here? I almost wish that this was a “smart” tool too. At the least, a brushless motor would have been appreciated, not to mention a universal blade clamp interface.
I hate feeling sour about new tool releases, as I know a lot of time and effort go into their design, engineering, and perfection.
For a DIY-level cordless oscillating multi-tool kits, I’d really expect to see no less than a brushless motor and near-universal tool-free blade clamp at the $120 to $150 price point. I’m disappointed that we don’t seem to get that here.
Jared
That’s pretty ho-hum. I mean, if you were a Dremel 20v user I’m sure it’s nice to have the option, but this doesn’t look like something to bring new users aboard.
Make Dremel tools fit Bosch batteries and then there’d be something to this.
Stuart
Actually… there is *some* cross-brand compatibility between Dremel and Bosch.
I couldn’t get their Ultra-Saw to work with larger Bosch batteries, and I’ve received conflicting information about Bosch 18V and Dremel 20V Max compatibility, which is I didn’t touch upon it here.
Jared
Hmm! Well that’s something. It would make way more sense that buying into such a small tool “system”.
Jorn
It sure looks like a Bosch battery and charger pictured with this tool.
I’d be interesting to see if it accepts Bosch batteries in a hands-on test.
IndianaJonesy (Matt J.)
If it’s anything like their 10.8/12v system, the internals will be identical and the chargers cross-compatible, but there will be packaging differences that make running them cross-platform possible. Really kind of foolish (in that case especially when Bosch still doesn’t even offer their 12v rotary tool in the US) when Bosch already seems to struggle to compete.
Big Richard
I don’t think I like the OMTs that do not have a variable speed trigger, though it seems most do not have a trigger. I tend to change speed during cuts quite a bit, and it’s a bit awkward to sit there an turn a dial while operating. Seems a bit long at 13.5″, too. I kinda wanna try this little guy at only 9″ long:
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/oscillating-tools/xtreme-12v-max-brushless-cordless-oscillating-tool-tool-only/dcs353b
Stuart
Ooh – thanks! – I’ve been waiting for news on that one.
Ken
I’m with you, Stuart – underwhelmed. Compare the Dremel to it’s brother by Bosch (GOP18V-28N). The Bosch is $149 at Lowes and comes with a “free” 4Ah battery kit (21700 cells). My guess is that the Bosch has better performance, but obviously I don’t know this. In any case, I believe the Bosch OMT is generally regarded as one of the best. Why would anyone buy the brushed Dremel with a 2Ah battery at $140ish?
fred
Dremel has a long history of making/offering a few tools in their lineup that always seemed like also-rans compared to their flagship Mototools. Some were downright weird falsh-in-the pan sorts of items – like their electric hand coping saw – but others (like their scroll saws) seemed to last for many years. Maybe this is just a continuation of an attempt to broaden their line and capitalize on their brand-name.
Here’s a link to an old Dremel catalog – that I likely perused as a teenager:
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=5084
Pocket Handyman
Absolutely agree 100% that is is big nothing-burger in the OMT dept. Brushed motor? Seriously? What, did they have some leftover parts at the factory so they pushed this 2nd rate thing out the door? And no Starlock feature for blades? Very disappointing. The entry from Skil looks FAR more appealing, even if it’s not as well-known/popular a brand.
mattd
My first OMT was a corded dremel and I HATED it. I literally threw it away because the blade clamp bolt would loosen because of vibration and the blades would disengage.
I honestly don’t understand why anyone would buy this if they own any other battery powered tools. literally every battery brand offers an OMT. Why would you buy into a battery platform with only a couple of tools just for an OMT? if they advertised this as cross compatible with bosch batteries then it would at least make some sense, but they don’t (even if they may actually be cross compatible). I mean look at all the competition they have to compete with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jbzWsn4a5k
https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-head/best-cordless-oscillating-multi-tool-head-to-head/
(sorry to post a competing tool blog but their head to head reviews really are well thought out and fairly comprehensive)
Clay
Project Farm just did a head-to-head test of some OMTs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmG0cAQASrs&t=7s&ab_channel=ProjectFarm
Vladislav
I have a mixture of Dremel and Bosch tools, chargers and batteries:
https://freeimage.host/i/GN4JEv
All are fully cross-compatible: charging, mixing tools/batteries . I do not understand why some people keep writing that they are incompatible, or that there is “some” compatibility – are there any specific combinations which do now work?
Stuart
The Dremel *does* work with Bosch compact batteries, but only Dremel or Bosch compact batteries. Try to use a higher capacity Bosch battery, and it will not power the Dremel tool.
Vladislav
I am using Dremel tools with Bosch 5,0Ah (are they “compact” batteries?)
Bosch says: ” All batteries are compatible with all Bosch Professional 18V tools since 2008. Now also compatible with tools of other expert brands”. No, they do not specifically mention Dremel, but they say that “more brands” will join. So they prevented Dremel (which they now own) from using *some* mechanically and electrically compatible batteries? Unlikely, and it would require a very specific chip programing. Yes, theoretically possible, but feels like a fixable bug, not a feature.
I believe that some more details and following it with Dremel and/or Bosch (even if they are initially slow to comment) may be beneficial to all readers. Bosch may even thank you for discovering a bug ;>