Take a good look at the image above. That is how you shouldn’t attach a cutting blade to an oscillating multi-tool.
As you probably read, Rockwell is coming out with a new Sonicrafter X2 and a couple of other Hyperlock & Universal-Fit Sonicrafter oscillating tools. The above screenshot is taken from a demo video uploaded by a major tool distributor who got their hands on an early Sonicrafter tool with Hyperlock feature.
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That’s not how you attach cutting blades to an oscillating tool. Or maybe it is. The online retailer who uploaded the video describes themselves as “toolexperts,” so maybe they know better.
I haven’t demoed the new Sonicrafters with Hyperlock feature, so maybe they are designed to clamp oscillating tool accessories on only one side. But even if blades technically fit in such a manner, it is unwise as it risks damage to the accessory, tool, or worse – injury to the user.
Don’t half-clamp oscillating tool cutting blades and accessories. For that matter, never half-clamp any cutting tools or accessories. Always attach blades and power tool accessories as indicated in the user manuals that come with your tools.
Baji
I’ve seen several videos with proclaimed “tool experts” only to see these “experts” use tools unsafely and sometimes in such a rough manner, it’s a surprise they have hurt others or themselves.
I’ve noticed a great deal of people don’t take power tool personal safety very seriously these days, but let me you, taking risks such as half clamping any cutting tools or accessories isn’t worth the risk. I’ve seen videos where people think they are being cool or real tough guys by doing this, but none of that will matter should you or someone be injured.
Steve R.
I agree. The ER is full of people who didn’t wear safety glasses or a face shield when they needed one. They don’t wear dust masks, hearing protection, safety boots or bother to read the safety instructions on the tool they’re using. They forget to unplug or immobilize tools when going from one area to another. They climb up on the highest step (which clearly reads “Not a Step”) of the ladder they’re using, then reach out too far to paint or hammer a nail because they don’t recognize the fall hazard. Life is dangerous enough considering all the hazards we face or are imposed on us by others; you don’t need to stack the deck against yourself by doing dumb things with tools.
Baji
Exactly. I’ve noticed the typical response from some people is ” I’ll be fine, I’ve done this for a long time” or even “Safety is for wimps, not men.” I’ll never figure out why some people think that way, but unless they they want to change their ways, no words can convince them otherwise.
When ever I am cutting into metal, I always wear my Kevlar gloves, as the one time I didn’t, I narrowly dodged doing major damage to my right hand once. During my school years in shop class, I can’t tell you the sheer amount of times there were injuries, once an ambulance had to be called.
When ever I buy a new power tool or just need a refresher, I always read the instruction manual. Life is indeed full of risks, why induce more risks if you don’t have to?
Stuart
Rockwell sent me an email stating the following:
In no way, does Rockwell advocate or imply that it is okay to improperly clamp and use an oscillating tool blade or accessory in this manner.
I’m still waiting to hear back from the distributor who posted the video. If they don’t get back to me in a reasonable amount of time I will add a link to the video to the post.
Mahalo
The fact that anybody would half clamp a tool like that is absolutely ridiculous, but why am I not surprised?
I believe it is important to practice using tools so that you become comfortable and confident in their proper operation, while balancing that with a healthy respect for the inherent dangers they pose. Developing good habits is also a must, including disconnecting/unplugging tools when you are not using them or when you leave an area (as Steve R. mentioned). Wouldn’t you feel like a miserable jerk (instead of a “tough guy”) if you found out that a child injured himself because you simply failed to disconnect an air nailer or unplug a saw?
fred
The old adage that you can make a tool foolproof but not “damn fool” proof always seems to apply. It is bad enough that accidents can occur even when tools are set up properly – but operator inattention can wreak havoc. On a jobsite – we all need to realize that “we are or should be our brother’s keeper” and step in when we see an unsafe practice or set-up being employed. Any of my employees who told someone that they should mind their own business when being called out for a safety issue – would find themselves being the subject of progressive discipline – up to being fired for a repeat offence. Everyone should have the expectation that they and their fellow workers will leave the jobsite at the end of the day tired but uninjured and anyone that jeopardizes that proposition should not be allowed to continue to work.