Multitool uses on a boat

[hd002e]

I need to recore some wet and soft deck left behind by a previous owner and I feel like cutting it from down below will be the best approach. I am considering buying a multitool for this job but the frugal boat owner in me wants to find other uses for the multitool to be able to justify the purchase. How do you like your oscillating multitool and what have you done with it?

[Lake-Effect]

The oscillating multitools are pretty good at cutting fiberglass and wood, especially in tight spots. Also good for some spot-sanding. A bit better than a hacksaw at cutting metal.

The original Fein Multitools are awesome, but the clones (I have one) are sufficient for occasional use.

[Auspicious]

I have a Fein tool I use for making cut-outs for displays, for controls, for access ports. Very glad to have it.

[sailormed]

I have one as well, the advantage is that you can make perfectly square cut outs.

[Reefmagnet]

They're also perfect for scraping off old sealants and gunk. Something you will appreciate when removing old core.



Having said that, They are kind of a "jack of all trades" tool that never performs above any other specialist tool when it comes to cutting and sanding in general. Their niche is versatility, small jobs and the ability to work in tight spaces and corners. Makes them great for keeping on the boat! Personally, I prefer the cordless variety over the corded.

[Mike OReilly]

Oh man, I love my Fein. I use it constantly for all sorts of boat projects. Great for cutting in tight spots or odd shapes, for sanding, for buffing, for shaving off caulking... lots of stuff.

[nhschneider]

Did you know that the Fein tool was originally designed to remove plaster casts from people - the oscillating blade could cut through the hardened plaster but wouldn't cut skin.

I have found far more uses for my Fein tool than I ever thought I would.
A friend of mine borrowed my Fein to cut out the sole of his cabin when he had to replace his fuel tank - I think he ran that tool for days on end and it still works 'fine' (he did buy me a new set of blades). It's a particularly well-made tool that could easily last a lifetime.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by hd002e

How do you like your oscillating multitool and what have you done with it?

Please! We've just met!

[gamayun]

The Fein tool is awesome. It's a very satisfying tool for cutting wood and fiberglass But beware. You'll be looking for all sorts of reasons to make some more holes in various places once you get to playing with it.

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Please! We've just met! [emoji3]

Now you've made me rethink my response was full of double entendres.

[Freedom45]

I bought a multi tool for the same job, cut fiberglass inside boat to repair delaminated core, worked great, less dust
I have now discovered that this tool is the most useful cutting tool on boat for many jobs.

Cheers

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by gamayun

Now you've made me rethink my response was full of double entendres.

I'm a sailor, what can I say?
Hahaha,
LittleWing77

[s/v Jedi]

Fein Multimaster for the win

To make it easy, let me list the boat projects where I did not use it:

1. ...

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by nhschneider

A friend of mine borrowed my Fein to cut out the sole of his cabin when he had to replace his fuel tank - I think he ran that tool for days on end and it still works 'fine' (he did buy me a new set of blades). It's a particularly well-made tool that could easily last a lifetime.

I think I'm on my fourth one. Customers take a real liking to my Fein and I sell it to them and buy a new one. *grin*

[Valmika]

I am not sure about the Fein but I have a Milwaukee M18 cordless one and use it for everything. The blades go a little quickly. Don't buy cheap blades!


Sanding small hard to get to areas

Cutting nice small straight lines
Plunge cutting
Scrapping off sealant (or anything)
Scratching my back


I'm sure there are many more. If I could only bring two power tools on the boat it would be this and a drill motor.