YouTube is a multifunctional tool. Choosing a reliable multifunctional tool. Comparison of analyzed models

Actually, both one and the second name of this device are not entirely correct. After all, grinders are also called multifunctional tools, and renovator is the name of one of these devices.

This is almost the same as the Makita name for a circular hand-held circular saw, although the Makita company manufactures almost the entire line of hand-held power tools, including this miracle of technology, which for ease of understanding we will continue to call the renovator in the article.

This tool appeared in our stores several years ago and, if you unconditionally believe the commercials, it should have swept out almost everything else from our workshops and storerooms: from a jigsaw and a chisel with a hammer to an angle grinder with a hammer drill. Is this really so, we will try to figure it out in this article.

Design and principle of operation of a multifunctional tool

Let's talk about this first of all. Because many not very fair critics of the instrument, not understanding this very principle, claim that the design of the device itself provokes its rapid failure.

It is quite difficult for a non-specialist to understand this almost X-ray image of a renovator, but anyone will notice that the main unit in it is the same electric motor as in most hand-held power tools comparable to it. So, at the end of the output shaft of this electric motor there is an eccentric, which, through a fork, transmits oscillatory movements to the working head of the renovator. This, practically the only loaded unit, is completely lubricated with grease, which provides for a fairly long service life.

As you can see, something that was not originally intended for long-term use can quickly break down here. And it could be a tool from a disgusting manufacturer. But they began to produce it both from large manufacturers of similar equipment and from numerous Chinese garage cooperatives, which sometimes do not even put a label on their products. Therefore, you need to approach the choice of a renovator wisely.

How to choose a renovator?

Everyone who already owns this multifunctional tool cites the high cost of the attachments as its main disadvantage. One high-quality working attachment can cost as much as 1/3 of the tool itself, which already includes several of the same ones. Paradox? You might even think that the renovator itself is just a free add-on to its attachments. Of course this is not true. Simply, if you are offered a tool complete with a huge number of attachments for 3,000 rubles, then you should think about it.

Therefore, if you decide to purchase this multifunctional device, we recommend that you pay attention to companies that you trust unconditionally, and it is better to choose the minimum number of attachments.

Firstly, most users claim that they actually work with 3-4 of them, and secondly, it is better to buy expensive, but initially high-quality, branded attachments separately - it will definitely be cheaper. Well, and thirdly, there is an even more rational way, but we will talk about it in a separate section of this article.

If you, not knowing what kind of beast this is - a renovator - decide to take a very inexpensive multifunctional tool: from an obviously dark horse at a price of 1200 rubles, then follow a few simple rules:

if at this price it comes with more than 2 attachments, don’t buy it;
if the hand vibration continues after turning off the tool, do not pick it up;
turn it on and let it idle for at least 3 - 4 minutes and if the tool gets hot, do not take it.

If the top 3 points have been completed, and the desire to purchase a cheap renovator has not disappeared, remember that the cost of a normal tool starts at least 5 thousand rubles, and it is intended for the types of work that we will list below, but first about the attachments.

Attachments for the renovator

The renovator can come with up to 40 attachments for various purposes. Not all of them will be useful to you in your work, so weigh your needs with the proposed set of tools.

Purpose of nozzles:

triangular attachments: with sandpaper - for grinding, with other replaceable surfaces - for polishing wood and soft metals;
E-scraper scrapers - for linoleum, carpet, for removing paint and glue;
semicircular circular saws with teeth - for cutting plastic and soft metal;
semicircular circular saws with diamond coating - remove hardened mortar in the joints between tiles, make small grooves in concrete and brick;
E-cut angle saws are plunge-cut blades for cutting wood, plastic, copper and plastic pipes, the best examples are for ferrous metal.

This is the main purpose of the attachments, but they can be combined at your discretion and used for other types of work. In this multifunctional tool, the boundaries of the purpose of one or another type of attachment are quite blurred. Of course, you definitely won’t be able to achieve the vigorous cutting of thick hardened bolts demonstrated in commercials with the attachments included with the tool, but there are expensive saws for this on sale. Complete your renovator with them, and save the standard blades for soft materials where he is indispensable.

It should be mentioned that there are also replaceable heads for some tools: screwdriver, impact wrench, etc.

But, in our opinion, this is a very unjustified unification, although some users who have completed certain tasks with their help, especially in hard-to-reach places, may disagree with us.

Types of work performed using a renovator

First of all, this tool is intended for mechanization large number small, auxiliary works around the house. It is almost indispensable when finishing and working in hard-to-reach places on small areas surfaces.

Using it to cut reinforcement or split large-section wood to great lengths is the height of stupidity.

What a renovator can do and what it is intended for:

1. Provide assistance in removing old coverings of various types - carpet, linoleum, tiles, etc., remove silicone or sealant from the seams.

2. Cut holes of rectangular or any other polygonal shape in drywall, wood, fiberboard, chipboard, plastic and the same tile.

3. Perform a large number of cutting and trimming work in hard-to-reach places that are beyond the capabilities of any other tool.

4. Sand or polish surfaces, incl. in those hard-to-reach corners that cannot be treated with anything with such care.

5. Make perfect flush cuts, various kinds of cuts in soft (and sometimes not so soft, due to active wear of the nozzle) material with amazing cleanliness, which you cannot get when using other tools.

It is also worth mentioning the exceptional safety of this multifunctional tool. It is almost impossible for them to be injured.

In addition to networked renovators, of course, there are also battery versions of the tool, which makes it even more mobile to use.

It is precisely these specific types of work that either cannot be performed at all or are extremely difficult to perform with the help of another electric or manual tool, and all the arguments of his opponents are broken. And, I must say, there are many of them. First of all, because of manufacturers, who fill the market with clearly low-quality products (including attachments), and secondly, because of consumers who are trying to get from the tool something for which it is not intended.

If the tool bits are worn out

This section of the article is just for those who have not joined the ranks of opponents of the renovator, but are experiencing difficulties in fully using the tool due to the high cost of high-quality attachments for it.

And here in order:

1. If your delta sanding and polishing attachment is worn out, you can replace it with a small diameter grinder attachment. To do this, you need to remove the standard mount for this disk and install it using the fixing screw of the renovator through a suitable washer. The standard tightening force is quite enough for the device to perform confidently during grinding and polishing. To work in hard-to-reach places, you can cut the round attachment to its original deltoid shape. In this case, the sandpaper pads and polishing wheels will also need to be adjusted to fit.

The situation is a little worse with Bosch renovators and the like, with a self-clamping device, but there the attachments will not fail so quickly, but you can use the same pads, but cut to size.

2. If your scraper blade has worn out during work, restore it by simply sharpening it; if you need to harden it, harden it. The only condition: do not overheat. Heat until slightly reddish in color and place in oil for 3-4 seconds, and then in water. After this, polish thoroughly until the black coating is removed.

3. Naturally, you cannot restore diamond coating on attachments for working with concrete, mortar and brick at home, and this is the only attachment that is worth buying. But abrasive material from under a good coarse-grained wheel, collected after separating metal dust using a magnet and glued to the nozzle using polyurethane glue, will restore some of its performance. Having several of them, you can do the same work, and carry out the restoration procedure many times.

4. Now about the most worn attachments - E-cut miter saws. If your saw has broken down after long-term use, having served you faithfully, then you should simply sharpen such a saw. This can be done using a small diamond disc and a drill.

The same procedure can be done with semicircular circular saws with teeth, and repeat it more than once. In the case when you grind off the hardened layer, carry out the hardening according to the procedure described above. Harden only the cutting part.

If your E-cut miter saw is not worth kind words and wore out at first wooden blocks– still, don’t rush to throw it away. There is a way to restore it and get a quality tool, spending significantly less money than you would spend on purchasing a quality attachment, the cost of which can be up to half the price of the restorer itself.

Making a nozzle for a renovator with your own hands

The described method allows you to make an excellent, durable saw for wood and plastic; more about metal a little later.

1. We buy a high-quality woodworking hacksaw with a fine tooth in the store. As a rule, it has high quality steel and, most importantly, a wide blade, which allows us to fully restore the nozzle, including its length.

2. Mark the hacksaw blade along the width of the nozzle and cut it into blanks using a grinder. This saw will make 7 of them.

3. Cut off the working part from the original nozzle.

4. Mark and drill 2 mounting holes in it. First we use a 1.5 - 2 mm drill.

5. We release the back part of the blanks from the file, heating it with a gas burner until it glows crimson and allowing it to cool in the air.

6. We mark the holes, aligning them with the prepared part of the standard nozzle, and drill them, using drills sequentially: first, the same as when drilling the shank of the nozzle, and then with a diameter of 6 mm. Using the same drill, we enlarge the holes in the shank.

7. After drilling and marking, we bend the released part of our blanks to an angle slightly less than that of the standard tool. We connect both parts using short M6 bolts - the angle will be leveled.

This attachment will serve you for a long time no worse than the standard one. good manufacturer, will cost at least 5-6 times less, taking into account the cost of a hacksaw and 6 spare working surfaces. And it will do its job just as well as a purchased one, or even better.

Yes, do not forget about the possibility of repeated sharpening, which is provided by the manufacturer of the hacksaw that served as the donor of the blades.

Lastly. For metal, you can also take a good hacksaw blade, cut it into pieces and carefully weld it to the base, removing the worn part. Here it is important to weld the blade with teeth efficiently and without overheating and carefully process the thickness of the seam.

Dear readers, if you have any questions, please ask them using the form below. We will be glad to communicate with you;)

This tool can saw, cut, grind, polish, clean, sharpen and perform many other operations with wood, plastic, metal, concrete, brick, fiberglass, laminate, tile, rubber, etc., and with a fairly high quality of processing.

Thanks to its small size, convenience and versatility, it can replace some common tools, such as: a hacksaw, a jigsaw, a chisel, an angle grinder, scissors, a sander, a sharpener, etc. It is convenient to use, since cuts are made by submersion anywhere, which allows make neat corners, curved lines, openings and work flush, close to the obstacle, in corners and niches.

The device has high security, because there is no centrifugal ejection of material, kickback, kickback and rupture of equipment, and accidental and unintentional contact with a working tool does not lead to injury or tragedy. It is also so easy to use that you can work with it right away, gaining skill as you gain experience.

I think that everyone has already guessed that we are talking about a renovator or a vibration universal machine(aka oscillator, universal cutter, multifunctional tool, electric chisel, multitool). As soon as he is not yet called, all the names except the first require some further explanation, and only the first is immediately clear, so in the people's memory he will still remain a renovator (however, the same thing happened with the copier and diaper). Moreover, this is not a hybrid of several familiar tools, it is a separate type, the operating principle of which is based on very fast oscillations (vibrations) of the drive, but with a very small scope. Thus, renovators can become the best assistants both in the home workshop and on the construction site, especially in those moments when accuracy, jewelry precision, or work in a very cramped and inaccessible place are required.

So, let's try to understand the many existing models of renovators and consider their differences from each other.

Characteristics

The greater the power of the renovator, the greater its instantaneous torque and, as a result, the productivity and time of continuous operation without overheating with materials that are difficult to process. For soft materials (plasterboard, plastic, linoleum, etc.) or short work A power of 100-200 W is sufficient. For professional applications, power values above 200 W are required (when working with tiles, stone and concrete 300-350 W).

It is worth noting that vibrating tools Performance is always inferior to rotary and reciprocating models, so they are usually used as an addition to other specialized equipment.

The angle of oscillation or tilt to the right and left differs slightly between different models and is about one and a half degrees in each direction. This is primarily due to the safety of the tool, since at such low values, unintentional contact with the working edge is safe for humans.

The oscillation frequency is almost always adjustable and, depending on the type of surface being treated, can reach 35,000 movements per minute. So cutting and sawing hard materials, for example, concrete and metal, is performed at high frequency, scraping - at medium speed, and processing of plastic, soft wood, foam plastic, etc. - at low speed (to avoid scorching and melting of workpieces). The frequency setting can be placed either in a separate regulator or combined with the trigger - the choice of option is often a matter of taste and skill.

Nutrition

Renovators produce both mains-powered and battery-powered ones. The former are usually more powerful, more efficient, more reliable and more suitable for long-term operation, while the latter are indispensable in places with unstable or no power supply.

Currently, the vast majority of autonomous renovators are produced with Li-Ion batteries. This is due to the fact that, compared to models made using other technologies, they store several times more energy with the same volume of the battery itself (higher energy density), charging is possible at any time, since they do not need to be completely discharged (there is no memory effect ) and they have low self-discharge, but there are also disadvantages: they are afraid of violations of operating conditions (deep discharge and overcharging), they need complex protective electronics, they do not hold high currents well, they do not work in the cold, they are charged only from their own chargers, they have very the effect of aging (degradation) is strongly pronounced and the full charge rate is not very high.

The battery capacity determines how long the tool can work autonomously. It is measured in ampere hours or watt hours. The cheaper the tool, the less the capacity of the batteries installed in it and, accordingly, the operating time, and vice versa.

The voltage of a complete battery depends on the number of standard cells included in its composition and, accordingly, has a step that is a multiple of their number. The more of them and the higher the voltage, the longer the tool will work with the same battery capacity, since the stored energy is greater.

As for the dependence of power on battery voltage, in this case it is only indirect. This is explained by the fact that it is easier and cheaper for the manufacturer to produce a powerful tool with a high battery voltage, since otherwise it would be necessary to use more expensive motors, high-current batteries, and larger diameter conductors. The only disadvantage of batteries of higher voltage will be larger dimensions and heavier weight.

Nozzles

The multifunctionality of renovators is based on a wide variety of replaceable attachments, with the help of which the number of available operations is expanded. Their shape is chosen to suit the tasks assigned to the user, and the material from which they are made is optimized for a specific surface. Most attachments can be installed at different angles. To make the choice easier, manufacturers most often indicate the purpose of each attachment and recommended rules for working with them. Their assortment is huge: spatulas, blades, saws, knives, abrasives, and the number of new ones is only multiplying. The wear resistance of attachments, as a rule, correlates with their cost (sometimes exceeding the price of the tool itself), but correct and appropriate use is the most The best way increase the duration of use (for example, a corundum chisel for jointing can travel several hundred meters until it becomes completely thin, and a metal file will wear out in concrete after just a couple of meters).

Often, attachments are grouped into special sets for a specific application (plumbing, decoration, windows, auto repair shop, garden, etc.)

Replacement of equipment can be done using a key or quick-clamping method. The first is cheaper and simpler, while the dimensions of the unit itself are minimal (very important when working in narrow and hard-to-reach places), but it takes longer, since a worn or non-profile nozzle can be replaced only by unscrewing the fasteners. With another method, you just need to install and fix the nozzle by turning the lever, but, as a rule, the lever increases the weight and size of the tool itself. The safety of both fastening methods is satisfactory.

In this option, it is assumed that the tool is used for minor home repairs and the owner is not a professional builder, that is, the renovator will be used a couple of times a month, or even a couple of times a year, however, even in these rare moments it will fully pay for itself. Low-budget, low-power models with a basic (universal) set of attachments would be optimal for this case. Additional equipment, either individually or in large sets, can be purchased later for a specific project or group of tasks. Also, in this profile, there is no need to purchase autonomous models to work without electricity and, because of this, change batteries every couple of years - thus, network renovators will become the optimal choice.

The owner of this profile will benefit from models with medium or high power and vibration frequency adjustment. Moreover, with sufficiently small volumes of work performed or narrow specialization, the tool can even be the main one. It is expected that the main focus will be on pipe cutting, chamfering, jointing tile joints, removal of mortar residues, adhesives, grout, paint, sagging mixtures, sealants, putties, waterproofing will also be performed figure cutting tiles and the formation of all kinds of channels and openings. As you use up the equipment, you can purchase both individual nozzles and entire sets for the plumber

This option assumes that the master is in a large list necessary tools has a professional jigsaw and grinder, and the renovator is used for auxiliary, precise, neat work and where other tools can damage, stain and deform finishing coatings. The main focus will be on sawing (including curved) fiberboards, wood and particle boards, plywood, plasterboard; installation or dismantling of frames, arches, partitions, ceilings; grinding coatings of any shape from wood, metal, plastic, concrete; cutting, installation and dismantling of floor coverings and soft materials; cutting nails, studs, pipes; trimming door blocks, baseboards, trim, laminate, parquet, as well as small milling of grooves; sawing, trimming wooden, metal, plastic profiles; grinding, fitting parts and many other operations. As you use up the equipment, you can purchase additional attachments or entire sets for the finisher

Basic work - cutting sheet metal and body panels, plastic, grinding, scraping, polishing, etc. This profile also takes into account the often low quality of the supplied power supply, for example, in garages, or the inconvenience of its use, for example, in a parking lot. For those who regularly repair or restore cars, the Renovator will truly be worth the purchase from the first use. To expand the capabilities of the tool or replace a worn-out attachment, you can select the necessary set for the motorist

The professions and specializations taken above as an example can be continued indefinitely: window workers, balcony workers, furniture makers, electricians, restorers and many others. They will be able to choose a renovator for themselves in accordance with the tasks and focusing on the required power, number of nozzles and power system.
Well, let’s choose a renovator and learn a new profession!

The internal structure of modern multi-function vibrating or oscillating tools is very similar. The new class, the ancestor of which was FEIN GmbH and its pioneer MultiMaster, which was originally used as a cutter for removing plaster in hospitals, turned out to be very successful and has remained practically unchanged. When the patent for the technology expired in 2008, other manufacturers also joined in the development of their devices.

The body of the tool is very similar to a small angle grinder, in which a small motor is located, but unlike the first, the rotational movement in the drive device is converted into oscillatory movements of the working shaft with a small amplitude (usually 1.4-1.6 degrees relative to the axis) and high speed fluctuations of 20-30 thousand per minute.

Due to this principle of operation, a number of advantages have appeared over tools based on a rotary or translational principle of operation: no recoil, no centrifugal ejection of material and no danger of rupture of equipment, low dust formation, the ability to perform plunge cuts, process almost any materials from concrete and metal to plastic and wood, up to elastic, and all this without the use of force (my 12-year-old daughter calmly holds it with one hand while working) and with the highest quality of workmanship (when sawing laminated chipboard, there are practically no chips and the edge turns out practically polished without requiring additional grinding before edging).

I don’t agree with the previous author that there will be only one tool in the house that replaces everything, but they really can perform many operations easier and with better quality. Installing a metal threshold under a door frame, removing a flush protruding nail or self-tapping screw, and cutting under an outlet in a hard-to-reach place now takes just a few minutes. Tilers will tell you how difficult it is to replace a chipped tile, but thanks to this tool you can carefully remove the chipped one in place, clean off the old adhesive mortar, and even cut a new one to size. It all depends on the attachments used and success depends precisely on their proper selection.

When choosing a tool, you shouldn’t chase cheapness - Chinese crafts like Renovator often die during the first month of easy use (the same applies to equipment) and you will only experience disappointment, and you shouldn’t buy the most expensive units with all the known attachments.

It is more practical to first determine the place of application, the possible range of work with the tool using the description on the manufacturer’s website or videos on Yotube for almost any model and manufacturer from the Chinese Renovator to the top-end new FEIN products and the presence or absence of an electrical network.

Accordingly, the need to purchase a more expensive cordless tool and more expensive attachments (for example, for working with concrete or hardened metal) will be determined.

Next, we determine the intensity of application. If you will often use the tool, then you should take a closer look at professional models famous manufacturers, in case of infrequent use for minor home repairs, then younger models are sufficient. (For example, Bosh determines this by color scheme: blue is a professional tool, and green is a household tool).

The use of such devices requires a fairly frequent change of attachments, and almost all manufacturers are concerned with producing models that allow this to be done without special keys, which always disappear somewhere, and other devices using a locking lever.

The final stage is the selection of nozzles and equipment. Each manufacturer has its own know-how and different mounting locations are possible, the problem of which, however, is solved by purchasing adapters. I recommend a depth stop and a dust removal system for sanding work.

As I said above, it is better to purchase attachments in a small basic configuration with the tool, and then, if necessary, purchase the necessary ones separately. Purchasing specialized sets or small wholesale ones is usually much more profitable.

And the list of them... well, is very long!) You can always look at the scope and possible attachments on the websites of well-known manufacturers and then find a seller of what you need or purchase it through an online store. Well, first read the reviews about the model you like.

And once again about *free cheese*... Don’t try to buy cheap attachments a la *Especially for Leroy from sunny Changzhen*. At the beginning of using my tool, I also tried to save money. As a rule, such attachments are *disposable* and do not fulfill the declared properties. So, when sawing thin chipboard with a *metal-hardwood* saw attachment, two furniture clips got caught under the cut. The result is that a third of the teeth were lost... I changed the attachment to a more expensive one from the tool manufacturer, which I had been using for several months and, without fear, I cut off the remnants of all the remaining paper clips and several self-tapping screws that slightly protruded from the surface and corrected the flaws of the previous sawing. Still alive!)))

Renovator – universal assistant V household. It replaces a whole list of specialized tools, incl. manual, and greatly facilitates the task of dismantling elements building structures And various types finishing, as well as polishing, cutting, etc. Theoretically, the multitool can work with any materials: wood, concrete, plastics, metal, etc. But in practice, due to the richness of the assortment and the fairly wide functional and price range, choosing a renovator is not such an easy task. What are the differences between the models on the market and how to find best option, able to meet your specific needs?

What can a multifunction tool do?

Renovator is an oscillatory hand tool. Its drive ensures not only the transmission of torque from the motor shaft to the nozzle, but also the oscillatory and/or reciprocating motion of the working part of the latter. This is precisely the main advantage of a multitool over devices with an eccentric operating principle.

With a correctly selected nozzle, the oscillatory drive of the renovator makes it possible to:

dismantle finishing coatings, elements of building structures and utilities flush with the plane of the walls, floor or ceiling in the room;
work in confined or hard-to-reach spaces;
perform figured and technical cutting, as well as make technical channels and holes on surfaces from a wide variety of materials;
mill grooves and chamfer any configuration;
cut and trim soft insulating and finishing materials;
grind, perform rough adjustment of parts;
sawing, trimming and dismantling elements of wooden, metal and plastic profile and frame systems;
clean, grind and polish surfaces of any complexity;
remove remnants of elastic adhesives, sealants, anti-corrosion coatings, etc.;
perform sawing and cutting, incl. figured, plasterboard, fiberboard, MDF boards, plywood, sheet and profile metal;
sharpen hand tools;
smooth out surface defects, repair cracks, etc.

Photo gallery of renovator's capabilities

Manufacturing expansion joints, compacting concrete, trimming baseboards, parquet and door panels - light, compact and incredibly powerful renovators can do all this, as well as much more. Moreover, their working life, functionality and cost directly depend on the technical and design characteristics, as well as configuration features.

Technical parameters of renovators

The most important characteristics multitool are power consumption and performance. Compact amateur instrument with an average stroke frequency consumes 150-300 W, while professional renovators with more powerful motors are designed for 250-400 W.

The battery capacity of an autonomous multi-tool is 1-8 Ah, which is sorely lacking for high performance requirements. More efficient and reliable are network models that are limited in movement by the length of the power cord.

The engine speed of renovators lies in the range of 5000-22000 rpm. The choice of tool for this parameter depends on the technology and complexity of the operations performed. Many models are equipped with a speed switching function, which allows you to solve a wider range of work tasks.

Of great importance when choosing a multitool are the ability to install accessories at different angles and manually replace them, as well as the availability of an adapter for attachments from other manufacturers. By the way, it is the equipment and the possibility of expanding it that determines the choice of tool for certain purposes.

Types of attachments for multifunctional tools:

Vacuum

Effectively eliminate dust rising into the air during work, as well as various contaminants and remnants of dismantled materials from the work area.

Semicircular blades

They are used to clean tile joints and can be installed either at zero or at right angles to the central axis of the tool.

Scraper blades

They can be installed at any angle and are needed for removing soft trim, removing glue, sealant, etc.

Semicircular incisors

Indispensable in production through holes, leveling surfaces, sawing materials, chipping walls, etc.

Grinding

Designed for cleaning and grinding surfaces of varying complexity.

Design, equipment and functionality of the multitool

The highest loads on the working parts of the tool act at the moment of initial contact with the surface being processed. Therefore, many renovators are equipped with a soft start system that prevents premature wear noticeably expensive attachments and excessively rapid consumption of working resources.

In addition to the presence of protection against breakage and increased loads at the beginning of work, when purchasing a multitool, attention should be paid to ergonomics and a number of other design features. It is necessary to correctly assess the dimensions and weight of hand tools. They had to be comfortable for the operator, while the handle of the renovator should fit well in the hand, and its weight distribution should prevent the front part of the machine from “pecking” during operation.

Photo gallery: Ergonomics of a renovator

Some multitool models are equipped with an additional handle, which allows for a two-handed grip when performing complex operations.

As for the controls, namely the power slider, the speed switch button and the direction of movement of the nozzle, they must be securely fixed in all positions. You can choose a model with both a slider and a trigger, the sensitivity of which to pressing should be optimal for convenience and safety in operation. But at the same time, the location of the control elements should prevent arbitrary change of operating mode.

The dust extractor of the renovator must be fixed easily and reliably, and the tool must ensure a minimum of vibrations during operation. Immersion limitation can be either manual or remote - in this case, the choice depends on the operator’s work style and the characteristics of the tasks facing him. Finally, it is worth carefully inspecting the power cord: a length of about 3 m is considered normal for operation, and the point of its entry into the case in high-quality models is equipped with a sealing ring.

Renovators from various manufacturers: brand competition

The undisputed leaders in the multi-tool market are Hitachi, Makita and Bosh. The general characteristics of their products are as follows:

wide range of functions and design options;
high performance;
ergonomics;
reliability and durability of main components;
the presence of high-quality protection against operational overloads, damage and short circuits;
Availability effective system security.

However, you don’t have to go into debt to buy a high-quality, but overly expensive model - repairs at home are more than possible to carry out with a tool from the middle price range. The latter includes products of domestic brands Elektromash, Vityaz, Avangard, Izhmash, Ritm, etc. Very decent quality and, interestingly, at prices that are more gentle than similar instruments from industry giants are demonstrated by models of the brands Sturm, Sparky, Eltos, Bass , Win, BMP, Multimax, AEG, Rockwell, etc. The main thing when buying is to beware of fakes and pay special attention to the quality of workmanship, calibration and operational comfort.

By the way, about fakes. They cost significantly less than products from even the most unprepossessing, but nevertheless reliable brands. The latter, unlike scammers, still monitor the quality of the equipment produced. Therefore, the parts of the renovators they present will always be made of reliable materials, and the tool itself will satisfy at least the minimum requirements for structural reliability and operational safety.

If we are talking about hand tools, and even more so about a renovator, authentically assembled models will always have a number of differences from those assembled at a quick fix imitations. However, those involved in the production of the latter should be given due respect - in most cases, a fake can be identified only by looking under the body of the instrument.

We should not forget about the completeness of the package and its compliance with that declared by the manufacturer, as well as the presence of external packaging, a plastic case and detailed instructions manual.

How to choose a renovator: final points

Buying a renovator will save you from having to store a whole set of hand-held power tools. When solving various repair and construction problems, a multitool will save a lot of effort and time, and maintenance and repair will cost much less than an arsenal of equipment of various brands and years of manufacture.

When choosing a multi-tool, try to compare at least several models that are similar in price and functionality. It is likely that the design, configuration and other characteristics of one of them will differ at least slightly, but in a positive way for you, from the parameters of the others. And, of course, demand reliable quality guarantees and do not forget to inquire about the quality of the system service tool for buyers - both the comfort and cost of the renovator in operation largely depend on this.

Video: Choosing a renovator using the example of the DeWalt dcs355 model

There is still controversy surrounding this issue on forums, although the multifunctional tool (MFI) has begun to gain popularity since 2008. Can it really be used as a full-fledged replacement for a grinder, reciprocating and circular saw, jigsaw and hand chisel, or will the renovator, like a can opener, be needed in rare cases? Let's sort it out in order.

Renovator what is it

The renovator uses the principle of oscillation, or simply oscillation. The universal cutter swings the installed attachments with great speed and minimal amplitude. In the video you can see how they cutting edges blurry and trembling. It is the equipment and high-frequency vibrations that make the renovator a multifunctional tool.

What a multitool can do

Here are some MFI opportunities:

cable channels are being installed for them;
cut installed sewer pipes and internal wall reinforcement;
remove deposits of plaster, glue, polyurethane foam, clean off the paint;
peel off linoleum from the floor;
file nails and screws flush;
remove grooves in wood and drywall from the end and mortise (submersible);
cut sheet elastic materials and soft seals;
trim skirting boards, fillets and cornices in place;
unstitch the seams on the laid tiles and cut the tiles themselves;
trim installed door frames;
grind complex surfaces and hard-to-reach internal corners;
sharpen tools.

Let us now clarify what a renovator is. Professionals give it the following definition: a tool of last resort. It is indispensable as an auxiliary construction tool for final stages work or during rework. And when home use A multitool will even save you from buying several power tools.

Types of MFIs and device features

By class, renovators are divided into professional and household. Expensive models have the ability to connect to a vacuum cleaner and have a flashlight that illuminates work area. Professional power tools allow you to do more work in one go and last longer.

Based on the type of power supply, power tools are divided into mains-powered and battery-powered. One of the advantages of a multitool is its light weight and small size. The battery, unfortunately, increases both. The reduced engine power of battery-powered cutters has virtually no effect on their functionality.

Renovators operating from the network consume from 170 to 600 watts. For battery-powered models, the power is determined by the battery voltage. Low-power models up to 100 W are used for cutting soft and non-viscous materials. To work with metals and ceramics, models from 200 W are needed. It's enough to buy a tool at home medium power– up to 250 W or up to 18 W for battery-powered devices.

The oscillation frequency range at idle varies from 5000 to 22000 kol/min. There are tools with fixed frequency and with adjustable smoothly or stepwise. Metal, ceramics and elastic materials are processed at low frequencies, and wood, plasterboard or plastic – at medium and high frequencies. It is important that the tool has a soft start - this will allow you to start cutting without errors.

A multi-tool allows you to quickly move from one type of work to another. For this, the type of fastening is important - quick-clamping or key. With a quick release, the attachment is instantly locked in place, and with a key release, it is tightened with a hex bolt. It is also worth paying attention to whether it is possible to use attachments from other manufacturers, with or without an adapter, or not. For some models, you can change the angle of attachment of the files if you have to work in hard-to-reach places.

Consumables and components

MFIs are optionally equipped with cases for tools and accessories. Systems for connecting a vacuum cleaner, cut-in depth limiters, protective linings against touching the canvas, adapters for using nozzles are sold separately. different manufacturers. Multi-tools also sometimes provide for the installation of an additional handle, like on a drill.

The battery and charger are not a mandatory part of the package, and if you purchase them separately, you need to make sure that they match the voltage.

Consumables for renovators include polishing attachments, knives and files for scraping and cutting. For different tasks and materials, there are different forms of nozzles:

triangular plates for self-adhesive sanding or polishing sheets with Velcro;
carbide triangular soles and tongues for grinding and polishing;
semicircular or triangular cutting attachments with diamond or carbide chips for sawing metal and gating concrete and tile adhesive;
submersible blades with a width of 10 to 70 mm with teeth at the end for wood or metal;
scrapers (scrapers) for scraping off glued linoleum or residues " liquid nails", silicone and polyurethane foam;
knives with a double-edged blade for gating walls or cutting carpet, linoleum, cardboard, polystyrene foam, fiberglass;
attachments for attaching narrow cutting flat and spiral blades and threads, as in manual jigsaws.

What's unique about the universal cutter?

If you remember that renovators are not intended to perform a large volume of work, then you can find from them negative characteristics difficult.

Renovators produce cuts with smooth, polished edges. The multi-tool is indispensable for cutting “sandwiches” from materials of different densities.

There is very little dust when working with the multitool, and it does not fly in all directions. And with the attached vacuum cleaner you can do it at home minor repairs without preparing the premises.

The first renovators used it to remove plaster in traumatology. It is difficult to get hurt with the tool. And there are no fragments that fly apart like shrapnel when the canvas is damaged.

The choice of a multi-tool depends little on its class and comes down to consumables and equipment. You can buy it for your home household appliance without a kit and select equipment for it only for the planned types of work. If you do not overload the equipment, it will serve no worse than professional ones. And consumables from top manufacturers are becoming practically immortal for home use.

The most popular professional tools and accessories are made by Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Dremel and Fein. Among inexpensive brands, Renovator, Intertool, Enkor and Rhythm devices are popular. Knives and saws for the home should be chosen with the “BiM” marking as the most universal.

Bottom line

Renovator what is it? There are things you don’t feel you need until you start using them. Multi-tool is one of them. See photos, specifications, reviews and buy with confidence. The multitool is not that indispensable - it expands the capabilities of the usual construction tools and serves as a lifesaver.