Dremel Multi-master blades DON’T WORK!
I’ve a Bosch Multi-X, and I picked up a Dremel branded scraper blade for it at HomeyD. Last night tried to use it to the remove butyl tape that Ikea ships with its sinks (lesson learned: I won’t be buying anymore plumbing fixtures from Ikea. I had to take the fixture hoses to a good plumbing supply for the right adapters. The counter lady takes one look at the hose in my hand and says “European style no good! This gonna be ugly!” as she starts pulling out multiple adapters.).
Anyhow, the Dremel blade doesn’t fit the Bosch Multi-X, even though on the back of the package it says the blade is compatible with the Multi-X and the Fein. The pin holes on the blade are in a smaller diameter than the pin arbor on the Bosch. I had to use the sanding pad adapter to get it to work, but I was disappointed to see that the Dremel blades don’t natively fit the Multi-X. Since I’ve got two packs of other Dremel blades, I’m pissed.
Before I dash off an angry email to the Robert Bosch corporation about this completely false marketing, can anyone else confirm for me that the Dremel Multi-master blades do not fit the pin arbor on the Bosch MultiX?
Z
Replies
Before I dash off an angry email to the Robert Bosch corporation about this completely false marketing
why pick on Bosch? Sounds like Dremel is the culprit.
I'm with Huck, Dremel is the company with the bad info.
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I think Bosch owns Dremel.
Yup, Dremel-by Bosch. on the box somewhere.
Bosch owns Dremel.Z
I email Dremel the following via their website feedback form, I'll post the response if/when I get one."Hello-
I own a Bosch Multi-X (PS50) tool, and purchased a Dremel flexible scraper blade MM610 from my local Home Depot for it. At the time they were out of stock of the Bosch part, and the back of the packaging for the MM610 says it is compatible with the Bosch Multi-X. Only after opening the blade and trying to mount it on my PS50 did I find that it actually isn't compatible with the tool. The scraper blade is punched for a smaller diameter pin arbor than is on the PS50. I was able to get it to work somewhat by using the sanding adapter, but even so, I had to crank down the retaining bolt to keep it from slipping (and even then it slipped). So did I get a bad part, or does Dremel consider this blade, and the method to make it work with the PS50 acceptable enough to label it as "compatible"? If using the sanding adapter is actually the correct way to utilize Dremel blades on the PS50, I would like 1) my money refunded for the Dremel blades I have purchased and 2) either a clarification on the packaging of "compatible" or removal of the language entirely as it is completely misleading to the consumer. Thank you,
Zack"
I am in the market for one of these tools and am interested in the answer.
From your post it seems as if the Dremel blade package claims to fit the Bosch tool. Or is it the other way around?
I don't see Bosch being concerned about some other brand fitting their tools.
I would like a tool that has the ability to use a variety of attachments so I am not locked into one manufacturers idea about what I should have to pay.
Sorry if it wasn't clear. On the package of the Dremel flexible scraper (MM610) it says that the blade is compatible with both the Bosch Multi-X and the Fein 636 (?I think, it does list the Fein, not sure of the model though). Compatible to me doesn't mean: use the sanding adapter. This would be an especially bad solution for any toothed blade, as it'd only be held in place with friction, instead of using the pinned arbor that both the Dremel and Bosch use on their tools.Z
Look real close at the Bosch pins and make sure they have not been flattened or spread (hammered a bit from improper attachemnt). I think I have done that to mine. Need to get out the needle files and clean it up.
Nope, the blade mount on the Dremel blades is probably 1/4" less in diameter than the Bosch arbor. I'll get some pictures when I get home, but it's not a mistake, or a defect of the Bosch arbor since my Bosch blades all fit fine, as does the sanding adapter which was used for the very first time to mount the Dremel blade.Z
This kind of compatability stuff sucks the big one.I will say this- I have the old style Fein MM 636, and the Bosch, Dremel, and other aftermarket blades work with it just 'Fein'. If you are looking to buy one of these oscillating tools, seriously consider spending more money for the Fein. It is likely available for less money now that there are at least 5 clones of it on the market. JMHO.View Image
This kind of compatability stuff sucks the big one.
Yeah, its like, One blade can't serve two MultiMasters. For either it will work for the one, and not the other, or it will be tight on the one, and loose on the other. One must fight the Fein fight!View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Waxing prosaic tonite, eh? Good on ya.View Image
What's the big deal with having to use the adapter plate and not having the pins register?That's how the Fein 636 multimaster has been for years with no problem.FYI, the Dremel blades work just fine on the Multi-x tool - yes, the pins don't line up, but so what...In fact, IIRC, the adapter plate has a bit of a grit texture to it and thusly should hold even better than my Fein tool (pinless!) which has held tight for many years of hard sawing and scraping.The adpater plate works just fine, the Dremel blades are not so bad for $10-15 each and the Bosch cordless Multi-X tool rocks! It's gonna be a long while before I feel like bringing out the Fein tool as most of the tasks you need these for are quick cuts or other short-term cutting/scraping/sanding stuff.I've had very good luck with the batteries giving a great amount of work before they die.JT
Thanks for confirming that you have to use the adapter plate with the Dremel blades.I guess what peeves me is that it says on the box "compatible with...". Yes everything is compatible with the right adapters. I can put a Chevy V8 into my Toyota, but I'd never say it is "compatible with a Toyota pickup" without also saying "if you have engine mount, tranmission, exhaust, radiatior, etc. adaptors". It is misleading in my opinion. Plus it's product differentiation from the same manufacturer for no good reason. I would bet both the Dremel and Multi-X parts are made at the same factory. Z
The Bosch blades are Swiss made (or German), the Dremel blades are made in China.Maybe the reason I have no issues with adapters is that the adapter came with my multi-X and I am just so darn happy not having to pay $30 for blades now.Plus - it always suprised me when folks would complain about the Fein multimaster blades slipping as though it was a huge problem. The old MM636II's had no pins or even any friction material, and 95% of the time - it was not an issue.I think maybe most of the problem can be attributed to using the wrong screw/washers - Fein made three - each for a different blade design.The new ones are much much better, but don't discount the old ones - they work just fine.FYI for folks reading this thread - the adapter mentioned is simply a washer that has holes for the Multi-X's pins to register to on one side and a simple 9mm lipped ring with friction
(like sandpaper surface) surface around it to allow the older Fein blades or the new Dremel blades to fit tight on the tool. It works great and is simple to use. JT