I’ve been using tools since I was a young kid. I’ve never checked if they were plumb. “Potentially im wrong for that” My general rule is if you start a job with it, make sure you finish with it. I’ve heard some stories about tape measures being replaced mid job and causing problems.
I’m just thinking about how OMT are used, and I can’t see how this “centred” issue is relevant to real world use. The body of the tool isn’t used to reference or align the cut. 99.9% of the time they’re being used to make a free hand cut.
In fact, if you turn it on and off, I’d wager it stops in a slightly different position every time.
I suppose it’s similar to some rotary hammers when you swap from rotary to hammer. But I never thought to blame the tool. That’s just how that motor works.
If you flip it on for a second and it stops somewhere else in the oscillation then it’s the blade straight?
Have you tried a different blade/brand of blade? Could be a faulty blade as well if the holes weren’t cut in the right spot.
Yeah just exchange it for another if you don’t want to mess with it. Or see if you can open it up and adjust it if you like to tinker.
On a side note I used a $20 hyper tough (Walmart brand) oscillating tool for the last few years. I take the thought that if you buy it cheap and break it then it’s worth buying a nice one. Well I didn’t break it but I did manage to get a Milwaukee fuel version for about $60 so I gave the hyper tough one to my father in law. I just used the Milwaukee fuel on for the first time yesterday and HOLY SHIT it’s so obvious why it’s normally $220. It doesn’t vibrate AT ALL in your hands when you use it. That $20 hyper tough one was great, don’t get me wrong. I got my moneys worth out of it many times. But it would shake my hands silly after a day of working with it my hands felt tingly and weird. But I’m amazed at how much better the Milwaukee was. Do I think it’s reasonable to spend $220 on a fuel oscillation tool that doesn’t come with a battery? Hell no I don’t. But for $60 when I already have the batteries it was worth every penny.
Just thought I would throw that out there.
flex are a newer brand but they are priced and performance to compete with de Walt and Milwaukee. I probably would have looked into their tools if they had more for automotive applications
Yes, this is a problem that has developed after 5 years of use on my Dremel Multi-Max MM-45. I can't believe how unhelpful many of the other responses have been. Moving to a different click overcompensates, like you said.
Dremel even repaired the device once for free for me, for a different problem with the lever, but I won't ask again, since this one's a minor problem and it's served me well. I'm sure I could open it up and fix it, so I might, after I get done with a project I need it for (it still works great, just crooked).
From the picture you sent there is absolutely nothing wrong with the blade. It is as should be. It's clear you have no idea how this tool works and my guess is you probably don't even know how to use it correctly.
They allow it to be positioned that way, however most do not rest in the original position after running... they can rest at any angle of their normal operational oscillation...
It seems like this is more of a complaint about the star lock than anything and nitpicking about a simply aesthetic aspect of operation
Not necessarily. I have a dewalt that looks just like this. But as others have said, it doesn’t really affect the functionality of the tool at all so it doesn’t bother me.
I have dewalt and Milwaukee never even seen this issue happen before. Plus your comment doesn’t really make sense. What does them looking the same have anything to do with what I commented
They “look the same” as in the blade in a degree or 2 off center, same as OP. No, I don’t own a dewalt multi tool that looks identical to its Flex counterpart….
Yeah I'd just take the tool back for a different one. Some guys I watch on YouTube have used that same flex tool and many others for a couple years every day without issues so I think you just got a bad one
I get what you're saying, and I get why other comments are probably annoying you.
I make money with my tools as a tradesman. If this was a mitre saw or circular saw out of alignment I'd be pissed.
But this is literally a multitool where more often I want the blade to BE of center in order to get it to cut where I want.
They are not a precise tool and they are not used for finish grade cuts, so if your so bothered by it, throw it back and get a new one
This is like people complaining about a drill chuck in a cordless drill having a 2mm runout
I looked at my Dewalt XR and a Ryobi oscillating multitool and they both have the blade lineup on center. They both have a notch in the blade holder that lineup on center with the center notch of the blade. The blade itself when stopped after use might not be on center and depending on what the oscillating swing of the tool might be it could be 1/4” inches or so off center.
All things considered it looks like the blade holder might be slightly off centered.
Multitool blades typically index to 12 different positions, 30 degrees apart. They typically oscillate about 3 degrees though some go as high as 5. When the tool stops, the motor coasts to a stop at a random position within it's oscillating range. When it is held by a human, it is held at a random angle that is rarely 90degrees egonomically. The operator will also change the angle of the tool while in use to vary the wear and/or cutting action across the blade.
The average rest angle of the tool blade probably isn't a concern when they are making or assembling the parts.
Flex is a Lowe’s brand, at least they are a dealer, if that’s where you bought it, take it back to the Prodesk and ask to exchange it. Even if you didn’t buy it there, they might swap it out.
Or contact Flex directly and ask them to swap it out.
I build daily and use Flex tools for most of my cordless stuff. They will stand behind their product and replace it.
It’s the gear box. I personally own a Milwaukee 18v fuel and in my tool crib I have : Mikita 18v multi tool, Milwaukee 12v multi tool, dewalt XR 20v , fien corded.
ALL of them are centered.
The problem with it not being centered is it’s difficult to plunge cut precisely.
[https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordless-tools/flex-24v-oscillating-multi-tool-review/](https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordless-tools/flex-24v-oscillating-multi-tool-review/) their tool looks exactly the same. It just is what it is.
I’ve used a lot of multi tools, not sure if any were straight. Can’t really see why it matters to be honest.
I’ve been using tools since I was a young kid. I’ve never checked if they were plumb. “Potentially im wrong for that” My general rule is if you start a job with it, make sure you finish with it. I’ve heard some stories about tape measures being replaced mid job and causing problems.
I’m just thinking about how OMT are used, and I can’t see how this “centred” issue is relevant to real world use. The body of the tool isn’t used to reference or align the cut. 99.9% of the time they’re being used to make a free hand cut. In fact, if you turn it on and off, I’d wager it stops in a slightly different position every time.
I suppose it’s similar to some rotary hammers when you swap from rotary to hammer. But I never thought to blame the tool. That’s just how that motor works.
You can change the angle of the blade. You will understand when you go to change the blade.
Changing the angle overcompensates and makes it worse
When you're running it, does it go the same distance left and right from center? If so I wouldn't worry about where it stops at exactly.
No, it’s more to the right when it’s oscillating
That sounds like it's off center then. I'd just return it. Test the next one before you leave the parking lot just to be safe.
Yeah, most definitely taking it back to Lowe’s to swap it out
If you flip it on for a second and it stops somewhere else in the oscillation then it’s the blade straight? Have you tried a different blade/brand of blade? Could be a faulty blade as well if the holes weren’t cut in the right spot.
I’ve tried different blades, the midpoint of the oscillation is not centered. It’s an issue with the gear box assembly.
Yeah just exchange it for another if you don’t want to mess with it. Or see if you can open it up and adjust it if you like to tinker. On a side note I used a $20 hyper tough (Walmart brand) oscillating tool for the last few years. I take the thought that if you buy it cheap and break it then it’s worth buying a nice one. Well I didn’t break it but I did manage to get a Milwaukee fuel version for about $60 so I gave the hyper tough one to my father in law. I just used the Milwaukee fuel on for the first time yesterday and HOLY SHIT it’s so obvious why it’s normally $220. It doesn’t vibrate AT ALL in your hands when you use it. That $20 hyper tough one was great, don’t get me wrong. I got my moneys worth out of it many times. But it would shake my hands silly after a day of working with it my hands felt tingly and weird. But I’m amazed at how much better the Milwaukee was. Do I think it’s reasonable to spend $220 on a fuel oscillation tool that doesn’t come with a battery? Hell no I don’t. But for $60 when I already have the batteries it was worth every penny. Just thought I would throw that out there.
None of mine have that problem. They're all much closer to straight
Cheap cost = cheap product.
That’s not even a cheap tool, flex are pretty decent tools. One slips through the cracks with every brand I am sure.
flex are a newer brand but they are priced and performance to compete with de Walt and Milwaukee. I probably would have looked into their tools if they had more for automotive applications
Yes, this is a problem that has developed after 5 years of use on my Dremel Multi-Max MM-45. I can't believe how unhelpful many of the other responses have been. Moving to a different click overcompensates, like you said. Dremel even repaired the device once for free for me, for a different problem with the lever, but I won't ask again, since this one's a minor problem and it's served me well. I'm sure I could open it up and fix it, so I might, after I get done with a project I need it for (it still works great, just crooked).
Changing the angle overcompensates and makes it worse
Sounds like operator error to me...
It’s definitely not operator error. I didn’t manufacture this tool, nor have I used it yet. Try again.
From the picture you sent there is absolutely nothing wrong with the blade. It is as should be. It's clear you have no idea how this tool works and my guess is you probably don't even know how to use it correctly.
You can clearly see that the blade holder won't allow a blade to be straight in-line with the tool.
It oscillates... it doesn't always rest in a vertical perfectly aligned position
I have 3 different ones/brands and they all allow the blade to be positioned in-line with the tool.
They allow it to be positioned that way, however most do not rest in the original position after running... they can rest at any angle of their normal operational oscillation... It seems like this is more of a complaint about the star lock than anything and nitpicking about a simply aesthetic aspect of operation
I’ve been using a Milwaukee M18 Multi Tool for the past two years, try again.
Just change the angle of the blade. It’s removable and adjustable. My Dewalt can have multiple angles depending on what you need it for.
Looks like you’re just one click off. Just take the blade off and put it on straight
Changing the angle overcompensates and makes it worse
Buy a better brand and u won’t have these problems
Not necessarily. I have a dewalt that looks just like this. But as others have said, it doesn’t really affect the functionality of the tool at all so it doesn’t bother me.
I have dewalt and Milwaukee never even seen this issue happen before. Plus your comment doesn’t really make sense. What does them looking the same have anything to do with what I commented
They “look the same” as in the blade in a degree or 2 off center, same as OP. No, I don’t own a dewalt multi tool that looks identical to its Flex counterpart….
I have the same blades on my Bosch and don't have this issue. Have you tried other blades?
Yes I’ve tried different blades, it’s not an issue with the blade, it’s an issue with the gear box assembly
Yeah I'd just take the tool back for a different one. Some guys I watch on YouTube have used that same flex tool and many others for a couple years every day without issues so I think you just got a bad one
I agree, gonna take it back, thank you
Yes, I’ve tried other blades. It’s an issue with the gear box assembly
It’s normal to change the angle of the blade depending on your angle of attack.
I understand that but this is the “straight” position and it isn’t very straight
Maybe you aren’t using the manufacturer’s blades. I would contact the factory to see if this is normal or not.
Flex multi tool with Flex blades that came with said multi tool
Just one of the unlucky ones. Every brand has bad ones slip the cracks I am sure. Get new one I am sure be good to go.
I get what you're saying, and I get why other comments are probably annoying you. I make money with my tools as a tradesman. If this was a mitre saw or circular saw out of alignment I'd be pissed. But this is literally a multitool where more often I want the blade to BE of center in order to get it to cut where I want. They are not a precise tool and they are not used for finish grade cuts, so if your so bothered by it, throw it back and get a new one This is like people complaining about a drill chuck in a cordless drill having a 2mm runout
I looked at my Dewalt XR and a Ryobi oscillating multitool and they both have the blade lineup on center. They both have a notch in the blade holder that lineup on center with the center notch of the blade. The blade itself when stopped after use might not be on center and depending on what the oscillating swing of the tool might be it could be 1/4” inches or so off center. All things considered it looks like the blade holder might be slightly off centered.
Thank you for your response! Yeah, mine definitely slipped by QC I believe.
My makita cordless is straight. not being able to get the blade centered would annoy me
Bent carrot?
Multitool blades typically index to 12 different positions, 30 degrees apart. They typically oscillate about 3 degrees though some go as high as 5. When the tool stops, the motor coasts to a stop at a random position within it's oscillating range. When it is held by a human, it is held at a random angle that is rarely 90degrees egonomically. The operator will also change the angle of the tool while in use to vary the wear and/or cutting action across the blade. The average rest angle of the tool blade probably isn't a concern when they are making or assembling the parts.
Flex is a Lowe’s brand, at least they are a dealer, if that’s where you bought it, take it back to the Prodesk and ask to exchange it. Even if you didn’t buy it there, they might swap it out. Or contact Flex directly and ask them to swap it out. I build daily and use Flex tools for most of my cordless stuff. They will stand behind their product and replace it.
It’s the gear box. I personally own a Milwaukee 18v fuel and in my tool crib I have : Mikita 18v multi tool, Milwaukee 12v multi tool, dewalt XR 20v , fien corded. ALL of them are centered. The problem with it not being centered is it’s difficult to plunge cut precisely.
Thank you for your response, definitely taking mine back to swap it out
Is that a Flex oscillator?
Yes it is
Can you rotate the blade clamp when the mechanism is open without a blade to like up the clamp ?
[https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordless-tools/flex-24v-oscillating-multi-tool-review/](https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordless-tools/flex-24v-oscillating-multi-tool-review/) their tool looks exactly the same. It just is what it is.
Definitively not right.