A renovator or multitool is a device designed to perform various construction and repair work, as well as processing hard materials such as wood, stone, plastic, metal and some types of low-quality steel. Thanks to a large selection of different attachments, this equipment is multi-purpose and, as a result, indispensable in the home workshop.
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The large functionality of the device allows you to perform the following types of work:
There are two types of multitool:
Classic network models designed for domestic use can nominally consume from 150 to 500 watts. Of course, there are also samples with increased power, but for home use, an average 300 watts is enough. Network models can be more economical if the work takes place near the power supply (socket). Unlike their rechargeable counterparts, they are completely independent of battery charge.
The use of rechargeable multi-tools on batteries will be preferable if work is carried out at certain heights or in hard-to-reach places where there is no possibility of connecting to the power grid.The main disadvantage of battery tools will be that batteries significantly increase the weight of the device, so your hands will get tired faster during work, although you can get used to this over time. In principle, there are also small models with small batteries, but their charge is extremely limited in time, and their overpriced price due to their compact dimensions will become an additional minus.
As a rule, battery models are supplied with 10-12 Volt batteries and their capacity can be 1-3 A / h. In addition, not every manufacturer completes the battery model with its own batteries - they may have to be purchased separately. Moreover, it is advisable to purchase a battery from the same manufacturer that produced the instrument itself. Otherwise, you will have to look for a universal option, based on the declared technical characteristics.
The higher this parameter of the tool, the more productive it is. The traditional frequency should be 20-22 thousand revolutions per minute. However, when analyzing this value, it is necessary to take into account the fluctuation range itself, and not just its maximum value. The essence of the issue is that processing a certain type of material requires its own frequency. For example, to cut hard wood, metal or tiles, the speed needs to be lowered. A simple rule is derived from this - the harder the material, the less you need to set the vibration frequency. Conversely, the softer the material, the higher the frequency should be.
The second rule is directly applicable when working with plastic, drywall or soft woods.Usually, any model of a multitool has the ability to change the frequency, only the minimum and maximum limits for them will differ. The adjustment of this parameter can be either stepped or smooth. Some tools can change a particular on the fly, i.e. without stopping while working. Brand and prestigious samples are able to keep the frequency at a given value, which significantly increases the comfort of finishing operations.
In cases where frequent, accurate and careful work with hard materials is expected, it is preferable to use a multitool with a “soft start” function. Automatic speed control, performed electronically, will not be superfluous - it will perfectly help in processing any surfaces, even if they have a heterogeneous structure. Some models of renovators can be equipped with a connection to a construction vacuum cleaner using a special nozzle - this option will drastically reduce the accumulation of dust in the workplace. Also, rubber pads on the handle of the device will also contribute to comfortable work - their main purpose is to provide a reliable grip and to some extent unload the hand. There are also special features and options that are unlikely to be significant, but can create additional convenience in the production of work:
Nozzles are a key feature of the tool in question. It is their use that makes the renovator universal. When purchasing, first of all, you should pay attention to their packaging, because different manufacturers supply a different number of nozzles in a set. Naturally, the more of them, the better it is, but one should not forget about their quality. In the case when we are talking about a budget tool model, and there are a lot of attachment tools in the set, then it is more likely that their quality is low and they will last a very short time.
Multitool attachments have many variations, especially considering that individual types can have different shapes and types. As a striking example, one can cite the fact that for certain types of wood (based on their hardness) different types are used. Below are listed those types of nozzles, the presence of which is mandatory in the set.
Similar devices are used to work on hard materials such as brick, concrete and stone. Although they can be of various shapes, their main feature will always be the presence of a diamond coating, which gives them strength and is the key to efficient operation. However, for work on materials that have a slightly lower hardness, hard alloy nozzles can be used, which, of course, are inferior to diamond ones, but will be harder than usual. These include cutting and grinding samples, which can be produced in the form of a circle or a triangle.In any case, all of the above models have a special coating that allows them to work on rough grinding and cleaning from various building substances (hardened glue, cement, etc.).
Such nozzles are the most popular, so they are present in any set. They are used for sawing wooden objects and function on the principle of an electric jigsaw. Indeed, their performance is rather low (due to their slow operation), however, with their help it is very convenient to perform small and precise work (like jewelry) and make cuts in the most inaccessible places. There are so many variations of saw blades for wood that it is not possible to describe even a small part of them in detail. They can be completely different in shape, have different lengths of teeth, have sharpening that is different from each other, etc. For example, for soft woods, saws with elongated teeth are more suitable (they show the highest efficiency), but with short teeth it is preferable to process hardwoods, because the long cutters of the file can simply break. As the experience of most specialists shows, when using a renovator, sooner or later any of its owners will be faced with the need to use a file.
It is possible that the required model will not even be in the set. However, this tool is so widespread and ubiquitous that it will not be difficult to find the necessary variation. The main thing when buying is to pay attention to the shape of the nozzle fastener - it must match the fastener of the multitool on which it is supposed to be used.
In principle, it is possible to use a renovator for working on metal, but the process itself will turn out to be very lengthy and slow.It is still better to use a powerful specialized electric tool for such work, in which the speed of work will be clearly higher. However, with the help of a multitool, you can cut pipes with a small diameter or saw off the heads of protruding nails, and generally grind burrs, or perform other simple operations. Nozzles for metal are also produced in sufficient quantities, they are made of hard alloys and can have a variety of shapes. It is worth noting that for operations with metal surfaces, a multifunctional tool must be especially powerful - at least 300-350 watts.
For the production of grinding, there are also enough multi-tool devices on the modern market, which still have to be selected depending on the material that is supposed to be processed. As in the case of metal processing, it is also preferable to use a specialized tool for grinding - the renovator in terms of performance will easily give way to the palm of any grinder. And yet, sanding tips are available for multi-tools in different forms. According to the processing method, they can be of two types:
The first option is considered more versatile and convenient.
Like any toolkit, attachment devices for renovators do not last forever, and their high-quality copies cost a lot of money. Therefore, some experts in finishing and construction work advise making them on their own. As practice shows, the easiest way is to make the gate itself.For this, a standard saw is suitable, from which you can get as many as seven scrapers. The process is as follows: an old gate is taken and superimposed on a hacksaw saw in such a way that it accommodates seven blanks across. Further, they are outlined and separated along the cut lines by a grinder. The part of the workpiece, which is devoid of teeth, is heated with a conventional burner to a crimson glow. Then she needs to cool down in natural conditions (this process is called "holiday"). In the same blank part, a pair of holes is drilled, which must exactly match the location of the standard nozzles.
The final step will be the bending of the workpiece, like the old scraper. To simplify this procedure, the new and old scraper can be bolted together and bend the first under the shape of the second. The main advantages of homemade products are that their cost will be 6-7 times lower than factory ones, 7 copies can be obtained from one saw at once, and they can be sharpened repeatedly (which allows the material from which the saw blade is made).
A good renovator should have characteristics such as versatility, performance and reliability. The main criteria for choosing this device are:
It is also worth paying attention to the characteristics of the nozzles required for the renovator. It is desirable that additional attached elements are interchangeable. The most popular multi-tool attachments have the following configurations:
The selection of a multitool is a rather thorough process. A large set of nozzles in the kit is often not fully used, while the tool has a high cost. It is more convenient and economical to purchase a multitool first, and then gradually complete it yourself, as needed, selecting nozzles suitable for this model (or using a special adapter).
Separately considering the complete set of the device, you should pay attention to the following selection options:
Inexpensive, mains powered multitool with a power of 340 W, equipped with a function for connecting to a vacuum cleaner and a smooth speed control system. Also, the device is equipped with an additional handle, which is fixed in two positions. The power button has a lock. The device is well suited for processing and cleaning surfaces of various materials, including stone, wood, metal. The average cost is 2,439 rubles.
A sufficiently powerful renovator, weighing only 1.6 kg, allows you to use it at a professional level. It is not afraid of long-term intensive work, as it is equipped with an overload protection system, it has speed control and a speed stabilization function. The package includes a case, a set of nozzles (shovel, saw, platform for grinding) and a hex key. The average price of this model is 2,714 rubles.
This multifunctional tool is powered by the mains and is capable of performing a wide range of specialized operations. Despite its network “attachment”, it can successfully process hard-to-reach surfaces. All construction details are of excellent quality, the manufacturer speaks of their reliability and durability. The kit comes with a set of 5 nozzles, you can start working directly without delay. The sample is compatible with accessories from other manufacturers. The cable has a length of 2 meters, a reliable case is used for transportation and storage. The recommended retail price is 4300 rubles.
A device with wide functionality, its power is 300 W with a small weight of 1.58 kg. It has a large range of speed adjustment, which allows you to successfully process almost any kind of material. The renovator is powered by the mains (cord length 3 m), comes with a case, attachments, sanding paper and a special adapter for connecting attachments from other companies. The average cost is 4,759 rubles.
This unit is able to perform work in any finishing area: cutting, grinding, scraping. The model has an oscillation mode ranging from 15 to 21 thousand revolutions per minute, which allows excellent processing of corners and surfaces at an angle of 3 degrees. The case is made of reliable aluminum alloy, which is famous for its high strength and is characterized by increased resistance to mechanical damage. The speed of rotation of the electric motor can be set by means of a special regulator designed for 6 different positions. The recommended retail price is 5200 rubles.
A high-power fixture featuring good build quality, solid construction and durability. The tool is equipped with a speed control function, soft start with a gradual increase in speed. Additional convenience is created by LED illumination of the workplace, the body is equipped with pads that prevent slipping. The average cost is 6,111 rubles.
250 W multitool, made of high quality materials, equipped with a soft start system that protects the motor from overload. The weight of the tool is 1.35 kg, the kit includes several of the most necessary nozzles - a saw, a spatula, a grinding platform, as well as a set of sanding sheets, a universal adapter for connecting nozzles from other companies, and a wrench. The average price is 7,349 rubles.
This tool is designed for sanding and cutting drywall, metal, plastic and wood.It can be used for plunge cutting or flush cutting, while cutting is done carefully and accurately, which prevents damage to the material. Comfort during working operations is achieved due to four possible positions of the working head. The body is made in a narrow shape and covered with anti-slip pads that provide reliable control over the tool. The recommended retail price is 8900 rubles.
A popular high-quality renovator from a German company that has a lot of positive feedback. This model is designed not only for home repairs, but also for the professional level of work performed. The motor power is 350W, the device has high performance. The design of the device is convenient, equipped with a built-in anti-vibration system. The kit includes universal nozzles and a case made of plastic. The average price of a multitool is 14,338 rubles.
The tool from a Japanese manufacturer, develops power up to 320 W, has a weight of 1.4 kg.It can handle hard materials such as wood, plastic, stone and metal. Electronic adjustment of the number of revolutions has a wide range, the design of the tool is equipped with a soft start system. The kit includes a case, a dust extractor and a large number of different nozzles (41 pcs), which can be installed at different angles. The average price is 16,336 rubles.
When buying a tool to perform small household tasks, it is best to opt for a simple model with a convenient and simple control system equipped with the most necessary functions. For frequent, intense jobs of higher complexity, another model is suitable, filled with features and additional amenities, such as lighting, an anti-vibration system, as well as a rich assortment of various nozzles.
A renovator is a specific device that has a wide range of applications, so when choosing and buying it, you should decide what exactly it is for, what work is supposed to be done with it. This tool is not very suitable for professional construction and repair work, where it is better to use conventional tools. But at home, its versatility, portability, light weight and small dimensions will allow you to comfortably perform various types of tasks. In addition, it is durable, as a rule, such a device works for a long time, so the high cost quickly pays off.