Tool Test Multi Function Detail Sanders

(Prices based on manufacturer-approved online distributors.)

Fein Multimaster

Model FMM 250Q Used it to: Demo copper baseboard tubing. My two cents: “Plenty of power and a 16-foot cord. You don’t need an Allen wrench to change blades, a real time-saver. This is the tool I reach for again and again.” Comes with: Straight and semi-circular wood-and-metal-cutting blades; two triangular sanding pads; assorted sandpaper; carbide grout-cutting blade; carbide rasp; scraper blade; vacuum adapter. Tool stats: 2.3 amps; 11,000–20,000 opm (oscillations per minute) with soft start; 3.1 pounds Manufactured by FEIN; about $400

Craftsman Nextec Multi-Tool

Model 17438 Used it to: Sand a picture frame. My two cents: “The vacuum attachment minimizes dust, but having only one battery means lots of downtime. Its single speed can be overpowering for some jobs.” Comes with: Straight and semicircular wood- and-metal-cutting blades; triangular sanding pad; assorted sandpaper; carbide grout-cutting blade; carbide rasp; scraper blade (shown); 12-volt lithium-ion battery; 30-minute charger; vacuum adapter. Tool stats: 15,000 opm without soft start; LED; 1.8 pounds Manufactured by Craftsman, about $100

Rockwell Sonicrafter

Model RK5101K Used it to: Cut out the grout around a broken tile. My two cents: “Worked very well, but hard to find accessories.” Comes with: Straight and semi-circular wood-and-metal-cutting blades; triangular sanding pad; assorted sandpaper; carbide grout-cutting blade (shown); scraper blade. Tool stats: 2.3 amps; 11,000–20,000 opm without soft start; 10-foot cord; 2.8 pounds Manufactured by Rockwell SoniCrafter, about $150

Dremel Multi-Max

Model 6300 Used it to: Trim pine doorjambs. My two cents: “This unit lacks the power of the other corded units, but the accessories are inexpensive and easy to find at home centers.” Comes with: Wood-and-metal-cutting blade (shown); triangular sanding pad; assorted sandpaper; scraper blade. Tool stats: 1½ amps; 10,000-21,000 opm with soft start; 6-foot cord; 1.9 pounds Manufactured by Dremel; about $100

Bosch Max-Multi-X

Model PS50 Used it to: Cut shingle siding when replacing a window. My two cents: “I liked its light weight and the battery-life indicator, which shows how much juice is left. It cut for 15 minutes straight before quitting.” Comes with: Wood-and-metal-cutting blade; triangular sanding pad (shown); assorted sandpaper; adaptor for other brands’ accessories. Tool stats: Two 12-volt lithium-ion batteries; 30-minute charger; 5,000–20,000 opm with soft start; 2.2 pounds Manufactured by BOSCH; about $180