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Cheap Multi Tools

I've been asked by a friend about the £200 or so multi tools often advertised.  It's going to be used just on his garden, so wont get massive usage. I haven't a clue what they are like, has anyone experience of them and would like to recommend one?

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  • I sometimes see these on the tv shopping channels and wonder how they can do it at the price................ some come with a 3 year warranty too so I'd guess they can't be too bad for light use. Ideal perhaps for someone just using it on their own garden.

  • PRO
    Normally a slight pita to start, noisier than necessary, more fumes than necessary, often underpowered

    My uncle has a 52cc one and it's ok! But I compared it to my stihl stuff and it's not even q comparison.

    It does the job for him but that's it
    • What is the make James?

      • PRO
        I will have a look when I'm next there. He is away at the moment so he can't look for me
  • PRO
    I bought a flora best multi tool from lidl for the pole pruner a couple of years back when I could not afford a decent one.
    The pole pruner is good as it's an Oregon bar and chain and with 45cc the engine has plenty of power to run it.
    Strimmer I don't know never even tried it.
    Long reach hedge is ok I suppose if you have plenty of time and patience it leaves a nice cut never really used it more than the test though as have others.
    1 m extension pole.
    For £120 ir whatever it was it's not bad for home use I suppose . It's not like the real thing but then it's also not £750 plus!
  • PRO

    Colin, I got a mutli-tool system for a friend early this year from Screwfix - was some silly, silly price on offer (~£125+vat).

    I took a look and agree with most comments about ability, noise etc when compared to the type of tools we may use daily but his response was 'It's a small garden & I'll probably only use it a couple of times a year...'

    ...and he was right. It been used twice that I know of to keep some areas in check and he's more than happy with it. It's guessing the 'expectations' etc that is hard.

  • A cheap multi-tool system should be more than adequate for his needs.

    Engine/moving parts life on a cheap machine will only be rated for about 50-100 hours use compared to around 1000-1200 hours use for a good commercial grade machine.

    If its only used occasionally then it should last him years.

  • Thanks guys, very helpful.

  • PRO
    It should also a be noted that vibrations will be higher and spare parts more difficult to obtain so probably not suited for pro use.

    For home owner use less of an issue.

    I would also suggest the use of Aspen fuel as it has a shelf life of around 2 years. This means that your friend shouldn't have an issue with stale fuel if only used a few times a year.
    • PRO

      Fair to say you need to view them as 'disposable', apart from replacing consumables.

      If you can obtain spares then it is a bonus.

      Very few repair shops will maintain them as labour + parts (if available) is likely to cost more than the item (similar to some low-end mowers etc sold in B&Q, Screwfix etc).

      A can of "Easy Start" is a must have part of any tool kit  ;)

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