The Workpro Oscillating tool is another good multi-tool to look at when you need a DIY tool, and if you are short on budget. The power and flexibility of the tool are reasonable enough that you have great value for the price you pay. To make up for the lack of popularity that other tools from popular brands have, Workpro has an excellent range of accessories that you can find on the market, and they are not scarce.
The accessories that already comes with the base purchase might already be enough for most “DIYers” out there. However, if the base accessories fail to impress you, then the accessory kits that Workpro has will most certainly not fail. There are several kits that Workpro has, and each kit ranges from 16-piece accessories to up to 26 pieces!
Furthermore, to make up for the lack of popularity, Workpro has put a considerable amount of time on the tool to make it dependable and affordable. In all truth, this is a multi-tool reinvented.
Performance
To say that this is one of the most powerful tools in the market would undoubtedly be a life; however, for small projects around your home, it certainly will hold its own. First off, since this is a cordless tool, Workpro has upped the game with the 20V battery that comes with the tool upon purchase. Typical cordless oscillating tools have a standard 12V battery instead of 20V. However, the higher power, together with the high capacity battery makes for an excellent experience that even some branded oscillating tools lack.
The charging speed of the tool is also quite something; you can charge the battery up from 0 to 100% in just an hour. The fast charger also comes with the base purchase, so you do not need to worry about buying it separately.
Since the motor is quite powerful compared to a standard cordless multi-tool, Workpro had to improvise on the range of speed on the tool. There are two switches near the head of the tool that increases and decreases the speed when necessary, and it works flawlessly. Plus without a speed dial, you also do not need to worry about any accidental switching.
The only negative side is that the tool can run as slow as you need; however, it takes a considerable hit when it comes to the maximum speed; capable of reaching only 16,000 RPMs at max. Even though this had to be done to make it more affordable, it still does not make any sense since most cordless oscillating tools at the same price point can rotate as fast as 25,000 RPMs. The only consolation is that due to its reasonably powerful motor, it can handle home tasks quite well.
Build Quality and Design
The materials that make up the tool are Polyester fabric, plastic, and steel. Unfortunately, there is no rubber over-mold on the grip or anywhere else to make sure your hands do not slip when it gets sweaty. However, since this is for small projects only, chances are, you will not have to work with the tool long enough for such incidents to occur.
Apart from the minor inconvenience of not having a rubber over-mold, the Polyester fabric does offer some level of grip to make sure that some level of security is present.
It is without a doubt that the most attractive quality of the toolkit is the 19 extra accessories you get. This is by far, the most number of accessories that you can get just by buying the base version of the tool. However, even if the extra accessories are not enough, Workpro has other extra accessories you can buy; although, to be honest, these accessory packs cost as much as the tool itself.
Finally, you have a solid contractor bag included with the purchase, and you can organize your tool and accessories every time you finish a job.
Ease of Use
Typically, it is not uncommon these days to find even the cheapest of multi-tools to have tool-free quick-change blade removal system. Now, I know it is just too much for every company out there to implement the Starlock system on every tool, but it does set one’s mind with joy when you see a tool-free removal system, even if you exclude a quick-change system.
The Workpro oscillating tool, however, does not include any of those; no wonder, this is the biggest complain every customer have with the tool. Each time you need to add or remove a blade from the nose, you need a hex key to fix the module in place or remove it. This is very time consuming since Starlock systems can replace a blade in just three seconds flat.
However, apart from the changing system, there are barely any negatives with the tool. You have an LED light to work in the dark; you have a speed screen to show which speed settings are currently active, and you have a good battery indicator to top it all up. These are subtle things that you find on premium tools, but rarely ever on more affordable ones.
Things we like
- This is an affordable tool that is worth the price.
- There is an LED light to work in the dark.
- It has a 5-speed position system for more versatility.
- You have 19 different accessories that are included within the base purchase.
- You have a sturdy on and off slider.
- It has a long-lasting battery along with a quick charger.
- It is surprisingly quiet compared to tools five times more expensive.
Things we do not like
- It has no vibration reduction technology.
- The speed range leaves much to desire.
- It is quite heavy for a cordless multi-tool. (4.4 lbs)
Conclusion
There is no doubt that this is a tool that is ideal for beginners. The tool is perfect for sawing, cutting, scraping, polishing, and removing grout and paints. The tool is powerful enough for a cordless tool, and it has an array of accessories that you do not find on any other brands upon purchase. Keep in mind that this is no way a tool made for professionals. However, if you are new to the world of multi-tools, then this is the one you should go for.
Hi， can my existing 18V work pro battery be used on this tool?
yes, You can