Oscillating multi tools are just like the name says, its many tools in one as it can do a bunch of tasks that would take several tools to do. Normally these are corded power tools but lately with advances in battery tech we have seen several cordless multi tools.
This is Makitas latest oscillating cordless 18 volt multi tool model XMT03Z as a baretool or XMT035 as a two 3.0ah battery kit with charger and hard case. There have been some major updates to the model before. The LED light at the tip of the previous model was bright and visible. It also required a hex key to change the blade. The new model
It now offers tool-less blade changes. This multitool ditches the traditional hex key and uses a latch/pin system to quickly and easily change blades. The latch is forward-facing and covers the entire front of multitools, unlike traditional latch and pin systems. Because of this there no longer a LED light, a light could have been inplemented but of what use would it be after all since the latch would block it anyways?
It is heavier than other multi-tools and weighs in at 22kg with a battery. This is noticeably heavier than even corded models. Although its larger, the gripping area is ergonomic and comfortable to grip. It is thinner towards the middle and more flat towards the back.
It is easy to understand. A fuel gauge would be a nice addition to this model. Although one is not built in Makita offers the next best thing which is a low battery indicator light that lights up when the batteries need to be recharged. The traditional on/off slide switch is used, along with a dial to adjust the variable speeds. The dial is very easy to turn unlike other multi tool dials Ive tried out and has a nice premium click as it turns.
The motor powers on with a soft start so it doesnt jerk your arm as it starts up. There are a couple ofother safety features built into the XMT03Z multi tool as well. The motor will not start if the power switch is left on when inserting the battery. This is a great feature to have as you wont accidentally damage a blade or the work surface. The other safety feature at first I thought it was a design flaw as it seemed the battery compartment would rattle the battery due to what I thought was a bad connection. This was the complete opposite of a design flaw and in fact was a safety feature. It was not the battery connection. There is a joint near the multi-tool’s back that pivots slightly to absorb vibrations from the battery. There are a few things that can damage batteries, and vibration is one of them. Its nice to see that makita took precautions to protect the battery from regular use as multi tools are known to vibrate as its in their nature. Since were talking about vibrations, I would say that out of a scale of 0-10 with 10 being the most vibration, I would say that this multi tool is about a 5 to 6.
The power deliver is excellent for a cordless multi-tool. Ive tried out several other multi tools ranging from a cordless 12v model all the way up to super fast corded models. This is definitely more powerful than a 12V and between the 12v and corded models. Check out the video
You can see the results while cutting notch into a 24 by using a plunge cut. The power delivery is also smooth. It did a great job at cutting framing nails with a metal cutting blade. Although it was capable of doing everything I asked, you should not force the blade. Instead, let the tool do its job.
It was great for cutting on multiple projects and I was able to get about 17 minutes of continuous use with the 3.0 Ah battery. The majority of the cuts were made into lumber, with only a few making into metal. Multi tools have a short runtime due to their high draw motors. The model I have in mind is the same as the one before it. It was said that it could run for 15 minutes. I was able to get 2 minutes more than that which I believe is pretty good. You can get a lot of work done in 17 minutes as I did and whats great about the Makita 18V batteries is that they charge very fast. You can also get longer runtime if you use the multitool for sanding and or scraping as that doesnt max out the motor. You can charge the included 3.0 Ah battery in 30 minutes, so you’ll be back to work in no matter what time it is.
This is a great model for anyone looking for a cordless multitool. It has enough power to do the job. It has a lot of power for a cordless unit. I also appreciated that Makita updated the model with a tool-free blade change system. I dont know how I lived this long with a multitool without a tool free blade change system.
Specifications
- Oscillations Per Minute 6,000 20,000 OPM
- Oscillation Angle 3.2
- Overall Length 13-3/20cm
- Weight 22 kg.
- low battery indicator
- Variable speed dial
- star protection from overheating, overloading, and overdischarging
- Soft start
- 3-year warranty on tool
