Multi-tools were always one of those nifty gizmos you kept in the tool box and never pulled out. Sure they did had their place, but it wasn’t on the same level than your go-to tools. For most DIY’ers the Porter Cable multi-tool changed that pattern.
Not only was it a legitimate intro to the genre but it didn’t require a contractors pricing plan to buy. So how does it fare in an application like this? If there’s anything that would give a multi-tool the business, it’d be some detailed trim work or the dreaded cabinets.
Where else do you really want versatility other than being able to squeeze into a space too tight for a sanding pad or saw blade? Will the lower price mean it cut corners on what you need every day? For weekend warriors and homeowners it’s turned into a go-to multi-tool.
The Porter Cable model is typically the TE88 or its successor the 712 series. It sit between expensive professional models like Makita or Festool and cheaper no-name imports that will fall apart after a year or two of use. What you’re seeking is something with just enough power to get through typical jobs around the house without stalling out but still durable enough to last a couple of years doing regular projects.
Does it hold up? We’ll find out by testing the tool. We’ll break down the tool itself, the accessory ecosystem, and how it feels in your hands.
Porter Cable Multi Tool Review Summary
Porter Cable Multi-Tool Overview
Motor Performance and Control
When you pull the trigger on this tool, the first thing you’ll notice is the motor performance. For most residential jobs, the universal motor from Porter Cable delivers plenty of torque. It doesn’t have the raw power of a heavy-duty contractor tool, but it has enough strength to push a blade through two by fours.
Use the variable speed trigger to ease up and feather the power for delicate work. This helps when cutting things apart or sanding floors. Having this type of control is important since it’s easy to be too aggressive and tear out wood or burn through finish.
The tool run fairly quietly in comparison to larger power tools so if need be, you can use it inside the house without driving everyone else crazy. At the price point, it’s a good compromise. The oscillation is solid and performance depend significantly on blade choice.
Ergonomics and Handling
The shoe is sturdy enough to guide your blade through straight cuts without flexing excessively. Making nice clean cuts around flooring or plunging it into drywall is no problem at all. For short durations its vibration is tolerable.
For longer durations where you may be doing extended sanding, the handle ergonomics matter. It’s fairly well balanced and the rear handle gives great leverage, however you probably won’t want to do this one handed for long stretches as it’s not quite perfect for that. Hand switching might become necessary if fatigue sets in.
Accessory System and Blades
Where the Porter Cable multi-tool really excels for most people is in the accessory system. Sanding pads are easy to change and secure with the hook and loop backing. No need to futz around with clamps or screws to change abrasives.
Standard T blades fit right onto the tool so you’re not stuck in some overpriced proprietary ecosystem. They’re common at any hardware store. Need a few blades for quick jobs?
Pick up a bunch of cheap ones. Want something a little nicer for finishing work? Your cost per use is going to stay pretty low thanks to this design choice.
Cordless vs Corded Power
If you choose the cordless model, battery life and charging time matter. Their standard twenty volt Porter Cable batteries last pretty well with moderate loads. A single charge should last you through multiple cuts as well as a moderate sanding job.
The charger will get it back to full in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re doing some heavy duty continuous work though, the corded option is still the king. You get unlimited run time and constant power with no concern about battery degradation over time.
Think about convenience, but also think about your normal workflow when choosing a power source. Porter Cable has established itself as being a quality option for durability in the middle of the road category. I don’t recommend dropping it off a ladder.
Durability and Maintenance
However, they have made the housing strong enough to take that hit. Still, treat your tool like you would want anyone else to treat theirs. One thing to note about all universal motor tools is that motor brushes tend to outlast many other tools.
That’s no different here. You won’t have to change parts every month. The decent warranty coverage also gives you peace of mind if you run into an issue sooner rather than later.
Final Verdict for Homeowners
It’s a tool built to handle a home reno. Just about everyone who buys this needs one. For those seeking pro-level features at a more affordable price point, the Porter Cable multi-tool is the practical choice.
When it’s time to tackle some serious work, it’ll cut, scrape, and sand with plenty of authority. You don’t have to sacrifice reliability to save money. For those considering picking up a multi-tool for their arsenal, this one provides a safe and risk-free entry point.
It illustrates that you don’t have to drop a bundle in order to get a tool that really performs in the shop.