Hex Shank
Caprenter's pencil sharpener/drill bit?
I've seen before, (a friend had one) a Carpenter's pencil sharpener that had a 1/4" locking hex shank at the end (So you can slip it into a quick-change drill and sharpen your pencil quickly. I've looked, but I've never been able to find one for myself. Does anyone know who makes them, or where I may be able to find them online?
A carpenter-pencil sharpener is not what I'm having trouble finding, its one with a drill bit shank in the bottom so you can put it in your drill a spin it around your pencil.
Go to a Home Improvement Store and ask if they carry them !!
The Pros and Cons of the Fein Multimaster Tool
I like this specific Fein Multimaster Tool. I just upgraded from the prior model ( MSXE 636-2 variable speed ). I won't go into why this specific tool is so great because everyone else has already done that. Instead I am going to compare this specific tool to its precedent.
PROS :
This is now a perfect tool. Fein Multi Tool has elegantly fixed the minor gripes I had with the previous generation of the tool. My gripes were 1. Blades slipping and two. Slow blade-changes using the ungainly hex-key that always felt like it was going to cam-out and ruin the lock nut. The new star shank on the blades completely gets rid of any possibility of slippage, and changing blade, or repositioning it to get into a tight spot no longer requires a trip back to the tool box to get the hex wrench. This enables you to attach tiny accessories such as a fence, a depth gauge, a rail guide etc . This opens up a large amount of flexibleness on an already very flexible tool. I also like the more ergonomic shape and rubber grip on the new design.
The new machine is a little bit louder than the old one, maybe thanks to the more powerful motor, although it's louder even on the lowest speed setting. To be truthful I am just making an attempt to find something to say on the con side.
OTHER COMPARISONS :
I do basically prefer some of the aspects of my old unit's metal case & divider system. The new case can basically hold more things but it does not organize the contents as well as the old case did. You can still buy the OLD case, but I am sure I am able to easily make the new case as functional as the old case by adding some tiny dividers etc. If FEIN had put a divider system in the new case, it would've been a perfect redesign in my view. If the less expensive, faster, divider-less case is an element of that profitability strategy, I pardon them.
Fein Blades COST :
As you may know, the blades for this device are rather dear but Fein is now group-packing blades for meaningfully lower cost than before. Basically three packs for the price of two, and ten packs for the cost of 6. This helps. So now I'm able to keep ONE blade of SEVERAL types and yet affordably buy many blades of the ONE type I 'consume' continually. I've lately also seen OEM blades on eBay which are cheaper than the FEIN blades, but I have never basically attempted them.
This is definitely one of my favourite tools, and I HIGHLY counsel it. Everyone who watches me use mine buys one for themselves.
If you're the owner of an older model, an upgrade is worthwhile if you use the tool with ANY regularity. The upgrade cost me a mere $100 because I sold my old one ( with blades & Fein Accessories ) on eBay.
About the Author
Les has been writing articles online for a few years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Fein Multimaster Tool which reviews and lists the best Fein Power Tools for your home or commercial projects.
Hex Shank
