Starlock: Everything You Need to Know [2022] - Protrade (2023)

FAQs

What's the difference between Starlock and Starlock plus? ›

Each Starlock category is designed to match the power output of its compatible oscillating tools. Starlock blades can be used with ANY multi-cutter. StarlockPlus and StarlockMax blades require more power and are therefore limited to use with certain multi-tools.

StarlockPlus blades fit ALL new Bosch Starlock multi-tools, some old Bosch oscillating tools with OIS interface and ALL Fein multi-cutters. All other brands require an adaptor.

Starlock Plus blades directly fit all FEIN and some Bosch oscillating multi tools including: FEIN MultiMaster, FEIN MultiTalent, FEIN AFMT 12 SL, FEIN AFMT 12 QSL, FEIN AFMM 18 QSL, FEIN FMT 250 SL, FEIN FMT 250 QSL, FEIN FMM 350 QSL, Bosch GOP 30-28, Bosch GOP 40-30, Bosch GOP 18 V-28, Bosch PMF 350 CES.

To change blades, press the auto-ejection button to release the old blade and then just snap in the new one. No tool required, which gets you back to work quicker. The Starlock blade system is also color coded for convenience.

The major advantage of the Starlock fitting is 100% power transfer of the machine through to the blade or sanding pad – resulting in faster cutting and reduced vibration.

The new Starlock mounting system is being developed jointly by both Fein and Bosch as a new standard for oscillating multi-tools. Bosch is particularly motivated to get the new system to take off.

This Oscillating Metal Cutting Multi-Tool 3-Piece Variety Pack continues that tradition of quality. The kit consists of 3 blades. One, with carbide teeth and labeled Extreme Metal, is rated for cutting all types of metal, bolts, screws, metal pipe, cement board, plastics, PVC, and can also be used for grout removal.

Fitted with the right oscillating multi-tool blades, your multi-tool can soon become a plumber or labourer's best friend. Set up as a multi-cutting tool, it can slice through plastic, copper or even galvanised metal piping with ease. Yes – multi-tools such as the Milwaukee M12FCOT-0 Cut Off Tool can cut through metal.

Bosch recommends Starlock as a much superior alternative to OIS (Oscillating Interface System) and is urging tradespeople to consider the benefits of switching. It points to the relatively loose connection provided by OIS, which relies on a system of pins on the multi-cutter fitting into holes on the accessory.

Can multi-tool blades be sharpened? ›

The cost of OMT blades can add up so making them last longer and being able to re-sharpen them yourself can mean saving money. All that is required to re-sharpen is a saw file and a vise. I've found that the Imperial blades made of high-carbon steel are the easiest to re-sharpen and make for a very good value.

Starlock features a no-touch quick change when used with a Bosch tool featuring the Snap-In System. Blade changes can be made in seconds and blade removal is easy with auto-ejection. Starlock blades are backward compatible with OIS systems and OIS-compatible tools.

They can be used to cut all types of wood, plastic, plasterboard, fibreglass, metal and nails. These blades will also fit multi-tools with the universal OIS fitment.

Available in a wide range of specifications, sizes and types to cover all materials and applications including wood, metal and tiling. All blades are manufactured with a Universal Fitting.

Best Bosch Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP18V-28N

With both 12V and 18V models available, it's the higher performance of the 18V system that we're drawn to in this case.

TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you're looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you'll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable. The number of teeth can be found on the blade.

STAR is communications technology that monitors conditions during use, allowing the tool and battery to exchange data to protect against overloading, overdischarging and overheating. If STAR detects conditions that threaten to overload, overdischarge or overheat the tool or battery, the tool will automatically stop.

You can find a range of different wood cutting blades for an oscillating tool. Some can be better for plunge cutting, while others might be better for a flush cut. If you are cutting through wood that may have a nail or some other piece of metal in it, you want to look for a good bi-metal oscillating tool blade.

1. Bolt Cutter. Bolt cutters are designed to cut through screws, bolts, and other metal fasteners. These fixings can often be substantial in diameter, so bolt cutters come in a variety of sizes with long handles and lever mechanisms.

Are oscillating tools worth it? ›

The oscillating multi-tool is one of the handiest tools you can have around the jobsite or workshop. Its versatility lets you accomplish numerous tasks that would be impossible with other tools. You can sand; saw metal, wood, and drywall; make large holes; plunge cut into hardwood; or undercut a doorway.

To create a straight cut, a round or half-moon saw blade works best. You want to lightly press down on your tool creating a cut no more than 1/4 inch deep. Run your blade across the length of the cut multiple times with each pass making it a little deeper until you cut through your material.

These Imperial Blades oscillating multi tool blades are designed to cut through nails, wood, hard material, drywall, and almost anything around the job site. The TiN STORM multi tool blade offers excellent performance and a long-lasting cutting life.

The DEWALT DWA4204 Titanium Nitride Coated Oscillating Blade is ideal for cutting wood with nails. This blade features a wide blade (1-3/4 in.) for fast material removal.

Carbide / Diamond Grit Blades

They are capable of cutting through much tougher materials such as tile and grout and are often much more resistant and longer lasting.

The table saw, in my opinion, is the most versatile tool in the shop and should be your first major purchase. Next up is the Miter Saw. The miter saw does one thing but it does it really well. The Miter saw will cross cut wood better and faster than pretty much any other tool.

The name "multi-tool" is a reference to the many functions that this tool can perform with the range of attachments available. "Master Tool" is also a trade name used in North America, short for the original tool by Fein called the Multi-Master.

Use Blades for an Oscillating Tool When Cutting Metal

If you are planning to cut straight through a nail or a bolt, then you would want to look for a straight blade. If you have a longer cut, then you would be better off with a semi-circle bi-metal oscillating blade.

You might not always need a ruler, a hex driver, a bottle opener, a pry bar, or whatever other functions your multi-tool has to offer. But you'll be glad that they were included when you do. Multi-tools are by far the most efficient way to carry a number of different tools in an extremely mobile format.

What is a sharp pog? ›

Drill Operated Multi-Tool Blade Sharpener

We are excited to introduce a new patent pending product, the Sharp Pog. This tool allows for you to quickly and effectively sharpen multi-tool blades using only your battery drill. Stop throwing out dull multi-tool blades, keep them sharp with the Sharp Pog!

A chainsaw chain can be sharpened up to 10 times, sometimes more, before the entire chain needs replacing. It's mostly dependent on two things; the amount of wear your chain incurs and the amount of metal removed every time you sharpen.

You should be able to sharpen your blade two or three times before needing to replace it, but sometimes breakage happens. Blade breakage can result from a range of situations. Common causes of blade breakage include: Dull teeth.

When it comes to getting the job done, few tools are as versatile as those in the Rockwell family of oscillating tools. The oscillating tool blades in this pack are universal fit accessories. That means they'll be a perfect fit for any oscillating saw or tool, no matter the brand.

Bosch, Fein, Metabo, and now Makita have Starlock-compatible tools, while Dewalt, Milwaukee, and other makers have non-proprietary universal-style interfaces. There are pros and cons to both.

It has a Starlock reception meaning it is compatible with the most popular oscillating tools, whether you own a Milwaukee Tool or other brands, such as Makita, Dewalt, Bosch and many more.

The Makita DTM52Z is a powerful yet versatile tool that works with Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max accessories. Being part of the 18V LXT range, this 18v multi-tool offers both variable speed control and a soft start.

You can find a blade for almost any project and your multi-tool can slice your work in half. It can even see you through projects that seem too tough for a multi-tool. Cutting through cement, brick or stone can be very easy and your multi-saw will shine like a star when you use the right oscillating blade.

With the multi-tool, you can remove even unhardened nails or screws made of steel with the appropriate saw blade.

Multi-tool maximum inventory - 24 slots. Exosuit maximum inventory - 48 slots.

What happens if a blades tension is too loose? ›

If blade tension is too loose, it will allow the shears to fold the hair. With properly fitted shears, the thumb hole will rest up to or just over the knuckle.

The Bosch StarLock Plus oscillating tool is a new way to attach accessories to an oscillating tool. As you know accessories such as blades are thin and a little flimsy. So when you take a powerful tool and attach a small accessory, the trick is being able to transfer the power from the tool to the blade.

These blades can be used with almost any multi cutter (as long as its starlock compatible), so even with your Bosch Multi Tool, you can use Smart Starlock Accessories.

The StarlockMax System is a tool-less clamp system that allows for faster accessory installation. When used with Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tool Accessories, this oscillating multi-tool is ideal for cutting, sanding, scraping, grout removal, and many more applications.

The Makita DTM52Z is a powerful yet versatile tool that works with Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max accessories. Being part of the 18V LXT range, this 18v multi-tool offers both variable speed control and a soft start.

Once you have the right electric multi-tool, you'll be able to slice through a range of materials with ease – wood, metal, drywall, mortar, fibreglass and plastic.

The cost of OMT blades can add up so making them last longer and being able to re-sharpen them yourself can mean saving money. All that is required to re-sharpen is a saw file and a vise. I've found that the Imperial blades made of high-carbon steel are the easiest to re-sharpen and make for a very good value.

Cut Through Bone

The serrated blades and bone saws on many multi-tools are great to have on hand when you need to cut through tough game. They help save your knives from dulling and get through some pretty tough stuff, so whip one out when you're in need.

What are the max slots for a multitool? ›

Multi-tool maximum inventory - 24 slots. Exosuit maximum inventory - 48 slots.

STAR is communications technology that monitors conditions during use, allowing the tool and battery to exchange data to protect against overloading, overdischarging and overheating. If STAR detects conditions that threaten to overload, overdischarge or overheat the tool or battery, the tool will automatically stop.

With so many high-quality tools in the range, picking a single model as the best Makita drill is a challenge, but we eventually chose the Makita 18V LXT drill driver because it is an all-around high-performance tool that suits both DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople.

Makita - Technology - LXT - Lithium-ion Xtreme Technology.

The Makita DTM51 is designed based on the DTM50, but with tool-less blade and accessory changes for quicker installations and replacements. With up to 20,000 oscillations per minute the DTM51 has a high operational efficiency which enables it to cut through most materials with ease.

This Oscillating Metal Cutting Multi-Tool 3-Piece Variety Pack continues that tradition of quality. The kit consists of 3 blades. One, with carbide teeth and labeled Extreme Metal, is rated for cutting all types of metal, bolts, screws, metal pipe, cement board, plastics, PVC, and can also be used for grout removal.