If you use oscillating tools with much frequency, it’s probably not a surprise to find Fein all over the top of our best oscillating multi-tool article. The Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL kit features roughly the same design as the 350 Q model we reviewed a while back. The big difference is the upgrade to a Starlock Plus blade system, hence the “SL” on the model number.
In a “why mess with a good thing” kind of mentality, the Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL shows just how far ahead of everyone else they are with a 4-year-old design (save for Starlock) that still puts a huge gap on nearly everyone else in the space.
Let’s back that claim up.
Key Features
Oscillating tools aren’t the most feature-rich tools on the planet and they don’t need to be. While we always encourage innovation, there’s a difference between adding a useful feature and something gimicky.
Fein sticks to the basics and covers all their bases with a variable speed dial and a dedicated on/off switch instead of a trigger. The only thing our Pro team makes the argument for is the addition of an LED light, mainly for plumbers that use an oscillating tool in tight, dark spaces.
Starlock Plus Blade Change System
With the Multimaster, there’s no one star of the show – it’s a team effort. For blade changes, Fein employs the Starlock Plus system. To put it in a nutshell, Starlock lets you install and eject blades without touching them. That’s handy when you just finish a cut and the blade is more than 200°. You can read more details about how it works below.
Cutting Speed
If there’s an area where the Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL is just average, it’s in cutting speed. In our plunge cutting test, it averaged 25.8 seconds for a full cut through untreated 2x pine. That’s actually near the bottom of the group, though the slowest was over 40 seconds and one model recorded a 67-second cut before burning up on the second try.
Sanding
Sanding is a popular function for oscillating tools, but for most Pros, it’s not a primary function. The oscillating motion doesn’t leave the same kind of finish you get with a dedicated random orbit sander. But if you do want or need to use your multi-tool for sanding duties, Fein puts together a nice system with dust extraction. They go beyond the basic triangular pad and include a 4-1/2″ round pad as well.
Ergonomics
Design
The Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL sticks with a standard housing design but with a smaller diameter than many others. That makes it pretty comfortable in hand and among the best of the more grinder style designs. I prefer the handle styles from the Ridgid and DeWalt oscillating tool that are more akin to drill/drivers. However, those designs come with other trade-offs.
Weight
At 3.13 pounds, the Fein MultiMaster oscillating tool keeps it in the top 10 for low weight. There are a handful or models that reach below the 3-pound mark. There’s a point where you’re giving up build quality for weight loss and Fein does a nice job of balancing the two.
Vibration
What vibration?
When you use the Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL after using any other oscillating tool, it feels like Fein has none at all. That’s pretty close to accurate. Though there is the faintest hint with no load, it ridiculously low for any multi-tool class.
Fein accomplishes this through a self-supporting motor with vibration decoupling. While I haven’t taken the tool apart to see exactly how it works, it’s very clear that it does. None of the other 25 models we tested were able to match the MultiMaster in vibration.
Noise Level
Noise level comes into play with oscillating tools, especially when you’re working on an interior and the sound bounces around the room. We took our tools out in a field to get a measurement of just the cutting sound without the reverberation affecting it. The MultiMaster comes in under 100 decibels with a 98 dB(A) measurement. That’s quite a bit higher than the 92 dB(A) of Milwaukee’s cordless model, but well under the 104 dB(A) Rockwell’s cordless model delivers.
Read more about decibel ratings below.
Price and Value
We brought in the Top accessory kit with the Fein MultiMaster. It runs $350 and comes with a very nice complement of accessories to get you started.
Included Accessories
- 1 backing pad
- 3 of each sanding sheet (grits 60, 80, 120, 180)
- 1 perforated backing pad
- 3 of each sanding sheet (grits 60, 80, 120, 180), perforated
- 1 sanding disc 4-1/2 in dia. perforated
- 6 sanding sheets 4-1/2 in perforated (2 each of grits 60, 80, 180)
- 1 dust extraction assembly
- 1 rigid scraper blade
- 1 E-Cut Long-Life saw blade 1-3/8 in (35 mm) (type 160)
- 1 universal E-Cut saw blade 1-3/4 in (44 mm) (type 152)
- 1 E-Cut Long-Life saw blade 2-9/16 in (65 mm) (type 161)
- 1 HSS segment saw blade
- 1 carbide segment saw blade
- 1 carbide rasp (triangular)
- 1 tool case
If you don’t need a bunch of accessories, you can started with a more basic set for $199. That’s a pretty solid value, though you pay a premium over names like Makita, Hitachi, and DeWalt. For what the tool delivers, it’s worth spending the extra money if you use oscillating tools frequently.
The Bottom Line
With all the results tallied, the Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL earns 87.9 points – good enough for second place and two points behind our winner. When it comes down to simple preference, the MultiMaster is my favorite of all 25 models we tested and earns the starting role in my arsenal. It’s the overall design and ergonomics that I’m willing to trade-off some cutting speed to take advantage of. Unless you need the higher performance of the SuperCut, the MultiMaster get my highest recommendation.
Check out the shootout below!
Fein Multimaster Oscillating Multi-Tool with Hard Case and Top Accessory Package Key Features
- Self-supporting motor with vibration decoupling for outstanding vibration and noise reduction.
- Very powerful 350 Watt FEIN high-performance motor for optimal cutting speeds and maximum work progress.
- Highest quality and stability thanks to metal gear case and consistent use of ball or needle bearings.
- Convenient QuickIN rapid-clamping system
- Electronic speed control with tacho generator for constant speed, even under load.
- Integrated interface for mounting additional system accessories.
- Softgrip zone provides optimal handling.
- StarlockPlus tool mount with outstanding torque transfer, fits all Starlock and StarlockPlus accessories.
- Wide selection of accessories available for all applications.
Specifications
- Model: Fein MultiMaster 350 QSL
- Power Source: 110V
- Motor Size: 350 watts
- Oscillations: 10,000-19,500 RPM
- Oscillation Angle: 1.7° left and right (~3.5° total)
- Weight: 3.13 lbs.
- Length: 13.25″
- Warranty: 1 year, 2 years with product registration
- Price: $350
