Rockwell has just thrown down the gauntlet in multi-tools by offering both a Universal Fit system to allow their three new Sonicrafters, and their new Shop Series Sonictool, to use other brands’ accessories without adapters. Three new Sonicrafters and a Sonictool? Yes. The company has completely revised its initial Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-tool by adding a Hyperlock tool-less blade change and also increasing the motor power. And if that weren’t enough, the company has also released a new assortment of Rockwell universal accessories designed to fit not just their own tools, but also competitive multi-tools.
Let’s start with the most obvious change, the new Hyperlock tool-free (quick-release) feature. This is quickly becoming the new trend in multi-tools – so much so that we expect any stragglers to either develop or license tool-free systems very quickly in the near future. Using the Hyperlock tool-free accessory change takes just seconds –
simply release a top-mounted lever, switch accessories and press the
lever back down. On their two new Sonicrafters, RK5139K and RK5140K, Rockwell claims to provide a full ton of clamping force to prevent slippage of blades and other accessories. It’s safe to say that you shouldn’t have any issues with stopped cuts due to blade slippage on these tools.
Rockwell has also increased amps in its new corded oscillating multi-tools, making them more powerful than ever. The Sonicrafter X2 (RK5140) has increased from 2.3 to 3.0 amps and the Sonicrafter (RK5139) bumps from 2.3 to 2.5 amps. Even the diminutive Shop Series Sonictool gets a power bump from 2.0 to 2.3 amps.
These two features are impressive on their own, but when Rockwell also reported that they released their tools with a new Universal Fit and that their accessories are also compatible with many competitors’ tools, we sat up just a little bit. All new Sonicrafters and even the new Sonictool accept these new Universal Fit accessories, as well as prior-model Rockwell hex-shape accessories… AND they accept most competitors’ accessories.
Rockwell claims that its new Sonicrafter Universal Fit accessories are designed to fit all competitors’ oscillating tools. So, if you buy a Rockwell Sonicrafter blade, it will be able to fit on any multi-tool you own. As retail space is at a premium, we wonder if this might be a really smart move on the part of Rockwell to gain more retail shelf space. It has to be a compelling pitch to larger home improvement stores.
The new Rockwell accessory blades feature a stepped profile for true flush-cutting applications, which is the design we tend to go with as opposed to a flat profile. Additionally, technical improvements were made to the precision end-cut blades that, according to Rockwell, allow for over twice the life of previous precision end-cut blades.
Rockwell’s lineup of new oscillating tools, featuring the Universal Fit System, includes the following models:
Sonicrafter X2 (RK5140, $149)
- 3.0 amp motor
- Hyperlock tool-free (quick-release) system
- Constant speed control, which electronically maintains speed-of-cut under load.
- Variable-speed dial for precise control
- Oscillations per minute (OPM): 11,000-20,000
- Oscillating angle (degrees): 3.2″
- Weight: 3.30 lbs.
- Cord length: 10 ft.
- Nine (9) Universal Fit accessories include (1) 1-3/8″ bi-metal end-cut blade, (1) 3-1/8″ HSS semicircle saw blade, (1) rigid scraper blade, (1) sanding pad, (3) sanding sheets, (1) carbide semicircle (grout) blade and (1) Sonishear. Plus hard case.
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
Sonicrafter (RK5139, $119)
- 2.5 amp motor
- Hyperlock Tool-Free System
- Variable speed dial for precise control
- Oscillations per minute (OPM): 11,000-20,000
- Oscillating angle (degrees): 3.2″
- Weight: 3.60 lbs.
- Cord length: 10 ft.
- Seven (7) Universal Fit accessories include (1) 1-3/8″ bi-metal end-cut blade, (1) 3-1/8″ HSS semicircle saw blade, (1) rigid scraper blade, (1) sanding pad and (3) sanding sheets. Plus hard case
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
Sonicrafter 12V Cordless (RK2522K2, $139)
- 12V Lithium-ion battery
- Variable speed dial for precise control
- Integrated LED work light
- Dust extraction adapter
- Oscillations per minute (OPM): 5,000-20,000
- Oscillating angle (degrees): 3.2″
- Weight: 2.25 lbs. (with battery)
- Twenty-seven (27) Accessories include (1) 1-1/8″ standard wood end-cut blade, (1) 3/8″ bi-metal end-cut blade, (1) 3-1/8″ HSS semicircle saw blade, (1) rigid scraper blade, (1) sanding pad, (20) sanding sheets, (1) semicircle (grout) blade and (1) dust extraction adapter. Plus (1) Allen key (2) 12V LI batteries, (1) 30-min. charger and carrying bag
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
Shop Series Sonictool (SS5120, $49)
- 2.3 amp motor
- Variable speed dial for precise control
- Built-in dust extraction
- Oscillations per minute (OPM): 11,000-20,000
- Oscillating angle (degrees): 3.2″
- Weight: 2.94 lbs.
- Cord length: 7 ft.
- Seven (7) accessories include (1) 1-3/8″ standard wood end cut blade, (1) 3-1/8″ HSS semicircle saw blade, (1) sanding pad, (3) sanding sheets, (1) dust extraction adapter. Plus (1) Allen key
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
Even the tool case was redesigned for Rockwell’s new Sonicrafter X2 (RK51340) and Sonicrafter (RK5139K) and accessories. The compact, waterproof case features separate bulk storage areas for quick and easy access to the tool and accessories. It’s rigid, durable and you can stack it much more easily than the former tool bags.
The new Rockwell Sonicrafter X2 (RK5140, $149), Sonicrafter (RK5139, $119), Sonicrafter 12V Cordless (RK2522K2, $139) and Shop Series Sonictool (SS5120, $49) will be available in October at rockwelltools.com, Menards and Lowe’s, as well as regional hardware and home centers nationwide.
