Renovator - a universal tool for the home craftsman

The arsenal of construction tools is constantly being replenished with completely unique units that fall into the category of universal ones.

One of them is a renovator that can replace several individual electric tools, such as a jigsaw, drill and grinder.

True, it should be noted that he cannot perform absolutely all of their functions. Its main actions are stripping, grinding and cutting in small quantities, and they depend on the specific attachments included in the kit.

What is a renovator

A renovator (universal cutter) is an electrified tool that oscillates at different frequencies. It operates using the principle of oscillation: it pumps the installed nozzle with enormous speed and small amplitude. Even externally, when turned on, it is often noticeable how the cutting edges of the device tremble a little.

The renovator is considered a multifunctional device because it involves installing a wide variety of attachments. Depending on the specific type of equipment, the device can clean, cut, grind, saw, trim and perform other actions. Renovators are often purchased to perform small jobs around the home. They are also used by professionals in carpentry, renovation and decoration, and during installation work. The device is also suitable for hobby and handmade projects, since even a beginner can handle it, and the risk of injury from the tool is minimal.

The most popular types of problems that can be solved with the help of a renovator:

• punching holes for cable ducts;
• cutting heating, sewer and water pipes;
• removing old paint;
• separation of used linoleum, carpet from the floor;
• removing build-up of glue, plaster, polyurethane foam;
• cutting down nails and screws;

• inserting grooves into wood, drywall;
• cutting sheet materials, sealants;
• trimming skirting boards, cornices, fillets, moldings;
• jointing tiles;
• cutting tiles, porcelain stoneware;
• cutting door frames and other elements;
• grinding of any surfaces;
• sharpening of tools.

The renovator can replace a lot of other devices. It is ideal for use in hard-to-reach places and where the work cannot be done without special attachments.

Content

A renovator is a tool that has many names: vibrating tool, multi-tool, multifunctional tool (MFI), vibrating cutter, oscillor cutter. The device appeared on the domestic market relatively recently, and user reviews do not help determine the advisability of a purchase: among the comments you can find both “useless” and “how I used to live without it.” Next, we will figure out what a renovator is, how it works, how to use it, and why this tool is needed in general.

Equipment used

The renovator is sold complete with attachments. Also, suitable equipment can always be purchased additionally, as needed. Most often, craftsmen use the following types of devices:

1. Scraper (scraper). Helps get rid of difficult stains and contaminants, such as sealants, adhesives, foam, building mixtures, cement.
2. Triangular sanding pad. Allows grinding, cleaning, polishing of surfaces. May have different grain sizes.
3. A knife with a double-edged blade. Trims edges, edges, cuts a variety of materials, cuts linoleum, polystyrene foam, rubber and caoutchouc, paper and cardboard.

Rich set of tools

1. Semicircular cutting disc. Used for cutting plastic, wood, fiberboard, OSB, creating holes and grooves, trimming ends. Suitable for working with gypsum boards.
2. Diamond or carbide coated disc. It is used for cutting durable materials: stone, tiles, porcelain stoneware, brick, as well as for jointing tile joints and gating concrete.
3. Submersible canvas (width - 10–70 mm). It has teeth at the end, allowing you to work with wood and metal.

Device Description

This device has a large number of names, but most often it is called a renovator. Actually, that’s what this tool was called in advertising, but professional craftsmen claim that it would be correctly called a multi-cutter, or MFI for short (multifunctional tool) . Today, such tools are produced by world-famous companies: AEG, DeWalt, BOSCH, Makita, etc.

The main direction of the multi-cutter is to perform restoration and finishing work. It’s worth noting right away that the renovator is useless for thorough finishing and construction work.

Small amplitude vibration was first used in 1968 in a small saw used to cut plaster casts. Later they began to use them for plumbing work, and there were no attachments then. At the very beginning of the 80s, they began to produce devices with attachments that could be changed.

Criterias of choice

Renovators are divided into household and professional. The first ones have low power and a minimal set of attachments. The latter are able to connect to other equipment (for example, a vacuum cleaner) and have a lot of additional capabilities.

Based on the type of power supply, renovators can be battery-powered or mains-powered. Battery-powered devices are mobile and do not depend on the presence or absence of a network. They come in two types:

1. Compact (fits comfortably in the hand, lightweight).
2. Standard (powerful and quite weighty).

The more capacious the renovator battery, the longer it will work without interruption. Small batteries run out quickly due to their small capacity, but they do not weigh down the device. To work with metal, it is better to use a device with a high-quality battery weighing at least 1.5 kg. If the work will be done only in a workshop, it is worth buying a network renovator. You can simply plug it into a power outlet and work all day with short breaks for the engine to cool down.

Another important criterion when choosing a renovator is its power. It greatly affects work efficiency. For processing soft materials, a power of 150–200 W is sufficient; for hard surfaces, it is better to purchase a device with a power of 250–300 W. Typically, mains-powered devices consume 170–600 W, and battery-powered ones according to the battery voltage.

Other important parameters for choosing a renovator:

1. Oscillation frequency. Affects the speed and quality of work. The minimum indicator is 5–6 thousand vibrations per minute, the maximum is 32–34 thousand. For home use, a renovator needs 15–22 thousand vibrations per minute. Professionals prefer devices with variable speed control. They work with wood with high frequency, with medium frequency with plastic, and with low frequency with metal.
2. Maintaining constant speed. This function allows you to maintain the required speed even in difficult areas, where without it the device may stop or slow down in action. For this purpose, constant electronics are built into the device. This function is especially in demand during frequent woodworking.
3. Nozzle mounting type. It can be quick-clamping or key-type. In the first case, you can instantly fix the nozzle; in the second, you will need to tighten it with a hex bolt. If you expect to change equipment frequently, it is better to choose the first option.
4. Features of the groove. Some manufacturers produce attachments only for their tools, and they are not suitable for other renovators. But a number of companies offer universal attachments with the OIS system for different brands of renovators.

Additional equipment of the renovator also contributes to comfortable work with it. Sometimes the device comes with another handle, which you can hold with your second hand. The renovator can also be equipped with a built-in flashlight for use in the dark. Other possible adaptations:

• nozzle immersion limiter;
• plastic case or bag for carrying;
• soft starter;
• soft grip pads.

You should not buy renovator models that quickly heat up when idling. If the device has been running for several minutes and is already hot, its performance is usually low. When the device continues to vibrate a little after switching off, its build quality is not very good.

How to use

The renovator is considered more of a compact and easy-to-use device for home use than for performing professional tasks.

To work with it, you do not need to have professional skills or special talents.

The only thing you should carefully study before using it is the variety of attachments.

Even a beginner in the construction business can perform grinding of surfaces, cutting metal or sawing out wooden blanks by a renovator.

When using a renovator, it is not so important what the force of pressing it, the angle of inclination or power with revolutions will be. During operation, it is easy to independently determine the optimal indicators for each material. If you have doubts about your own abilities, you can simply find a video on the Internet with an example of using MFIs and repeat all the steps yourself.

If replacement of attachments is required, do it using a hex wrench or a special quick-release mechanism. You can find out how it works by reading the technical manual for the device. If the renovator has a regulator, then the speed of operation with the number of revolutions can also be found in the instructions for the device.

Important! Using a multitool is very simple, so any recommendations will only help at the very beginning of training. Efficiency in completing tasks and dexterity come with experience.

The best network renovators

Among the devices that connect to the network, it is worth highlighting the top three. Such renovators are sold in large construction stores.

Hammer LZK 500S Premium

This renovator has an average power (250 W), and the maximum oscillation frequency of its platform is 21 thousand revolutions. It is designed for sawing, milling, stripping, grinding, cutting and has the following features:

• blocking the power button;
• possibility of speed control;
• presence of a case;
• weight - 1.7 kg;
• 3 attachments and wrench included.

BLACK&DECKER MT300KA

This American renovator has a power of 300 W and an oscillation frequency of 10–22 thousand per minute, which is controlled electronically through a special switch. It has a rubberized body, a comfortable shape, operates quietly, and boasts excellent assembly without gaps. The device is placed in a case and equipped with 11 nozzles, made of wear-resistant materials.

Features of the renovator:

• power button lock;
• spindle fixation;
• three-meter network cable;
• weight - 1.58 kg;
• Superlok system for changing attachments without a key;
• grinding attachment with dust removal system;
• plunge-cut saw blade;
• segment saw blade;
• flexible and rigid scrapers;
• 6 sheets of sandpaper with grain from 60 to 120;
• adapter for attachments of other brands.

BOSCH GOP 55–36 L-Boxx

The power of this renovator is quite high (550 W), the maximum oscillation frequency is 22 thousand, the minimum is 8 thousand. The device has a metal casing to increase reliability, a 3D cartridge for better power transfer to the equipment. The renovator is equipped with a 4-meter cable, and its weight and dimensions are quite small (1.6 kg and 290 x 85 mm, respectively).

Renovator contains a whole set of attachments:

• segmented saw blade - 2 pieces;
• sanding pad;
• plunge-cut saw blade - 6 pieces;
• sanding sheets - 25;
• sanding plate - one;
• vacuum adapter with clamping neck.

Advantages over other power tools

The renovator has one significant drawback that must be kept in mind when purchasing such a device - such devices are not initially designed for constant long-term operation. If you know what you are getting into, then you simply cannot find any other weak points in MFIs.

If you want to get a cut with the most even, polished edges, then no device can do this better than a multitool. Another undeniable advantage is the minimal amount of dust produced during operation, and with a vacuum cleaner connected to the device, you can even carry out small-scale repair work without preliminary preparation of the room.

Another serious advantage for those who often, due to inattention, receive minor injuries when interacting with power tools is that it is almost impossible for the renovator to cause physical harm to themselves, and the material being processed does not scatter throughout the house in the form of dangerous fragments, which is why renovators used to be extremely popular in medicine - they were used to remove the plaster.

The best battery renovators

When purchasing a battery-powered renovator, you should pay attention to the following models.

RYOBI R18MT–0

This cordless device is distinguished by its battery and charging compatibility with other brand tools. Characteristics:

• oscillation frequency - up to 20 thousand revolutions/minute;
• weight - 1.4 kg;
• power button lock;
• speed regulation;
• compactness;
• built-in LED backlight;
• The operating voltage of the battery is 18 V.

The kit comes with three main attachments and 6 sanding sheets. There are rubber pads along the entire surface of the handle for easy holding of the tool. During operation, the vibration of the renovator is almost not felt, and the body of the device does not heat up.

DeWALT DCS355N

This renovator is no worse in power than network models. It is ideal for tapping walls for wiring and for working with wood and metal. Thanks to brushless technology, overheating of the motor is eliminated, and performance is very high. Renovator technical parameters:

• maximum frequency - 20 thousand revolutions/minute;
• length - 31 cm;
• weight - 1.68 kg;
• operating voltage - 18 V;
• built-in lighting;
• wide start button with lock;
• button press lock;
• rubber pads to reduce vibration.

The device cuts plastic like paper. During operation, you can instantly adjust the movement of the nozzle, taking into account the density and thickness of the part. The kit contains 29 pieces of equipment, including many sanding pads.

Hammer ACD 122 GLI

The renovator of this brand also runs on a 12 V battery, which allows you to work for at least 1 hour before charging (battery capacity is 1.3 A/hour). The renovator kit contains 3 sanding sheets, 2 saw blades, a wrench, and a sanding plate. The maximum vibration frequency of the platform is 19 thousand revolutions. The product weighs only 1.15 kg, so it will not cause hand fatigue even with prolonged use.

Principle of operation

The technology of the renovator is similar to the work of medical instruments for cutting plaster. In appearance, it can easily be confused with a small grinder; their body and what is underneath are the same, except for the mechanical part. In an angle grinder, the gearbox rotates the spindle, and in the renovator, the gearbox, using an oscillating drive, causes the spindle to oscillate, causing vibration. It is on vibration that all the work of a renovator is based.

Tools from Aliexpress

Many users prefer to purchase tools on Aliexpress. In stores, the price of powerful professional devices reaches 25–30 thousand rubles. The average cost of household renovators is 5–7 thousand rubles. On AliExpress you can buy a device from 2500 rubles.

NEWONE

A modern renovator operates on a 220–240 V network and has an impressive power of 350 W. It is equipped with a speed control function within the range of 11–21 thousand and weighs about 1.9 kg.

Product contents:

• additional handle;
• air outlet hole;
• vacuum cleaner socket;
• six-speed speed control;
• convenient on/off button;
• 4 nozzles.

Buy on Aliexpress

Prostormer

A multifunctional electric tool of this brand operates at variable speed (15–22 thousand revolutions) and is powered by a 220–240 V network. Its power (300 W) is enough for cutting wood, plastic, and for grinding various surfaces, including hard-to-reach places .

Using a renovator, you can remove old varnish, paint, linoleum and carpet, and tile adhesive. The renovator weighs 1.85 kg and is not prone to strong vibration during operation.

Buy on Aliexpress

DEKO 220V

Another Chinese renovator with a power of 300 W and an oscillation frequency of 15–20 thousand revolutions. Low weight (1.33 kg) and power supply from a standard electrical network allow you to operate the device even in continuous mode. The convenient speed regulator is combined with comfortable non-slip handles. The renovator has different attachments (13 pieces) and can work as a grinder, cutting machine, scraper, saw, grinder.

Buy on Aliexpress

The renovator does not take up much space in the house or garage. He will help you perform a lot of construction, repair, carpentry and installation work around the house. The device will also save money on purchasing a whole set of tools.

DIY nozzles

Working tools for a renovator do not last forever, and a new good attachment costs serious money. Therefore, self-taught craftsmen came up with what and how to make some attachments with their own hands. The easiest way is to make a gate. A regular saw is suitable for it, from which you can make seven scrapers.

To do this, take an old scraper and apply it to the saw blade so that seven workpieces fit across it. They are outlined and cut along the lines with a grinder.

The part of the workpiece on the side without teeth is heated with a burner until it turns crimson. After which it should cool naturally. This process is called vacation. In the same part, two holes are drilled exactly at the location of the hole on the standard nozzle.

Now you need to bend the workpiece, like the old scraper. To do this, you can connect the old and new nozzles with bolts and bend the second one to the shape of the first one.

There are many advantages to a homemade tool for a renovator. It is 6-7 times cheaper than a branded one, the saw produces 7 copies at once, and such a scraper can be sharpened more than once (the metal from which the saw is made allows this to be done).