HF Multitool better buy

[JaiPea]

Which is the better buy?

The $64 67537 variable speed of 10-20,000 costs twice as much as the $28 67256 fixed 19,000 using the Car&Driver coupon ($80 less 20%) vs ($35 less 20%). Both are rated at 1/4HP drawing 2A and 1.6A respectively.

Been working hard at coming up with justifications for one over the other without success.

Have not seen where the 67537 has any measurable advantages in operation. OTOH, if the 67537 solves the problem that many have complained about of blades coming loose oon the 67256, that could tip the scales.

My reason to buy is removal of face rock without damage as there are no replacements available. The rock is a sandstone that has been cut 2" thick and are of random lengths, from 6" to as long as 24". They are about 3" deep, mortared like bricks, and my angle grinder with diamond blade only cuts to a depth of 1".

It doesn't seem like mortar would be any harder than grout to get through. The plan is to use the grinder on the horizontals and use the multitool diamond blade to cut the rest of the way as well as remove the vertical joints.

Considered using my saw with a composition blade but that would be harder to control and raises the risk of damage to the rock, plus it does not help with the offset vertical joints.

[phi1l]

I have the fixed speed unit. It seems designed for intermittent or short duration use. The transmission area gets very warm after a few minutes of continuous use.
.. But I really don't know if any other of the multi-tools on the market would do any better, & I don't really know if the getting hat like that is a problem.

[aggrex]

Have not seen where the 67537 has any measurable advantages in operation. OTOH, if the 67537 solves the problem that many have complained about of blades coming loose oon the 67256, that could tip the scales

Current model of 67256 ($28) have 4 pins on the blade mount to eliminate movement of the blade and help keep the blade tight IMO

[cabinetman]

I've used the fixed speed HF model over an extended period of time. It does get hot, but keeps on running. For the cost, I wouldn't go for another tool.
.

[phrog]

I haven't had any problem with the blades coming loose on the fixed speed model with four pins.

[phi1l]

I haven't had any problem with the blade coming loose on the fixed speed model with no pins.

[frumper64]

I had the original model with no pins and did indeed have a problem keeping the blades tight, but the new one with the four pins has worked great for me.

[Uncle Hook]

I had the original model with no pins and did indeed have a problem keeping the blades tight, but the new one with the four pins has worked great for me.

Same for me. The newer fixed speed model with 4 pins has a different model number than the older older model that had no pins.

I recently bought the variable speed model on sale, but I haven't used it for any length of time to see if it gets hot. it runs smoothly, the variable speed is nice, and it has 4 pins so the blade coming loose should not be a problem.