I’m pleased with the oscillating multi-tool I picked up earlier this week. It was a DeWalt cordless device, which means another set of batteries and chargers, but it seems to do the job well and I’m very impressed with the quick-change system for switching out or re-aligning attachments. Up to this point, all my cordless tools have been on the Worx system and my Worx tools are still going strong but, as far as I can tell, I can now only order them online (my first set, a drill and impact driver, were picked up in a Homebase sale but I don’t have a nearby Homebase; their range seems limited as does Toolstation, the nearest Worx stockist). I don’t want too many battery systems to maintain but I can get DeWalt tools from the local Screwfix and, in my experience, deserve the status of a reputable brand.

The acid test was cutting away a hole in the cabinet that sits under the sink. It still took a little while but progress was a lot quicker than it would have been with a hacksaw blade and it was a real boon to be able to easily adjust the angle at which the blade was set. There was one point when I did resort to my junior hacksaw, when the cut needed to be very close to the water pipes, but I wouldn’t have been able to get the required access if the multi-tool hadn’t cleared the way.

It was late in the day before I could even get started so I decided to leave fitting the new tap for a future session but I think I am now in with a fighting chance and I’ve got one or two other jobs that I’ve been putting off in line as well now that I have a suitable tool.