Makita is a household name in the oscillating multi-tools market, often compared alongside other reputable power tool brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Ryobi.
Makita multi-tools are engineered from high-quality materials, giving them exceptional durability and reliability. The manufacturer also places a premium on user safety.
Every Makita oscillating multi-tool undergoes rigorous in-house inspections and testing, ensuring that defective equipment doesn’t leave the factory. Besides, the tools are equipped with additional safety specifications, such as StarLock blades.
However, proper care and maintenance are paramount to unlock the true magic of Makita oscillating multi-tools.
Read below for a beginner’s guide to maintaining your Makita multi-tool.
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1. Start With High-Quality Attachments
Robust construction and superb longevity are among the key features that set a Makita oscillating tool apart from competitor brands.
But if you’re buying replacement parts, it’s important to invest in high-quality attachments.
Always prioritize oscillating multi-tool spare parts from authorized Makita dealers. If you must choose attachments by other brands, ensure they’ve been rigorously tested for safety and efficiency.
Using substandard spare parts can diminish the performance of your Makita oscillating multi-tool. Worse yet, it could expose you to severe injury risks.
2. Match Blades Accordingly
When it comes to oscillating multi-tools, there are several blade options to choose from. These include carbide-tipped, bi-metal, diamond grit, and wood cutting blades.
As you may have to use all these blade types from time to time, it’s imperative to match each with the correct project.
Bi-metal and diamond grit blades both stand out for their remarkable hardness. The two blade types are rated for heavy-duty applications, such as metal cutting. However, diamond grit blades are more effective for cutting exceptionally hard materials like concrete.
Carbide-tipped blades and wood-cutting blades are best suited for woodworking projects and specific metal-cutting applications.
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3. Sharpen Blades Regularly
Dull oscillating multi-tool blades can impact the equipment’s efficiency.
While Makita oscillating tools are prized for their high-performance brushless motors, using a dull cutting blade can put excess pressure on the motors and diminish the tool’s overall efficiency. This could have you incur unnecessary expenses in repairing or replacing your motors more frequently.
Unsharpened blades can also reduce your multi-tools precision and produce uneven cuts. Besides, they may pose significant safety risks.
Before embarking on any project, check that your Makita’s cutting blades meet the Manufacturer’s recommended sharpness levels. If not, carefully sharpen the blades following the user manual.
4. Recalibrate the Tool
Oscillating multi-tools are high-precision equipment. As such, any subtle misalignment can significantly impact their cutting accuracy.
It’s best to recalibrate your Makita multi-tool after use. This is necessary to realign moving components.
You can reference the user manual or check out YouTube tutorials for proper recalibration techniques.
If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to enlist professional assistance. A local Makita dealer may help recalibrate your multi-tool free of charge or at subsidized costs.
5. Tighten Up Loose Components
Another way to improve your Makita’s performance is to tighten loose parts, paying particular attention to bolts and screws.
Like recalibration, tightening loose components improves the multi-tool’s precision. It also enhances your safety while using the equipment.
Unusual sounds or vibrations suggest that certain oscillating multi-tool parts are already dangerously loose.
Rather than let things degenerate that much, consider tightening screws and bolts after every use.
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6. Don’t Overwork Your Makita Multi-Tool
The quickest way to damage your Makita oscillating multi-tool is to overwork it.
Never let your Makita run for too long. This could cause the equipment to overheat and wear down the motor.
A good practice is to allow your Makita oscillating multi-tool to cool down between heavy-duty projects. Turn the multi-tool off using both its built-in power button and the wall outlets.
You can utilize the breaks to briefly check for blade sharpness before powering the device back on.
7. Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricating your Makita multi-tool regularly minimizes friction and overheating, particularly in the moving parts. It also enhances the device’s longevity by forestalling rusting and corrosion.
Read the user manual for the recommended lubricant.
A good lubricant should have optimal viscosity for easy application. Besides, the product must be free from known adulterants, such as heavy metals.
Apply the lubricant liberally, wiping off excess grease. As for the treatment frequency, that would depend on how regularly you use your Makita multi-tool.
8. Clean Your Makita After Use
An oscillating multi-tool generates significant heat and friction, which pulls dust onto the device. Without regular cleaning, debris can clog the multi-tool’s internal parts and cause frequent breakdowns.
Give your Makita multi-tool a gentle shake up after each use to dislodge larger debris. Then, wipe down every nook and cranny using a soft, damp fabric. This helps to remove softer dust particles, rendering your Makita spanking clean.
For inaccessible areas, an air compressor may come in handy.
However, keep water off your Makita’s electrical components. Besides, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine.
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Boosting Your Multi-tool’s Performance With Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of efficient multi-tool performance. Whether you’ve just acquired a new Makita oscillating tool or have used your current multi-tool for years, implementing the above tips can be significant in extending the equipment’s efficiency and longevity.
Remember that regular power tool maintenance shouldn’t discount the need for replacements.
If your Makita multi-tool has become too costly to repair due to frequent breakdowns, that could suggest the device has seen better days. Your best bet is to consider a replacement.
