Milwaukee OPEN-LOK 1-3/8" Carbide Teeth Metal Multi-Tool Blades 5PK

As someone who frequently tackles a variety of DIY and professional projects, having reliable tools that can handle demanding tasks is crucial. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out Milwaukee's OPEN-LOK 1-3/8" Carbide Teeth Metal Multi-Tool Blades, specifically the 5-pack variant, and I found the experience to be a mixed bag of impressive performance and some frustrating shortcomings.

Initial Impressions

Right out of the box, the first thing that caught my attention was the robust build quality of these blades. Milwaukee is known for its premium construction, and these blades are no exception. They feature carbide teeth designed for extended life, which promise significantly longer durability compared to standard bi-metal blades. The blades also come coated with a protective black oxide layer to fend off corrosion, which is a thoughtful touch for those of us who might not always store our blades in ideal conditions.

Installation and Compatibility

Installing these blades onto my oscillating tool was a breeze, thanks to the Universal Fit OPEN-LOK anchor. This feature ensures that the blades are compatible with a wide range of oscillating multi-tools, which is a huge plus for anyone who might not be using a Milwaukee-branded oscillating tool. The package even includes an adapter for Dremel tools, further extending its versatility. The blades locked on securely and didn't come loose during operation, which has been an issue with some other brands I've tried.

Performance

Cutting Metal

The real test, of course, is how well these blades perform in action. I started with one of the more challenging tasks: cutting through metal. I had a series of steel bolts embedded in cement that needed to be trimmed down. Using my Milwaukee M12 oscillating tool, I was able to cut through all 16 bolts with two blades. The first blade managed to cut through seven bolts before showing significant wear, while the second blade handled the remaining nine and still had some life left in it. The key to success in this task was to let the oscillation and the teeth do the work rather than forcing the blade through, which can lead to premature wear.

Other Materials

In addition to metal, I also tested these blades on a variety of other materials, including aluminum, PVC, and even cement board. The blades performed admirably, slicing through aluminum with minimal burrs and making quick work of PVC pipes in tight spaces where a regular pipe cutter wouldn't fit. Cutting through cement board for a bathroom remodel was surprisingly easy, almost akin to cutting through sheetrock.

However, the performance wasn't universally stellar. When it came to cutting smaller diameter wood screws, the carbide teeth wore down much faster than I expected. I found myself struggling to complete even a dozen cuts before the teeth were rendered ineffective. Similarly, on a project involving plaster and lathe, I burned through a 5-pack of blades on a single small wall, which was quite disappointing.

Durability and Longevity

The durability of these blades is somewhat hit or miss. While they excel in certain applications like cutting through thick bolts and aluminum, they fall short when dealing with smaller, less demanding tasks like wood screws or plaster. The carbide teeth, marketed for their extreme durability, sometimes failed to live up to the hype. I encountered instances where the teeth wore flat or chipped off entirely after minimal usage. This inconsistency in performance is a significant drawback, especially considering the premium price point of these blades.

Overall Value

Given the mixed performance, it's challenging to definitively categorize these blades as either a must-have or a pass. On the one hand, their ability to tackle heavy-duty metal cutting tasks is impressive and can save substantial time and effort on projects that involve thick bolts or tough materials. On the other hand, the inconsistency in durability across different applications raises questions about their overall value, especially when cheaper alternatives might perform just as well or better in less demanding scenarios.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, Milwaukee's OPEN-LOK 1-3/8" Carbide Teeth Metal Multi-Tool Blades offer a robust, versatile solution for cutting through metal and other tough materials, provided you use them correctly and understand their limitations. They excel in high-stress scenarios, cutting through thick bolts and steel with relative ease. However, their performance in less demanding tasks leaves room for improvement, and the inconsistency in durability is a notable concern.

Would I recommend these blades? Yes, but with reservations. If your projects frequently involve cutting through thick metal, these blades are worth the investment for their sheer cutting power and compatibility with a wide range of tools. However, if your needs are more varied and include softer materials or smaller tasks, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for the possibility of frequent blade replacements.

Ultimately, Milwaukee's carbide teeth blades are a solid addition to any toolkit but are best suited for those who regularly tackle heavy-duty metal cutting tasks. For occasional users or those with more diverse cutting needs, exploring other alternatives might yield better value for money.