DIY & Tools · Review

FEIN 72297264000 Review

5.0 out of 5 stars· 2 reviews

Intro

Every great tool category has an origin story, and the oscillating multi-tool's begins in a German hospital in the 1960s, where FEIN engineers developed a vibrating saw to remove plaster casts without cutting the patient. That invention eventually evolved into the Multimaster — the tool that defined an entire category and remains, for many professionals, the benchmark by which all other oscillating tools are measured. An oscillating multi-tool earns its place in your kit by solving problems no other tool can: flush-cutting a door frame to floor level, sanding right into a corner, scraping dried adhesive off a wall, or plunging a precise rectangular cut for a back box in the middle of a plasterboard sheet. The best examples of this tool type combine smooth, vibration-damped operation with a fast, secure blade-change system and an accessory range that covers every conceivable task. For tradespeople who use an oscillating tool daily and cannot afford downtime or inconsistent results, the premium end of the market exists for a reason — and it is where the original still sets the standard.

Generalities

FEIN occupies a unique position in the power tool world. While most tool brands compete across dozens of categories, FEIN built its reputation on the oscillating multi-tool they invented and have been refining for over 50 years. The word 'Multimaster' is to oscillating tools what 'Hoover' is to vacuum cleaners — the brand that became synonymous with the product category. FEIN tools are manufactured in Germany to exacting standards, and the price reflects that. When you buy a Multimaster, you are paying for a tool engineered for daily professional use, with vibration damping that genuinely reduces fatigue, a Starlock tool holder that grips accessories with exceptional rigidity, and the kind of build quality that keeps the tool running smoothly for years of hard service.

In this review we look at the MM 300 Plus Start — the entry point to FEIN's current Multimaster range, supplied with a 250-watt motor, the QuickIN tool-free clamping system, and a starter set of three E-Cut saw blades. We cover what the 'Start' designation means compared to the higher-end Multimaster models, how the Starlock accessory system works in practice, the vibration and noise characteristics that set FEIN apart, and whether the premium price tag is a worthwhile investment for your type of work.

Description

The FEIN Multimaster MM 300 Plus Start is powered by a 250-watt motor running on 230-volt mains electricity, driving the oscillating head at a variable speed from approximately 11,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute. The 250-watt rating might look unremarkable on paper — some competitors quote 300 watts or more — but FEIN's engineering focus is on efficiency and control rather than raw numbers. The motor delivers its power smoothly across the speed range, and the electronic speed stabilisation maintains consistent oscillation under load, so the tool does not slow down when you press into a cut. The MM 300 Plus uses the Starlock tool holder system, which provides a three-dimensional form-fit connection between the tool and the accessory — significantly more rigid than the flat friction-fit used by universal oscillating tool interfaces. This translates to more power reaching the cutting edge and less energy wasted as vibration.

The QuickIN clamping system is one of the MM 300's standout features and a genuine time-saver in daily use. You lift the clamping lever, position the Starlock accessory, and snap the lever back down — the blade is locked firmly in place in under five seconds with no tools, no hex keys, and no fiddling with bolts. This is meaningfully faster and more secure than the bolt-and-key systems on budget tools, and even edges ahead of many other tool-free systems in terms of the rigidity of the connection. The tool body is compact and well balanced, with a slim grip section that sits comfortably in the hand. At approximately 1.3 kilograms, it is noticeably lighter than many competing 250-watt oscillating tools, which makes a real difference during overhead cutting or when working in awkward positions for extended periods. The soft-grip surfaces are positioned exactly where your hand naturally rests.

Where the MM 300 truly separates itself from the competition is in vibration and noise management. FEIN's decades of experience with oscillating mechanisms are evident in how smoothly this tool runs — the vibration transmitted to your hand is dramatically lower than mid-range and budget oscillating tools. You can use the MM 300 for an hour of continuous sanding or scraping without the numbing, tingling hand fatigue that lesser tools cause after ten minutes. The noise level is also more controlled, though it is still a power tool and hearing protection remains advisable. The variable speed dial provides precise control, and the soft-start feature gradually brings the tool up to speed rather than jerking on — particularly useful when you are doing fine work like sanding a delicate moulding.

The MM 300 Plus Start comes as a basic equipment set with three E-Cut saw blades covering the essential cutting tasks in wood, metal, plasterboard, and plastics. The blades themselves are high-quality FEIN originals with the Starlock fitting, and the E-Cut geometry is designed for fast, clean cuts with minimal tear-out. The tool ships in a FEIN Systainer-compatible case that keeps everything organised and protected. As a 'Start' model, it includes fewer accessories than the full-kit versions higher up the Multimaster range — this is the entry point designed for users who may already own Starlock accessories or who want the tool quality without paying for a comprehensive accessory set they do not need. Additional Starlock blades and attachments are widely available, though they carry a premium price compared to universal blades.

The MM 300 Plus Start measures 44.4 by 36.3 by 15.4 centimetres in its case and weighs approximately 1.3 kilograms as a bare tool. It carries a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars rating, though the sample size is currently small at just two reviews — a reflection of this being a relatively new model in FEIN's lineup. It ranks at #48 in oscillating tools on Amazon. The price of approximately €189 places it at the top of the corded oscillating tool market, and it is genuinely a premium purchase. FEIN tools are manufactured in Germany and come with the manufacturer's warranty. For professionals who will use an oscillating tool every working day, the combination of the QuickIN system, Starlock rigidity, class-leading vibration damping, and legendary FEIN durability makes a compelling case for the investment.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Class-leading vibration damping — the result of over 50 years of oscillating mechanism refinement — allows comfortable use for extended periods without hand fatigue.
  • QuickIN tool-free clamping system locks Starlock accessories in under five seconds with exceptional rigidity — faster and more secure than bolt-and-key systems.
  • Starlock tool holder provides a three-dimensional form-fit connection that transfers more power to the workpiece and wastes less energy as heat and vibration.
  • At approximately 1.3 kilograms, it is one of the lightest 250-watt oscillating tools available — noticeably less fatiguing for overhead work and extended use.
  • German engineering and manufacturing — FEIN invented the oscillating multi-tool category and every component reflects decades of continuous refinement.
  • Electronic speed stabilisation maintains consistent oscillation under load, so cutting speed does not drop when you apply pressure during demanding cuts.
  • Soft-start motor ramps up smoothly — no jerking or jumping, which is especially valuable during precise tasks like sanding delicate profiles or trimming veneer.

Cons

  • At approximately €189, this is one of the most expensive corded oscillating tools on the market — a significant premium over capable 300-watt competitors from mainstream brands.
  • Starlock accessories, while excellent, are more expensive than standard universal blades — the premium tool holder locks you into premium-priced consumables.
  • The 'Start' kit includes only three blades — a relatively sparse accessory set for a tool at this price, and you will need to budget for additional Starlock blades to cover a full range of tasks.
  • Corded-only design — there is no cordless version of this specific model, limiting portability for quick jobs away from power outlets.
  • Only two customer reviews so far means limited community feedback on long-term reliability of this specific model, although FEIN's reputation and warranty provide reassurance.

Use cases

The FEIN Multimaster MM 300 Plus Start is purpose-built for professional tradespeople — carpenters, joiners, kitchen fitters, and renovation specialists — who demand the smoothest operation, fastest blade changes, and most reliable build quality from a tool they will use every working day.

Professional Joinery and Carpentry

When you are fitting bespoke hardwood skirting, architraves, and stair components, every cut needs to be precise and every surface needs to be clean. The MM 300's minimal vibration and precise speed control let you make delicate flush cuts and fine sanding adjustments without the tool chattering or skipping across expensive hardwood. The Starlock connection's rigidity means cleaner cuts with less tear-out on visible surfaces.

Kitchen Fitting and Installation

A kitchen fitter switches between cutting worktop openings, trimming plinths, sanding filler, and scraping old sealant dozens of times a day. The QuickIN system makes these accessory swaps genuinely fast — under five seconds each — which adds up to saved minutes on every installation. The light weight and low vibration mean you can work overhead cutting extractor fan openings without your arms and hands burning out by mid-morning.

Heritage Renovation and Restoration

Working on listed buildings and period properties demands tools that are gentle on fragile materials. The MM 300's soft-start and precise speed control let you carefully scrape layers of paint from ornate plaster cornices, cut through old flooring without damaging the sub-floor, and sand delicate mouldings back to bare wood — all with the control that prevents irreversible damage to irreplaceable features.

Flooring Installation — Professional

Fitting hardwood, engineered timber, or luxury vinyl flooring across multiple rooms means trimming dozens of door architraves and casings flush to the sub-floor. The MM 300's smooth, powerful cutting and Starlock blade rigidity produce splinter-free cuts in oak, walnut, and other dense hardwoods that would challenge lesser tools. The reduced vibration means your hand is not buzzing at the end of a full day of fitting.

Bathroom Renovation Contracting

Stripping out an old bathroom means removing silicone sealant, scraping tile adhesive, cutting out sections of plasterboard, and trimming pipework — all in a confined, often damp space. The MM 300's compact body, light weight, and tool-free blade changes make it easy to switch between tasks without leaving the room. The effective vibration damping is especially appreciated when scraping adhesive overhead from ceilings and cornices.