TESTED PRODUCT TEST
THE VERDICT
The Global Machinery Company is an Aussie firm that
distributes here in the UK. And, like most of our cousins
from Down Under, they’re not exactly subtle when it comes
to power and toughness. That goes as much for their cars
as much as it does for their tools. GMC are Aussie all over,
they don’t like to mess about, their game really is all about
no nonsense kit with the emphasis on being rugged and
powerful enough for trade users.
With a quick test it’s obvious that there’s plenty of grunt
here. With the cutting blade attached (which is no doubt the
most popular accessory) it’ll make short work of wood, metal
and plastic... and Suzuki Alto bumpers, if you happen to have
our Jules’ taste in chunky rubber.
But it’s also nice that it’s not just about sheer power -
there’s some lovely little features that show plenty of finesse
too. The rubberised grips are, apparently, designed to reduce
vibrations and fatigue, and there’s also variable speeds. But,
hands down the best feature in my book, is the quick release
mechanism that makes changing accessories a matter of a
couple of seconds. There’s no mucking about with spanners
or hex keys to remove blades or sanding pads, simply flip the
leaver, slot in your chosen accessory and away you go.
Cutter, sander, scraper, router, plunge saw, this versatile
item is easily everything you want from a multi-tool, a master
bit of toolage that’s just as suited to us modifiers as it is for
everyday professional use. If you can’t see plenty of uses for
this one, you simply don’t belong in a workshop. Nice work
GMC cobbers!THE PRODUCT
Multi tools are supposed to be versatile (that’s where the ‘multi’ bit comes in), but this one
is more versatile than most simply because it’s cordless. But that’s not the whole story,
it’s a bloody powerful bit of kit. The 18V battery is exactly the same as the 1.5Ah Li-Ion unit
used in GMC’s drill/impact driver combi pack that we tested three or four months ago.
And very good they were too. It also makes this the perfect add-on if you already have
those, or anything else in the GMC 18V range.
Anyway, the real point is that the 18V battery puts this one firmly in the professional
class. These batteries not only have a handy LED indicator, and they charge in an hour
but, if you’re in the trade and need to run them constantly for days on end, they’re also
upgradable with 2, 3 or 4Ah options.
On to the actual body of the unit and the professional qualities become even more
apparent. Constructed from impact-resistant materials, it’s just as solid as it looks, perfect
for chucking around the workshop or bouncing about in your boot.
Even if you’re lucky enough to have a garage or workshop and don’t have to work
on your drive, it’s still pretty obvious that most corded power tools suck when it comes
to cars. It’s the reason we rarely plug in a drill nowadays, and the best impact wrenches
come with big ass batteries attached to the bottom.
But what about the multi-tools favoured by everyone from Bob the Builder to Nick
Knowles, and just about every pro mechanic, fabricator and trimmer in between? Well,
there are a few cordless items out there, usually either cheap and not very powerful,
or useful but seriously expensive. But that’s where this all-new 18Volt unit from GMC
bucks the trend – this one seems to have it all...
GMC Tested by Midge
18V OSCILLATING MULTI-TOOL
More man tools this month...
THE GOOD STUFF
Very powerful
Great value
Super tough
Price £93 (list price)
http://www.gmctools.com