New Harbor Freight Hercules Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool w/ Brushless Motor

March 13, 2021

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Harbor Freight has come out with their second Hercules 20V brushless-motor cordless power tool, a new oscillating multi-tool, model HCB42B.

The Harbor Freight Hercules 20V cordless oscillating multi-tool is said to deliver 45% longer runtime compared to their Hercules brushed motor product, and 20% more power compared to their “standard” product.

This is Harbor Freight’s first and only cordless oscillating multi-tool, and so the 45% longer runtime and 20% more power claims seem to be based on general brushless motor advantages.

The brushless multi-tool has a 3.1° oscillating angle, and previous marketing language said that it also features a universal-style blade interface. A tool-free blade change mechanism allows for quick and easy accessory changes.

The front of the tool features a dual-LED worklight design.

Additional features include a soft start motor, 6-speed variable speed control, and compact design.

Harbor Freight Hercules Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Specs

20V battery platform
3.1° oscillation angle
8,000 – 19,000 OPM
Weighs 2.6 lbs
11.5″ length

The tool is sold as a bare tool only, although there are “build your own kit” promotions where you can save $25 in-store only if you also buy a battery and charger at the same time.

Bundled accessories include a 3/8″ plunge cutting blade, sanding pad, 5pc 120 grit sandpaper, 5pc 180 grit sandpaper

Price: $100

More Info via Harbor Freight
Compare: Dewalt Kit via Amazon

Discussion

We knew that Harbor Freight was launching a series of new brushless Hercules cordless power tools in 2021, although there was no way of knowing the order.

This new Hercules oscillating multi-tool looks okay on paper, and I assume that it features the same universal blade interface as previously advertised.

Is there a dust port adapter? No, or at least I cannot find one on Harbor Freight’s website.

Harbor Freight sells a surprising range of oscillating multi-tool blades and other such accessories, and even a handful of Hercules-branded blades.

The pricing of Harbor Freight’s accessories aren’t very compelling, but you should be able to use other brands’ blades without issue. Which ones? They don’t specify, but it looks like Imperial’s blades (buy now via Amazon) will fit. (The linked-to Imperial Blades bulk packs, starting with their 3pc pack, beat Harbor Freight Hercules on pricing.)

It’s good to see Harbor Freight upping their game, but savvy shoppers that haven’t already purchased into the Hercules 20V cordless power tool system will occasionally have a couple of other compelling options available to them.

Just a few months ago, you could have purchased a Dewalt brushless 20V Max oscillating multi-tool kit for $99, or a Milwaukee M18 oscillating multi-tool kit for $99. The new Harbor Freight oscillating multi-tool bare tool is $100 by itself.

At the time of this posting, the regular Dewalt brushless kit, with more accessories than the $99 seasonal kit, is priced at $174 via Amazon.

If you need a full kit with the Hercules, their 2.0Ah battery is priced at $25, and their standard charger is $30. Buy it all in-store, and you’re looking at a $130 kit price (after $25 bundle savings). That’s pretty good for a brushless motor cordless oscillating multi-tool outside of holiday shopping seasons.

The idea of better performing and higher quality Harbor Freight Hercules tools is still very new, but it seems to be working out for them.