What are you waiting for if you haven’t already purchased an oscillating tool? It’s perhaps the most versatile power tool ever made, and it’s already won over a slew of woodworkers, remodelers, and do-it-yourselfers.
The oscillating tool is quite beneficial. They’re ideal for making deep cuts in wood or metal that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. They can, however, be used for a variety of activities, which is one of the reasons we recommend getting one for any DIY enthusiast.
What is the purpose of an oscillating tool?
An oscillating tool is a small, portable power tool that can sand, cut, scrape, grind, and polish using a variety of replaceable blades. The blade vibrates—or oscillates—at a high tool, making it considerably easier and safer to handle than a circular saw, reciprocating saw, or even a jigsaw.
Wood, metal, drywall, cement, plaster, plastic, and fiberglass are just a few of the materials it can cut through. A multi-tool can also function in locations where other power tools wouldn’t dare to go, such as tight corners and difficult angles. Although oscillating multi-tools appear to be the same, they differ greatly in terms of power, performance, and longevity.
When purchasing a multi-tool, keep the following qualities in mind:
- Variable-speed motor with a power range of 3.5 to 4 amps and a speed range of 11,000 to 20,000 OPM (oscillations per minute).
- The blade-change system is simple and requires no tools. It takes attachments from any manufacturer.
- Design with a tapered, easy-grip body that dampens vibrations.
- Extra-long power cord (at least 10 feet) to avoid snags and hang-ups, as well as the necessity for an extension cord in many circumstances.
10 Best Things About Oscillating Multi Tool
“OK, I’m persuaded, the multi-tool is a fantastic tool,” you’re probably thinking, “but what can I actually accomplish with one?” I’m glad you inquired. Here are some jobs that a multi-tool may help you with:
1. Trim Door Casings—When installing new flooring, it’s common to need to trim door casings and jambs to make room for it. Place an upside-down piece of new flooring adjacent to the casing on the subfloor. Plunge-cut through the casing with a flush-cutting wood blade held flat against the flooring piece. The new flooring will slip perfectly beneath the casing after the damaged piece of wood is removed.
2. Sand Wood Smooth—Every multi-tool manufacturer sells sanding attachments that can be used to smooth wood, wood fillers, and clear topcoat treatments. These attachments work with hook-and-loop abrasives, making changing sandpaper a breeze.
3. Cut Plumbing Pipes—When the multi-tool is connected to the right blade, it can cut through copper, plastic, and even old galvanized metal pipes. You can also work in very small places, like inside cabinets, behind walls, in ceilings, and under floors, because the tool is small and the blade can be bent at different angles.
4. Scrape Off Old Paint—Use a steel scraper blade to scrape off loose, blistered paint fast. Then sand down to bare wood or glossy metal using a sanding pad.
5. Save Room Moldings—Unless you use a multi-tool, prying off wood mouldings without destroying them is very hard. Cut through numerous layers of dried paint, old caulking, and even finishing nails with a fine-tooth metal-cutting blade.
6. Remove Grout—Attach a grout-removal blade with a carbide grit and use it to remove grout from the seams between floor and wall tiles. Grout dust isn’t sprayed around the home since the blade oscillates back and forth rather than spinning.
7. Cut Drywall Openings—The multi-tool allows you to cut holes in drywall or plaster walls and ceilings quickly, easily, and precisely. Mark the shape on the surface and cut directly through it with a wood- or metal-cutting blade, being careful not to cut into any underground pipes or cables.
8. Grind Away Mortar— The multi-tool makes removing hardened cement-based mortar from a subfloor a breeze. Grinderortar, cement, and even rock-hard adhesives with a triangular-shaped carbide-grit rasp. In seconds, the super-coarse rasp pulverizes the rock-hard mortar to dust. The rasp’s triangular design allows it to readily slip into small spaces.
9. Remove Old Caulk—Drop the putty knife and grab the multi-tool the next time you need to remove old, hardened caulk. Install a sharpened steel scraper blade and use it to cut through even the toughest, most tenacious caulk. Scrape caulk from around tubs, sinks, countertops, backsplashes, windows, and doors with this procedure.
10. Scrape Off Adhesives—The multi-high-speed tool’s oscillating motion is great for scraping up high-strength flooring mastics and adhesives that are used to bond vinyl and carpets. Lift one corner of the flooring using a steel scraper blade attached to the tool. As you pull up on the floor covering, slide the blade beneath it and scrape away the glue. If there’s any remaining glue, use a carbide-grit rasp to remove it.
Top 5 Best Oscillating Tool
1. DeWALT Corded Oscillating Tool
This DeWALT corded oscillating multi-tool is Amazon’s top pick for a corded oscillating multi-tool, and it’s easy to see why: it has a dual handle, a built-in LED light, various sanding attachments, a carrying case, and 29 accessories. The oscillating tool guide system allows users to tune the size of each cut to duplicate cuts, and the included accessories may be used for cutting, sanding, and other common operations.
Furthermore, the quick-change accessory system makes blade replacement a breeze. In terms of corded oscillating tools, this is one of the highest-quality tools available. The paddle variable speed switch is simple to operate and adjust. It’s a well-balanced piece. The accessories are held in place extremely securely by the quick-change system. In fact, squeezing the lever requires some hand power. “
BUY NOW: $149 (Was $179), Amazon
2. DeWALT Atomic Cordless Oscillating Tool
This basic tool was Amazon’s pick for a cordless oscillating tool, and we can understand why, with over 96 percent customer satisfaction. This DeWALT 20V tool’s brushless motor lasts 50% longer than brushless motors, and the universal accessory connector lets users mix and match with most other accessories. Users can modify speed settings for different applications with a dual-grip variable speed trigger.
An LED light and a quick-change accessory system are also included. “Everyone undertaking remodeling work needs this tool,” one customer said. It may be used for a variety of purposes. This bad boy slices straight through 90-year-old nails while I delicately remove ancient wood siding and tongue and groove flooring! And being cordless makes everything easier. “
BUY NOW: $90, Amazon
3. Rockwell Oscillating Tools
If you’re searching for an oscillating tool that can get into small spots, look no further than this Rockwell multi-tool. Because of the universal attachment mechanism, handymen may use any oscillating accessory on the market in addition to the 32 provided with this tool. For optimal cutting and control, the oscillation angle is adjusted to four degrees.
Users may select different speeds for each task with the continuous speed control, and the compact storage bag can hold all of the equipment and more. One customer remarked, “This is one tool I’m not sure how I ever managed without.” It comes with a variety of blades that may be used to cut a variety of materials and sand. The variable speed control is one of my favorite features.
BUY NOW: $71.87 (Was $99.99), Amazon
4. Bosch Brushless StarlockPlus Oscillating Tool
Because of its battery longevity, electronic speed control, star lock interface, and gripping force, this Bosch cordless tool is one of the best. This multi-tool has the same power as typical corded versions and can do flush and plunge cutting, among other tasks. While the brushless motor may be a little hefty for certain clients, it does give good battery power. The star lock function is one of my favorites. The blades and sanding pads may be changed without the need for any tools. The battery life is outstanding. And the engine is so strong that it slices through the material like butter. ”
BUY NOW: $151.80, Amazon
5. DeWALT Lightweight Oscillating Tool
When it comes to good oscillating tools, DeWALT is known for manufacturing long-lasting and powerful tools, and this cordless multi-tool is no exception. A dual-grip variable speed trigger, an LED light, and a universal fit mechanism are all included in this tool. This tool does not require the use of a hex key or an Allen wrench; instead, it is spring-loaded, and the screw holds are simply pulled out.
One customer said, “This is an exceptionally lightweight multi-purpose tool.” I enjoy how the trigger system encourages you to explore deeper into your product over time. I haven’t had to change it to the third speed setting yet. At first, I found it simple to deal with. It’s small and light, and it’s simple to handle with one hand. It’s also exceptionally silent. It’s got a lot of power, and I haven’t had any trouble cutting through wood with it.
BUY NOW: $104.99 (Was $149), Amazon
Oscillating Tools Have a Wide Range of Applications
The term “multi-tool” refers to an oscillating tool that may be used for a range of tasks. Plunging, cutting pipes, sanding wood, stripping paint, and trimming bolts are just a few of the applications. An oscillating tool may also be used to remove grout or cement from between tiles. Multi-tools are good because they make it easy for people to connect a lot of different attachments to the main tool, which means they don’t have to carry around a lot of different tools.
This is especially beneficial for professionals that rely on tools in their work, such as contractors and woodworkers. Furthermore, some of the greatest tools come with a variety of attachments, while universal systems allow experts and homeowners to use their own attachments.
