![]() ![]() ![]() Photo: Glenda Taylor How We Tested the Best Oscillating Tools BEST FOR METAL: DeWalt DWE315K Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit.BEST FOR INDOORS: Dremel Multi-Max MM20V-02 Oscillating Tool Kit.BEST FOR SANDING: Rockwell Sonicrafter 4.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool.BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 2.5 Amp Electric Oscillating Multi-Tool.RUNNER-UP: Porter-Cable 3.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit.Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best oscillating tool for your needs and to find out why each of the following models earned a spot on our lineup. We gathered the highest-rated oscillating tools and used them in several ways: sawing, sanding, and even grinding out old grout. Some of the top power tool manufacturers, such as DeWalt, Bosch, and Dremel, are producing oscillating tools, and we wanted to know which ones lived up to the hype. Plus, its compact design lets it fit in tight and awkward spaces to tackle jobs bulkier power tools can’t manage. While it’s not as powerful as a large circular saw or drum sander, its ability to tackle multiple light-duty tasks makes it a popular choice with remodelers and DIYers. The action, a combination of vibration and sawing, works well for cutting materials like metal, wood, and drywall and, with the right attachments, can also sand and file. It features a small blade that’s fixed at one end while the other end moves rapidly back and forth in an arcing motion that mimics a pendulum swing. Still, if you’re just starting out in home repair you might want to grab a larger bundle.When it comes to popular power tools, the oscillating tool is the new kid on the block. You may not need all of them, so pick the kit that suits your work the best. There are blades for grout removal, drywall, concrete and more plus various sizes of sanding pads, to name just a few. Most multi-tools will come in a kit with an array of fittings and blades suited to a variety of jobs. The results may vary, and might be negligible if you’re not doing consistently heavy work. That said, corded multi-tools are generally able to squeeze a bit more power out of their motors. That’s fine as long you’re working indoors, or in reasonable range of an outlet - but you will want to be wary of cutting through your own cord or other mishaps in messy work areas. You can expect plenty of use out of a charge on most mid-range or better tools.Ĭorded multi-tools, of course, will only have a range as long as their cord. The battery will need to be recharged periodically, but there have been great strides in lithium-ion battery technology in the last few years. ![]() ![]() If you need to tackle jobs in multiple areas of the house on the same day, you might want to invest in a cordless multi-tool. Less OPM might not cut through masonry so well, but it will make your tool easier to handle for detail work. In that case, you might look for a multi-tool with variable settings that be adjusted down. If you’re doing light-duty jobs like drywall cutting or sanding, you might not even need all that much torque. Any decent multi-tool should have that number listed prominently, but it’s hardly the only measure of quality. A good general measure of that power is the motor’s maximum oscillations per minute, typically abbreviated as OPM. Newer models typically have some lever system such as Bosch’s Starlock that allows users to change accessories on the fly without unscrewing.Īs with any power tool, the big attraction for most buyers is going to be the power. Many older tools might require an allen wrench or some proprietary accessory in order to remove the old blade and sub in a new one. Unlike circular saws and other comparable tools, oscillating cutters tend to “grab” less and are easier to handle for detail jobs.Īs with any interchangeable bladed tool, a secure fit is key. That motion is known as oscillation, and it’s well suited to portable cutting devices. The basic design of this handheld device incorporates a motor that can move a blade (or any one of several accessories) in a rapid side-to-side motion. So what does it do? As the “multi-tool” name implies, there isn’t much it can’t do. It’s called the oscillating multi-tool, and although it’s only been a staple in the contractor’s tool chest for the past decade or so, many home repair specialists now wouldn’t dream of tackling a job without one. Savvy handymen know that there already is. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one tool that could handle all of these jobs? There are sanders, grout removal tools, vinyl strippers and electric blades of various sizes and shapes depending on what they’re meant to be cutting. Walk into any hardware store and you’re likely to see aisles full of specialized tools for all manner of home improvement jobs. ![]()
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