Oscillating tools, also called oscillating multi tools, multi-cutters or multi-tools, are some of the best onsite aids a handyman can ask for. Just like rotary tools, oscillating tools are incredibly versatile when it comes to home remodeling, construction or repair jobs.
They can do a bit of everything that other power tools can with a slight spin, plus their compact design puts them in places where bulkier circular saws or grinders can’t reach.
How Oscillating Tools Work
Most power tools in the market today rely on some sort of circular or rotational movement to get the job done. Circular saws, angle grinders, rotary tools and all sorts of drills and hammers all spin or rotate in some manner, while tools like jigsaws and reciprocating saws do the job with blades and attachments that are rapidly moved back and forth.
The oscillating tool is rather unique in that it instead moves the tool attachment side to side very rapidly. It’s not uncommon for an oscillating tool to vibrate at a rapid 20,000 oscillations per minute or more to rapidly remove material, shape stock or cut holes.
What You Can Do With Oscillating Tools and Accessories
Just like the handy rotary tool, the oscillating tool is a compact, jack-of-all-trades sort of machine that takes all manner of pads and tips to do an incredibly wide array of jobs.
Depending on the accessory you equip on your multi-tool, you can do everything from sawing, cutting, grinding, scraping, polishing and surface preparation all with one power tool on hand.
You will have to keep in mind that it will do these tasks but not as well as other tools, in relation to speed and efficiency but they have the advantage of performing tasks that other tools can't do as well.
Safety Reminder For Oscillating Tool Accessories
Many oscillating tool attachments work by friction, and they will become extremely hot immediately after use. Like grinders, make sure that the tool is turned off and disconnected from the power source before handling an accessory.
Unlike grinders, however, you should always assume that the attachment is too hot to handle safely after use – always wear gloves when changing them.
Oscillating Tool Uses
Cutting attachments tipped with diamond and other abrasives can cut through ceramic tiles, and an oscillating tool can cut through the material without flinging too much dust and debris around, as well.
- Grinding attachments let your oscillating tool grind off and remove grout, mortar, concrete splatter, and similar debris.
- Scraping attachments that come in the form of rounded spatulas can make quick work of adhesives, perfect for cleaning up after vinyl flooring removal or changing carpets.
- Sanding attachments such as the triangular pads used on detail sanders also work with oscillating tools, making them capable of sanding a wide range of materials including wood and metal.
- Just like sanding accessories, oscillating tools can use polishing pads as well – perfect for polishing up the last bits and corners on pieces made of steel, copper or chrome.
- There are sawing blades designed for oscillating tools, too, and they are capable of cutting through reasonable thicknesses of material like copper, sheet metal, fiberglass, plasterboard, wood and other materials.
Which Type of Oscillating Tool Should I Buy?
When it comes to choosing an oscillating tool, your choices are mostly limited to the handheld type – before, most of the oscillating tool market has been the domain of a handful of manufacturers due to patenting.
It’s only recently that other tool makers are making their entry into the oscillating tool market and you can expect more varieties to come out in the future as well, I think.
Cordless / Battery Powered Oscillating Tools
Oscillating tools are often used in situations and tight spots where other tools are not a great fit, and having a cordless oscillating tool is definitely an advantage for these occasions.
If you don’t plan on using your oscillating tool for the whole job, or if it requires you to get into tight spaces or up on ladders, you will appreciate the portability and running time that modern cordless oscillating tools will give you, especially if you have a couple of higher capacity Ah batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries now hold more charge and can refill faster, while more efficient electric motors have greatly extended the operating time not just of cordless oscillating tools, but cordless power tools in general. That said, you will still encounter considerable downtime when using a cordless oscillating tool while waiting for it to charge up and extra batteries can be expensive.
The somewhat diminished power of cordless oscillating tools, compared to corded ones, is something you have to consider as well.
In an ideal world, you would have both options with you to deal with any situation – otherwise, consider your requirements and think on whether the freedom of movement with a cordless is worth the hassles that come with the added cost of batteries and charging times.
Corded Oscillating Tools
Oscillating tools that plug in to an outlet will give you all the running time you need – you are basically only limited by how long the job takes or whether you have enough extra attachments on hand.
There is, of course, the hassle of keeping the cord out of the way and dragging it around that should be considered. Look for reputable manufacturers to avoid getting lower quality models that tend to run a little louder and hotter.
Corded oscillating tools, in general, are more powerful than those in cordless models. The new cordless motors in recent models have narrowed the gap, however. For most jobs, both corded and cordless oscillating tools of equivalent quality should more or less perform the same, within reason.
Features To Look For in Oscillating Tools
Oscillating tools are fairly simple machines – there are only so many features you can think of for a power tool whose job is to rub something really, really quickly. That said, the influx of newer models from manufacturers have introduced a few innovations you should look out for.
- Variable speed controls let you slow down or speed up the tool as is appropriate for the job. This is a must-have if you will be using your oscillating tool for polishing, especially on softer stock where taking off too much material can ruin the finish.
- Built-in LED lighting illuminates the target area, letting you aim the tool more accurately for making flush cuts.
- Vibration control features let the tool absorb most of the vibrations during operation, putting less stress on your hand.
- Good ergonomic design not only lets you use the tool more comfortable, but it will also help you keep a firm grip as you maneuver the tool inside tight spaces.
- A good set of accessories and attachments provided with the tool lets you use it right away without having to shop for attachments.
A great set should let you complete a wide variety of jobs out of the box- and should have a variety of grinding pads and cutting discs. - A carrying case, while not strictly required, is a nice bonus to protect your tool and keeps everything together and organized.
- A depth cutting guide will help you make accurate flush and plunge cuts.
- Quick-release or tool-free accessory system takes out the hassle of finding an allen wrench when changing accessories. Do watch out for attachments that might melt under heat – some sanding pads heat up to the extent that having a hook and loop system (also known as Velcro) is more of a disadvantage.
- Dust extraction features funnel dust and debris to a dust port that you can attach to a dust collection bin or vacuum, minimizing the clean-up you have to do afterward. Do note that unlike rotary tools, oscillating tools do not produce as much airborne dust when doing the same job.
- Extra batteries for cordless models will be a huge boon for your productivity. Some of the better models come with two to three batteries that you can easily switch in and out of your tool, keeping the downtime to a minimum.
How To Compare Oscillating Tools
Speed
The performance of oscillating tools, unlike the usual torque-based power tools, relies on speed. Faster oscillating tools get the job done, and they can do cleaner cuts and smoother finishes as well. Speed, in this case, is measured in Oscillations Per Minute (OPM).
In general, most of the better oscillating tool brands are capable of 20,000 OPM or more – you have to keep in mind that most figures given out by manufacturers are those for tools not under load.
Aside from the frequency of oscillations, the speed of an oscillating tool also depends on the angle. The greater the angle, the farther the tool swings the attachment from side to side and the higher the velocity. This translates to more material taken per pass and faster jobs.
Power
While the speed of your oscillating tool determines the speed and quality of the job it can do, the power of the tool dictates the range of jobs it will be capable of. For corded oscillating tools, this figure is given as the Ampere rating of the motor (amps) – most starter kits have 1.5 amps, with the more heavy-duty models running 3 amp motors or bigger.
Some of the more industrial models have their motor specs stated in terms of wattage (watts).
For cordless models, use the voltage rating as an indicator of the power of the tool, which will usually be in the 18V to 20V range. For most jobs, a 2-amp motor will generally serve you well, but having something with a bit more power will give you the confidence that your tool will be able to push through the occasional wood knot or tough paint lump.
Unlike rotating tools, oscillating tools are less prone to binding or seizing up in the material you are grinding or cutting. Even then, attachments tend to last longer if they are not caught in the stock you are cutting into, and having a powerful tool helps a lot with that.
Weight and Ergonomics
Oscillating power tools are often used in situations where access is limited. Having a lightweight yet powerful tool can go a long way towards making your tool easier to use, and you need to consider the balance of the tool as well.
A good power tool sits nicely in your hand, does not make too much vibration while remaining easy to lift and move, and is nicely balanced held horizontally or at an angle.
Accessories
The accessories that come with your oscillating tool will determine the range of jobs it can do out of the box.
A good set of tools should cover the major jobs that the tool is meant for: cutting and sawing, sanding, scraping, polishing and grinding. A nice tool from a good brand may be lacking in the way of accessories – in this case, make sure to check if it can put on accessories from other brands as well.
Oscillating Tool Safety and Efficiency Tips
Like with most power tools, there are safe and unsafe ways of using an oscillating tool. Most models do not really come with a guard of some sort, so extra care should be taken when the tool is plugged in.
Avoid breaking your accessories by exerting a gentle and uniform pressure on the tool. Keep in mind that the oscillating tool can typically only make plunge cuts in softer materials – a softwood board, plasterboard or plastic is about the hardest the tool can plunge into.
When making cuts, always check for metal – avoid screws, fasteners, and nails if your attachment is not designed to handle them. As with most tools you use in the workshop or onsite, always wear eye protection. Gloves must be worn when handling the attachments, as well.
