The Best Oscillating Multi-Tool

Buying Guide

Walk into any hardware store and you’re likely to see aisles full of specialized tools for all manner of home improvement 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. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one tool that could handle all of these jobs?

Savvy handymen know that there already is. 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.

So what does it do? As the “multi-tool” name implies, there isn’t much it can’t do. 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. That motion is known as oscillation, and it’s well suited to portable cutting devices. Unlike circular saws and other comparable tools, oscillating cutters tend to “grab” less and are easier to handle for detail jobs.

As with any interchangeable bladed tool, a secure fit is key. 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. Newer models typically have some lever system such as Bosch’s Starlock that allows users to change accessories on the fly without unscrewing.

As with any power tool, the big attraction for most buyers is going to be the power. A good general measure of that power is the motor’s maximum oscillations per minute, typically abbreviated as OPM. Any decent multi-tool should have that number listed prominently, but it’s hardly the only measure of quality. If you’re doing light-duty jobs like drywall cutting or sanding, you might not even need all that much torque. In that case, you might look for a multi-tool with variable settings that be adjusted down. Less OPM might not cut through masonry so well, but it will make your tool easier to handle for detail work.

The next big factor is portability. 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. The battery will need to be recharged periodically, but there have been great strides in lithium-ion battery technology in the last few years. You can expect plenty of use out of a charge on most mid-range or better tools.

Corded multi-tools, of course, will only have a range as long as their cord. 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. That said, corded multi-tools are generally able to squeeze a bit more power out of their motors. The results may vary, and might be negligible if you’re not doing consistently heavy work. Still, every little bit counts.

Most multi-tools will come in a kit with an array of fittings and blades suited to a variety of jobs. There are blades for grout removal, drywall, concrete and more plus various sizes of sanding pads, to name just a few. You may not need all of them, so pick the kit that suits your work the best. Still, if you’re just starting out in home repair you might want to grab a larger bundle. After all, why have a multi-tool if you’re going to limit its uses?

Buying new accessories for your multi-tool is fairly easy, and can even be fun. Still, check your manufacturer’s guide for details. Many multi-tools have adapters that will allow them to use blades and pads from other brands. Others are somewhat more proprietary with their gear. Whatever you do, make sure the fit is secure no matter what head you use. Operating a tool with a loose blade can result in harm to the blade, the tool — and possibly the user.