An oscillating multi-tool is likely the biggest multi-tasker in your toolbox. These lightweight variable-speed workhorses reach into tight spaces to sand, saw, scrape, and grind virtually any material—from wood to metal to grout.
When buying an oscillating tool, we recommend looking for the following:
- An LED to illuminate dark corners.
- An easy way to swap blades, like a tool-free lever.
- A handy variable-speed dial.
- A slim shape with a tactile grip.
- Rubbery bumpers to protect your workpieces.
You should also consider getting the right attachments. In the photo above, we show you a few of our favorites. Clockwise from top left, there’s a paint/adhesive scraper, sanding pad, semicircular saw blade, carbide-grit grout remover, caulk scraper, and plunge-cut blade.
Our Top Oscillating Multi-Tool Picks
After examining the market and testing some of the top products ourselves, here are our picks for the best oscillating multi-tools.
DeWalt XTREME 12V Cordless Oscillating Tool
This cordless oscillating tool has a lightweight design that is under three pounds and easy to move around a job site. We also love the universal accessory adapter that’s compatible with almost all tool accessory brands, so you can mix and match if you have spare accessories, even if they aren’t made by DeWalt. Additionally, we love that this tool has a super bright LED light that helps illuminate dark garages or workspaces.
Key Features
- 10.3 inches long
- 18,000 oscillations per minute (OPM)
- Includes wood cutting blade, wood metal blade, and universal accessory adapter
Milwaukee 2426-22 M12
When we tested this oscillating tool, it performed excellently in our cutting tests and had an outstanding run time. Its soft-start feature provided great control, but we were frustrated by the slow two-piece screw-and-washer blade clamp and the stiff variable-speed dial. The narrow body, fine for small hands, could still use some cushioning to protect work surfaces.
Key Features
- 10 1/4 inches long
- 5,000-20,000 OPM
- Includes wood cutting blade, five sanding pads, adapter, and assorted sanding sheets
BOSCH GOP12V-28N Oscillating Tool
This oscillating tool stands out due to its variable speed dial that can adjust between 5,000 and 20,000 OPM. It is lightweight and versatile, with the ability to flush cut, plunge cut, sand, grind, and more. Furthermore, this tool features a features a wide 2.8-degree oscillating arc for better productivity.
Key Features
- 11.2 inches long
- 5,000-20,000 OPM
- Includes a plunge blade, an accessory mounting screw, a hex wrench, and an accessory box
Makita MT01Z Cordless Oscillating Multitool
Key Features
- 10.9 inches long
- 6,000-20,000 OPM
- Includes a plunge blade and a multi-tool adapter
BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Multi Tool
This eco-friendly tool is made with 50% recycled material, the equivalent of nearly 17 plastic bottles. It comes with a tool-freel lever for quick and easy accessory changes and an easy-to-use on/off switch for straightforward operation. Unlike many of the other tools we examined, its battery, which can last for up to 30 minutes, is included in the kit.
Key Features
- 10.1 inches long
- 11,000 OPM
- Includes a charger, wood and metal blade, scrapper blade, sanding plate, and various-grit sandpaper
Techniques for Properly Using a Multi-Tool
There is no shortage of uses for a cordless oscillating multi-tool. Here are a few of the most common ways we use these tools.
Sanding a Corner
Set the speed to low. Start the tool off the work, and when it’s up to speed, lay the pad flat on the work in the corner and move the tool back and forth with the grain. Don’t tip or press down on the pad, and make sure to lift it off the work before turning off the tool.
Undercutting Trim for Flooring
Snug a scrap piece of flooring against the casing, as shown, and place a flush-cut saw blade flat against the scrap. Score the casing on low. Make more light passes, ramping up the speed each time until you cut through the trim.
“You can’t push the saw blades for these tools too hard, or you’ll end up with sloppy cuts and worn teeth. It’s better to take your time and make shallow passes,” says Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor.
A Few More Attachments We Love
Once you’re a multi-tool pro, you’ll be ready to move on from the basics. Here are a few more specialty multi-tool attachments we recommend.
Caulk Knife
The double-edged 2¼-inch blade cleanly knifes through stubborn old sealant.
Swing Blade
Its diamonds cut grout without wearing out, while its shape lets it get into tight corners.
Multiflex
A yoke with a spiral blade enables you to cut curves or copes in wood or plastic.
