Power Tools

What Are The Oscillating Tool Uses, And Which Cordless Oscillating Tool Model Is Recommended?

Sep 15, 2022

You have a DIY project that requires a cordless oscillating tool.


Here’s the deal – you have a lot of options when it comes to oscillating tools. But which one is right for your needs? If you’re doing a lot of light-duty DIY projects, a basic cordless oscillating tool might be all you need.


But if you want to tackle some heavier-duty jobs, then you’ll want to choose a more powerful oscillating tool, and that usually means buying a corded oscillating tool. We’ve got you covered, though.


We’ve put together a guide to help you pick the right oscillating tool for your needs, and to help you determine if a cordless or corded oscillating tool is best for your job.


So if you've ever had trouble finding the right attachment for your job, read this article to learn the answers to those burning questions! 

 

How To Choose Which Model Is Best For You

Match the features, capabilities to your budget. Once you have narrowed down, click on the "Check Price On Amazon" button to get further confidence you have made the right choice by reading some past customers reviews.

 

How We Choose The Best For You

We have tried out a lot of oscillating tools over the years, but there are so many different models and features, it's hard to keep track of which one is right for you.


So we've put together a list of the most useful features and the types of tool you should consider buying.


To solve this problem, we recommend you to choose a tool according to your needs. For example, if you are a DIYer, then you could go for a cheaper one. Or you could try a professional tool instead of buying one of those overpriced professional ones.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Oscillating Tool 2626-20 M18, Cordless

Amazon #3 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • The Milwaukee oscillating tool m18 has a fully adjustable 12-speed from 11,000 to a max of 18,000 OPM to tackle any job with precision
  • Metal gear case will ensure the durability of this tool taking all the hard knocks
  • Rubberized mold handle for a firm grip to improve handling even in wet conditions
  • LED light
  • Milwaukee Oscillating Tool 2626-20 M18 has replaced the Milwaukee m12 oscillating tool

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 18V
  • Speed : 18,000 OPM
  • Weight : 3.07 lbs
  • Included : 5 Assorted Sanding Sheets, Sanding Pad, Wood Cutting Blade, Adapter. Use original Milwaukee oscillating tool blades if possible
  • REDLINK M18 battery sold separately

 

 

Makita Oscillating Tool XMT03Z 18V LXT®, Cordless

Amazon #4 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

  • 6,000-20,000 OPM variable speed control dial
  • 3.2° oscillation angle to cut & sand faster, more aggressively
  • Large On/Off slide switch with lock-on button
  • 2 3/8" diameter barrel grip

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 18V
  • Speed : 20,000 OPM
  • Weight : 4.0 lbs
  • Included : ‎1-1/4" Plunge Blade, 14TPI (A-95255), Multi-Tool Adapter (196271-6), Multi-Tool Adapter to fit most competing brands
  • Battery and charger sold separately

 

 

Ryobi Oscillating Tool P343 18V One+ Cordless

Amazon #7 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

  • The hex blade and bolt blade change system to swap attachment heads
  • Variable speed dial 20,000 OPM for better control
  • Lock-on trigger to reduce user fatigue
  • Compatible with Ryobi 18V One+ chargers and 18V One+ 1.5Ah Li-Ion batteries

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 18V
  • Speed : 20,000 OPM
  • Weight : 2.38 lbs
  • Included : ‎3 Attachment Heads - blade, semi-circle blade, and sanding pad
  • Battery sold separately

 

 

 

Porter Cable Oscillating Tool 20V MAX*

Amazon #13 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • Tool-free system to adjust & change accessories quick and easy
  • 8,000 - 18,000 OPM variable speed dial for maximum control
  • LED work light
  • 3 Position molded grip to reduce vibration
  • Uses 20V MAX System


Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 20V
  • Speed : 8,000 - 18,000 OPM
  • Weight : 2.65 lbs
  • Included : ‎11 accessories and storage box
  • Battery and charger sold separately

 


Dremel Oscillating Tool MM50-01 Multi-Max, Corded

Amazon #88 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • The Dremel Multi-Max MM50 tool features a maximum 5.0 amps of power to quickly and easily tackle the toughest cutting tasks in a more compact, comfortable design.
  •  This innovation provides a tool-less design for quick, easy and secure attachment changes without the use of wrenches.
  • The super-sharp, extra-wide, 3.2-degree angle of oscillation for fast and accurate cuts.
  • This model’s variable speed allows for optimal performance and control for any material. 

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 120V
  • Wattage : 600W
  • Speed : 10,000 - 21,000 OPM
  • Weight : 4.91 lbs
  • Included : 30 accessories

 

 

Bosch Oscillating Tool GOP18V-28N StarlockPlus

Amazon #4 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

  • StarlockPlus 3D tool accessory interface
  • Multi tool versatility for flush cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, grinding
  • Compatible with all Starlock and StarlockPlus accessories
  • EC Brushless 18V motor technology for 30 percent more power and better efficiency, increased run time and extended motor service life

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 18V
  • Speed : 8,000 - 20,000 OPM
  • Weight : 2.7 lbs
  • Included : ‎1 1/4 inch Plunge Blade, Accessory Box
  • Battery and charger sold separately

 

 

Craftsman Oscillating Tool, Cordless

Amazon #40 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

  • Variable speed dial
  • LED work light
  • Tool-free for quick and easy blade changes
  • Compatible V20* system of cordless power tool and outdoor equipment
  • VERSATRACK clip and accessories sold separately

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 20V
  • Speed : 8,000 - 18,000 OPM
  • Weight : 2.4 lbs
  • Included : ‎1 Wood Blade, 1 Wood/Metal Blade. 1 Sanding Platen, 4 Sand Paper, Storage Bag
  • Battery included

 

 

Ridgid Oscillating Tool JobMax™ 4 Amp Multi-Tool, Corded

Amazon #129 in Oscillating Power Tools


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • Tool-free head to swap sander, woodcutter and crescent saws
  • Multi-position head pivots 90 degrees to work in tight spaces
  • Adapter provided to swap out accessories with competing brands
  • LED light

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Voltage : 120V
  • Speed : 20,000 OPM
  • Weight : 2.4 lbs
  • Included : R2851 power base, R8223406 tool-free multi-tool head, segment blade, 1-1/8 in. wood cutting blade, 2 drive gear covers, sanding pad, 5-piece sandpaper, universal multi-tool adapter, bag

 


Power Oscillating Tool FAQs

People are always asking us questions about the oscillating tool, and there are many of them.

 

It can be hard to find good information about getting the right tools, especially if you had not used them before or not sure where to look. Or worse, you might end up with bad information that should have been to make your home projects much easier.

 

We know you are a seasoned handyperson or a trade professional looking for a replacement but for the benefit of new users, an oscillating tool can make your work projects a whole lot easier.

 

Here are the most frequently asked questions about oscillating tools and our top answers:

What are the oscillator tool uses?

  • Cutting pipes and screws
  • Deck plunge cuts
  • Trim wood & floorboards
  • Open cuts in drywall
  • Rust remove from metal
  • Sand furniture
  • Scrape adhesive
  • Remove excess mortar
  • Cut baseboard
  • Rectify door jambs
  • Groove hinges & door knob plates
  • Trim painting frames
  • Sand coarse metal
  • Remove ceramic tiles
  • Remove carpet
  • Cut acrylic panels
  • Cut notch on wooden shelfs
  • Trim off nail heads
  • Trim basic mitres
  • Cot off rotted wood
  • Open thick packages
  • Trim PVC piping
  • Texture concrete
  • Sand baseboard or skirting to flush
  • basically, any small jobs that need cutting, trimming, sanding, scrape, grinding, polishing, etc

 

What is an oscillating multi-tool good for?

A very handy multi-tool is the oscillating multi-tool.

It is versatile enough to do numerous tasks which will be impossible to accomplish with other tools.

You can sand, saw metal, wood, drywall, and plunge cut into hardwood. You can also undercut a doorway.

 

Is an oscillating tool worth it?

Without a doubt, an oscillating tool is worth investing in. It is a multi tool which has great versatility by just changing the tool for whatever task requires.

 

Can an oscillating tool cut concrete?

Concrete can be difficult to cut safely, so you'll want to use the best quality concrete cutting tool blades available for your oscillating tool.

 

How deep can an oscillating tool cut?

Oscillating tools can cut quite deep as their blade is long usually about 1 - 3 inches. So choose the right blade for the intended job.

 

Why is it called an oscillating tool?

An oscillating tool is a power tool that oscillates (rather than rotates or reciprocates), corded or cordless.

The name multi-tool refers to the many functions that this tool can perform using compatible attachments.

 

Is an oscillating tool a grinder?

A universal multitool, which is also known as an oscillating multitool, has everything a tradesman or handy person needs to do most home repairs.

You'll be amazed at how well this tool works for so many different tasks. If you're not using a multitool, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.

 

Do I really need a multi-tool?

A good power tool is a must have in any homeowner’s arsenal. It is versatile, and with some practice and technique you will be able to use it for hundreds of household tasks.

Depending on what you want to do with your toolbox, a power multi-tool might be the most important purchase you'll ever make.

 

Can a multi-tool replace a grinder?

Oscillating tools and angle grinders both can be used for similar tasks.

They can work together, and in some cases, they are able to replace each other.

It's true that both blades are made from the same material but they're not the same as each other.

 

What is oscillating tool used for?

An oscillating tool is a compact, portable power tool that accepts a wide range of interchangeable blades, which can be used for cutting, trimming, sanding, scrape, grinding, polishing, etc.

 

We hope this article has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy using your purchase!