For professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, an oscillating tool represents the pinnacle of power tools. Its versatility is unmatched, making it an indispensable asset for tackling a broad spectrum of projects, from routine maintenance repairs to major home renovations.
The 9 Best Oscillating Tools
When it comes to oscillating tools, there are many options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular and highly-regarded models. Our top pick is the DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, which offers excellent performance and value for money.
Other notable mentions include the PORTER-CABLE Oscillating Tool Kit, Dremel MM50-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit, Rockwell RK5151K Sonicrafter F80 Oscillating Multi-Tool, WEN 2312 Multifunction Oscillating Tool, and BOSCH Power Tools Oscillating Saw. We’ve also included the FEIN FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool and Makita XMT03Z Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool for those who prefer cordless options.
For a more affordable option, consider the Tacklife PMT03B Cordless Multifunctional Tool.
Our Top Pick for the Best Oscillating Tool
The DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit takes the top spot as our go-to choice for the best oscillating tool. This powerhouse of an oscillator boasts an impressive array of features that make it a must-have for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike. Its exceptional versatility, combined with its remarkable speed and performance, solidify its position as a top-notch power tool that’s hard to beat.
Complete DIY and Professional Projects with a Multi-functional Oscillating Tool
The oscillating tool has undoubtedly solidified its reputation as the ultimate multi-tool, surpassing even the most versatile rotary tool in terms of capabilities. This incredible gadget boasts an impressive array of talents, allowing it to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease. From cutting and trimming baseboards and drywall, to slicing through cables, downspouts, air ducts, and pipes, this tool proves to be a true powerhouse.
Additionally, it can sand down various surfaces such as wood, metal, cement, concrete, plaster, and stone, making quick work of removing tile adhesive, grout, or paint. Furthermore, its precision capabilities enable it to perform intricate cuts that larger cutting tools may struggle with, truly setting it apart from the rest.
How Does an Oscillating Tool Work?
The DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit and its peers boast an impressive feature: a rapid side-to-side motion that oscillates between 3-5 degrees. This unique trait enables the tool to operate at incredible speeds, with many models capable of up to 21,000 oscillations per minute (OPM or RPM), making it a highly effective power tool in various applications.
How to Choose the Best Oscillating Tool
When evaluating the oscillating tool’s capabilities, it’s essential to factor in its key features that contribute to its overall effectiveness.
Corded or Cordless Oscillating Tool
When it comes to choosing an oscillating tool, one of the most important factors to consider is power. A corded oscillating tool like the Rockwell RK5151K Sonicrafter F80 Oscillating Multi-Tool offers unlimited power, making it ideal for large projects. However, this type of tool requires a power cord, which can be limiting if you’re working in a small space or need to move around frequently.
That’s why some models come with extra-long power cords, such as the PORTER-CABLE PCE605K5, which has a 10-foot cord, the BOSCH Power Tools Oscillating Saw, which has a 13-foot cord, and the FEIN FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool, which boasts an impressive 16-foot cord. For maximum portability, a cordless battery-powered oscillating tool like the Makita XMT03Z Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool is perfect for busy job sites where you need to be able to move around quickly and easily.
Power
When it comes to cutting or sanding small to medium-sized projects, a 2 or 3 amp motor is more than sufficient to get the job done. However, if you’re tackling larger renovation projects that require a bit more oomph, a 3.8, 4, or 4.2 amp motor will provide the necessary power and torque to conquer even the most demanding tasks.
The real key to the impressive performance of battery-operated oscillating tools lies not in their motors alone, but rather in the advanced lithium-ion batteries that power them. While an 18-volt battery is ideal for lighter jobs, a 20-volt battery offers significantly more juice for those heavy-duty tasks that require extra power.
Variable Speed
Oscillating tools offer a level of flexibility that can be tailored to specific tasks. By varying the speed, users can optimize their work for different materials and applications. The range of speeds on most oscillating tools is quite extensive, spanning from 5,000-20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM). This means you can adjust your pace to suit the task at hand.
For those who need to tackle a diverse array of materials in a single project, high-speed options are available, reaching speeds as high as 21,000 or 22,000 OPM. Products like the Dremel MM50-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit and the WEN 2312 Multifunction Oscillating Tool stand out for their impressive top-end velocities, which can significantly reduce project time and effort.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of the tool plays a crucial role in reducing operator fatigue and improving control, particularly when tackling demanding tasks. A thoughtful combination of features can make all the difference, including a soft rubber grip that provides a secure hold, a barrel grip that fits comfortably in the hand, and a compact, lightweight body that is well-balanced for effortless manipulation.
Additionally, the low vibration operation helps to minimize operator discomfort, while the LED light feature offers enhanced visibility in low-light environments, further enhancing the overall working experience.
Tool-Free Blade Change System
Most modern power tools have adopted a convenient accessory change system that requires no tools. These intuitive systems, like Dremel’s Quick-lock System, make it easy to switch between accessories quickly and safely.
Accessories Set
The majority of oscillating tools arrive with a comprehensive accessory package, comprising blades, sandpaper, and various other attachments. These kits often feature an impressive array of components, with larger sets boasting as many as 24 or 32 individual pieces. For the most ambitious DIY enthusiasts, there are even mega kits available that pack in an astonishing 52 accessories – exemplified by the PORTER-CABLE Oscillating Tool Kit, which offers unparalleled project versatility and scope.
9 Best Oscillating Tools – Reviews
PORTER-CABLE Oscillating Tool Kit
The PORTER-CABLE Oscillating Tool Kit is an exceptional tool for any renovation or repair project. Its corded oscillating tool boasts a powerful 3 amp motor and a range of speeds from 10,000 to 22,000 OPM, making it ideal for tasks such as cutting drywall, trimming baseboards, sanding cement, concrete, plaster, or stone. The variable speed dial allows you to customize your pace, while the tool-free blade change system enables swift accessory swaps.
The oscillating tool’s extra-long 10-foot cord provides ample mobility around your workspace, and its compact design permits it to fit into tight spaces and corners. A comfortable 3-position over-mold rubberized grip ensures a secure hold during extended use. The kit includes a depth and cutting guide, as well as a substantial 52-piece accessory collection that covers various projects’ requirements. Additionally, PORTER-CABLE offers a 3-year limited warranty on its oscillating tool.
The benefits of this tool are numerous: it’s high-quality, excellent value for money, and has a powerful motor. It’s ideal for renovations or repairs and can be used for cutting, trimming, or sanding. The three-position over-mold rubberized grip provides comfort during use, while the compact design allows it to fit into hard-to-reach areas. On the other hand, some users have noted that the tool can become quite heavy and hot when in prolonged use.
Additionally, it may not be suited for very heavy-duty tasks. Nonetheless, this oscillating tool remains a top choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Dremel MM50-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit
The Dremel MM50-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit is a powerful DIY tool that excels in various applications, including flooring and bath renovation projects. Its high-performance 5 amp motor, combined with an impressive 10,000-21,000 OPM range and 3.2° oscillation angle, sets it apart as the best DIY oscillating tool in its class. This versatility is further enhanced by a variable speed dial, separate on/off switch, and consistent speed retention, regardless of the material or task at hand.
With a uniquely angled body, low vibration design, and ergonomic soft-grip, this tool is designed for comfort and ease of use. The oscillating tool also features a 30% more compact front, making it ideal for working in tight spaces. Additionally, the tool-less system simplifies accessory switching, while the included 7-foot power cord provides ample flexibility.
To further enhance its capabilities, Dremel offers a complimentary 30-piece accessory kit that includes blades and accessories for cutting, sanding, and sawing wood, drywall, and other materials. A bonus soft carrying case keeps all your tools organized and safe when not in use. The Dremel oscillating tool is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. While it may have some drawbacks, such as being pricey or prone to overheating, its benefits far outweigh the cons.
With its high-quality construction, great value for money, and impressive performance capabilities, this tool is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Rockwell RK5151K Sonicrafter F80 Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Rockwell RK5151K Sonicrafter F80 Oscillating Multi-Tool stands out from the crowd with its innovative duo-tech oscillation angle technology, delivering faster and more precise cuts. This powerful tool features a 4.2 amp motor that provides constant speed from 10,000 to 19,000 OPM, making it suitable for heavy-duty projects. The Sonicrafter’s maximum cutting load of 35lbs of force is unmatched in the industry, ensuring it won’t stall even under intense use.
Additionally, its lightweight design and Vibrafree counterweight system minimize vibration, providing a comfortable experience for users. The tool comes with an impressive array of accessories, including 10 different blades and a sanding pad, all stored neatly in a sturdy hard case. Changing blades is effortless thanks to the hyper lock tool-free blade change system, which ensures a secure fit and prevents slippage.
With its universal fit system accepting major brands and other accessories, users can find the perfect blade for any job. The oscillating tool also features a 6-foot power cord and comes with a comprehensive warranty that includes a 30-day return policy and a 3-year guarantee. While some may find the blade locking lever slightly difficult to tighten, the Sonicrafter’s impressive performance and durable construction far outweigh this minor drawback.
WEN 2312 Multifunction Oscillating Tool
When faced with challenging trim baseboard molding projects or stubborn paint scraping tasks, consider letting the WEN 2312 Multifunction Oscillating Tool take care of the heavy lifting. This powerful corded-electric tool boasts a robust 2-amp motor and a variable speed dial that allows you to fine-tune its performance between 10,000 and 20,000 oscillations per minute.
With this versatility, you can effortlessly cut through a variety of materials, including carpets, cables, downspouts, air ducts, drywall, pipes, and more. Additionally, the tool’s sanding capabilities enable you to smooth out surfaces made from cement, concrete, plaster, stone, tile adhesive, paint, and wood. Weighing in at just 3 pounds, this compact and lightweight device is perfect for navigating tight corners or hard-to-reach areas.
The WEN 2312 also comes with a range of attachments, including a hook and loop sandpaper attachment, saw blade, scraper blade, sanding head, four sanding triangles, and a blade storage box, making it the ultimate multi-tool for any DIY enthusiast. As an added bonus, the tool is compatible with most available tool bits on the market, allowing you to customize its performance to suit your specific needs. WEN also stands behind their product with a comprehensive 2-year warranty.
While some users have reported minor issues with the pins that hold the blade in place, and the tool’s effectiveness with metal may vary, many have praised its high quality, excellent value for money, and excellent price. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile tool to tackle a range of projects, look no further than the WEN 2312.
BOSCH Power Tools Oscillating Saw
The Bosch Power Tools Oscillating Saw boasts an impressive power output, making it well-suited for demanding tasks. Its robust 4.0 amp motor, paired with reinforced metal gearing, ensures a smooth and reliable performance. The tool’s oscillating angle of 3° and 8,000-20,000 OPM (oscillations per minute) allow for versatility in various applications.
A variable-speed dial enables you to fine-tune the speed to suit your needs, while the Constant Response Circuitry maintains the desired pace even under heavy load. The Starlock 3-D tool-accessory interface provides an exceptional blade grip, resulting in more torque transfer and greater control over challenging tasks.
Designed with operator safety and convenience in mind, the saw features a snap-in tool-less accessory attachment and quick-release lever to prevent accidental injuries when changing blades. Additionally, it utilizes all Starlock and StarlockPlus accessories for various materials. The tool’s lightweight design, combined with multiple soft grip areas, a narrow 6.9-inch grip diameter, and reduced vibration, make it comfortable to handle.
The flexible accessory orientation allows for customizable positioning at every 30°, while the ball-joint cord swivel enables easy tool placement. A bright LED light illuminates the work area, and an extra-long 13-foot power cord provides greater mobility. The included 32-piece accessory kit offers a range of blades and accessories, including plunge and segment blades, sanding pads, and more. Bosch backs its oscillating saw with a one-year limited warranty.
FEIN FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool
The FEIN FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool is a game-changer for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, boasting a revolutionary design and world-class performance. Its robust construction, featuring a metal gear case and ball bearing setup, ensures exceptional stability and tool longevity. The 350-watt motor, with its soft-start feature, significantly reduces vibrations by up to 70% and noise levels by as much as 50%.
Additionally, the tacho generator and electronic speed control enable constant speeds from 10,000-19,500 OPM while operating under load. The tool’s ergonomic design features a soft grip for comfortable handling, and a dedicated on/off switch allows for one-handed operation. Its lightweight construction and balanced metal gear case make it easy to maneuver, even during extended use sessions.
The oscillating tool also boasts an impressive 16-foot industrial-quality power cable, providing ample mobility around the workspace. One of the MultiMaster’s standout features is its Starlock tool-free mounting system, which enables quick and easy accessory changes in just three seconds. This feature, combined with the QuickIN rapid clamping system, streamlines the accessory-swapping process.
The included Q-Start kit provides a comprehensive range of accessories, including blades, scrapers, and sanding pads. While some users may find the tool’s premium price point to be a drawback, many will appreciate its excellent quality, great value for money, and high-performance motor. With FEIN’s reputation for producing top-notch products and its one-year warranty, as well as an additional two years of coverage with product registration, buyers can have confidence in their investment.
The only notable drawbacks are the tool’s inability to accommodate accessories without the Starlock mount and its relatively slow performance when cutting through thick wood.
DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
The DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit is a reliable and powerful solution for various projects, including sanding, sawing, cutting, and scraping. Its brushless motor provides up to 57% more runtime compared to brushed motors, while its 20-volt Max XR 2.0 Ah battery boasts fast charging capabilities and a remarkable battery life of 24 hours.
The tool’s dual-grip variable-speed trigger allows for precise control over the speed of the oscillating tool, offering users multiple grip options for various applications. A bright LED light illuminates dark work surfaces, ensuring accurate cutting. The device itself is ultra-lightweight, weighing only 3lbs and featuring a well-balanced, slimline design.
The kit’s quick-change accessory system enables swift attachment changes without requiring a wrench, while the guide system allows users to precisely set the depth and height of cuts to 1.6°. Universal fitment oscillating blades cater to a wide range of applications, including cutting wood with nails, pipes, and bolts. The universal detail sanding pad is suitable for various surfaces.
The kit includes the tool, battery, charger, as well as a comprehensive 28-piece accessory package featuring a wood with nails blade, sanding pad, 25 sheets of sanding paper, and a universal adapter compatible with most oscillating tool accessory brands. For storage, the sturdy contractor bag accommodates the tools, while the bonus accessory box holds additional accessories. DEWALT backs its oscillating tool with a three-year limited warranty.
While some users may find it pricey or prone to overheating on high speeds after extended use, many will appreciate its reliability, power, and value for money. As such, it’s an excellent choice for both home renovations and light-duty professional projects.
Makita XMT03Z Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Makita XMT03Z Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool is a highly sought-after tool among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its impressive performance capabilities, ergonomic design, and innovative features make it an excellent choice for various industries, including construction, renovation, and installation projects. The 18-volt LXT Lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 minutes of continuous runtime and rapid charging.
Additionally, the smart capacity warning system notifies users when the battery is running low, ensuring efficient work processes. The oscillating tool’s powerful motor, with a range of 6,000-20,000 OPM, allows for fast and aggressive cutting, sanding, and scraping on various materials, including wood, sheet-rock, PVC, and grout. Its small diameter barrel grip and large on/off slide switch with lock-on button provide comfortable handling and ease of use.
Furthermore, the tool’s adapters fit most competitive accessories, making it a versatile addition to any workshop or job site. The oscillating tool comes with a 1¼-inch plunge blade and two multi-tool adapters. Makita offers a three-year warranty on its product, providing peace of mind for users.
While some may find minor drawbacks in the separate battery and charger requirement, awkward quick-change lever placement, and limited blade tightening, the overall value proposition and performance capabilities make it an excellent investment for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Tacklife PMT03B Cordless Multifunctional Tool
The Tacklife PMT03B Cordless Multifunctional Tool is a versatile and efficient companion for DIY enthusiasts, offering unparalleled flexibility in various applications. Its powerful motor, paired with a 5000-16,000 RPM range and six variable speed settings, enables users to tackle projects with precision and speed. Whether you’re cutting wood, laminates, or plastics, sawing through nails or scraping off stubborn adhesives, this tool is designed to deliver reliable results.
The oscillating head’s ultra-portable design, combined with its fast-charging 2.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery and one-hour charger, makes it perfect for navigating tight spaces and corners. The ergonomic grip and counterweight design ensure comfortable control, even in the most confined areas. The kit comes with an impressive array of 24 accessories, including scraper blades, saw blades, sanding pads, and scouring pads.
Tacklife’s Universal Fit System and tool-free quick-release system further enhance the tool’s versatility. Additionally, the oscillating tool is backed by a comprehensive 24-month warranty and comes with a sturdy carrying case.
Our Top Pick for the Best Oscillating Tool
The DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit stands out as our top recommendation for the best oscillating tool. This powerhouse of a device boasts an impressive array of features and exceptional performance, making it an indispensable addition to any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor’s toolkit. With its versatility and speed, it’s no wonder why this oscillating multi-tool has earned its spot at the top of our list.
For those interested in purchasing this tool, we recommend checking out current prices on Amazon.
