chicago electric oscillating multifunction power tool accessories free sample

In the realm of professional power tools, there are common ones that you see everywhere: drills, impact drivers, circular saws, table saws, etc. There are also some products that seem pretty specialized but are very common on the job site. One of those that you’ll see in nearly every home improvement and hardware store is the oscillating multi-tool. So what is an oscillating tool exactly? Better yet, what do you use it for and what should you look for when buying one?

The official name of this power tool is the oscillating multi-tool. It often goes by oscillating tool or multi-tool. You can even call it an OMT if you want to show off (and likely confuse your friends). Some brands have proprietary names for their models. Examples include the Ridgid Job Max and the former Festool Vecturo.

Most oscillating tools are built around what looks like a grinder body with varying diameters. There are a few that stray from the norm. Ridgid, Ryobi, and DeWalt all go for a thinner design, but it still looks like a grinder with a rat tail design.

Oscillating multi-tools also have “multi-tool” in the name for a reason. The majority of Pro will use some type of blade for cutting wood, metal, PVC, or other material. You can also get scraper blades specifically for grout, silicon, or a variety of other adhesives.

Where the oscillating tool makes its living is in spaces where those primary tools can’t fit or are tough to use. They’re phenomenal for undercutting baseboards that are flush to the floor or cutting a pipe where there’s not much room under a sink. They’ll give you better control around finished tile and fixtures when you’re removing adhesives.

Check what style of accessory the multi-tool needs. Starlock tools won’t work with regular blades, though Starlock blades do tend to work on most tools using the older OIS interface. Festool used to have a separate propriety system before they switched to Starlock around 2021.

Our team prefers oscillating tools with an on/off switch and variable speed dial. However, a handful of paddle trigger styles also exist. If you’re going that route, look for one with a lock-on switch. This comes in handy when sanding or scraping.

Cordless oscillating multi-tools seem to have caught up to their corded brethren. The best cordless models match up closely or are better than the best corded models. Even occasional users can find a cordless oscillating tool that can get the job done. But if you want the best combination of performance, vibration control, and price, there are plenty of corded models to look at first.

Universal CompatibleChuck- Quick-release design chuck is compatible with most of the oscillating tools in the market (Milwaukee, Craftsman, Dewalt, Ridgid, Stanley, Rockwell, Skil, Bosch, Fein Multimaster, Ryobi, Hitachi, Black & Decker, Chicago). Not suitable for Dremel MM40, MM45, Dremel Multi Max 6300, Bosch MX30.

If there is one power tool that can get you out of a tough spot, it’s the oscillating multitool. What MacGyver was to action-adventure heroes, so the oscillating multitool is to home repair and remodeling. It saws, grinds, sands, scrapes, and polishes. It does nearly anything you need to do, with the exception of drilling holes and works in places other powers tools can’t reach, such as undercutting wood door trim to clear thin-plank flooring. Use it on a variety of materials: wood, metal, stone and mortar, tile, and grout. (For more insight into this mighty power tool, read our story on its versatility.)

Say you’re renovating an old house or tackling a big remodeling job, and you’re going to be constantly cutting, grinding and sanding, go with a corded power tool so you can work without worrying about time and battery charge. If all you need to do is make the occasional cut or do a little sanding, then a cordless model will work well; a single battery will have more than sufficient charge for those jobs. And if you’re already plugged into a power tool company’s platform, it makes sense to buy a bare cordless oscillating tool and use the batteries and charger from your other power tools. Run a battery down, then swap it for a fresh one.

Every oscillating tool on this list has been thoroughly vetted and evaluated by our test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience operating these tools to determine the best options. We gathered a range, some corded and others cordless, and tested their power by cutting hardwood, softwood, and wood with nails embedded in it. To gauge ease of use, we took into account whether it was easy to mount and dismount blades and accessories, and how comfortable the tools are to use, particularly in tough deep cuts. Out of the oscillating tools here, one is sure to serve you well.