An oscillating multi-tool is perfect for cutting and sanding, trimming wood or plastic, as well as cutting PVC and copper pipes. Its small size makes it the ideal tool to reach those tight spaces. With the right blade, it’s an invaluable tool for removing grout around tile and can allow you to remove a countertop without destroying the tile backsplash. When renovating old windows, doors, and frames, you can quickly remove old paint.
The oscillating multi-tool is made to cut through hard surfaces, not soft ones like fingers that get in the way. The oscillating multi-tool was first used in hospitals to remove casts; it would easily cut through plaster or fiberglass, but wouldn’t leave a scratch on the underlying skin.
If your plan is to add an oscillating multi-tool to your toolbox for an occasional job then the 1.5 amp motor will work just fine, however if you are planning major renovations or even using it as a full time tool around the home construction and renovation, the larger and more powerful 2.5 amp motor will handle any job that comes its way. Once you decide how much you will use the oscillating multi-tool, the next decision is to go for a battery-powered cordless type or use it with a cord.
If you’re going to be using the tool in hard-to-reach places, the cordless model will be your best option, but if you’re going to be using it for long periods of time, you’ll want to make sure you have extra battery packs. For the home handyman, the simple corded model could be the answer.
Whatever your choice, keep in mind the flexibility of this tool. It’s not just a chop saw. It can be used as a sander, scraper, or even to cut metals like nails or wood and plastics. Plumbers have been using it as a cut-off saw for copper pipes because of the smooth edge it leaves behind.
Every year more and more uses are found for the oscillating multi-tool. New blades for new uses are being made all the time. There’s even a special blade made for removing sealer from boat deck boards that won’t damage the wood.
Some of the blades can be expensive and the best advice for extending the life of any of the blades is to let the oscillating multi-tool do most of the work. You can cut a surface a little faster if you add pressure, but this will shorten the life of the blade. You’ll find that a little too much pressure when cutting wood will actually burn the wood, so practice that light touch.
Like any new power tool, practice makes perfect, take some time with some scrap wood and see how it feels and see what this oscillating multi-tool can do. The learning curve with an oscillating multi-tool is easy. Once mastered, it will be the go-to tool in any home or professional toolbox.