Like many power tools, you can choose from corded or cordless oscillating tools. Corded typically have more power, but cordless give you the flexibility to work anywhere. Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ, expands further, advising, “The corded versus cordless debate depends upon the project. If working in a tight area where you don’t need a lot of power but need versatility, go cordless. But if you’re not restricted in your movements and especially need extra power, go corded. It all boils down to what you’re trying to accomplish.” We spent hours researching the most popular oscillating tools available now, evaluating durability, versatility, and overall value. Our favorite oscillating tool, the Dremel Multi-Max MM50, is a powerful and reliable tool that comes with 30 handy attachments. Here are the best oscillating tools for DIY projects. Dremel has long been one of the top names in both oscillating and rotary tools, and the Multi-Max MM50 shows why. This well-designed oscillating tool boasts a powerful 5-amp motor, a variable speed of 10,000 to 21,000 rpm, and a no-tool-required mechanism for quick and easy changes of attachments; just twist, push, and insert to change attachments, and you’re back up and running. Plus, the front end is compact enough—it’s 30 percent smaller than similar tools—to fit into tight spaces, while the slightly angled design of the body means you have excellent control even when working on very small or detailed projects. At just under 3 pounds, the lightweight tool can consistently cut and sand through thick and thin materials with little vibration or kickback. And you’ll get plenty of attachments with this 31-piece kit. Along with the oscillating tool itself, the kit includes two wood and metal flush-cut blades, one wood flush-cut blade, one wood and drywall blade, one drywall jab saw, one hook-and-loop pad, 12 sanding sheets in various grits for sanding painted surfaces, 12 sanding sheets in various grits for wood, metal, or plaster, and one handy storage bag to keep everything together. That means you can tackle a huge range of DIY tasks around your home, yard, and garage. The 1.5-amp motor, while not the highest in power, is smooth and consistent in its delivery. The narrow oscillating head gives 21,000 oscillations per minute with little vibration. A 4-pin flange firmly holds the included accessories in place. The Genesis comes with the 4-pound tool, 3-inch hook and loop sanding pad, extra sandpaper, rigid scraper blade, a 3-inch wood and drywall blade, Allen wrench, and a 30 mm flush cut blade. The flush-cut blade is perfect for narrow jobs around door jambs, windowsills, and trim. With a speed range of 11,000 to 18,000 orbits-per-minute, this is an ideal tool for tackling larger projects, such as remodeling, flooring, cabinetry, or electrical repairs around your home or workshop. You get a Milwaukee M18 battery and charger with this oscillating tool, along with a handy carrying bag. It also has a built-in work light and a fuel gauge that shows you just how much battery run-time is left. The unit comes with adapters that can work with other brands of oscillating tools. The large on and off switch is easy to manipulate when wearing bulky gloves, and the lock-on button ensures that the tool doesn’t inadvertently switch off in the middle of a job. The Rockwell really shines in its ability to vacillate between aggressive and precise speeds, and it doesn’t stall when pushed to its maximum capabilities. It can deliver speeds from 10,000 to 19,000 opm without significant vibrations. It weighs just over 3 pounds, making it easier on arm and back muscles when using the machine on long, difficult jobs. You’ll also get a carrying bag and nine handy attachments. The tool has a built-in work light, which is very handy when reaching into tight spaces. Choose from three speeds to fit your needs, and variable control within those settings. The kit includes a carrying bag, two blade attachments, a universal adapter, sanding pad, and 25 sheets of sandpaper. It comes with DEWALT’s 3-year limited manufacturer warranty. PORTER-CABLE’s signature tool-free blade change system is a user favorite. It allows for quick changes to effortlessly switch from sanding to cutting or vice versa without requiring other tools to attach accessories or awkward bolts to fumble with. This decreases the time spent on finishing projects. The oscillating tool is compatible with other accessories you may have on hand and can fit blades from most manufacturers easily. It includes a handy carrying case. This handy kit includes 27 different blades and attachments for just about any oscillating tool function, including sanding, cutting, and scraping. The sturdy attachments have quick-release shanks so you can easily switch them when needed. They fit just about all major brands of oscillating tools, so whether you are starting from scratch, want to increase your tool selection, or just like having extras on hand, you’ll be covered. If a blade breaks or just doesn’t quite fit in the space that you need it to, having an extra set of hard-working accessories on hand is a bonus. The Arms Tools 27-Piece Oscillating Tool Accessory Kit gets high marks for its value and blade diversity. Note that this is an accessory kit; it does not include the oscillating tool itself. Corded oscillating tools are the most common, as they have enough oomph to get the job done without fear of running out of juice early. If you tend to use your oscillating tool for lengthy sessions, such as while removing grout, or turn to it frequently while working on DIY or hobby projects, this is the best choice for you. Cordless oscillating tools free you from being tethered to an electrical outlet, but most aren’t quite as powerful as their corded counterparts, and of course, you’ll need to be aware of the battery’s remaining charge when using the tool for a lengthy session. Still, if you prefer the freedom to use your oscillating tool wherever you’d like, this is the best choice for your needs.
Motor
As handheld tools that create vibrations that are very small but very fast, oscillating tools don’t require heavy-duty motors; most of these tools have motors with 1.5 to 5 amps of power. As a general rule, tools with less than 2 amps are suited for very lightweight tasks, while those with 4 to 5 amps of power can tackle heavy jobs. Most DIYers, however, will find that a tool somewhere in the middle of the range is sufficient.
Speed and Angle
Unlike many other power tools that work by spinning blades or moving them in a back-and-forth motion, oscillating tools oscillate—that means a side-to-side motion at a very high rate of speed. This speed is measured in oscillations per minute (opm). The average speed of these tools is around 20,000 opm, but you’ll find some brands that are quite a bit slower and some that are faster. However, don’t automatically assume that the faster, the better: higher speeds get the job done faster, but slower speeds give you more control, so the best speed really depends on your specific task. Some oscillating tools have variable speed controls, which makes the tool quite a bit more versatile. Another important number is the oscillation angle, which is a measurement of how far the blade oscillates from side-to-side. Most oscillating tools fall somewhere between 2.5 to 3.5 degrees. As a general rule, the larger the oscillation angle, the faster the tool will get work accomplished, but the lower your level of precise control. For most DIYers, an oscillation angle somewhere in the middle of that range is best, but the perfect number really depends on how you generally use the tool.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of oscillating tools, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback, as well as advice from Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ.
Making straight or curved cuts through most types of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and tileRemoving grout or caulkGrinding or sanding away rough edges on most materialsPolishing and buffing wood, metal, and other materialsScraping away old paint, mortar, and adhesivesCutting through rusty, stuck nuts and boltsRemoving baseboards and other trimCutting through pipes, even in tight quartersRemoving sections of damaged drywallSanding off old paint and other finishesLifting linoleum flooringUndercutting doors
