Introduction
An oscillating multi-tool is one of the most versatile tools you can own. With it, you can do everything from cutting wood to sanding metal. But with so many possible uses, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 21 incredible uses for an oscillating multi tool – some of which might surprise you!
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, an oscillating multi tool is a must-have tool. So read on and discover how this little powerhouse can help you get the job done!
What is an oscillating multi tool?
An oscillating multi tool is a handheld electric power tool that oscillates, or moves back and forth quickly to cut through materials. It has a variety of different attachments that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it a very versatile tool. Some of its most common uses include cutting wood, sanding metal, and scraping surfaces. That list does not even begin to cover the many possible uses. Once you have your oscillating multi tool, you simply fit the appropriate attachment for the task at hand and get to work!
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this tool can be very useful. It’s perfect for small jobs around the house, like cutting through baseboards or removing grout. And it’s also powerful enough to tackle tougher jobs, like cutting through pipes or removing tile. With the right oscillating multi tool blade, there’s almost nothing this tool can’t do!
Check out our best 5 oscillating multi tools
What can you do with an oscillating tool?
Creating a comprehensive list of everything you can do with an oscillating tool would be impossible. With the appropriate oscillating multi tool blades, this is a versatile tool with an almost endless list of possible applications. But here are some of the most common oscilating multi tool uses:
Cutting / Sawing
One of the most common uses for an oscillating tool is cutting. With the right oscillating tool blade, you can use it to cut through wood, metal, plastic, and even tile. It’s perfect for making quick, clean cuts in difficult-to-reach places.
Plunge cuts
If you need to make a cut in the middle of a piece of material, a plunge cut is the way to go. And an oscillating tool is the perfect tool for the job. There are a variety of plunge cut blades available. Fit the oscillating multitool with the appropriate plunge cut blade, and you’ll be able to make clean, precise cuts in no time.
Flush cuts
A flush cut is when you want to cut something down to the same level as the surrounding area. This might be a nail that’s protruding from a piece of wood or a screw that’s sticking out. It could be a piece of pipe. An oscillating tool with a flush-cut carbide blade will make quick work of these types of cuts.
Trim Cut In
Trim Cut In is where you want to make a cut into an existing material such as skirting or baseboard. An oscillating tool with a trim cut in blade attachment will allow you to make clean, precise cuts without damaging the surrounding area.
Without an oscillating multitool it was normally necessary to remove the entire skirting or baseboard to make the cut, which was time-consuming and often resulted in damage to the board and/or the surrounding area.
Cutting through pipes
If you need to cut through a pipe, an oscillating tool is a perfect tool for the job. Just fit it with a metal-cutting blade, and you’ll be able to make a clean cut through even the thickest pipes.
Cutting Through Nails and Screws
If you’re trying to remove a piece of trim or molding that has been nailed or screwed into place, an oscillating tool can make short work of it. Just fit it with a carbide-tipped blade and let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you. The right blade will quickly cut through nails and screws.
A great example is removing a fence panel where you have nails or screws driven into the side of the fence panel. You can see the nail, and a metal saw attachment will quickly and easily slice the nail in two without damaging the fence panel or whatever it is attached to.
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Trimming wood and floorboards
If you need to trim a piece of wood or cut through a floorboard, an oscillating tool is the ideal tool. It’s much easier to control than a saw, so you can make precise, clean cuts without any fuss.
An oscillating multi tool is a much safer and more versatile tool than a circular saw with its round blade, which spins at great speed and can easily cut more than intended.
Undercut a doorway
If you’re installing new flooring, you’ll need to undercut the doorways to ensure that the new floors can be fitted properly. This used to be a job which required significant skill and know-how to do a good job without damaging the door frame (or yourself!). But with an oscillating tool and the cutting blades, it’s a relatively simple task that anyone can do. Just fit it with an undercut saw attachment, and you’ll be able to quickly and easily trim the doorways to the perfect size.
Cutting out openings in drywall
Whether you’re making a new door or window or just running some new electrical wiring, you’ll need to cut an opening in the drywall. Just fit it with a drywall saw or plunge attachment, and you’ll be able to make clean, precise cuts in no time. As the oscillating motion is so restricted and the teeth on the attachment so fine, you are much less likely to do damage to anything hidden behind the wall.
Scraping
Oscillating tools can also be used for scraping surfaces. The oscillating motion of the tool helps to loosen stuck-on debris, making it easy to remove. It’s great for removing old paint, varnish, or other finishes from surfaces.
Scraping adhesive such as silicone sealant/caulk
This used to be one of those jobs that seemed simple but were fiddly and time-consuming. But it’s a breeze with an oscillating tool and the right attachment! Just fit it with a scraper blade, and instead of spraying WD40 or other chemicals and going at the sealant with a Stanley knife, now you can just let the oscillating tool scraper blade do all the work for you. In no time, you’ll have a smooth, clean surface ready for whatever you need it for. Read our guide to removing silicone sealant with a multitool
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Sanding
Another common use for an oscillating tool is sanding. The oscillating motion of the tool makes it perfect for quickly removing paint, varnish, or other finishes from surfaces. It’s also great for sanding down rough edges or removing rust from metal.
You can purchase sanding attachments which are smaller than those you could use on an orbital sander. This makes the oscillating tool perfect for getting into tight spaces and sanding difficult-to-reach areas.
Removing rust from metals
If you’ve got some rusty metal that you need to clean up, you can use a sanding pad and depending on whether you’re looking to take off thick rust, or give a piece of metal a buff, the oscillating motion of the tool will quickly remove the rust.
Remove old paint
Whether you’re painting a door or a wall, you’ll need to remove the old paint first. And an oscillating tool is the perfect tool for the job! Just fit it with a paint-stripping attachment, and you’ll be able to quickly and easily remove even the most stubborn paint.
Sanding down furniture
One of the great things about an oscillating tool is that it’s much easier to control than a power sander. This means that you can use it to sand down furniture without fear of damaging the surface.
It’s also great for getting into tight spaces and Sanding difficult-to-reach areas, making it perfect for giving your furniture a thorough sanding.
Get rid of grout
This is the first of several brilliant uses for a multi tool when it comes to tiling. If your grout is beyond cleaning and you need to remove grout from between tiles, the oscillating motion of the tool will make light work of it.
It’s also great for getting into tight spaces and removing grout from difficult-to-reach areas.
Getting Rid of Ceramic Tiles
The tool’s blade can be used to get between the tile and whatever it is attached to, and the oscillating motion will work to loosen the tile, which should come away much easier than without the tool. This is a great way to quickly and easily remove ceramic tiles without damaging the surface underneath.
Removing mortar
If you are trying to reuse a tile which has mortar on it, the oscillating tool can be used to remove the mortar. Just fit it with a carbide-tipped blade and let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you. In no time, you’ll have a clean tile ready to be reused.
Thin Set Removal
Thin set is the mortar which is still attached to the floor or wall after the tile has been removed. It can be a real pain to remove, but it’s a breeze with an oscillating tool and the right attachment. Just let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you, and in no time, you’ll have a clean surface, ready for whatever you need it for.
Window Repair
If you have a window that needs repairing, an oscillating tool can come in handy in so many ways. The oscillating motion of the tool can be used to remove old hardened putty and caulk from the window frame, making it easier to repair and replace glazing.
It can also be used to remove any rust or paint that may have accumulated on the frame.
You can use it for cutting slots for weather strips.
Paint Prep
If you’re painting a door or window, the oscillating tool can be used to remove any old paint or varnish that may be on the surface. Just fit it with a paint-stripping attachment and let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you. In no time, you’ll have a clean surface ready to be painted.
Conclusion
With so many different uses, it’s no wonder oscillating multi tools are a popular choice for handymen and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to remove rust, paint, or grout, or you need to sand down a piece of furniture, the oscillating tool is the perfect tool for the job.
We’re not suggesting oscillating multi tools can replace all other tools such as your angle grinder and circular saw, but there are several situations where it is a better choice.
So next time you’re starting a project, ensure you’ve got an oscillating tool amongst the available power tools – you might be surprised at just how useful it can be!
FAQ
Is it worth buying a multi-tool?
If you’re a handyman or DIY enthusiast, then oscillating multi tools are definitely worth investing in. With so many different uses, it’s a versatile tool that can come in handy for all sorts of projects.
Can a multi-tool be used as a sander?
Yes, oscillating multi tools can be used as sanders. This makes them ideal for sanding down furniture or getting into tight spaces and difficult-to-reach areas.
How do I attach a sanding pad to a multi-tool?
Most oscillating multi tools will come with a sanding pad attachment. Simply fit the attachment onto the tool and you’re ready to start sanding.
How do you cut a straight line with an oscillating tool?
If you need to cut a straight line with an oscillating tool, it’s best to use a guide. A guide is a straightedge that you can attach to the surface you’re working on. This will ensure that your cuts are nice and straight.
How do I cut with multi-tool?
You will need to attach a cutting blade to cut with an oscillating tool. There are different types of blades available for different materials. Once you’ve attached the blade, simply let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you.
What is the point of a multi-tool?
Oscillating multi tools are incredibly versatile and can be used for all sorts of different projects. Whether you’re looking to remove rust, paint, or grout, or you need to sand down a piece of furniture, the oscillating tool is the perfect tool for the job.
Is a multi-tool the same as an oscillating tool?
Yes, oscillating multi tools are also known as multi-tools. They are versatile tools that can be used for all sorts of different projects.
Is an oscillating tool better than a grinder?
There are several situations where an oscillating tool is better than an angle grinder. For example, the oscillating tool can be a better option if you’re trying to remove rust or paint from a surface. This is because the oscillating motion of the tool helps to loosen and remove the material without causing too much damage to the surface.
An oscillating tool can also be better for sanding down furniture or getting into tight spaces and difficult-to-reach areas. This is because the oscillating motion of the tool helps to prevent damage to the surface.
What does a multi-tool cut?
Oscillating multi tools can be used to cut all sorts of different materials. There are different types of blades available for different materials. Once you’ve attached the blade, simply let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you.
For example, you can use an oscillating tool to cut through wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and tile.
Can you use a multi-tool to cut wood?
Yes, oscillating multi tools can be used to cut wood. There are different types of blades available for different materials. Once you’ve attached the blade, simply let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you.
Can you cut plywood with oscillating tool?
Yes, oscillating multi tools can be used to cut plywood. There are different types of blades available for different materials. Once you’ve attached the blade, simply let the oscillating motion of the tool do the work for you.
How thick can a multitool cut?
This will depend on the blade that you’re using. Some blades are designed for thick materials, while others are designed for thinner materials.
Is a multi-tool the same as an angle grinder?
No, oscillating multi tools are not the same as angle grinders. Angle grinders are designed for grinding and cutting metal. Oscillating multi tools are designed for a variety of different projects and can be used to cut wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and tile.
Can you grind metal with a multi-tool?
No, oscillating multi tools are not designed for grinding metal. Angle grinders are designed for grinding and cutting metal. Oscillating multi tools are designed for a variety of different projects and can be used to cut wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and tile.
