As you may know already, oscillating power tools can be useful for almost any task, including cutting, sanding, or grinding projects. So whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, you will undoubtedly recognize the necessity of investing in an oscillating tool at some point. Given how versatile these tools are, it may be a bit difficult to pick one from all the variety of oscillating tools the market has to offer, which is why you should take the time to learn about what makes a reliable oscillating power tool and how a good one should behave. To help you through, we put together a list of the ten best oscillating power tools out there.
10. Dremel VC60-01 Hyper-Oscillating Tool Kit
The Dremel VC60-01 Hyper-Oscillating Tool Kit is one of the most powerful on the market. It runs on a 7.0 Amp motor that easily powers through the toughest of jobs. The tool comes with dual modes, Precision, and Hyper Speed, for getting through any kind of material. With its unique wide 5 degrees angle of oscillation, the tool delivers a much faster cutting time as compared to the regular tools. It is also compatible with a wide range of cutting accessories which makes it a universal tool. Thanks to a Quick Lock function, you can quickly interchange accessories as safely as possible.
9. Fein FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool
Seen as one of the most popular power tools available today, the Fein FMM350QSL MultiMaster Oscillating Multi-Tool stands out through its sheer strength. The tool comes with a new StarLock Mounting system that lets you snap in other accessories quickly; the blades, for instance, can be changed in just three seconds. Although quite powerful, this tool is extremely quiet and produces minimum vibrations when in use. As such, it works perfectly for all kinds of renovation jobs including hardwood floors, doorknobs, and more.
8. Dremel MM30-04 Oscillating Tool Kit
Another one of Dremel’s excellent tools is the MM30-04 Oscillating Tool Kit. The product comes with a handy quick release wrench that is fitted onto the toolkit so you never have to worry about looking for one. With a wide 3.2 degree oscillating angle, this tool offers quick and precise cutting. One of the standout features though is the magnetic accessory holder that keeps any accessory in place quickly and firmly. Furthermore, this tool is designed to fit comfortably in the hands and comes with soft grips to make that happen.
7. Dremel US40-03 Ultra-Saw Tool Kit
Dremel is one of the biggest names in the business and their US40-03 Ultra-Saw Tool Kit shows us why that is. It contains a 7.5 Amp motor for faster, easier, and more powerful cutting experiences. With a faster speed, this tool can cut through wood and metal quite easily. The 3-in-1 tool offers not only cutting, but also surface preparations such as removal of rust, paint, thinner, and other substances. With the added durability and improved drivetrain, the tool can last up to 3 times longer than a regular tool.
6. Dremel MM40-05 Oscillating Tool Kit
With the Dremel MM40-05 Oscillating Tool Kit, you simply can’t go wrong as far as most DIY projects go. This tool is fitted with a powerful 3.8 Amp motor that pushes out enough power to cut through any material and quickly and it also comes with a quick lock mechanism to ensure all your accessories are secure and safe to use. The Quick Boost feature keeps the tool running at the same speed even when cutting through a variety of materials. There is also a Quick Hold feature that you can use to keep the accessories safely in place while changing them. It has an easy to reach on/off switch as well.
5. RK5151K Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-Tool
The RK5151K Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-Tool from Rockwell is a favorite among professional and amateur renovators. It has a unique feature called the Duotech Oscillation Technology which lets you choose the best oscillation angle for every situation. You can even choose the speed of oscillation which ranges between 10,000 to 19,000 oscillations per minute. The power tool runs on a 4.2 Amp motor which keeps it cutting at a regular speed, even when cutting heavy loads. Furthermore, its Universal Fit System allows all accessories to fit perfectly.
4. Bosch MX25EC-21 2.5-Amp Multi-X Oscillating Tool Kit
The Bosch MX25EC-21 Oscillating Multi-Tool is a fantastic product for any professional or amateur to own. It runs on a powerful and unique Bosch Brushless Motor that delivers a steady flow of speed and power to cut through any material. The Quick Change Accessory System lets you switch between blades and other accessories without using a wrench while a bright red light helps illuminate dark workspaces for a greater visibility and efficiency.
3. DWE315K Oscillating Tool Kit
It is important for an oscillating power tool to be just as comfortable to handle as it is powerful, which are precisely the features that make this particular tool stand out. The tool is fitted with a 3 Amp motor that lets you cut and sand anything quickly and efficiently. With its handy Quick Change Accessory System, you can change blades and other accessories without a wrench while a Dual-Grip Variable Speed Trigger allows you to control the speed as easily and as effortlessly as possible. With its bright red light attachment, you can easily cut with precision, even in dark spaces.
2. DCS355D1 XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
With the DeWalt DCS355D1 XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, you get a unique and powerful brushless motor that delivers a durable and reliable performance by all standards. Its Quick Change Accessory System, for instance, allows for swift blade changes without wrenches or other tools. Not only that but the tool comes in a DeWalt toolkit along with 28 pieces of accessories and attachments of an impressive variety. The adaptor is a universally compatible one while the tool itself has an OPM range of 0-20,000 that you can use for almost any cutting or grinding task.
1. PCE605K52 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Standing out as the very best of the best, the Porter-Cable PCE605K52 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit is seen as a truly professional multi-tool unit. It houses a 3-Amp motor that delivers a cutting experience like no other oscillating power tool out there. Furthermore, its tool-free accessory and blade changer makes switching between blades and other accessories extremely quick and easy as it requires no additional tools. With the depth guide, you always get the results when going deep while the cutting guide helps you easily get through any material. Last but not least, the tool also comes with a 10-foot power cord so you can use it freely in any conditions.
A Guide To Buying Oscillating Tools
Oscillating tools are tools that many people don’t believe they need until they get one and realize that it’s one of the more versatile tools around. These tools can be used for trimming pipe, trimming screws, perform plunge cuts on decking, cutting out drywall openings, removing adhesive from under a carpet, removing the grout from tile, and about a million and a half other jobs. It’s such a versatile tool, we feel that it’s one of the best tools for anyone to own. As long as a person buys the best oscillating tool available.
The problem most people have with these tools is not finding one among the multitude of models available, but finding the best one. After all, how does one choose the best oscillating tools, when so many of them all seem alike? Well, there is actually a way to do it, and we’re going to give a detailed explanation of how a person can buy one of these tools.
Corded Or Cordless Models?
Probably one of the first things a person is going to want to think about is whether they need a corded oscillating tool or a cordless one. Although both of these types of oscillating tools have their pros and cons, corded models are better for some jobs, and cordless models are better for other jobs. Let’s examine each of these models to see where their strong points lay and what weaknesses they possess.
Cordless Oscillating Tools
Cordless models are convenient, but typically, their batteries probably won’t last longer than an hour. Another problem that cordless models have is that eventually, the battery is going to wear out from the constant charging and recharging, so that will need to be replaced.
Pros:
- Can be used anywhere.
- Don’t have to maneuver around a cord.
- Best for DIY use.
Cons:
- They don’t stay charged very long.
- It takes time to recharge the battery.
- Batteries eventually wear out.
Corded Oscillating Tools
Corded models aren’t as convenient as corded models, but they typically last longer and are more powerful. It’s for these reasons along that many professional choose these models over cordless ones. They might not be able to be used in as many places as cordless ones, but they can last for decades and are powerful.
Pros:
- Don’t require charging
- Can last for decades
- They provide professional performance
- Best for professional use.
Cons:
- Have to be near an outlet or extension cord.
- Are usually more expensive than cordless models.
Consider The Oscillation Angle
The next thing that should be considered is the oscillation angle of the tool. Most oscillating tools have an oscillation range of anywhere from 2.8-degrees up to 5-degrees, with only a few varieties falling out of the range. Although we could get pretty technical with how the oscillation angle affects the cut, we believe that can we can sum it up in a pretty straight-forward manner. As a general rule, the higher the oscillating angle of a tool is, the more aggressive it will cut. However, the consumer should be careful to weigh this increased cutting speed with its precision. After all, the faster the tool cuts, the less precise the cuts are likely to be.
Consider The Power Of The Tool
Another important thing is the power of the tool. Although oscillation angle generally describes the speed of the tool, it’s the Amperage that’s going to tell the operator just how easily the tool will cut through materials. Of course, if the operator is only going to use the oscillating tool for jobs that don’t require a lot of power, such as cutting out drywall or removing adhesives, then they can probably use just about any tool. However, if they’re looking for a tool that will cut through metal or for performing other tough jobs, then they’re going to get a model that has the most Amps possible—preferably one that has 5-Amps or more of power.
Additional Features To Consider
It’s also important to consider some of the features that make oscillating tools easier to use. Although we’re not going to go over all of the features that an oscillating tool might have, we can list some of the more important features to consider and ones that make jobs a whole lot easier. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
- LED lights
- Variable speed trigger
- Quick-change accessory systems
- Brush-less motor
- A control foot
Additional Accessories That Come With It
The last thing to consider is whether you’re going to need just the tool itself or if you’re going to need some accessories to go with it. Many oscillating tools are part of a kit that contains accessories that expand the capabilities of the tool. Some of the items that usually come with oscillating tools are listed below.
- Extra blades
- Sandpaper in different grits
- A carrying case
- Additional batteries
- a battery charger
