Why you need an oscillating tool
Oscillating tools are great for a few specific jobs like
removing grout, making drywall cutouts and undercutting
trim for flooring installation. But mostly, an oscillating tool
is a problem solver for a thousand weird situations. As one
remodeler told us, “I couldn’t list the last ten things I used
it for, but I know I couldn't live without it.” Several Field
Editors told us something similar: “I couldn't imagine any
need for an oscillating tool—until I got one.”
Just a few years ago, oscillating multi-tools were rare,
even in pro toolboxes. But with a wider range of choices
and falling prices, more and more DIYers are using them.
And since they are endlessly useful, we predict
that you'll own one sooner or later.
We looked at dozens of them in all price
ranges for this review, then narrowed the field to some of the most widely
available models. We also drew the upper line at $130. If
you're a pro (or a serious tool junkie), you can easily spend
more than that. But we think most DIYers will be more than
satisfied owning one of the tools reviewed here.
Cordless is convenient, but...
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Corded vs. cordless
Several of our Field Editors told us they love their
cordless oscillating tools but wish they had bought a
corded model. Depending on the job and the model,
batteries last 10 to 45 minutes. So one battery, or
even two, probably won't keep you going during constant-draw jobs like removing grout. Also, a corded
tool will likely survive decades of DIY projects, while
batteries have a life span of a few years. We think a
corded model is best for most DIYers and didn't
include cordless models in this review.
A handy guide
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Look for useful features
Porter-Cable's PCE605 has a unique
roller guide that can limit the depth
of cut or simply help to steady the
tool. It's removable and you'll probably
want it out of the way most of
the time. But we found it a big help
for some jobs: When removing grout,
we cut perfect, consistent lines without
stopping to check the depth. (We
wrapped the roller with electrical
tape to avoid marring the tile.) When
undercutting the baseboard shown
here, we avoided cutting into the
blade-wrecking plaster behind the
baseboard.
Cost and Power Rating
Spend more—or less?
These oscillating tools cost
from $25 to $130. Despite that huge price
gap, we found only small differences in
how well they cut, sand or scrape. The real
differences are in convenience and comfort.
Spending more will get you a tool-free
accessory attachment system, less vibration
and a tool that's more confortable to
use for long periods. We also assume that
higher-cost tools will last longer, but we
didn't test for longevity.
If you expect to use an oscillating tool
regularly or have a big job planned,
choose a more expensive tool. For
occasional use, you'll probably be satisfied
with a tool with a low-cost model.
More power isn't essential
More power is better, of course, but we
don't consider it a key factor in choosing
an oscillating tool. We tested tools with
motors ranging from 1.6 to 3 amps. And to
our surprise, the performance differences
were minor. Tools with lower amp ratings
bog down if you press hard while cutting or
sanding, but so do the higher-amp models.
The tools with lower amp ratings work well
under normal loads.
Oscillating angle is a tradeoff
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Speed vs. control
The “oscillating angle” tells you
how far the accessory travels
from side to side. The tools we
tested ranged from 2.8 to 3.2
degrees. More travel generally
means a more aggressive
tool. In terms of cutting
speed, for example, we found
that the oscillating angle
generally mattered more
than the amp rating; a
greater oscillating angle
cuts faster. On the other
hand, models with less
travel generally run
smoother and offer better
precision and control.
Check the contents of the kit
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Warning: Blades are a big expense
Blades are
pricey ($6 to $30 each)
and wear out fast. Over
the life of the
tool, you'll probably spend
more on blades than on
the tool itself.
Oscillating tools are usually sold
as kits with varying assortments
of accessories. Considering the
high cost of blades, checking the
contents of the kit is worthwhile.
Don't just look at the number of
pieces, though: A 30-piece kit
might include 25 low-cost sanding
pads.
FeinOrigin of oscillating tools
FeinFein 250Q Oscillating tool
From Hospitals to Job Sites
In 1968, Fein patented the oscillating “plaster cast
saw,” which could slice through a cast without harming
the patient's skin. That medical tool evolved into
the do-anything tool we know today. Fein still makes
pro-grade oscillating tools, and some of our Field
Editors swear it's still the best
choice. The Fein 250Q shown
(along with the Start Q kit)
costs about $200 on
Amazon through our affiliate program, other retailers and
online.
Tool-free systems
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Craftsman
Just flip the lever forward to
loosen or remove the flange.
This tool also works with
Ridgid and Rockwell accessories.
Add an adapter ring
to use other brands like Bosch
or Porter-Cable. The system
adds some bulk to the front of
the tool, making the maximum
cut depth about 1/2 in. less
than with most other models.
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Dremel
This fast, easy system is
similar to the Craftsman
system, except that the
flange isn't removable
and doesn't accept
accessories from other
major manufacturers.
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Porter-Cable/Black & Decker
Simply squeeze the lever
and slip on the accessory.
The lever protrudes over
the blade, so you get about
1/2 in. less cutting depth
than with most other
models. They also accept
Dremel accessories.
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Rockwell
Spin the lever to loosen,
tighten or completely
remove the flange. This
system is a bit slower
than the others, but it
worked with every accessory
brand we could find.
The standard system for mounting accessories is a screw and an Allen
wrench. But most manufacturers are now introducing faster, easier ways.
You'll still find lots of tools with Allen screws on store shelves, but we
expect that to change.
OSCILLATING TOOL REVIEWS
Rockwell Sonicrafter RK5139K
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Features
- Cost: $119
- Amps: 2.5
- Oscillation angle: 3.2
- Tool-free: Yes
- Web site: rockwelltools.com
This tool tops our list in terms of smooth,
quiet operation, and we love the accessory
attachment system because it
accepted every blade we could find. Its
carrying case is also our favorite because
it provides a place for accessories and a
generous space for the tool and cord; no
struggling to fit it all back into the case!
Rockwell also makes a 3-amp model
with electronic speed control
(the Sonicrafter
RK5140K; $150 through our affiliate program with Amazon) and a
2.3-amp model without
a tool-free system
(SS5120; $60).
Black & Decker BD200MTB
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Features
- Cost: $80 (Wal-Mart)
- Amps: 2
- Oscillation angle: 2.8
- Tool-free: Yes
- Web site: blackanddecker.com
From the tool-free attachment system
to the smooth, low-vibration feel, this
tool is in the same class as those costing
much more. A true bargain. The
attachment system is identical to
Porter-Cable's and accepts Porter-Cable accessories. You won't find this
tool at most home centers, but it's
available online through our affiliate program with
Amazon and at Wal-Mart.
Chicago 68861
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Features
- Cost: $22 (and sometimes even less!)
- Amps: 1.6
- Oscillation angle: 3
- Tool-free: No
- Web site: harborfreight.com
The price is irresistible, even if you don't
foresee any need for an oscillating tool.
This bare-bones tool runs a bit rougher
than most of the more expensive models
but performed well in our tests. And we've
heard from Field Editors who own it and
are completely satisfied with it. It's available
at Harbor Freight stores and online.
Chicago Electric also makes a 2-amp
model with variable speed (available on
Amazon through our affiliate program for about $45).
Craftsman 35078
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Features
- Cost: $80
- Amps: 2.5
- Oscillation angle: 2.8
- Tool-free: Yes
- Web site: craftsman.com
We like the tool-free attachment system
and love the LED work light on the nose of
this tool. Our only complaint is that the
body of the tool is wide and less comfortable
to grip than other models.
Dremel Multi-Max
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Features
- Cost: $130
- Amps: 2.5
- Oscillation angle: 3
- Tool-free: Yes
- Web site: dremel.com
This is a smooth, comfortable tool and a
contender for our best overall choice. The
accessory attachment system is even easier
to use than its competitors' but accepts
only Dremel attachments. Dremel also
makes two other great models (without
tool-free systems) that cost $90 (MM20)
and $80 (6300). You can find these models on
Amazon through our affiliate program.
Porter-Cable PCE605
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Features
- Cost: $130
- Amps: 3
- Oscillation angle: 2.8
- Tool-free: Yes
- Web site: portercable.com
A superb tool—smooth running and very comfortable
to use. The roller guide is a plus, and we
strongly recommend it if there's a big grout
removal job in your future. The accessory
attachment system is instant but limits the
depth of cut. Porter-Cable also makes a
2.5-amp model with the same attachment
system ($95) but without the roller guide. You can buy the PCE605, through our affiliate program with
Amazon.
Ridgid Jobmax R28600
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Features
- Cost: $130
- Amps: 3
- Oscillation angle: 3
- Tool-free: No
- Web site: ridgid.com
This is the starter tool for Ridgid's multihead
JobMax system. Unlike other oscillating
tools, it has a variable-speed trigger
rather than a switch. That lets you control
the speed without stopping to make
adjustments, which is nice for precision
work. But the trigger doesn't lock, and holding
it constantly gets uncomfortable. The
LED work light is a great bonus.
