Oscillating Multi

Oscillating multi-tools may be a jack of all trades, but that doesn’t mean they’re masters of none. These handy tools, which are often just referred to as oscillating tools, are great for grinding grout or cutting pipe in a pinch. And they can also do things that would be almost impossible with ordinary tools, like sanding floorboards in a tight corner or making flush cuts in door casing when installing a new floor. To assess how effective the models we test are, we plow through wood and metal, and grind through grout and tile adhesive. (To learn more about how we test and pick the best oscillating tools, see our article that rounds up the top models we recommend.)

An oscillating tool is largely designed for pros and avid enthusiasts of home improvement, and it can seriously up your DIY game by letting you tackle projects that might otherwise require a professional. It’s not essential in the same way that a cordless drill is, nor does it work the same way. While a cordless drill spins a bit to bore holes or drive screws, a multi-tool has a head that oscillates in a back-and-forth motion, allowing it to cut, sand, and grind. If you typically hire a pro for household jobs, you don’t need to buy an oscillating tool. But if you like to handle your own projects around the house, an oscillating tool will help you tackle tasks that you can’t do with a drill, saw, or hand tools.

The real magic of an oscillating tool comes from the broad array of attachments it can use. Here are some of the most common jobs, and the attachments used for each.

Oscillating tools look and work similarly, but a handful of key differences can make certain models easier to use and more versatile, too.

Most oscillating tools come with at least a handful of attachments to get you started, often including at least one sanding attachment and one general-purpose cutting blade. But you’ll probably need to buy a few attachments separately. Here’s what to consider.

Black+Decker oscillating tools are lighter-duty tools geared toward the consumer market as opposed to pros. It’s considered the entry-level brand from Stanley Black+Decker, which also owns Porter-Cable, Bostitch, and DeWalt, all of which are a step up. Black+Decker oscillating tools (as well as its wide array of other power tools) are available online, in hardware stores, and at Lowe’s and Walmart.

Bosch is a German brand of power tools geared toward the contractor market. It’s considered a premium brand, and its oscillating tools are no exception. Bosch sells oscillating tools online, in hardware stores, and at Lowe’s stores. Bosch isn’t available at Home Depot.

Craftsman was the house tool brand at Sears for years but was acquired several years ago by Stanley Black+Decker. Its tools, including oscillating tools, are considered to be a fairly premium offering, geared toward consumers. They are sold at Kmart and Sears, and online at Sears.com, as well as at select Lowe’s and Home Depot stores.

DeWalt is the most premium brand owned by Stanley Black+Decker, and its products, including oscillating tools, are pricier and perform better than offerings from Black+Decker, Porter-Cable, or Craftsman. Its products are marketed toward contractors and serious DIYers. They’re widely available online, in hardware stores, and at home centers, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Fein claims to have built and patented the world’s first oscillating tool, called the Fein Multimaster. The brand has a reputation largely built around the success and popularity of the Multimaster, which is available online and in stores, in both corded and cordless versions.

Makita products, including its oscillating tools, are geared toward the contractor market as well as serious DIYers. It’s a premium brand and its products generally come at a premium price. They’re widely available online, in hardware stores, and at Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Milwaukee is a manufacturer of contractor-oriented power tools and is owned by TTI, a parent company that also owns Ryobi and Ridgid. Milwaukee is the most premium brand of the three. It makes oscillating tools that are widely available at hardware stores, Home Depot, and online.

Porter-Cable is a brand owned by Stanley Black+Decker and is considered a midlevel brand, a step up from Black+Decker but a step down from DeWalt. Its oscillating tools are geared toward the consumer market and sold at hardware stores and home centers.

Ryobi is an entry-level brand owned by TTI. It’s seen as less premium than Ridgid or Milwaukee, but many of its tools, including oscillating tools, provide a great value. Its power tools are sold exclusively at Home Depot.

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