How do you choose an oscillating multi-tool?
Choose oscillating multi-tool
You can use oscillating multi-tools for fine to medium-sized jobs. Which oscillating multi-tool and accessories you need depends on your job. Ask yourself the following:
- Do you want to saw or cross-cut?
- Do you want to scrape or shave?
- Do you want to sand or remove tiles?
- Do you quickly want to switch attachments?
- Do you want to work corded or on a battery?
Do you want to saw or cross-cut?
Sawing cutouts
When making a cutout, you're sawing a hole in your workpiece for a drain, cables, or socket, for example. You often saw this hole in the middle of the surface. If you want to start in the middle of a workpiece, you need an oscillating multi-tool with a plunge-cutting saw blade. As the name implies, the saw plunges into your workpiece. This way, you can start in any desired spot.
Cut through or cross-cut
For small to medium-sized saw jobs, a radial arm saw or circular saw is too coarse. Instead, it's best to use an oscillating multi-tool with a segment blade. You can easily saw baseboards, window frames, or laminate with this. There are segment blades for various materials, like wood and metal.
Do you want to scrape or shave?
Scraping
Removing glue or sealant residue is a hard job. An oscillating multi-tool can make this a lot faster and easier. You can use a scraper blade attachment for this, so you can remove glue residue from steps or excess sealant from tiles.
Shaving
With shaving, we mean coarsely removing a layer of material like tile glue or wood. The last one is useful for a door that keeps getting stuck or a plank that's just a little too thick. You can also use a shaver for hobbies like woodworking.
Do you want to sand or remove tiles?
Sanding
You sand large surfaces with a sander, but an oscillating multi-tool is useful for precise sanding work. That's because you can reach the smallest corners with the sanding pad, so you can easily sand baseboards, window frames, steps, and garden furniture. You can also effortlessly work in hard-to-reach places.
Cut and remove tiles
Do you want new tiles in your bathroom or want to replace the kitchen with a new one? You can easily remove the grout and tiles with an oscillating multi-tool. You can even cut tiles to size with this useful tool. The attachment you need is a segment blade. To cut tiles, a cutting disc is also an option.
Do you quickly want to switch attachments?
The attachments of an oscillating multi-tool should be firmly locked in when you get to work. There are 2 ways in which you lock in accessories: with and without a (hex) key. For a tool switch with a key, you twist the attachments on or off yourself. This is easy, but takes some time. A tool switch without a key is much faster as you lock in the accessories with a button or handle.
Do you want to work corded or on a battery?
Oscillating multi-tools work on the power grid or on a battery. Both have their pros and cons. With a corded multi-tool, you always have power. The machine is also more powerful. You do need a socket or extension cord. Does the multi-tool work on a battery? You can also use it in places without a socket. You do have to charge a battery when it's empty. If you don't have an extra battery, you can't work without interruptions.
