A Toolstop Guide to Oscillating Multi Tools

The Oscillating Multi Tool was originally used in the medical profession as a way to remove plaster casts easily and without cutting or hurting the patient. Fein, manufacturers of the Multi Master, saw this as an opportinity and gained the rights to produce a power tool version in 1985.

In this Toolstop Buying Guide you’ll learn about oscillating multi-tools from:

• Fein
• Makita
• Bosch
• DeWALT

Feel free to jump to whichever manufacturer you’re most interested in!

Multi cutters, or multitools, have been around for a few short years, now, but for many tradespeople they’re the proverbial “get out of jail free” card. It appears that for those jobs your “regular” professional power tools aren’t quite right for, a multi-cutter can come to your rescue.

The idea behind multi cutting tools is simple; create a tool that, via an oscillating head, can cut, grind, sand, scrape and more. The head oscillates (ie. moves from side to side, but not in a circular motion) whatever accessory or tool has been attached to it, thereby providing you the means to scrape, cut, grind and so on, but to do so in tight spaces and where power cords can’t go.

Watch out for the degree of oscillation; the lesser the number the more precise the oscillation which gives you more control over the application you’re working on.

The versatility of these tools is dependent on the cutters and accessories that are fitted to the oscillating head. Therefore having the flexibility to use different brands of accessory is important, and potential cost-saving. See our guide here to find out which multitool accessories are best for you.

With the right accessory fitted to your machine you’ll be able to sand, grind, cut and scrape in areas impractical for most other tools, or for jobs where – perhaps traditionally – hand and elbow power may be preferred!

Another important factor to consider is the speed of oscillation, measured in oscillations per minute, and whether this speed is variable. The higher the top speed of oscillation is, the more powerful the multi tool is. However, being able to dial the speed down allows for more considered or delicate tasks.

Like any cordless power tool, not being dependent upon a tethered power supply gives you the freedom and flexibility to work anywhere, particularly in tight or difficult to reach places, typically where a good quality oscillating multi tool comes into it’s own.

But as with any cordless tool, the main drawbacks for you will be in sacrificing the motor power available to you from a corded multicutter, coupled with the amount of runtime your battery will provide. Therefore, it’s wise to look for a cordless multi cutter from a manufacturer who’s batteries you already own. And definitely look for larger capacity batteries; 4 or 5Ah is best.

We’ve split our buying guide into each manufacturer to make it easy for you to decide on which is the best for you, particularly if you’re already loyal to your favourite power tool brand. If a manufacturer has a cordless version, we’ll make that clear.

Fein Oscillating Multi-Tools

Up until around 2008, there was one – and only one – multi-cutter tool. It was – and is – known as the Fein Multimaster.

Developed by C & E Fein GmbH, the Multimaster was the father of the multi-cutter tool range, and when the company’s patent on the idea expired in October 2008, other manufacturers developed their own versions. Fein describes their multi cutters as “efficient, precise and always full of surprises”.

Makita Oscillating Multi-Tools

Makita have joined the multi cutter stable with, as you’d expect, a corded and cordless version. With Makita’s 18V batteries saturating jobsites around the world, there’s a good chance you’ll already have a few in your kit, hence buying a Makita cordless multitool could be a top choice for you.

Bosch Oscillating Multi-Tools

Bosch endeavoured to make the world of oscillating tools their own with the launch of the cordless 10.8V GOP, and since then they’ve capitilised on how well the GOP has sold by launching new GOPs with higher capacity batteries and 110 and 240V corded versions.

DeWALT Oscillating Multi-Tools

DeWALT were late to the oscillating tool game, but they arrived with a bang with some very high-spec models that have proven to be huge sellers. The cordless versions are very powerful and incredibly ergonomic, and both benefit from being kitted out with brushless motors, and they accept DeWALT’s XR li-ion batteries.

How to Get the Most from Your Oscillating Multitool

Regardless of which make or model you go for, corded or cordless, there’s no doubt that your new multitool will enable you to do loads of jobs that would perhaps be a struggle for conventional power tools

As mentioned above, though, getting it to do the right job in the right way is always dependent on you using the correct accessory.

Most of the tools we’ve listed here come with accessories supplied in the box. That in itself can be a little confusing at times, so we’ve put together some further guides to help you choose the right accessory:

• Multi-Cutter Saw Blades from Fein – Which Should I Use?
• What’s the Best Accessory for Your Oscillating Multi-Tool?
• How to Cut Skirting Boards and Door Stops with a Multi-Cutter

If you’ve got any questions about the tools in our buying guide, or general questions about choosing and getting the most from an oscillating multi-tool, then get in touch with us!