More than 60 years ago in 1967, tool manufacturer Fein invented the multi tool. It was born not from demand from tradespeople, but out of a need to cut plaster casts from healed patients. Given the tool oscillated rather than rotated, it was ideal for cutting harder materials such as set plaster but not soft skin. Over the years, and particularly within the last 15, multi tools have evolved into one of the tradesperson’s and DIYer’s best friends.
For small-scale and fiddly little jobs around the house, one of your greatest allies is an oscillating multi tool. These mini but multipurpose power tools are able to be fitted with a wealth of attachments to undertake finer jobs such as cutting or sanding, where bigger saws other power tools are likely to cause more harm than good. In this article, we explain multi tools and recommend the best corded and cordless units.
What is a multi tool and how does it work?
As you may have guessed by now, the oscillating motion of these multi tools (like you get on a random orbital sander) allows you to cut, trim, sand, scrape, and all manner of other verbs, depending on the attachment that is fitted to it. Oscillating multi tools have a variable speed selector too, which hones their ability for finer jobs further.
Different brands have different names for the mechanism, but each multi tool has a simple click-in, click-out type of fitting for the attachments (you will find a full rundown of blades and attachments further down). You will find there are also corded and cordless oscillating multi tools available. This is an important factor in considering which multi tool is right for you. For most smaller jobs, cordless multi tools are more convenient, but they are also more expensive than corded ones since they demand batteries and a charger.
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The best corded multi tools:
The PMF 250 CES's main strong suit is that it has the AutoClic fast-change system for the attachable accessories. It makes swapping bits a swift exercise. Meanwhile, the 250W motor gives plenty of power that you can easily control the variable speed selector. The only minus is the lack of an anti-vibration handle.
250 Watts
Weight: 1.2kgs
Super fast AutoClic accessory change
Starlock compatible
No-load speed: 15,000 – 20,000 opm
In the box:
Bosch PMF 250 CES electric multitool
BIM segment saw blade wood and metal, 85 mm
Delta sanding plate 93 mm
Delta sanding sheet set
Dust extraction
HCS plunge-cutting saw blade for wood, 32 x 40 mm
4-stage depth stop for segment saw blades
Plastic carry case
Pros:
Bosch quality
Fantastic quick-change system
Cons:
No anti-vibration handle supplied
www.tooled-up.com
A simple and affordable multitool with a perfectly useable 250W of power. The electronic speed control does quite a good good at adapting the power to the job at hand, it takes the guesswork out of jobs. The only drawback is that it's heavier than the others here.
220 Watts
Weight: 1.8kgs
Starlock compatible
No Load Speed: 15,000-22,000 opm
In the box:
Einhell TC-MG 220 E Multi Tool
Delta sanding disc with dust extraction
Sanding paper
Scraper
RAID-Blade for wood
Dust extraction adapter
2 x Allen keys
Pros:
Value
Comes with dust extraction
Cons:
A little bit heavier compared to the Bosch
uktoolcentre.co.uk
Naturally, Fein has a big range of impressive multitools, many of which are overkill for home use. This high quality set is great for DIY - it's easy-to-change bits, has a reliable 250W motor and metal gearbox, and good value. The soft-grip offers comfortable ergonomic use too.
250 Watts
Weight: 1.4kgs
Fast QuickIN accessory change
Starlock and StarlockPlus compatible
No load speed: 11,000-20,000 opm
In the box:
Fein MultiTalent FMT 250 QSL
Sanding pad
3 x sanding sheets, grit 80, 120, 180
Universal E-Cut saw blade (44 mm)
Pros:
Fein quality
Comes in a hard case
Cons:
No dust extraction
The best cordless multi tools:
Bosch's green DIY tools dominate the home DIY tool landscape for good reason. It's AdvancedMulti 18-volt multitool is a showcase in point. With its Autoclic quick-change system, reliability, included anti-vibration handle, 180 u00b0 LED light strip, to name a few features, this is a wonderful cordless multitool for home jobs. That's all there really is to say about it.
Summary:
18-Volt
Weight: 1.35kgs
Super fast AutoClic accessory change system
Starlock compatible
No load speed: 10,000 - 20,000 opm
In the box:
AdvancedMulti 18 Cordless Multi Tool
Saw blade for wood & metal
Plunge cut saw blade for wood
Anti-vibration handle
Delta sanding plate 93mm
6 x Delta sanding sheet set
4-stage depth stop for segment saw blades
Pros:
Comes with anti-vibration handle
Compatible with other Bosch Green Power4All 18V tools
Cons:
You will need at least a 4.0Ah or two 2.5Ah batteries for long run times
A practical choice if you can stomach the premium price, this multi-tool is excellent. Offering six speed settings and a pivoting head, it is perfect for any job you can think of. The universal head attachment is a good addition too. Ryobi offer a mind-boggling amount of power tools that all run off the same battery pack, great for cutting down on multiple charging cables.
Summary:
18-Volt
Weight: 1.4kg
In the box:
Ryobi ONE+ R18MT-0 18V Cordless Multi tool
Plunge cutting blade
Flush cutting blade
Sanding pad
Five sanding sheets
Universal accessory adaptor
Pros:
Great selection of accessoties
Battery compatible with other Ryobi products
Cons:
Expensive
Battery pack sold separately
www.ebay.co.uk
The Worx WX693 Sonicrafter has superb specification with its brushless motor, six-speed variable control, and Hyperlock clamping system. It's very nice to handle and is thoroughly well made. It gives you the ability for fast cutting, should you need it, but thanks to the brushless motor, it doesn't chew through battery power either. The only is niggle that the lever for the Hyperlock system is plastic and could benefit from being stronger.
Summary:
Brushless 18-Volt
Weight: 1.4kg
Firm Hyperlock clamping system
Universal blade fitting
No load speed: 8,000-18,000 opm
In the box:
WX693 Sonicrafter
2 x 2.0Ah Li-ion batteries
Charger
HSS semicircle blade
28mm end-cut blade
Sanding pad
12 x 40 grit sanding sheets
12 x 80 grit sanding sheets
12 x 120 grit sanding sheets
Hard case
Pros:
Energy efficient, reliable and powerful brushless motor
Two batteries included
Three year warranty
Cons:
Plastic clamping lever for the Hyperlock system ought to be stronger
www.ffx.co.uk
Einhell's cordless multitool is a superb value, particularly given the inclusion of three cutting blades and a handful of sanding sheets. While it doesn't have the power of the Sonicrafter, it is great for a range of jobs. Its lightness certainly goes a long way in its user-friendliness. The single 2.0Ah battery is fine for small jobs, but you'll definitely want another for longer periods of use.
Summary:
18-Volt
Weight: 1.02kgs
Starlock compatible
No Load Speed: 11,000 - 20,000 opm
In the box:
Triangular grinding/sanding plate
9 x grinding/sanding paper (3 x P60, 3 x P80, 3 x P120)
Scraper
HCS plunge-cut saw blade for wood and plastic
BIM plunge-cut saw blade for metal
HSS segment saw blade for wood, plastic and soft metal
Diamond segment saw blade for tile joints
18V 2.0Ah Li-ion battery
Charger
Pros:
Well priced cordless kit
Good range of blades included
Cons:
2.0 Ah battery won’t last for bigger jobs (boost running time with a 3.0Ah or another 2.0Ah battery)
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How do I use a multi tool?
The functioning of these tools is simple enough. Attach the appropriate blade and away you go. The great thing about a multi tool is that there is no set rulebook on when and where it should be used. Be adaptable, that's what they're for. Here are a few scenarios where you can use an oscillating multi tool and how:
For trimming metal bolt ends, nails, or piping (including plastic), you will want to start on a slower speed in order to cut a groove before upping the speed for a faster cut. In this way, you can make the cleanest cut possible without the tool jiggling all over the place at a high speed on the slippery metal. Using a wider metal blade will help reduce the chance of slipping off a round metal surface.
For sanding, operate the multi tool in the same way you would for an oscillating random orbital sander. Move over the surface slowly, in overlapping circles, covering everything.
When cutting and trimming wood, you will find a multi tool much easier to handle than a power saw. If trimming along an edge, using a guide of some kind (such as another piece of straight-cut wood) will be useful to keep your line neat. Straight wood blades are good for trimming edges and plunge cuts – some straight blades even come with a ruler along the side, so you know how deep you’re cutting. Round blades are great for linear cuts – you can swivel the blade back and forth as you go to clear sawdust.
Carbide or diamond grit blades are superb at removing grout. These come in various thicknesses to match the job at hand.
Use scraper blades for quickly removing hardened adhesive, pulling up carpet, and the like. These come in a range of shapes and sharpness to suit the job at hand.
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Blades and accessories
When it comes to buying more blades, getting the blades with the right attachment will be on your mind. You’re in luck because all of our suggested oscillating multi tools fit the increasingly popular Starlock system. It’s a fast quick-change system jointly developed by Bosch and Fein. If you are ever in doubt, the packaging on the blade will always say which tools it is and is not compatible with.
The important thing to remember when buying replacement blades (they can be bought as singles or in packs) is to stick with reputable brands. Super cheap blades can be tempting, but almost never last and worse still, make a poor job of things. By the same token, you don’t have to go for the most expensive option either, especially in a DIY scenario. Quality blades from the likes of Smart or Bosch for example, will provide you with a range of long lasting, well-performing blades.
Here are some great multi-piece sets:
www.tooled-up.com
Contents:
Bi-Metal segment saw blade wood and metal ACZ 85 EB (1x)
Bi-Metal plunge-cutting saw blade wood and metal AIZ 32 APB (1x)
HCS scraper ATZ 52 SFC (1x)
Wood and paint sanding sheet (10x)
www.ffx.co.uk
Will not fit Starlock tools (will fit the Einhell tools above).
Contents:
2 x Bi-Metal wood and nails blades (32 & 42mm)
2 x 32mm coarse tooth wood blade (for wood & plastic)
32mm fine tooth wood blade
2 x 63mm coarse tooth wood blade
63mm fine tooth wood blade
Contents:
2x Titanium alloy Bi-Metal 32mm wood, metals, and plastic blade
2 x Titanium alloy Bi-Metal 44mm wood, metals, and plastic blade
What to read next:
Chris Williams is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best. He also writes for CAR and Parkers.
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