Tested: The 7 Best Oscillating Tools for the Workshop
When it comes to popular power tools, the oscillating tool is the new kid on the block. It features a small blade that’s fixed at one end while the other end moves rapidly back and forth in an arcing motion that mimics a pendulum swing. The action, a combination of vibration and sawing, works well for cutting materials like metal, wood, and drywall and, with the right attachments, can also sand and file. While it’s not as powerful as a large circular saw or drum sander, its ability to tackle multiple light-duty tasks makes it a popular choice with remodelers and DIYers. Plus, its compact design lets it fit in tight and awkward spaces to tackle jobs bulkier power tools can’t manage.
Some of the top power tool manufacturers, such as DeWalt, Bosch, and Dremel, are producing oscillating tools, and we wanted to know which ones lived up to the hype. So we tested them. We gathered the highest-rated oscillating tools and used them in several ways: sawing, sanding, and even grinding out old grout.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best oscillating tool for your needs and to find out why each of the following models earned a spot on our lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Porter-Cable 3.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 2.5 Amp Electric Oscillating Multi-Tool
- BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
- BEST FOR SANDING: Rockwell Sonicrafter 4.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool
- BEST FOR INDOORS: Dremel Multi-Max MM20V-02 Oscillating Tool Kit
- BEST FOR METAL: DeWalt DWE315K Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
How We Tested the Best Oscillating Tools
When gathering our list of oscillating tools to test, we extensively researched more than 25 different models. We gave some preference to well-known brands, such as DeWalt, Bosch, and Dremel, since they’re known for making high-quality tools for professionals and DIYers alike. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate tools from smaller or niche brands if they were well-made and highly rated by consumers.
When it came to the actual testing, we first charged batteries (if necessary) and then noted how easy it was to install/change blades on the tool. We paid attention to the tool’s design and ergonomics, and then we tested each device for 1 hour by cutting wood and sheet metal as well as sanding. We also tried out each type of accessory included with the tool to see how well it performed. For example, some of the devices came with grout-removal blades, which we tested on some old tiles that are slated for replacement.
As we put the oscillating tools through their paces, we noted how well they performed each task, awarding points based on a rubric. The better the performance, the higher the points. After testing, we added and averaged the points and used them along with our notes to help determine the best use and category for each tool.
Our Top Picks
We tested both corded and battery-powered oscillating tools. Some came with just a couple of blades, and others came as kits full of accessories. Each of the following models is better suited for some uses than others, but each excelled in our hands-on testing. We noted both their pros and cons—one of them is sure to suit your cutting/sanding/polishing needs.
Best Overall
Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Power: 4 amps
- Speed: Up to 20,000 OPM
- Accessories: 32 pieces and case
What We Like
- Comes with a battery, charger, and various blades and sanding accessories, making it versatile in the shop or home
- Toolless blade-change system makes swapping out blades or sanding pads quick and easy
- The variable speed allows users to slow down the oscillating action for cutting sheet metal or speed it up for cutting wood
What We Don’t Like
- Tool is on the pricey side compared to other oscillating tools
If shoppers are looking for a quality oscillating tool, the Bosch StarlockPlus should be on their list of models to consider. This tool has a 4-amp motor and an adjustable speed range between 8,000 and 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM) to suit cutting different materials. We used the lower speeds for cutting through sheet metal and the highest speed for cutting through wood—the Bosch excelled at both.
We liked the toolless blade-change system that allowed us to swap blades and sanding pads without using a wrench or a hex key. All it takes is pulling the lever to release the current blade, then putting another blade in place and pushing the lever back down to secure.
The Bosch oscillating tool comes with a case and 32 accessories, including sandpaper, several blades, and a separate box for holding accessories, and we tested each type. We sanded, cut wood, cut metal, and even attached the included grout-removal tool and used it on some old tile we’ll be replacing. The device is exceptional: It fit well in hand, didn’t vibrate extensively even at low speeds, and the battery stayed charged throughout our 1-hour test period.
The only minor downside was the grout-removal blade, which in our test chipped the edges of some of our tiles. We prefer using a designated grout-removal tool or a rotary tool for grinding out old grout. Still, the Bosch is a top-notch oscillating tool that excels in both cutting and sanding.
Read our full review: Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Get the Bosch oscillating tool at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.
Runner-Up
Porter-Cable 3.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Power: 3 amps
- Speed: Up to 22,000 OPM
- Accessories: 52 pieces and case
What We Like
- This is a corded model, so there are no batteries to charge; perfect for frequent use on job sites
- The depth adjustment can be used to prevent accidentally cutting too deeply
- Wide range of accessories makes it versatile for several uses; ideal for DIYers and pros
What We Don’t Like
- The vibration is on the strong side, and users may need to take breaks every 20 minutes or so to reduce the risk of hand fatigue
- Didn’t cut through sheet metal as smoothly as we’d like
Those looking for an oscillating tool with everything required to get started should check into this kit from Porter-Cable. This corded oscillating tool has a 3-amp motor and features toolless blade changes. It has a speed range between 10,000 and 22,000 OPM, and we found it cut through wood quickly and smoothly at the top end of its speed range. However, at the lowest speed, it didn’t cut metal as smoothly as we would have liked.
The rubber over mold grip at the front, middle, and rear helps to reduce vibrations, but this tool isn’t as vibration-free as some of the others we tested. After about 30 minutes of use, we were feeling some hand fatigue from the vibration, and once we finished the 1-hour test, our hands felt like they were still vibrating. Still, the most common uses for an oscillating tool are typically short—undercutting a door jamb or sanding in a tight spot—so vibration likely won’t be an issue unless the tool is used for for extended periods,
The Porter-Cable comes with an accessory kit consisting of 52 pieces, and we tested each type. We cut wood and sheet metal, sanded, and used the grout-removal blade on old grout. As mentioned in our Best Overall review, we’re not sold on using an oscillating tool for removing grout, as it tends to be too aggressive and nicks the tile surface. We liked the depth guide on this tool—we could adjust it to cut to a limited depth, preventing accidentally cutting too deeply. All in all, this is a solid tool.
Get the Porter-Cable oscillating tool at Amazon, Walmart, or Porter-Cable.
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 2.5 Amp Electric Oscillating Multi-Tool
Product Specs
- Power: 2.5 amps
- Speed: Up to 20,000 OPM
- Accessories: Wood/metal blade, sanding base, universal adapter kit
What We Like
- Budget-friendly oscillating tool offers speed adjustment for versatility
- Universal adapter, which is detachable, fits most blade attachments made by other brands
- Cuts wood smoothly at the higher-speed end and cuts sheet metal smoothly at the lower-speed end
What We Don’t Like
- Not designed for heavy-duty cutting; it heated up in testing after 20 minutes of continuous use ‘
Those in the market for a light-duty oscillating tool that doesn’t cost a fortune might want to consider this Black+Decker model. The corded oscillating tool has a 2.5-amp motor and six adjustable speeds between 10,000 and 20,000 OPM. It comes with a combo wood/metal blade, twelve sheets of sandpaper, a sanding base, and a storage bag. A universal accessory adapter is also included, and in testing it allowed us to attach blades and accessories from other brands. It features a toolless blade change, but installing the universal-blade attachment requires a wrench (included).
This tool doesn’t boast many bells and whistles, but we found it to be a solid performer for cutting through wood and sheet metal. Plus, it’s corded, so it’s ready to go as long as there’s an electrical outlet nearby.
The only downside we found with the Black+Decker oscillating tool was that it started to heat up about 20 minutes into our 1-hour test. We had to let it cool down for about 10 minutes before we could comfortably hold it again. This isn’t unexpected, however, as it has a less powerful motor than some of the other models we tested. It will still handle light-duty DIY cutting and sanding projects, and it comes at an attractive price point.
Get the Black+Decker oscillating tool at Amazon, Toolup, or Tyler Tool.
Best Cordless
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Power: 2Ah battery
- Speed: Up to 20,000 OPM
- Accessories: 28 pieces with a carrying bag
What We Like
- LED light is bright enough to illuminate dim areas, such as under a cabinet
- Tool comes with a battery, charger, and accessory kit, so it’s ready to use right out of the box
- It’s compatible with other DeWalt batteries for more power versatility
What We Don’t Like
- The battery that comes with this DeWalt tool is on the low-capacity side
Renovation projects without easy access to electrical outlets demand a high-quality cordless oscillating tool, and that’s where the DeWalt 20V MAX XR oscillating tool shines. We’re familiar with the high quality of DeWalt power tools, so we were expecting great things from this cordless model and weren’t disappointed.
This tool comes with a 2Ah battery and a charger. Sure, a higher Ah battery might have been nice, but the batteries from this tool are interchangeable with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools, so users can swap batteries between them. We tested the oscillating tool on both wood and sheet metal. Even though 13,000 OPM is the low end of its speed range, which is higher than some, the DeWalt still cut smoothly through sheet metal in our test, proving that successful metal cutting isn’t only about speed. At the top speed of 20,000 OPM, it sawed quickly through wood. It also excelled in sanding.
The ergonomic grip on this cordless tool made it easy to operate. Plus, DeWalt has done an excellent job of reducing vibration—this was one of the smoothest-running tools we tested. The tool has a built-in LED light that is handy for working in low-light spots. It also comes with a carrying bag, a 28-piece accessory kit with several blades, a sanding block and paper, an accessory storage box, and a handy depth gauge. It features toolless blade changes.
What’s more, this DeWalt tool also allowed us to turn the angle of the blade 90 degrees so we could easily make cuts at a right angle. This is a handy feature for those times when it’s necessary to cut to the side rather than in front of the tool.
Get the DeWalt 20V MAX XR oscillating tool at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best for Sanding
Rockwell Sonicrafter 4.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool
Product Specs
- Power: 4 amps
- Speed: Up to 20,000 OPM
- Accessories: 33 pieces with case
What We Like
- Being corded, this tool doesn’t require charging batteries and is ready to go if an outlet is nearby
- The high-end 4-amp motor on this tool offers ample power for sanding or cutting
- Reduced vibration technology eliminates most uncomfortable hand fatigue associated with power sanders
What We Don’t Like
- Left some rough edges when cutting sheet metal in testing
Extensive sanding projects using a power sander can cause real hand and arm fatigue due to the tool’s typically intense vibrations. So we were impressed by the Rockwell Sonicrafter’s powerful 4-amp motor and vibration-reduction technology that allowed us to sand for nearly an hour without the tool heating up or causing hand fatigue. When it came to cutting, this oscillating tool cut through wood smoothly in our test, but edges were slightly rough when we cut through sheet metal.
While the Sonicrafter did a decent job cutting wood, it truly excelled at sanding. We felt this was due (in part) to an ergonomic design that allowed us to hold it comfortably at just the right angle for smooth sanding. What set this tool apart was the smoothness of the sanded wood. Some of the tools we tested left slight cross-grain sanding marks, but the Rockwell didn’t leave any marks, which meant less finish sanding—a time and labor saver.
The Rockwell also offers toolless blade changes, a Universal Fit System to accommodate other brands’ blades, and an adjustable speed range between 11,000 and 20,000 OPM. It comes with a carry bag and a 32-piece accessory kit full of blades and sandpaper pads. While we wouldn’t hesitate to use this oscillating tool for cutting wood, we’re more impre