We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Oscillating tools are a common addition to a modern DIYer’s toolbox, but they are also widely used in a variety of professions due to the tool’s versatility. As the name implies, these tools oscillate—rapidly moving back and forth—so they can cut through wood, metal, and plastic when equipped with the right blades. Combining the oscillating movement with the right blade makes the tools able to sand, scrape, make plunge cuts, and execute other home improvement tasks.
Since oscillating tools can be used for such a wide range of projects around the home, those who have one in their tool collection don’t need to invest in a variety of different specialized tools for many specific tasks. However, a collection of blades are needed to get the most out of the tool, and you will need to switch the blade to suit the project and material.
Use this guide to discover popular oscillating tool uses so you can max-out your tool’s usefulness factor. Plus, find out about some less common uses for this innovative DIY tool before adding one to your tool kit.
Our Recommendation: Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool at Lowe’s for $99
This 18V cordless tool has a 4-amp-hour motor and an adjustable speed range between 8,000 and 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM), making it ideal for cutting a variety of different materials.
Cutting or Trimming Pipes, Nails, and Screws
By fitting an oscillating tool with a cut-off blade made for cutting metal you can use the tool to cut through copper or iron pipes, which is helpful for plumbers who may need to deal with old, damaged, or hard-to-reach pipes. An oscillating tool can also trim a bit off the end of a pipe to cut it to the right size for a plumbing installation or repair.
Similarly, the same type of blade can be put to work cutting screws or trimming the ends off protruding nails to create a flush, uniform appearance. This reduces the risk of getting scratched or caught on the tip of a fastener that extends too far beyond the material.
Sanding Furniture and Other Surfaces
While oscillating tools are often used for demolition projects, they can also be used for finishing carpentry and furniture by equipping the oscillating tool with a sanding pad. The rapid oscillating head makes it easier to sand down several layers of wood, so these tools are handy for sanding projects.
By slowing the oscillation of the tool, you can also use the sanding pad to get into narrow grooves and to sand awkward angles that would be difficult to tackle with sandpaper or a traditional palm or orbit sander.
Removing Mortar, Caulk, and Grout
It can take a while to manually remove mortar, caulk, or grout, but an oscillating tool equipped with a grout removal blade can become one of the best grout removal tools you will ever use. The rapid back and forth oscillation quickly pulls out caulking, and the blade cuts through mortar lines and breaks up grout with the press of a button.
Just keep in mind that the power behind an oscillating tool is enough to damage the surrounding bricks or tiles, so you will need to make sure you control the speed and accuracy of the tool for the best results. It’s also a good idea to choose a grout removal blade in a thickness and shape that is suitable for the size of the joints.
Cutting Holes in Drywall
You can certainly use a drywall saw to make cutouts in drywall, but if you don’t want the hassle of manually sawing back and forth, you can equip your oscillating tool with a drywall blade to quickly and effectively cut into drywall.
The rapid cutting ability and easy accuracy of an oscillating tool makes it simple to cut out notches, trim drywall openings, and cut holes for pipes, cables, power outlets, and more. Using the best oscillating tool blades for drywall, you can even cut into the drywall on the ceiling to remove damaged patches of drywall or to install recessed lights or ceiling fans.
Trimming Baseboards and Flooring
One of the best ways to use an oscillating tool is to make cuts that would be difficult to accomplish with any other type of saw, like trimming baseboards or floorboards that are already installed. While it’s simple to trim a baseboard before attaching it, you’ll need to be careful in order to avoid cutting straight through the drywall after the baseboard is installed.
Popular options, like DeWalt, Rockwell, and Bosch oscillating tools can make quick, accurate cuts when paired with an appropriate wood trimming blade. Not only can you control the size of the cut, you can also control the depth, which means you can trim the ends off baseboards or make notches in the floorboards. If you opt for a cordless oscillating tool, you won’t even need to worry about a cumbersome power cable while you work.
Scraping Paint and Adhesives
Scraping away old paint or adhesives is strenuous, time-consuming, and sweat-inducing, but you don’t need to settle for doing this job manually. Instead, the best oscillating tools can be used to scrape old paint in a hurry and peel up adhesives with a quick back-and-forth oscillating movement and an appropriate scraping blade.
Oscillating tools can even scrape and pull up high-strength mastics or vinyl floor adhesives by simply slipping the blade under a patch of adhesive and pressing the trigger to activate the rapid oscillation. If you have an upcoming painting or flooring project, an oscillating tool is a worthwhile investment.
Plunge Cuts In Decks, Ceilings, and Flooring
Since oscillating tools rapidly move back and forth instead of rotating, they can be used to make smaller and more accurate cuts than a circular saw. Additionally, when an oscillating tool is equipped with a narrow plunge cutting blade, it can make notches in ceiling material, flooring, and wall cladding.
You can also use an oscillating tool and plunge cutting blade to create a doggie door, cut into installed flooring to install a new vent indoors. Similarly, an oscillating tool can be used in place of a jigsaw during deck building and it can cut out small holes to run cables for outdoor lighting setups, making it ideal for use inside and outside the home.
