Oscillating Multi-Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

Our corded oscillating multi-tool reviews cover products that really do things no other tool can accomplish. For example, corded oscillating multi-tools make undercutting doorways easy. They excel at replacing those undercutting hand saws that get the job done, but take forever. When laying tile, wood flooring, or linoleum, make undercutting a doorway with a corded oscillating multi-tool step one. Knowing which of these tools will get the job done quickly can save you a lot of time and effort. Check out our cordless oscillating multi-tool reviews if you need more freedom.
Oscillating Multi-tool Reviews That Tell the Whole Story
Rather than simply review the oscillating multi-tool accessories, we give a clear picture of how each of the multi-tools will work for a tradesman. We do this by ensuring we use the same accessories whenever possible. One of the newest systems is the Bosch Starlock multi-tool accessory system. This system matches the Fein Starlock oscillating multi-tool system. With the advent of universal multi-tool accessories, this is becoming more and more possible. It definitely evens the playing field. That allows us to test true cutting speed, vibration, and other features of the tool. Then, we can stop wondering whether the oscillating multi-tool cuts quickly—or if the blade makes it fast.

Bosch MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Bosch MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories announces the next generation of professional OIS (Oscillating Tool Interface) oscillating tools with its MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, designed to ease flush-cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, grinding, grout removal, scraping and many more time-consuming and tiring applications. Ideal for renovation, construction, woodworking, and home repair tasks, its compact size makes it small enough for working in corners and other tight spaces. Paired with Bosch oscillating multi-tool accessories, the MX25E delivers quality results with minimal effort.

Chicago Electric Multi-Function Tool

Chicago Electric MultiFunction Tool Review

We’ve reviewed nearly every single multi-tool available today, from the most expensive models to the brands you know best. The Harbor Freight Variable Speed Multifunction Power Tool by Chicago Electric may not have much brand recognition, but it has the dubious honor of being the cheapest variable speed oscillating tool on the market. If you’re looking for an oscillating multi-tool that is intended for light duty, it’s going to very hard indeed to pass on this sub-$60 product.

Oscillating Multi-Tool Shootout Comparison

Since the patent expired on Fein’s MultiMaster oscillating tool, hordes of manufacturers have thrown in with their own brand of multi-tool to see if they might offer a better value, higher performance, or more helpful feature set. So which one is best? We didn’t know – so we got a hold of them all to test them out and see for ourselves. After reviewing no less than six multi-tools (nearly all of the available products on the market in fact), we have drawn several helpful conclusions on which oscillating tools perform the best and which you might want to avoid. While no single tool can be declared the winner, we try to offer helpful suggestions that show which tools cater to particular needs. These needs include build quality (ruggedness), ease of use, performance and value. We’ll examine each of these throughout this multi-tool comparison shoot-out.

chicago electric multi tool kit

Chicago Electric Multi tool Review

Since the Fein MultiMaster patent expired, we’ve seen lots of copycat oscillating tools on the market. The Harbor Freight Multi-Function Power Tool by Chicago Electric is the cheapest one on the market and offers a bargain method of getting into the oscillation action without breaking the bank. In a stellar case of “you get what you pay for”, however, consumers shouldn’t be surprised to find that this tool may not exactly satisfy as much as some of the competition does.

Fein MultiMaster Top

Fein MultiMaster Top FMM 250Q Review

Fein invented the handheld oscillating tool and released their MultiMaster back in 1986. At the time they decided to focus entirely on creating products of the highest quality possible. 23 years later they are retaining that attitude and have the most robust, easily usable handheld oscillating multi-tool on the market. The Fein MultiMaster Top system is quite simply the most well thought out, ergonomic and feature-rich oscillating tool on the market, even though Fein’s competitors have had over a decade to drool and tool up their own products now that the patent has expired.

Rockwell RK5102K button

Rockwell RK5102K SoniCrafter 72 pc Kit Review

Rockwell may not be a name that is on the tip of your tongue when you think of tools – but it ought to be. This fairly new company is making some very impressive tools right now that span the industry, from saws to drill guns to sanders. Now, they’ve added a new tool to their arsenal, the SoniCrafter – an oscillating multi-tool that makes short work of jobs once thought impossible. Plunge cutting into wood? Flush-cutting PVC or copper piping? Not a problem for this handy tool that oscillates at speeds up to 20,000 OPM.

Rockwell RK5100K SoniCrafter Preview

Rockwell RK5100K SoniCrafter Oscillating Tool Preview

The SoniCrafter from Rockwell is a versatile and efficient multi-function tool. Featuring microsonic oscillation that will help give smooth cuts, this tool can be use for all kinds of cutting, sawing, scraping, shaping, polishing and removing grout. Since there is an extensive line of accessories available from Rockwell there should be no problems with working in materials such as plastic, masonry, tile, fiberglass and wood.