We may clear revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
In This Article
Oscillating prick are a common summation to a mod DIYer ’s toolbox , but they are also widely used in a change of profession due to the shaft ’s versatility . As the name implies , these tools vibrate — quickly moving back and forth — so they can cut through forest , metal , and charge plate when fit out with the right blades . compound the oscillating movement with the right brand throw the tools able to sand , scrape , make plunge cuts , and execute other home advance project .
Since oscillating tools can be used for such a wide range of projects around the home , those who have one in their tool collection do n’t take to invest in a diverseness of unlike specialised tools for many specific tasks . However , a collection of blades are needed to get the most out of the tool , and you will require to switch the vane to suit the project and material .
apply this guide to discover democratic oscillating tool uses so you could max - out your tool ’s utility ingredient . Plus , happen out about some less common uses for this innovative DIY tool before contribute one to your creature outfit .
Photo: Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography via Getty Images
Our Recommendation : Bosch StarlockPlus vibrate Multi - Tool at Lowe ’s for $ 99This 18V cordless tool has a 4 - amp - hour motor and an adjustable hurrying chain between 8,000 and 20,000 oscillation per minute ( OPM ) , making it idealistic for cutting a variety of different materials .
Cutting or Trimming Pipes, Nails, and Screws
By fitting an oscillating tool with acut - off blademade for cutting metallic element you may use the pecker to prune through copper or Fe pipes , which is helpful for plumbers who may need to deal with old , damaged , or hard - to - reach pipes . An oscillating instrument can also trim a bit off the end of a pipe to veer it to the veracious size for a plumbing installation or stamping ground .
likewise , the same type of steel can be put to workcutting screwsor trimming the oddment off protruding nails to create a flush , uniform appearance . This reduces the risk of getting scratched or caught on the tip of a holdfast that extends too far beyond the material .
Sanding Furniture and Other Surfaces
While oscillating dick are often used fordemolition task , they can also be used for finish carpentry and furniture by equipping the oscillating puppet with asanding pad . The rapid oscillating head makes it easier to sandpaper down several layers of wood , so these tools are ready to hand for sand undertaking .
By slow down the oscillation of the tool , you could also employ the sand launch area to get into narrow grooves and to sandpaper awkward angles that would be unmanageable to harness with sandpaper or a traditional palm or sphere sander .
Removing Mortar, Caulk, and Grout
It can take a while to manually remove mortar , caulk , or grout , but an oscillating cock equipped with agrout removal bladecan become one of thebest grout remotion toolsyou will ever use . The rapid back and off oscillation apace pulls out caulking , and the blade cuts through trench mortar line of products and break up grout with the press of a button .
Just keep in mind that the superpower behind an oscillating puppet is enough to damage the smother bricks or tiles , so you will call for to make certain you control the speed and truth of the tool for the good results . It ’s also a dependable idea to choose a grout remotion blade in a thickness and anatomy that is worthy for the size of the joints .
Cutting Holes in Drywall
you may certainly employ a drywall saw to make cutouts in drywall , but if you do n’t want the hassle of manually sawing back and forward , you may equip your oscillating tool with adrywall bladeto apace and effectively cut into drywall .
The speedy cutting ability and gentle accuracy of an oscillating tool make it childlike to snub out pass , cut back dry wall opening , and cut holes for pipes , cables , power outlet , and more . Using thebest oscillating puppet bladesfor drywall , you’re able to even prune into the drywall on the ceiling to remove damaged plot of land 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 hard to carry out with any other type of power saw , like trimming baseboards or floorboards that are already install . While it ’s dim-witted to cut back a baseboard before confiscate it , you ’ll require to be careful in gild to nullify cutting directly through the drywall after the mopboard is put in .
Popular options , like DeWalt , Rockwell , andBosch vacillate toolscan make agile , exact cuts when couple with an appropriatewood trimming blade . Not only can you ascertain the size of the cut , you could also control the depth , which mean you could clip the end off skirting board or make pass in the floorboard . If you opt for a cordless oscillating tool , you wo n’t even necessitate to worry about a clumsy mogul cable while you work .
Scraping Paint and Adhesives
argufy away old paint or adhesive material is strenuous , time - consume , and sweat - inducement , but you do n’t need to get back for doing this business manually . alternatively , thebest oscillating toolscan be used to scrape old rouge in a hurry and peel up adhesive agent with a nimble back - and - onward oscillating movement and an appropriatescraping sword .
Oscillating tools can even scrape and pull up high - strength mastics or vinyl base adhesive material by simply slip the blade under a spot of adhesive and exhort the trigger to trip the speedy oscillation . If you have an approaching painting or take aback task , an oscillating shaft is a worthwhile investment .
Plunge Cuts In Decks, Ceilings, and Flooring
Since oscillating tools rapidly move back and forth instead of spread out , they can be used to make small and more exact stinger than a circular saw . Additionally , when an oscillating puppet is equip with a narrowplunge shorten leaf blade , it can make snick in ceiling material , flooring , and wall cladding .
you’re able to also use an oscillating tool and plunge cutting blade to make a doggie door , cut into installed flooring to set up a newfangled release indoors . Similarly , an oscillating tool can be used in place of a saber saw during deck building and it can cut out modest holes to carry cable television service for outdoor lighting setups , making it idealistic for use inside and outside the home .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: The Home Depot
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . get word why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: The Home Depot
Photo: The Home Depot
Photo: The Home Depot
Photo: The Home Depot
Photo: The Home Depot
Photo: The Home Depot
