How to choose an oscillating multi-tool: cordless or corded

The oscillating multi-tool is used for flush cuts, plunge cuts, scraping and sanding where an ordinary saw cannot reach: on door frames, skirting boards, pipes and thin sheet metal. To work on site without power sockets, choose an 18 V or 40 V cordless model; for very tight spaces and light work 12 V is enough; for long use in a workshop, look at a corded model. Oscillations per minute, weight and oscillation angle all matter.

The types

• 12 V cordless: the smallest and lightest, for finishing work. Examples: the C12 MT and the M12 FMT, both Milwaukee.
• 18 V cordless: for everyday site work. Examples: the DTM52Z from the Makita LXT series, and the Milwaukee M18 BMT and M18 FMT.
• 40 V cordless: the Makita XGT platform, with the models TM001GD201 and TM001GZ03.
• Corded: such as the Makita TM3010CX3J, for long jobs, with no run-time limits.

The brands present are Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee. The choice of voltage, 12, 18 or 40 V, also guides the choice of batteries: each series has its own, so it makes sense to stay within the system you already use for drills and drivers.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Battery voltage (12, 18 or 40 V): the higher it is, the more power and the more weight. If you already have batteries of the same brand, it makes sense to stay within the same series.
• Oscillations per minute: in the collection from 6,000 to 20,000. The adjustment range lets you work slowly on delicate materials and fast on wood.
• Oscillation angle: in the collection 1.6° or 1.8° per side (also given as 2 x 1.6° and 2 x 1.8°). The wider the angle, the more material it removes with each oscillation.
• Weight with battery: from about 1.1 to 3.3 kg. If you work overhead, choose the lightest ones.
• Dimensions: the length ranges from 277 to 332 mm. For tight spaces the shorter one is better.
• Triangular sanding pad: some models have the 93 x 93 x 93 mm pad for sanding.
• Noise: the sound pressure level ranges from 72 to 85 dB(A) and the sound power level from about 86 to 93 dB(A). In enclosed spaces this is a figure to compare between one model and another.

Common mistakes

• Buying the "bare tool" model without a battery. Codes ending in Z, such as DTM52Z or TM001GZ03, come without battery and charger.
• Using the wrong blades. A wood blade used on metal wears out immediately: choose the accessory for the material.
• Pushing hard. Work with light pressure, entering plunge cuts slowly and letting the oscillation do the work.
• Not locking the accessory properly. Check that it is secured to the fitting before starting.
• Not thinking about accessories. Blades for wood and metal, scrapers and sanding pads must be chosen for your job: see what you need before ordering.
• No goggles and mask. With sanding dust you need both.

Frequently asked questions

What is a multi-tool used for?

It makes flush and plunge cuts, scrapes and sands, simply by changing the accessory. It is the tool for jobs where others cannot get in.

Cordless or corded: which is better?

Cordless to move around freely on site; corded for long jobs in one place.

How many oscillations per minute do I need?

High speed for wood and hard surfaces, low for delicate materials: choose a model with speed adjustment.

Are blades from other brands suitable?

It depends on the fitting. Check compatibility before buying them.

Can I sand with a multi-tool?

Yes, with the abrasive pad: the triangular one on some models is for corners and narrow areas, not for large surfaces.

You will find all the models in the Oscillating Multi-Tools collection: to choose voltage and accessories, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.