Best 7 Oscillating Tools (Cordless + Corded) in 2022 | Reviews & Buying Guide

Whether you are a DIYer or a professional handyman, the oscillating tool is a must-have tool, especially when you want to do all types of work such as cutting, sanding, and grinding with one tool.

That being said, there are so many oscillating tools available on the market with different features and price ranges. Choosing the one that will suit your needs is a tough task, and if you were to end up buying the wrong tool, then your hard-earned money may go to waste.

Well, to help you solve this problem, we have tested many tools according to their power output, type, and other features. And after testing them for days we came up with the Reviews of Best Oscillating Tool (Cordless + Corded) in 2022.

Best Oscillating Tools

1. DeWalt DCS356B 20V Brushless Cordless Oscillating Tool

DeWalt, is a very well-respected name in the category of power tools. This product is the top pick for most of the people who did reviews on these oscillating tools.

This cordless oscillating tool is very ergonomic and has a strong build quality, and works flawlessly. In hand, it feels quite comfortable to hold because of the coated back with rubber of high quality.

It will allow you to make very fine cuts on important and sensitive material because it has a 1.6-degree oscillating movement, which is quite small. If you are planning to use this tool on wood, then don’t worry about splinters. It will leave a very professional-looking smooth surface behind.

It is capable of handling quite tough material as well. Thanks to the 20-v Li-Ion battery, it allows the motor to produce the max torque.

It is a cordless tool, uses a battery but can take care of heavy-duty work as well because, as you know, the DeWalt’s batteries are known for their high quality and long life.

To make you comfortable in gloomy areas, it features an LED light. The universal adapter is the main highlight of this tool as it accepts blades from other brands as well, and you can use custom blades if the shank size matches.

To make the deal more tilted towards the user side, they provide you with a dual grip variable speed, which allows you to change the speed of the blade in seconds.

But it doesn’t end here; it has a strong clamping system on the blade that is very simple and easy to swap the blades. This a very useful cordless oscillating multi-tool that will make your work effortless and will come in handy from time to time.

It comes with a Solid 3 years of manufacture’s warranty. This is the best cordless oscillating tool from DeWalt. If you are looking for a strong and portable oscillating tool to do heavy-duty work, then this tool is for you.

2. DEWALT DCS356D1 20V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

If you have little extra money to spend, this is the best oscillating multi-tool kit, which is available with a wide range of attachments, and capable of performing every job with fineness.

This tool kit is a one-stop solution for grinding, cutting, sawing, scraping, etc., and many more things that you may encounter in your household.

The 3-speed selection setting lets you choose the required speed based on what type of function you are performing on this multitool. It features a LED light at the front to make things visible in dark.

A brushless DC motor in this tool is powered by a 2 Ah battery that supplies 20-volt, Which is the reason for its superior performance, better runtime, and more efficient operation.

The battery that comes with this kit is enough to take care of one task in one go and doesn’t require frequent charge.

There is no need for any tools to detach the blade because it’s detachment system is so simple and quick that it allows quick swapping of blades. Besides this, it has a universal adapter which means no special power supply is needed to charge the battery.

You won’t get tired of holding this or get a strain on the wrist in just an hour because it weighs just 3 pounds. The maximum oscillation speed is 20000. It is an important tool to finish work fast and effortlessly.

It is a great tool kit for an all-in-one solution. If you get this tool, you won’t have to worry about many of the problems and different blades to handle them.

3. SKIL OS592702 PWRCore 12V Brushless Oscillating Tool Kit

This is an inexpensive option for those who need everything for lesser bucks and want to save some money.
SKIL OS592702 is the tool for everyone’s needs; it comes with 40 different pieces of accessories. You can do a whole lot of things with that several accessories. I believe you realize that!

The motor it has is a brushless DC motor, which provides a more efficient and longer runtime for a task. That motor is the reason for the compact size of this tool. But the weight is about 4.33 pounds, which is a bit heavy if you ask me.

The power supply of the motor comes from a 2 Ah battery, which is rated at 12 volts. As mentioned on their site, the battery has a PWRcore technology that wraps each cell with cooling material around it to give 25% more runtime and double the battery life than normal.

The kit comes with a PWR JUMP charger, which charges the battery to 25% in just 5 minutes and a full charge in just 45 minutes. I mean, That is fast!

The best feature about the battery is that it supports USB charging, so you can plug in the USB cable whenever and wherever you get the chance.

It is a modern and smart multi-tool because it features an auto-sensing unit to sense the speed. It has a 6-speed mode, and it will adjust its speed based on the project you are working on.

With all these many things in this tool, you are getting 5 times extra bright Halo light, which will light up your workspace.

With all these amazing features, you are getting a 5-years manufacturer warranty. Isn’t it something?
This is the best deal you are going to get at this price range. We strongly recommend this kit to everyone.

4. DEWALT DWE315K Corded Oscillating Tool Kit

One more professional-grade corded oscillating tool from DeWalt is this tool kit.

To perform oscillating tasks with the maximum power, the built-in 3-Amp linear motor has plentiful power to do heavy tasks. If we go into more specifics, the motor can provide 22,000 oscillations per minute. The oscillation angle it comes with is 4 degrees for better control and precision while cutting.

The whole kit comes with 29 pieces of accessories, and the storage box is included in it. The attachments provided are mostly for cutting jobs, and some sanding attachments as well.

The guide bar lets you choose the depth of the cut, which helps you make your work better and more precise. The Drill is strong like a rock as it has the best build quality, and it is also durable and long-lasting.

On a worksite for a faster change of blades, it comes with a quick-changing system.

For dark spots, this unit is equipped with a LED light system that will help you see where you are making your cut.
Like every other professional power tool, this corded oscillating tool also has a variable speed control to easily adjust the speed.

The speed change system is 2-grip, which means it is possible to change the speed while holding the device from either side. The clamping system is a simple one that makes it possible to change the accessories with great ease.

And these accessories are kept in place with a very strong clamping force, which makes the blade more stable and accurate. The ergonomic rubber finish makes it comfortable and easy to hold in hand for long hours.

This DeWalt DWE315K tool kit is for professionals searching for a strong tool on which you can depend on this kit. We accept that it doesn’t have many accessories and is a little heavy on pockets.

5. Metabo HPT CV18DBLQ5 Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool

The Metabo, which was formerly known as a Hitachi, brings you a CV18DBLQ5 cordless oscillating multitool with a strong and powerful brushless motor for extra power, more durability, and increased run time. A Brushless motor means virtually no maintenance, and the same goes for this tool too. It requires nearly no maintenance.

It can achieve 20000 oscillations per minute with the help of the brushless motor, which is quite impressive.
A variable speed dial on the top will allow you to change the oscillation speed between two modes which are 6000 and 20000 RPM in 5 levels.

It features an auto mode that predicts the appropriate vibration level needed based on the load-lowering vibration. This decision is also based on keeping reducing noise and increasing run time as the main goal. the constant speed control mechanism is like toppings on a cake, which maintains the constant speed through the task for ensuring maximum power is delivered.

For quick and easy accessories replacement, it has a tool-less blade changing mechanism.

Suppose you have to do some work but don’t have that necessary accessory in the Metabo’s kit. No worries, because the majority of accessories available in the market will fit the universal design of this oscillating tool.

To work in tight and dark spaces, this unit comes with an LED light that illuminates the tip of the accessories. This tool is very well balanced and it is comfortable to use for long hours and feels good in hand because of its ergonomic rubberized material finish.

To avoid inconvenient interruptions in the middle of the project, it has a low-level battery indicator. The battery provides 18 volts, and with the battery, this tool weighs 3.49 pounds.

This tool is specifically designed to cut, scrape, sand, or grind almost anything using proper accessories. The lifetime tool warranty is a strong point. This is a solid corded oscillating tool to have for the applications above stated.

6. Rockwell AW400 Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool

The Rockwell AW400 corded oscillating tool uses a system that the company calls a Hyper lock. It is pretty much efficient to hold the blades in place and exerts 1 ton of force to keep the blade from slipping, and it facilitates the tool-less changing of blades.

Starlock systems used by other manufacturers are simple, but you will need a hex wrench to take out the blade.
This tool has a good grip and average ergonomics, making it comfortable while holding and feels good in the hand. The handle is not too thin or not too wide; it’s somewhere between.

The tool’s weight is 3.3 lbs, which is a bit heavier than its cordless counterpart but not so heavy that you do a frantic cry over it.

The dual oscillation technology it comes with gives you the freedom to select the optimum angle for power and precision. They call this a Duotech oscillation technology.

While working with wood, a 5-degree angle is suggested for fast and sharp cuts. And while working with the metal to get precision and continuous control, the 3.4-degree angle should be selected. You can select any of these by a variable angle switch nut don’t do it while you are operating it; otherwise, you will lose the tool in a short time than expected.

It has a variable speed dial to control the oscillations according to the task. The oscillation control ranges from 10,000 to 19,000 oscillations per minute.

Rockwell did a good job to control the vibration of the tool. If it is more, in the long run, it will make you uncomfortable.

They did a good job in keeping vibration in check, but they did a terrible job in controlling noise levels. It makes 103 dB of noise, and that is not quiet.

The motor in it draws 4.2 amperes of current from the outlet, and this tool has a universal accessories interface.
In terms of pricing, you will not get a better corded oscillating tool than this, considering what it has to offer. This is a solid machine from Rockwell.

7. GALAX PRO GP 86225-1 2.4-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

This corded oscillating multi-tool from a galax features a powerful and strong motor of 2.4 amperes, which is highly capable of taking care of household tasks. It can provide up to 21000 oscillations per minute.

The speed of that powerful motor can be controlled in 6 levels ranging from 11,000 to 21,000 oscillations per minute to take care of different applications that require less or more speed.

These settings to control the speed are located just behind the motor housing, and this allows you to cut various materials with more control and ease.

This speed setting will make cutting, sawing, trimming, grinding, and sanding tasks easier and will save you a lot of time.

While you are on some project and want to complete it as soon as possible or want to start a new task, the fast blade installation mechanism comes into the picture. To change the blade without the help of any tools, it has a quick-release lever that saves you a lot of time and effort and keeps those accessories tightly in place.

It becomes cumbersome with a broad-head machine when dealing with a task that requires your oscillating tool to reach that tight spot in corners. The GALAX PRO GP 86225 has a compact head and is built with robust aluminum so you can deal with your task at hand to reach tight spaces without effort.

This kit contains 28 pieces of accessories for different needs and 2 year manufacturer warranty card.

What is an Oscillating Tool and how does it work?

This article is about the oscillation multitool. As its name suggests, it is a multipurpose tool.

So what can it do for you?

Now suppose there is a need for grout removal or sanding or scraping off some material. To take care of these things, you are going to need 3 different tools, right? No. What if I tell you that you only need one tool and it is capable enough to handle these 3 tasks as well as many others easily? There comes this multitool into the picture. Once you have this tool, it is almost impossible to tackle a job without one.

This oscillation tool works on an oscillatory motion of the motor inside the tool and, it is easier and well-suited to handle the detailed job. The motor moves the blade side to side, which is known as oscillation.

Today’s modern oscillating tool doesn’t need that Allen wrench or the additional effort to change the blade. These tools now come with a lever mechanism that keeps the blades in place securely and is easier to change without using any tool.

It is a power tool, so how much power can it supply? A decent measure of tool power is its oscillations per minute. But it doesn’t give any idea about the quality of the tool. To do light-duty work, you may not need that much power. So it is suggestible to look for a tool in which you can adjust the torque as per requirement.

Oscillating multi-tools come in two types, the one which has a cord and the one which doesn’t. The cord limits the tool’s portability in some radius. For outdoor work, that’s not going to be enough, so choose accordingly. For a corded tool, you need to be careful during the task that, by mistake, you don’t make two pieces from one cable.

The portable tools work for enough amount of time with a single charge, thanks to the Li-ion battery development in recent years.

Most oscillating multi-tools are available as a kit, with fittings to tackle various tasks. There may not be a need for all of them for you, so choose your kit wisely.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Oscillating Tools

Before purchasing any oscillation tool, keep in mind the task you need this tool to perform, and then make a wise choice.

Here’s a list of things to keep in mind while making a choice.

Oscillation speed :

Oscillation speed is the measure of how many times the motor is capable of swinging the blade back and forth in a given period. Generally, the performance of these tools is measured in terms of this oscillating speed.

The Oscillations are measured in oscillations per minute (OPM), and most brands are capable of providing 20,000 OPM. But if you don’t need this much OPM, you can always change it by variable speed trigger, which is available in all the tools.

High oscillation speed means the time to tackle the job will be less. High-speed OPM tools have the advantage because they can provide cleaner cuts and smooth finishes.

Oscillation Angle :

Another important thing to note besides the oscillation speed is the oscillation angle. In various brands, this angle may vary, and it is generally between 2.3 degrees to 5 degrees.

Thie oscillation angle gives the idea about the fineness and aggressiveness of the tool. The higher the angle, it will move more distance from side to side and cut more areas, so it will be quicker. If the angle is less, it will oscillate in less distance and will be more precise, and will have a finer finish.

If you are mostly going to deal with sensitive material, go for a tool with a lower oscillation angle. It will be wise to choose the tool that comes with a variable angle adjustment.

Power :

For cordless oscillating tools, if you don’t want to have any performance issues in the long run, you should invest in batteries with a high voltage rating. Generally, the voltage rating of a battery in an oscillating tool is 12 V or 20 V. If you compare both of them, the 20 V tool will give a better and high level of performance.

For corded tools, the power rating is generally described in amps. The higher the amp-rating, the better performance the tool will give.

Attachments and Accessories :

The big part of any oscillating tool is its attachment and blades to do a variety of work. While choosing the oscillating tool, ensure that it comes with many accessories to make your tool more versatile and will enable you to take care of many extra tasks.

If you are getting less number of accessories at a lower price, in the long run, you might need some accessories that you don’t have in a kit and it might just cost the extra bucks that you saved while purchasing this kit.

It is also important to pay attention to the locking system, make sure it holds the blade securely and keeps it in place. This locking system should be simple enough to easily replace the attachments.

Weight and Ergonomics :

Weight and ergonomics are going to play a major role if you are planning to use these tools for an extended period.

Choose one with the lightweight and one which fits nicely in the hand while holding; otherwise, it will give you strain, and it is not easy to handle heavy tools for a few hours. A good tool is one that stays very well-balanced when you hold it horizontally or at an angle.

If you find the right tool, it will go a long way.

Vibration and Noise level :

Loud noise is going to make you crazy if you don’t wear ear protection. Besides, the excess noise and vibration create handling problems in the long run.

Both of them are going to reduce the performance, so try to buy the tool with the least noise and vibration generation.

In the starting, the soft start feature may help you with some vibration issues.

Universal Fit System :

We strongly suggest that you buy an oscillating tool that has a universal fit system. There is a reason behind that; you may need some accessories to perform some tasks, suppose a blade, which did not come with the kit, so the solution is to purchase any universal attachment and work just fine on the tool.

And almost every attachment in the market will fit on any tool that is available with a Universal fit system.

It is a very good feature to have, and it might save you some money in the long run.

FAQs

Q. For what purposes an oscillating multi-tool is used?

These oscillating multi-tools are multi-purpose tools; you can do a variety of things using them, thanks to their oscillatory motion.

This is the most versatile tool available on the market. You can use it for sawing, polishing, cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding.

They reduce the number of tools needed for the job to be done and it is highly useful for home repair or home improvement projects.

Q. Why these oscillating tools are better than regular Tools?

These tools are so handy when you have a project at hand; whether it is small or big it doesn’t matter.

They are so versatile that practically you won’t have to deal with so much clutter in your workspace. It can transform from one tool to another in just a few seconds. There is a possibility that you can handle the whole project with just one oscillating multi-tool that you might not need another tool.

Q. What Are Some Advantages Of Cordless Oscillating Tools Over Corded Ones?

Cordless tools are really handy to work in tight spots or a room where you don’t have a power source. They are an ideal tool for a project that needs to be done with high accuracy. They will let you get close to the material without the fear of getting tangled in a cord.

They are a good choice if you and the tool are going to have a tour of the house while working.

Q. Can you cut the metal with an oscillating multi-tool?

Yes, it is possible to cut the metal with the oscillating multi-tool with ease. Even the cordless drill with a 20 V battery can do it that too without any effort.

While starting to cut metal, keep the speed of the tool low; once you get comfortable, increase it slowly. Be careful that you don’t apply any pressure otherwise; the blade will wear out. Top brands of multitools are capable enough to get the job done without any pressure on the tool.

Q. How does the Oscillating Tool work?

It works with the help of a linear motor; it moves the accessories from side to side. This process is quite fast, around 20000 OPM in decent multi-tools. This side-to-side movement varies between the angle of 2.5 to 5 degrees, which gives better control over the tool. While working with the tool, it feels like it is just vibrating.

Q. What is OPM for the oscillating tools?

OPM is a short form of oscillations per minute. It is a measure of the power of an oscillating tool. The higher the OPM, the better is the tool’s performance. Technically OPM means, how many sides side oscillation motor is capable of providing on no-load in a minute.

Q. What is the difference between Corded Vs. Cordless Multitool?

The main difference between corded and cordless tools is the power source. The Corded tool takes power from the electrical outlet while the cordless oscillating tool depends on the battery in it and the runtime of the battery depends on the Ah ratings of the battery.

Corded tools are generally more powerful. You can use it continuously because you don’t have to worry about running out of the battery’s juice. They are budget-friendly because no battery needs to be purchased.

Over time, the cable of the corded tool may wear out, so there is a possibility of getting an electric shock. Without electricity, the corded tool is of no use.

While cordless tools’ main power source is the battery, which makes it costlier than the corded version and you may even need multiples of them. However, you will get the freedom to use it wherever you want as long as your battery has juice in it.

They are less powerful because it is just not possible to get the power of an outlet from the battery. And they are not suitable to carry out heavy task because of the low capacity of the battery.