How to choose the right oscillating multitool?
Sometimes known as the Swiss army knife of power tools, oscillating multi-tools are the multi-function, multi-purpose tools that every DIYer or professional should have in their tool collection. These tools are perfect for renovation or repair jobs when you need to cut, sand, scrape or simply remove old grout or adhesive. The multitude of accessories is why they are called “multi-tools” which allows you to perform the functions of several other power tools with one single tool.
How do oscillating tools work?
The principle is simple: the same work can be achieved by slowly making a longer stroke, like a jigsaw or palm sander, or by reducing the stroke length to a few millimeters whilst increasing the frequency of strokes to more than 20,000 per minute as with an oscillating tool.
scillating angle – why it’s important
The “oscillating angle” refers to the arc distance that the accessory travels from side to side. Most multi-tools boast oscillating angles that range from 2.0 to 5.0 degrees. The greater the angle means more material taken per pass- eg greater oscillating angle cuts faster. Conversely, tools with smaller angles generally run smoother and offer better precision and control.
Worx Advantage
Two is better than oneWorx Sonicrafter is the only oscillating tool that lets you select between 2 different oscillating angles to fit your job. Choose the 5.0° oscillating angle when projects require fast, aggressive cuts and quick results, or the 3.4° angle for precision cuts with greater control.
Variable speed for every job
Most oscillating tools offer variable speed adjustments which are a must have feature that allows the user to set different speeds (from 0 to 20,000+ opm) which are most appropriate for the job.
Good vibrations
The vibration of the accessory or attachment is what determines the removal rate or cutting force of a multi-tool and is the key to the tool’s performance. However, the best performing oscillating multi-tools include a vibration control feature that limits the amount of vibration that impacts the user’s hand and arm.
Worx Advantage
Worx patented vibration control and their compact, ergonomic design means Sonicrafter oscillating tools fit firmly in your hand and work in tight spaces where other larger multi-tools won’t go.
Did You Know?
Modern oscillating tools date back to the plaster cast cutting saw invented in 1945 by an orthopedic surgeon from Kalamazoo, Michigan. The high frequency oscillation, in combination with a very small oscillating angle, enabled the tool to cut rigid material such as plaster without cutting the skin, because soft materials like skin move back and forth with blade. It was only decades later that the power tool industry realized the advantage of the invention for building applications
Quick change means quick work
Quick-release or tool-free accessory systems, which provide fast and easy changing of blades and attachments, are a must-have feature that eliminate the need for an allen wrench when changing accessories.
Worx Advantage
Worx’s patented Hyperlock™ quick-change blade change system offers an unmatched 1-ton of holding force which means blades and attachments never slip unlike other quick-change systems.
Universal fit accessories
Many brands of oscillating tools have proprietary or exclusive interfaces that allow the tools to only work with one single brand of accessories or attachment interface. This can be frustrating and expensive when shopping for replacement attachments.
Worx Advantage
All Worx Sonicrafter oscillating tools use a patented universal interface which allows the tools to work with any brand of accessory or attachment.
Light the way
As many jobs require that oscillating tools be used in corners or other darks spaces, an integrated LED worklight can be a very handy feature for any multi-tool.
Save with kits
Especially for first-time buyers, all-in-one tool and accessory kits are a great way to save money and get the most popular accessories and attachments for hundreds of different jobs.
My get-out-of-jail-free tool
Also commonly known as the tool that is the ‘Jack of all trades, and the master of none… There are few tools with such a wide range of application types and a unique ability to cut, scrape and grind in really confined spaces through a range of materials only limited by the type of blade being used.
Shipwright
There’s an old saying in Venice, which roughly says that if you do all the maths, you’ll never take to the sea.
“There’s a lot of unpredictability - says Sebastiano, shipwright - but when you’re building a ship, you definitely need to do all the maths indeed.” Sebastian Sartor is a master at vintage shipbuilding. “In the past we used simple tools. Nowadays the technology has made giant steps, and this has been very helpful both in terms of quality and efficiency. It’s still manual labour, but we now use battery-powered tools, because the cord is a hindrance while we’re working in the bilge or on the stern of a boat.”
“There’s a lot of unpredictability - says Sebastiano, shipwright - but when you’re building a ship, you definitely need to do all the maths indeed.” Sebastian Sartor is a master at vintage shipbuilding. “In the past we used simple tools. Nowadays the technology has made giant steps, and this has been very helpful both in terms of quality and efficiency. It’s still manual labour, but we now use battery-powered tools, because the cord is a hindrance while we’re working in the bilge or on the stern of a boat.”
Same battery, expandable power
Worx PowerShare is a unique 20 V modular system that allows you to combine the same battery to multiply voltage to 40 V and even 80 V. PowerShare batteries are available in a choice of capacities so that you can choose what you need.
Brushless motor, Universal Fit accessory interface, keyless clamp
20V cordless brushless oscillating multi-tool Sonicrafter - tool only
- WX693.9
Universal Fit accessory interface, HyperLock keyless clamp
Sonicrafter cordless oscillating multi-tool 20V - tool only - WX696.9
The top of the range multi-tool for so many types of jobs
Worx 450W Sonicrafter F50 oscillating multi-tool with 40pcs accessories - WX681
250W high power, 19-Piece Accessory Kit, versatile for DIY applications
250W sonicrafter oscillating multi-tool with accessories - WX686
If you spend more time in your shed than your living room, you’re probably wondering what can we possibly teach you about tools that you don’t already know, right? Challenge accepted.