Herbert Miller
The compact and portable oscillating tool offers a wide range of functions. It is a must-have product. If you are not having one, you should purchase one today. This multi-functional tool is a saw, scraper, sander, and grinder in a nutshell. There’s nothing that an oscillating tool cannot do. Whether it is that one uneven surface that is annoying you or a jammed door, the oscillating tool is your one-stop solution. Some are designed for heavy professional duties, whereas others are suitable for small DIY projects. A good oscillating tool should have a good power rating and good oscillation speed. Given below is a detailed buying guide of the top 10 oscillating tools with their reviews.
In this article, we have listed down the top 3 oscillating tools. Do check out the major features of these oscillating tools before reading their reviews. It will help you to learn about their features.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall
Milwaukee 2426-20 M12
- 12-Speed setting
- Comes with a universal adapter
- 12-volt power rating
- 5000-20000 OPM
Premium choice
Bosch GOP18V-28N
- Cordless power
- No-touch accessory change
- 8000-20000 OPM
- 120 volts of bulb voltage
Best Budget
Genesis GMT15A
- Lightweight
- 1.5 AMP oscillating tool
- 30mm Flush cut blade
- Four-pin flange
1. Milwaukee 2426-20 M12 12 Volt Oscillating tool
Are you searching for a tool that is reliable and durable? Milwaukee oscillating tool is the perfect choice for you. You can use this tool to cut, grind, trim, sand, etc. The 12-speed settings and an adjustable speed knob allow you to switch between 5000 and 20000 orbits per minute.
The product comes with an M12 lithium-ion system. The metal gear case makes it durable, and the 12-volt lithium batteries offer an extended run time. The LED panel available on the side of the tool helps you figure out how much power you have left. It also has an on-board fuel gauge.
The 2426 M12 comes with a universal adaptor that gives you the advantage of using accessories from other multi-tools. No matter what your work is, this product is a complete utility package.
Pros:
- Includes adjustable speed knob
- 30 minute charging time
- Displays the remaining running time
- Durable and reliable
- High OPM rating
Cons:
- No Battery included
2. Bosch GOP18V-28N Oscillating tool
The Bosch family has brought you the GOP18V-28N oscillating tool with all new professional standards. It is lightweight and compact. Hence, it is portable. You can quickly change the accessories. To detach the head’s accessory, pull the release lever, and see the addition separating from the tool. The no-touch accessory change feature resolves the hassle of working with wrenches and hot blades. The cordless power gives it 30% more power. It is more efficient than other 18V motors. You can easily operate within a range of 8000 to 20000 OPM.
The multi-tool kit has the new Star lock Plus 3-D tool accessory interface. You can easily use it for sanding, grinding, flush-cutting, grout removal, plunge-cutting, scrapping, etc. The 3-D tool-accessory interface gives you a better grip and greater torque transfer. It also comes with an LED that provides illumination and eases your work when in darker areas. The Bosh GOP18V-28N comes with a limited 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- 18V EC brushless motor gives 30% more power
- Star lock next-gen 3-D tool-accessory interface
- Greater torque transfer
- Variable-speed dial feature
- Constant response circuitry maintains speed
Cons:
- Tool head not compatible with other brands
- Costly
3. Genesis GMT15A Multi-purpose Oscillating tool
If you are into DIY projects or home remodeling projects, Genesis is the best inexpensive oscillating tool one can have. One can use the multi-purpose tool for different purposes. The toll can turn into a detail sander, power scraper, grout remover, or even close-quarters saw. It has a 1.5 amp motor that gives 21000 OPM. Being one of the cheapest options available in the market, it is versatile and comes with a 19 piece accessory kit.
The kit includes a sanding pad, sanding triangles, scraper blades, bi-metal flush cut blade, saw blade, adapter, and a storage box for all of the accessories. It also has a four-pin flange that firmly holds the accessories.
The unique oscillating head is compatible with multiple attachments. Genesis GMT15A oscillating tool’s die-cast aluminum gear housing makes it lightweight. It helps in increasing the service life and improving the dissipation of heat. The product has a warranty for two-years.
Pros:
- High value for money
- Versatile multi-purpose tool
- A die-cast aluminum gear housing
- 21000 OPM gives reliable operation
- Has 19 piece accessories
Cons:
- Does not work well for continuous professional use
- Less powerful motor
4. DEWALT DCS356B 20V MAX XR oscillating tool
Its lightweight and compact dimensions make the DEWALT DCS356B oscillating tool the most easy-to-carry tool kits available in the market. The device comes with a 3-speed selector feature that makes it versatile. Using this feature, you can easily choose any of the speed settings as per the requirements. The tool also has a brushless motor. A Brushless motor delivers 57% more run time compared to brushed motors. The battery voltage is 20 volts. The bright LED light illuminates dark places and makes your work easier.
The oscillating multi-tool has a universal adaptor that helps you get your project started. The tool head includes two wood cutting blades and is also compatible with most oscillating tool accessories. You can achieve the desired speed and get control of the application with its dual-grip variable speed trigger. DEMAT’s quick-change system without wrenches ends up saving a lot of time. The product comes with a three year warranty period.
Pros:
- Comes with a powerful 3 amp motor
- 22000 OPM gives better performance
- In-built LED for working in dim lights
- Small and compact
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Rockwell RK5142K 4.0 Amp Sonicrafter
One of the best oscillating tools is the Rockwell Sonicrafter, which comes with the F50 features. The feature provides 5 degrees of oscillation for unrivaled fast cutting. You can use the tool for specific jobs using the different oscillation angles, thus eliminating the need to carry various tools. The hyper lock tool-free blade system has the power to provide 1 ton of clamping force. Hence, the device does not slip during use.
The tool also has a variable speed dial that can be adjusted to get precision control. You can change the setting from 11000 to 20000 OPM. A low vibration counterweight reduces the vibration and helps you achieve a smoother cut. It also comes with a universal FIR system that is compatible and accepts all major brands of accessories. The 33-piece accessory kit comes with a 2-year warranty and promises to perform up to your extreme expectations.
Pros:
- High-power 4.2 amp motor
- Hyper lock clamping system
- Comes with duo-tech oscillation technology
- Duo-LED light pattern
- Variable oscillation speed control
Cons:
- Expensive
- Complicated to use
6. Porter-Cable PCC710B 20V MAX oscillating tool
One of the inexpensive options available, PCC710B, is a powerful cordless model. The two fingers tool-free system allows you to adjust and change accessories very quickly and easily. It has a variable speed dial that can be customized according to your project needs.
PCC710B has a nonstandard battery, which is of decent quality with a voltage of 20 volts. The LED light increases visibility and eases your work when working in a dark room. The oscillating tool includes 11 different accessories.
Although the options available are less than other models of oscillating tools, you can easily manage DIY projects. The three positions over-mold grip reduces the vibration and improves comfort. You can use this tool to cut, scrape, grind, and sand. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Variable speed control option
- Decent build quality and impressive vibration control
- Two-finger tool-free accessory change system
- LED light for illuminating darker places
- 3-position over-mold grip
Cons:
- Includes only 11 accessories
7. Makita XMT03Z 18V Oscillating tool
The versatile and powerful oscillating tool provides an option for a range of applications. It delivers cordless speed and cordless power. The XMT03Z is designed to reduce vibration, lower noise, and improve performance. Whenever the battery is about to die, the tool automatically turns on the indicator light that notifies the user to stop the motor.
The soft-start feature allows for a smooth start-up and helps to match the application’s speed with more control. The LXT 18V lithium-ion battery can support up to 20 minutes of run time. Sanding and aggressive cutting have become easier with its 3.2-degree oscillating angle. The tool-less clamp system allows for fast accessory installation without any hassle.
Makita has a small diameter of only 2-3/8 inches barrel grip that gives you a better tool handling experience. It is ideal for wood flooring, scraping, grout removal, cutting, and sanding. If you are a remodeler, carpenter, plumber, or general contractor, the best-in-class Makita oscillating tool is a one-stop solution to all of your projects.
Pros:
- Electronic speed control
- Batteries can be replaced easily
- Improved handling with better barrel grip
Cons:
- Only 20 minutes run time
8. Dremel MM50-01 Multi-Max oscillating tool
Being one of the oldest brands specializing in making handheld power tools, the MM50-01 Multi max oscillating tool comes with a compact and robust design. It gives you better control over the device and also reduces vibration. Reduced vibration leads to precise and clean cuts. It has a unique angled body that is exclusively designed to improve your experience while working with flush cuts. You get better control over the tool.
The 5.0 Amp powerful motor helps you get the toughest job done, including trimming or cutting door jambs. The compact tool-head is 30% smaller compared to other brand’s tool heads. You also get the ease of changing the accessories by twisting the knob. All you need to do is push the knob down, turn it, and the addition automatically comes out. The tool works at 10000 to 21000 OPM.
It also comes with a kit that includes 30 different accessories and a storage bag. MM50-01 is ideal for cutting and sanding wood, metal, or drywall.
Pros:
- Compact front design
- Powerful 5.0 Amp motor
- Offers vibration-free operation
- Quick-lock feature
- Tool-less blade change system
Cons:
- Expensive
9. SKIL OS592702 PWRCore oscillating tool kit
The SKIL PWR core tool kit is your one-stop solution to many DIY and household projects. You can use the tool to cut, scrape, and sand. The tool kit contains 40 accessories that include a PWR 12 lithium battery. The batteries are designed with PWR to assist mobile and jump charger features. Now you can easily take the tool with you without any hassle and keep it charging.
The brushless motor is compact, thus, making the device a lightweight one. It also offers a longer run time and battery life that is 25% more than the conventional oscillating tool’s battery life. The automatic speed adjuster provides a 6-speed auto-sensing feature that helps you to reduce or increase speed accordingly. The bright halo light gives five times more light than other tools with LED lights. It provides 11000 to 18000 oscillations per minute.
Pros:
- Longer battery life
- Brighter Halo lights
- 6-speed auto-sensing feature
- PWR core 12 system gives a powerful performance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Less OPM
10. Black + Decker BD200MTB oscillating multi-tool
If you are looking for a cheaper option, the BD200MTB is the right choice for you. It is not ideal for high-end professional projects. But you can try out small household and DIY projects with this tool. It comes with a tool-free blade release, which eliminates the hassle of using wrenches or hex keys. Hence, changing the accessory is easy and quick. The variable speed dial option provides 10000 to 20000 OPM. The comfortable grip and control over the tool ease your work.
The 2.5 amp motor can get your toughest job done. The oscillating tool kit comes with various accessories such as a rigid scraper, wood/metal blade, 12 sandpaper sheets, a sanding base, and a storage bag. The corded-electric BD200MTB oscillating tool comes in a very affordable range. The product also provides a two-year warranty period.
Pros:
- Tool-free release feature
- Comfortable grip
- Inexpensive
- 2.5 amp motor
Cons:
- Fewer accessories
Oscillating tools Buying guide
We have listed some of the essential features to check before you decide to buy an oscillating tool. The below guide will help you choose the right product without getting a hole in your pocket.
The OPM (oscillations per minute)
The greater is the OPM, the better is the oscillating tool. For handling high-end professional projects, opt for the one with high OPM. A powerful motor will yield higher OPM. Devices with 5000 to 20000 OPM fall under the best categories. But if you are a homeowner and have small DIY projects, it is recommendable to invest in simple tools. High OPM tools are expensive in a way and tend to last longer with better performance.
Power
An oscillating tool with proper power rating is equally essential. It will make your work easier and will not cause any performance issues in the long run. Nowadays, many oscillating tools are battery-powered. For battery-powered devices, the power rating should range from 12 volts to 20 volts- nothing less or more than that. There are corded oscillating tools. The corded tool’s power rating should be within 1.5 amp to 5 amp. The 20 volts and 5-amp oscillating tools perform much better compared to others.
Warranty
Every product comes with a guarantee or warranty. These two are the key factors to check whenever you are purchasing any electrical appliance. Some tools come with a 2-year warranty period, whereas others come with a 3-year or 5-year warranty period. Well-known brands offer longer warranty periods. Hence, if you opt to buy from good brands, you can be assured that your product will last for a long time without any potential issues popping up.
The fit setting
One of the most ignored features when buying an oscillating tool is the tool’s universal fit setting. Everybody wants a versatile product. If you don’t have this option on your device, you might need to buy different tools for different applications. The tool heat should be compatible with different kinds of blades and attachments. It will ensure that a single device can be used to cut, scrape, sand, grout, etc.
Power type
Finally, it is important to check whether your tool is a corded one or a cordless one. The corded ones can be directly plugged in, whereas the cordless ones run on batteries. When you buy corded tools, you need not have to worry about batteries dying. They serve as a cheaper option compared to the cordless ones.
Conclusion
Among all the products, the best and premium choice is the Bosch GOP18V-28N oscillating tool. It is slightly expensive, but if you want to go for an affordable option with all the features, purchase the Milwaukee 2426-20 M12. It gives you the option of high-quality accessories and excellent build quality. The product is durable as well as reliable. If your budget is still less, do not worry. We have an option for you too. Buy the Genesis GMT15A. Although you get fewer accessories, it provides all other features that a basic oscillating tool does. Invest wisely and read our reviews before purchasing.
