
We weigh pricing against the performance and design of each model to calculate a value score. It’s what you get for the money and some give you more than others. For us, value is much more than just how much the multi-tool costs. When it’s your bank account funding your tool purchases, we get that you want the most bang for your buck. While it works for some folks, we generally stay away from models that require a tool to change the blade. We work them all to see how securely they hold the blade along with how convenient and quick the changes are. There’s still no other system that comes close to its speed and convenience.įor the rest of the group, there are several versions of tool-free changes. Starlock set a new bar for oscillating multi-tools a few years ago with a completely hands-free and super-fast blade change. We’re looking for battery connections that power the tools without throwing off their balance or force grip changes. If it’s in the way of your grip or forces you to adjust your angle of attack into a cut, it can be a pain point. There’s the issue of how the battery connects to the tool as well.


However, we also check how it feels as we use the tool in the variety of angles we often have to switch to in the field. A design that feels good in our hand is great. Most use a grinder-style barrel grip with varying diameters.

Length can get in the way if you’re working in tighter spaces, so we measure that. Cordless models tend to be heavier than corded ones, of course, but working with a compact battery can shave it down a bit. When we consider the best oscillating multi-tool ergonomics, it starts with weight. Then, our three-man testing team spends time cutting and sanding to rank them into groups and assign their final scores. That’s all changing, though.Īs we test speed, we build our first impressions of each tool’s vibration control. Their technology has been so far ahead of everyone else that it hasn’t been competitive at all. Vibration control has been dominated by Fein for a long time. We also test how the blade affects your ability to work when you’re switching between tasks. To test speed, we compare how fast we can cut wood, drywall, nails, remove grout, and sand. Regardless, our team looks for the same general characteristics even if they’re in a different order. Some Pros just want the fastest performance, others might value vibration control the highest. Whether to buy the DCS356D1, which is on sale for $149 and eligible for an added coupon offer, or wait for the potential return of previous holiday season special buys (typically priced at $99) depends on several things.Buy at The Home Depot Oscillating Multi-Tool Buying Guide – What We Look ForĮveryone has different priorities when searching for the best oscillating multi-tool. It has a variable speed trigger, but not the 3 speed selector of the XR model. This is the DCS354D1 special buy, which comes with a 2Ah battery, spartan selection of accessories, and the single speed 20V Max Atomic oscillating multi-tool. Shown here is the DCS356C1 special-buy kit, which comes with the same tool, a lower capacity battery, and spartan selection of starter accessories. I mention all of this because we are likely to very soon start seeing Dewalt’s holiday-season special-buys. This can be purchased piecemeal from replacement part numbers. Perhaps most notably, you also get the adjustable cutting depth guide.
#Craftsman oscillating tool blades plus
You also get more starter accessories – 3 blades, a sanding pad, and abrasive sheets – plus an accessory organizer case that doesn’t come with the budget kit offerings.
