What is an oscillating tool used for? How many oscillating multi tool uses are there?

An oscillating tool is a handy power tool that can do a whole lot of things, and there’s no arguing it. It's often used by electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and more. It makes jobs easier, faster, and more convenient to do. But what are the best oscillating tool purposes? What can this type of tool actually accomplish?

In general, oscillating multi-tools are powerful and versatile. They can accommodate multiple attachments that can help you complete a huge variety of projects. Thus, you’ll find a wide variety of possible uses for your oscillating multitool. Some will be common uses, while others are tasks you didn’t know you could do with such a fine power tool.

The possibilities for the best multi tools are only limited by your imagination. For the sake of this post, however, we’re going to focus on ten of our favorites.

Cutting Pipes

You can use your oscillating tool to quickly and easily cut pipes. It’s a much faster process than using a hacksaw, and it also produces cleaner cuts. Because an oscillating tool has a slender body, it can easily maneuver in tight spaces. This makes it ideal for cutting pipes, particularly in hard-to-reach places. No matter where the pipes are, an oscillating tool can make your job easier.

It's important to make sure that you use the right blade attachment to cut pipes. Once the attachment is in place, keep a firm hold on the tool and start cutting into the pipe at a steady pace. Guide the tool to make sure that the blade is moving in the right direction. Once you've completely cut through the pipe, you can use sandpaper to smoothen out any rough edges on the cut ends.

Removing Grout

The oscillating motion of the tool will help you scrape through the grout between tiles and allow for easy removal. This can be helpful if you have to remove broken or cracked tiles without having to break or crack the surrounding tiles as well. You can also use an oscillating tool to remove all the tiles in a room if you're planning on renovating.

A good way to start is by removing any children or pets in your work area, as well as any loose items lying around. Once the area is safe to work in, you can place the blade on the grout line and do a few practice passes at a low speed. This will score a line in the grout, which will keep the blade in the grout line at higher speeds. This will help keep you from accidentally running the blade over other tiles.

Removing Mortar

Mortar can be pretty challenging to remove. However, if you have an oscillating tool at your disposal, removing mortar is easier than you might think. With the right blade attachment, it can efficiently cut through mortar. Because mortar is a very tough material, you'll need to use a powerful oscillating tool in order to break it up so it can be easily removed without damaging the bricks.

You can start by choosing a blade that can work well with mortar. Make sure that it's securely attached to the blade, hold the tool against the mortar, and turn it on. Apply pressure to the tool as it vibrates to help break up the mortar, but make sure not to apply too much pressure. Once the mortar has been removed, use a vacuum to clean up any debris.

Scraping Caulking

One simple yet effective use for the oscillating tool is removing caulking. This is a great way to quickly and easily remove old or damaged caulking without having to use any harsh chemicals. Simply attach the appropriate scraping blade to your oscillating tool and then start scraping away at the caulking. You may need to use a little elbow grease to get the job done, but overall it should be a relatively easy process.

You'll thus be able to remove caulking on tile, tubs, showers, windows, and more. If you're renovating your bathroom or kitchen, the versatile multi tool will be one of your best friends. Not only will you be able to remove grout, but you'll also be able to safely get rid of caulking.

Trimming Door Casings

Oscillating multi-tools are excellent for getting into tight areas that saws and handsaws can't adequately reach. If you are renovating your home and installing new flooring, you will likely need to cut off the door casing to allow the flooring to go past the door jamb. Perhaps the easiest way to trim the casing is to use an oscillating tool.

You can put a piece of the new flooring on the floor right up against the casing to see how much you need to trim off. This way, you won't have any issues getting the flooring material to fit under the jamb. Slowly guide the blade through the door casing until it completely slices off a piece. Once the door casing has been trimmed, you can start installing the new flooring.

Scraping Old Paint

Since oscillating tools are often considered tools for woodworking, it may seem like they're ill-suited to paint removal on walls; however, this is not always the case. Oscillating multi-tools are actually a great alternative to other paint removal methods, making paint removal one of the many oscillating multi tool uses.

To use an oscillating multi-tool for paint removal, simply attach a paint scraper accessory and hold the tool at a low angle. Start with the tool on its lowest setting and increase the speed as needed. Keep in mind that oscillating multi-tools can be fairly aggressive, so you'll want to be careful not to damage the wall underneath the paint. If you're unsure, it's always best to test the tool on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Sanding Wood

Sanding wood might not be the most exciting step in a woodworking project, but the final product always looks a lot better when it's sanded correctly. However, sanding can be time-consuming and tedious. An oscillating tool with a sanding attachment can make the job easier – you'll finish faster and spend less time with your nose in your workpiece.

First, choose the appropriate sanding pad for your oscillating tool. Second, put on a dust mask to avoid inhaling wood dust. Sand with the grain of the wood, not against it. Over time, you'll develop a feel for how much pressure to apply – too much pressure will wear down the sandpaper too quickly, while too little pressure won't remove enough material.

When you're finished sanding, wipe down the wood with a clean cloth to remove any dust. You're now ready to apply a finish or move on to the next step in your project.

Making Drywall Cutouts

An oscillating tool is a multitasking workhorse that makes quick work out of a variety of jobs, including cutting holes in the drywall. If you're installing a new socket, light switch, a cable management system, and more, an oscillating tool can make your work a lot easier and cleaner. You’ll also be able to make sure that you’re making the right cuts and that you won’t damage the drywall.

You can start by marking the outline of the hole you need to cut with a pencil. Place the oscillating multi tool up against the drywall and align the blade with the pencil marks. Start cutting through the drywall until you've cut around the entire outline of the hole. Afterward, smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper.

Cutting Baseboard

If you are looking for a good way to cut baseboard trim, you should consider using an oscillating multi-tool. When using an oscillating multi-tool to cut baseboard trim, you will need to use a wood-cutting blade. Be sure to select a blade that is designed for use with your particular tool. Place the tool on the baseboard trim, then gently press the tool against the trim and move it back and forth to make the cut.

It is also a good idea to practice making cuts on a piece of scrap wood before you start working on a larger area. This will help you get a feel for how the tool works and how to make the best cuts. You’ll also be able to avoid making mistakes that you won’t be able to correct.

Removing Molding

Is there a difference between baseboard and molding? Yes. Baseboards are generally flat, while crown moldings are cut at an angle so they’ll fit properly between the ceiling and the wall. One similarity between them, however, is that you can trim and cut them both with an oscillating tool.

The best way to remove molding is to insert a flat blade into your oscillating tool, then cut through the molding along the wall. You can probably also use other tools to make the cuts, but an oscillating tool will be much easier to maneuver. It's also more likely to make clean cuts and help you remove the molding while also preventing damage to the wall or ceiling.

Conclusion

What is an oscillating tool used for, indeed? The only correct answer is that it's a versatile tool that can be used for a wide variety of tasks. Oscillating multi tool uses include cutting, sanding, grinding, and polishing. It's a mainstay in many garages and power tool collections, and for good reason. With a tool like this, you won't have to buy separate single-function tools for different tasks. You'll have a reliable workhorse that can help you with a wide range of tasks.