20 Oscillating Multi-Tool Tips for Beginners

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide for DIY enthusiasts on using an oscillating multi-tool, an often underrated yet versatile tool. The host demonstrates the tool's ease of use, from cutting trim in cabinets to adjusting oscillation speed. Tips include selecting the right blades for various materials, maintaining blade sharpness, and using attachments for tasks beyond cutting. The video also covers safety measures, such as wearing eye and ear protection, and suggests watching a specific video for detailed blade testing.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ The oscillating multi-tool is an underrated tool that can significantly speed up and simplify various DIY projects.
• ⚙️ Modern oscillating multi-tools often feature quick-change 'tulip' levers for easy blade swapping, enhancing user convenience.
• 🔧 These tools offer adjustable oscillation speeds, allowing users to tailor the tool's performance to different materials and tasks.
• 🔩 Blade selection is crucial; different blades are designed for wood, plastic, drywall, or metal, with 'bi-metal' blades recommended for metal cutting.
• 🔋 Oscillating multi-tools are available in both corded and battery-operated versions, catering to different user preferences and workspace conditions.
• ⚖️ Heat can damage blades, so it's advised to distribute the cutting force across the full width of the teeth to prolong blade life.
• 🔩 The round blade is ideal for long, straight cuts, while the straight blade performs better in tight spaces, indicating the importance of blade choice based on the task.
• 🔗 Wider blades are recommended for cutting around objects like pipes or dowels to prevent the tool from slipping off the cutting surface.
• 👀 A dull blade can be identified by increased cutting resistance or a slowing motor, signaling the need for blade replacement.
• 🛡️ Using a protective shield or material during cutting tasks can prevent damage to surrounding surfaces, such as walls or floors.
• 🔗 The oscillating multi-tool is not just for cutting; it can also be fitted with various attachments like sanding pads, scrapers, and grout removal tools, expanding its utility.

Q & A

What is an oscillating multi-tool and why is it considered underrated?

An oscillating multi-tool is a versatile power tool that oscillates a blade or other attachment at high speed to cut, sand, scrape, or grind various materials. It is considered underrated because it offers a wide range of functionalities in a single tool, yet many people are not aware of its capabilities or do not own one.

How does the oscillating multi-tool make cutting easier and faster?

The oscillating multi-tool makes cutting easier and faster by oscillating the blade back and forth at high speed, which requires less pressure to cut through materials compared to traditional tools. This motion allows for quick and precise cuts with minimal effort.

What is the purpose of the 'tulip' lever on newer oscillating multi-tools?

The 'tulip' lever on newer oscillating multi-tools is designed to quickly and easily attach and detach blades without the need for additional tools, making the tool more user-friendly and efficient to use.

How can one adjust the oscillation speed on an oscillating multi-tool?

The oscillation speed on an oscillating multi-tool can be adjusted using a specific adjustment knob or dial, typically located on the bottom of the tool, which allows users to select the appropriate speed for the material being cut or the task at hand.

What types of blades are available for oscillating multi-tools and what materials are they designed for?

Oscillating multi-tools have a variety of blades designed for different materials such as wood, plastic, drywall, and metal. Users should choose blades specifically made for the material they are working with to ensure efficiency and longevity of the blade.

Why is it recommended to keep extra blades on hand when using an oscillating multi-tool?

It is recommended to keep extra blades on hand because even high-quality blades can wear out quickly with frequent use. Having spare blades ensures that work can continue without interruption and helps maintain the tool's cutting performance.

What is the significance of 'bi-metal' blades for an oscillating multi-tool?

Bi-metal blades are designed for cutting metal and are made with a combination of two types of metal to provide durability and flexibility. They are essential for metal cutting tasks as they resist dulling quickly, unlike standard blades which are not designed for metal and can become dull rapidly.

How can heat affect the performance of blades in an oscillating multi-tool?

Heat can damage the blades of an oscillating multi-tool by causing them to lose their temper and become less effective or even warp. To prevent heat buildup, it is advised to use the full width of the blade's teeth and not focus the cutting force on a few teeth, which can generate excessive heat.

What are the differences between round and straight blades on an oscillating multi-tool?

Round blades are ideal for long, continuous cuts, especially in materials like drywall, while straight blades are better suited for tight spaces or detailed work. The choice between the two depends on the specific task and user preference.

How can one determine if the blade of an oscillating multi-tool is dull?

A dull blade on an oscillating multi-tool can be identified by increased difficulty in cutting, requiring more pressure than usual, or by a noticeable slowing down of the motor. If either of these signs is observed, it is time to change the blade.

What safety precautions should be taken when using an oscillating multi-tool?

When using an oscillating multi-tool, it is crucial to wear eye protection to prevent debris from causing injury, and ear protection due to the noise generated. Additionally, a breathing mask is recommended to protect against dust and potential toxins released from cutting certain materials.

Outlines

00:00

🛠 Introduction to the Oscillating Multi-Tool

The speaker introduces the oscillating multi-tool, emphasizing its underrated status and versatility. They recount their first experience with the tool, which was during a cabinet installation where the tool's efficiency in cutting trim left a lasting impression. The speaker highlights the tool's simplicity, with its oscillating tip being its primary feature. They also discuss the tool's features, such as the blade change mechanism, which varies between older models requiring additional tools and newer models with a quick-release lever system. The oscillation speed can be adjusted, and there's an on/off switch. The speaker advises on the importance of blade selection, suggesting starting with cheaper sets to determine the most useful ones before investing in higher quality. They also stress the need for extra blades due to wear and tear, especially for metal cutting, where bi-metal blades are recommended to prevent dulling. The importance of using the full width of the blade teeth to avoid heat buildup and blade damage is also mentioned.

05:01

🔩 Advanced Uses and Tips for the Oscillating Multi-Tool

This paragraph delves into the various attachments and accessories that can be used with the oscillating multi-tool, such as sanding pads for reaching corners, scrapers for removing putty and adhesive, and specialized blades for cutting foam and grout. The speaker provides a cost-saving tip for using worn-out sanding pads from other tools and demonstrates how to create a makeshift scraper by grinding a dull blade. They also discuss the use of a caulking blade for removing caulk and joint sealant, as well as for cutting foam. The importance of blade measurements for depth control is highlighted, and the speaker shares a personal modification to create a hook knife for cutting carpet and vinyl. Safety measures, including eye, ear, and respiratory protection, are emphasized due to potential dust and airborne toxins. The paragraph concludes with a recommendation to watch a video by Project Farm for further insights on metal cutting blade performance.

10:02

👷‍♂️ Practical Applications and Safety Considerations

The final paragraph focuses on practical applications of the oscillating multi-tool in various DIY projects, such as removing old paint, preparing surfaces for new flooring, and cutting materials like foam insulation. The speaker also addresses the importance of safety, recommending protective gear like eye, ear, and breathing masks due to the potential for dust and harmful particles. They mention a video by Project Farm that provides a controlled test of different metal cutting blades, suggesting viewers watch it for more detailed information. The speaker encourages sharing additional tips in the comments and directs viewers to a playlist of other tool and tip videos for further assistance.

Keywords

💡Oscillating multi-tool

An oscillating multi-tool is a versatile power tool that oscillates in a rapid back-and-forth motion to cut, grind, and scrape various materials. In the video, the tool is praised for its utility in home improvement projects, such as installing cabinets or cutting trim. The script emphasizes the tool's efficiency and ease of use, which can significantly speed up DIY projects and make them safer.

💡Blade

Blade in this context refers to the replaceable cutting attachments used with the oscillating multi-tool. The video discusses the importance of selecting the right blade for the material being cut, such as wood, plastic, drywall, or metal. The script also mentions 'bi-metal' blades specifically designed for metal cutting, highlighting the need for the right tool for the right job.

💡Tulip lever

The tulip lever is a feature on some oscillating multi-tools that allows for quick and easy blade changes. The script describes how newer models have this lever, simplifying the process of adding or removing blades, which is crucial for efficiency in DIY projects where time and convenience are key.

💡Oscillation speed

Oscillation speed refers to the rate at which the tool's blade oscillates. The video script mentions an adjustment feature that allows users to modify the speed according to the task at hand. This is important because different materials and cutting depths may require different speeds for optimal performance and control.

💡Attachments

Attachments are additional tools or accessories that can be fitted to the oscillating multi-tool to expand its functionality beyond cutting. The script discusses various attachments like sanding pads and scrapers, which can be used for sanding, scraping adhesive, or removing caulk. These attachments make the tool more versatile and suitable for a wider range of tasks.

💡Bi-metal blade

A bi-metal blade is a specific type of blade designed for cutting metal. The video script differentiates between regular wood or plastic cutting blades and bi-metal blades, which are more durable and resistant to dulling when cutting through metal. This distinction is crucial for users to know which blade to use for metalworking tasks.

💡Heat

In the context of the video, heat is mentioned as a factor that can damage the blades of the oscillating multi-tool. The script advises users to spread the cutting force across the full width of the teeth to avoid generating excessive heat, which can lead to blade dulling or breakage. This tip is essential for prolonging the life of the blades and ensuring safe operation of the tool.

💡Sanding pad

A sanding pad is an attachment for the oscillating multi-tool used for sanding surfaces. The video script highlights the triangular shape of one such pad, which is useful for reaching into corners. The pad can be fitted with different types of sandpaper, making it a versatile accessory for tasks like refinishing furniture or removing old paint.

💡Scraper

A scraper attachment for the oscillating multi-tool is designed for removing adhesives, caulk, and other stubborn materials from surfaces. The script suggests using a dull blade as a makeshift scraper if the specific attachment is not available, demonstrating the tool's adaptability and the resourcefulness that can be applied when working on DIY projects.

💡Carbide grit

Carbide grit refers to the abrasive material used on some specialized blades for the oscillating multi-tool, designed for tasks like removing grout between tiles. The video script mentions that these blades have a carbide grit edge instead of teeth, making them effective for scraping away grout without damaging the tiles. This feature is important for tasks that require precision and care not to mar surrounding surfaces.

💡Measurement markings

Measurement markings on blades are a feature that provides users with a quick reference for depth and positioning. The video script notes that some blades have these markings in both inches and metric, which can be particularly helpful for precise cutting tasks. However, the script also cautions that these markings can wear off with use, so they should be used as a guide rather than a permanent reference.

Highlights

Introduction to the oscillating multi-tool as an underrated and versatile tool for DIY projects.

Personal experience witnessing the speed and ease of cutting trim with an oscillating multi-tool.

Explanation of the oscillating multi-tool's simple mechanism: the tip oscillates back and forth.

Advantages of newer models with quick-change levers for blades, known as 'tulips'.

Importance of blade selection based on material type: wood, plastic, drywall, or metal with bi-metal blades.

Tip on maintaining blade performance by using the full width of the teeth to avoid heat buildup.

Recommendation to keep extra blades on hand due to their tendency to wear out with frequent use.

Differentiation between round and straight blades for various cutting applications.

Use of wider blades for cutting around objects like pipes or dowels to prevent the tool from jumping.

Method to check if a blade is dull by the difficulty of the cut and the motor's performance.

Technique for protecting walls during cutting with sheet metal, plastic, or cardboard.

Solution for blade compatibility issues with adapters for older models.

Introduction to the sanding pad attachment for detailed work in corners and edges.

Cost-saving tip for repurposing sanding pads from random orbital sanders.

Use of the scraper attachment for removing putty and adhesive from floors.

Creative alternative of grinding a dull blade to create a makeshift scraper.

Utility of the caulking blade for removing caulk and cutting foam insulation.

Tip for removing grout between tiles using a carbide grit blade.

Innovative use of hook blades for cutting carpet and vinyl directly in the multi-tool.

Safety recommendations including eye, ear, and respiratory protection during use.

Call to action for viewers to share additional tips in the comments and explore other tool playlists.

Transcripts

welcome to specific love with all the

new diy-ers out there i wanted to get

back to the basics and help them get

their projects done faster and safer

with that said let's talk about the

oscillating multi-tool now i truly feel

that one of these multi-tools is an

underrated tool and that many many more

people should own them and use them the

first time i ever got to see one of

these in use i was hoping to install

some cabinets at a friend's house and a

gentleman in charge brought out his

multi-tool and easily cut into some trim

and i sat there in awe of just how fast

and how easy it was to cut it out and

then he explained to me just how simple

this tool really is i mean the tip of it

literally just oscillates back and forth

that's it it really just depends on the

blade after seeing this thing in action

i knew i had to have one now let's point

out some of the features you can find on

these tools now let's talk about the

blades down here and some of the older

models might require additional tools to

take them on and off but the newer nicer

models actually have a lever that they

call tulips to add and subtract your

blades relatively quickly now down here

in the bottom you'll find an adjustment

that'll adjust the oscillation speed of

your blade on the top you'll have an on

off switch and down here at the back a

lot of times on the newer models they

have battery operated or on some of them

you'll have corded now here are a bunch

of tips to make your multi tool work

better for you

now it's all about the attachments they

come in many shapes sizes and designs

and because of a large variety of these

i'd strongly suggest buying a few of the

cheaper sets figuring out which ones you

can use the most and then start buying

the quality versions

now if this tool turns into one of your

regular tools that you're going to use

day in and day out i strongly suggest

keeping some extra blades with you at

all times even the better quality blades

will have a tendency to wear out if you

use them a lot so just keep some extra

blades with you to be safe

now most of the blades you'll find for

this tool are made for wood or plastic

or drywall if by chance you need to cut

metal make sure you get the ones that

say bi-metal it's a different type of

blade and for example even though both

of these blades look pretty similar if

you were to try to cut metal with this

one it would quickly dull it but this

one should be able to cut through it

now it doesn't matter if you have wood

cutting blades or metal cutting blades

heat kills these things so when possible

try and focus whatever you're cutting

across the full width of the teeth in

other words if you have just a nail

you're trying to cut try and move the

teeth back and forth a little bit so it

doesn't focus all that cutting on just a

couple of the teeth of your blade so

remember heat kills these things try and

use the full surface

now sometimes people will ask which bite

is better the round one or the straight

one which one is better well that's kind

of a hard question to answer because

each of these blades have a very

distinctive use this round one is great

for long cuts so say in drywall you need

to cut out a section of drywall that's a

couple feet long this one will be a lot

easier to use just because of the way

it's designed now let's say you're

trying to get in a really really tight

area well this one will actually be

better for it so which one is better i

would say they're probably equally as

good which one of these would you

probably use the most that's a better

question and that would probably be this

one

now anytime you need to cut something

around maybe like copper pipe or some

pvc or even a wooden dowel try and use a

blades that are a little bit extra wide

at the front if you're using something

narrow just remember because this is

round it's going to easily try and jump

off of the side here but if you're using

it's a little wider on a type of blade

it'll allow you to keep it on there a

little bit easier and make that cut a

little bit faster

now a common question is how do i know

if the blade is dull well a couple ways

to look at it is it depends on how hard

you're having to push in to make the cut

remember because of the way this

oscillates it should not take a lot of

pressure to cut into your wood now of

course sometimes if you've hit a nail or

something along those lines you might

have to provide a little bit extra

pressure but you should not be trying to

push really hard another way is if

you're using to cut it and you hear the

motor starting to ball down a little bit

in those two cases this blade is most

likely dull it may not even look like

it's dull but if it's taking forever to

cut then change out the blades

now sometimes when we're cutting in a

corner for example on this door frame

here let's say we needed to cut behind

the door frame but i didn't want to

scratch up this wall a great way to

protect the wall is maybe to get a thin

piece of sheet metal or maybe a thin

piece of plastic or if we absolutely

have to a thin piece of cardboard even

if this cardboard will not last very

long it should provide enough protection

when we go in here to make the cut that

we can get all the way behind this door

frame without scratching this wall

now keep in mind when you're buying

blades that sometimes specifically on

older models they're not all a universal

fit there might be certain ones that

don't exactly fit on others in those

cases there are adapters that you can

buy so always keep that in mind if

something doesn't fit look for an

adapter and that will allow you to

attach certain blades that wouldn't

normally fit on there

so is the oscillating tool just about

cutting actually not there's a bunch of

accessories that can go with it for

example this right here is a sanding pad

if you notice it's kind of triangle

shape because this right here is good

for getting in corners for example let's

say you're trying to sand off all the

old paint off an old chair so you can go

in and refinish it this right here will

be great just depending on the type of

sandpaper you need you can attach it

right there and allow you get right up

in those corners and hopefully get all

that paint removed easily

now here's a tip about the sanding pads

you can go out and buy all the specialty

size little sanding pads for this but

here's a great way to save a little bit

of money now this setup uses a very

similar setup called hook and loop that

you might find on your random orbital

sander so instead of going out and

buying those specialty pads how about

you grab some of the sanding pads from

the sander especially the ones that you

may have worn out the edges but the

inside is still good and then you can

easily attach it to it right like that

and get much more use out of your

sanding pads

now let's say you're doing a bunch of

remodeling and you get putty and you get

glue stuck to your floor well you got to

get that up before you put down the

flooring here's a great way to do that

this right here is called a scraper it's

an attachment for your tool that'll

allow you to get down and get under that

glute adhesive and pop it up relatively

easily so whenever you do a remodeling

always get some scrapers

[Music]

now let's say you're out on location

you're about to clean up the floors you

realize oh no i forgot the scraper

that's okay grab one of your other

blades that's already dull or at least

pretty much dull preferably one that is

a little bit wide here at the front

similar to a scraper you want to take it

over to the grinder and you want to

grind off all these teeth then on the

top here you want to put a nice sharp

edge and that right there should work

well as a scraper

now here's another great adapter for

your oscillating tool this right here is

great for removing caulking and joint

sealant and because it's so long it

should be able to get in those corners

relatively easily so just think

expansion joints windows and doors this

would be a great tool to remove all that

goo and stuff around it

now another great use for that caulking

blade is actually cutting foam this is

great for cutting hard foam insulation

or anything along those lines i'm going

to use a pool noodle here which is

actually more flexible and a little bit

more difficult to cut watch out fast it

cuts this

real quick now imagine how fast you'd

cut through regular hard foam insulation

now if you're working in a kitchen or

bathroom and you're trying to remove

tile these are also great for removing

all that grout in between each of the

tile pieces now unfortunately i do not

have the appropriate blade on hand to

show you but it is very very similar to

this wood cutting round blade with the

exception of instead of having teeth it

has a carbide grit going around the edge

now it works great at getting all that

grout out just make sure you don't gouge

out any of your tiles while you do it

now here's a cool little feature to look

out for when you're buying blades if you

notice these actually have little

measurements on both sides now this

right here is in inches and this is in

metric so whichever you prefer it's easy

to see now some blades have these and

some blades do not but also keep in mind

this right here is painted on and after

you use this blade a few times it's a

good chance that you won't be able to

see these relatively easily but overall

if you're starting out you can get a

nice good measurement to know exactly

how deep you are plunging it in

now if you're ever trying to remove

carpet or vinyl from a house it can be

challenging especially sometimes when

you have to cut it in the middle or make

long strips for it so you can easily

haul it off and in those cases you'll

sometimes use a hook knife like this

which will go into a utility knife and

use it to cut the carpet into pieces but

that still can be challenging now i've

actually seen a few people take some of

these hook blades and just install them

directly into their multi-tool i'm a

little leery of that for a couple

reasons one it doesn't have a nice

secure fit within your multi-tool in

other words it will clamp down on it but

it doesn't have all the little grooves

that make it nice and secure and number

two it doesn't fit every tool for

example this right here will not fit

mine so i created my own you can see

right there i just took a dull blade and

a grinder and i ground out one on each

side and i took a file and made them

nice and sharp now this right here

should cut vinyl and carpet really well

now i don't have any scrap carpet right

on hand but i do have some hard thick

cardboard and i'll show you how easy it

cuts that

[Music]

that should make easy work of your

carpet and vinyl

now of course when you're using this

tool always wear eye protection and in

most cases you will need ear protection

now i've also noticed when i'm using

this tool it doesn't necessarily kick up

a lot of dust but a lot of times when

you're using it you're cutting materials

maybe like paint or maybe into

insulation by accident or you're cutting

metals and you don't know what kind of

toxins you're releasing into the air so

i would strongly suggest wearing some

type of breathing mask as well and for

this next tip i would suggest going and

watching a video by project farm they

went into depth with testing a bunch of

different metal cutting blades on nails

and screws to find out which ones are

better and which ones are worse i'll put

a link to that video in the description

below but i trust me it's very

controlled setting that way you don't

have to worry about people saying maybe

you didn't put enough pressure you put

too much pressure on certain blades very

controlled and i strongly suggest you

watching that now i hope you enjoyed all

these tips for the oscillating

multi-tool and if by chance you know of

any others please put those in the

comments below because we want to help

out as many beginners as possible now

right over here i'm going to have a

playlist of a bunch of other tools and

tips to help with those as well

otherwise get down your shop and have

fun building

[Music]

wow and then

the what is the caulking toy