Professional power tools are necessary to help you do any project faster and more effectively. Some common expert pieces of equipment you might have come across include a table saw, drills, impact drivers, and the circular saw, among others. The oscillating tool is among the expert tools you will identify in many hardware shops for home improvement projects.  

Are you looking for comprehensive information to help you learn more about oscillating tools? You're in the right place. Continue scrolling below to learn what an oscillating tool is, how it works, and its applications in our daily lives. 

What is an Oscillating Tool? 
 

The oscillating tool is also called the oscillating multitool. It’s a handheld power tool that performs various functions, including cutting, sanding, grinding, scraping, grout removal, and surface polishing. Oscillating tools are multifunctional or multitools because they are suitable for various applications.  
 

Try the Makita oscillating tool if you are looking for a reliable multifunction tool for your DIY or professional projects. It's a durable, versatile, powerful multitool that handles tasks easily. In addition, the Makita oscillating tool comes with essential accessories like cutting blades, sanding pads, and scrapers. That means you will handle all the projects only with one tool. 

How Do Oscillating Tools Work? 

As the name suggests, the oscillating tool moves back and forth (oscillating) or vibrates. The interchangeable blades do so at a speed of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 times each minute. The oscillations of this multifunction tool make it possible for the knife to cut through any material easily. In addition, it offers the necessary versatility and robustness to overcome problematic areas. 
 

When it comes to the set-up of the oscillating multitool, the cutting blade or any other accessory is mounted on a flat and triangular edge that vibrates. Proper holding and control are paramount to ensuring that the tool performs precise cutting or sanding motions.  

It would be best to capitalize on the vibration movement of your oscillating tool because it allows the oscillating blades to move from one side to another at high speed and cut through the surface. 

What Are the Uses of Oscillating Tools? 

An oscillating tool configured with oscillating blades can be used in various ways, which include the following; 

Sanding and Trimming 
 

The oscillating tool effectively trims and cuts any project's edges. Therefore, you can use it to decorate the door and window frames or borders. If you are an interior decoration enthusiast, consider acquiring a multitool to help you professionally perform DIY tasks without limits.  

You will do complex trimming and any other woodwork yourself. Besides using oscillating tools in trimming and sanding, it will also help you install floors and panels. 

Carpentry 

If wood sculpting or wood burning is your hobby, oscillating tools will be beneficial. It smoothens the wood surface and helps you cut them to the desired shapes. That means you will have unlimited flexibility in your carpentry capabilities. 

Plumbing Repairs 

The oscillating tools are quite effective for cutting plumbing pipes at different angles. Furthermore, if you are handling metal, copper, or PVC pipes, you can fix the bi-metal blades on your oscillating machine for easy trimming. An oscillating tool is a perfect choice for plumbing work because it doesn't require too much manual input to get the job done. 

Grout Removal 
 

If there is a grout buildup in your bathroom, you can use the oscillating multitool to eliminate it. However, you ought to have the carbide-grit blade installed on your device. Similarly, you can use this tool if there is stubborn chalk on the floor or wall of your house. You only need a simple steel blade to scrape it off. 

Paint Removal 
 

The oscillating tool is one of the easiest ways to remove unwanted paint from any metal or wooden surface manually. Although some still use sandpaper, oscillating tools are more reliable and effective in ensuring smooth and even surfaces. 

Removing Moldings 

The fine-edge blade of the oscillating tool effectively clears wooden moldings without causing costly damage. Therefore, if you have a forthcoming or ongoing renovation project, use the Makita oscillating tool to ensure that your renovation projects have a professional look and attractive finish. 

Creating Openings on Dry Walls 
 

Honestly, there is no better way to cut out the drywall. Oscillating tools create accurate cuts and clear square shapes for simple and accurate repairs. However, you first need an outline on the drywall and a wood or metal surface to keep the cutting blade in a straight line. For safety concerns, please check the location of the power cables and the water or gas pipes. 
 

Using oscillating tools to cut through the drywall makes it easy for the technicians to install power switches, lights, and outlets. You must also cut through the drywall to extract the already damaged patches.  
 

That doesn't mean you should limit yourself to dry walls. An oscillating tool can also open up wet walls if water pipes obstructions or leakages are deeply buried in the wall. No matter the angle you need to finalize your task, oscillating multitools will make it easy to do the right task without complaints. 

Removing Rust 
 

A multitool with a fine pad can remove rust from metals. All the mistreated metals can be restored to their former glory with oscillating tools. You can use the same device to restore damaged metals and realign them for the intended purposes. 

Scraping Adhesives 
 

When reusing a surface with an adhesive, it's hard to remove and prepare the same area. It’s common for high-strength vinyl adhesives to pose a nightmare as you try to remove them, but with a well-equipped oscillating tool, you will enjoy the job.  

You only need a scraping accessory attached to the multifunction tool. When everything is ready, allow the oscillating blade to slide under the adhesive and pull it gently.