Multi tool buying guide

Multi tools: The Guide to sway your choice.

Multi tools can be used for a wide range of applications - hence the name! They can also be called oscillating tools or multi function tools. Some would consider them as an essential part of a tool kit. They function through the tool mechanism oscillating from side to side very quickly. This motion provides the ability for the machine to cut or sand the material, depending on the accessory fitted to the multi-tool.

There are four key uses for multi tools;

• Cutting: Multi tools can be used to trim wood & floorboards, metal, ceramic and masonry. They can make small cuts on materials while they are fixed in place (such as on skirting boards) and they can be used to cut shapes in the centre of a material (this is often referred to as plunge cut, as the the tool can cut into the material at any point rather than just from the edge). A multi-tool is a highly manoeuvrable compact tool and so can be used in many places that are too small for a jigsaw or circular saw.

• Sanding: Sander attachments for multi tools are in the shape of a triangle, similar to delta sanders, and have a standard size of around 90mm. The shape of the sanding attachment makes them very useful for sanding in hard to reach areas such as corners, as well as for general sanding work. The sander attachment will only go from side to side, or oscillate, so if an area is very large then a dedicated orbital sander would be best.

• Scraping: Due to the shape of the blade attachment for a multi-tool, which is very flat, these machines are ideal for scraping materials from surfaces. They can be used to remove a wide range of materials such as glue, caulk or dried paint. They can also be used to remove rust from metal and remove grout from tiles.

• Rasping: Rasping is ideal for preparing the the surface of the material ready for sanding. Rasping attachment can remove much more material from the surface than can be achieved by a sanding attachment, and as such give a much rougher finish to the wood than sanding.

Key Considerations When Buying A Multi Tool

Some of the key considerations when looking to purchase a multi tool are:

Oscillations Per Minute (OPM): Oscillations are measured by how often the blade moves from one side and then back to the other. Variable speed multi-tools will move from 6000 OPM to 20,000 OPM or more. Due to the speed they oscillate it is very hard to see each stroke. If your strokes are too low then the blade will be unable to cut, but if strokes are too high then the material could become hot and scorch.

Wattage: A higher wattage on Multi tools will enable the tool to undergo tougher tasks and help the motor last longer so are suited to more industrial use.

Angle of oscillation: The angle of oscillation is how far the blade moves from side to side. These will vary from 1.4° up to 3°. The greater the angle the greater the movement and the faster the cutting speed. Information about the angle of oscillation can be found on the manufacturer's technical spec tab underneath each tool.

Tool Holder: There are two main tool holder options on a multi-tool. One is a standard fitting which is employed by most manufacturers, which consists of small holes on the multi-tool attachment that fit into matching holders on the machine. The attachment is then fixed in place by a mechanism operated by the use of an allen key or a lever. The second type of tool holder on a multi-tool is a Starlock system. It is currently only available on Bosch multi tools from our range of suppliers. The Starlock attachments are held in place by a star at the end of the attachment, which can be fitted onto the multi tool with a simple push and released with a lever. The use of each tool is unaffected by the holder but a standard multi tool attachment cannot be used on a Starlock machine. If you buy a Starlock tool from us then the Starlock attachments for them will only be supplied by Bosch. Some manufacturers supply adaptors that will enable the use of a Starlock attachment on a standard tool holder multi tool.

If you are likely to be changing blades regularly then the standard lever system or the Starlock system may be the quickest option.

Power source: Multi tools are available in cordless or mains options. The cordless multi tools come in with 18v or 12v and offer full manoeuvrability and access to difficult areas. Mains powered tools offer more constant power but will not be as portable as the cordless versions.

Extras: There are a wide variety of attachments available on multi tools. There are blades that will cut into all different kinds of materials. There's also a broad selection of sanding pads, rasping pads and scrapers. Some manufacturers supply a standard set of multi-tool attachments as part of the purchase of a multi-tool. View our full range of multi tool accessories here.

Multi Tool Safety

Multi tools are very fast and can use very sharp blades with no guard. They can be dangerous and cause harm if not handled correctly. The following safety suggestions should be considered:

Ensure the device is switched off. Make sure that the multi tool is either unplugged or the battery removed when changing blades.

Read the manual and understand how it works. Understand the multi tool you've purchased by reading the manual and understanding all the options that are available on the multi tool you are using.

Wear the right clothing and protective gear. Multi tools can be very loud so ear defenders are always recommended. Eye protection is also required to stop any material flying into eyes. Depending on the material being cut a dust mask may be necessary.

Consider using a dust extractor Multi tools can create a large amount of dust. Every multi tool will come with an adaptor that can connect to a dust extractor to draw the dust to the back or side of the tool and into the dust extractor.

Keep your hands away from the blades. the blades look harmless and don't seem to move very much but do not be tempted to check that they are moving during use. The blades are dangerous and could cause serious injury