A good oscillating multi-tool can be one of the most important additions to your toolbox. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for all kinds of projects so you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it on a regular basis.
These are the best oscillating multi-tools to buy in 2024:
- Dremel Multi-Max MM50-01
- Dewalt DWE315K
- Makita XMT03Z
- Rockwell RK5132K
- Todocope TDC-OT01
- Kimo 20 V Multi-Tool
1. Dremel Multi-Max MM50-01
At the top of our list of multi-tools for 2024 is the Dremel Multi-Max MM50-01. It’s packed full of features and meets all of our main criteria.
The MM50-01 operates with the power of 5 amps, it has a max oscillating speed of 21000 OPMs and the blade is set at a 3.2-degree angle for impressive cutting capacity.
We were also impressed that you can adjust the oscillating speed between 10,000 and 21,000 OPMs to suit the task at hand. With a price tag typically just around $100 it’s easily the best value on the market today.
It was hard to find anything we don’t like about this tool, but we did come across a couple of minor issues. Some users do find the blade angle a little difficult to work with, but this is arguably more about individual preference.
One other thing to consider is that this machine is really only meant to be used with Dremel blades so finding the right replacements can be a challenge.
- 5-amp motor.
- 21,000 Max OPMs.
- 3.2 degree blade angle.
- Variable speed options.
- Blade angle can be difficult to work with.
- Required to use Dremel blade replacements.
The minor issues we had with the Dremel MM50-01 multi-tool aren’t deal-breakers. This is a great machine at a competitive price.
We love the option to adjust your speed and you can’t do a lot better than a 5-amp motor on one of these tools. That’s why this Dremel offering tops our list as the best oscillating multi-tool of 2024.
2. Dewalt DWE315K
In the tool world Dewalt has an offering in just about any category you can think of and the multi-tool market is no exception. They have a number of different options in this category, but the DWE315K is our pick of the crop. This is a corded electric device with a nice 10-foot cord so that you can use it without an extension for some jobs.
The 3-amp motor gives you enough juice for most general tasks around the house and we think the LED light at the front for visibility enhancement is a nice added bonus. It has a variable speed trigger for better control of your cut with a maximum of 22,000 OPM.
This tool does fall a little short in some of the finer details. For one thing, the cord is a little stiff which can make the machine a little difficult to work with at times. Also, when you’re trying to push the lever to change tool heads you’ll probably need both hands – you just can’t apply enough pressure with one hand.
- Equipped with a 10-foot cord.
- Decent 3-amp motor.
- Variable speed with a max of 22,000 OPM.
- Cord is stiff and can be hard to work with.
- Tool change lever requires both hands.
If Dewalt could make some minor design changes to make this tool easier to work with it would easily compete as one of the best oscillating tools on the market. The max speed of 22,000 OPM is impressive and the 3-amp motor gives you plenty of power for the majority of jobs you’ll want to use it for.
3. Makita XMT03Z
It wasn’t easy finding a cordless multi-tool that was worthy of making our list, but the Makita XMT03Z is a battery-powered model that proved to be an exception to the rule.
This device comes with variable speed control that operates between 6,000 and 20,000 OPM. The cutting angle sits at 3.2 degrees allowing for fast and aggressive cutting and sanding.
It’s powered by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery which provides more than enough drive to power through most projects you might have in mind to use it for. The XMT03Z also has a small diameter grip for easier handling.
Our biggest criticism of this multi-tool concerns its less than impressive battery life. You’re only going to get about 20 minutes of battery life on one charge. For anyone that likes to keep their tools with them as they work on a project, this is problematic.
It also weighs in at 5 pounds which is manageable, but a bit on the heavy side to be held with one hand.
- Variable speed between 6,000 and 20,000 OPM.
- 3.2-degree cutting angle.
- Cordless power.
- Small diameter grip.
- Limited to 20 minutes of battery life.
- Weighs 5 pounds.
If Makita could extend the battery life by another 20 minutes per charge we’d rate this product higher. For a cordless option, it does provide good power and the variable speed capabilities are nice.
With its 3.2-degree cutting angle, you should have no problem taking on a variety of cutting tasks, you just have to remember to recharge it after about 20 minutes of use.
4. Rockwell RK5132K
In the multi-tool category, one of the best values on the market is the Rockwell RK5132K Sonicrafter F30 multi-tool. This corded model is priced under $100 and it comes with all of the attachments you’ll need in just about every situation.
It also meets all of our major requirements for a multi-tool including a 3.5-amp motor, variable speed controls for adjusting between 11,000 and 20,000 OPM and it operates at a 4-degree oscillation for optimal speed and precision.
Another great feature of this tool is its versatility – you can actually use blades and attachments from other brands making it easier to shop for replacements when needed.
On the negative side, this device may feel a little bulky, making it awkward to hold with one hand while you work.
The sanding pads also have a tendency to work loose easily which is a major pain if you have a lot of sanding to do.
- Priced under $100.
- 3.5-amp motor.
- Variable speed.
- 4-degree oscillation.
- Bulky handle.
- Sanding pads slip.
For a multi-tool priced under $100, the Sonicrafter F30 is a capable device. The 4-degree oscillation angle is great for precision and the 3.5-amp motor provides ample power.
They do need to work on a way to secure the sanding pads better though and the handle could use a redesign. Overall, this is a good option for a budget device.
5. Todocope TDC-OT01
If you’ve been searching for a decent multi-tool around $50, you need to look no further than the Todocope TDC-OT01 model.
This is quite a capable machine for the price. It has 6 variable speeds to choose from maxing out at 21,000 OPMs. We also like that you don’t need any special tools to change blades and it comes with 24 different accessories.
One of the best innovations that Todocope has included with their device is an auxiliary handle that gives you better, two-handed control as you work. The 3.2-degree oscillating angle on this tool is good enough to get the job done.
There were a couple of problems we did find with this model. First, it uses a 2.4-amp motor which barely meets our minimum requirements so you may find it bogs down a bit with thicker cutting jobs.
Also, the cord is only about 6 feet so you’ll definitely want to use it with a quality extension cord.
- Usually priced under $50.
- 6 variable speeds.
- Maximum 21,000 OPM.
- Auxiliary handle included.
- Only a 2.4-amp motor.
- Comes with a short 6-foot cord.
This Todocope multi-tool isn’t one of the most powerful options on the market, but for a budget device under $50 it’s a decent option if you want to keep the price down.
We thought the auxiliary handle was an innovative addition for a budget tool which does give it an edge over similarly priced products.
6. Kimo 20 V Multi-Tool
The Kimo 20-volt cordless multi-tool tops our list in the cordless battery-powered category. It’s powered by an impressive 20-volt battery and it only takes about an hour to fully recharge once your battery runs out.
With a maximum oscillating speed of 21,000 OPMs, it will cut through all kinds of wood and thin metal without any problems. You can adjust the speed between 6 different choices for different tasks.
We also found changing blades to be simple and straightforward with this device with an easy release lever requiring no extra tools.
This Kimo 20 V cordless multi-tool is equipped with a light as well for working in those dark corners of a room.
It’s a good thing it charges quickly though, as you’ll only get about 30 minutes of use from each charge. It’s also one of the heaviest tools we reviewed in this category, coming in at a relatively hefty 5.6 pounds – that makes it tough to manage with one hand.
- 20-volt cordless power.
- Maximum 21,000 OPM.
- 6-speed options.
- Easy release blade changes.
- Only 30 minutes per charge.
- Heavy at 5.6 pounds.
Like the majority of cordless multi-tools on the market, you don’t get a lot of mileage on each charge with this Kimo device, although the 30 minutes you do get is enough for most common tasks.
We were impressed with the power you get from this for a battery-powered tool and overall it has all of the features we were looking for.
How We Chose the Tools for Our List
Corded vs. Cordless
The power source of a multi-tool is an important thing to consider. If you plan on using it for several hours at a time you may want to consider the reliability of a corded power source.
For the occasional user of a multi-tool or for someone that will only use it for a minute or two at a time a cordless tool is convenient and it packs plenty of power for the task at hand.
Motor Strength
While you don’t need a ton of power for an oscillating multi-tool, you do need decent power to perform a variety of tasks.
When we were reviewing these tools we were looking for something with a minimum of 2 amps – if you’re using this tool in a professional setting you’ll probably want as much as 4 or 5 amps.
Oscillating Speed
Since a multi-tool cuts and sands by oscillating a blade, it stands to reason that the oscillation speed is also an important consideration when buying one of these devices.
The standard speed for these devices is around 20,000 OPMs and that was our target in these reviews.
Oscillating Angle
Another important consideration in our multi-tool selection process was the oscillating angle of the blade. This is the oscillating movement of the blade from side to side which is how it cuts or sands.
The target for this was between 2 and 4 degrees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple tool to handle a range of common household cutting, sanding and trimming jobs a multi-tool is a great option.
Any one of the ones we’ve included in our reviews is worth strong consideration, but the Dremel MM50-01 is our clear favorite for its extra power and its ease of use.
If you have your heart set on a cordless option we’d give the nod to the Kimo 20 V cordless multi-tool – it has plenty of power and you get at least 30 minutes of use on each charge.
