Buying Guide for Power Oscillating Tool Blades
Power tools are versatile tools that allow us to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible with conventional tools. Power oscillating tool blades are a specific type of power tool used for cutting. These are fixed blade tools with a rotating head over the blade. This rotating head can be used to cut through materials with great precision.
A variety of tasks can be performed with oscillating tools, including cutting, grinding, scraping, sanding, and sawing, and clean results can be achieved in tight quarters. Tools that oscillate are popular with carpenters, contractors, tradespeople, flooring and cabinet installers, and serious hobbyists. No matter what the job is, professionals love these tools.
Benefits of Power Oscillating Tool Blades
Trim Door Casings
When installing a new floor, it’s often necessary to trim door casings and jambs to accommodate the new flooring. The multi-tool is ideal for this job: Take a piece of new flooring and place it upside down on the subfloor next to the casing. Attach a flush-cutting wood blade, hold the blade flat against the flooring piece and plunge-cut through the casing. Remove the severed piece of wood and the new flooring will slide right beneath the casing.
Sand Wood Smooth
Every multi-tool manufacturer offers a wide array of sanding attachments, which can be used to smooth wood, wood fillers, and clear topcoat finishes. These accessories accept hook-and-loop abrasives, making it easy to change sandpaper.
Cut Plumbing Pipes
When fitted with the appropriate blade, the multi-tool will quickly cut through copper, plastic, even old galvanized metal pipes. And because the tool is compact and the blade adjusts to various angles, you can work in very tight spaces, including inside of cabinets, behind walls, in ceilings and under floors.
Remove Old Paint
Attach a steel scraper blade to quickly remove loose, blistered paint. Then switch to a sanding pad to sand down to bare wood or shiny metal.
Factors to Consider Before Buying of Power Oscillating Tool Blades
Oscillation Per Minute
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.
Conclusion
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.
To get more information about our buying options, go through some of the best products that we have listed in our featured section above. They are been reviewed and are recommended on the basis of their quality, performance and durability.
