Whenever you get ready to work on a project, one of the first steps is to often get all of the tools you need together. Of course, plenty of smaller projects feel gratuitous requiring so many different tools for the task. That is where the best oscillating tool can come in handy.
- Provides precise cuts
- Has a 20V motor
- Great for soft and medium materials
- Has an adjustable cutting angle
- Has a 4.2-amp motor
- Has 10000 minimum OPMs
- Has a great OPM range
- Has the fastest maximum OPMs
- Makes precise cuts
An oscillating tool can actually perform a wide variety of functions from cutting to cleaning to sanding. In fact, there are plenty of projects that can be accomplished with an oscillating tool, work materials, and a little more.
That is why we have put together a list of the 10 best oscillating tools. We also provide a convenient comparison table as well as a helpful buyer’s guide. While the Rockwell RK2701K is the best for most people, there are plenty of people who will need a different oscillating tool, but, you have to continue reading to find out why.
Best Oscillating Tools – Product Reviews
PROS:
- Has an adjustable cutting angle
- Has a 4.2-amp motor
- Has 10000 minimum OPMs
- Has 19000 maximum OPMs
- Applies 35-lb of cutting force
CONS:
- Is a more expensive oscillating tool
- The blade lock is iffy
While Rockwell has generally positioned itself as a top-tier consumer-grade power tool manufacturer, they also make many professional models. For instance, the Rockwell RK5151K has the second most powerful motor on our list at 4.2 amps.
This translates into a market-leading 35-lbs of cutting force which is by far one of the best we saw. Of course, the Rockwell RK5151K is not simply a monster that chews through everything in its path.
This oscillating tool can also be powered down to provide the precision necessary for finish work and cutting. While not the best, the OPM range of 10000 to 19000 is solid, but the cutting angle is what really makes the Rockwell RK5151K special.
Specifically, the Rockwell RK5151K is the only oscillating tool on our list that can adjust its cutting angle.
If you need to chew through some material, the 5-degree setting makes that easy. Then, when you need to make a finish cut, switch the Rockwell RK5151K to its 3.2-degree setting.
PROS:
- Is a cordless oscillating tool
- Has a 20-volt motor
- Has a 4-degree cutting angle
- Has 8000 minimum OPMs
- Has 18000 maximum OPMs
CONS:
- The most expensive oscillating tool reviewed
- The blade lock is iffy
Rockwell is a fairly recent company, but it actually has a reasonably prestigious history to back up the brand. Specializing primarily in consumer-grade power tools, Rockwell often meets mid-tier to professional-grade standards. The company is not above pricing its products into the professional-grade market either.
Still, the Rockwell RK2701K is one of the company’s premier oscillating tools and by far the most impressive cordless oscillating tool that we saw. With an OPM range of 8000 to 18000, this oscillating tool can handle pretty much any material you throw at it. On top of that, the 4-degree cutting angle splits the difference between precision and cutting power to give you the best of both worlds.
The 20V motor is able to generate plenty of torque, but be careful with the blade lock.
PROS:
- Has a 5-degree cutting angle
- Has a good OPM range
- Has 11000 minimum OPMs
- Has 20000 maximum OPMs
- Has a 4.0-amp motor
CONS:
- The blade lock is iffy
- A more expensive oscillating tool
Rockwell once again makes our list, this time with a complete kit that provides far more accessories and other components necessary for pretty much any job.
While it is not the most powerful Rockwell we saw, it is still well within the upper boundaries of the market with 4.0-amps.
And that motor gets plenty of opportunities to shine with an impressive 5-degree cutting angle, providing significant cutting force. That said, this tool is a bit more limited in terms of some of its applications.
The OPM range is good with a low of 11000 and a high of 20000, but the cutting angle is not adjustable.
This means that the Rockwell RK5142K kit does not come with the best oscillating tool for finish cuts. The oscillating tool does come with an anti-vibration counterweight built-in, but this product is still best suited for rougher cuts, cleaning, or sanding.
PROS:
- Has the most powerful motor
- Has 10000 minimum OPMs
- Has a 5-degree cutting angle
- Has a controlled foot
- Has a quick-lock system
CONS:
- Is a more expensive oscillating tool
- Has a lower maximum OPMs
Dremel not only has the advantage of a storied history stretching back nearly a century but a specialization in the rotary tool market as well. As such, it should come as little surprise that the company is one of the more highly-regarded manufacturers of professional-grade oscillating tools. The Dremel VC60-01 Velocity takes this principle to another level by focusing on the heavy-duty niche in the professional-grade market.
For one, the Velocity has by far the most powerful motor that we saw at 7-amps which is only matched by the wide 5-degree cutting angle.
Combined, this makes the Velocity great for chewing through tough materials for hours on end without slowing down.
That said, the Velocity does have a somewhat lower maximum OPM which will limit the hardness of material that it will easily cut
PROS:
- Has a great OPM range
- Has 10000 minimum OPMs
- Has the fastest maximum OPMs
- Makes precise cuts
- Has a quick-change system
CONS:
- Only a 3.3-amp motor
- Is a more expensive oscillating tool
While Dremel continues to produce some of the best rotary tools on the market, they also cater to specific niches just as effectively. With the Dremel MM30-04 Multi-Max, this is mostly the case, though there are some caveats. Specifically, the Dremel Multi-Max is the best finishing oscillating tool that we found, and the competition is not even close. Though, this is definitely not the oscillating tool you want to chew through tough materials all day.
This is because the Dremel Multi-Max has a 3.2-degree cutting angle, which is great for precision cuts but less so for rough cuts.
That said, the cutting angle is only reinforced with an OPM range that is not only one of the widest we saw but also features the highest maximum OPM setting.
This allows the Dremel Multi-Max to make precise cuts regardless of the material being cut.
PROS:
- Has a 4.5-degree cut
- Has a 3.5-amp motor
- Has a solid OPM range
- Has 21000 maximum OPMs
- Is a less expensive oscillating tool
CONS:
- Not for finish work
- Not the most durable
Masterworks as a company does not have much of a presence online, but they do at least specialize primarily in rotary-based tools–aside from a couple of air-tools thrown in for good measure.
In terms of the Masterworks MW146, it is a perfectly adequate tool without blowing you away making it our best consumer-grade oscillating tool.
Though, it should be noted that this oscillating tool has more mentions of breaking down quicker than the other brands.
On paper, everything checks out with a suitably powerful 3.5-amp motor that is combined with a 4.5-degree cutting angle to give it some chewing power. While the lowest OPM of 15000 is a bit high, the highest OPM of 21000 at least is also fairly high as well. This makes the Masterworks MW146 a decent option for rougher cuts and sanding work, but you might not want to use it for finishing cuts.
PROS:
- Is a cordless oscillating tool
- Has the lowest minimum OPMs
- Makes precise cuts
- Is a quieter oscillating tool
- Has a quick-change system
CONS:
- Only has a 12V motor
- Not ideal for the hardest materials
TackLife is another company that has recently popped up, but they bill themselves as a premier manufacturer of next-gen consumer-grade power tools. In this instance, we tend to agree which is why we rated it as our best 12V cordless oscillating tool. To be fair, it is the only one we included on our list, but when you consider that the TackLife is a DIY oscillating tool capable of making precise cuts, you can begin to understand why.
A big part of this has to do with the fact that the lower-powered motor does not produce as much vibration.
In fact, the motor is one of the quietest on the market producing less than 88 dB of volume.
Though the TackLife is a bit limited in that it is better suited for softer materials as the maximum OPM of 15000 will not cut it for some of the hardest materials.
That said, this oscillating tool does have the lowest minimum OPM too.
PROS:
- A less expensive oscillating tool
- Has a good OPM range
- Comes with a complete kit
- Has solid maximum OPMs
- Comes with dust extraction
CONS:
- Not the most durable
- Lowest powered oscillating tool reviewed
VonHaus is a brand designed for the weekend warrior who needs to make some minor repairs around the house or the occasional DIY project. In this instance, the VonHaus brand favors convenience and ease of use over maximum capability.
This is not to suggest the VonHaus has poor performance, but it does have the weakest motor we saw at only 2.3-amps.
On the other hand, it does offer some flexibility in terms of work materials.
This is because the VonHaus has one of the better OPM ranges with a maximum OPM of 20000 and a low of 11000.
Even better, the VonHaus is priced for the consumer-grade market as well, though it is definitely not made to be used for hours on end without a break. Still, this oscillating tool comes with one of the few kits we saw that included the dust extraction port–a must-have when making minor repairs in your own home.
PROS:
- Has 22000 maximum OPMs
- Makes precise cuts
- The least expensive oscillating tool reviewed
- Has a solid OPM range
- Has a universal fitting system
CONS:
- Only has 2.5 amps
- Cuts a bit slow
Hyperikon is an interesting entry on our list as it is the only company that does not actually specialize in power tools. Instead, Hyperikon is actually more well-known for manufacturing LED lights and their accessories. That said, the company seems to understand the uphill climb it faces entering a saturated market and adjusted properly.
That is why we ranked the Hyperikon our best budget oscillating tool.
One great thing about the Hyperikon is that while it may not always blow you away, does not let you down either. The motor only pushes 2.5 amps and when combined with the 3-degree cutting angle, makes for slower sledding. However, the OPM range is decent, especially for harder materials, and the 22000 maximum OPMs is the second-best on our list. It also has a universal fitting system to quickly replace the average blades included.
PROS:
- Provides precise cuts
- Has a 20V motor
- Great for soft and medium materials
- Is a cordless oscillating tool
- Comes with a complete kit
CONS:
- Cuts a bit slow
- Not ideal for the hardest materials
While not quite as surprising as some of the other companies, WORKPRO is actually another unexpected entry. This is because WORKPRO is known as a consumer-grade manufacturer of hand tools, not power tools.
That said, the WORKPRO oscillating tool packs plenty of punch and is incredibly convenient to use as well.
The 20V motor is in line with some of the top brands, and the 3.2-degree cutting makes it suitable for even finish cuts.
Though it should be noted that the WORKPRO may struggle a bit in a couple of areas.
For instance, the maximum OPM of 16000 is easily the lowest we saw and will exclude some of the harder materials from consideration with its use.
On the other hand, the precision and power combined with the solid OPM range in the slower field make this an ideal oscillating tool for softer materials.
Buyer’s Guide
Type of Oscillating Tool
The type of the oscillating tool does not matter as much when you first start using it but can play a more important role the longer you use it. This is because cordless oscillating tools run on a limited battery pack, and the power will decrease as the battery loses its juice. It is also worth noting that cordless oscillating tool’s best advantage is their mobility, while the corded oscillating tool’s best quality is its consistent power. Of course, these 2 tool types are often split depending on who the tool is meant for based on whether you are a professional laborer or not.
Corded – This type of oscillating tool is noted for providing consistent power, but because it has an endless power supply, it can often also provide a more powerful motor in general. In fact, not only is the most powerful oscillating tool a corded model, but the top 10 most powerful oscillating tools are corded. Of course, the cord does limit the mobility and where you can use this type of oscillating tool. When doing new construction, you may need a generator and extension cord to reach the tightest nooks and crannies.
Cordless – By far the biggest benefit that a cordless model oscillating tool is its ability to go pretty much anywhere you might need it. It accomplishes this by running off of a battery pack that comes in 12 and 20-volt capacities. It is worth noting that you may find a 10 or 24-volt cordless oscillating tool, but they produce the same amount of power as the other 2 capacities. The difference is all in how you measure the capacity–whether in use or not. Still, this brings up the second issue which is actual tool power. Cordless models are generally less powerful than professional corded oscillating tools and the power decreases with the battery’s capacity.
Oscillating Tool’s Power
This type of power refers to the raw force that the electric motor can generate for its various functions. If the oscillating tool is corded, then you will rate the power of the tool in amps. Cordless oscillating tools are rated in volts, but the clear point is that more is generally better. Keep in mind, depending on the engineering, you could have an oscillating tool with an extremely powerful motor that is still incredibly precise. That will depend a bit on other qualities, but the power is often fairly telling–especially when it comes to torque.
Amps – Within the corded oscillating tool market, there are far more options to choose from than the cordless models. That said, you can fairly easily figure out what kind of power level you would need from a corded oscillating tool. If the motor is below 3 ½ amps in power, then there is a pretty good chance that the tool was designed for consumer-grade use. That said, there are a few models that use a lower-powered motor to maintain precision and control. Of course, regardless of the motor’s power, if the oscillating tool cannot operate at fast or slow enough speeds, the tool will still struggle.
Volts – When it comes to cordless oscillating tools, there are only truly 2 different capacities: 12V and 20V. Depending on the manufacturer, you may see 10V and 24V options, but those are more bygones of a recent marketing ploy. That said, the different markets are fairly easy to parse with cordless oscillating tools as the 12V models will generally be more well-suited for consumer-grade projects. That said, even the 20V cordless oscillating tools can struggle on a professional job site if you do not have additional battery packs to keep the tool charged.
OPMs
This is actually the most important consideration outside of the motor’s power, and can even be more important depending on the context. Basically, oscillations per minute, or OPMs, are how fast the oscillating tool moves. Depending on the function, you may actually want the tool to be able to move quicker or slower. Specifically, higher OPMs are necessary for cutting through the hardest and densest of materials. On the other hand, slower OPMs are actually useful for cutting softer materials like plastics and even many kinds of metal. A low that hovers around 10000 OPMs with a maximum speed of around 20000 OPMs is a solid range for cutting pretty much any material.
Cutting Angle of Oscillating Tool
The cutting angle is an often overlooked and poorly understood feature, but will heavily impact an oscillating tool’s indicated uses. Specifically, the cutting angle will play perhaps the largest impact in terms of precision. Granted, some manufacturers may include anti-vibration features and other qualities to increase precision. However, the cutting angle of the oscillating tool will determine whether you make relatively deep cuts or not. If the angle is larger, the tool will cut deeper and quicker–but the cuts will be rougher.
Oscillating Tool vs Rotary Tool
Conclusion
As we can see, depending on whether you are a DIYer, a professional, or somewhere in between, there is not a single best oscillating tool. That said, we feel that the Rockwell RK2701K comes pretty close with a cordless design that is still able to generate surprising power and splits the difference between the consumer and the professional grades. With a solid OPM range, plenty of motor power, and a Goldilocks cutting angle, the only real negative is the price.
Of course, if you are looking for a less expensive oscillating tool that can still provide solid performance, then we recommend the Hyperikon. While the 2.5 amp motor might be a bit disappointing, this oscillating tool is still able to provide a great OPM range as well as the second-fastest speed on our list. On top of that, the Hyperikon makes surprisingly precise cuts and features a universal attachment system.
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