What is an Oscillating Multi Tool Blade Used For?

Published November 1st, 2022

What is an Oscillating Multi Tool Blade Used For

Before we dive into what is an oscillating multi tool blade An oscillating multi-tool is a handheld power tool that operates by oscillating a blade or accessory back and forth at a very high speed. 

This tool is often used in construction, woodworking, and DIY projects because of its versatility and ability to perform a wide range of tasks.

The oscillating tool itself is typically a small, handheld device with a motor that drives a blade or accessory attachment. 

The blade or accessory is secured to the tool via a quick-change mechanism, which allows for easy switching between different blades or accessories depending on the task at hand.

Now, let’s talk about the blade specifically. An oscillating multi-tool blade is a small, narrow blade that typically ranges from 1 to 3 inches in length. 

Oscillating multi tool blades can be made of various materials, such as steel, multiple types of metal, or diamond, depending on the material it is designed to cut.

The Different Types of Oscillating Tool Blades, and How To Use Them

An oscillating tool is a very handy power tool that is equipped with a range of interchangeable blades and attachments that can be used for various applications. Here are some of the different types of oscillating tool blades and how to use them:

Wood-Cutting Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:

This blade is designed for cutting through wood, plastic, and other soft materials. To use it, simply position the blade on the material and make the cut.

Metal-Cutting Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:

This type of oscillating tool blade is designed for cutting through metal, such as nails, screws, and pipes. To use it, position the blade on the material and make the cut.

Grout-Cutting Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:​

This blade is designed for removing grout from between tile. To use it, position the blade in the grout line and move it back and forth to remove the grout.

Sanding Pad Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:

This attachment is designed for sanding and smoothing surfaces. To use it, attach the sanding pad to the oscillating tool and select the appropriate grit sandpaper for the job.

Rasp Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:

This blade is designed for shaping and smoothing wood and other materials, check it out our best rasp oscillating tool blade here. To use it, position the blade on the material and move it back and forth to shape or smooth the surface.

General Purpose All Around Oscillating Multi Tool Blade:

These type of oscillating blades can be hard to come by because there are many types of materials that may need different blades, however, trying to manage and sort through these different types of oscillating multi tool blades can be a headache at times.

Which is why we have a High-Strength General Purpose oscillating tool blade that is, well, you guessed it! For cutting just about every material! Wood, metal, fiber cement, and more, check it out here.

Using an Oscillating Multi-Tool to Scrape Off Material

One great way an oscillating multi tool blade is used for, includes scraping off caulk!

An oscillating tool is very effective at scraping off caulk because it uses a high-speed oscillation or vibration to rapidly move the scraper blade back and forth over the surface. 

This motion allows the blade to scrape away the caulk quickly and efficiently, without damaging the surrounding surface (if you know how to use an oscillating tool correctly).

One of the advantages of using an oscillating tool for scraping caulk is that it allows for precise control and maneuverability. 

The tool is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it easier to get into tight spaces or difficult angles. This is particularly useful when removing caulk around fixtures, such as sinks, tubs, or windows.

Another advantage of using an oscillating tool for scraping caulk is that it reduces the amount of manual effort required. Unlike traditional methods, such as using a putty knife or scraper, an oscillating tool does most of the work for you. This can save time and energy, especially if you need to remove a lot of caulk or if the caulk has hardened or become difficult to remove.

Additionally, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to avoid injury or damage to the surface.

Straight Cuts in Wood, Drywall, and Metal

An oscillating tool can be used for making straight cuts in wood, drywall, and metal. For each material, you’ll need the appropriate blade. Begin by marking your cut line, then position the blade and move the tool back and forth steadily to make the cut. Be sure to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines to avoid injury or damage to the tool or material.

Making Precise and Flush Cuts

An oscillating tool with the right oscillating multi tool blade is a great tool for making flush cuts, which are cuts made flush with a surface, such as when trimming a protruding piece of material or cutting a door jamb. Here’s how to make a flush cut using an oscillating tool:

Choose the Right Oscillating Blade

To make a flush cut, you’ll need a flush cut blade, which has teeth on both sides of the blade, allowing you to make cuts flush with a surface. There are also specialty flush cut blades designed for specific materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. Choose the appropriate blade for your task.

Position the Blade

With the tool turned off, position the blade against the surface you want to cut flush with. Be sure to position the blade so that it is flush with the surface, and adjust it if necessary.

Make the Cut

Turn on the oscillating tool and gently guide the blade along the surface, using a back-and-forth motion to make the cut. Be sure to keep the blade flush with the surface and apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the material or the blade.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve made the initial cut, turn off the tool and remove any excess material using a sanding attachment or sandpaper.

Trimming Pipes and Screws

Another great use of an oscillating tool with a quality oscillating multi tool blade is that you can trim off pipes and screws. This is perfect if you are a plumber and simply cannot get into tight areas with pipe wrench or tubing cutter.

With the right oscillating tool blade, you can cut through screws that may be in the way if you’re installing new pipe or doing some retrofitting. This may not be practical or possible to do with other tools such as a regular saw. For example if you tried to do this with a regular saw, not only are you risking damage to other areas, but it can be quite dangerous.

Attempting to cut a screw off the may be in a ceiling with a regular saw can put you in an awkward position and can pose a threat to your safety. An oscillating tool, unlike a regular saw that spins in the one direction, moves back and forth in a fast motion and does not pose a serious threat if anything went wrong such as the oscillating tool falling off your hand.

Cutting Out Openings in Drywall

Oscillating multi tool blades can also cut through drywall, you can use an oscillating tool blade for cutting holes for electrical outlets, cutting small sections of drywall to fit in a specific area, etc.

Sure, you can use a utility knife to cut sheetrock, but do you want your job to turn out perfect? In some instances, using a utility knife to cut sheetrock to fit an odd corner may not be practical, this is where an oscillating multi tool blade comes in!

How Thick can an Oscillating Multi Tool Blade Cut?

The thickness that an oscillating multi tool blade can cut through will depend on a few factors, such as the type of blade or accessory being used, the power and speed of the tool, and the material being cut. Generally, most oscillating tools can cut through materials that are up to about 2 inches thick, although some models may be able to handle thicker materials.

When selecting a blade or accessory for your oscillating multi tool, it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the material you will be cutting. For example, a wood-cutting multi blade may not be suitable for cutting through metal or plastic, and vice versa. Additionally, using the correct speed and technique can help ensure a clean and efficient cut.

It is important to note that cutting through thick materials with an oscillating multi tool blade can put a lot of strain on the tool and blade, which can cause them to wear out more quickly. To prolong the life of your blade and tool, it is best to take frequent breaks during cutting and to avoid forcing the tool through the material.

Final Words

There are many uses of an oscillating tool, and a quality oscillating multi tool blade can be used for a variety of tasks such as creating custom wood furniture, cutting pipes in hard to get areas, cutting out notches of wood, cutting holes in fiber cement or drywall, etc.

Now while it is a rule of thumb to take frequent breaks during cutting to prolong the life of your oscillating multi tool blade, there are times where this gets very annoying, which is why we have a High-Strength General Purpose oscillating tool blade that withstands many cuts through wood, screws, etc., and still maintains it strength and rigidity, check it out here!

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