5 Essential Tips For Choosing Right Oscillating Tool Blades
A multi-tool stands out from most woodworking equipment for its incredible versatility. As the name implies, this tool combines numerous functionalities into a single unit. You can use it to make drywall cuttings, sand down raised edges, scrape adhesives, and remove grout, among other creative applications.
Multi-tools fall into two broad categories.
The first are small, hand-held implements that comprise most people’s everyday carry (EDC) items. Such tools are especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts, such as campers and hunters.
The second type are oscillating multi-tools (also called oscillating saws), which are powered devices commonly used by woodworkers and home improvement specialists.
Oscillating multi-tools are suitable for more sophisticated projects. These devices work by oscillation rather than rotation or reciprocation, which explains their moniker.
However, the efficacy of oscillating multi-tools depends primarily on the blades used. In this article, we highlight the five essential tips when shopping for the right blade for your oscillating saw.
1. Research the Brand
When it comes to oscillating multi-tool brands, the options are virtually limitless. DeWalt is probably the first name that comes to mind when discussing multi-tools and related accessories.
A DeWalt multi tool provides a blend of efficiency and durability. These devices feature brushless motors that deliver over 50% more runtime than regular brushed motors. They also boast variable-speed triggers for better speed control depending on the project at hand, bright LED lights for illuminating dark working spaces, powerful Ah rechargeable batteries, etc.
DeWalt also manufactures general purpose bi-metal oscillating blades. The company’s multi-tool blades are strong enough to slice through different surfaces, including wooden, metallic, and concrete ones.
There are many other renowned oscillating multi-tool blade makers besides DeWalt. Examples include Milwaukee, Ryobi, BLACK + DECKER, Bosch, and Dremel.
All these companies enjoy impressive reviews for their high-performance multi-tool blades. They also manufacture a variety of blades depending on the intended application. And that brings us to the next consideration when searching for an oscillating multi-tool blade.
2. Know the Project At Hand
How do you plan on using your oscillating multi-tool? The answer will determine which blade type to buy.
Below are an oscillating saw’s diverse applications;
- Cutting out openings in dry walls
- Making plunge cuts in decking
- Trimming rough or protruding pipes and screws
- Trimming woods and floorboards
- Sanding down rough furniture edges
- Removing rust from metals
- Removing grout and mortar from freshly-installed tiles
- Scraping off old paint
Each of these applications will require specific multi-tool blades.
For instance, you could choose segmented cutting blades if the project in question involves making elaborate linear cuts through wooden, metallic, or PVC surfaces. Segmented blades are typically crescent-shaped.
The second-most common category of oscillating multi-tool blades are plunge cut blades. True to their name, these blades are designed for plunge-cutting. Depending on the oscillation speed, plunge cuts can quickly penetrate deep into a wooden on concrete object, creating precise cutouts.
There are also scraping blades for removing things like adhesives, old paint, caulk, and wallpaper from surfaces. Such blades may also be useful in bringing up linoleum.
Lastly, you can find sanding blades which are intended for smoothing rough edges on furniture. While they follow the same mechanism as regular sandpaper, sanding oscillating blades are far more effective.
3. Insist On Bi-Metal Cutting Blades
Cutting is the most common oscillating multi-tool blade function. So, it's unsurprising that most blades you'll come across are designed for that very purpose.
When looking for the right multi-tool blade for cutting projects, insist on one labeled "bi-metal" or "BIM."
Bi-metal blades are exactly what their name suggests. They're made from two different metals - high-speed steel and spring steel - making them stronger and sharper than standard blades.
High-speed steel is an iron-based steel designed for cutting tools due to its ability to maintain sharp edges despite the amount of friction it's subjected to. The material is remarkably resistant to abrasion and high temperatures.
On the other hand, high-spring steel enables an oscillating multi-tool's blade to return to its original shape regardless of the amount of pressure applied. This material is typically a low-alloy manganese or high-carbon steel with super yield strength.
High-speed steel is used for the blade's toothed edges whereas spring steel comprises the rest of its construction. The two metals are then welded into a single blade, making them difficult to distinguish.
4. Check for Compatibility
Oscillating multi-tools come in different shapes and sizes. They also vary in design, depending on the brand.
If you frequently use oscillating tools, you’ll also need to replace the blades every so often. However, not every blade will fit into your multi-tool. That's where compatibility comes in.
Many oscillating tool manufacturers equip their products with a universal fitting, allowing you to use the device with multiple blades. This reduces the inconvenience of store-hopping looking for a compatible blade.
Note that compatibility depends on the design of your oscillating multi-tool rather than its blade. It’s one of the key considerations when shopping for a multi-tool.
It's also worth noting that compatibility doesn't only denote how seamlessly a blade fits into an oscillating multi-tool. As already hinted, it also comes down to the specific project at hand.
5. The Starlock System Is a Bonus Feature
Starlock is a patented blade mounting system introduced by Bosch and Fein, two leading oscillating multi-tool makers in the world. The system allows multi-tool users to quickly snap in their blades into a star-shaped interface on their tools.
The Starlock mounting system is not only a time-saving feature. It's a safety spec as well. The snap-in fitting mechanism prevents your oscillating blade from inadvertently becoming loose while in use, which could have disastrous consequences.
Besides, the Starlock system allows you to experiment with multiple blade sizes and oscillation angles. That’s in contrast to the traditional 12-pin system commonly known as the OIS interface.
Better power transfer, enhanced precision, and ease of loading are other things to love about the Starlock oscillating blades.
There are three different Starlock models to choose from, depending on their individual efficacy. They include Starlock, Starlock Plus, and StarlockMax. Plus and Max models provide better convenience and safety.
Summary
Choosing the right oscillating multi-tool blade is the first step in enhancing the device’s efficacy.
At the very least, you want a multi-tool blade that’s suited for the project at hand. The blade should also be fashioned from a robust metal for enhanced safety and durability.
Other factors, such as manufacturer and compatibility, also come into play when shopping for the best blade for your oscillating multi-tool.
As a parting shot, remember to follow the manufacturer’s user guidelines and observe all safety precautions when using an oscillating saw blade.
