The Best Multi-Tools For Ultimate Versatility
Oscillating tools for plasterboard cut-outs and flooring trims as well as grout and sanding jobs.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best multi-tool is the DEWALT DCS355 Oscillating Multi-Tool. It's the one we reach for on plasterboard, flooring and trim, blades swap in seconds without tools, and the universal adapter takes cheaper third-party blades. If you'd rather not buy into a battery system, the Bosch PMF 220 CE Multi-Tool is the corded alternative, with a depth stop that helps when cutting near cables and pipes.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of DEWALT DCS355 Oscillating Multi-Tool
Best Cordless
DEWALT DCS355 Oscillating Multi-ToolRegular renovation work across plasterboard, flooring and trim
- Check price of Bosch PMF 220 CE Multi-Tool
Best Corded
Bosch PMF 220 CE Multi-ToolIndoor jobs near a socket without buying into a battery system
- Check price of Makita DTM52Z Multi-Tool
Best Professional
Makita DTM52Z Multi-ToolHeavy daily use by tradespeople already on Makita batteries
- Check price of Milwaukee M18BMT-0
- Check price of Einhell Power X-Change Varrito
Best Value
Einhell Power X-Change VarritoBudget cordless users already on Einhell Power X-Change batteries
- Check price of VonHaus 280W Oscillating Multi Tool
Best Budget
VonHaus 280W Oscillating Multi ToolFirst-time buyers who want to see what a multi-tool can do
Blades are the running cost with a multi-tool, as grout, plaster and hidden screws wear them out fast. That makes the fitting worth checking before the motor. Starlock tools from Bosch and Makita change blades in a moment but only take Starlock blades, whereas a universal adapter opens up cheaper third-party ones.
Your batteries settle the rest, since a bare cordless tool makes most sense on a platform you already own. The six here include cordless and corded models at prices from a first-timer's kit up to trade tools.
How We Tested These Multi-Tools
We've owned several multi-tools over the years, and one lives in our toolbox wherever we go. Beyond cutting, we use them to sand and rake out grout, and the professional tradespeople we've spoken to rate them as a go-to tool too.
The grey tool in the first photo isn't one of the six reviewed here. The photos show some of the jobs we've used them for, from cutting holes in plasterboard and working round plug socket replacements to accurate cuts in wood flooring and opening up ceilings to chase in cables. We compare each tool on the following:
- Cutting performance: speed and finish in timber, plasterboard and grout
- Accessory changes: how quick and simple it is to swap blades and pads
- Compatibility: whether it takes cheaper third-party blades or only its own
- Usability: grip, switch position and vibration
- Build quality: the body, head and clamping system
Oscillation speeds, accessory counts and other specs come from each manufacturer. Warranty and price were part of the final call.
The Best Multi-Tools We Recommend
Check which accessory fitting each tool uses before you buy, since that decides how cheaply you can replace blades. We've noted which ones take universal blades.
Best Cordless
DEWALT DCS355 Oscillating Multi-Tool
Best for: Regular renovation work across plasterboard, flooring and trim
Check Price On AmazonThe DEWALT DCS355 is the multi-tool we use regularly, and it's the one in the flooring and ceiling photos in our testing section. It's never let us down, whether we're cutting flooring, opening up a ceiling or sanding. DEWALT has refined it over several versions, and it shows in how well it's put together.
Its tool-free Quick Change system swaps accessories in seconds, and a universal adapter lets you fit cheaper blades from other brands. Variable speed runs up to 22,000 oscillations per minute, according to DEWALT, so you can slow it for grout and open it up for timber, and the dual grip positions make longer sessions more comfortable. A bright LED lights up dark corners and ceiling voids, and it runs on the same 18V batteries as other DEWALT tools. The downsides are minor. The 29 piece kit is mostly sandpaper, and the tool is bulkier than DEWALT's own corded multi-tool.
What we like
- Used regularly by us without letting us down
- Tool-free Quick Change accessory system
- Universal adapter takes cheaper third-party blades
- Up to 22,000 oscillations per minute with variable speed
- Dual grip positions for comfort on long jobs
- Bright LED for ceilings and dark corners
- Shares batteries with other DEWALT 18V tools
What to know
- Bulkier than DEWALT's own corded multi-tool
- Most of the 29 piece kit is sandpaper
Our verdict
Of all the multi-tools we've used, this is the one that's earned a permanent place in our kit. The quick blade changes and universal adapter keep running costs down, and DEWALT battery owners get it for the price of a bare tool. The 29 piece kit is mostly sandpaper, so budget for a few decent blades.
Best Corded
Bosch PMF 220 CE Multi-Tool
Best for: Indoor jobs near a socket without buying into a battery system
Check Price On AmazonThe Bosch PMF 220 CE is a mains-powered multi-tool built around Bosch's Starlock system. Blades click into place on a magnetic holder with no tools needed, so swapping from a plunge blade to a sanding pad takes seconds. There's a wide range of Starlock accessories, though it won't take the cheaper universal blades that fit the DEWALT and Milwaukee.
A four-stage depth stop helps you keep a consistent cutting depth, which is useful when cutting into a floor or plasterboard with cables or pipes behind. It comes with the main accessories you'll need, and Bosch sells an optional vibration control handle. The 2 metre lead is short, so you'll need an extension lead with surge protection for most rooms.
What we like
- No batteries to charge or buy
- Starlock system with a magnetic holder for quick changes
- Four-stage depth stop for consistent cuts
- Comes with the main accessories
- Optional vibration control handle
What to know
- Won't take cheaper third-party blades
- Dearer than other corded multi-tools
- Short 2 metre power lead
Our verdict
If you work indoors near a socket and don't want to buy into a battery system, the Bosch is the multi-tool to get. Starlock changes are quick and the depth stop earns its keep near cables and pipes. Starlock blades cost more than universal ones, though, so the DEWALT is cheaper to run if you're already on its batteries.
Best Professional
Makita DTM52Z Multi-Tool
Best for: Heavy daily use by tradespeople already on Makita batteries
Check Price On AmazonThe Makita DTM52Z is the most expensive multi-tool here, and it's aimed squarely at people who use one every day. Makita says its wide 3.6 degree oscillation angle makes cutting and sanding faster, and the head can be set at 12 angles in 30 degree steps through the full 360 degrees.
There's anti-vibration, soft start, variable speed and anti-restart protection, plus a slim body and a slide switch that's easy to work while you're holding it. It takes Starlock accessories with a tool-free change, and it shares Makita's 18V batteries. It doesn't come with a universal adapter, though, so you're limited to Starlock blades.
What we like
- Wide 3.6 degree oscillation angle
- 12 head angle settings through 360 degrees
- Anti-vibration and soft start
- Starlock accessories with tool-free changes
- Slim body with an easy slide switch
- Shares Makita 18V batteries
What to know
- Most expensive multi-tool in our roundup
- No universal adapter for third-party blades
Our verdict
This is a tool for tradespeople on the Makita platform who use a multi-tool every day, and for them the 12 head angles and full set of safety features justify the price. Most homeowners won't need that much tool, and the lack of a universal adapter ties you to Starlock blades, so the DEWALT is the better buy for home renovations.
Best Performing
Milwaukee M18BMT-0
Best for: Demanding users who want fine speed control and universal blades
Check Price On AmazonThe Milwaukee M18BMT-0 is the red tool in our side-by-side photo with the DEWALT. It costs a premium, but it's built tough, with a magnesium gearbox, replaceable carbon brushes and a protective rubber casing.
A 12-speed dial gives you much finer control than a simple variable trigger, so you can slow it right down for grout or plastic and speed it up for timber. It has a universal blade adapter, unlike the Makita, so cheaper replacement blades fit. A bright LED, overload protection, a cutting depth stop adapter and a thumb on/off switch round it out, and Milwaukee includes a 39 piece accessory kit.
What we like
- 12 speed settings for fine control
- Universal blade adapter takes cheaper blades
- Magnesium gearbox and protective rubber casing
- Replaceable carbon brushes
- Overload protection and depth stop adapter
- 39 piece accessory kit
What to know
- Relatively expensive next to other multi-tools
Our verdict
M18 owners who want the most control will find it here, as the speed dial lets you match the tool to the material instead of feathering a trigger. Add a tough magnesium gearbox and a universal adapter for cheap blades and it's an easy pick. Occasional users will struggle to justify the premium, and the VonHaus covers the odd job for far less.
Best Value
Einhell Power X-Change Varrito
Best for: Budget cordless users already on Einhell Power X-Change batteries
Check Price On AmazonThe Einhell Varrito replaced the TC-MG 220 and moved onto Einhell's Power X-Change battery platform, so one battery runs a whole range of Einhell garden and DIY tools. That makes it very cheap if you already own one, as the battery and charger are optional extras.
A quick release lock with a magnetic holder makes changing accessories quick, and there's variable speed and a soft grip. Einhell decouples the battery holder from the motor to cut the vibration reaching your hand. The kit includes a triangular sanding plate, segment and plunge cut blades and plenty of sandpaper. There's no storage case, and the instructions aren't supplied in English, though it's simple to set up.
What we like
- Shares Power X-Change batteries with other Einhell tools
- Quick release lock with a magnetic holder
- Decoupled battery holder reduces vibration
- Variable speed and a soft grip
- Sanding plate and segment and plunge blades included
What to know
- No storage case
- Instructions aren't supplied in English
Our verdict
Power X-Change owners get a capable cordless multi-tool here for very little, and even with a battery bought separately it's good value. The vibration-decoupled battery holder is a thoughtful touch. You'll need your own storage, as there's no case in the box.
Best Budget
VonHaus 280W Oscillating Multi Tool
Best for: First-time buyers who want to see what a multi-tool can do
Check Price On AmazonThe VonHaus costs a fraction of the big-brand tools and still arrives as a complete package. You get a 15 piece accessory kit, sanding pads, a dust extraction attachment and a sturdy carry case, so you can sand, cut, scrape and grind straight away.
VonHaus quotes a top speed of 20,000 oscillations per minute, controlled from a thumb switch at the back, with variable speed and anti-vibration to keep it comfortable. The universal adapter accepts cheaper blades from most brands. It isn't as well built as the DEWALT or Bosch, which is what you'd expect at this price, so it suits occasional jobs better than a full renovation.
What we like
- Complete kit with accessories and a carry case
- Universal adapter for cheap replacement blades
- Variable speed and anti-vibration
- Dust extraction attachment included
- Up to 20,000 oscillations per minute according to VonHaus
What to know
- Build quality is a step below the branded tools
- Corded, so you'll need a socket nearby
Our verdict
For a first multi-tool or occasional DIY, the VonHaus gives you a full kit and a case for a fraction of the branded prices. The universal adapter keeps blade costs low. Build quality reflects the price, so regular renovation work calls for something sturdier like the DEWALT DCS355.
How To Pick The Right Multi-Tool
Oscillating multi-tools look alike, but the accessory fitting, power source and oscillation angle make a big difference to how they feel and what they cost to run. Start with the points below.
Corded Or Cordless
Cordless multi-tools are far more convenient for working up ladders, in lofts or across a room without a socket nearby. They make most sense if you already own batteries from the same brand. A corded tool like the Bosch PMF 220 CE or VonHaus costs less up front and never runs flat, which suits long sanding or grout jobs.
Accessory Fittings And Blade Costs
Blades wear out quickly, especially on grout, plaster and screws hidden in timber, so the fitting matters. Starlock tools like the Bosch and Makita take only Starlock blades, which change very quickly but cost more. Tools with a universal adapter, like the DEWALT, Milwaukee and VonHaus, accept cheaper blades from other brands.
Raking out old grout is one of the best jobs for a multi-tool, and our guide to the best grout removing tools compares multi-tool blades with manual rakes.
Oscillation Speed And Angle
Oscillations per minute show how fast the blade moves. Look for variable speed so you can slow it down for plastic and grout and speed it up for timber. The oscillation angle matters too. A wider angle like the Makita's 3.6 degrees removes material faster, while a narrower one gives a smoother, more controlled cut.
Comfort And Control
Multi-tools vibrate a lot, so anti-vibration features, a soft grip and a sensible switch position make long jobs more bearable. A built-in LED helps inside cupboards and ceiling voids, like the ceiling opening in our testing photos. Depth stops are worth having when you're cutting into floors or walls with services behind them.
Which Jobs Suit A Multi-Tool
Multi-tools excel at plunge cuts into plasterboard, undercutting door frames for new flooring, trimming skirting in place and sanding into tight corners. Fitting new floors like those in our guide to Karndean flooring is a good example, where a multi-tool undercuts the architrave so the planks slide neatly underneath. For long straight cuts or heavy cutting in metal or masonry, a circular saw or angle grinder is faster.
Multi-Tool Questions We Hear Most
What is an oscillating multi-tool used for?
An oscillating multi-tool is used for plunge cuts in wood and plasterboard, flush cutting door frames and skirting, sanding into corners, scraping off old sealant or adhesive and raking out grout. Swapping the blade or pad changes the job. It suits small, awkward cuts during renovations rather than long straight cuts, which a saw handles better.
Can a multi-tool cut through metal?
A multi-tool can cut through thin metal such as nails, screws, copper pipe and thin sheet with a bi-metal or carbide blade. It's useful for cutting fixings flush when removing old skirting or door frames. For thicker steel, a multi-tool is slow and wears out blades quickly, so an angle grinder is the better tool.
Do all multi-tool blades fit all multi-tools?
Not all multi-tool blades fit all multi-tools. Starlock blades fit Starlock tools like the Bosch PMF 220 CE and Makita DTM52Z. Tools with a universal adapter, like the DEWALT DCS355 and Milwaukee M18BMT-0, accept most open-ended blades from other brands. Check the fitting on the blade packet before you buy.
Is a cordless multi-tool powerful enough?
A cordless 18V multi-tool is powerful enough for plasterboard, timber, flooring, grout and sanding, and it's what we use for most jobs. The DEWALT DCS355 has handled everything we've asked of it. Run time depends on the battery size, so keep a spare charged for long sanding jobs or a full day of grout removal.
Is the Milwaukee M18BMT-0 worth paying more for than the DEWALT DCS355?
The Milwaukee M18BMT-0 is worth the premium for demanding users who want finer control, thanks to its 12-speed dial, magnesium gearbox and 39 piece accessory kit. Both take universal blades. The DEWALT DCS355 is the one we use regularly, and occasional users will struggle to justify the Milwaukee's higher price.
Should I buy the corded Bosch PMF 220 CE if I don't own any batteries?
Yes, the Bosch PMF 220 CE is a smart choice for indoor work near a socket, because there are no batteries or charger to buy. Its four-stage depth stop helps near cables and pipes. Starlock blades cost more than universal ones, and the 2 metre lead is short, so budget for an extension lead with surge protection.
Is the VonHaus 280W good enough as a first multi-tool?
The VonHaus 280W is good enough for a first multi-tool or occasional jobs. It arrives with a 15 piece accessory kit, sanding pads, a dust extraction attachment and a carry case, and its universal adapter accepts cheaper blades. Build quality is a step below the DEWALT and Bosch, so regular renovation work calls for something sturdier.
Does a homeowner need a professional multi-tool like the Makita DTM52Z?
No, most homeowners don't need the Makita DTM52Z. It's the most expensive multi-tool in the roundup and is aimed at tradespeople using one every day on Makita batteries. Its 12 head angles and safety features justify the price for them, and the lack of a universal adapter limits you to Starlock blades.
Our Pick Of The Multi-Tools
The DEWALT DCS355 is the multi-tool we use regularly and would buy again. Blades swap in seconds, cheaper universal blades fit, and it runs on the same 18V batteries as other DEWALT tools. If you'd rather stay corded, the Bosch PMF 220 CE is well made and simple to use.
For occasional jobs, the VonHaus 280W is an inexpensive way to see what a multi-tool can do, and the Einhell Varrito is the budget cordless choice.
Dave, or Demolition Dave as the team calls him, worked as a builder for over 10 years before joining DIY Works. He now concentrates on his own properties and writes most of our construction content, along with tools, carpentry and plenty more.