5 More Awesome Oscillating Tool Tricks

[@brucelee3388]

Resharpening blades: Use a felt tip marker (Sharpie) to color all the teeth first, that will let you see both if you have missed any teeth and if you have cut the 'V' evenly. A lot of steel triangular files these days are cr@p (soft or too hard, missing teeth etc), consider a small diamond coated file instead, they cut on both the push and pull stokes and will even sharpen carbide at least a few times - you can get them in sets of several shapes most places and some dealers have slightly larger triangular files as singles.

[@normandhalv]

Smart 👍👍👍👍👍

[@siulseyer8053]

Great idea. I do that when sharpening knives. Howdy from the great Republic of Texas

[@huejanus5505]

They also make silver and gold coloured sharpies. A must for marking darker coloured blades and things.

[@Mrbobinge]

@@huejanus5505 The answer to a prayer. Thanks.

[@raymondtse1]

Is diamond coated file expensive?

[@alasdair4161]

I recently discovered a new use for my multi-tool which has revolutionised one aspect of my hobby, and that is foam cutting. I use EPO and EPP foam in model aircraft and knife cutting being the traditional option always left a less than perfect surface and inaccurate angles. I then tried using the multi tool with a non serrated knife blade which worked but galled the foam due to localised heat build up, so I then tried spritzing the cut with soapy water (dishwashing detergent) and was rewarded with perfect smooth clean cuts. I also found similar results with several other plastics, the soapy water lubricates and cools the knife edge and gives fast clean progress with amazing results, even following curves and contours can give a factory moulded finish. It just added yet another use to this versatile tools long list. Cheers.

[@xxsasukexx3000]

😅😊😮

[@rm-paradise]

I didn't know about sharpening dull blades. 👍 Great tip. 8/22/2023

[@profcah]

This is the most valuable tool you don’t know you need until you have one! Thanks for all the tips and the valuable reminder!

[@markskeldon1347]

First time my buddy said try it out I thought he was suggesting the use of a toy. Now its one of my favorites to tackle difficult tasks.

[@rjb6327]

The panels at the bottom of my 40 year old garage door were rotting out from water damage. I thought about getting a new door, but the price was a little high, so I bought some thin plywood and small quarter round molding. Using my new Multi-Tool, I removed the old quarter round with ease, cut the miters for the corners and installed new panels. Took a good part of a Saturday but saved a bunch of money. An excellent tool to have around.

[@GodsMan500]

When filing those oscillating blades, the lower you set the blade in the vice, the more effective the filing will be. When the blade is high up, it tends to vibrate from the file teeth and therefore absorb the energy. If you clamp the blade lower, the blade will be more stiff and therefore will not "give" as much when the serrations of the file pass over it.

[@nathanmitchell4839]

Those Japanese style oscillating blades can be sharpened with a file too many people say they can't but all you have to do it put the file diagonal to match the grind I don't see why people have trouble.

[@WilliamTythas]

using a diamond file works great too and less vibration

[@markbouldin6513]

Couldn't agree more and less of that unnerving sound it makes....... Overall good information from this gentleman's video......

[@robira1313]

@@nathanmitchell4839 - Good point Nathan, but please use punctuation.

[@kevinklei3005]

GodsMan 500 You are 110% correct this blade is set too high and the vibration is not acceptable . This is from a retired toolmaker from Australia

[@patricksalter5412]

Just helped my son refinish his hardwood floors and the triangular head was GREAT for sanding into the corners!

[@robd99]

Some good tips. Your hook and loop sanding pad idea gave me an idea for a variation of this. Use an old flat blade and apply the hook and loop to the TOP of the blade and a piece of sanding sheet. Now you have an upward facing sanding sheet that can be passed under an in situ door for example and the door can be sanded without removing it. Used it to fix a door catching on a newly installed floor when I hadn't quite removed enough of the bottom of the door.

[@warrenscorner]

I love that tool! I bought it to scrape glue off of a concrete floor but it works awesome cutting PVC pipe, drywall, wood shims, dowel plugs, the list goes on and on. My favorite is trimming door casing when installing new flooring. Now I have more uses. I did not know they made sanding attachments.

[@jessicaauten4428]

U. ⁶

[@timexironman1]

I need something for that! How did that work?

[@timexironman1]

The concrete floor, I mean.

[@warrenscorner]

@@timexironman1 it worked great! It’s a small blade so it was very time consuming.

[@kellyvcraig]

I went to a Dollar Store and bought a bunch of putty knives, removed the handles, then drilled holes in the metal so they'd fit the Multimaster. They were a fraction of the price of the store bought version for the tool.

[@LewHarriman]

Great idea to sand the inside of a circle with a modified multitool!

[@Cecil_X]

I needed to cut some molding on a wall base. A vertical (new door frame) would bump against it. With careful measuring I found where the cut needed to be. As Colin pointed out, the vibration makes it difficult to cut a perfect line. For a guide, I simply carefully scored a line with a utility knife. The multi tool nicely rode inside the score line. So my tip, when you can't easily create a makeshift fence, like Colin did on the picture frame, score a line to follow.

[@farrier2708]

The sharpening instructions I like, Colin. As far as sanding an internal radius is concerned, not only does a bit of abrasive paper wrapped around my finger save time, it also gives me a better feel for the work. The picture frame; I could probably do as good a job with a 32mm chisel in the time it takes for you to set up your tool and jigs. Having said that, I've learnt a helluva lot from your tips, so please keep 'em coming. 😊👍

[@ausblob263]

I never knew how much i needed one of these until i bought one and its now one of my most used tools

[@goodtobehandy]

My multi tool goes with me to every job . As the name implies,it can do so many things. Every tip expands its use.

[@normanmakio961]

Norman Makio Watched ur video on sanding pad with oscillating multitool, well, I remember I had such a thing that came with a Makita multitool urchaed several years ago. I had a craftsman vibrating mouse way back when and it vibrated vigilantly so I expected this to be the same. To my surprise, it was fantastic . . . almost no vibration, smooth action, quick and precision cuts. I actually enjoyed the sanding experience, thank you Colin Knecht!

[@themicdfiles1865]

I have a bag for one multi tool that’s full of dulled blades and a box for another one full of the same…I don’t know why I never thought of the three sided file to sharpen the damn things. I’m glad I never threw out the old blades! I’m headed out to the shop to bring these things back to life! Thanks!

[@philipmatthews5615]

I would just like to say that I've been a tool and mould maker all my life and I've never used a file in this way, I always put the pressure on the forward stroke to cut then come back dragging the file lightly on the workpiece so as to clear the swarf from the groves, in this way the groves don't get blocked up you don't have to reline your position if your doing accurate filing.

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

Absolutely agree. The "file in one direction" advice we all got growing up is terrible advice. It doesn't really matter for a job like sharpening a $10 blade, but by never picking up the file you are able to maintain the precise angle you want, which you will never accomplish by picking up the file on every stroke. Files are wear items. Why people are deathly afraid of dulling a file is a mystery to me. My time costs more than a mountain of files.

[@googleuser3553]

Now I need this tool. I can think of so many jobs over the years that this tool would have been invaluable. Thanks for posting!

[@simonchetwynd]

Love the sanding inside a curve trick.

[@HepauDK]

2:31 Filing 101: Start the stroke from the very tip of the file where it has no teeth, that way you build up momentum before the teeth start digging in, making it easier to get it going. Also, I like to put my left thumb (I'm right-handed) on the tip of the file pointed in the feed direction, that gives better control over the stroke. The less of the blade you have above the clamping blocks, the better. The blade is quite thin, and flexing is your enemy when filing. Make sure there is as little possibility for flexing as possible. Oh, did I mention that I'm a trained fitter...? ;)

[@ianbelletti6241]

Flexing wasn't his problem in the video. His vice wasn't properly mounted. You can see the vice rock every file stroke.

[@brianwalker1933]

I knew you were probably a Fitter (as l am) just by reading your first paragraph…l use the exact same method as you do…😊👍👍

[@paulbateman5769]

I purchased one the other week to do one job. Then I put it away. After this it's coming back out to play. Thanks Colin

[@ericdavis8294]

I liked the idea for the concave convex sanding block and I can't wait for the day that my products are on the market as my system will outperform the multitool.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Still learning, but many different ways to use the oscillating tool Thank you.

[@2uneak]

I clicked on your video from all the selections because of the thumbnail. Made me laugh. I have one of these tools and you just broadened my horizons with your jigs, etc. Thanks for taking the time to teach us!!!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the tool tricks, on a Oscillating tool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JohnathonWhittaker]

Nice video! I think the multi-tool is highly undervalued. I use mine for wood carving and sculpting all the time. Can I suggest an alternative to the dowel though? Wood on wood can cause dents and other issues. If you swap the dowel for a cork, cut that in half and all the same steps, you can get a great smooth finish without any accessory damage

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent tips and tricks today Colin! I have one of those tools and it does come in handy. Now I have even more ways to utilize it in the shop! Thanks.....👍😉👏

[@Stealth616]

Love your videos! I never thought of attaching a half dowel to a multi tool blade to sand a groove or circle. Excellent idea! When you were filing you said a file only cuts in one direction. You were correct for the type of file you used. There are also "double cut" files with diagonal teeth in both directions which cut when pushing and pulling. Thanks for creating excellent videos!

[@mikehodges6598]

Excellent tip! I can't believe I didn't think of just resharpening the steel blades.

[@dennisrayl3485]

One of my favorite shop tools.

[@paulanderson388]

What great Ideas and information to help a newbie owner of an oscillating tool ! Thank You.

[@huejanus5505]

I was doing some remodelling in my house. Apparently the trim guys got there before the flooring guys. All the baseboards were nailed below the flooring. Thank God for my multitool being able to cut those nails off.

[@garymucher4082]

Great ideas. I have found that a Dremel thin diamond disk is really a quick way to re-sharpen multi-tool blades. Since it is so thin, you can get into the worn out blade and make near instant new teeth. And so I haven't bought any new blades in years now...

[@willbedone888]

Love the planes rack hanging on the right side.😍

[@migmagingenieria]

That tool is incredibly versatile, I love it!!!!!

[@notasheep199]

I have one of those and never thought of using it in a few of the ways you shared. Love that i can sharpen the blade, always thought i just needed to replace. Thanks

[@halledwardb]

Yeah, just look at the new blade prices. Crazy!

[@mikehanick4955]

You can also use the green scotch brite pads with the hook and loop sanding pad

[@_BAD_MERC_]

When I laid my wood floors and new baseboards I reluctantly bought an oscillating tool for the door jambs. I have Milwaukee tools already so you're holding the EXACT tool I bought for $69 with no batteries. Oh let me tell you - it made everything EASY!!!! Thank you for your tips!!

[@robira1313]

I used mine to sheer off protruding dowels after using the dowels for filling in those pocket screw holes. Worked wonderfully!

[@robertduley5446]

Amazing I have a job removing chair rail, thank you very much for the tip with the veneer piece👍

[@raydunn3501]

Hi Colin,,, That was great,,, I recently purchased a multitool and its been a great investment so far,,, Your tips and tricks are so helpful,,, I always watch them,,, Thank you,,,, Have a great day.

[@vashon100]

Why all the commas,,,,,,,,

[@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator]

Great information....Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@bearclawsforhands1203]

I love my oscillating tool.

[@ttb1513]

Good camera work, zooming in well.

[@leticiaruvalcaba-arballo3181]

Very great tips, I just purchased this tool three months ago.

[@dondonofrio]

I just keep learning new woodworking ideas from you.Keep up the great work. Thank you.

[@johnparker2636]

Thanks for this. Will use your last tip to square off a routed t track groove.

[@1153mf]

My cousin and I were converting my detached garage into an apartment for my mom. Man I used my multi tool for almost all of the demo, a lot through the actual construction and a ton again during the finishing stage. Don’t get me wrong, I am surgical with that thing! My cousin calls it my vibrator because of how much I enjoyed using it! Ha. One of the days when we just started and were doing the demo my uncle came over and brought up the point “could you imagine doing demo without that vibrator? Like that thing does it all and works for everything. How did they do it back in the day before vibrators?!?” By far the best tool ever! And I agree keep sharpening those blades and you can do some real magic with a multi tool!!

[@davidhayes2275]

Very good video especially the sharpening! Thank you🐈🐕😍

[@WilliamTythas]

instead of cutting the dowel in half use the blade to cut a slot then you have a completely round sanding drum

[@kirkmuffie7542]

Gave you a thumbs up. Actually taught me a trick I didn't know.

[@workingTchr]

Using these tools with a fence (given their flat bottom) opens up all kinds of uses.

[@rubenmadrid3154]

Great video Awesome I did not know I could resharpen the blade Thanks for sharing!!👍👍

[@GarySpencer-nl4cc]

Been using this tool for quite a while and have found that adding a little up angle will place a slight bevel on both sides between teeth. Do alternating spaces from both sides results in a blade that cuts considerably faster than even a new one in softer materials like wood.

[@leonvanderlinde5580]

Thanks, you gave me one tip I can really use.

[@GodFirst607]

Great video, your a gentleman, and scholar.

[@jerrygilles9612]

Thanks' for all the good info Colin.

[@ModernNeandertal]

Very good tips and info, thanks.

[@MarcusRefusius]

I use mine in place of a Flush Cut Saw for trimming my dowels on Kreg joinery. Works great. Just go slowly.

[@WOLRuss1]

Favorite tool. Good tips. Thanks!

[@beyondlimitsproductions1468]

Really love the tip on the hook and loop glued to the dowel !!!! Awesome !@

[@Rusty_ok]

Great ideas for the multi tool.

[@leroymontano9080]

Hello from utah,Sir i have to tell you thanks for all the videos you make ,i love wood working and carving ,thanks for the tips

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Just used mine to cut PVC pipe to install a water heater. A must have when the pipe is older and brittle or close to a wall.

[@kfletcher2005]

Nice tip. Got to get a oscillating multi tool now. This will be my next power tool for sure.

[@movileone7420]

Great video, thanks for the tips

[@robertkerby2581]

Great tips on using a Multi Tool! Well done!

[@bungelsfinger]

Top Man!. Good video and some brilliant little tips. Thanks

[@MileyonDisney]

It looks to me like it would be good for shaking little bottles of paint. There should certainly be a good way of attaching it... maybe even just tape, for the short time it would be needed.

[@robira1313]

You silly goose.

[@futz48]

This might not work for wood cutting (though I use it for that as well), but if you cut a LOT of drywall with your Osc like I do, here's a quick tip: When my blade gets very dull (I also pick up discarded blades from other people) I take my 4-1/2" grinder with a zip-cut blade on it and just quickly cut some new teeth in the blade. No angle is necessary - just a bunch of shallow straight cuts in the cutting edge. It's fast to do and works great! Use those blades over and over! They aint cheap.

[@epeiusgarage]

Using it on the rounded corner of a frame, genius! Thank you!

[@destitute8493]

As long as Fein had the patent on this device, they were only interested in industrial applications, but there are many more applications waiting to be discovered. It can be used in some processes that require a vibrator, like in mining where you want to separate the heavies (dense materials) from the fines. It can probably be used in Biology, like for sowing seeds for example. Get one, and put your imagination to work!

[@terryrogers1025]

Thank you for the tips, I really appreciate it sir.

[@whatworkedforme]

all tips are great but that tip at 10:57 is fantastic.. squaring off a round corner by using a straight edge. Will definitely use that idea. Thanks for taking the time to make these YT videos

[@michaelmartt8899]

I put a toothbrush end on one of the tools to clean grout with

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I do that for my dental hygiene routine

[@lcook0825]

Great video Colin. Learned a few new things.

[@EtherealX7]

Thanks! I've been restoring a 1930's radio cabinet with lots of curved surfaces and that sanding block idea with the wood dowel saved me TONS of time

[@chipperkeithmgb]

I use mine with a old blade to get out weeds from my patio works great

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and this video. Generally Great review for me however picked some new information as well. Appreciate your experiences especially sharpening concepts.

[@alanmullock381]

Cracking tips Colin!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎

[@halledwardb]

Yes its the m12 BRUSHED tool. Its smaller and lighter than the other M12 or the M18 Brushless. Love mine!

[@FlushtheSystem]

Dude!?! Great ideas! Thanks much!

[@Wyman642]

Perfect! Just what I needed for the rounded router corners on my boxes and frames. Thank you.

[@timlist4173]

They also work well with a scraper blade for removing caulk around doors and windows.

[@larrybud]

I like the "buy the super cheap bag of blades and dispose of them" method of sharpening.

[@fredbrooks1386]

I have wanted one for a while. Your video convinced me to buy one!

[@sebastienboisvert8561]

For Canadian viewers, Canadian Tire has a few nice kits when they are on sale. I stock up on disposables when sales hit.

[@chaplainand1]

Once again, I learned more from you. I have the big brother to the tool you have there. When I had my handyman business, I bought a Fien Tool corded version around 2006 or so. It cost about $450 then. Great tool wherever you are. So nice for drywall. Accurate, less dust, and safer, in my hands, than a dremal bit. Thanks again.

[@irixsyncd]

Seems I was using a file the wrong way whole my life. Thanks. Thanks!

[@Kleis1]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@elischultes6587]

First oscillating multi tool was a Fein in 2002. Glazers were using it to remove broken double glazed panels

[@grantfrith9589]

I think your timing is out. I had one of these in the 90s and they were used well before then in medical procedures, removing plaster casts and cutting bone in some surgical applications.

[@elischultes6587]

@@grantfrith9589 meant to say was the first one I saw.

[@stephanieray6587]

Pure gold from start to finish, Colin; thank you so much.

[@ChuckCoy]

Great tools. A lot ot that work howevet, can be done more quickly with a sharp chisel. Lets bring back the art of woodworking with traditional hand tools.

[@eloygarcia1566]

Gracias Colin. Saludos desde Monterrey México

[@kellyvcraig]

I bought my Fein Multimaster about fifteen or so years ago. I was trying to tackle a major sanding problem on an over-the-post stair railing system. Everything I found looked like it would die a quick death. I went to my favorite tools store and the clerk said they had what I needed, but I needed to set down. It was three hundred fifty dollars. The job was, thanks to the tool, done in a few hours, rather than days. In the years since, I've used the tool over and over again. If it died tomorrow, it'd be replaced before the week is out [for one of the new tool-less versions, but one which takes other than proprietary blades].

[@MLFranklin]

That sharpening tip is brilliant. EDIT: Actually all of them and pretty clever.

[@markskeldon1347]

Bringing the clamping pressure closer to the teeth and fileing each adjacent tooth in the alternate direction with a 4" triangular file works well for me.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Happy New Year, Colin! Great advice. I'm going to put it to use. 👍 😊❤

[@billhill3526]

Good tips. I have that exact same tool, I thinks my dentist does too. I haven't seen his but sounds similar.

[@pcicchin]

Also work great for cutting large mortises