10 Nifty Uses for Oscillating Multitool Saws

[@klmbuilders5385]

I saw my electrician use one on a remodel in 2010 to cut out drywall for old work boxes. Fast forward 14 years- I have 4 now! Use 'em everywhere! Best invention of the last 20 years!

[@jsar5409]

Fun fact, it was invented in 1967 but only recently hit market in such a wave due to the patent expiring!

[@michaelmaas5544]

Now they have attachments the size of an electric box

[@jum5238]

@@jsar5409 Doesn't a patent only last 17 years?

[@jum5238]

I was installing a new sink out in the garage and was NOT looking forward to trying to run a line from the laundry room, because of the lack of space to work in for cutting sheetrock and plumbing. And trying to match the sheetrock and texture it, etc... Handyman whips a tool like that out, makes a VERY thin cut, and I'm like WHAT IS THAT TOOL????? He tells me it's a multi-tool, and I run out and buy one the next day! I LOVE IT! Bought a box of blades after trying to file and reuse a couple and realize it's not worth my time, despite burning through blades. AWESOME tool! Saw a video where someone was cutting off trim that had rotted outside, and he uses a piece of wood as a guide, levels it, and attached it with nails in the trim that's being cut out, and he had a nice matching piece in no time.

[@dw.imaging]

My former adolescent late night TV watching self can hear the background jingle music, imagine the infographics… and hear somebody say “but wait there is more”. This is the the foundation of a perfect sales video for a multitool.

[@briantaylor9266]

I've had one for years. Not just an inside tool. Resided my house this last summer, and it was invaluable.

[@rickgilbrt]

Great for removing trim sections that have been damaged without having to remove and replace an entire 16 ft board

[@danmayes4657]

CEDAR SHAKES TOO!

[@hokimocus]

When you really love something that is effective, it sounds like shilling but it really is enthusiasm. Thanks Scott.

[@R_B62]

I had a guy on my crew nickname my multi tool "the angry bee", thought that was an appropriate name. The tool became a life saver on the jobsite.

[@mikewilcox8866]

My Dad left me one. I had no idea how many uses there really were for that thing until I started using it. So thank you very much Scott you are right it is a very handy tool.

[@BTimmer]

Our daughter bought me a Craftsman multi-tool many years ago and it's been a phenomenal tool for many applications like you demonstrate.

[@waterbourne9282]

Agreed. A friend was a kitchen installer and I had just bought a property which had a narrow fridge cavity next to a kitchen bench and cabinet. Cool as can be he rocked up with his multi tool, peeled of the edge trim, clamped some guide timber to the bench, cut 100mm off the length of the bench and cupboard doors, and then fitted the end timber back in and stuck the edge trim back on. I was awe struck and so grateful to him. I subsequently bought a corded bosch one with the tool free chuck and have used it for all the uses you demonstrated and more. Particularly useful for me when sanding. I use the big orbital for the majority of the work and then the multi tool to get into the corners and edges which I'd otherwise have to do by hand. It saves me so much time. Great, versatile tool.

[@matteberry58]

Excellent power tool for remodelers. Danke Herr Fein!

[@johnbolongo9978]

Definetely has paid for itself a hundred times over......one of the great inventions.

[@topfeedcoco]

I bought that same Mikita oscillating tool about 6 years back, absolutely love it, they're indispensable for any remodeling.

[@createlovehappy]

As a finish guy I had to add a tall base to a section in an historical home in San Francisco. It was a long room so I had a splice. I cut a block at my angle out of 2x for a guide and used a buddy’s multi tool to make a perfect bevel cut on the old piece that was already installed to match the new one I was putting in. I was sold right there. Multi tool gets used a lot more than I thought. Like cutting off protruding shims after a cabinet install, windows and doors. So much faster than my razor knife.

[@shadowulf]

I've been an electrician for almost 40 years. I was talking with a few younger sparkys about handy tools when these came up. After praising it's usefulness, I looked over a a young electrical contractor I know and said "He probably has 2 on his truck" He responded "I do" Very useful and easy to use

[@jeffsmith1858]

Absolutely a must have tool for any renovator.

[@moparcasey3135]

I bought one impulsively because it was a great deal, I had no idea how amazing and useful it would be!!

[@jctai100]

The carpenter's scalpel!

[@bigbossimmotal]

Not bad for a tool that was originally designed to be a Bone Saw for Surgeons.

[@psidvicious]

@@bigbossimmotal I remember hearing that it was invented by a surgeon, looking for a tool that would cut like this. (Don’t remember where but I do remember the story)

[@arpie2081]

​@@bigbossimmotalthat's a chainsaw you're thinking of 🙂 the OMT did start out as a medical instrument as well though, it was originally designed to cut through plaster casts

[@bigbossimmotal]

@@arpie2081 Actually the handcrank chainsaw was a gynecological instrument to cut the top of the pelvic bone. The Oscillating saw has been used since the 1970's (that I know of) in Surgery to cut bone. I unfortunately had the experience of being awake while it was used on my leg. Not an experience you forget about. I assumed that was what it was designed for. My cast (that year) was removed with hand shears. But I have had casts removed with the Oscillating saw more recently.

[@lomein2186]

And trimmer (for hair) :P

[@dotChrollo]

As someone who's layed more miles of LVP than miles driven, an oscillating tool is my #1. Though I'm not actively in trades anymore, the sound of cutting through an especially hard/knotted jamb still haunts my dreams.

[@IsaacTreat]

Everything you said is 100% correct, and also as a bonus, it's one of the safest saws that exists. Yes, you could cut a 2x4 faster with a circular saw, but the only way you could cut off a finger with an oscillating saw is on purpose. And it would take a while. I recommend this tool to any homeowner who wants to own a few things for projects around the house. First thing a drill/ impact driver. Next thing you buy is one of these.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

This is one of the 2 tools I use on almost every job as a handyman (the other is the 3” blade MKE cut off tool - Dewalt makes a good one too). Two of my favorite uses for a buzz saw: cleanly removing excess expandable spray foam & trimming door jams to accommodate new flooring. I never thought to use a piece of trim to guide the cut on a door jam. Nice tip. I’ll be doing this from now on. Another vid. that proves that the name of your channel is accurate. Thank you sir. Well worth a few minutes of my time.

[@kevinstroud1148]

I'm restoring a 65 chevy truck, A cheap blade on a multi tool does great at removing the old road tar from under the fenders.

[@brucelee3388]

Just think, this machine was developed (by Fein) to remove plaster casts without hurting the patient. It was a big difference to me - my first break, they took the plaster of with something like cement board shears & much struggling from the doctor to steer it around various curves. Second plaster job these were in general use, just a warning about the loud buzzing and the cast was off in less than minute. The medical ones had a circular stainless steel blade a lot like the 3/4 circle ones you can buy at the tool store.

[@arustydodge2111]

SCOTT, bought my first, a “Rockwell” corded over 15 years ago. Then saw the RIDGID with interchangeable heads, 12 v cordless. Turned all my attention to that one. Both the Rockwell and RIDGID are not tool less when it comes to changing the blade. That’s my only drawback. As a go to for just about anything, these tools are priceless.👍👍 Thanks for your channel. LOVE IT!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@fondy44]

My first experience with them was a Bosch cordless model purchased by work for a one-off project. Must have been a 1st gen model because battery life was so bad, it had me convinced that the things were nothing more than a junk solution in search of a problem. Everyone kept singing the multitool's praises so I broke down and bought my own corded model. Couldn't be happier.

[@terryknief]

I replaced rotten siding and rotten window sills, and they worked perfectly for both applications, in fact I used it for my handyman business so much that I had a spare brand new one because it was so valuable, I couldn’t be without one!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

The Multi-Tool is a tool that once you have it, you have no idea how we did the work we do without it LOL. From my cold dead hands, I say! You did not mention the blades that will slice through tile, they work great when you have to do a little bathroom renovation and trim tile. Cordless is the way to go for sure. If you are doing cut-ins for electrical boxes, they sell a special blade with four cutters. It cuts a perfect rectangle for outlet or switch boxes, too. Yep, it's a game changer right up there with a saws-all and an impact driver for sure. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@jayadinash9102]

Do you have a link for the rectangle cutter?

[@TokyoCraftsman]

@jayadinash9102 I'll look.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

@@jayadinash9102 search for "Qbit sq1000-s".

[@loosecannon6852]

I use mine to cut out the jack-o-lantern parts. Makes fast work of it.

[@mjdiiii]

"The first oscillating tool was developed in 1967 by the C. & E. Fein company of Stuttgart, Germany, for use in the medical profession. The crescent-shaped blade could slice open plaster casts without harming patients." I've read that the tool came into more general use after Fein's patent expired. Other companies had new blade designs, and were ready to expand the tools uses into construction.

[@de362]

Stryker started in the mid 40's

[@retirednotlazy2298]

I had a leg cast removed by one around 1968. I looked at it in horror but the teeth were dull and went right through the plaster but didn’t even go through the sock under the cast. Funny how long it took before it became a commercial multi tool.

[@keithparady2594]

Good video, bud. There’s a lot of good tricks to learn and especially to keep the blade moving because if it gets hot, it’s done

[@wainivanua]

I agree but I've always wondered why. I mean why is it worse for this tool than any other electric saw that heats up due to friction in general use?

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@wainivanua Well, a couple of reasons. Most saws are designed so that there really isn't a lot of friction, the set of the saw teeth usually means that the kerf is wider then the blade itself, so not much area is rubbing. ON an oscillating tool, because you're using it as odd angles and moving it around in the cut, there's more chance of the blade rubbing against the side of the cut. Also on a table saw or similar, at any given time, a lot more of the saw blade is spinning through air, (which cools it) than is sawing through wood, so more heat is dissipated.

[@mikecraftsmancustombuilder3650]

​@wainivanua i'm not sure, but I think it's because the sawdust doesn't really clear out of the cuts like it typically would with circular blades, or blades with bigger oscillations, like jigsaws or sawzalls.

[@richbreton5105]

A very useful tool. I bought my first one to replace individual cedar clapboard siding pieces. Great to cut the nails without damaging siding. Also works to cut out a rotten section without removing the entire piece. I now have three of them, newest is a cordless Milwaukee, especially useful on a ladder on second floor work.

[@MrPtittomtom]

My first cable Fein multimaster was my best machine, now the battery one is on the top of the list. Very useful. I just finished the complete renovation of my house; I used it from the basement to the attic for many different tasks.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

I love this video!! So funny in your delivery! Just great. I recently moved to a new home here in the UK and had a tedious task to remove a large section of plasterboard from what we call, a Dot and Dab wall. (I was installing gun cabinets). Having seen my brother use a borrowed multi tool to help me a few weeks earlier, with re positioning and chasing in some ring main cable, into a difficult to access area of wall in my kitchen, beneath some cabinets, I just knew the best tool for my endeavours was a multi tool. I bought an inexpensive cordless one from Amazon, that had really good reviews, thinking it would be an 'occasional use' thing for me, so no need to go all out on a big brand name.....it has been a revelation!! What a fantastic bit of kit!! I love it. Until my brother borrowed one, I had never even heard of them! Now, it gets used for so many jobs and does them brilliantly. Recently I had to cut out a load of carcassing and very old and odd DIY timber from an old house my daughter moved into. Whoever had previously done that work, really 'did it'! 🤬 My daughter and her partner needed to make a space to fit a washing machine. The ONLY way I could easily do this without the use of explosives and rebuilding much of the house, was my brilliant multi tool. It took approx half an hour of carefully cutting here and there and cutting through a dozen screws and nails I was unable to access with any other tool available. It was so satisfying and the end result was so neat and professional looking I amazed myself!! I reckon that had I tried to remove the timber any other way, would have taken several hours of hard work and left a lot of damage to repair. I totally agree with your brilliant delivery in this video: if you don't yet have one, you need to buy one. For me, the only downside is you really need to wear hearing protection as they are pretty unpleasant noise wise....a high frequency whine and buzz and very loud. But, pop on the correct PPE and no problem. 👍🏻

[@dannyhughes4177]

A few months ago I bought the cheapest one that Harbor Freight had so I wouldn't be wasting money if I didn't like this tool. It was also on sale, so I had an investment equivalent to a Big Mac meal and an apple pie. This thing is amazing!! The uses are unlimited. Before you buy, do your research and determine which one will best suit your needs. There are videos comparing different brands in real world tests, not manufacturer's claims.

[@bb55555555]

agreed. it's a great tool to have around. I've found many uses for it myself as well.

[@mjac8373]

Couldn't agree more with this assessment. Used original Multimaster for years on historic renovation projects. Couldn't do without it. 75 year old retired capenter near Detroit. Works great for replacing damaged or pet urine stains in oak flooring too. Did al lot of those jobs in my time.

[@jamiecook4909]

watching you is like working with your buddy whose got a ton more experience than me - and I know what you're talking about because I've been there been in those jams and spots where you've got to think your way out - your examples and demos are right on thanks - no bs just like it should be

[@stevejensen3471]

I've used my Fein MM500 for many years for all kinds of stuff! Incredibly versatile tool!

[@nordishkiel5985]

These are so valuable. When you need to cut to a depth in tight quarters nothing else will do it. And with the right blade, a multitool will cut quite fast. I got the Ryobi 18V with the flexible head, saved my backside multiple times. Another "get out of trouble" tool that i don´t want to live without: A modular cordless driver like the Bosch GSR 12V-35 FC (other manufacturers make them as well). When you need to run a screw next to a wall or in a tight space, these are the thing to have.

[@jimzeleny7213]

One of the best tips is the use of a guide board to keep things straight as illustrated for the flooring example.

[@AkSonya1010]

For five years I have been trying to get some silicon caulking off of tile. I have tried so many things. Thank you so much for this tip, I am going to try to cut it out this weekend.

[@petermuller7687]

I absolutely love mine. I think apart from my drill/drivers it's my most used tool. Get a PVC pipe and an old blade and you can even use it to settle some concrete or (not so) self leveling compound into corners.

[@bobireland1256]

First time I saw one of these was in ’94 when a painting crew was re caulking a tilt up precast building. They were using a knife blade to cut out the old caulking. I asked one of the guys about the tool and he said it reduced the time to remove the old caulk to minutes instead of hours! Now I just learned a few new tricks for mine. Pray maintain speed and course!

[@ncponder]

The best praise that I have for this tool is, what the heck did we do before we had these? Can't tell you how many time this tool has come through for me as a home builder and remodeler.

[@TNtoolman]

Bought one for both of my sons-in-law last Christmas... over the summer they spoke about how amazed they were by how much they use theirs...

[@thealkymyst]

Used mine today to prune out the blocking for a shower valve that had to come back half an inch. Worked it from behind, in a small bathroom closet, and had the water line strapped to it. Great tool.

[@KalebBroadhead]

You can add precision trimming of closed cell spray foam to the list! I had my metal framed building spray foamed and now I'm building some wood interior wall spaces and trimming the foam just right so the 2x4s have clearance using an oscillating tool is fantastic.

[@retiredtom1654]

I've had one of these for years & NEVER used it. I will now, thanks.

[@GunNut37086]

I think this tool and a Dremel upped my almost-handyman game the most. I can't imagine not having either.

[@williambell9068]

I used mine a lot when pulling up and replacing deck boards. When I needed to fit around a post in several places so much easier than a saber saw. And where you showed cutting a door casing for a floor when i tiled the kitchen. Great video!

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

This tool is the jack of all trades but the master of none.

[@kevinlawes591]

I’d say undercutting architraves for flooring it’s definitely the grand master nothing is close to it

[@MereReef]

The main man is back making the videos that started it alll

[@troylhester]

I replaced an over-range microwave that was slightly taller than the old one. There was 1/2 inch of drywall to remove. My oscillating saw took this job from drudgery to fun. I love how precise and powerful they can be. Haven't tried sanding with it yet, but I'm watching for an opportunity...

[@jefff6167]

Yes, very versatile tool. Great video.

[@bgtyhnmju7]

Good video. And yeah, I tend to keep one in the truck. A small tool to have on hand and often super handy.

[@bobwalsh57]

Used mine the other day to cut acrylic roof panels. Worked perfectly.

[@KevinStreet510]

Great video. I use the grout-cutting blade to make incisions in plaster. Works great and mush less dust than a grinder.

[@curtwhite876]

I have the exact same model. It is SUCH a handy tool.

[@bishopp14]

Yeah, this tool wears many hats in my shop. It's gotten me out of many, *MANY* tough spots!

[@davidquirk8097]

I've got a Makita cordless and, while I don't pick it up that often, when I do, it's the only tool for the job. The last job I used it for was repointing a bathroom. I don't know how many hours it knocked off the job over cutting the grout out by hand but it was a huge amount of time.

[@bboomer7th]

I call mine The Ear Burner. I use hearing protection when using it.

[@erik365365365]

Ahaha yes so very true

[@OutdoorBlues]

u have the dewalt one i assume. the makita and milwaukee are much quieter. at least in my experience

[@ajcarrico1]

I always wear hearing protection with this tool. I may make a cut or two on the table saw without protection but never on an oscillating tool. Scott must be a very young 65 to be so careless.

[@ed6837]

I agree. Bought the same Porter Cable years ago. Works good and I don't mind the cord. Still find new things to use it for. Hate it when batteries go dead. Have a small inverter in my truck. First thing I do when leaving the house it to charge batteries on the way to the job.

[@__Timo__]

I rarely have an urge to use this tool, but it comes also very handy when installing the drywall covering for a toilet flushing or replacement of a single tile without damaging the other tiles nearby. I recommend using a playing card or something else beneath the blade when scraping of old glue-> does not leave marks as in 0:43 following. But this is more philosopical: either rest of glue or marks have to be removed by sanding.

[@sixpotshot]

Never crossed my mind to use it on dovetails! Thanks for another much pleasant post!

[@methosb]

I see Scott Brown using this a lot on floorboard replacements and on exterior walls when doing panel replacements and such. Super useful tool. .

[@jab5385]

Scott I had to install some outside outlets in my Log walls, that worked the best.

[@donlamb1800]

I have used them extensively both in electrical and carpentry, great tools!

[@MrNorthstar50]

You always have great videos, keep up the good work.

[@MAGAMAN]

The downside to these are: Blades vibrate back and forth and can severely damage anything next to it. Hard to control (look how often it slipped off that screw he cut) Blades are stupidly expensive and do not last long at all. I used a grout blade to remove some excess mortar on a large floor anywhere it even slightly touched another tile, it did damage that wasn't obvious until grouting. The scraper blade can damage what it is used on. Because the weight of the tool is behind the blade, it is easy to accidentally tilt the tool while sanding, causing the sanding attachment to dig in, especially on delicate surfaces. This is definitely a useful too, but it is usually a last resort for me because of the expense of the blades and ease of accidentally damaging things near by what you are cutting. The only time it is really my first choice is if I am cutting door trim to fit flooring under.

[@garysgarage.2841]

Got a Milwaukee about a year ago to open up a wall for some plumbing. Payed for itself doing that one job I use it as often as possible works great.

[@Ball_drips]

Works great for removing a few pieces of face nailed wood siding. I find turning the rpms way down when clipping nails prolongs blade life greatly.

[@Ham68229]

One of the best tools every made

[@billk8780]

Ditto on all comments. Had some delicate demo' to do before adding a gate in a deck fence. Worked great at cutting the nails & screws with virtually no damage to the rails & stiles.

[@3mph14]

"To a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail" absolutely brilliant

[@WadeDevelopmentGroup]

Thanks man, gonna try this out on the Mrs. later 👍

[@shaunmalin3155]

I have 3 of them. Milwaukee & Makita cordless & Fein corded. Love them. Spot on for cutting plasterboard & many other things. Not used them for scraping but agree with everything else you say except I run a slower speed for cutting screws/nails and move the tool to use the full width of the blade.

[@theHAL9000]

Deferred getting one for years until modifying a built-in cabinet required a few flush cuts in tight spaces. Job done perfectly in a few minutes and felt right then I had already got my money's worth. Not a tool I use frequently but when the task requires it, it stands alone.

[@rickbraden4272]

Thank you. It helped me.

[@darrenvohs]

Most used tool during my full house remodel. Had to redo some hardwood floor that was nailed down and this let me cut the nails under each one in and save most of the planks.

[@n8tbee]

Welp, you've convinced me: this is a tool I'd like to own. For the longest time I've wondered what kind of utility this type of reciprocating tool can have, and now I know. Thanks!

[@KevinShoemaker-oj1pi]

I hate to be that guy.....but I'm gonna. A multi tool, as we call em is oscillating not reciprocating.......I absolutely agree that you should get one tho!

[@isaacholbrook3489]

On my jobsites, the sound of our Multi Tools is heard throughout. So helpful. I run only Diablo blades, I run Milwaukee Fuel cordless and they are extremely fast, but can overheat. The Diablo metal cutting Carbide blades are the only thing I run, they cut wood, nails, screws, and cuts on Hardie like a boss! Check them out, not cheap but worth it!

[@georgehauldren7077]

Awesome tool. Use it about every day

[@gtbkts]

I've been remodeling Cabins for a long time. The oscillating tool is my go-to for most projects. It'll be the first tool I pick up to start demo, and the tool I grab if something won't fit😅

[@mrklean0292]

I can remember when Fein had an infomercial for their tool back in the early 80's. I never thought it was going to really do that good. I can't do without my Ridgid multi-tool.

[@jolox.]

Thanks for the inspirational video! I have one of these in my garage, but haven't used for a while. Going to break it out and give it a whirl!

[@psidvicious]

😁 Who remembers where the “Between your cheek and gum” reference came from? Careful, you’ll date yourself 😁 Always good stuff from EC. 👍

[@twwtb]

Back when cell phones were becoming popular, the saying was, "there's an app for that". When it comes to oscillating multi-tools, you could say, "there's a blade for that."

[@christianmattison6096]

I call mine my "Wonder Saw". I can't imagine not having it in the truck any more!

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for all the amazing videos and epic content!

[@jim9337]

I've thought about buying one but then said what for. Well now I know, thanks for the tip. I'll be on line quick to get mine.

[@vantastic]

I needed to destroy a large desk so it would fit into my car to take to the tip/dump, and this is the only tool I had on hand. Best thing ever.

[@LongLeggedListener]

Another great and informative video!! Yall are doing great!❤ 'Keep up the good work!'😊

[@MrCabimero]

Had a new built in refrigerator coming that was too tall for the space under my built in cabinet. Taking the built in's apart was going to be a disaster. I used the muti tool to cut the walls of t the cabinet out, using the floor of the cabinet as my guide. Next removed the piece of cabinet that remained attached to the floor. reattached the floor to the rear wall and sidewalls of cabinet.VOILA! Great tool!

[@wayne1559]

I have a couple of multi tools, you are right on about them!

[@ericjames8655]

You can heat the blade up and deglaze glass with it . Works great

[@JeffKnoxAZ]

I was just looking at one... It's definitely on my list.

[@defaultname1979]

I've affectionately nicknamed mine "Zippy the Wonder Saw". It has to be one of the handiest tools ever invented.

[@dancronin5513]

Hi nice video as always thanks for sharing tips Big question...what is your source for blades and any recommendations on blades?

[@richardwang474]

It's not my most used tool, but it's a top 3 favorite!

[@austinryan5420]

Now that I own one I can't believe I ever lived without it. I use it as a mechanic I use it as a plumber I use it as a woodworker it's the only electric tool I have that I make sure is always with me

[@stantheman5163]

I remember first seeing an infomercial for the Fein Multimaster years ago when they had the patent on it. It looked terrific and I wanted one, but the price was too high for my budget. Then one day I saw it on sale at Ace Hardware for under $100.00 for the display model. That tool has saved me many times and the quality is top notch. The accessories are pricey, but you can get by with the cheap Harbor Freight stuff in a pinch.

[@crazyharedesign]

saw a video the other day where someone bolted a piece of pvc pipe to an old blade and there you go you have a concrete vibrating tool. so many uses for these tools