DEWALT DCS355N-XJ 18V Li-Ion Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool, Battery Powered

Product Information

A tool-free blade change system is a really handy feature with an oscillating tool as there is a huge array of accessories that is available. The truth is oscillating tools haven’t been around that long in the UK, maybe 10 years or so. They in fact derive from a power tool designed and developed by the Fein manufacturing company in the US to remove plaster casts from hospital patients! The best cordless multi tools come with a brushless motor. Brushless versions reduce the friction between the motor’s components and thus increase the life of the motor. The most common multi tool accessories are blades, scrapers, cutting discs and sanding pads, and these are often included with the tool itself. The WORX WX686.1 Sonicrafter Corded Oscillating Multi Tool provides serious competition for the best oscillating multitools from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch and the like.

You’ll need at least one battery and a charger, but if you’ve already bought into Makita’s battery-powered tool range that won’t be a problem. And if you haven’t already, you have complete freedom to choose whatever battery, charger, and range of accessories you want. You’ll be ahead of the game price-wise, and you will have a quality oscillating multi tool. Cordless versions are safer than corded ones because there is no lead, and they are more portable too. The oscillating multi tool’s unique selling point is in its name – its ability to oscillate. When you hold the body of the tool and switch it on, the head of the tool moves from side to side in a narrow arc at a very rapid rate. The oscillation rate (which can be over 20,000 opm), is usually controlled using a speed dial or a variable speed trigger.I think this is the best oscillating multi tool for professionals because you can change speeds on the fly without fiddling with a speed selection wheel. And the LED light means you can use this cordless multi tool in the tightest gaps without searching for a torch. Most of the cutting blades you get are offset, which is ideal for flush cutting close to the floor – a task that is not impossible without an oscillating tool but certainly takes more time and skill to do neatly. Weighing 1.1 kg, this oscillating tool is solidly built yet easy to handle and is at home cutting or grinding resilient materials. The build quality of this oscillating tool is plain to see and what you’d expect from a brand like Makita. Weighing 1.6 kg, it is a little heavier than some other corded oscillating multi tools, but it feels perfectly balanced. It’s easy to hold and control with its sturdy barrel grip.

This Makita multi tool is incredibly versatile. Its rotating head can swivel through 360 degrees with 12 stops at 30 degrees apart, so pretty much any nook or cranny is in reach. Plus, its Oscillating Interface System (OIS) accommodates accessories (secured using a hex wrench) from both Makita and other brands. The DCS355B is also available without the battery, charger or accessories. Multifunction Tools: Price UK Oscillating multi tools should have a minimum oscillation rate of 20,000 opm (oscillations per minute) controlled by a speed dial or variable speed trigger. This control lets you perform precision cutting, grinding and sanding tasks. This Bosch multi tool comes with an auxiliary handle that can be fitted to either side of it. This makes it steadier to control and absorbs more vibration when faced with those longer jobs. A soft start and variable speed setting with 6 speeds control the oscillation rate (max 20,000 opm).

DeWalt DCS355

The maximum oscillation angle ranges narrowly between 2 to 4 degrees across most major brands. When using the oscillating multi tool for making cuts, a larger oscillating angle results in faster more aggressive cutting, while a smaller angle ensures a slower cut and allows for greater control and less vibration. This is a well-engineered versatile power tool with a 250 Watt motor and an aluminium gearbox, yet it weighs just 1.45 kg. This combination gives this oscillating tool a better power-to-weight ratio than many of its competitors. Alongside this is the dual grip soft handle that ergonomically enhances handling and control. One of the things you must cope with when buying a more budget-end multi tool is the extra weight. At just over 2 kg this oscillating tool is not super light, but it’s not designed to be a professional level tool either. It will perform at its best for DIY tasks only.

Battery-powered tools have changed the lives of tradespeople and DIYers. You can work wherever you want, and you don’t need to trail cables or even be near a power source. Cordless multi tools are ideal. Compared with heavy-duty power tools like circular saws, there’s not much difference in performance between corded and battery-powered multi tools. German tool manufacturer Einhell are well known for their honest, reliable power tools that are affordable for professionals and DIYers alike. In fact, you could buy two or three of these Einhell multi tools for the price of the best cordless multi tools on my list. Really, it’s down to your own personal preference. Cordless models are great if you’re working up a ladder, but if you do most of your work indoors you just don’t need one. If you’ve already bought into a major brand of battery-powered tools, just get a “bare” multi tool and save a few quid. Types of Multi Cutters You can get oscillating multi tool blades that cut soft materials like wood and plastic, up to high-performance titanium or carbide-tipped multi cutters that can cut through metal such as hard screws that need trimming off. Another handy-shaped cutting blade is rounder, letting you cut a straight line in any direction.You want a quality cordless multi tool, but you’re unsure about how much hard-earned cash to commit? In steps Makita with this great option – buy it as a bare tool at a really competitive price! Sanding right into corners is a difficult task at the best of times and is extremely tiring when you have lots of them to do in one go. The hook and loop sanding pad you can attach to the front of the oscillating tool are ideal for these situations. You’re not going to use the tool to sand down a whole floor, but when you need to get into a tight spot, the multi tool is unbeatable.