Rennie’s Guide To Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades
Posted by John Rennie on
An oscillating multi-tool is probably the most versatile and valuable piece of kit in any contractor’s arsenal. Valuable, not because it is particularly expensive, but because one piece of kit can perform so many different functions on so many different materials - wood, metal, mortar, ceramic, concrete - you name it, providing you have the right oscillating tool blade, you can do your job.
What is a multi-tool?
A multi-tool is quite simply a handheld tool that can be fitted with a wide variety of different blade types that perform different functions on a wide variety of materials.
There are a number of different brands on the market, and the quality, durability and performance of most are good across the board, providing you fit the right tool with the relevant blade. It is important that the blades are of good quality - however, most branded multi-tools and oscillating tool blades are universal, which means there is compatibility across the board. So, whether you are using a Dewalt power tool, a Bosch multitool or a makita multitool, then you need to have Dewalt, Bosch, or Makita multi-tool compatible blades.
What are the different applications for oscillating multi-tool blades?
There are specific multi-tool blades for wood and multi-tool blades for brick, concrete and stone. If you are looking for a multitool for cutting metal, then you should use a heavy duty carbide tipped multitool blade which are available here – Carbide Teeth Multitool Blades
With such a wide variety of tool blades available, it can get confusing knowing which multitool is the correct one. Rest assured, though, that no matter what you need to achieve, there is an oscillating multitool blade that is perfect for the job. Moreover, the beauty is that you do not need to purchase a completely new piece of equipment - simply the relevant bade or tool.
How to Change the Oscillating Blade on a Multi-Tool
Changing a blade is quick and simple, but it is essential that it is done correctly. Watch our video guide, which demonstrates how to swap over blades when you’re working between different types of jobs.
What are the different types of multi-tool blades?
There are a wide variety of different blade types, and it is important to choose the blade based on the materials that you are working with and the function that you need to perform. Our list below is by no means comprehensive. If you are searching for a particular tool to do a particular job, then ask us what other availability there is.
HCS Multitool Blades
The most commonly used multitool blades, these are manufactured out of HCS material, they are commonly used for cutting all types of wood, drywall, plastics etc. For wood with nails etc you should use the bi-metal multitool blades below
Bi-Metal Blade
Bi-metal oscillating metal tool blades are the workhorse of the power tool, able to cut through all manner of different materials. They are manufactured from a HSS steel cutting edge fixed to a flexible steel back, which makes them tough and long-lasting, and able to cut through fiberglass, PVC, copper pipes, metal mesh and thin sheet metal, wood, screws, nails, plastic, drywall (sheetrock), acrylics (Plexiglas), laminates. They are particularly effective in cutting through old nails and screws when dismantling existing constructions.
- Titanium coated bi-metal multitool blades –
Titanium coated bi-metal oscillating mutlit tool blades are the same as the above bi-metal blades however they are finished with a titanium coating, this gives them a much longer life and they will also cut through nails and screws faster
- Carbide End Cut Multitool Blades –
Carbide end cut multi tool blades are designed for use on grout, mortar, concrete, masonry and hardened adhesives . They are made from bonded crushed carbide which makes these ideal for the above due to the abrasive nature of the material.
Semi-Circular Blade
Manufactured from high-speed steel, these semi-circular oscillating tool blades allow you to cut through wood, plastic, and drywall materials precisely without affecting adjacent surfaces.
Scraper Blades
If you need to scrape off the stubborn remains of old paint, glue and adhesive residue, silicone and other sealants, these scrapers are one of the best oscillating tools available. Fixed to any number of branded multi-tool power tools, they will cut through the most tenacious of residues in the shortest of times.
Sanding Pads
When considering multi-tool blades for wood, it is important to remember that the tool is also ideal for sanding as well. The power and speed of the tool cut a real swathe through the often time-consuming process of smoothing timber with a wide range of sanding pads that can be swapped in as the job progresses. Sanding pads include:
Finger sanding kits - ideal for small, detailed jobs that require close and precise sanding work: 42mm x 50mm ‘mini’ sanding kit, which includes a multi-tool blade to hold the sanding pads. It incorporates the full range of sanding pad grades - 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 180 Grit.
Delta sanding kits - standard size sanding pads for standard size jobs: 80mm x 80mm multi-tool blade, which houses the sanding pads.
Triangular carbide multi-tool sander: The brazed coating of this carbide cutter is ideal for the coarse grinding or rasping of small areas of hardened adhesives, thin set mortar, masonry surfaces (such as concrete, brick or tiles) and hardened adhesives. Its flush-cut design and triangular finger shape allow the blade to work into tight corners for the perfect finish.
Teardrop carbide multi-tool sander: whether you need to squeeze into the tightest of corners or dig out narrow strips of grouting, this carbide cutter both grinds and sands tile adhesive, concrete, stone and wood.
FAQs
Are multi-tool blades universal?
Generally, multi-tools and their blades are interchangeable within different brands. For example, Bosch multi-tool blades are fully compatible with all other brands in the Rennie shop, including Dewalt, Makita, Stanley, and Tesco, among others.
However, it is always best to ask us the question to doublecheck, as there may be some anomalies which are not compatible. They are few and far between, but they do exist.
I can’t find what I need - can you source it for me?
Rennie prides itself on stocking a wide range of oscillating multi-tool blades for a diverse range of functions. If you are not sure which one to choose or if one particular blade or tool is suitable, then we can advise and source as required.
Is it important to use a high-quality multi-tool?
The power tool you use is only as good as the blade you attach to it. Using a low-quality, poor-grade tool and the blade will affect the finished quality of the job you are doing, so yes, it is important to use a high-quality multitool and multitool blades
- All the multitool blades we sell are high quality and are compatible with all the leading brands including the following AEG, Aldi Workzone, Bosch (not Starlock), Argos Challenge Extreme, B&Q Mac Allister (MMT108-LI), Batavia, Black & Decker, CEL - with CEL Adaptor, Clarke, Dewalt, Duratool (D01962), Einhell, Erbauer ERB474HTL (Screwfix), Fein (not Starlock), Ferm, Lidl Parkside (PMFW280-A2), Mac Allister - with Mac Allister adaptor, Makita, Milwaukee, Renovator + Saxton Adaptor, Ryobi-1plus - with Ryobi adaptor (Stored in battery compartment of Multitool), Stanley, Silverline, Skil Multitasker, Stanley Fatmax, Terratek, Tesco, Tooltec, Worx Sonicrafter Hyperlock - (quick release style), Wolf and Dewaly multitools etc
How can I contact Rennie Tools?
Whatever your oscillating multitool needs, you can contact Rennie Tool Company for help on support. Call us on 0161 4779577 or email us at esales@rennietool.co.uk.