Types of Oscillating Tool Blades

Types of Oscillating Tool Blades

Oscillating (or multi) tools are very popular because there are many brands to choose from, and prices have also dropped. The best oscillating tool blades provides a great degree of control for a range of tasks-precise cutting, grinding, sanding, scraping, and polishing. Whereas other power tools operate by rotating or reciprocating motion, multi-tools operate by high-speed oscillation, and this narrow and fast angle of movement gives you an unmatched degree of control.

Although there are many different types of oscillating tool blades, the most popular type of cutting blade is the bi-metal blade. These are general purpose blades designed to cut through almost any material, like plastic, wood, fiberglass, drywall, non-ferrous metals, and thin gauge metal. Below is a details list of various oscillating tool blades types and also oscillating tool blades reviews.

Oscillating (Multi) Tool Blade Types

Oscillating-tool blades are of a variety of size and types, depending on the application.

  • Cutting
  • Actual cutting attachment blades are designed especially for shearing and cutting softer material like polystyrene, leather, rubber, lino, cardboard, felt, carpet, etc. Hooked cutting blades are suited for cutting out cabin chinking rails, cleats, gunwales, deck caulk, etc.

  • Scraping
  • Scraper blades come in rigid as well as flexible forms and are used for removing paint, carpet or tile adhesive, silicone, undercoating, etc. These are available in a wide straight blade with flexible blades or in a wider mushroom shape.

  • Rasping
  • Carbide rasps are ideal for coarse sanding of tile adhesive, concrete, fillers, wood and stone. These are available in the finger, round and triangular shapes.

  • Sanding
  • Sanding pads are available in two types- 4 1/2” round, or triangular (either plain or perforated). Abrasives are held with hook and look and are made of aluminium (for universal use) or zirconium (for hard surfaces).

  • Rasping
  • Carbide rasps are ideal for coarse sanding of tile adhesive, concrete, fillers, wood and stone. These are available in the finger, round and triangular shapes.

  • Polishing
  • Polishing pads are of many types-medium density felt, bristle fleece and/or felt and fleece pads which attach to the standard backing pad by hook and look and are used to create a high-quality final finish (while polishing chrome, aluminium, stainless steel, gel coat, etc., removing discolouration due to heat, and more).

  • Grout Removal
  • For grout removal, carbide edged blades are used for the softer materials such as tile joints and grout, porous concrete, plaster, and deck-plank sealant, while diamond edge blades are used for harder materials and to increase tool life.
    Therefore, Bosch blades give excellent performance at a great price, while the Fein and Imperial blades are not as economical. Fitzall blades are also economical (but low-performing).