Highest-Rated Oscillating Multi-Tools for Grout, Drywall and Trim

An oscillating multi-tool makes flush cuts in door casing, cuts drywall, scrapes and sands. Our picks for the best oscillating multi-tools from Bosch, DeWalt, Dremel and Black+Decker, with test notes from an hour of cutting each.

By Tyler RamirezUpdated October 30, 2026How we pick products

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An oscillating multi-tool is the “how did I live without it” tool of home repair. Its blade moves back and forth in a tiny arc very fast, so you can plunge into a wall, cut a door jamb flush to the floor for new flooring, cut an outlet hole in drywall, scrape caulk, sand corners and take out old grout.

What matters: low vibration (for control and comfort), tool-free blade changes and blade compatibility. Bosch’s Starlock fit is fast and secure; universal adapters let you use cheaper blades.

Compare at a glance

Test notes are from Bob Vila's oscillating tool testing, which ran each tool for an hour cutting wood and sheet metal and sanding, and tried a grout blade on old tile.

1. Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit: Best overall

Good fit for: Anyone who’ll use a multi-tool often.

Bob Vila’s top pick was versatile and comfortable, and it didn’t vibrate much, even at low speeds. A lever releases blades without tools, and the battery stayed charged through the full hour-long test.

What bugs us: It’s pricey. In testing, its grout blade chipped some tile edges, so the testers prefer a dedicated grout tool for big jobs.

Skip it if: you’ll use it a few times a year.

2. DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit: Best cordless

Good fit for: DeWalt 20V owners.

One of the smoothest-running tools Bob Vila tested, the DeWalt has an ergonomic grip, a built-in LED and a tool-free blade change, and you can mount blades sideways for awkward cuts. It cut sheet metal and wood well.

What bugs us: The included 2Ah battery is small. Use a bigger one for long jobs.

Skip it if: you’re on a different battery platform.

3. Dremel Multi-Max MM20V Oscillating Tool Kit: Best for indoors

Good fit for: Indoor repairs where dust matters.

The Dremel’s compact nose reaches tight spots, and an optional dust port connects to a shop vac, which substantially cut airborne dust in testing. It comes with two batteries.

What bugs us: One battery ran low after about 45 minutes, and there are no sanding pads in the kit.

Skip it if: you need lots of runtime from one battery.

4. Black+Decker 2.5 Amp Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool: Best budget

Good fit for: Occasional, light jobs.

This inexpensive corded tool cut wood and sheet metal well, and its universal adapter accepts other brands’ blades.

What bugs us: It’s not for heavy use. It overheated after about 20 minutes of cutting and needed about 10 minutes to cool.

Skip it if: you’re tackling a whole room of grout.

5. DeWalt DWE315K Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit: Best corded

Good fit for: Precise cuts, including metal.

This was the only tested tool with speed controlled by trigger pressure, which helped on sheet metal. It comes with a storage box, five accessories and a universal adapter.

What bugs us: You have to hold steady trigger pressure to keep a uniform speed.

Skip it if: you prefer a set-and-forget speed dial.

How we chose these

We relied on Bob Vila’s hands-on testing, which ran each tool for an hour cutting wood and sheet metal, sanding and trying every accessory. We focused on:

• Vibration and control
• Blade changes
• Power and runtime
• Dust control

We haven’t tested these tools ourselves. Read more about how we pick products.

Common jobs

• Undercutting door jambs for new flooring: lay a scrap of flooring on the subfloor as a guide and cut flush.
• Cutting drywall for outlet boxes and repairs.
• Removing grout. Here’s how to remove grout with an oscillating tool.
• Scraping old caulk, paint and adhesive.
• Sanding corners a regular sander can’t reach.

Still wondering?

Corded or cordless? Cordless for convenience. Corded for long jobs like grout removal.

Do blades fit every brand? Not always. Many tools take “universal” blades; Starlock blades fit Starlock tools. Check before buying blades.

Is an oscillating tool good for grout? Yes, with a carbide or diamond grout blade. Go slow to avoid chipping tile.