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A dual tool can be one of the most versatile tools in your toolbox, but only if it’s equipped with the right oscillating tool blade. Whether you need to trim a flush-cut baseboard, remove old grout, or cut out a broken screw, there’s a proper blade for the job. Even after knowing which types of oscillating tool blades are best for cutting metal and which ones to use in wood, the difference in quality can be difficult to discern. That’s why we tested five highly rated blade kits from top tool brands. We wanted to know what we could count on for a full range of cutting, scraping, sanding and grinding projects.
The kits we tested can be a good option depending on the specific needs of the user. They all cut well and maintained a good edge throughout testing. However, the Milwaukee 20 Piece Oscillating Tool Blade Set came out ahead. It included an excellent assortment of options and was surprisingly affordable. Read on to learn more about how these and other quality blades performed in testing and find the best oscillating tool blade for your projects.
| Products | Number of pieces | Compatible content | Blade type |
| Milwaukee 20 Piece Duchar Multi-Tool Blade Kit | 20 | Wood, metal, plastic/soft materials | Bed, segment, sanding |
| EZARC 7 Piece Oscillating Silly Blade | 7 | Wood, soft metal, plastic/soft materials | Bed, bed, scraper |
| Imperial Blade 6 piece one foot storm type pack | 6 | Wood, soft metals, plastics/soft materials | The bed |
| Bosch 5 Piece Star Lock Oscillating Tool Blade | 5 | Wood, metal, plastic/soft materials | Pling, Segment, Scraping, Carbide |
| Diablo 5 Piece Starlock Oscillating Blade Set | 5 | Wood, metal, plastic | Bed, bed |
Overall excellent
Photo: Home Depot
What do we like?
- Universal Foot Anchor System
- Good selection of popular blade types
- Titanium enhanced bimetallic material
- Price point
What we don’t like
- There is no organizer case
- Scraper blade not included
Product specs
-
Number of pieces:
20
-
Compatible Materials:
Wood, metal, plastic/soft materials
-
Blade Type:
Bed, segment, sanding
Milwaukee’s 20-piece oscillating tool blade set earns our top spot for its wide range of functionality and strong cutting performance. The blade includes premium features such as titanium-enhanced bi-metal construction, a blade with an efficient cutaway body shape, a mounting anchoring system that accommodates a smooth flush cut, and a universal open-back anchor system. The set includes six bi-metal blades for cutting soft metals and multi-materials, four high-carbon steel blades for cutting wood and soft materials, a Japanese tooth hardwood blade, and a triangle sanding pad with four 60-grit and four 80-grit sandpaper triangles.
This set offered an excellent assortment of blades for a wide range of tasks. It included multiple sizes of each blade type and copies of commonly used blades. The two metal blades cut through copper pipe and steel nails and stayed sharp throughout the test. Wood cutting blades make precise, clean cuts that require minimal sanding. Unfortunately, the kit didn’t come with a scraper blade, but we appreciated the sanding blade that was included.
This set is equally suitable for contractor work or DIY projects. It would also be an ideal starter pack to go with a brand new oscillating tool. But beware that it does not include a storage case. This may not be a huge issue for shop use, but it is something that will need to be addressed for portability.
What our tester says: “I liked that the Milwaukee blades fit perfectly on my non-Milwaukee oscillating tool. The blades were quite stiff but also had a nice snap to them, and they stayed nice and sharp.
Get the Milwaukee Oscillating Tool Blade ACME Tools or Tool up.
More walking tool blades worth your money
We also tested the following blade sets. Both the Azark and Imperial Blades feature a universal foot anchor system with an open back. The blades are general purpose, and the first one includes scraping. Bosch and Diablo kits, which have arguably superior performance to other choices, feature a starlock anchor system, which limits their compatibility with certain oscillating tools. The Bosch kit also includes a carbide blade for metalworking.
- EZARC 7 Piece Oscillating Silly Bladeavailable on Amazon or Ezercools.
- Imperial Blade 6 piece one foot storm type packavailable at Amazon, ACME Tools, or ToolUp.
- Bosch 5 Piece Star Lock Oscillating Tool Bladeavailable at Amazon, Lowe, or ACME Tools.
- Diablo 5 Piece Starlock Oscillating Blade Setavailable at Amazon, Akka Hardware, or Home Depot.
How We Tested the Best Oscillating Tool Blades
| The product was tested | 5 |
| Passed the test of time | 6 hours |
| Tests were done | 7 |
| Price range | $33 to $60 |
We compared the performance of five highly rated blade kits to see if a clear winner would emerge. To test these dual-tool attachments, we spent an afternoon using them to cut wood trim, PVC and copper pipe, nails, and drywall. To ensure a fair comparison, we test each kit side-by-side with the same type of blade making the same number and size cuts in the same material. We recorded our observations regarding anchoring security, edge retention, flexibility, and ability to make clean, accurate cuts. We then used a standardized scoring rubric to rate each blade’s performance before selecting an overall winner.
General Questionnaire
Our roundup of oscillating multi-tool blades can make a great addition to any contractor or DIY toolbox. Here are some frequently asked questions about these attachments including the two different materials they can cut into and how long they can last.
Most blades for oscillating tools are universal, allowing them to fit most tool brands. The newer starlock oscillating tools are an exception. Bladestar Lock should be compatible with this type of multi-tool.
Oscillating tools can easily cut through nails and screws when equipped with metal cutting oscillating blades. They can also cut pipes and other metals, trim wood and plastic, and even remove caulking or grout.
This can vary, depending on what the oscillating blade is cutting. Cutting through drywall or metal will wear the blade much faster than cutting through wood. Running an oscillating tool at high speed will heat the blade to a higher temperature and cause it to wear out more quickly. With that in mind, for light duty use, a blade can last all day. For heavy duty applications, a blade can be finished in less than 1 hour.
The keys to a dual tool’s effectiveness are its high-speed motor and off-center shaft. As it turns, the shaft causes the blade to move rapidly back and forth in a small arc.
Oscillating tools are safe to use as long as safety protocols are followed. Work at a safe distance from passengers. Make sure the area is well lit, dry and free of clutter. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and sturdy shoes. Install the correct blade to cut the material and make the type of cut. Avoid touching any part of the blade during operation, and do not force the blade into the workpiece.
An oscillating seed blade can be sharpened using a saw file and vise.
Meet the tester
Mark Wolff is a writer, product tester, and serial daredevil. When he’s not writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his house, yard, and garden. He reviews and writes about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living equipment.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
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