Can you cut metal with an oscillating multi-tool

Handling machines and surfaces has become easier with oscillating multi-tools these times. People often ask questions on whether they can cut metal using an oscillating multi-tool and the answer is simply yes and at a better pace with amazing results. This is life-changing for professionals as well as for people who work on DIY projects in different spaces.

There are two types of oscillating multi-tool 

With cord or wire 

Cordless oscillating multi-tool

Nowadays the cordless multi-tool is preferred due to its specifications. It has advanced features like speed control, chargers, portable batteries, and various inserts that are super easy and quick to change with just one lock. Blades and faces can be turned on any angle up to every 30-degree angle from 0 to 360 degrees for cutting and trimming in any direction you want. It has a dual grip for holding so that you don’t have to apply much more force to cut rough and hard surfaces.

A cordless oscillating multi-tool has about 20,000 oscillations per minute which is speedy than other saws and cutters. LED lights installed help to illuminate the surface you want to trim which is easily visible while applying pressure. The power switch has a lock to switch on and off for less hustle throughout the process and saves a lot of time.

 The cordless multi-tool has a high-energy motor installed for better performance every time. Moreover, the cordless tool has a new anti-vibration technology which also keeps metal surfaces from moving or sliding in a direction. All these features make the cordless multi-tool a great option for cutting metal surfaces. 

Both of these types come with detachable blades that are used differently for different materials and cuttings. Oscillating multi-tool has different adjustable speeds from low to high according to the results that you want and depending on the type of material you are cutting. It has about 100 or more oscillations per second to cut, grind, sand, scrap, and polish materials like metals, PVC, Walls, Tiles, Rough Concrete surfaces, and wooden materials.

The blades used in oscillating multi-tools have different materials used in them with different shapes to cut different surfaces. Usually, there are Carbide blades and Bi-metal blades. Carbide blades are a combination of metal and carbon while Bi-metal blades are made with a combination of two metals.

The blades used in an oscillating multi-tool also vary in shape and size like a straight blade for scrapping, Semi- circular segmented blades used for cutting equal straight edges of hard metals. Segmented blades cut fine edges, smoother and faster than straighter blades. Soft metals like aluminum can be cut with the help of bi-metal blades while tougher metals with carbide blades. The blades can be adjusted in two ways like with bolts and with circular frame cut edges that fit in the hooks or position of the multi-tool face.

Uses of oscillating multi-tool

Cutting and trimming of metal pipes

You can cut and trim pipelines in bathrooms, engines, different machines, and especially automobile gears with oscillating multi-tools.

Cutting screws and nails

You can splint rigid screws into wooden or even metal surfaces with this multi-tool. Pulling out driven nails in the surface is easier with the oscillating multi-tool as it just splits the metal within its roots for a clean surface to drill further. 

Removing rust from heavy metals

Having rust and build-up on the metal surfaces that seem of no use now. Wait, an oscillating multi-tool can let it go easily with just one or two spikes. The rusty surfaces can be turned into clean ones with special blades and rollers adjustable in the hooks of the multi-tools.

For sanding down hard metals

Rough hard metal surfaces can be dangerous if left like that. Sanding such surfaces can create a smooth edge and also fill in the gap of the metals to tie nuts and bolts. It can help to connect different parts in the machinery for functioning especially in gadgets and electrical motors.

Make cuts in metal surfaces.

While fitting metals in walls and building working stations an oscillating multi-tool can be useful to make cuts in metal surfaces with a perfect alignment. 

Cutting Holes in metal locks

This tool can also be used to put holes in electric panels and different metal surfaces like locks and hooks with different small-sized blades attached to an oscillating multi-tool.

Advantages of using oscillating multi-tools 

• Power-operated tools for faster cutting process
• Better cutting /Fine and Smooth edges than manual saws
• Adjustable and detachable blades
• Small-sized blades with a flexible design to cut at different angles.
• Consuming fewer batteries and energy-efficient 
• Less heat producing
• No or less spark than other machines.
• Cost-effective 

Adjustable blades are to be used differently for different metals. For Copper, Bi-metal is used especially by builders, electricians, and plumbers while building and fixing spaces and machines. For soft metals like aluminum, you have to use Bi-metal blades with small segments especially when cutting tiny hardware for a smooth finish. Plunge-like blades are specifically used for cutting screws and nails on wooden surfaces and walls. With metals like steel, it’s different as alloys of steel are cut with Bi-metal blades but tougher steel metal is preferred to cut with a carbide plan otherwise the blades with wear out in seconds. It can also cause excessive heat and damage to the equipment while you may face difficulty in cutting fine edges of such metals. You can also cut and trim metal sheets with an oscillating multi-tool much faster and smoother, unlike other saws.

Here are some of the popular and good quality brands of oscillating multi-tools and blades mentioned as follows

1. More top
2. Quickblade
3. Milwaukee
4. Rack and Tiers Electric Kit
5. Dewalt Multitool
6. Sharp Pog (Blade Sharpener)
7. Blue Rock Tools
8. Ryker Tools
9. Chicago Electric
10. Fen 

Precautionary measures and some useful tips to cut metal surfaces with an oscillating multi-tool are to use safety gears like glasses and gloves are mandatory. Use good quality blades and cutters in the oscillating multi-tool for better results and less wear out costing you a lot of bucks to replace them.

Applying excessive pressure and force you think might not cut hard metals and surfaces precisely with fine edges but there is a technique to hold the oscillating multi-tool with a pinching position of your palm and fingers One hand should be on the back of the oscillating tool and other at the front a length away from the blade to avoid muscular fatigue, excessive force or even injuries in most of the cases. 

Another useful tip while cutting broad surfaces is to mask a tape at the scale of the blade for how deep you want to cut a metal or surface as it is difficult to read the scale while oscillating. Invest in a good Blade- Sharpener to repair and fix worn-out blades as it happens more frequently in cutting hard surfaces, especially metals.

There are plenty of hardware stores and brands that sell oscillating multi-tools with proper kits and gears that you can get by placing orders on their websites with Discounts and deals this season. Do check out some of the brands mentioned in the list as recommendations while purchasing your multi-tool.