Best multi-tools 2024: Jump Menu
01. Best multi-tools
02. How to buy
Need to do some cutting, grinding, polishing, grout removing and sharpening but only want to buy one tool? The best multi-tools are great for all of the above. In fact, the only DIY task these flexible friends can't help with is making the tea.
Don't get this kind of multi-tool confused with the sort of Swiss Army Knife affair that outdoorsy types keep in their pocket in case they need to cut some twigs or fix a sleeping bag. No, this multi-tool is the powerful and versatile, oscillating variety that can sand, cut, grind and scrape its way through most building materials, including wood, drywall, grout, plastics and even metal.
Whether it's trimming off some excess plastic piping, sanding in difficult to reach areas or scraping old grouting out from the bathroom, the handy multi-tool tends to have all scenarios covered. Alongside something from our guides to the best cordless drills and the best electric screwdriver, they are a key part of any home tool kit.
Beth is Home Editor for T3, covering style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations.
The best multi-tools
Best multi-tools 2024 ranking
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The best DIY multi-tool
+ Cordless convenience
+ Numerous accessories included
- On the heavier side
DeWalt doesn't do things by halves and professionals use the majority of its tools across the globe. There's a good reason for this: they are built tough and can handle the demands of everyday usage. The cordless DCS355D2-GB is a chunky unit but it delivers on performance, with over 30 accessories that can take on a huge array of DIY projects without complaint, from tough sanding jobs to metal cutting.
There are more than 20 different sanding sheets on offer, as well as a wood fast cut blade, a wood with nails blade, a detail blade, a rigid scraper, a half-moon flush cut blade and a half-moon grout removal tool.
Every one of these tools can be removed and swapped in a matter of seconds thanks to a click and lock accessory system, while the twin Lithium-ion batteries are designed to last. The 50-minute charge time could be an issue one day, so consider investing in a second battery.
The DeWalt DCS355D2-GB is a fantastic piece of kit that manages to combine powerful performance with the convenience of a cordless tool. It manages an impressive 20,000opm (oscillations per minute) cutting speed thanks to its 300W power output, while the two supplied Lithium-ion battery packs means it can go the distance.
The best cordless multi-tool on a budget
+ Easy to handle
+ Great battery life
+ LED for illuminating dark spaces
- Accessories are flimsy
- A bit noisy
The Ryobi One+ Cordless Multi-Tool is a great addition to the toolbox, as it can be used for so many applications. It's really easy to use, lightweight and free of any annoying cords.
The bog standard plunger style attachment can make it a bit fiddly to fit accessories, such as grouting blades and sanding blocks, but it does open up the possibility of purchasing cheaper, third party products. Alas, there’s a fair amount of vibration through the tool and it’s noisy, but it is well built and the price is tempting.
Read our full review of the Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Multi-Tool for more information!
Best pro spec cordless on a budget
+ Pro spec build quality
+ Easy accessory swaps
+ Handy for so many tasks
- Shorter run time
- On the heavy side
The Bosch Advanced 18V Cordless Multi-Tool is a professional-spec tool at a DIY-friendly budget, taking inspiration from power products that cost twice as much. A unique Starlock accessory system, a clever 180-degree LED light at the front and hefty build quality are typically the domain of DeWalt, Milwaukee and even Bosch’s own pro-line, but this feels like it easily hold its head high against the competition.
It is tough, built to last and can handle some really hardcore jobs. The only downside is that users are invested int the Bosch Starlock system, so it’s harder to purchase cheaper third party accessories for the tool.
Read our review of the Bosch Advanced 18V Cordless Multi-Tool to find out more.
Best ultra-cheap multi-tool
+ Cheap and easy to use
- You get what you (don't) pay for
If an extremely reasonable (and quite basic) multi-tool is on the agenda, the guys over at Am-Tech have got you covered. This highly portable, battery-powered tool weighs just 798g but packs a relatively potent Lithium-ion battery pack for cutting, scraping and sanding on the move.
Unfortunately, the 50W power output is way down on some of the more expensive rivals mentioned here but it is capable of dealing with most common tasks and features six variable speed settings for greater control.
The battery packs can be charged in under an hour, while the kit comes with a useful selection of accessories to tackle the most common jobs, and is compatible for use with other Am-Tech multi tool accessories, as well as those from most of the big brands.
Best multi-tool for power
+ Powerful 400 Watt motor
+ Rubberised barrel grip
+ Extra blades
- Harsh vibration and noisy
- Quality of blades isn't great
If you want a budget oscillating multi tool that's still just as powerful, you should take a close look at the Draper 20987. For a fraction of the price, you get a powerful 400 Watt motor and a rubberised barrel grip, making it easy to hold on to. It also comes with a variety of blades.
There is still a fair amount of vibration and a lot of noise at full speed. You’ll also probably need separate blades because the ones included in the set aren’t exactly top quality. However, upgrade to premium blades and this will be one of the best multi tools you can get for your money.
How to buy the best multi-tools
Although massively versatile, each multi-tool differs in the amount of tasks it can accomplish thanks to these simple pieces of kit requiring the correct accessories to accomplish the job.
More basic models tend to throw in a sanding, scraping and cutting tool but the more lavish offerings can stretch to over 60 different attachments that cater from pretty much every DIY job imaginable.
Also, the modern multi-tool will come in both corded and cordless varieties, with the latter offering more flexibility, and the former, in general, more power and unlimited runtime, for bigger jobs.
Corded varieties are naturally more cumbersome but can go XXL on the power front, meaning the multi-tool can really earn its crust as a very tasty sawing tool, when the need arises.
The question, as usual with power tools is this: can you get by with a cheaper, less powerful multi-tool, because you only envisage doing infrequent, light jobs? Or will that end up annoying the living bejesus out of you, and wishing you'd shelled out extra for a more powerful incarnation?
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