Multi-tools, sometimes known as oscillating multi-tools, are not to be confused with pocket multi-tools and Swiss army knives. These are powerful electric tools that are used for sanding, grinding and cutting when working in a construction or home DIY environment. Whatever you have in mind, you'll find an electronic multi-tool a valuable asset when taking on home or mechanical repairs.
With the right multi-tool and accessories, you'll be able to take on any project with ease, without having to switch between tools or spending extra money. That's why we've ranked the top 10 best multi-tools available online in the UK on Amazon and eBay, from top brands including Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita!
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() DeWalt | 2 ![]() Bosch | 3 ![]() DeWalt | 4 ![]() Einhell | 5 ![]() Milwaukee | 6 ![]() Makita | 7 ![]() Makita | 8 ![]() TEETOK | 9 ![]() VonHaus | 10 ![]() Mylek |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Oscillating Multi Tool | Multi-Tool | Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool | Multifunctional Tool | Multi-Tool | Multi-Tool | Multi-Tool | Oscillating Multi Tool | Oscillating Multitool | Multi-Tool |
Features | A Serious Piece of Kit With 37 Accessories for Fast Wood Cutting, Sanding and More | An Incredible Value Multi-Tool for Beginners | A Powerful Cordless Option That Reaches Speeds of 22,000 RPM | Great Value if You Already Have Einhell Tools and Batteries | A Professional-Grade Choice From an Industry Leader | A Quiet Tool With Exceptional Build | An Incredible Investment for Those Wanting to Choose Their Accessories | An Inexpensive Option to Have Handy Around the House | Perfect for Beginners Wanting to Try Out a Multi-Tool | A Good, Simple Set for Sanding and Wood Cutting |
Price | £129.00 | £67.98 | £99.00 | £54.95 | £89.98 | £110.16 | £117.00 | £37.99 | £48.99 | £49.95 |
Accessories Included | Segment saw, sanding plate, sanding paper, grout removal blade, scraper, hard case | Segment saw, sanding plate, sanding sheets, hard case | Wood saw, metal saw, sanding plate, sanding paper | Wood saw, metal saw sanding plate, sanding paper, scraper | Cutter, sanding pad, sanding paper | Hard case | Body only | Hexagon wrench, triangular sand plate, sandpaper, carbon brush, auxiliary handle, pressure plate, screw cutting blade, rigid scraper | Steel scraper, precision fine-teeth cutters for, segmented blade, carbide-particle tipped blade | Cutting blade, segmented blade, sanding plate, sanding paper, hard case |
Power | Corded | Corded | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Corded | Cordless | Corded | Corded | Corded |
RPM | 0 - 22,00 | 15,000 - 20,000 | 0 - 22,000 | 22,000 - 40,000 | 12,000 - 18,000 | 6,000 - 20,000 | 6,000 - 20,000 | 10,000 - 22,000 | Up to 20,000 | 15,000 - 22,000 |
Weight | 2 kg | 1.1 kg | 1.5 kg | 0.88 kg | 1 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.81 kg | 1.8 kg | 2.76 kg |
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Multi-tools are known by a few different names, so if you come across an electric multi-tool, an oscillating multi-tool, or simply a multi-tool, you can be confident they're all the same thing. For the purposes of this article, we will be sticking to electric multi-tools rather than the folding hand powered variety.
If you're looking for a flexible, multi-purpose tool with a wide range of functions, then you're in the right place. In a similar way to a power drill, an oscillating multi-tool features a spinning head that you can attach various accessories to for a variety of jobs. The most common accessories are for cutting wood or metal piping, as well as sanding, polishing, or grinding surfaces.
When looking for the right multi-tool, you need to be aware of which ones can handle the jobs you have in mind. While incredibly versatile in general, each multi-tool will have a list of functions it can accomplish with the accessories included. You can expect sanding and cutting to be included as standard, but many multifaceted tools come with a plethora of extras suited for different jobs.
Some come with over a hundred different accessories such as sanding plates, sandpaper, scraper blades, etc. However, these are often a case of a jack of all trades, but master of none. So it's worth having a smaller range of focus and choosing a multi-tool with a few key features that you'll definitely use. Simply put, stick with quality over quantity.
It is important to note that, as with many power tools, some multi-tools are sold as "body only". This means that they won't come with any attachments or batteries. This is a common practice, especially for professional grade equipment, so you should be aware of the fact that you may have to purchase additional accessories before you get to work.
For the finishing touches on your DIY kit, try our Best Screwdriver Sets!
One of the key decisions when choosing an electric multi-tool is whether to opt for a cordless model or one that's powered by mains electricity. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it's worth spending some time to weigh up which would be better suited for the projects you have in mind.
Cordless multi-tools are much more portable than their corded counterparts, making them a great choice for jobs where you're going to be moving around a lot. They're also a fantastic option when working in areas where it's difficult for an extension cord to reach, such as the end of a long garden, or when working on scaffolding or up a ladder.
While they won't be as as cordless models, you won't have to worry about a corded multi-tool running out of power in the middle of a job. You'll also find that tools powered by mains electricity tend to be more powerful on average, than those which are battery operated.
If portability is important to you, try our Best Pocket Multi-Tools!
One of the main features of a multi-tool is the ability to alter its speed for whichever job you're using it for. This is measured by oscillations, or rotations, per minute (rpm) and the higher the number, the quicker the tool rotates, with the most powerful multi-tools being able to reach speeds of up to around 20,000 rpm.
You'll want to look for tools which have adjustable settings, preferably with fully variable speeds rather than set amounts. Often, this will be achieved via a pressure sensitive trigger, which can be lightly pressed for lower speeds or fully pressed for higher rpm. There are also other designs which have a speed selection wheel, if you're looking to maintain a constant rpm.
The range of RPM is a good way of determining the type of variable speed a multi-tool has. For example, those starting at 0 will have a pressure sensitive range, whereas those with a range between 6,000 - 20,000 will have set speeds that rotate at a constant RPM.
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As with any handheld power tool, it's important to give some consideration as to how heavy it is to make sure you'll be able to use it comfortably in different environments. Most multi-tools weigh somewhere between 1 - 3 kg, often depending on their size.
For cordless options, you may have to factor in the extra weight of the battery pack, as well as any others you plan on carrying around on your person. The same goes for any weightier accessories that you may wish to use. Although, these usually aren't anywhere near as heavy as batteries.
For all the home improvement essentials, try our Best Tool Kits!
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
DWE315KT
£129.00
Accessories Included | Segment saw, sanding plate, sanding paper, grout removal blade, scraper, hard case |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | 0 - 22,00 |
Weight | 2 kg |
603102070 PMF 220
£67.98
Accessories Included | Segment saw, sanding plate, sanding sheets, hard case |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | 15,000 - 20,000 |
Weight | 1.1 kg |
DCS355N-XJ
£99.00
Accessories Included | Wood saw, metal saw, sanding plate, sanding paper |
---|---|
Power | Cordless |
RPM | 0 - 22,000 |
Weight | 1.5 kg |
18 Li-Solo
£54.95
Accessories Included | Wood saw, metal saw sanding plate, sanding paper, scraper |
---|---|
Power | Cordless |
RPM | 22,000 - 40,000 |
Weight | 0.88 kg |
M18BMT-0 M18
£89.98
Accessories Included | Cutter, sanding pad, sanding paper |
---|---|
Power | Cordless |
RPM | 12,000 - 18,000 |
Weight | 1 kg |
TM3010CK/2
£110.16
Accessories Included | Hard case |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | 6,000 - 20,000 |
Weight | 1.6 kg |
DTM51Z
£117.00
Accessories Included | Body only |
---|---|
Power | Cordless |
RPM | 6,000 - 20,000 |
Weight | 1.6 kg |
£37.99
Accessories Included | Hexagon wrench, triangular sand plate, sandpaper, carbon brush, auxiliary handle, pressure plate, screw cutting blade, rigid scraper |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | 10,000 - 22,000 |
Weight | 1.81 kg |
£48.99
Accessories Included | Steel scraper, precision fine-teeth cutters for, segmented blade, carbide-particle tipped blade |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | Up to 20,000 |
Weight | 1.8 kg |
£49.95
Accessories Included | Cutting blade, segmented blade, sanding plate, sanding paper, hard case |
---|---|
Power | Corded |
RPM | 15,000 - 22,000 |
Weight | 2.76 kg |
Written and researched by David Sexton
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