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!
Quick List - Top Multi-Tools
DeWalt
A Serious Piece of Kit With 37 Accessories for Fast Wood Cutting, Sanding and More
DeWalt
A Powerful Cordless Option That Reaches Speeds of 22,000 RPM
Einhell
Great Value if You Already Have Einhell Tools and Batteries
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
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.
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!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DeWalt Oscillating Multi Tool|DWE315KT | ![]() | A Serious Piece of Kit With 37 Accessories for Fast Wood Cutting, Sanding and More | |
2 | Bosch Multi-Tool|603102070 PMF 220 | ![]() | An Incredible Value Multi-Tool for Beginners | |
3 | DeWalt Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool|DCS355N-XJ | ![]() | A Powerful Cordless Option That Reaches Speeds of 22,000 RPM | |
4 | Einhell Multifunctional Tool|18 Li-Solo | ![]() | Great Value if You Already Have Einhell Tools and Batteries | |
5 | Milwaukee Multi-Tool|M18BMT-0 M18 | ![]() | A Professional-Grade Choice From an Industry Leader | |
6 | Makita Multi-Tool|TM3010CK/2 | ![]() | A Quiet Tool With Exceptional Build | |
7 | Makita Multi-Tool|DTM51Z | ![]() | An Incredible Investment for Those Wanting to Choose Their Accessories | |
8 | TEETOK Oscillating Multi Tool | ![]() | An Inexpensive Option to Have Handy Around the House | |
9 | VonHaus Oscillating Multitool | ![]() | Perfect for Beginners Wanting to Try Out a Multi-Tool | |
10 | Mylek Multi-Tool | ![]() | A Good, Simple Set for Sanding and Wood Cutting |
If you're looking for the absolute best multi-tool on the market today, then our recommendation would be this corded model from DeWalt. Featuring a pressure sensitive trigger with fully variable speed, as well as a rocker switch for continual operation, this professional grade tool will have you covered in a any situation.
This kit has everything you need to dive straight into whatever project you're planning. Included the tool itself is a handy hard case for transportation and storage, and plenty of accessories making for a total of 37 pieces! The bright LED light also makes working in low-light conditions safe and hassle free.
Bosch are a true market leader in the world of DIY tools, and the PMF 220 is probably the best option out there for beginners looking to take on their first home renovations and repairs. Once you get to grips with the basics, there are plenty of additional attachments out there.
If you're in the market for a cheap, simple and reliable multi-tool, then you won't find one much better than this. The kit comes with a carry case, a saw and sanding materials, and thanks to the fact it runs off mains electricity, you won't have to worry about the additional cost of picking up a battery pack and charger!
When it comes to cordless, portable multi-tools, this offering from DeWalt is the pick of the bunch thanks to its compact 300w brushless motor delivering incredible power. It's also one of the few tools with fully variable speeds from 0 - 22,000 rpm!
Unlike many of the other industrial standard options on our list, this comes with plenty of attachments and accessories to help get you started. Although, it's worth noting the battery pack isn't included. If you have other DeWalt tools, however, the battery packs are mostly interchangeable.
Due to the price tag, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Einhell Multifunction Tool is a budget option that's only suitable for light work, but that couldn't be further from the truth. This is a high-quality, lightweight tool that's the perfect representation of German engineering.
While it doesn't come with a battery and charger, you can easily buy them together as a bundle. They can all also be used with other members of the Power X-Change family, so if you're planning on starting a tool collection, Einhell are a great way of doing so cheaply.
For those of you out there who already know about Milwaukee, it won't be much of a hard sell for you to already be clicking that "buy now" button. But for those of you who aren't familiar with the brand, Malwaukee are an industry leader in power tools for the professional trade.
Along with the body, you'll be getting a cutter and sanding materials but, like many others, batteries and a charger are sold separately. Luckily, it works with all Milwaukee M18 batteries, which offer 20% more uptime, and twice the power and battery life as the average lithuim-ion battery.
This is the corded version of Makita's multi-tool and, like with all Makita power tools, you'll find the build quality is some of the best on the market today. It's also surprisingly quiet when compared to other multi-tools of similar power.
While it comes with a large carry case, there aren't any other accessories included which may put some customers off. But, the OIS interface means that you're not just limited to Makita brand accessories.
This cordless offering from Makita is an incredible multi-tool, and is up there among the best in terms of build quality and handling. If you're after a professional choice when moving from location to location, this is well worth the investment.
That said, it's going to be an investment, as the body alone sits at an already high price. On top of that, you'll also have to factor in the cost of additional attachments, as well as batteries and a charger. If you don't have these already, you could be looking at doubling the price before you're ready to work.
If you're looking for a cheap and effective option to have around the home for light repairs or the occasional DIY project, then we recommend this little kit from Teetok. It has everything you would expect from a multi-tool, and can reach some quite impressive speeds.
Despite the name, you should be aware that this will not be suitable for industrial grade work, as is the case with other budget multi-tools. Stick to working with softer materials, like wood and grouting, and you'll be fine.
Similar to the previous entry, this cost-effective option from Hi-Spec is another great choice when working around the home. In particular, the amount of attachments and accessories you get for the price is very good value indeed!
However, you will be aware of the fact that this is a budget tool when using it, as it doesn't quite reach the power and speeds of more professional-grade options. The build quality is also noticeably cheap, but it will get the job done.
This is a great choice as a budget friendly option, but it's good to keep in mind that when it comes to power tools, you often get what you pay for. With that in mind, this multi-tool from Mylek is great for occasional work around the house and garden.
This kit will happily cover all of your sanding and wood cutting needs, although it won't be able to handle the rigours of a modern day building site. Similarly, if you were to compare this to a professional multi-tool, there would be a noticeable difference in terms of build quality.
No. 1: DeWalt|Oscillating Multi Tool|DWE315KT
No. 2: Bosch|Multi-Tool|603102070 PMF 220
No. 3: DeWalt|Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool|DCS355N-XJ
No. 4: Einhell|Multifunctional Tool|18 Li-Solo
No. 5: Milwaukee|Multi-Tool|M18BMT-0 M18
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games