10 Rotary and Oscillating Tool Uses

While there are similarities between rotary tools and oscillating tools, there are differences that make each type of tool beneficial for specific uses. It’s important to know how each type of tool works and operates. 

A rotary tool spins a small wheel, bit or drum at a high rate of speed. Rotary tools can handle tasks that require a high level of precision, but you need good control of the tool for accuracy.

An oscillating tool moves a blade, rasp or pad rapidly in a back-and-forth motion. These tools can handle large DIY projects more easily than a rotary tool. 

Both tool types are available in corded and cordless models. Oscillating tool kits normally come with a selection of cutting blades and sanding pads, while rotary tools come with a variety of rotary tool bits for detailed tasks.

You can touch up an area that has grout missing or replace all of it for a new look. Carbide grout-removal blades can make fast work of removing and scoring grout, tile and masonry. Scraper blades can remove old caulk from the edges of cabinets, sinks and bathtubs.

Do you ever see Halloween pumpkins with detailed designs and cutouts and wonder how someone carved them? A rotary tool with a pumpkin carving kit is the answer. Use the different bits to create a memorable jack-o’-lantern from a wide variety of patterns.

A rotary tool can replace a router for craft work that requires small or detailed tasks, thanks to the variety of bits. It can also work for other home projects, like cutting small holes in cabinets and countertops. You can use it to do freehand work or work with a plunge router stand.

Many remodeling projects include installing new floors. An oscillating tool blade can make fast and simple work of notching the door jambs and any moulding to accommodate the new floors.

You can take care of a wide variety of items, from jewelry and fine silver pieces to your car wheels, with clean and polish bits for a rotary tool. Use a rotary tool wheel with a wire brush to remove rust and corrosion from metals, like brass and copper. You can use fiber-compound polishing wheels for heavy-duty cleaning on hard metals, regular cleaning on hard metals, and light- and high-gloss polishing on all metals.

The design of rotary tools makes them perfect for work with fine details, like carving wood. You can work on just about everything with distinctive features, from model cars and ornaments to figurines. You can also engrave designs into wood pieces.

Just as a rotary tool’s design is ideal for carving, it works well in places where you need to sand fine details. You can use it to touch up areas before painting, smooth out small rough areas and finish up details on your crafts. The most popular choice for sanding is a drum, but you can also use discs and abrasive buffs.

Etching a design into a pint glass or wine bottle is an easy project with the right bits. Diamond-tipped bits can make cutting glass easy, while engraving bits are a good option for creating designs and labeling metal.

Making a cut in drywall for a new outlet or receptacle box is easy with an oscillating tool. Oscillating tool accessory kits have the right blades to not only cut through drywall but also clip drywall screws and nails that you may encounter.

A fresh coat of paint can brighten up a room, porch or old furniture. But the chore of stripping and scraping away layers of old paint and varnish can be tiring. Using an oscillating tool to prep for a new coat of paint with scraping blades and sanding pads will speed up your project time.