RIDGID Oscillating Multi Tool Review

The thing that separates this oscillating tool from the other options in the market is the versatility. With one corded motor “base” you can effectively operate 7 different attachments depending on the needs of the job. Simply as an oscillating tool, it works pretty dang well but I’ll get in to that in a second. Let’s have a look at the versatility first –

That’s right, seven different head attachments; none of which require a tool in order to swap out. According to the RIGID Professionals website, the different attachment options are: The multi tool oscillating head which came on this unit, a rotary drywall cutter, a right angle drill head, a right angle 1/4″ impact driver rated at 650 in-lbs, a jig saw, a reciprocating saw, and finally a 3/8″ ratchet head rated at 250 in-lbs.

Again, all of these attachments can be outfitted to the same base without the need of any tools to make the switch. There are two small spring loaded keepers that snap the different heads into position. Depress the keepers, remove the accessory head, fit the new head in place, listen for the snap of the keepers engaging the accessory head and your off to the races. 

As I mentioned, this tool came to me with the oscillating head already installed. I put it to work almost as soon as I got and it performed exactly as it should. Right out of the box I used the oscillating tool (also known as the “multi-tool”) to delicately remove a backsplash and some tile from my guest bathroom. As you would expect, it was buttery smooth and knocked the job out pretty quick; most importantly, little to no collateral damage. 

RIGID is evidentially aiming to simplify matters by keeping unnecessary tools out of the equation. Just as there aren’t any tools required for changing the tool head, the same goes for changing out the head accessories between sanding pads, cutting tools, and so on. I think they’ve done a helluva good job here. Just pull out the sneaky black release lever, rotate it over center, swap the tool accessory, return the lever back over center, stow the lever in the original nest and you’re ready to rock….10 seconds tops. Compare that to my Dremel multi-tool which requires keeping up with a 4mm allen wrench, turn out the center bolt to change accessories, lose the bolt, find the bolt, install the accessory, install the bolt, realize the washer is missing…….you get the point. Suffice to say “tool-less” is the way to go in the “tool” industry. Keep it simple.

It features a variable speed trigger that makes the tool feel very accurate. If you don’t need a ka-gillion RPM (actual measurement) to slice through your material, you can just feather your way through with a light squeeze of the throttle. However, if the job calls for some real grunt, this unit is capable of delivering all 4 amps worth of current capacity to the motor in order to muscle through the crud as you see fit. (Actual frequency of oscillation = 2,000 cycles per minute max)

The built in light works pretty well but there is room for improvement in the control scheme. It’s a soft white light that points right at the workpiece as soon as you depress the button. My only complaint here is that the light is only on if the trigger is depressed far enough for the motor to come on. I recently reviewed a set of DeWalt drills and their lighting scheme is one to follow in my opinion; slightly depress the button, light comes on (motor does not), light remains on for 20 seconds once button is released. The way RIGID has this unit configured, the light and motor are activated/deactivated at the same time which is less than ideal in my opinion.

The motor is directional….no big deal right? Wrong. I underestimated the use of the direction switch when using the multi-tool. Once I realized the influence it had on the vibratory nature of the cutting head, I would change the direction to ensure the tool went away from my finished trim work instead of toward it when the tool would accidentally “bite” into the material. Obviously, the direction switch makes a lot of sense for the alternate tool heads but I initially undervalued its use with the multi tool.

The Home Depot is offering this tool for 80 American dollars. If you were to purchase all of the accessory heads I mentioned above at the same time you purchased the power tool, your out the door cost would be somewhere around 300 bucks. The cost of the accessory heads ranges from $30 on the low end to $50 on the high end and can effectively replace the need for a whole host of other large tools. 

This tool screams versatility. One powered base with 7 peripheral attachments. I would love to offer some detailed insight on just how well all the other attachments do their job but I have yet to get my hands on them. Considering the nature and quality of the RIGID tools I’ve owned and used in the past, I think its safe to say the tools will meet the requirements and then some. In my experience, RIGID does not produce junk. However, if you’re hard on tools and no stranger to the return desk when they break, RIGID has you covered. Through their LIFETIME service agreement, you can easily replace your damaged goods by returning them to the Home Depot. The only catch is that you must register your tool with the original purchase receipt within 90 days of purchase and, the warranty is not transferrable.

And that’s all folks. I really appreciate you stopping by to learn more about this unit from RIGID. This review was written in support of The Home Depot ProSpective campaign…They supply the tool and I supply an opinion. If you are interested in purchasing one of these units, consider using this link or one from above. These are affiliate links and provide a small kick-back to the website which helps to keep the wheel turning. Regardless, I genuinely appreciate your support.

Thanks for stopping by. Take care – April

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