10 Ridgid Oscillating Tool Hacks You Need To Know

An oscillating tool, officially known as an oscillating multi-tool (OMT), is a non-negotiable for a workshop or anyone keen to excel in DIY hacks.

While multiple power tools, such as table saws, circular saws, drills, etc., are commonly found in a worksite, workshop, or home improvement equipment, an oscillating tool is not as common, yet extremely useful in getting work done.

Continue reading if you want to know more about oscillating tools and their uses.

When Do You Need To Use An Oscillating Tool?

From its name, oscillating multi-tool, you can immediately suspect multiple applications. Oscillating tools are employed in various functions, including cutting, scraping, and sanding.

If you are a professional in your craft, you already know that some tools can do well in these three areas. For instance, reciprocating saws are masters when you need to cut wood or PVC, grinders are more effective with grout removal, and the same is the delta pad finish sander when you need to sand corners.

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Unfortunately, these master tools are limited in compromised spaces, where an oscillating tool comes in. For instance, using a reciprocating saw to undercut baseboards flush to the floor or pipes in spaces with less room would be hard. This is where a top-tier oscillating tool, like the Ridgid oscillating tool, will come in handy to make work effortlessly perfect.

With the right oscillating tool, you need to know a few tips to help you achieve more and remain at the top of your game.

10 Ridgid Oscillating Tool Hacks

1. Perfect Cabinet Installation and Modifications

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You may find a good reason to modify your cabinet to accommodate new equipment or install a new one. Cabinet modifications and installation can be done perfectly using Ridgid oscillating tools.

You can employ this tool with a saw blade to achieve perfection in cutting squares and slots. The Ridgid oscillating tool makes such cuts simple and speedy with its enhanced ability to offset the tool axis compared to the saw blade.

2. Employ a Straightedge for Straight Cuts

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Another Ridgid oscillating tool hack is achieved by using a straightedge for straight cuts. You may need to remove some layers from a trim piece because of a mistaken tape reading.

You can solve such a problem by employing a Ridgid oscillating tool to make new cuts with enhanced precision by using the straightedge as the guide for the blade.

3. Precise Thin Plank Flooring Install

Even for pros, installing thin plank flooring demands extreme precision. Right tools and expertise make a huge difference, which is why a Ridgid oscillating tool makes a huge difference. It helps you to make precise cutouts for floor registers to make planks fit with a slim-fit exactitude. Using a half-round makes this normally tasking assignment slightly effortless.

4. Know When You Need a Straight or Round Blade

Knowing when a straight or round blade is appropriate is another hack that every user of the Ridgid oscillating tool should acquaint themselves with. Whereas a straight blade is the top choice for plunge cuts (where you must stab the blade into the surface), a round oscillating saw blade is perfect for linear cuts.

5. Removing Trim Without Defacing It

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Most tools that help remove trim achieve their target by sustaining another problem; damaging the delicate trims.

The Ridgid oscillating tool makes a significant difference by enabling you to remove trim without such undesirable results. You only need to gently pry the trim away from the wall, creating enough space for the oscillating tool, and then cutting through gently with the metal cutting blade.

6. Exceptional Drywall Cutouts

Making a cutout in drywall when you want to install a switch box or power receptacle is a needed and tasking job. A Ridgid oscillating tool is the perfect tool to do this job easily and perfectly.

Using the bimetal blade, you can make desired drywall cutouts and withstand any impasse from a nail or screw.

7. For Unusual Sanding Jobs

While top sanding tools like the delta pad finish sander are perfect for the job, they are limited in some space and surfaces. This is where the Ridgid oscillating tool makes a big difference with its versatility.

Narrow-edged surfaces like shutters, furniture, doors, etc., are worked well using the triangular sanding pad of the oscillating multi-tool.

8. Top-Class Window Repair

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The Ridgid Oscillating tool comes with everything you need to repair a window. Fantastic window repairs demand a step up in functionality, look, weather tightness, and energy efficiency in the case of wooden windows.

The oscillating multi-tool will help you remove the old paint and sand the surface making it look fantabulous.

9. Enhanced Safety When Cutting & Trimming Doorjambs

Ergonomics is increasingly becoming important in a work environment, especially when handling cutting blades. Oscillating revamps the process of cutting and trimming doorjambs when flooring a space.  This is a huge step from the traditionally applied danger-prone circular saw.

10. Make it Robust With Adapters and Accessories

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The final Ridgid oscillating hack makes it robust with accessories and adapters. Oscillating tool adapters enhance its functionality by enabling it to perform multiple functions.

With many oscillating tool brands, you must be specific when shopping for adapters and accessories. Order Ridgid oscillating tool adapters to achieve more with it.

Bottomline

Finding the right tool and knowing how to use it makes a huge difference in the applicability and success of operations.

When you acquire a top-notch oscillating, you must arm yourself with useful hacks for application when you need work done. Therefore, knowing when, where, and how to use an oscillating tool is essential and will help you achieve more with this powerful tool.