What is a multi-tool power tool used for

What is a multi-tool power tool used for

This all-purpose multi tool is an essential part of any DIY toolbox as it is a handy versatile tool for cutting through a range of materials with ease.

Whether you're working on wood, metal, plastic, or other materials, this guide will help you understand how to make the most of your Ryobi Multi Tool and choose the right accessories for your projects.

Versatile Power for Any Task with Ryobi Multi Tools

Ryobi Multi Tools offer the perfect combination of power, adaptability, and durability. With our cordless models, you can tackle a wide range of jobs, from fine detail work to heavy-duty tasks. Featuring interchangeable accessories, variable speed controls, and ergonomic designs, Ryobi Multi Tools provide the versatility you need with minimal effort.

The Ryobi Multi Tool excels in a variety of applications, making it an essential tool for homeowners. Here are some of its primary uses.

Cutting with a Multi Tool Power Tool

The Ryobi Multi Tool is highly effective for making precise cuts in various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and drywall. It is ideal for creating flush cuts along surfaces or plunge cuts into materials without the need for pre-drilling. This makes it particularly useful for tasks like cutting door jambs, trimming pipes, and adjusting flooring installations with accuracy and ease.

Sanding with a Multi Tool

With its triangular sanding pad, the tool is designed to reach corners and edges more effectively than traditional sanders. It works well on wood, metal, and painted surfaces to remove imperfections and smooth surfaces before finishing. Different grit sanding sheets can be used depending on the level of sanding required, whether it's fine finishing or more aggressive material removal.

Scraping with a Multi Tool

The Ryobi Multi Tool is excellent for removing old adhesives, caulk, paint, and flooring materials such as linoleum and carpet glue. It helps strip off peeling paint and hardened debris without damaging the underlying surface. The tool offers flexible and rigid scraper blade options, making it adaptable for a range of scraping tasks.

Grinding with a Multi Tool

For surface smoothing and shaping, the multi tool works effectively on metal, wood, and concrete. It can be used to remove rust, polish surfaces, and refine edges with precision. Additionally, its compact design allows it to reach tight spaces where traditional grinders might not be effective, making it a valuable tool for detailed grinding work.

Ryobi Multi Tool Features

The Ryobi Multi Tool is a versatile power tool designed for cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding a variety of materials. Its oscillating motion and compatibility with multiple attachments make it an essential addition to any toolkit.

Understanding the key features of the Ryobi Multi Tool will help you make the most out of its capabilities. Below are some essential aspects that make this tool a must-have.

  • Oscillating Motion: Uses rapid side-to-side movement to perform tasks efficiently, reducing the need for excessive pressure while maintaining control.
  • Interchangeable Accessories: Compatible with various attachments, including cutting blades, sanding pads, and scraping tools, allowing for diverse applications.
  • Variable Speed Control: Enables precise adjustments depending on the material and task, providing more accuracy and control over the work.
  • Cordless Freedom: Use your Multi Tool anywhere with cordless convenience.
  • Tool-Free Accessory Change: Simplifies switching between attachments without additional tools, making workflow seamless and efficient.
  • Ergonomic Design: Features a comfortable grip and lightweight body to reduce user fatigue during extended use.
  • LED Work Light (on some models): Illuminates the work area for better visibility in dim conditions.
  • Part of the ONE+™ system: their batteries are compatible with over 200 other Ryobi tools.

How to Use A Multi Power Tool

The Ryobi multi tool can be used for a variety of applications such as cutting multiple materials, sanding, scraping, grinding and much more.

Some of the most common DIY applications for the Ryobi multi tool include cutting access panels in plasterboard and kitchen units, cutting skirting boards and door facing to slide laminate flooring underneath and removing tile grout in the kitchen or bathroom.

To achieve the best results with your Ryobi Multi Tool, follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure safe and efficient operation.

1. Install the Desired Accessory

Ensure the tool is powered off before changing attachments to prevent accidental activation. Use the tool-free lever or Allen wrench (depending on the model) to loosen and secure the accessory in place. Confirm the accessory is properly locked to prevent slippage during operation.

2. Adjust Speed Settings

  • Start with a low-speed setting to gauge the tool’s response on the material.
  • Gradually increase speed for efficient cutting, sanding, or scraping.
  • Lower speeds work best for precision tasks, while higher speeds improve efficiency for tougher materials.

3. Operate the Power Tool

  • Hold firmly with both hands, if necessary, especially for cutting or grinding.
  • Apply steady pressure without forcing the tool into the material.
  • Let the oscillating motion perform the work rather than pushing aggressively.
  • Work in small sections for better control and accuracy.

4. Turn Off and Clean

  • Power off the tool and disconnect it from the power source or remove the battery.
  • Wipe down the tool and clean any debris from the attachment area.

Store accessories properly to keep them in good condition.

Which Multi Tool Blade Do You Need?

Choosing the right blade for your Ryobi Multi Tool is essential for achieving the best results. Different blades are designed for specific materials and tasks, so selecting the correct one can improve efficiency and prolong the life of both the blade and the tool.

1. Wood Cutting Blades

  • Ideal for cutting softwood, hardwood, and plywood.
  • Features fine or coarse teeth for precision or aggressive cutting.
  • Used for plunge cuts, trimming, and detailed shaping.

2. Metal Cutting Blades

  • Designed for cutting through nails, screws, and thin metal sheets.
  • Bi-metal construction increases durability and resistance to wear.
  • Best for small repairs, plumbing work, and cutting bolts.

3. Multi-Material Blades

  • Can cut through a combination of wood, plastic, drywall, and soft metal.
  • Great for general-purpose tasks where different materials are involved.
  • Ideal for home renovation projects.

4. Grout and Mortar Removal Blades

  • Used for removing tile grout, mortar, and adhesives.
  • Carbide or diamond-coated edges provide long-lasting performance.
  • Helps with bathroom and kitchen renovations.

5. Scraper Blades

  • Available in flexible and rigid options for different scraping tasks.
  • Used for removing old paint, adhesive, caulk, and flooring materials.
  • Helps prepare surfaces before refinishing or repainting.

6. Sanding Pads

  • Works with triangular sanding sheets to smooth surfaces.
  • Available in different grit levels for fine or coarse sanding.
  • Great for finishing woodwork, metal polishing, and paint removal.

Shop our range of accessories.

Why Choose Ryobi Multi Tool

Ryobi Multi Tools make home improvement tasks easier:

  • Durable & User-Friendly – Designed for comfort and long-term use.
  • Cordless Convenience – Go anywhere without worrying about power cords.
  • ONE+™ Compatibility – Works with over 200 Ryobi tools for ultimate flexibility.
  •  Versatile Attachments – Easily switch between cutting, sanding, grinding, and scraping.

If you’re looking for the best multi tool for the job, shop our multi tools and accessories available or speak to our experts for help deciding what is the best to buy for your needs.

Multi Tool FAQs

What is a Ryobi Multi Tool used for?

The Ryobi Multi-Tool is a versatile power tool designed for a wide range of applications, including cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding. It’s ideal for tasks like making precise cuts in wood, metal, and plastic, smoothing surfaces, removing old paint or adhesives, and grinding surfaces in tight spaces. Its oscillating motion makes it a great choice for intricate work and detailed projects.

Can I use my Ryobi Multi Tool for sanding?

Yes, the Ryobi Multi Tool can be used for sanding. It comes with triangular sanding pads that reach corners and edges more effectively than traditional sanders. You can use different grit sanding sheets to remove imperfections and smooth surfaces before painting or finishing.

How do I change the accessories on my Ryobi Multi Tool?

Changing accessories on the Ryobi Multi Tool is easy with its tool-free accessory change feature. Simply use the tool-free lever to loosen the accessory and switch it with the one you need. Be sure the tool is powered off before making any changes to avoid accidents.

What types of blades and accessories are compatible with the Ryobi Multi Tool?

The Ryobi Multi Tool is compatible with a wide variety of accessories. Some common blades include wood cutting blades, metal cutting blades, multi-material blades, grout removal blades, scraper blades, and sanding pads. The tool is also compatible with accessories from other brands with a universal fit, making it even more versatile.

Can I use my Ryobi Multi Tool on metal?

Yes, you can use the Ryobi Multi Tool on metal, provided you use the correct metal-cutting blades. These blades are specially designed to cut through metal without dulling or damaging the tool. The multi-tool is especially useful for cutting nails, screws, and small metal sheets.

What is the oscillating motion on the Ryobi Multi Tool?

The Ryobi Multi-Tool uses an oscillating motion, which means the attachment moves back and forth rapidly in small arcs. This motion allows the tool to work efficiently with minimal pressure, making it perfect for precise cuts, sanding, scraping, and grinding tasks.

Can the Ryobi Multi Tool be used for grout removal?

Yes, the Ryobi Multi Tool is highly effective for grout removal when used with the proper grout removal blade. The blade’s carbide or diamond coating ensures long-lasting performance while effectively breaking down grout and mortar in tile installations or renovations.

Which multi tool blade is needed for cutting tile?

Whether or not a multi tool can cut tile successfully, will depend on the thickness volume of the tile as well as fitting the correct blade for the task.

We recommend an appropriate multi tool carbide or diamond cutting blade to cut tile. However, while a multi tool is great for making quick small cuts in tiles, it is not the best suited tool for cutting a lot of tiles on a large tiling project.

Which multi tool blade is needed for removing grout?

Blades for removing tile grout typically have a thin kerf design and feature either carbide or diamond material on the grinding edge.

If you are looking to also replace a broken tile you will need an accessory for grinding down old tile adhesive.  The Ryobi RAK05MT Multi-tool Tiling Accessory Set (5 piece) includes all the accessories you will typically need to replace broken tiles and/or grout.

Which multi tool attachment is needed for sanding?

Multi tools utilise an attachment called a sanding pad which features a hook & loop surface which allows suitably sized hook & loop-backed sandpaper to be quickly and easily attached.  Sanding pads can sometimes be specific to a particular multi tool model therefore most multi tools are supplied with these in the box.  Spare sanding sheets can be purchased separately such as the Ryobi RAK10MT Multi-tool Sanding Accessory Set (10 piece).