4 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Oscillating Tool Blades

The oscillating multi-tool is the favorite power tool of a great many handymen and homeowners around the country, and with good reason. Few power tools have the versatility to accomplish the many diverse tasks that a multi-tool is capable of, nor can most tools operate in the tight quarters that a multi-tool routinely manages.

But even this little wonder tool has its limitations, and chief among them is the condition of the blades and other accessory attachments which do all the work. If they become worn out, the tool itself won't operate with its usual effectiveness, and may not be able to function at all, depending on the degree of wear on the specific attachment. Here are a few tips to help you determine when your blades are beginning to wear out, and need replacement with newer, high-quality universal replacement blades.

Increased Cutting Time

When you begin to notice that it's taking longer and longer to perform an operation that used to be very quick, this is a tell-tale sign that the blade may be getting dull. For instance, if your blade could normally cut through a nail in 3 to 5 seconds, and it starts taking 15 to 20 seconds or longer, the blade has probably lost its edge. Even this is a judgment call though - if it becomes clear that you are making no progress in cutting the nail, that is a sure indication that the blade is simply no longer up to the task.

Cuttings Are Too Fine

When the cuttings from your nail-sawing become more like fine particles or dust instead of actual metal chips, that's a sign that cutting has become difficult for the blade, and it probably needs to be replaced. A sharp blade will gouge out actual chips from whatever it's cutting, and a duller blade with less cutting surface can only produce finer particles that are as much a result of friction as anything else.

Difference in Cutting Sound

If neither of the above symptoms are yet noticeable, it may still be possible to detect a difference in the normal cutting sound you would hear from your oscillating multi-tool. When a blade is beginning to wear out and cutting edges are less sharp, the high-speed sounds made by the tool are more high-pitched because less metal is being actually cut. The somewhat deeper sound of a newer, sharper blade is the result of biting through more metal at high speed.

Sparks, Smoke, and Discoloration

Blades which have lost their sharpness are reduced to being high-speed friction probes. When less cutting is occurring and more simple rubbing of surfaces, sparks may fly as a result, or smoke may be generated because two surfaces are in contact at very high speed. You may also notice discoloration along the edges of the blade, which is a further indication of the heat and smoke occurring at the sites of contact.

If you find yourself overdue for a replacement blade upgrade to keep your oscillating tool running as prime as can be, shop the extensive selection of universal blades and accessories from Fitz All Blades. Carrying all the highest quality blades at some of the lowest prices around, Fitz All Blades is your one stop shop for your oscillating tool needs. No matter what the job at hand, make sure you have the right blade to get it done right by visiting Fitz All Blades.

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