Handier than pockets in a red carpet dress, an oscillating multi-tool uses side-to-side vibrations to power blades, scrapers, and sanding pads. Light and nimble, with the ability to mount blades at different angles, an OMT can buzz through wood, metal, plastic, and gypsum board, and can reach places where, say, a reciprocal saw would cause collateral damage. With the right blade, it will cut a tidy hole in the bathroom wall then poke in to neatly nip off a length of leaky pipe. OMTs are great for delicate work, including undercutting door jambs, severing nails and screws, and flush-cutting shims. The triangular sanding pads handle deck balusters and exterior trim. Available corded or battery powered, OMTs are true cottage bacon savers.
This article was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of Cottage Life.
Related Story Real Tool: It’s both a screwdriver and a wrench—meet the scrench
Related Story The simplest, most reliable clock that let’s you sleep in every morning—here’s how to build a sundial
Related Story A keyhole bottle opener is a low-tech tool, but it’ll never leave you in a twist