Head-to-head · Best Oscillating Multi-tools

Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool Only)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool is best for: Professionals prioritizing ergonomic comfort and rapid material removal over instant accessory swaps. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Oscillating Multi-tools

Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool

4.6

1 source$220as of Oct 18

Pro Tool Reviews found that the Milwaukee 2836-20 delivers outstanding vibration control and an Auto-Load variable speed dial that ramps power as pressure increases, enabling rapid material removal. The tool features a 180-degree LED work light for improved visibility in tight spaces, though Toolrev noted that blade flex at the tip can tug the tool off-line during precise straight cuts. Additionally, the threaded bolt required for accessory changes makes swapping blades slower than competing systems that use simpler lever mechanisms. This model suits professionals prioritizing speed and ergonomics over absolute precision or quick-change convenience.

Strengths

— Outstanding vibration control that minimizes tool fatigue during extended use.
— Auto-Load feature on the variable speed dial automatically ramps up power as pressure is applied to the blade.
— 180-degree LED work light provides superior illumination in dimly lit or tight spaces.

Watch-outs

— Tool-free blade change relies on a threaded bolt that requires manual unscrewing, making it slower than competing systems.
— Blade flex at the tip can cause the tool to tug off-line during precise straight cuts compared to stiffer competitors.

$220 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Oscillating Multi-tools

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool Only)

4.5

1 sourceall derived$51as of Oct 18

Pro Tool Reviews found that the brushless motor and increased oscillation arc deliver faster cutting speeds than the previous generation, making it effective for plunge cutting and grinding. However, vibration control lags behind premium competitors like the Milwaukee M12 or Fein SuperCut, resulting in a rougher ride during extended use. The tool-free blade change system simplifies accessory swaps, though the bare kit omits a carry case for storage. Homebuilding noted that it lacks raw power for dense hardwoods, fitting best for DIYers who already own Ryobi 18V batteries rather than professionals needing heavy-duty performance.

Strengths

— Brushless motor delivers faster cutting speeds and improved efficiency over the previous brushed model.
— Increased oscillation arc of 3.8 degrees allows for more aggressive cuts compared to the prior 3.6-degree angle.
— Tool-free blade change system enables quick accessory swaps using standard multi-tool attachments.

Watch-outs

— Vibration control is noticeable and less smooth than premium competitors like the Milwaukee M12 or Fein SuperCut.
— Bare tool kit does not include a carry case for storage and transport.

$51 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool

The Milwaukee 2836-20 offers superior vibration control and a wider 4.2-degree oscillation angle compared to the Craftsman V20's basic dampening and 2.8-degree angle, making it better for extended professional use. However, its threaded bolt blade change system is slower than the Ridgid R86242B’s quick-change pin mechanism, and it exhibits more blade flex during precise straight cuts than stiffer competitors like the Ryobi ONE+.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool Only)

The Ryobi ONE+ features a brushless motor and an increased 3.8-degree oscillation angle that provides faster cutting speeds than the Craftsman V20’s 2.8-degree model, but its vibration control is noticeably rougher than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL or Fein SuperCut equivalents mentioned in reviews. While it shares the same top OPM range of 10,000-20,000 as the Ridgid R86242B and Milwaukee M12, it lacks the refined ergonomics and premium dampening found in those higher-tier options.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool Only)
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Oscillation Speed	20,000 OPM	10,000 - 20,000 OPM
Oscillation Angle	4.2 Degrees	3.8 degrees
Voltage	18V	18 V
Weight	2.56 lbs	1.9 lbs
Power Source	—	Ryobi 18V Battery

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