The multi tool is one of the most genuinely useful tools on a building site, partly because it can reach into corners that no other power tool can access, and partly because the blade range covers materials from softwood to grout to metal pipe. The problem is that choice creates confusion. A wrong blade choice on a multi tool costs time, dulls expensive bits prematurely, and sometimes damages the workpiece.
This guide covers Makita's multi tool accessory range, how to match blade to material, and what to look for when the standard blade is not cutting it.
How the Makita oscillating mechanism works
A multi tool blade does not spin. The motor drives an oscillating motion at high frequency: the blade swings left and right through a very small arc, typically 1.4 to 3.2 degrees, at anywhere from 6,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute. That oscillating action is what lets the blade plunge directly into a surface and cut flush against an adjacent material.
Makita's multi tools use a tool-less blade change system. The accessory is clamped at the front of the tool by a lever, a process that takes under five seconds when you know the system. The blade is attached at the standard OIS (Optimised Interface System) point, which Makita shares with other manufacturers, and third-party multi-fit adapters allow most non-Makita blades to be used if needed.
Blade types and what they cut
Bi-metal blades are the default for general work. The blade body is spring steel, which flexes rather than snapping under load, and the teeth are high-speed steel (HSS) welded on. Bi-metal blades cut wood, wood with embedded nails, screws, and light metal. They are the blade you reach for first unless you know the material specifically demands something else.
For plunge cutting into skirting board or cutting back a door frame to fit new flooring, a standard bi-metal wood blade is correct. For cutting through a skirting board that has nails in it, a bi-metal blade rated for nails (sometimes marked "Bim NL" or similar) handles both the wood and the fastener in the same pass.
HSS metal cutting blades are made entirely from high-speed steel and optimised for clean cuts in metal pipe, sheet metal, and thin-walled box section. Using a wood blade on metal will dull it almost immediately. An HSS blade on the same cut will give a clean result without destroying the tool.
Carbide-tipped grout removal blades are the most expensive in the Makita accessory range, and the most specialised. The carbide teeth are brazed onto a steel body and resist the abrasive action of hardened grout or tile adhesive that would destroy a bi-metal blade within seconds. If you are re-grouting tiles or removing adhesive residue from a substrate before relaying, a carbide blade is the only option that makes economic sense.
Diamond blades take the carbide concept further for the hardest materials: stone, ceramic tile, porcelain, concrete. A diamond blade on a multi tool is particularly useful for making cut-outs in tiles for pipes and sockets, where the alternative is a hole saw or a jigsaw with a diamond blade, neither of which gives the same access.
Rigid scraper blades are flat steel plates used for lifting vinyl flooring, removing old adhesive, scraping silicone sealant, and similar surface preparation tasks. No cutting teeth; the action is the oscillating pressure applied at the blade edge.
Sanding pads attach in place of a blade and carry hook-and-loop abrasive sheets. The triangular pad shape is designed to access internal corners. Makita produces sanding pads in different profiles; the pointed triangular pad gets into 90-degree corners, while a curved pad suits convex surfaces. Grits from 40 through to 240 are available.
Matching blade to Makita model
Makita's multi tool range spans the 18V LXT platform (tools like the DTM52Z) through to corded models. The OIS blade interface is consistent across the range, so an accessory that fits the cordless model will fit the corded equivalent. If you are buying accessories for a specific Makita model, check only that the accessory carries the OIS interface marking.
Wear signs and when to replace
Bi-metal blades dull with use, and the first sign is usually increased vibration rather than a visible change to the teeth. If the tool is working harder and producing more heat for the same cut, the blade is past its best. Carbide blades last significantly longer, but chipping or loss of carbide particles from individual teeth signals the end of useful life.
Are Makita multi tool blades compatible with other brands?
Makita multi tools use the OIS interface standard, which is shared with several other manufacturers. Multi-fit adapters allow non-OIS blades to be used, though Makita's OIS-native accessories give the most secure fit.
What blade should I use for cutting grout with a Makita multi tool?
Use a carbide-tipped grout removal blade. Bi-metal blades are destroyed almost instantly by abrasive grout or tile adhesive.
Can a Makita multi tool cut through nails?
Yes, with a bi-metal blade rated for nail contact (check the packaging for nail or fastener compatibility). Do not use a standard wood cutting blade on embedded nails as it will strip the teeth immediately.
What is the difference between a bi-metal and HSS blade on a multi tool?
Both are metal, but bi-metal blades are designed for wood and occasional fastener contact. HSS (high-speed steel) blades are optimised for clean cuts in metal and will cut thicker or harder metals more effectively.
How often should I replace Makita multi tool blades?
Blade life varies by material and use. On a busy renovation site cutting through mixed materials, a bi-metal blade might last a few days. Used only on clean softwood, the same blade can last weeks. Replace when the tool is working noticeably harder or vibrating more than usual on the same type of cut.