Best Oscillating Multi Tools · head-to-head

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 is cheaper at $229. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 or Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB?

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB
US price $229 $229
BrandMilwaukeeMakita
Released20202021
Power source battery battery
Voltage 18 18
Motor type brushless brushless
Opm range 10000-20000 10000-20000
Stroke angle 4.2 3.6
Accessory interface OPEN-LOK StarlockMax
Weight (lb) 2.58 3.75
No load speed 20000 20000
Variable speed Yes Yes
Tool free blade change Yes Yes

Sources — Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20: milwaukeetool.com (verified 2026-06-27). Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB: makitatools.com (verified 2026-06-27).

What's the difference between the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 and Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 10). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Stroke angle: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 4.2 vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB 3.6
  • Accessory interface: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 OPEN-LOK vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB StarlockMax
  • Weight (lb): Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20 2.58 vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool XMT04ZB 3.75

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool 2836-20

Only Pro Tool Reviews (9.6/10) gives a hands-on verdict for the 2836-20; Popular Mechanics never reviewed it, and Tool Box Buzz, Home Fixated and Tools in Time fall outside the tester whitelist. Their test-track runs rank it among the fastest-cutting cordless multi-tools with Fein-rivaling vibration control, docked only for its slow threaded-bolt blade change. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Among the fastest-cutting cordless multi-tools on PTR's test track; Outstanding vibration control, on par with Fein SuperCut; Auto-Load automatic speed control plus comfortable narrow barrel grip.

Flagged: Slow threaded-bolt blade change vs other tool-free systems; Pricey at $229 bare / $329 kit.

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