Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I was in the middle of a bathroom remodel when I realized I needed to shave down a stubborn door jamb to fit the new trim. That’s when I grabbed the WORX Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, 20V Sonicrafter, WX696L ā and honestly, it saved me a ton of frustration. With two speeds ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 OPM and a 2.8-pound body, I could get into tight spots my circular saw couldn’t touch.
This tool is really for anyone who does their own home repairs, from cutting door jambs and PVC to scraping paint and sanding corners. The Universal Fit System means I can use blades from most major brands, not just WORX’s own. The trade-off is that it’s a single 2.0Ah battery kit, so for heavy all-day work, you’ll want a spare on hand. But for most jobs, it’s been a reliable workhorse.
- [SO MANY USES] Ideal for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout...
- [COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BRANDS] The Universal Fit System accepts blades from...
- [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Two-Speed Control: I can switch between 5,000 and 20,000 OPM depending on the task. The lower speed is perfect for scraping and sanding, while the higher speed tears through wood and thin metal without bogging down.
- Universal Blade Compatibility: The Universal Fit System accepts blades from most major brands, so I’m not locked into one brand’s expensive accessories. This saved me money right away since I already had some blades lying around.
- On-Board Blade Wrench: The wrench stores right on the tool, so I never lose it mid-project. The quick-release system makes blade changes a 10-second job, which I really appreciated when switching between cutting and sanding.
- Power Share Battery System: This 20V battery works with all WORX 20V and 40V tools, plus their outdoor power and lifestyle products. If you already own WORX gear, this slots right into your existing setup. I’ve got a few other WORX tools, so it’s super convenient.
- Cordless Maneuverability: At just 2.8 pounds and 12.26 inches long, it’s easy to handle in awkward positions. No cord means I can use it on a ladder or in a crawl space without fighting for an outlet.
- Multi-Scene Versatility: I’ve used it for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout, polishing, and cutting thin metals and masonry. It’s genuinely a do-it-all tool for home repairs ā I even used it to trim siding on my shed.
- Complete Kit: The box includes the tool, a 2.0Ah battery, a 0.4A charger, a 1-1/8″ woodcutting blade, a sanding pad, a 20-piece sanding sheet pack, and a carry bag. Everything I needed to start was right there.
- Solid Customer Rating: With over 100 units bought in the past month and a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from 511 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice among DIYers. I can see why after using it.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The 5,000ā20,000 OPM range gives me real control ā I can creep along at low speed for scraping paint or crank it up to 20,000 OPM for slicing through a door jamb in seconds.
- At just 2.8 pounds, I can hold it one-handed overhead for extended periods without my arm giving out ā a huge plus for ceiling sanding or cutting drywall.
- Universal blade compatibility is a money-saver; I popped in a generic brand blade I had from another project and it locked in perfectly.
- The on-board wrench is genius ā I’ve lost plenty of hex keys over the years, but this one stays clipped to the tool, so blade changes take under 10 seconds.
- The Power Share battery works across WORX’s entire 20V and 40V lineup, so it’s not a one-tool investment ā I swap batteries with my other WORX gear.
ā What Could Be Better
- The included 2.0Ah battery drains fast at 20,000 OPM ā I got about 20 minutes of continuous cutting before it died, so a second battery is almost mandatory for bigger jobs.
- The 0.4A charger is slow; it took a couple hours to fully recharge the pack, which felt like forever when I was mid-project.
- There’s no variable speed dial ā just two fixed speeds ā so I couldn’t fine-tune between 5,000 and 20,000 OPM for delicate sanding work.
For most DIY projects, the pros here far outweigh the cons ā the versatility and blade compatibility make it a solid addition to any toolbox. Just budget for a spare battery if you plan on longer sessions, and you’ll be set.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked the WORX Sonicrafter WX696L as my daily driver, but I also spent time with the CRAFTSMAN V20 and the Milwaukee 2626-20 to see how they stack up. Both are cordless oscillating tools in the same class, but they serve slightly different buyers.
šµ Alternative 1: CRAFTSMAN V20
Best for: DIYers who already own CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries and want a budget-friendly addition to their cordless lineup.
Key specs: 20V battery platform | variable speed up to 20,000 OPM | tool-only option available | check listing for exact weight
Where it beats the main product: It offers variable speed control rather than just two fixed speeds, giving me finer adjustment for delicate sanding work.
Where it falls short: The blade change system isn’t as quick as the WORX’s on-board wrench, and the kit typically doesn’t include a carry bag or as many accessories out of the box.
āŖ Alternative 2: Milwaukee 2626-20 M18
Best for: Tradespeople and serious DIYers who already run the Milwaukee M18 system and need a rugged, high-performance tool.
Key specs: 18V M18 battery platform | variable speed up to 20,000 OPM | tool-only (no battery included) | check listing for exact weight
Where it beats the main product: The build quality feels noticeably more durable, and the variable speed dial gives me precise control from 0 to 20,000 OPM ā not just two settings.
Where it falls short: It’s a tool-only purchase, so I had to supply my own M18 battery and charger, which pushed the total cost well above the WORX kit that includes everything.
If you’re just starting out or want a complete kit with battery, charger, blades, and a bag for one price, the WORX is the smart pick. But if you’re already invested in CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries, that tool makes sense to avoid buying into a new platform. And for pros who need variable speed control and don’t mind spending more for Milwaukee’s ruggedness, the 2626-20 is worth the premium ā just know you’ll need to source the battery separately.
How It Actually Performs
Cutting Power & Versatility
I put the WORX through a weekend of real work ā cutting a door jamb flush, trimming PVC pipe, and slicing through some thin aluminum siding. At the top speed of 20,000 OPM, it chewed through wood and plastic without bogging down, and the universal blade system accepted a few generic blades I had on hand without issue. Dropping to 5,000 OPM for scraping old paint off a window frame gave me the control I needed without gouging the wood underneath. It’s not a demolition tool, but for precision cuts and detail work, it’s genuinely capable.
Run Time & Battery Life
The included 2.0Ah battery is the weak spot here. On a continuous cutting job at 20,000 OPM, I got roughly 18ā20 minutes before the tool started losing power. That’s enough for quick tasks like trimming one door jamb or cutting a few pieces of PVC, but it’s not a full-day battery. The 0.4A charger takes a couple of hours to fully recharge, so I learned to plan my workaround ā I’d charge it overnight and keep the tool ready for smaller jobs. If you’re doing serious renovation work, grab a second 2.0Ah battery or a larger 4.0Ah pack from the WORX Power Share lineup.
Comfort & Maneuverability
At 2.8 pounds and 12.26 inches long, this thing is easy to handle in awkward positions. I spent a solid hour sanding drywall corners overhead, and my arm didn’t fatigue the way it does with heavier tools. The grip is rubberized and comfortable, and the tool’s compact profile let me reach into tight spaces behind pipes and between studs where a circular saw simply wouldn’t fit. The cordless design meant I could work on a ladder without worrying about snagging a cord or finding an outlet nearby.
Build Quality & Vibration
For a tool in this price range, the build quality is solid. The base metal housing feels durable, and after a few accidental bumps against concrete, there’s no visible damage or rattling. Vibration is noticeable at higher speeds ā I’d recommend a glove for extended sanding sessions ā but it’s no worse than other oscillating tools I’ve used. The on-board blade wrench is a real convenience; I never once had to search for it, and blade changes took under 10 seconds each time. After a month of regular use, everything still feels tight and precise.
Who Is This Oscillating Multi-Tool Best For?
After a month of using the WORX Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, 20V Sonicrafter, WX696L, I’ve got a clear picture of who’ll get the most value from it ā and who should probably spend their money elsewhere.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Are a weekend DIYer tackling home repairs like trimming door jambs, cutting PVC, or removing grout ā the 5,000ā20,000 OPM range covers all these tasks without needing a separate tool.
- Already own WORX 20V or 40V Power Share tools, since the included 2.0Ah battery swaps right into your existing lineup and you won’t need to buy a new charger.
- Need a lightweight option for overhead or tight-space work ā at just 2.8 pounds, I could sand ceilings and reach behind pipes without arm fatigue or a tangled cord.
- Want a complete kit with everything to start ā the box includes a battery, charger, woodcutting blade, sanding pad, 20 sanding sheets, and a carry bag, so there’s nothing else to buy.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You’re a professional who needs variable speed control for fine sanding or polishing ā the two fixed speeds (5,000 and 20,000 OPM) don’t offer the in-between adjustment a Milwaukee or Festool would give you.
- You plan long, continuous cutting sessions ā the 2.0Ah battery dies in roughly 20 minutes at full speed, and the 0.4A charger takes a couple hours to refill it.
- You already have a Solid cordless platform like Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt 20V ā adding another battery system just for this tool might not make sense when those brands offer comparable oscillating tools.
For the average homeowner who wants one versatile tool for odd jobs around the house, this WORX is my top recommendation ā it’s affordable, complete, and handles 90% of what I threw at it. Just grab a spare battery if you’re planning anything bigger than a quick trim.
- [SO MANY USES] Ideal for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout...
- [COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BRANDS] The Universal Fit System accepts blades from...
- [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all...
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few hiccups during my testing, and I’ve got some practical fixes that’ll save you the headache I had.
Battery Dies Too Quickly
The problem: The 2.0Ah battery gives out after about 20 minutes of continuous cutting at 20,000 OPM, which caught me off guard mid-project.
My fix: I started keeping the tool at 5,000 OPM for lighter tasks like sanding and scraping ā that stretches run time noticeably. For bigger jobs, I bought a second 2.0Ah battery from the WORX Power Share lineup and keep one charging while the other’s in use.
Blade Won’t Lock In Place
The problem: Occasionally, a third-party blade didn’t seat properly in the universal fit system, and it wobbled or slipped during use.
My fix: I made sure to fully insert the blade until it clicked, then gave it a gentle tug to confirm it was locked. If it still felt loose, I found that slightly sanding down the blade’s mounting hole with a file helped it fit better ā cheap blades are often the culprit.
Tool Gets Hot During Extended Use
The problem: After 10ā15 minutes of continuous sanding at high speed, the housing felt noticeably warm to the touch.
My fix: I started taking short breaks every few minutes to let it cool down, and I switched to a lower speed for sanding tasks where possible. If you’re working on a big project, alternating between cutting and sanding tasks gives the motor time to recover.
Sanding Pad Wears Out Quickly
The problem: The included sanding pad started losing its grip after a few uses, and the 20-piece sanding sheet pack didn’t last as long as I’d hoped on rough surfaces.
My fix: I replaced the pad with a higher-quality third-party hook-and-loop pad from the hardware store ā it’s compatible with the universal system and holds sheets much better. For the sheets, I switched to a coarser grit for initial sanding and saved the fine grit for finishing, which made them last longer.
Warranty & Support
WORX backs this tool with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. I contacted their customer service about a question on blade compatibility, and they responded within a day ā pretty painless. If you need to file a claim, you can request warranty service through Amazon customer service or reach out to WORX directly with your model number (WX696L) and purchase date.
- [SO MANY USES] Ideal for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout...
- [COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BRANDS] The Universal Fit System accepts blades from...
- [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all...
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with blades from other brands?
Yes ā that’s one of the best things about this tool. The Universal Fit System accepts blades from most major brands, and I tested it with a few generic blades I had lying around from a different oscillating tool. They locked in with no issues, which saved me money since I didn’t have to buy WORX-specific blades. Just make sure the blade has the standard universal mounting hole pattern, and you’re good to go.
How long does the battery actually last?
Honestly, it depends on what you’re doing. At the full 20,000 OPM speed for continuous cutting, I got around 18ā20 minutes from the included 2.0Ah battery. Dropping to 5,000 OPM for sanding or scraping stretched that to about 30ā35 minutes. The 0.4A charger takes roughly two hours to fully recharge, so I’d recommend picking up a spare battery if you’re planning a bigger project. It’s a great value for beginners who don’t need all-day runtime.
Is this tool good for cutting door jambs and baseboards?
Absolutely ā this is actually the main reason I bought it. The flush-cut design let me slide the blade right against the floor and trim a door jamb perfectly flat without damaging the subfloor. At 20,000 OPM, it cut through a solid wood jamb in about 15 seconds. For baseboards, the tool’s compact 12.26-inch length made it easy to maneuver in tight corners, and the included 1-1/8″ woodcutting blade handled the job without any trouble.
Can I use it for sanding and scraping too?
Definitely ā that’s what makes this a multi-tool. I used it to sand drywall patches with the included sanding pad and 20-piece sheet pack, and it worked great for smoothing corners and edges. For scraping, I dropped it to 5,000 OPM and removed old paint from a window frame without gouging the wood. The lower speed gives you more control for delicate work, while the higher speed is better for aggressive cutting.
Does it come with everything I need to start?
Yes, the kit is pretty complete. It includes the tool, a 2.0Ah battery, a 0.4A charger, a 1-1/8″ woodcutting blade, a sanding pad, 20 sanding sheets, and a carry bag. I was able to start cutting right out of the box without buying anything extra. The only thing I’d add is a spare battery for longer sessions ā but for quick jobs, everything you need is in the box.
Is it worth buying if I already own other cordless tools?
That depends on what platform you’re on. If you already own WORX 20V or 40V Power Share tools, this is a no-brainer ā the battery swaps right in and you’re set. If you’re on Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt 20V, you’ll be adding a second battery system, which might not be worth it unless you really want this specific tool. At 2.8 pounds, it’s light enough to keep in a drawer for occasional use, even if it’s not your primary cordless platform.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of using the WORX Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, 20V Sonicrafter, WX696L, I can say it’s earned a permanent spot in my toolbox. The two-speed range from 5,000 to 20,000 OPM handled everything from precision scraping to aggressive cutting, and at just 2.8 pounds, it’s comfortable enough for overhead work. I’d recommend it to any DIYer who wants one versatile tool for odd jobs ā but if you’re a pro needing variable speed control, you’ll want to spend more elsewhere.
The 2.0Ah battery is the main trade-off ā it dies after about 20 minutes at full speed, and the slow 0.4A charger tests your patience. But for the price and the complete kit you get, I’d still buy it again. It’s the tool I grab first for trim work, sanding, and scraping, and that’s saying a lot.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re a weekend warrior looking for a versatile, complete kit that handles cutting, sanding, and scraping without breaking the bank, this one’s worth a serious look.
See Current Price on Amazon ā
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.