Full Review ⭐ Worx WX696L 20V: Power Share Oscillating Multi Tool

Worx is a brand known for their quality power tools aimed at the home DIYer and hobbyist. Founded in 2004, they have consistently delivered innovative and affordable products across a wide range of categories like drills, saws, lawn equipment, and more.

One of their most popular offerings is the oscillating multi-tool, a versatile tool that can sand, grind, cut, and scrape in tight spaces other tools can't reach. The Worx WX696L reviewed here is one of their latest cordless oscillating multi-tool models, featuring their 20V Power Share battery system.

This oscillating multi-tool packs a lot of useful features into a compact and ergonomic body, making it a great choice for home improvement projects both large and small. Read on for a detailed look at what makes the WX696L stand out.

Overview of the WX696L

The Worx WX696L is a compact and versatile oscillating multi-tool designed for DIYers and home improvement projects. This 20V cordless tool features Worx's Power Share battery system, allowing it to use the same battery as other Worx tools.

Some of the key features and specs of the WX696L include:

• Powerful 20V motor provides up to 15,000 oscillations per minute
• Quick blade change system allows blades to be changed without tools
• Variable speed dial with 6 speed settings from 10,000 to 15,000 OPM
• Slim ergonomic handle design for comfort and control
• Weighs only 2.2 lbs for reduced fatigue during extended use
• LED light illuminates the work area
• Compatible with all major oscillating tool accessory brands
• Comes with an assortment of accessories including sanding pad, scraper blade, and carbide grout removal blade
• Uses Worx Power Share 20V lithium ion battery and charger (sold separately)
• 2 year warranty

The WX696L combines performance and versatility in a compact cordless format suitable for sanding, cutting, grinding, scraping and more. With tool-free blade changes and a wide range of compatible accessories, it aims to handle most oscillating tool applications encountered by DIYers.

For those looking for a corded oscillating tool, the Worx Oscillating Tool Variable Speed 2.5A is an excellent choice. This oscillating saw features a powerful 2.5 amp motor with variable speed control from 10,000 to 18,000 OPM. The quick blade change system allows tool-free accessory changes in seconds without any wrenches. It comes with over 70 accessories for sanding, cutting, scraping, grinding and more. The soft grip handle provides comfort and control during extended use. An adjustable auxiliary handle adds stability for vertical cutting applications. With its durable construction and versatility for home improvement tasks, this corded oscillating tool from Worx is a handy addition to any DIYer's toolkit.

Both the WX696L cordless and the corded Worx oscillating tools aim to provide DIYers with an affordable oscillating multi-tool packed with useful features. The cordless WX696L offers the freedom to work anywhere without cords, while the corded model provides continuous power for extended use. With their quick blade change systems, variable speeds, and compatibility with name-brand accessories, Worx oscillating tools are designed to take on a wide variety of jobs. For home improvement projects requiring detail sanding, flush cutting, grinding, scraping and more, these oscillating tools from Worx can get the job done.

Design and Build Quality

The Worx WX696L 20V oscillating multi-tool features a durable and ergonomic design built for comfort during extended use. The tool weighs only 3.3 lbs, making it easy to maneuver and control during operation.

The housing is constructed from lightweight but sturdy plastic that holds up well to job site abuse. Rubberized grips on the sides and top provide a secure and comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue even when using the tool for long periods.

An LED light is integrated into the tool's head to illuminate the work area for improved visibility. The head can also pivot left or right to allow flush cutting along vertical surfaces.

The tool is very well balanced, with the battery inserted at the bottom to lower the center of gravity. This makes the WX696L easy to hold steady for accurate cuts. The compact size allows it to fit into tight spaces other tools can't reach.

Overall, the thoughtful design elements and sturdy construction result in an oscillating multi-tool that's built to withstand real world use while remaining comfortable and controllable for the operator.

For those looking for even more power and performance from their oscillating multi-tool, the Worx Nitro 18V(20V MAX): Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, Sonicrafter, PowerShare, Universal Fit, Tool-Free Hyperlock Clamp, 2Ah Battery&Charger, Accessories Included, WX693 is an excellent option to consider. This premium model from Worx delivers increased cutting speed and torque thanks to its efficient brushless motor.

The Worx Nitro WX693 features the same compact, ergonomic design as the WX696L but takes it to the next level with enhanced power and runtime. It has variable speed control from 5,000 to 18,000 oscillations per minute allowing you to match the speed to the application.

An advanced electronic brake system stops the blade in under 1 second when the trigger is released for improved safety. The quick release lever makes it fast and easy to change accessories without any tools required.

Like all Worx 20V PowerShare tools, the battery is compatible with other Worx cordless devices allowing you to build a complete system powered by the same battery platform. This oscillating multi-tool comes with a 2Ah battery and charger included.

If you're looking for maximum versatility and cutting performance from your oscillating multi-tool, the Worx Nitro WX693 is a top choice to consider. Its brushless motor provides more power while the thoughtful design remains comfortable and easy to handle.

Motor and Power

The WX696L features a powerful brushless motor that delivers up to 3,000-20,000 oscillations per minute. This allows the tool to make quick work of cutting and sanding applications.

The motor provides plenty of torque, even at lower speeds, thanks to the efficient brushless design. It can power through tougher materials without bogging down.

According to Worx, the max power output is 120 watts. This level of power is suitable for most oscillating tool uses, from metal cutting to sanding and grinding. The variable speed trigger gives you control over the speed and power to match the demands of the application.

At 20 volts, the battery pack provides sufficient voltage to drive the motor optimally. The tool maintains its power even as the battery drains, only dropping off right at the end of the charge. This results in consistently good cutting and sanding performance.

Overall, the WX696L's motor provides professional-grade power while remaining compact and energy efficient. The brushless design and electronic speed control deliver smooth, controlled power ideal for an oscillating multi-tool.

Blade Changing System

One of the standout features of the WX696L is the tool-less blade change system. Changing blades on oscillating multi-tools can often be a hassle, requiring tools to remove and install each blade.

The WX696L has a quick release lever that allows you to swap blades without any tools. Just flip the lever open, remove the old blade, drop in the new one, and snap the lever closed again. It takes just seconds to change blades, making it easy to switch to a different cutting profile for a new material or task.

The WX696L uses Worx's universal Oscillating Multi-Tool Quick Connect attachment system. This means it is compatible with all major brands' oscillating multi-tool blades and accessories. You don't have to stick to proprietary Worx blades, giving you a wide selection of blades to choose from. Popular brands like Bosch, Dremel, Rockwell and more will all fit and work with the WX696L's quick change system.

Having quick and easy blade changes expands the versatility of the WX696L. You can rapidly switch blade profiles to match the application, rather than needing multiple oscillating tools with fixed blades.

Variable Speed Settings

The WX696L offers variable speed control through a speed dial, allowing you to match the blade oscillations per minute (OPM) to the material you're cutting. The speed range is quite impressive, going from 0 to 3,200 OPM.

At the lower end, under 1,000 OPM, the multi-tool is well-suited for delicate materials like drywall or plastic. The lower vibration helps with accuracy and control. In the middle speed range, from around 1,000 to 2,000 OPM, you can tackle wood, metal and other everyday materials. At max speed, 3,200 OPM, the WX696L powers through tough materials rapidly.

Having a wide speed range gives you the versatility to use this multi-tool for all kinds of DIY and construction projects. The speed dial makes it easy to adjust the OPM as needed for different applications. Overall, the variable speed settings are a useful feature that adds to the capabilities of this oscillating multi-tool.

Accessories

The WX696L comes with a good selection of accessories to get you started on DIY and craft projects.

Included in the box are:

• A sanding pad, which allows you to smoothly sand wood, plastic, and metal. It attaches easily and has an adjustable dust extraction port.

• A cutting blade, which can cut through wood, plastic, and light metal up to 10mm thick. The blade has 20 teeth per inch for smooth, clean cuts.

• A scraping blade, perfect for removing old paint, glue, and gaskets. The thin profile allows you to get into tight spaces.

• A plunge cut blade, designed for making indentations and slots in materials like wood and plastic. It prevents splintering as it cuts.

Additional attachments can be purchased separately:

• A detail sander, good for sanding small areas and delicate work like furniture restoration. It uses triangular sanding pads.

• A rigid scraper blade for removing flooring adhesives and paint from concrete.

• A circle cutter attachment that allows you to cut perfect circles up to 152mm in size.

• A grout removal blade to clean and re-grout tile.

With the included accessories and additional available attachments, the WX696L can take on a wide variety of DIY and craft projects. The versatile tool really expands what you can do.

Battery and Charger

The Worx WX696L comes with a 20V 2.0Ah lithium ion battery and charger. This is Worx's Power Share battery system, which means the battery is compatible with other Worx Power Share tools.

The 2.0Ah battery provides decent runtime for an oscillating multi-tool. On a full charge, you can expect around 15-20 minutes of continuous use depending on the accessories and materials you're cutting. This is enough to complete most DIY and home improvement tasks without needing to stop for a recharge.

Charging the battery from empty takes 2-3 hours. This is pretty standard for lithium ion batteries of this size. The charger plugs into a standard wall outlet and has an LED indicator to show charging status. It automatically stops charging when the battery is full to prevent overcharging.

One of the upsides of the Power Share battery system is that you can purchase additional batteries or chargers separately. This allows you to keep one charging while using another, for unlimited runtime. The batteries are also compatible with other Worx tools like drill/drivers, saws, sanders, etc. Overall the battery life and charging system works well for the WX696L oscillating tool.

Pros and Cons

The Worx WX696L oscillating multi-tool has several advantages and a few drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Powerful 20V motor provides good cutting and sanding performance
• Tool-free blade change system allows quick accessory swaps
• Variable speed dial gives control over oscillations per minute
• Comes with useful attachments like sanding pad and scraper blade
• Uses the Power Share battery system for compatibility with other Worx tools
• Decent battery life from 2.0Ah battery pack
• Compact and lightweight design improves maneuverability

Cons

• Price is higher than some competing oscillating multi-tools
• Blade changing requires use of an included hex wrench
• No LED light which some models have for better visibility
• Battery and charger sold separately adds to cost
• Accessory assortment is limited compared to other brands
• Some plastic parts feel a bit flimsy and cheap

Overall, the WX696L is a capable oscillating multi-tool that performs well for basic cutting and sanding tasks. The tool-free blade change and Power Share battery are nice features. But the higher price and lack of extras like an LED light leave room for improvement. It's a decent option, but not the best value for most users.

Conclusion

Overall, the Worx WX696L is an excellent oscillating multi-tool that deserves a strong recommendation. It combines versatile functionality, good power and performance, and thoughtful design in a compact and ergonomic package.

The quick blade change system, variable speed trigger, and included accessories make the WX696L a highly capable DIY and home improvement tool. It can sand, cut, grind, polish, scrape, and more on a wide variety of materials. The brushless motor provides sufficient power while keeping the tool lightweight.

Build quality is solid with metal gearing and quality plastics used throughout. The compact size allows access into tight spaces. Battery life is decent, providing up to 2 hours of runtime. The charger is quick, with a battery fully charging in 1 hour.

For the price, the WX696L packs in tremendous value. It can replace many single-purpose tools and allow tackling of different jobs. The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind on durability.

Overall, the Worx WX696L earns a strong recommendation as a versatile, thoughtfully designed oscillating multi-tool that represents an excellent value for DIYers and home improvement enthusiasts. It earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.