Black & Decker Oscillating Tool Attachment

Why I added the Matrix oscillating attachment to my kit

In my home shop, I reach for an oscillating multi-tool whenever I need one tool to do five jobs in a cramped corner. I’ve been using the Matrix oscillating attachment for a run of small renovations—opening drywall for electrical boxes, trimming shims and casing, shaving back PVC, and detail sanding inside corners. It’s a straightforward add-on that snaps onto a Matrix power unit and, once you know its strengths and limits, it’s easy to live with.

Setup and what’s included

Out of the box, you get the attachment, a plunge-cutting blade, a sanding platen, and two sanding sheets. There’s no power unit or battery in the package—this is an attachment-only piece. It’s compatible with Matrix powerheads I already own (I used both a 20V Max unit and a corded 4A base to compare), and the fit-up is as simple as aligning and locking the collar.

The quick-release lever is the story here. Accessory changes are tool-free, and the clamp feels positive. I can swap from a plunge blade to the sanding pad in under 10 seconds—no fumbling with a hex key. It accepts the standard Black & Decker oscillating accessories I already had on hand. If you’re planning to cut a mix of materials, expect to buy a few more blades beyond the included plunge cutter.

Ergonomics and control

The attachment itself is compact—about 7 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 1.3 pounds—so the overall feel depends on which Matrix power unit you pair it with. On the 20V base, it balances well and feels nimble around door jambs and baseboard. With the corded 4A base, it’s a little nose-heavy but stable for longer sessions where continuous power is helpful.

The body shape gives decent sightlines to your cut. The variable speed dial is easy to reach, and the locking lever is tucked out of the way so you don’t bump it mid-cut. Vibration control is decent for light and medium tasks. Like most oscillating tools in this class, it can buzz your hand during longer metal cuts; gloves help.

Speed and power

Matrix power units cap the performance envelope, and the attachment scales with them:

• 12V Max base: 0–14,500 OPM
• 20V Max base: 0–18,500 OPM
• AC 4A base: 0–16,000 OPM

In practice, the 12V setup is fine for light-duty trim and drywall. The 20V configuration feels the most versatile, keeping blades moving fast enough to stay cool and productive. The corded base gives you continuous runtime and steady performance for shop work or longer sanding sessions, but tops out below the 20V’s peak OPM.

Cutting and sanding performance

• Drywall: With the included plunge blade and the speed set mid-high, it cuts clean openings without over-chewing paper edges. Depth control is excellent—oscillating tools excel at stopping precisely at a stud or conduit. I used it to square up several retrofit box holes with tidy results.

• Wood: For trim and casing, especially in tight corners where a jigsaw can’t fit, this attachment shines. I made flush undercuts on door jambs (with a flush blade from B&D) and trimmed projecting shims without splintering. It’s not the fastest saw in the shop, but it’s controlled and accurate.

• Metal: With the right bi-metal blade (not included), it will nibble through finish nails, screws, and light-gauge brackets. On the 12V base, I could stall it if I leaned too hard; on the 20V, slow feed pressure and a moderate speed kept teeth alive and cuts manageable. Expect heat—give the blade a breather on longer cuts.

• Plastic and composites: PVC pipe and laminate trim cut cleanly. The oscillating motion reduces wandering, so plunge starts are more predictable than with a rotary tool.

• Scraping and grinding: With compatible scraper heads (sold separately), it lifted old caulk and adhesive without gouging the substrate. The limited oscillation speed on the 12V calls for patience; the 20V base is noticeably better for gummy materials.

• Sanding: The included detail pad and sheets are handy for corners and profiles. I like to drop the speed and move to a finer grit to reduce swirl marks. It won’t replace a dedicated sander for broad surfaces, but it’s great for spot repairs and finish blending.

Accessory changes and security

The tool-free lever is the right design choice for an attachment like this. It’s quick, it lets you clock blades to different angles, and I haven’t had a blade slip during use. As with any quick-clamp, it’s worth giving the accessory a tug before you start a cut, especially after a hot metal job where thermal cycling can loosen things. The lever action is smooth and hasn’t shown play after months of weekend use.

Noise, dust, and vibration

• Noise is on par with typical compact oscillating tools—hearing protection is wise in confined rooms.
• Dust collection isn’t built-in. For drywall and sanding, I pair it with a vacuum and pause periodically to clear the work line. A sharp blade and the right speed make a bigger difference than you’d think in keeping dust down.
• Vibration is manageable on wood and drywall; expect more tingle during aggressive metal cuts. The corded base transmits a bit more vibration than the 20V unit in my hands.

Build quality and warranty

Construction feels solid for the class. There’s enough stiffness in the housing and nose to keep cuts tracking straight, and the interface to the power unit is snug. I haven’t encountered overheating in normal duty, but like all oscillating tools, it benefits from a light touch and a pause between long cuts. The two-year limited warranty is in line with what I expect at this price.

Battery life and runtime

On the 20V base with a typical compact pack, I can get through a handful of trim cuts, a couple of drywall openings, and some spot sanding before swapping batteries. If I’m cutting metal fasteners or doing extended scraping, I keep a second pack ready. The corded base eliminates runtime concerns and is my choice for prolonged sanding or scraping jobs—at the cost of tethering to an outlet.

Value and who it’s for

The listed price for the attachment is $65.99. On its own, that’s not inexpensive, especially considering you still need a Matrix power unit. But if you already own the Matrix ecosystem, this is a practical way to add multi-tool capability without buying a separate tool and charger. If you’re starting from scratch and don’t plan on using other Matrix attachments, a standalone oscillating multi-tool might make more sense on price.

What I’d change

• Include more consumables: Two sanding sheets get you started, but a small assortment of grits and a second blade would reduce the first trip back to the store.
• Higher top speed on the corded base: The 4A setup is steady, but a little more OPM would make sanding and fine cutting snappier.
• Accessory breadth: The attachment favors Black & Decker accessories; if your shop already runs other blade systems, plan your purchases accordingly.

Tips for best results

• Match speed to material: slower for metal and plastics to control heat, faster for wood and drywall.
• Let the blade do the work: a light feed preserves teeth and reduces vibration.
• Use the right blade: a bi-metal for nails, a finer-tooth for laminate, and a flush-cut for undercuts.
• Keep the pad cool: during long sanding sessions, give the backing pad a rest to preserve hook-and-loop grip.

Final take

The Matrix oscillating attachment does what I need an oscillating head to do—make controlled cuts in tight spaces, handle quick sanding touch-ups, and scrape where a chisel would be awkward—without turning my tool chest upside down. Its tool-free accessory change and variable speed are well executed, and performance scales predictably with whichever Matrix power unit you pair it with.

Recommendation: I recommend this attachment if you’re already invested in the Matrix system or planning to be. It’s a capable, compact way to add multi-tool functionality with minimal fuss, backed by a reasonable two-year warranty. If you don’t own a Matrix power unit, the total cost may favor a standalone oscillating tool instead, but for Matrix users, this is an easy, useful upgrade that earns its space in the kit.