HGTV’s Keith Bynum’s Go-To Tool and 40% Off for Labor Day

If you’ve ever watched an HGTV renovation and thought, “Wow, they make that look easy,” congratulations: you have working eyeballs and an excellent sense of TV editing. Real-life remodels are messier, louder, and packed with tiny “how is this even attached?” surprises. That’s why the best pros and the smartest DIYers don’t just collect toolsthey collect solutions.

Keith Bynum (the designer and renovation pro known for turning Detroit fixer-uppers into affordable, personality-packed homes on HGTV) has a refreshingly practical take on tools: the ones that earn a permanent spot in the workflow are the ones that save time in the awkward, hard-to-reach moments. And that’s exactly why his go-to toolthe oscillating multi-toolgets so much love. Even better for your wallet: one Labor Day deal spotlighted this kind of tool at around 40% off. Let’s break down what the tool does, why it’s so clutch on real projects, and how to shop smart when the discounts roll in.

Why Keith Bynum’s Tool Picks Hit Different

HGTV projects are part design, part construction, and part “please don’t let that wall be load-bearing.” On Bargain Block, Keith and his partner Evan Thomas tackle rundown houses and bring them back with tight budgets and big creativityexactly the kind of work where versatile tools matter. A go-to tool isn’t the fanciest thing in the garage; it’s the one you grab because it solves problems fast when the house throws curveballs.

Keith’s go-to tool choice is especially telling because it’s not a statement pieceit’s a workhorse. The oscillating multi-tool is the tool-world equivalent of duct tape: it’s not glamorous, but it’s weirdly perfect at the jobs that make you sigh dramatically in the middle of a project.

The Go-To Tool: The Oscillating Multi-Tool (AKA the “Problem Solver”)

An oscillating multi-tool is a handheld power tool with a head that moves in a tiny side-to-side arc at high speed. The motion is small, but the results are huge because it gives you control where bigger saws can’t fit. With the right attachments, it can:

• Plunge cut openings into drywall, wood, or trim
• Flush cut baseboards, door casing, and protruding fasteners
• Undercut door jambs for flooring installs
• Scrape off old caulk, adhesive, or paint
• Detail sand corners and tight profiles
• Remove grout (with the right carbide accessory)

Popular Mechanics called it a saw, scraper, sander, and grinder rolled into one handy toolespecially useful in places where other tools simply can’t reach. That’s the core appeal: it lets you do surgical work without ripping half the room apart “just to get access.”

Why This Tool Shows Up in Real Renovations

There are two reasons oscillating tools become “go-to” status on job sites and DIY weekends:

1) Control beats brute force

Oscillating multi-tools don’t spin like a circular saw. They “wiggle” rapidly, which helps you keep the cut where you want itespecially for trim and finish work. That’s why pros often rely on them for precise plunge and flush cuts, like trimming door jambs for new flooring or cutting drywall openings cleanly.

2) They solve the annoying stuff

Most projects don’t fail because you can’t do the big steps. They fail because you hit a dozen small obstacles: a stubborn nail, a tight corner, a weird gap behind trim, a crusty line of caulk that laughs at your putty knife. An oscillating tool is built for those moments.

The DeWalt Angle: What “Keith’s Go-To Tool” Looks Like in the Real World

The version that frequently gets highlighted is a cordless DeWalt oscillating multi-tool, often in the 20V MAX ecosystem. Why that matters: if you’re already using a DeWalt drill/driver or impact driver, you may already have batteries and a chargermeaning the “true cost” of adding the multi-tool can drop significantly.

DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR brushless 3-speed oscillating multi-tool line is built around a few features DIYers actually notice mid-project:

• Brushless motor for improved efficiency and runtime
• 3-speed control so you can match speed to the task (delicate sanding vs. aggressive cutting)
• Quick-change accessory system to swap blades faster
• Universal accessory compatibility (with an adapter) for broader blade options
• LED work light for dark corners (which describes 72% of home renovation spaces)

Translation: it’s designed for the exact kind of “a little cut here, a little scrape there” work that dominates renovation reality.

About That Labor Day Deal: What “40% Off” Usually Means

Labor Day is one of the most reliable seasonal windows for tool deals. A widely circulated promotion highlighted a DeWalt 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit at roughly 40% offthe kind of discount that turns a “someday” tool into a “fine, I’ll add to cart” tool.

When you see “40% off,” sanity-check the value by looking at what’s included:

Kit vs. bare tool: the deal that fits your life

• Bare tool deals are best if you already own compatible batteries/chargers.
• Kit deals are best if you’re starting from scratch or if the kit includes a battery size you actually want.

Accessories can be the sneaky value

Oscillating tools are only as useful as the blade attached. A kit with multiple blades and sanding pads can save you extra trips (and extra spending) later. If the deal includes a decent starter pack, that’s real valuenot just marketing confetti.

How to Use an Oscillating Multi-Tool Like You’ve Done This Before

The fastest way to love this tool is to avoid the most common beginner mistakes. Here’s a practical workflow that works across most projects.

Step 1: Pick the right blade (this is 80% of success)

• Wood blade: trim, baseboards, soft woods
• Bi-metal blade: nails, screws, thin metal, mixed-material cuts
• Scraper: adhesive, caulk, old flooring glue
• Sanding pad + sheets: corners, trim profiles, touch-ups
• Carbide grit: grout removal, stubborn mortar residue

Step 2: Mark your cut and protect the “don’t mess this up” surfaces

Painter’s tape is your friend. It helps you mark lines and reduces scuffs on adjacent trim or finished surfaces. For plunge cuts, outline your opening clearly and start slowly.

Step 3: Let the tool do the work

High-speed oscillation plus heavy pressure is a recipe for burnt blades and frustration. Use a steady grip, apply light-to-moderate pressure, and keep the accessory moving as needed. If it’s not cutting, it’s usually the blade typenot your effort level.

Step 4: Control dust (future-you will be grateful)

Cutting drywall, sanding, or grinding grout can throw dust everywhere. Keep a vacuum nearby, wear appropriate protection, and take breaks to clear debris so your cut stays accurate.

Project Examples Where This Tool Earns Its Keep

Undercutting door jambs for new flooring

If you’re installing LVP, laminate, or hardwood, undercutting door casing lets the floor slide underneath for a clean look. An oscillating tool is a popular choice for this because it’s controllable and can make flush cuts close to the floor.

Flush-cutting protruding fasteners

Got a nail or screw that’s sticking out just enough to ruin your day? A bi-metal blade can cut it flush without tearing up the surrounding surface.

Cutting drywall openings without wrecking the whole wall

Need a neat rectangle for a low-voltage box or access panel? Oscillating tools make precise plunge cuts that are easier to keep square than many alternatives.

Removing old caulk like a civilized person

Bathrooms and kitchens love collecting caulk that refuses to leave. A scraper attachment helps lift stubborn lines without gouging tile edges (as long as you keep a light touch).

Grout removal for small repair jobs

If you’re not re-grouting an entire palace, a grout-removal attachment can help you target failing sections. It’s not magic, but it’s a lot better than hand-scraping forever.

Safety: Quick, Real, and Not a Buzzkill

Oscillating tools feel “safe” because they’re compact and controlled. They can still bite, throw debris, and generate serious noise and dustespecially during cutting and grinding. A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Eye protection: flying particles happen fastespecially when you hit nails or brittle material.
• Hearing protection: power tools can reach harmful noise levels; don’t treat ringing ears like a trophy.
• Dust control: use a mask/respirator for sanding, drywall cuts, or grout grinding.
• Mind the environment: avoid wet conditions and keep away from flammables when using power tools.

Also: check what’s behind the surface before plunge cutting. The tool is excellent at making holes… which is great until it’s not.

Shopping Smart for Labor Day (and Beyond)

If you’re hunting a Labor Day deal like the 40% markdown that made the rounds, here’s how to make sure you’re buying the right thing for your projectsnot just the best-looking discount badge.

Choose the ecosystem you’ll actually stick with

If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, staying in that platform can save money long-term. If you don’t, consider what other tools you’ll likely buy in the next year (drill, impact driver, circular saw, etc.). Battery ecosystems are like friend groups: once you join one, you’re probably staying for a while.

Don’t overpay for accessories you’ll never use

Some kits include piles of blades that look impressive but don’t match your actual work. A smaller kit plus a high-quality blade pack you choose yourself can be a smarter value.

Know what you want to cutthen buy for that

If your projects include nails, lath, or mixed materials, bi-metal blades matter. If you’re mostly sanding trim and doing gentle cuts, a solid wood blade and sanding pads might be enough to start.

Check comfort features (your hands will file a complaint)

Variable speed, good grip design, and easy blade changes aren’t “nice-to-haves” when you’re doing a full afternoon of detail work. They’re the difference between finishing the job and rage-cleaning your garage instead.

Extra : Real-World “Renovation Moments” Where This Tool Saves the Day

Let’s talk about the kind of experiences that don’t make the highlight reelbecause they’re not dramatic enough for TV, but they’re exactly what determines whether your weekend project ends in victory or in a stressed-out trip to the hardware store five minutes before closing.

Scenario 1: The baseboard that won’t come off nicely. You start a flooring project thinking you’ll pop the baseboards off gently and reinstall them later. Two minutes in, you realize the previous installer used nails, adhesive, and possibly pure spite. This is where an oscillating multi-tool shines: you can make a controlled cut behind the trim to separate stubborn glue lines, or you can flush-cut the nail shanks if you need to remove a section without ripping drywall paper off the wall. Instead of turning one baseboard into a demolition event, you get a cleaner, calmer removal.

Scenario 2: The door jamb that needs a haircut. If you’ve ever tried to slide new plank flooring under a door casing and felt personally disrespected by a quarter-inch gap, welcome to the club. Undercutting the jamb is the “pro” way to do it. With the right blade, the multi-tool lets you cut precisely at the height you need. The trick many DIYers discover: use a scrap piece of the flooring as a height guide, go slow, and keep your cut flat. Suddenly, the floor tucks in like it was always meant to be there, and the finished edge looks deliberate instead of “I did my best.”

Scenario 3: The mystery fastener in the worst possible location. Renovations love hiding nails in corners where a hammer can’t swing and a drill can’t fit. Maybe it’s behind a cabinet toe kick, under a stair tread, or inside a narrow closet where your elbows can’t even negotiate. A compact oscillating tool can reach those spots with a bi-metal blade and handle the problem without you taking half the structure apart. It’s not about powerit’s about access.

Scenario 4: The caulk line that’s become part of the kitchen. Old caulk can be stubborn, gummy, and strangely proud of itself. You can scrape it by hand forever, or you can use a scraper attachment and carefully lift it in sections. The experience most people have the first time they do this: once the old caulk is truly removed, the new caulk bead looks dramatically better. The finished result isn’t just cleanerit actually seals properly because you’re not trying to caulk over a crusty layer of yesterday.

Scenario 5: The “quick patch” that turns into detail sanding. You patch a hole. You sand. It looks fine… until you paint and the light hits it like a spotlight at a talent show. Detail sanding is where oscillating tools become unexpectedly useful. They can help feather edges in corners and tight areas where a standard sander can’t get flat. The experience here is less about speed and more about precision: small corrections now prevent the “why does that wall look weird?” moment later.

That’s the real charm of Keith Bynum’s go-to tool choice: it’s built for the dozens of micro-problems that actually define renovation work. Big tools build the structure. The oscillating multi-tool makes the structure look like you knew what you were doing the whole time.

Conclusion

Keith Bynum’s go-to tool pick makes perfect renovation sense: an oscillating multi-tool is the kind of versatile, high-control tool that solves the awkward, real-life problems that slow projects down. And when Labor Day pricing knocks a solid kit down by around 40%, it’s a smart moment to investespecially if you’re already in a compatible battery system. Choose the right kit, stock up on the blades you’ll actually use, and you’ll have a tool that earns its keep on everything from flooring to trim to grout touch-ups.