Dewalt has come out with their first ever oscillating multi-tool (DWE315K). The new oscillating tool features a Quick Change blade change system* that looks similar to Porter Cable’s design, a powerful 3.0 amp motor, and Dual-Grip variable speed trigger that improves control.
Our 2012 Dewalt oscillating multi-tool prediction was that the brand would release an oscillating tool and an entire range of universally-compatible accessories and attachments, and so far it looks like this might be the case.
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As with other oscillating tools, the new Dewalt version can cut, sand, scrape, or remove a range of materials, depending on the type of blade or accessory you pair it with.
*Note: Dewalt’s oscillating tool blade change system is only tool-free when used with Porter Cable or Dewalt cutting blades and accessories. Rockwell’s newer accessories can be swapped in tool-free as well. Using any other brands’ blades or attachments will require that you keep a hex key close at hand for blade changes.
Meet the Competition: Bosch, Dremel, Fein, Makita, Porter Cable, Ridgid, Rockwell
Features
- 3A motor
- 22,000 OPM
- Quick-change tool-free blade change system
- Dual-grip variable speed trigger
- Bright LED worklight
- Adjustable tool guide for height and depth control
- Universal accessory adapter accepts most other brands’ oscillating tool accessories
- 10 ft power cord
- 3.1 lbs weight
- 13″ length
- 1.6° oscillating angle
Update: It looks like there is a trigger lock on the side of the oscillating tool, and the kit comes with a new style deep-compartment ToughCase organizer.
The DWE315K kit includes a 30-piece accessory set: (1) bi-metal plunge cutting blade, (1) fast-cutting wood blade, (1) semi-circle flush cutting blade, (1) sanding pad, (25) sandpaper sheets, (1) universal accessory adapter.
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Retail price: $139
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Update: Word on the street is that a brushless cordless version is in the works.
Update 2: Here’s all you need to know about the Dewalt 20V Max cordless brushless oscillating multi-tool!
Dewalt Universal Fitment Oscillating Tool Accessories
The DWE315K oscillating multi-tool kit comes with a sampling of Dewalt’s new Universal Fitment accessories, which are designed to fit most major brands of oscillating tools. Right now there is a small selection of blades, but we’re hoping to see some expansion in the future.
- Multi-material blade (such as for cutting asphalt shingles)
- Titanium-coated long-life blade
- Quick Wave blade for fast grout material
These 3 additional blade types will be available separately and are not included in the tool kit.
First Impression
Dewalt users and fans will certainly rejoice over the news, but I will reserve judgement until the dust settles from the launch.
Without a doubt, Dewalt is late to the party. I don’t think the market is quite saturated, but there is already some fierce competition between current multi-tool and accessories brands’ offerings. The DWE315K and Universal Fitment accessories are going to have to provide high performance and an excellent user experience in order to convince users to upgrade or sway from their favored accessories brands.
Right now the Universal Fitment line consists of 6 blades, a sanding pad, and sanding sheets. That’s not a lot, but it’s a good start. The only way Dewalt stands a chance at moving in other brands’ territories is if these accessories are very widely available. Right now, Bosch’s OIS and Dremel accessories lines seem to the most popular and easiest to find, with Dremel as the budget-friendly pick and Bosch as the high-performance one. There are a number of highly recommended third party brands as well via online dealers.
I do like that Dewalt is aiming to provide improved user control via the Dual-Grip variable speed trigger, but this also looks to make the tool slightly longer than competing models. According to press materials, this feature changes the way users control the speed of the oscillating tool and provides users with multiple options for gripping the tool, depending on the application.
Overall, I am optimistic that this is a strong design, and am happy to see that Dewalt designed the blade interface for universal compatibility, as oscillating multi-tool users don’t like to be tethered to proprietary blades and accessories.
$159 pricing seems fair for what you get. (Update: the price has been lowered to $139.)
One thing I am disappointed about is how there is no mention of a dust collection attachment, as either part of the tool kit or available separately.
Dewalt has said that the vast majority of North American users have not expressed the need for dust collection on this [type of] tool, and that they will continue to monitor feedback from users. If the need for dust collection presents itself, they will respond as necessary. This makes sense, but I have gotten so use to working in as dust-free conditions as possible that I strongly prefer eliminating dust right at the source to minimize cleanup and potential air quality issues.
It probably won’t be long before we see a compact cordless 20V Max version. I don’t think Dewalt will release anything similar in their 12V platform unless (or until) they first come out with 2.0Ah and maybe even 4.0Ah batteries, as cordless oscillating tools tend to be very power-hungry and with relatively short runtimes.
jesse
About time, I would say. Yes, they are late to the party.
Stuart
Being late to market isn’t exactly bad for their long term strategy. i.e. two years from now, the timing won’t be an issue.
The timing means that Dewalt’s design team had plenty of time to analyze competitors’ models in regard to strengths and weaknesses. That doesn’t make up for an absent market presence but it helps.
John S
Agreed. And Dewalt has such a strong backing with its name that it won’t make a difference a year from now (assuming their OMT performs up to par)
MikeH
I have to say i’m disappointed here – I am a huge dewalt guy, 70% of my equipment is dewalt – I think the price point is very high for what comes with the “kit” compared with other proven, and arguably more versatile, brands already out there. i would think that most folks who need this would already have one and i can’t see any features on this unit that distinguish it from the competition (it is only one picture). I agree with you Stuart that the market certainly isn’t saturated but who’s going to spend $159 when you can spend $120 on other kits, from relaible makers, which have many more blades/accessories in them. You noted the tool is long and from this picture looks a bit “clunky”. I think Dewalt is missing the mark here – i was really hoping they would come out with a tool that would blow away competitors like Ridgid’s jobmax series. There are lots of Dewalt tools on my wish list, this tool just doesnt make it.
Stuart
Just for a bit of perspective, Fein’s bare-bones kit comes with a scraper blade, cutting blade, sanding pad, and 30-pack of sandpaper for $200.
Bosch has a couple of nicely equipped MX30E combos, with the price starting at $170. The target=”_blank”>$170 kit comes with a much more complete accessory set than Dewalt’s kit, but a lot of users look at price before anything else.
Not all tools and accessories are made alike, which is why you can’t really go according to price. Just looking at the Dewalt/Stanley Black & Decker family, the Porter Cable multi-tool is currently priced at $99. I would expect for the Dewalt tool and accessories to be more featured and of better quality than the Dewalt, to justify that extra $60 in price.
mnoswad1
Dewalt would be wise to package this kit in a Tstak kit box……..only. Why not promote that storage system on the tails of this tool, esp with all the attention the lboxx is getting.
I dont like a trigger n this type of tool as well as on a grinder. I much more prefer an actual on/off slide switch. Also don’t see the need for a variable speed with this kind of tool.
Do like LED lights on everything now though.
Yes…..I am available to be employed as a tool industry marketing consultant.
Stuart
I am sure Dewalt’s marketing team thought of that, but decided against it.
I don’t think it would be a wise choice to only offer this or other new Dewalt tools in Tstak kits. A lot of users would probably still toss out the cases and resent having paid more for a Tstak kit.
Bosch’s L-Boxx system is gaining more attention and traction these days because it’s quite frankly a better system, at least in my opinion.
This image is the only one available at the moment, but I didn’t press for additional angles. They’ll come soon enough.
I am also hesitant about the variable speed control on the tool itself, but it might turn out to be good. For a tool like this, I like to see an on-off switch and separate speed control setting. For angle grinders I prefer squeeze-type paddle switches instead of slide switches.
Some users use oscillating tools for quick jobs, others use it for longer ones. Dewalt’s research showed that current oscillating tool users wanted greater control, and so this is something the variable speed trigger was designed to accomplish. It’s different than what some of us are used to and prefer, but hopefully it works out well.
mnoswad1
Does the trigger switch have a lock button……then it might work out for all the weird contortions I get into with an oscillating tool. But real switches are still preferred……easier on the hands to not hold AND squeeze at same time.
I rarely hold the tool “conventionally” while standing at a bench……..mostly it’s on my back, upside down, where these tools really come in handy.
Stu, when you get one in for hands on…..can you at least put it into a tstak for fun, wonder if it will even fit? Never seen a tstak in the wild yet.
Stuart
There
might beis a lock-on button, but it was not visible in the initial product image and was not mentioned via press materials.I think it might at least fit in a Tstak diagonally. If I get my hands on one, I’ll be sure to pull out a Tstak for fit testing.
I haven’t seen a Tstak in the wild yet either, but have a couple hidden away. I’ve been waiting for a large release, but it’s been a year now and Dewalt’s largest distributors still aren’t carrying them yet for some reason.
DEWALT GUY
There is a lock on button
Stan
Stuart, apparently you can’t buy this on Lowes anymore according to that link provided.
Additionally, there is one segment of information that I am most curious about this product and that is the country of origin of this product. My guess is either Mexico or China, but maybe this is made elsewhere?
Stuart
The product was posted on Amazon and Lowes previously, but they jumped the gun and temporarily removed product details as well purchasing or preorder options. They should be back up soon.
I’m not sure about COO, but it’s going to be outside the USA. If I get my hands on a demo unit I’ll check out the label.
Javier
Im with mnoswad1, the trigger is a poor choice in my opinion. A slide switch is a perfect fit for these tools along with a speed dial. I have used a jobmax multitool and man was it a pain to use with a trigger. It just puts extra unnecessary effort into squeezing a trigger for long periods of time when that effort could be put into better use controlling and guiding the tool. That plus it tires you out. That’s why some tools like certain corded drills have a lock button so the tool can be used continuously with out having to squeeze the trigger the whole time.
Im not crazy about the design either it looks like one of their cordless drills morphed into a multitool with a cord and the metamorphoses stopped at 85%.
One thing that they forgot to include was that depth guide they developed for the Porter cable multitool. That and the missing vacuum port is a fail for the price.
I was expecting something revolutionary with all the extra time they had to r&d this tool along with the experience from the Porter cable multi tools. Something along the lines of what they developed for recip saws as the compact reciprocating saw. http://www.lowes.com/pd_401152-70-DWE357_0__?productId=3734193 . Innovation in design like this is what I expected from dewalt for their multi tool.
Stuart
It comes with a tool guide. The product information suggests that it’s an included attachment, as opposed to being built-on. But yea, no dust port. I asked Dewalt for an ETA but haven’t heard back yet.
Javier
You’re right. The words “tool guide” threw me off. I was looking for the words “depth guide”.
James
I talked with a DeWalt rep this week and they said this item should hit stores within 2 weeks, so plan on the end of August I would assume.
Charlie
Recently I used a friends Rockwell multi tool for a project that he needed done, and I hated the slide switch. I thought that it was awkward and difficult to use, and in my opinion dangerous. I would much prefer a trigger type switch. If I ever get into a bind with the saw I want to be able to shut it off immediately instead of fumbling around trying to find the slide switch while the saw is jumping around. I do not own a multi tool yet because at first I just wasn’t sold on them, but after having the chance to use one now I can see that in some cases it would be very nice to have. One thing thats holding me back from buying one is the rediculous price that they get for blades.
Mike
I think 12v and corded are right ways to do Multi-tools. I have a Milwakee 12v and a Bosch corded. I either need small and quick, or endless power. Quite often my 12v with a battery or two will last plenty long to get the job done. I haven’t used any of the 18/20v versions of anyones tool but I bet they start to get pretty heavy. Basically the same tool then a few lbs of battery.
Not sure I like the switch. Often these tools get in some very odd positions where squeezing a trigger like that could be hard.
fred
Exactly my experience . We had bought many Fein Multimasters and the Supercuts – before the patents ran out spawning the current plethora of new offerings. Most of these are still in pretty good use. When we got a M12 version – as a promotional item bundled with some other Milwaukee 12Volt tools – I at first thought it was a joke – not up to sanding – tile cutting and other chores for which we regularly used the Fein tools. But – I was proved wrong (ounce again!) because the guys found that they liked it especially for working off ladders, staging and at elevation – so we bought several more.
Fin3
Only variable speed trigger only?
I prefer true variable speed dial + Slide Switch.
Bob
Just one comment on your otherwise-fine article. It should be: Dewalt has come out with ITS [not ‘their’] FIRST-EVER [not ‘first ever’] oscillating multi-tool (DWE315K).
Stuart
Its vs. Their: I used *their* because I consider Dewalt as a multi-party humanized entity rather than a singular one. It’s not one person coming out with the oscillating tool, but many with Dewalt being their collective identifier. While *its* might be technically correct, *they* and *their* is at least consistent with what I’ve used in the past.
First-ever vs. First ever: You might be right about this one, but it depends on how the phrase is read. I originally intended it as separate words with a short pause between. First, Ever, rather than first-ever. I tend to be a frequent hyphener, but in this case it didn’t quite seem appropriate.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes!
Charlie
I could maybe see a spring loaded slide switch that would shut off when you let go of it. That would be safer in my opinion.
Mr. Yellow
The variable speed trigger allows for greater precision. You can start it off very VERY! slowly. I’ve seen it being tested recently.
It also has a triggerlock.
Dust collection is also coming. Wonder why it’s not part of the set…
Monte
If you want to use the tool-free blade change mechanism you have to buy the Dewalt (or Porter Cable/B+D) blades…. That´s a big minus…. 🙁
Stuart
Oh. Are you certain? I agree, that would be a HUGE downside to this tool. It makes sense, though, since Dewalt wants users to buy their blades and consumables.
Monte
yes i´am 🙂
Would you buy a jig saw today which doesn´t accept T-shank blades ?
Or a rotary hammer which doesn´t work with SDS-Plus or SDS-Max drill bits ?
…….or a oscillating multi tool which doesn´t take OIS blades………???
Stuart
I took a look at the Porter Cable adapter that allows for use with 3rd party blades – it comes with a hex key.
This is a major downside to the tool, unless Dewalt manages to make their blades widely available, competitively priced, and capable of great performance.
But again, it makes sense. Dewalt wants you to buy their blades and accessories so they get continued revenue. From a pure dollars and cents perspective, it’s in their best interest to lock users into the system by making it less convenient to use other brands’ accessories.
Noah
Its got a light! That alone makes me want it. So many times I’ve used my Milwaukee and wished it had a light like all my drills.
I also hope that case can be purchased separately.
mike
Accessories List now available
good selection !!!!
taken from DeWalt web site
Oscillating Accessories
UNIVERSAL FITMENT accessories fit all major brand oscillating tools. New innovative blades include the Multi-Material (ideal for cutting asphalt shingles), the Titanium Coated for Long Life, and the Quick Wave for fast grout removal.
http://dewalt.com/tool-part-categories/oscillating-accessories.aspx
(now all we need is also the cordless version !!!!!!, any rumors ???)
cheers mike
Stuart
No cordless oscillating tool rumors just yet, but SBD does have an 18V Porter Cable model for them to base the Dewalt tool around, as they did with the corded oscillating tool.
With the oscillating accessories, I don’t really see any “innovations” – just styles of blades copied or derived from other brands’ accessories. The “Quick Wave” blade looks interesting, but also looks like it could be too thick to fit grout lines between smaller bathroom times.
Overall, I find myself slipping further into disappointment. Dewalt users and fans waited a long time for the brand to finally come out with an oscillating tool, only for the first tool to only be tool-free with Dewalt accessories. I am the type of tool user that doesn’t like being locked into only using one brand’s power tool accessories.