Dewalt’s 20V Max brushless oscillating multi-tool kit promos are ALWAYS a good buy.
There are two separate Dewalt oscillating multi-tool deals to choose from, depending on your preference, and we’ll talk about both.
(Milwaukee Tool fans – there’s an ongoing M18 deal as well.
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This post was updated on 11/6/2021.
Dewalt Atomic Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit DCS354D1
First up, this promo kit features Dewalt’s Atomic 20V Max brushless oscillating multi-tool, model DCS354.
This is an update to the very well-regarded DCS355, which was a main-line tool and also featured in single battery kits for a couple of years.
- Brushless motor
- Tool-free blade change system
- 0 to 18,000 OPM
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger
- LED worklight
This promo kit, DCS354D1, comes with the tool, charger, sample blades, and a single 2.0Ah battery.
I don’t see mention of a tool bag – shown above is everything you can expect to get.
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Special Price: $99
Dewalt Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit DCS356C1
Next, we have the Dewalt DCS356C1, a 3-speed brushless oscillating multi-tool kit.
You get the oscillating multi-tool, a 1.5Ah battery, charger, starter blades, universal accessory adapter, and a tool bag.
Features and Specs:
- Brushless motor
- Tool-free blade change system
- 3-speed selector
- Low: 0 to 13,000 OPM
- Medium: 0 to 17,000 OPM
- High: 0 to 20,000 OPM
- 1.6° oscillation angle
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger
- LED worklight
Special Price: $99
Buy Now via Home Depot – Free Shipping
Buy Now via Acme Tools – Free Shipping on $199+
Buy Now via Amazon
What’s the Difference, and Which Should You Buy?
The DCS354 has a single speed range, the DCS356 has a 3-speed selector. Both have a variable speed trigger switch.
This is what Dewalt said about the DCS356 when we asked about the differences:
The main differences between the ATOMIC and the 356 are the 3-speeds, the lower oscillations (clipped through the module), and the black lever for the blade change.
For the DCS356, we changed the software and added 3 speeds, but it will still have variable speed in the trigger. The 3-speed selector on the foot offers better control, in allowing users to set the max high speed with the selector instead of trying to hold the trigger switch partially in.
Basically, the DCS354 is the single-speed range version, the DCS356 is the 3-speed range version with XR branding that usually denotes a more premium Dewalt cordless power tool product.
The DCS356C1 kit comes with a 1.5Ah battery, and the DCS354D1 kit comes with a higher capacity 2.0Ah battery.
If you want the higher capacity battery and can do without the 3-speed selector, go with the DCS354 Atomic kit. If you want the 3-speed selector and tool bag, go with the DCS356 kit.
Personally, I’d go for the better tool, the DCS356. If you buy into the Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tool system, you’ll have more batteries and probably higher capacity batteries, either already or down the road.
If you change your mind down the road, you can always get more batteries to complement the one you get with this kit. You could also upgrade to the 3-speed tool if you instead choose the single speed model, but the bare tool by itself is $99 via Amazon and $139 at other retailers.
Yep – the bare tool featured in this $99 promo kit costs $99 by itself… and that’s why this is always a hugely popular deal.
For the same $99 price, I’d buy the 3-speed model:
Buy Now via Home Depot – Free Shipping
Buy Now via Acme Tools – Free Shipping on $199+
Do you agree? Or would you go with the single-speed kit that’s bundled with the higher capacity Li-ion battery?
Big Richard
You state that the DCS354 is “an update to the very well-regarded DCS355, which was a main-line tool and also featured in single battery kits for a couple of years.”
The DCS355 was an XR branded premium tool with a 20,000 OPM rate vs. the DCS354’s 18,000 OPM. I would not call that an update.
Now, the DCS356 I would classify as an update to the DCS355. Essentially the same tool, nut with the 3-speed feature.
Stuart
Update: I’ve come around to your point and appreciate the dialog!
I would currently describe the DCS354 as a successor to the DCS355, and the DCS356 an update/upgrade. The post has been updated to reflect this.
Big Richard
Couple things, first in regard to the 354 size/form. I admittedly just assumed it was smaller since it is Atomic compact series. Based on the specs, I was wrong about that. Could’ve swore it was supposed to be smaller, but OK. In terms of form, they are also very close, but the 354 lacks the critical belt loop mounting ability of the 355/356 (and the branding and blade change lever color, which don’t really matter).
Next, the Mustang to Focus was an exaggerated analogy to drive the point a bit more and get a reaction, which clearly worked. A better analogy would be a Mustang GT (faster XR) to a base Mustang (slower Atomic). Same body, just some minor facia tweaks and a less punchy motor.
Big Richard
So you ask what would I call the 354? Nothing, I don’t think it needs to be labeled as an update or a replacement. It is just a separate model. If DeWalt wants to call it a replacement because it fills the void left by the 355, that’s great. But the term update just carries a sort of improved or bettered connotation with it. An update is fix or a patch, it’s modernizing a product. I don’t see any of that with the 354 vs the 355. I do see it with the 356 vs the 355.
It is your article, you can call it whatever you want, I am not trying to change your mind, that is not my intent. My intent was to provide a counterpoint to your statement, so that a potential buyer who may read that their existing 355 must be inferior, as the 354 is an updated version of it – while I would argue the opposite is true, the 355 is slightly superior. Ya feel me?
Big Richard
Ha, when I first saw this reposted I had to go back and re-read my comments. It’s such a moot point, but I was worked up on something that day/week and decide to take it out on this article.
Koko The Talking Ape
I’d go with the nicer tool with the smaller battery. 1.5 Ah vs 2 Ah is not a big deal.
Julian Tracy
Can’t think of any time I’ve wished my Dewalt multi tool had three speeds. I was looking at this thinking just the opposite – I’d suggest the better battery is the deal to go for. The initial single speed Dewalt tool has a great trigger that’s very easy to feather the power level.
Koko The Talking Ape
Hm, really? If I understand it right, the three separate speeds mean the range the trigger covers within each speed is smaller, which makes it easier to maintain the right speed with the trigger. That doesn’t sound good to you?
Stuart
My understanding is that the trigger gives you 0 to 100% in a given range.
So if you’re at the full speed setting, the trigger switch gives you the full 0 to 20K OPM.
I don’t know what the lowest speed is, but let’s say it’s 5K OPM. The trigger would then let you go from 0 to 5K OPM.
And you’re right, the benefit here is that if you need an intermediate speed, you don’t need to keep your finger on the trigger for a long time to get it, you can set the tool to one of the lower speeds and then just fully squeeze the trigger. You can ease up on the trigger if you want an intermediate speed within that range.
Julian has a point, just like not every user will benefit from impact drivers with multiple speed range settings.
Koko The Talking Ape
Thanks for clarifying, Stuart!
Clay
Would love for there to be an XR version of the Atomic one hand recip saw (longer stroke, more strokes per minute), same way there is a fuller featured version of this Atomic tool.
Stuart
I don’t think there will be – they already have a 12V version. 3 models might get too confusing/ https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-dcs312-xtreme-subcompact-reciprocating-saw-012020/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Clay
Good point. Sad, though, as both of those could be just a bit better performers.
Oh well. Next iteration, maybe.
Big Richard
Clay, that was my first thought when they announced the Atomic version and its so-so specs. Given that Atomic 20v is “exclusive” to HD and Xtreme 12v is “exclusive” to Lowes, I think a premium XR version would still make sense. The aforementioned are almost identical in size and performance. So why not offer a top tier version? Make it a little bigger, make it more powerful. I mean, Milwaukee makes 4 versions (M12, M12 Fuel, M18, M18 Fuel). Doesn’t mean DeWalt will follow suit, but we can hope and dream.
Clay
Agreed!
Will put it on my wishlist for DeWalt along with a low-clearance sliding miter saw, an oil-impulse impact driver, a cut-off tool, and multi-head installation driver. 🙂
Won’t hold my breath though. 🙂
I wonder about the marketing of the tool though. Seems like a tool that is more suited to tradesmen than consumers, so better performance would be worthwhile. I might be off there. Maybe there are a number of DIYers that would want one as their sole recip saw?
James R.
DCS356C1 amazon links goto a bare tool for $99.
Stuart
Sorry about that. Amazon’s link seems to be down for the kit.
So right now, Home Depot has the DCS354D1 kit for $99, and Acme Tools has the DCS356C1 kit for $99.
We might see more listings as Father’s Day inches closer.
Update:
When I updated this post a few hours ago, Home Depot had the DCS356C1 kit for $179, and I would swear Amazon had it in stock for $99.
Now, the Home Depot listing went down to $99, and Amazon doesn’t have it available at any price.
So, Home Depot and Acme have the DCS356C1 for $99. Home Depot has free shipping, Acme has a $199 free shipping threshold.
Evan Chartier
I jumped on this right when I saw it a few weeks ago and I’ve been using it daily since! My first DeWalt cordless tool. Went for the 3 speed version and I love it. Doing a remodel for a neighbor and it’s come in handy every day this week.
JoeM
First off…. weren’t we expecting this exact deal back when these two models were released? I could’ve sworn there was a lot of grumbling about the high pricing, then a lot of responses of “Just wait for the Black Friday, Father’s Day, Holiday, and Clearance Sales. They’ll drop these kits down to the $99 range for easy sales! No need to bring out special Holiday Deals, these are ready to go.” And here we are. The Atomic wimp version, and the 3-Speed Upgrade… $99 for the kits. Feels a little eerie how predictable this was, doesn’t it?
Right… Onto it… I already own the DCS355… I’ve used it as a scraper, and a sander so far… Plan on doing a little bit of desk-modification when I get some parts together later… So… In my own Strictly Personal, Self-Biased, Not-To-Be-Taken-As-Advice Opinion…I would go with the 356 in bare-tool form. Then I just use the two side-by-side, with the 356 handling blades, rasps, and scrapers… The older 355 a dedicated Sander, since it is a single-speed edition. As was mentioned before by… Julian Tracy up there? The original has a feather-sensitive speed control trigger. It’s buttery-smooth, and magnificent how much you can literally feel the tool do the work, and provide feedback in real time… if not for the sight of bright yellow in your hand, you could almost swear you were controlling the action without the power tool, just you.
And, I’m looking at all three models, and I’m seeing the identical dual-switch design… big bar trigger around the body for when you gotta really hold it still… like for sanding precision… Grip-and-Trigger for saw-like cutting and grinding… They’re all DeWALT… They’re all going to be balanced the same, and perform the same as the 355 did/does. Now you get a choice… small, smooth, and precise? Or Everything the 355 was, plus added controls for specific jobs.
For… whatever reason… DeWALT is focused on diversifying choice on the most strangely common tools they have. Normally this is a good thing, and I believe Milwaukee probably does this to a far greater detail than DeWALT does… Just, in this case, we do appear to be getting a great deal of overlap and confusion on their market-speak regarding the models. If anything, the Market-Speak is more complex than that of the Automotive Industry, and yet remarkably Simple when comparing models.
Last-Year’s Model, Roadster, Sedan. SUV, Pickup, Commercial Grade Hauler. We’re just getting caught up in buzz words like “Hybrid” and “Revolutionary” when we’re not that stupid as a whole. The Marketing People are the stupid ones, not us.
Big Richard really has some great points about all this. I’d point some out, but I had to just skim. I saw so much I agreed with, I didn’t continue with every word he typed. But something I will echo directly is… Yeah… DeWALT is calling the wrong model the 355’s replacement, successor, or whatever other words they’re messing up. It’s right there in the Model Numbers. The 356 is the new 355. The Atomic and 12 Volt eXtreme subcompacT, or however they’re going to justify the 12 Volt XT model line… Those two OT’s are Specialty Use models. One 12 Volt, the other 20 Volt. They aren’t special beyond belonging to specialty lines of DeWALT tools. Regardless of what DeWALT wants to justify with the marketing, Big Richard is spot on. The DCS356 is their new flagship Oscillating Tool. The other two are Home Depot versus Lowes exclusives, created to keep their bulk agreements with the two companies happy. As long as those two companies keep playing dumb games, and consumers take sides and eat it up… DeWALT, SBD, Milwaukee, TTi… They’ll play along for the money. Doesn’t mean WE have to believe them.
Koko The Talking Ape
The link to the DCS354 deal goes to the wrong page, I think ($179, but it’s an “unavailable combination.”)
I think this is the right one.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ATOMIC-20-Volt-MAX-Cordless-Brushless-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Tool-Only-with-20-Volt-2Ah-MAX-Li-Ion-Battery-and-Charger-DCS354BWDCB203C/316287462
And the DCS356 deal seems to be sold out, at least for me.
Koko The Talking Ape
Oops, both deals are sold out, both online and in nearby stores (for me).
But the DCS356 is available tool-only for $99. That’s still a good deal, but not as good as the tool plus battery and bag deal, of course.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-XR-Cordless-Brushless-3-Speed-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Tool-Only-DCS356B/309250506
Stuart
I see the DCS354D1 as in-stock and shipping for $99.
The DCS356C1…
When I updated this post earlier today, it was $179.
When I checked again, it was $99, and I added another link to the post.
Right now, the DCS356C1 is still $99, but listed as unavailable within 100 miles of me and out of stock online.
My feeling is that someone made a change and then another change, and that the deal isn’t supposed to be live yet. Maybe that’s what happened to the Amazon listing too?
Acme Tools still has the DCS356C1 for $99, but you have to pay a few dollars shipping on orders under $199.
Jonathan
Any deals on a brushless grinder?
TonyT
HD has the XAG25 ($159) and XAG26 ($179) brushless X-Lock grinders on sale with free battery 5.0Ahr battery (looks like no charger, though).
Koko The Talking Ape
There’s this: free 2.0 Ah battery with the Milwaukee M12 brushless cut-off tool, which I guess is grinder-ish. It does some of the things you’d use a grinder for. I ordered one yesterday.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-3-in-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Cut-Off-Saw-with-Free-M12-2-0-Ah-Battery-2522-20-48-11-2420/310133915
There’s also their M18 Fuel 4 1/2″ or 5″ grinder, tool only, for $179, but I don’t know what it cost originally. It’s probably a beast.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-FUEL-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-4-1-2-in-5-in-Grinder-w-Paddle-Switch-Tool-Only-2880-20/315445886
Clay
I am always a fan of multiple speeds, all other things being equal; that said, I feel the trigger control on all my DeWalt tools is excellent.
Nathan
so a few things. Owning a 355 I would see the 356 as the newer upgrade. and I will say yes there are a few times I wish I had a lower speed setting to get. If you want to run a say 1/2 speed it’s a bit hard to hold the trigger that steady for prolonged period of time.
But I would also say that’s not a normal usecase either – as often I will ramp to full out and vary down and up some. Say cutting drywall there is little reason to run full bore as it will eat quick.
Sanding however – full bore nearly all the time.
OK that said – one piece I don’t see is the nifty edge guide piece. the 355K came with a add on edge guide/depth adjustment feature that I have used a number of times. Great piece of kit. TO that end between the 2 for the price I’d go for the 356.
JoeM
I noticed that as well… I hope the one on the 355 fits the 356… If I end up buying the new one, the 355 won’t need the edge guide the way the 356 will.
Wow… You actually pointed that out in my brain… I didn’t make the connection until your comment… Thank you! …I… Saw that but didn’t make the connection… I’m still 356B on this… I guess we’ll hope for the best? There doesn’t seem to be any kit boxes or sample containers with these ones. I do wonder if the 356 is… Anatomically?…. capable of using the guide bar. (Anyone, feel free to correct my use of “Anatomically” here… The word has escaped my mind for the moment. I am not ashamed to be wrong about it.)
JoeM
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-dcs356-3-speed-cordless-oscillating-multi-tool/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Aha!!! Stuart to the Rescue!
Look at the original 356 kit that was announced! It has the guide bar, with the same attachment points! It is compatible with the 355’s guide bar if you go with the 356 kit!