This Dewalt 20V Max XR series brushless oscillating multi-tool kit is on sale right now, for just $99.
The kit, DCS356C1, comes with the tool, compact battery, charger, tool bag, and a couple of starter accessories.
This is the XR tool, with brushless motor, 3 speed selector, and tool-free blade change system. It comes with a universal accessory adapter for use with blades that don’t directly fit the split-style tool-free interface.
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- 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
Sale Price: $99
At the time of this posting, Amazon (sold/shipped by Amazon) has it for $96.82.
I’m not a fan of the low capacity battery bundled with this kit, but it’s good enough for getting started with. It’s hard to argue with the deal’s value, as the kit is promo-priced for less than the tool-only OMT sells for via authorized dealers.
If you’re looking for a wider selection of starter blades, or more accessory inclusions, such as a depth guide, this won’t be the kit for you.
This kit gives you Dewalt’s best-featured brushless oscillating multi-tool, and some compromises with the kit components for the sake of lower pricing.
Alternatively, the Atomic version, which lacks the 3-speed selector, is kitted with a 2Ah battery. That kit is $99 via 3rd party sellers on Amazon and select authorized dealers such as Acme Tools.
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Would you rather have the more featured tool with a 3-speed selector, or a higher capacity compact battery pack?
Between these two, I’d go for the XR tool kit.
There’s another kit with the same XR brushless OMT multi-tool and 2Ah battery, DCS356D1, but it’s not on sale right now, and inventory numbers at online dealers suggest it won’t be again for some time.
MFC
Is there any other tool that has gone on sale more than this one? It seems to be the most regularly discounted kit ever, maybe besides the original 20v drills… There have also been quite a few iterations of it.
Stuart
There was the DCS355, and from there the DCS354 and DCS356 launched at around the same time.
I see this as a gateway tool, similar to compact value-priced drills and drivers.
PW
The DCS356C1 is a good tool and that’s a good deal, but when will DeWalt stop kitting those ancient 1.3AH/1.5AH batteries that don’t have a charge gauge? It’s gonna be 2034 and they’ll still be tossing those in.
It’s not even the low capacity that bugs me, it’s the lack of a gauge. Even the lowest-tier kit battery from their sibling brand (Craftsman) doesn’t cut that feature.
Drives me crazy, I’ve got a big pile of em now and I can never tell their charge status.
Jbongo
I’ve been debating between this and the 2-Pack Kobalt 24V 4Ah Battery + Charger (KBCD 3424-03) + Choice of Bonus Tool on sale for $149 and getting the oscillating tool. (I’m locked into Lowe’s for now since I have several Lowe’s gift cards and don’t “need” the tool for a project. Lol) It would just be for occasional home use to replace a very old oscillating tool that was a hand me down. I don’t have any DeWalt tools, and only have the kobalt leaf blower and weed eater, so not really invested in either brand yet.
James
Dewalt. Says the guy who has zero yellow power tools. But if it’s between those two brands, go Dewalt. They have a wide range of tools so that you already have a battery next time you need a specialty tool for a project etc.
Joellikestools
I have a few Kobalt tools and have liked them. I still might lean towards DeWalt though. I tried a metabo hpt omt and the vibration control was terrible. Maybe read reviews and see if the kobalt has ok vibration control? If not I would not by an omt that will hurt your hands during use.
Also, kobalt has been running a lower tier impact wrench for 59$ which could be a fun tool to pick up if you go blue.
A-A-Ron
If you aren’t invested in either line like you said, go with DeWalt all day, every day. Vastly more proven, *light-years* more product availability online and in stores, no question.
Lowe’s is so flaky with their power tool lineup to begin with, you never know what might be discontinued or dropped. DeWalt is their only safe option IMHO, at least in the long term.
Jbongo
Thanks, James, Joel, and A-A-Ron!
Joellikestools
Have fun with your new omt!
MM
As always this is a great OMT.
As for the 2ah batteries: I first encountered those when I bought the 18ga nailer a few years ago. I didn’t even want that battery but I found a kit with the 2ah on sale for the same price as the bare tool so I went ahead and bought it. I was fully expecting find the battery underpowered and was planning on selling it. However, I find that I like them. They’re not good for big jobs or larger more power-hungry tools but if you just need to drill a few holes, do a little cutting or sanding with the OMT, drive some screws, etc, then they’re just fine for that while being light and compact. My uninformed opinion of them changed once I actually used them. The 1.7ah powerstacks are better but those are also more expensive.
Mark M.
The 356 is awesome. I’ve used mine hard for 2-3 years, it’s gotten rained on and muddy, never missed a beat. Great performance and the blade change mechanism is maybe the best on the market.
Alexk
This past week I was helping build a deck, and instead of using my Milwaukee tools, I used my friend’s many Dewalt tools.
The OMT kit is a fantastic price for a great handling, well balanced tool.
I was also happy with the other xr tools. The jigsaw was easier to handle than my m18, and the Dewalt 4 1/2” Atom circle saw, was so easy to cut 2×4 and decking one handed. Very impressed. The OMT with battery and charger is a great deal, as long as you have or will get more and bigger batteries.
Perry
The chunky handle and variable speed trigger deterred me from buying into dewalts system when I was looking for a new line to replace my makita 18v. I use my OMT a lot and a variable speed trigger is just awkward to me for a lot of uses
Big Richard
I’ve noticed you can get the Atomic OMT kitted with the 3Ah DCB200 but no charger for $99 as well – https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Atomic-20-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Oscillating-Tool-Kit-with-3-Ah-Battery-DCS354PK/329079284
The model number ends in PK, which I assume stands for Promo Kit? It may be the first official DeWalt kit I have seen that does not include a charger. Curious if they will do more of this.