If you’re already collecting 20V cordless tools from DEWALT, do you really need the entire kit when you buy their multi-tool? Let’s take a closer look to see what accessories, if any, you might need.
DEWALT DCS355D1 20V XR Lithium-Ion Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Multi-tools are often called Dremels, simply because that company was the first major manufacturer of the oscillating power tool. It took DEWALT a while to enter into competition with Dremel and other multi-tool manufacturers. And as a result, their DCS355 stands out because of its innovative features.
We’ll review those features below in the next section because it’s all about the DCS355 bare tool. In the meantime, we’ll look at the accessories that make up the DCS355D1 kit. In this way we hope it will help you decide if you want to get the whole package now, or buy items as you need them instead.
First off, the DCS355 has DEWALT’s tool-less Quick-Change system for swapping accessories. It’s compatible with PORTER-CABLE and DEWALT pieces only, but it’s a real time-saver. If you want to use other brand accessories, you’ll be limited to securing them in place with the included universal adapter.
Also included in the package you’ll find a selection of sanding and cutting attachments like 25 sheets of sandpaper, a sanding pad, a fast-cut wood blade, and a “wood with nails” blade. The sandpaper comes in three grits: 60, 120, and 240. There is also a small hard plastic storage box, a battery, and a charger. And to transport everything, there is a contractor bag, too.
The battery that comes in the DCS355D1 kit is a 2.0Ah 20V MAX XR lithium-ion pack. The battery has a built-in LED fuel gauge so you see its charge status in a glance. And you can use other 20V MAX DEWALT batteries with this tool, too.
At the time of writing, a customer who purchased this kit would save money over someone who bought the accessories separately, especially when taking the battery and charger into account.
More features of the DEWALT DCS355D1 Multi-Tool Kit:
- Covered by DEWALT’s 30-day money back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
DEWALT DCS355B 20V XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
Now on to the bare tool that makes up the main part of the DCS355D1 kit above. The DCS355 multi-tool possesses an innovative design with a two-finger paddle trigger. This trigger controls the variable speed instead of a separate dial. If you want to lock on the motor for cutting a big project, you can only do that when it’s at full speed.
And the motor is built to get the most from each charge. It’s brushless, which means it’s maintenance-free, and built for efficiency and long life. Brushless motors run cooler, put out more power, and run longer than conventional brushed motors. You’ll often see them in professional-grade tools like the DCS355.
Another bonus of the brushless motor is that it’s lightweight and smaller than a brushed motor. As a result, the barrel of the multi-tool doesn’t need to be huge. Instead, it is an ergonomic grip like a drill handle. That’s ideal for controlling the tool as it oscillates up to 20,000rpm. And even with the battery onboard, it only weighs 3.2 pounds.
There is an LED light mounted on the front so you can easily work in dimly-lit areas. It illuminates when you pull the trigger. That’s useful when you need to see if you want to change the blade angle for a better cut. And that’s the final feature to love—you can adjust the accessory angle for best results.
More features of the DEWALT DCS355B Multi-Tool:
- Covered by DEWALT’s 30-day money back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
- Oscillation angle is 1.6 degrees
- Bare tool, no battery or charger included, but it does come with the universal accessory adapter and two blades
Recommendation
The best bargain, at the time of writing, is the complete DCS355D1 kit with the multi-tool and accessories for cutting, sanding, and using other brands of attachments.
Otherwise, if you already have compatible accessories and a spare DEWALT 20V XR battery pack, the DCS355B multi-tool is an excellent addition to anyone’s toolbox. And it does come with the universal accessory adapter, too.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DCS355D1 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase DEWALT DCS355B on Amazon.com!