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DEWALT 20V Oscillating Tool

By DEWALT · Oscillating Multi Tools · Power Tools · More from DEWALT

  • 20V MAX XR brushless motor with up to 57% more runtime vs brushed
  • 3-speed selector, up to 20,000 OPM no-load
  • Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger
  • Quick-Change tool-free accessory system
  • Universal accessory adapter for most oscillating-tool brands

Lowest price seen
$249.00
from $249.00 at 1 Top Tools · Checked Oct 13, 2026

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Summary

A brushless three-speed cordless oscillating multi-tool on DEWALT’s 20V MAX platform, rated up to 20,000 OPM with tool-free blade changes. Kits differ, so confirm which accessory bundle and battery you are buying before you order.

Strengths

  • Three speeds plus a variable-speed trigger give control for cutting, scraping and sanding.
  • Brushless motor with DEWALT’s claimed 57% runtime gain over a brushed tool.
  • Quick-Change swaps blades without a tool, and the universal adapter fits most accessory brands.
  • Owners repeatedly praise battery life, power and one-handed use.
  • Consumer Reports describes it as lighter than the tested-tool average.
  • Parts and service run through DEWALT ServiceNet.

Weaknesses

  • Grit from grout work can jam the three-speed and lock-on switches.
  • It is loud: 89 dB(A) sound pressure and 97 dB(A) sound power.
  • Consumer Reports warns the spring-loaded accessory trigger can be hard to depress with limited hand strength.
  • The tool-free system will not take full-ring accessories without the included adapter.
  • A repairer reports the battery clip and rubber bumpers wear over time.
  • DEWALT denied a retailer claim of reduced vibration versus the DCS355.

Verified specifications

ModelDCS356; bare tool DCS356B; kits DCS356C1, DCS356D1 and DCS356SD1.
Platform20V MAX (nominal 18V).
Motorbrushless; DEWALT claims up to 57% more runtime than a similar brushed tool.
Speedthree-position selector at 0-13,000, 0-17,000 and 0-20,000 OPM, plus a Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger.
No-load speedup to 20,000 OPM.
Oscillating angle1.6°.
Accessory attachmentQuick-Change tool-free system with a universal adapter for most oscillating-tool brands.
Work lightLED.
Lock-on/off switchyes.
Length11.2 in.
Weight2.33 lbs bare; the manual lists 1.1 kg without the battery.
Noise89 dB(A) sound pressure, 97 dB(A) sound power.
Kit contents (DCS356C1)multi-tool, 20V MAX battery, DCB107 charger, wood cutting blade, wood/metal blade, universal adapter and tool bag.
Warranty3-year limited, 1 year free service, 90 days satisfaction guaranteed.
Full research notes and sources

Noise and vibration

Oscillating multi-tools are loud, and the DCS356 is no exception: DEWALT lists 89 dB(A) sound pressure and 97 dB(A) sound power, and owners in Reddit threads describe the noise as horrendous. A retailer advertised reduced vibration versus the older DCS355 at 10.5 m/s², a claim DEWALT told ToolGuyd was not accurate, so treat vibration marketing for this tool with caution.

Grit and the speed switch

The three-speed selector sits at the base of the tool, where dust collects. One ToolGuyd commenter cutting grout reported that the speed switch picked up grit and jammed, that the lock-on switch jammed too, and that he exchanged the tool after the first use. Keep grit away from both switches and clear the foot after dusty jobs. Consumer Reports also notes the spring-loaded accessory trigger can be difficult to depress for people with limited hand strength.

Batteries, blades and running costs

The bare tool ships without a battery or charger, so factor in a 20V MAX pack and charger if you are not already on the platform. Blades, sandpaper and the universal adapter are the ongoing costs, and the tool takes most oscillating-tool accessory brands through that adapter. A repairer commented that battery weight is carried by the clip and rubber bumpers, which wear over time. Warranty is 3 years limited with 1 year of free service and a 90-day guarantee.

Which model this is

This page covers the DEWALT DCS356 in the listing, ASIN B09DJ7ZPMT. It is the 20V MAX XR brushless three-speed oscillating multi-tool; the bare tool is DCS356B and the common kits are DCS356C1, DCS356D1 and DCS356SD1, which carry different accessory bundles. Do not mix it up with the smaller ATOMIC DCS354, which has a single speed setting, or the older DCS355. A Type 2 revision exists, but DEWALT does not document type changes on its US product pages.

Is it worth it?

Consumer Reports listed the DCS356B from $99.88, a 2026 Lowe’s reviewer found it on sale for $99, and bare-tool pages run from $149 at Coastal Tool to $169 at Northern Tool. Under about $100 bare it is strong value for someone already on the 20V platform; above about $170 it is harder to justify unless you want the three-speed selector and DEWALT’s service network. The launch price was $219 for the DCS356D1 kit and $149 for the bare tool (ToolGuyd, 2021), and Pro Tool Reviews saw $99 bare at Acme Tools in May 2021.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Stores:

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