Dewalt’s 20V Max brushless oscillating multi-tool kit promos are ALWAYS popular this time of year.
This year… something crazy is happening at Home Depot – there are two separate tool Dewalt cordless multi-tool deals, seemingly competing against each other.
I am so very confused about this and am struggling to come up with a sound explanation. Eh, I’m going to give up on reasoning and just tell you about these deals, both of them very good bargains.
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Milwaukee Tool fans – this other deal is for you.
Dewalt Atomic Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Promo
First up, this promo kit features Dewalt’s Atomic 20V Max brushless oscillating multi-tool, model DCS354. Or at least it launched as a Dewalt Atomic series model. Maybe it’s now just a 20V Max brushless model?
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.
Special Price: $99
Buy Now via Home Depot (DCS354D1)
Dewalt Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Promo
Next, we have the Dewalt DCS356C1, a 3-speed brushless oscillating multi-tool kit.
Basically, the DCS354 is the single-speed version, the DCS356 is the 3-speed version with XR branding that usually denotes a more premium Dewalt cordless power tool product.
You get the 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 (DCS356C1)
Buy Now via Acme Tools – not eligible for the current Dewalt coupon code
Which Should You Buy?
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 DCS356 is a more featured tool with speed control settings, in addition to a variable speed trigger switch.
The DCS356C1 kit comes with a 1.5Ah battery, and the DCS354D1 kit comes with a higher capacity 2.0Ah battery. A tool bag is also always nice to have, at least when you’re not paying any extra for it.
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 $139 via Amazon (price check) and other retailers.
Yep – the bare tool featured in this $99 promo kit costs $139 by itself… and that’s partially why this is always a hugely popular deal.
This is the one I’d buy:
Buy Now via Home Depot (DCS356C1)
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Do you agree? Or would you go with the single-speed kit that’s bundled with the higher capacity Li-ion battery?
In Case You Need Multi-Tool Blades…
Don’t forget that this Dewalt oscillating multi-tool accessory set is on sale right now for $25.
Big Richard says
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 says
Quoting Dewalt’s official response to my original inquiry:
Therefore, it is fair to consider the DCS354 as an update to the DCS355.
If you prefer you could consider the 354 and 356 as both being updated, with the 354 being the direct replacement and the 356 being a new upgraded XR model.
DCS354 is an update to the DCS355, and the DCS356 is an upgrade.
Big Richard says
A replacement is not an update, per se. You can replace a current model with a lesser model, but I would never refer to that as updating the current model. I think if DeWalt meant to say they updated the DCS355 to DCS354, they would have. But they didn’t.
Personally I would say the 356 is update AND upgrade to the 355 (same form/size, same badging, but with extra feature), while the 354 is its replacement in the single speed OMT range (different form/size, different badging, but same function).
We differ on our interpretations, which is totally understandable, and OK. I will just never buy a car from you (“Hey, update that 2019 Ford Mustang to this 2020 Ford Focus!”).
Stuart says
The DCS354 and DCS355 have the same form. Why would you think it’s a different size? I asked Dewalt about this, because when the Atomic came out I scaled the images and didn’t see any difference in shape or size. That’s why I asked for comparison, and above is exactly what they told me. There’s no mention of different sizing.
Looking at Dewalt official specs, the DCS355 and DCS354 are both said to be 11.2″ long and weighing 2.33 lbs. Same geometric shape, same length, same size. They look the same, they measure the same, they weigh the same. So why would you say it has a different form and size?
Yes, the max speed is slightly lower. And no the DCS354 doesn’t have XR branding.
The semantics are moot, because the DCS356 is the better buy; I can’t see anyone wanting to choose that kit over this one for the same $99.
This isn’t a Mustang to a Focus, it’s going from an old Mustang with paint-matched side mirrors to a new Mustang without painted side mirrors and new engine with slightly lower horsepower, so that there’s less competition against an also new more premium version.
If this is an update, should a DCS355 user upgrade to it? The answer to that would be NO because it’s not an upgrade. That’s where the distinction between update vs replacement could come in handy. But in the context of a new shopper looking to choose between two replacement models, I still think it’s still fair to consider the 354 as the update – in a “this is the latest model version” way – compared to the 355, with the 356 as the upgrade. The context matters.
You have a point, but keep in mind there are TWO replacement models. One is the direct replacement that loses XR branding, and the other has XR branding and an added feature.
Calling the DCS354 a replacement isn’t specific enough. You don’t like update, so what word would you choose? And I’m not being dismissive with my question about sizing – I don’t have the two tools in front of me, and all I see are the specs that show the 354 to be the same exact size and shape as the 355. Where have you see that they’re not?
Big Richard says
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 says
TEST 1-2 TEST (it won’t let me reply, perhaps my reply is too long so I am trying this test reply. )
Big Richard says
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 says
Basically, what I’m saying is that to me personally, imo, the 356 is both the update and upgrade to the 355, while the 354 is a slightly lesser cousin model. But they are all so similar, none of this really matters. As you pointed out, the 356 is better deal anyways. So we can agree to disagree and leave it at that. I just won’t buy a new cell phone from you (“Hey wanna update you iPhone XS to the newer but inferior iPhone XR?!?) ((yes I know this analogy is not perfect either, but again just trying show that using the term “update” and a lesser product is somewhat deceiving – as is most marketing.)
Koko The Talking Ape says
I’d go with the nicer tool with the smaller battery. 1.5 Ah vs 2 Ah is not a big deal.
Clay says
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 says
I don’t think there will be – they already have a 12V version. 3 models might get too confusing/ https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-dcs312-xtreme-subcompact-reciprocating-saw-012020/
Clay says
Good point. Sad, though, as both of those could be just a bit better performers.
Oh well. Next iteration, maybe.
Big Richard says
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 says
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?