When I first started seeing oscillating tool advertisements popup, they were nothing more than vibratory sanders that could get into tight corners. After I started replacing my old lower voltage cordless and corded tools last year with Dewalt 20V Max equivalents, I ran across the DCS355. Still not convinced I needed one, I did some research. First, I looked at all the available accessories that Dewalt offered. I was impressed with all the different cutting and sanding tools, and the things you could do with them. Then I went on to watch a few videos which immediately hooked me on this Dewalt Oscillating tool.
I opted for the DCS355 kit as I was still accumulating batteries and bags for my 20V Max collection. And I really wanted that little guide roller, along with the blade box. Both of which are not included with the bare tool and I couldn't find available anywhere (I now know that you can get both at eReplacementParts for about $11 each). Aside from the kit, I also set out to own at least one each of all the available accessories. A bit costly, but worth the investment. I have used at least 75% of the acquired accessories in real world situations. Worth every penny when you know the solution to a problem is in that Dewalt bag.
The DSC355 is simple to use and operate. It has a trigger switch mid handle that activates the motor and front facing LED light when depressed. A button above the switch can be used to lock out the trigger and also lock the trigger in the on position for longer projects. A slight tap of the trigger releases the locked-on state and stops the tool. The front of the tool has a Quick Change lever to quickly change blades and accessories. Simply depress the lever and set or remove the blade/accessory into the pins located a full 360 degrees around the tool mount. Although you will only set blades in about a 270 degree range. So seven stops all together; West, North, East, and two positions between each of those. That's a lot of versatility when trying to make some difficult cuts. There is a location on either side of the battery base to mount a belt clip if desired.
Once a blade or accessory has been installed, pull the trigger and off you go. Variable speed from 0-20,000 oscillations per minute. When I took the DCS355 out of the box and snapped in a battery, I still had my doubts about it's ability to cut through, say 3/4" pine. So I put it to the test. Whizzed right through without a whimper. You can keep those chisels in the drawer. Need to notch something out. The DCS355 will do it in a breeze. In the past six months I have used the tool to; cut out openings in drywall (using that handy accessory guide), cut copper and PVC pipe, cut away the grout in floor tiles, vibrate the tiles free, scrape off the remaining adhesive left behind on the floor, grind off adhesive on the backs of some needed tiles, notched out 1x2s mounted to a block wall, notched out molding, sanding away the orange peel on walls for several drywall patches (whole house replumb), cut away plastic dividers in a couple storage trays I customized. And that's all I can remember right now. I'm sure I missed a few.
As a Dremel is to hobbyists and model making, the Dewalt DCS355 Oscillating tool is to home repair and renovation. A big boy toy. While the DCS355 bare tool is a bit more than $100, be prepared to spend another $100 to $200 for accessories (you do get a few essentials with the kit).. The last thing you want is a versatile tool, without the necessary accessory to complete a project when it needs to get done. Fifteen minutes into your frustration, you will wonder why you didn't plop down that $9.95 for the accessory that could have completed the task in under a minute. In fact, except for the sanding prep noted above, it hasn't taken me more than two minutes to pull the tool out of my bag, set an accessory, snap on a battery and finish the task at hand in about a minute. Another minute or two for put away. What's not to like about that. Note that several accessory kits are available, including tote boxes, for more blade storage options. Also note that all Dewalt accessories (I like to stick with Dewalt only) will work with the quick change tool mount, although some other brands may not. There is an adapter that comes with the tool for those non-Dewalt accessories. But I would recommend against anything, regardless of (perceived) cost savings, that will not snap in and out of this tool. But that's just me.
Eight months ago if you had offered me a half-off coupon for an Oscillating tool, I would have told you to keep it. Now, you would have a hard time prying my DCS355 out of hands. I always admit (well almost) when I'm wrong. This is a keeper. You won't be disappointed.
| Amperage | 2 Amps |
|---|---|
| Included Components | 1 DCB203: 20V MAX XR Compact Li Ion Battery (2.0Ah), 1 Wood Fast-cut Blade, 1 Wood/Metal Cutting Blade, 1 sanding pad, 25 sheets of sanding paper, 1 DEWALT Oscillating Tool Guide System, contractor bag and an accessory storage box, 1 universal accessory adaptor, 1 DCS355 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool, 1 fast charger |
| Unit Count | 1 Piece |
| Manufacturer | DEWALT |
| Part Number | DEWDCS355D1 |
| Item Weight | 7 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.25 x 5.13 x 9.75 inches |
| Item model number | DCS355D1 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Style | Oscillating Kit Only |
| Pattern | Kit |
| Power Source | Cordless |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 28 |
| Grit Description | Medium |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Warranty Description | 3 year limited manufacturer warranty |
