DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 1-3/4 in. Bandsaw Kit

Why I reached for a compact bandsaw

On a recent ceiling retrofit, I spent a week cutting EMT, strut, and threaded rod in tight, overhead spaces where sparks weren’t welcome. That’s exactly the kind of work where a small, one‑handable bandsaw shines. I carried the DCS377 in my lift and on a ladder, using it for quick, clean cuts without showering the area with grit or noise. After a few days, it became my default for anything 1-3/4 inches and under.

Size, balance, and one-handed control

At 6.6 lb, the DCS377 hits a sweet spot for overhead work. The integrated guard gives the saw a compact footprint and doubles as a natural second contact point when I choke up with my support hand. The rear handle and trigger are shaped for one-handed use, and I had enough control to start cuts precisely without grabbing a second grip, though I still prefer a two-handed hold when I can.

The guard design is more than marketing. It’s reassuring when you’re working above shoulder height, and it doesn’t feel bulky. The saw slips into cut position quickly, and the nose is easy to park against material to square things up before you squeeze the trigger.

Cutting performance and speed control

This is a brushless 20V unit with a variable-speed trigger and a speed dial. The published range is 150–380 feet per minute, which matches how it feels: slow enough for stainless, fast enough for mild steel and everyday trades stock. I kept the dial in the middle third for general mild steel and let the trigger feather the start.

Real-world cuts, using the included 14/18 TPI blade:
- 1/2 in EMT conduit: effortless, about 1–2 seconds, clean and nearly burr-free.
- 3/4 in EMT: 2–3 seconds, no chatter, very controllable.
- 13/16 in unistrut: smooth, a touch slower than a deep-cut saw but cleaner than a recip.
- 3/8 in and 1/2 in threaded rod: almost instant; the saw excels here.
- #4 and #5 rebar: steady and predictable—expect a few seconds longer on #5, but still far better control than a cutoff wheel.
- 1 in black iron pipe (sch. 40): doable, but you have to let the saw work. Thicker wall pipe pushes the limits; blade selection and speed setting matter here.

Above its 1.75 in capacity, you’re out of luck, and even near the top end of that range you’ll feel the motor slow if you push too hard. With reasonable pressure and a sharp blade, it keeps pace with the tasks this class of saw is meant for. Compared to a 5 in deep-cut bandsaw, the DCS377 is obviously slower on heavier stock, but it’s also half the hassle overhead and induces far less fatigue.

A note on blades: the included 14/18 TPI bimetal is a solid generalist. For thick wall pipe and rebar, a coarser tooth count in the 10–14 TPI range cuts faster and resists clogging. For thin-wall conduit or strut, 18–24 TPI keeps the cut smooth. The saw takes 27–27.25 in blades, which are easy to find.

Visibility and LED lighting

The LED does what it should: it kicks light onto the cut line, which helps when you’re in dim ceiling cavities. The guard naturally creates some shadow on certain angles, but it’s minor. The sightline to the blade is good enough that I could line up marks accurately. Cuts stay square as long as you don’t torque the saw—let the blade do the work and keep the shoe registered on the material.

Blade changes and tracking

Blade changes are straightforward but not tool-free. You release the blade with the lever, flip the pivoting guard (latched with a metal catch), and use the supplied wrench for single-point tracking adjustment as needed. It’s simple and secure, and I like that the guard positively latches. I’d call the process a step slower than toolless systems on larger bandsaws, but it’s not finicky.

Tracking held well for me after the first tweak. I set it once after a handful of cuts, and it stayed centered across multiple blade changes. The included wrench stows in the kit bag—nothing fancy, but it works.

Runtime and charging

With the included 4.0 Ah pack, I got through a full day of intermittent cuts (think dozens of pieces of conduit and rod) without hitting the charger. On heavier tasks like repetitive rebar or pipe, expect to charge sooner. The DCB115 charger is the standard DeWalt unit and takes roughly an hour to bring the 4.0 Ah back up. If you’re a heavy user, a second battery keeps the saw ready.

Brushless efficiency helps here. The motor ramps smoothly, and low-speed starts don’t punish the battery. Bandsaws are inherently efficient cutters on metal compared to abrasives, so the runtime feels generous for the battery size.

Safety and jobsite features

• Integrated guard: It’s not just for compactness; it reduces exposed blade and makes the saw feel secure one-handed.
• Lanyard-ready: For lift work or ladder tasks, the lanyard point is a useful addition. I clipped it in routinely over open areas.
• Tool Connect chip-ready: If you’re managing a fleet, being able to add a chip for asset tracking and inventory is handy. The chip isn’t included, which is fine for most users.
• LED work light: Particularly helpful overhead and in basements.

Bandsaws already run quieter than grinders and don’t throw sparks, so using this saw indoors feels less disruptive. Cleanup is easier, and you’re less likely to scorch finishes nearby.

Ergonomics and daily use

The form factor matters more than spec sheets let on. This saw is short front to back and relatively tall, but the handle angle and weight distribution make it easy to steer with your wrist. I could hold it out at arm’s length for precise cuts without shaking. The trigger and dial combination is intuitive—set the dial for the material, then use the trigger to ramp in and out.

The kit bag fits the saw, battery, charger, and a sleeve of extra blades. I would have liked a dedicated slot or clip for spare blades on the tool itself, but that’s nitpicking. The bag keeps everything together and packs small.

Limitations and things to know

• Capacity is the big limiter. If you routinely cut 2 in conduit, large angle iron, or 2–3 in pipe, this isn’t the right saw; go deep-cut.
• Blade changes require the included wrench. It’s quick, but not toolless.
• Top speed of 380 FPM is appropriate for its size but not blazing. On thick stock, a coarser blade and patience pay off.
• The LED is helpful, but if you’re used to a fully open throat on larger bandsaws, the sightline takes a short adjustment.

None of these are flaws for the intended use; they’re just realities of a compact, one-handed bandsaw.

Tips for best results

• Match blade TPI to the material. Coarser for thick, finer for thin.
• Use the speed dial: lower for stainless and hard alloys; mid to high for mild steel.
• Keep a light hand. Let the blade cut; don’t lean on the tool.
• Register the guard/shoe against the work to keep cuts square.
• Check tracking after the first few cuts on a new blade, then leave it alone unless you see drift.

Warranty and support

DeWalt backs the tool with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That aligns with the rest of the 20V lineup and is appropriate for a pro-grade tool you’ll use regularly.

Final thoughts and recommendation

The DCS377 is a compact, jobsite-friendly bandsaw that excels at exactly what it promises: quick, clean one-handed cuts on common metal stock up to 1-3/4 inches. It’s light enough to live on a lift all day, powerful enough to handle strut and rebar without drama, and refined enough to give burr-free cuts on conduit and threaded rod. The variable-speed trigger and dial make it adaptable, the guard boosts confidence overhead, and the kit’s 4.0 Ah battery provides solid runtime.

Its limitations—capacity and a wrench-needed blade change—are inherent to the class rather than missteps. If you need more reach or faster throughput on heavy sections, a deep-cut bandsaw is the better pick. For electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and fabricators who spend time cutting small metal in finished spaces or overhead, this compact saw is a smarter, cleaner, and quieter alternative to a recip or cutoff wheel.

Recommendation: I recommend the DCS377 for tradespeople and serious DIYers who prioritize portability, control, and clean cuts on small stock. It’s a well-balanced, efficient tool that makes the everyday metal cuts safer and easier, and it earns its spot in a 20V kit. If your work regularly exceeds 1-3/4 in capacity, look to a larger bandsaw; otherwise, this compact model is the right choice.