DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool

First impressions

A good oscillating multi-tool should disappear in your hand. That’s exactly how the DeWalt DCS355 feels after a few minutes of cutting, scraping, and sanding. It’s compact for its class, well balanced with an 18V XR battery, and the brushless motor gives it a responsive, eager character without feeling twitchy. Out of the box (sold as a bare tool), you get the essentials to start working: a couple of 31×43 mm blades, a sanding pad with paper, a universal adaptor, and a hex key. You’ll need to bring your own XR battery and charger.

Design and build

The DCS355 is tidy and purposeful. At 1.1 kg and 310 mm long, it isn’t the shortest on the market, but DeWalt keeps the bulk low and the handle slim. The rubber overmold provides reliable grip without becoming gummy in dust. The accessory end uses DeWalt’s Quick-Change clamp, which is metal, confidence-inspiring, and genuinely tool-free. Blade indexing gives plenty of angle options around the nose, which matters a lot when you’re flush-cutting trim or sneaking past a jamb.

Fit and finish are typical DeWalt XR: rugged casing, tight seams, and switches that feel decisive. The integrated LED sits in a sensible spot and doesn’t throw a shadow right across the cut line, a common annoyance in this category.

Performance and speed control

The 18V brushless motor is the star. It’s efficient, has strong low-speed torque, and ramps smoothly. With a no-load range of 0–20,000 OPM and a 1.6° oscillation angle, the DCS355 leans toward control over aggression. That smaller swing angle translates into cleaner starts and less chatter on plunge cuts, especially in hardwoods and when trimming drywall near delicate finishes. The trade-off is that it’s a touch slower than some 2.0° competitors on long, straight flush cuts or heavy demolition. For finish carpentry, flooring, carpentry punch lists, electrical box cut-ins, and detail sanding, I prefer the finesse.

DeWalt sticks with a variable-speed trigger rather than a dial. If you’re used to setting-and-forgetting a speed wheel, there’s a small adjustment period. After that, the trigger becomes an asset: it’s intuitive, lets you feather into cuts, and keeps control in your index finger rather than another control surface. The lock-on switch is handy for sanding or longer scraping sessions; click into a comfortable OPM and settle into the task without death-gripping the trigger.

Accessory system and compatibility

Blade changes are quick and secure. Flip the lever, seat the blade, flip back—done. The universal accessory adaptor broadens compatibility with common OIS-style accessories, and the included hex key handles oddball setups. In practical terms, most “open-ended” oscillating blades work fine. Proprietary “Starlock-only” blades that require a 3D mount aren’t what this nose is designed for, so plan your consumables accordingly.

The included 31×43 mm wood and wood-with-nails blades are solid “starter” choices and cut cleanly. Like all pack-in consumables, they’ll get you going, but frequent users will want to step up to task-specific, higher-grade blades (bi-metal for nails, carbide for grout, precision-tooth for hardwood trim). The sanding pad holds sheets securely and runs flat without wobble.

Ergonomics and vibration

This is a comfortable tool. The weight is centered, and with a 4–5Ah XR pack, the balance shifts slightly rearward, which I prefer for overhead and flush work. The head isn’t tiny, so there are still corners it won’t reach, but it’s no bulkier than other cordless options I’ve used. Vibration is present—as it is with all oscillating tools—but the DCS355 keeps it in the “manageable for long sessions” category. Over extended runs on metal or with dull blades, forearm fatigue shows up; fresh blades and a light hand go a long way to keeping things smooth.

Noise levels are typical of the class: not punishing, but hearing protection is wise, especially at higher OPM or when cutting metal.

LED and visibility

The LED is bright and genuinely helpful in cabinets, attics, and under-sink work where these tools earn their keep. It illuminates the immediate work zone without washing out your pencil line. I’d still love a second LED from a different angle to eliminate shadows entirely, but that’s a wishlist item rather than a real complaint.

Depth/height guide

The adjustable guide system is a nice touch for repeatable depth cuts—shelving notches, trim back-cuts, or electrical box recesses where consistency matters. It attaches positively and holds its setting. It does add some bulk at the nose, so I don’t leave it on the tool; I treat it like a specialty accessory and snap it on when the task benefits.

Runtime and batteries

Brushless efficiency is noticeable. With a 5Ah pack, I can move through a day of intermittent trim cuts, a few drywall openings, and light sanding without needing a second battery. Heavy demolition or lots of metal work will drain packs faster; that’s the nature of the task. If you’re already invested in DeWalt’s 18V XR system, the bare-tool purchase makes sense. If you’re starting fresh, plan on at least a 4Ah battery for comfortable runtime and balance.

Dust management

Oscillating tools aren’t dust champs, and the DCS355 is no exception. The sanding pad lacks active extraction, and cutting drywall or grout will make a mess. I’ve had good results pairing it with a vacuum and scribing tape lines to catch fines. For finish work, a quick vacuum pass and a brush keep the workspace civilized.

What I’d change

• A speed dial option: I like the trigger, but a secondary speed limiter can be useful when working overhead or in awkward positions where precise trigger modulation is harder.
• A hair more oscillation angle: The 1.6° swing is refined, but a selectable “high-output” mode (or a model variant) would accelerate demolition tasks.
• A slimmer head: It’s not oversized, but any reduction at the nose pays dividends in cabinetry and tight framing.

Reliability, warranty, and value

The tool feels durable. The clamp mechanism is metal where it counts, the switches have proven reliable, and the housing has handled drops and jobsite dust without complaint. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty (registration required), which is standard in this class. Sold as tool-only, the value proposition is strong if you’re already on XR batteries. The included accessories cover a surprising range of tasks out of the box; just budget for higher-grade blades as your usage ramps up.

Tips for best results

• Start slow, then ramp up: Feather the trigger to start a cut cleanly, especially on finished surfaces.
• Let the blade do the work: Excess pressure adds heat and vibration and shortens blade life.
• Match the blade to the material: Bi-metal for nails, carbide for grout or plaster, fine-tooth for trim.
• Use the guide when consistency matters: It’s worth the 30 seconds to attach for repeatable depths.
• Keep consumables fresh: A dull blade makes any oscillating tool feel underpowered.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCS355, especially for anyone already invested in DeWalt’s 18V XR platform. It offers a well-judged balance of control, power, and ergonomics, with a genuinely useful quick-change system and thoughtful touches like a lock-on switch and a well-placed LED. Its 1.6° oscillation favors precision over brute speed, which suits the way I use an oscillating tool most days: careful plunge cuts, trim, drywall, flooring, and detail sanding. If your work leans heavily toward demolition and you crave maximum aggressiveness or Starlock compatibility, there are alternatives worth a look. For everyone else—DIYers stepping up and pros who need a dependable, versatile multi-tool—the DCS355 is a smart, capable choice that stays out of the way and gets the job done.