DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (includes 2.0 Ah battery and charger)

What it is and where it shines

DeWalt’s DCS356 cordless oscillating multi-tool lands in that sweet spot of jobsite-ready power and everyday versatility. It’s a brushless, three-speed unit with a dual-grip variable-speed trigger, quick-change accessory system, and an LED that actually lights up the work. The kit bundles a 2.0 Ah 20V battery, charger, a few starter accessories, and a soft bag.

I’ve used it for the usual multi-tool tasks—undercutting door jambs for vinyl, trimming shims and casing, notching drywall around boxes, shaving proud fasteners, and detail sanding in corners. It’s quick to deploy, controllable, and compatible with the OIS-style blades I keep on hand. The top-end speed (up to 20,000 OPM) paired with the relatively modest 1.6-degree oscillation arc favors control and clean starts, which is what I want for plunge cuts and flush work.

Design and ergonomics

The form factor is familiar DeWalt: a slightly squarish rubber overmold with enough girth to keep your grip relaxed. The dual-grip trigger lets you feather speed whether you’re choked up near the head or holding it further back, and it’s friendly for both right- and left-handed use. The three-speed selector on top sets a ceiling for the trigger—Speed 1 for delicate starts, Speed 2 for most material cutting, and Speed 3 when you need maximum aggression.

The LED is bright and well placed; it’s not a gimmick. In cabinet interiors and low light, it makes it easier to sight a line and watch the kerf. There’s also a lock-on, which I appreciate when sanding for longer stretches; it reduces trigger fatigue without forcing you into an awkward grip.

Kit weight is listed at 6.8 lb, but in hand, the tool with the compact 2.0 Ah battery feels reasonably balanced. The soft bag holds the tool, charger, and a basic assortment of blades and pads, though organization is limited.

Performance

With a sharp bi-metal blade, the tool chews through wood trim, PVC, and copper pipe ends without complaint. Plunge cuts in drywall are quick and controlled, and flush cuts across casing or baseboards come out clean when you let the blade do the work. The 1.6-degree arc isn’t the most aggressive on the market, but it helps keep the tool from “walking” and makes detail work easier. For speed, simply step up to the highest setting and apply steady, moderate pressure.

The brushless motor is the right choice here. It keeps the head speed consistent under load and sips less power than brushed designs. Start-up is smooth, and the trigger modulation is excellent for creeping onto a layout line or easing into a metal cut to preserve teeth.

I also tested the adjustable depth/height guide for repeatable undercuts—useful when trimming jambs or toe kicks to a consistent height. It’s a nice inclusion that some skip, but you’ll likely remove it when visibility around the blade matters; it adds bulk and can block your view in cramped spots.

Accessory changes and compatibility

DeWalt’s Quick-Change lever works as intended: flip, swap, flip back—no hex key. It’s fast and secure with open-back OIS accessories. The kit includes a universal adapter for round-hole blades, which broadens compatibility. In my experience, using the adapter or thicker accessories can keep the clamping faces from fully closing, which can add a touch of extra chatter. If you stick with OIS/open-back blades that seat directly on the tool’s clamping interface, vibration is lower and cuts feel tighter.

A note on compatibility: Starlock-only blades don’t lock on this interface; plan your blade purchases around OIS/open-back patterns or use the included adapter where appropriate.

Noise, vibration, and heat

Like any oscillating tool, it’s not quiet. Hearing protection is a good idea for extended use. Vibration levels are manageable—better with a quality blade and when the accessory is seated flush. With the 3-speed limiter on 1 or 2 and a light touch, I can keep hand fatigue down for the short, controlled cuts that are this tool’s bread and butter. For longer sanding sessions, anti-vibration gloves make a noticeable difference.

Heat rise at the head is typical. Continuous cutting at high speed in drywall or abrasive materials will warm the nose quickly. Back off your pressure, drop a speed, and take brief pauses if you feel the head heating up. Cutting pressure matters more than RPMs for both blade life and comfort.

Battery and runtime

The included 2.0 Ah pack gets the job done for punch-list tasks and intermittent cuts throughout the day. On repeated heavy cuts or long sanding sessions, I can run it down sooner than I’d like. Swapping to a 5.0 Ah pack transforms the experience—longer runtime, fewer swaps, and a bit more mass that actually helps damp vibration. If this is your first DeWalt 20V tool, the included battery and charger are fine starters; if you’re already on the platform, plan on pairing this with a higher-capacity battery for serious remodel work.

Charging time for the 2.0 Ah pack is short enough to top off over a lunch break. As always, runtime depends on the material, blade condition, and how hard you lean on it.

Control and precision

Control is this tool’s best trait. The variable trigger plus three-speed limiter lets you creep into a cut and keep the blade from jumping. Starts are easy, especially when undercutting casings or nibbling into a baseboard without scarring the finished surface. The LED and compact head help you see where the teeth are. With flush-cut blades and the depth guide set conservatively, it’s easy to make repeatable, clean undercuts.

A few tips from use:
- Let the blade do the work; heavy pressure increases heat, vibration, and tear-out.
- Use quality blades matched to the material; cheap teeth chatter more and dull quickly.
- Seat the blade cleanly against the clamp, especially with the adapter; any debris or misalignment shows up as noise and vibration.

What I’d change

• Battery choice in the kit: A 2.0 Ah pack keeps the price down, but this tool benefits from more capacity. A 4.0–5.0 Ah option would better match the performance and reduce swaps.
• Storage: The soft bag is roomy but offers little organization or protection for small accessories. A molded case or a divider system would keep blades and sanding pads in better shape.
• Clamping interface with adapters: The universal adapter expands compatibility, but it introduces stack-up thickness. Direct-fit blades deliver a smoother feel; I’d love to see an improved adapter that preserves full jaw engagement.

The bottom line

This is a capable, well-controlled oscillating multi-tool with the right mix of speed, precision, and convenience. It cuts, sands, and trims with confidence, the quick-change system is genuinely quick, and the LED and speed limiter make it easier to work accurately. It’s loud, like all of its kind, and it will warm up if you push it hard at full speed. The included 2.0 Ah battery is adequate for light to moderate use, but the tool really comes into its own with a higher-capacity pack.

Recommendation: I recommend it. If you need a cordless oscillating tool for remodeling, finish carpentry, and general jobsite problem-solving, this DeWalt hits the marks that matter—control, compatibility, and reliability. Pair it with a 4.0–5.0 Ah battery and quality OIS blades, and you’ll have a versatile, ready-to-work setup that handles most tasks you’ll throw at a multi-tool without fuss.