Full Review ⭐ DeWalt DCS355N XR Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool: Bare Unit

The DeWalt DCS355N XR is an oscillating multi-tool that offers excellent power and versatility for DIYers and professionals. This cordless model features a brushless motor and runs on DeWalt's 20V Max XR lithium-ion battery system.

Some of the key features of the DCS355N include:

• Brushless motor delivers up to 57% more runtime over brushed motors
• Quick and easy blade change system with universal accessory adaptor
• Variable speed dial (0-22,000 OPM) for optimal speed control
• Bright LED light to illuminate work areas
• Weighs only 3.5 lbs for comfortable prolonged use

The DCS355N is a bare tool only, so no battery or charger is included. It is priced in the £130-160 range for just the oscillating tool itself. Overall, the DeWalt DCS355N offers pro-level performance thanks to its brushless motor and is a great choice for remodelling, installations, and detail work.

Design & Build Quality

The DeWalt DCS355N features a durable and ergonomic design built to withstand tough job site conditions. The housing is constructed from high-grade reinforced plastic that feels solid in hand without being overly heavy.

Weighing in at just 3.5 lbs, the multi-tool has a balanced and comfortable grip thanks to its slim body and rubber overmold on the handle. This helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

The brushless motor is encased in a metal gear housing which enhances durability and heat resistance. There's also a built-in LED light to illuminate the work area.

Overall, the materials and construction quality of the DCS355N are top-notch. It's a rugged tool made to hold up to heavy daily use by professionals without any compromise on comfort. The compact size coupled with ergonomic design makes this one of the most well-balanced and maneuverable oscillating multi-tools on the market.

One of the standout features of the DeWalt DCS355N-XJ Oscillating Multi-Tool 18V Li-Ion Cordless Brushless Battery Powered is its variable speed control dial with speeds ranging from 0 to 20,000 oscillations per minute. This allows users to match the blade oscillation rate to the material and application for optimized cutting, sanding, and grinding performance.

The quick-change accessory system is another hallmark of DeWalt design. You can swap out blades and attachments quickly without any tools required. There's also an integrated dust blower to keep the work area clean.

At just over 8 inches in length, the DCS355N is compact and easy to control in tight spaces. The well-balanced design and grip make it comfortable to use all day long without tiring out your hands and arms.

With its durable housing, ergonomic grip, variable speed control, and quick-change features, the DeWalt DCS355N-XJ stands out as a high-performance oscillating multi-tool built to take on the toughest jobs day after day. If you're looking for power, versatility, and reliability, it's hard to beat this cordless oscillating tool from DeWalt.

Power & Performance

The DCS355N features a powerful brushless motor that delivers up to 57% more power compared to previous models. It has a high performance transmission that enables the tool to achieve 20,000 oscillations per minute.

This multi-tool comes with 4 different speed settings - 1-4 - that allow you to match the speed to the application. Speed 1, the lowest setting, is ideal for precision work while Speed 4, the highest setting, is great for aggressive material removal. At top speed, the DCS355N can make quick work of cutting through wood, metal and plastic.

In terms of power output, this oscillating tool packs a punch. It delivers up to 3.2 degrees of oscillation which gives it the ability to bevel, flush cut and plunge cut through tough materials. The added power enables the multi-tool to take on heavy duty sanding/grinding jobs as well. So whether you need to remove old caulk, cut drywall, sand a tight corner or grind off welds, the DCS355N has the oomph to get it done fast.

If you're looking for a high performance oscillating multi-tool, check out the DeWalt DCS355M1-GB DCS355M1 Oscillating Multi-Tool. This 18V li-ion cordless brushless model comes with 1 x 4Ah batteries and 35 accessories to handle just about any job. The powerful brushless motor provides 57% more power while the 3-position overmold grip gives you superior control and comfort. Weighing only 3.3 lbs, the DCS355M1 features a compact and ergonomic design that reduces fatigue, even during extended use. With variable speed control from 0-20,000 oscillations per minute, this multi-tool can power through the toughest materials quickly and smoothly. It's the perfect choice for carpenters, remodelers, installers and more who need best-in-class performance from their oscillating tool.

Blade Changing System

One of the standout features of the DeWalt DCS355N is its tool-free blade change system. The blade clamp has an easy open/close lever that allows you to insert and remove blades without any tools. This makes it incredibly quick and convenient to swap out blades as needed for different materials or tasks.

The blade clamp is also universal, meaning it accepts all competitor blades in addition to DeWalt's own. So you're not limited to proprietary blades and can use whichever ones suit your needs. Whether it's wood blades, metal blades, flush-cut blades etc, they will lock into place securely thanks to the quick clamping mechanism.

Being able to rapidly change blades and use ones from any brand really enhances the versatility of the oscillating multi-tool. You can tackle a wide variety of jobs without having to stop and fumble with tools to swap blades. Overall, the blade changing system is one of the most user-friendly and functional features of this oscillating multi-tool.

Accessories

The DCS355N comes with a limited number of accessories included in the box. It includes:

• A sanding/rasping pad
• A rigid scraper blade
• A segment saw blade

While this covers some basics, most users will want to purchase additional accessories to really take advantage of the tool's capabilities. Some popular add-on accessories include:

• Wood and metal cutting blades - These allow for precise cuts in various materials. Many options are available for both straight and curved cuts.

• Detail sanding pads - For finer sanding and detail work. Different grits are available.

• Carbide grout removal blade - For removing old grout between tiles. Much better than a manual grout removal tool.

• Plunge cutting blades - For making interior cutouts without an access hole. Useful for sinks, electrical outlets, etc.

• Flooring removal tool - For lifting flooring materials like vinyl tiles. Makes it easy to remove flooring for replacement.

DeWalt offers a good selection of accessories, as do many third parties. Having a range of blades and attachments makes the multi tool much more useful for different applications. The quick blade change system also makes it fast and easy to switch between accessories as needed.

Applications

The DCS355N is a versatile tool suitable for many DIY and professional applications. Its powerful motor and oscillating action make it ideal for cutting into a wide range of materials.

• Wood - The DCS355N can cut through softwoods and hardwoods up to 2 inches thick. It's great for plunge cuts, flush cutting, and scroll work in wood. The tool excels at making curved or irregular cuts that would be difficult with a saw.

• Metal - With a suitable blade, the DCS355N can cut thin gauge sheet metal, pipes, bars, and angles. It's handy for making cutouts or slots in metal.

• Plastic - The oscillating action allows clean and fast cuts in plastic sheets, pipes, and other materials like PVC, acrylic, ABS and more. The tool can cut plastic up to 0.5 inch thick.

• Drywall - The thin profile of oscillating blades makes the DCS355N perfect for plunge cuts and detailed shapes in drywall. It can cut openings for electrical boxes, ductwork, pipes, or vents.

• Tile - Using a diamond-grit or ceramic-grit blade, the multi tool can cut ceramic tile, porcelain, and stone. It excels at making notches, holes, and intricate cuts.

• Fiberglass - The DCS355N can cut fiberglass panels and shapes with ease and control using an appropriate blade.

The DCS355N is great for home improvement tasks like installing floors, remodeling bathrooms, customizing cabinetry, electrical work, HVAC modifications, and general construction projects. It's also useful for auto body work, boatbuilding, and other applications needing to cut a variety of materials.

Battery & Charger

The DeWalt DCS355N XR comes with a 20V MAX XR Lithium Ion battery that provides superior run time and capacity over standard batteries. The 5Ah battery has enough juice to power through demanding applications without slowing down.

It uses DeWalt's FLEXVOLT system which enables the battery to change voltage when changing tools. This means you can use the same battery on 60V MAX tools or dial it down to 20V for this oscillating multi tool.

Charging is quick and convenient with the included rapid charger. It can charge a completely dead 5Ah battery in about 60 minutes. There's also a fuel gauge that indicates the battery's charge level, so you know when it needs charging.

The brushless motor helps this oscillating tool maximize its battery life. Run time is excellent, giving you the ability to complete large jobs without having to stop to swap batteries. With the 5Ah battery, users report getting 45-60 minutes of cutting time depending on the application.

Pros

• Powerful motor. The DCS355N features an efficient brushless motor that delivers up to 57% more power than the previous model. This allows it to easily cut through wood, metal and plastic.

• Variable speed control. The speed can be adjusted from 0-3,000 oscillations per minute, giving you more control over the cut. At lower speeds, it's great for fine detail work.

• Tool-free blade change. The blade can be quickly changed without any tools, thanks to the tool-free FIXTEC blade clamp. This makes it easy to swap blades to match the material you're cutting.

• Compact and lightweight. Weighing only 1.2kg, the DCS355N is compact and comfortable to handle, even when used for extended periods. The slim grip section allows you to get into tight spaces.

Cons

• The tool lacks variable speed control, which would allow more precision on delicate materials. It only has an on/off trigger switch.

• At 3.2 pounds, it is on the heavier side for an oscillating multi-tool. The weight can make it tiring for extended overhead use.

• Dust collection could be improved. There is a lot of dust created when sanding that blows back towards the user. An effective dust port would help reduce cleanup time.

• The bare tool package does not include any accessories, blades, or batteries. You have to purchase these separately, increasing the overall cost.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCS355N XR Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool is an excellent choice for professionals and DIYers looking for a versatile and powerful oscillating tool. Its brushless motor provides increased efficiency, runtime and durability compared to brushed motors. The quick blade change system allows for fast accessory changes without any tools required.

The 3.2 degree oscillating arc delivers an aggressive cutting motion, making it easy to complete flush cuts and plunge cuts. It excels at completing detailed trims and precise cut-outs. The variable speed dial gives you optimal control over the speed based on the application.

The DCS355N feels very sturdy and durable in hand thanks to its all-metal gearing. It's backed by DeWalt's 3 year warranty for peace of mind. Overall, the DeWalt DCS355N XR offers best-in-class power, performance and versatility for tackling all types of oscillating tool applications.

Final Verdict: The DeWalt DCS355N XR is highly recommended for any professional contractor or avid DIYer looking for a heavy-duty oscillating multi-tool that can handle the toughest jobs with ease. It delivers uncompromising power and performance.