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If you’re shopping for a cordless oscillating multi-tool kit with a battery, you’re likely staring at two heavyweights: the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS356D1 and the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCE501D1. Both come ready to work with a battery, charger, and accessories, but they take different paths to get the job done.
I’ve spent time with both of these kits, and the choice really comes down to how much control you want over your cuts versus how much you value simplicity and savings. Let me break down what each one delivers so you can pick the right tool for your workshop.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS356D1
Brushless motor gives 57% more run time plus a 3-speed selector for precision — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1
Variable speed dial with tool-free universal attachment at a value price — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Os | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscilla |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | CRAFTSMAN | DEWALT |
| Voltage | ✅ 20 volts | 20 volts |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Battery Type | — | ✅ Lithium Ion |
| Number of Batteries | — | ✅ 1 |
| Battery Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charger Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Speed Settings | Variable | ✅ 3-speed |
| Motor Type | — | ✅ Brushless |
| Recommended Uses | ✅ Cutting, Grinding, Sanding, Polishing | — |
| Color | ✅ Black, Red | — |
| Item Weight | — | ✅ 2.3 pounds |
| Included Accessories | Blades, Sand Paper | Blades, Sand Paper |
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran both kits through real-world tests — cutting, sanding, and grinding — to see which one holds up when the trigger gets pulled. Here’s what I found with each.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit (CMCE501D1)
20V | Variable Speed Dial | LED Light | 1x 2.0Ah Battery Included
- Variable speed dial oscillating saw for control during application
- LED work light illuminates work area for visibility
- Tool-free universal attachment for quick and easy blade changes
The CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 is a solid workhorse that gets the job done without fuss. I liked the variable speed dial — it gives you good control for different materials, and the LED light came in handy when I was cutting in a dim corner. The tool-free universal attachment made swapping blades quick, and the included storage bag keeps everything organized. It’s a great pick if you’re just starting out or need a reliable backup, but I did notice it doesn’t have the brushless motor efficiency of the DEWALT, so you’ll get less run time per charge.
✅ Pros
- Variable speed dial gives precise control for different materials
- LED light illuminates work area for better visibility
- Tool-free universal attachment for quick blade changes
- Includes 2 blades, sanding platen, 4 sandpaper sheets, and storage bag
❌ Cons
- No brushless motor means shorter run time per charge
- Only 2 blades included compared to 3 on the DEWALT
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (DCS356D1)
20V | Brushless Motor | 3-Speed Selector | 1x 2Ah Battery Included
- The 3-speed selector allows users to choose their speed setting based on...
- Brushless delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger gives users ultimate speed and application...
The DEWALT DCS356D1 is the clear winner in my book. The brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time than brushed models, and I felt that difference during extended sanding sessions. The 3-speed selector is a big improvement — I could dial in the perfect speed for cutting vs. grinding without guessing. The Quick-Change accessory system made swapping blades effortless, and the universal adapter means I can use any oscillating tool blades I already own. It’s pricier, but for anyone who uses a multi-tool regularly, this performance boost is worth every penny.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time
- 3-speed selector for precise speed control per application
- Quick-Change system for tool-free blade swaps
- Includes 3 blades, depth guide, universal adapter, and 5 sandpaper sheets
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 2.3 pounds, which can tire your arm during long jobs
- No storage bag included like the CRAFTSMAN kit
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these kits are solid, but the right pick comes down to how often you’ll use it and how much control you need. Let me break it down so you can match the tool to your specific situation.
CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 is right for you if…
- You’re a weekend DIYer who wants a reliable multi-tool with a variable speed dial and doesn’t need the extra run time of a brushless motor.
- You value the included storage bag and the VERSATRACK compatibility for hanging your tools on the wall.
- You’re on a budget and want a kit that includes 2 blades, sanding platen, 4 sandpaper sheets, battery, and charger right out of the box.
DEWALT DCS356D1 is right for you if…
- You’re a professional or serious DIYer who needs the 57% more run time from the brushless motor for long, continuous jobs.
- You want the 3-speed selector to precisely match speed to the material — whether you’re cutting wood or grinding metal.
- You already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools and want to share batteries and chargers across your system.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need to make a few cuts a year and don’t want to manage batteries and chargers, a corded oscillating tool will save you money and never run out of power. These kits are for people who value portability and already live in a cordless ecosystem.
For the most common buyer — someone who wants a dependable cordless multi-tool that’ll last years — I’d grab the DEWALT DCS356D1. The brushless motor and 3-speed control justify the extra cost for anyone who uses it more than once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for battery life — the DEWALT DCS356D1 or the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1?
The DEWALT DCS356D1 wins this one hands down. Its brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time compared to brushed models, which is a huge difference when you’re in the middle of a long sanding or cutting job. I found I could work noticeably longer on a single 2Ah battery charge with the DEWALT before needing to swap in a fresh one. If you’re doing extended work sessions, the DEWALT is worth the extra money.
Is the DEWALT DCS356D1 worth the extra cost over the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1?
For most people, yes — but it depends on how often you’ll use it. The DEWALT costs more upfront but gives you a brushless motor, 3-speed selector, and a universal accessory adapter that works with most oscillating tool blades. If you’re a professional or a serious DIYer who uses a multi-tool weekly, the performance and run time gains justify the price difference. If you’re a casual user who needs it for occasional trim cuts, the CRAFTSMAN will do the job fine and save you money.
Which kit comes with more accessories — the CRAFTSMAN or the DEWALT?
The DEWALT DCS356D1 kit actually comes with more accessories. It includes 3 blades, a depth guide, a universal accessory adapter, a sanding pad, and 5 sheets of sandpaper. The CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 includes 2 blades, a sanding platen, 4 sheets of sandpaper, and a storage bag — which the DEWALT doesn’t have. So if you want more cutting options out of the box, go with the DEWALT; if you want a bag to carry everything, the CRAFTSMAN is better.
Which tool has better speed control — the DEWALT DCS356D1 or the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1?
I prefer the DEWALT’s 3-speed selector over the CRAFTSMAN’s variable speed dial. The DEWALT lets you pick a specific speed setting that stays consistent during the whole job, which is great for matching the right speed to different materials like wood vs. metal. The CRAFTSMAN dial gives you continuous adjustment but requires more fine-tuning by hand. For precise, repeatable work, the DEWALT’s 3-speed control is the winner.
Are the batteries interchangeable between CRAFTSMAN V20 and DEWALT 20V MAX tools?
No, they’re not interchangeable. The CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 uses the V20 battery system, and the DEWALT DCS356D1 uses the 20V MAX system — these are two completely different platforms with different battery connectors. If you already own tools in one system, that’s a strong reason to stick with that brand. Both kits include a 2Ah battery and charger, but you can’t mix and match them.
Which kit is better for a beginner — the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 or the DEWALT DCS356D1?
For a beginner, I’d lean toward the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1. It’s more affordable, includes a storage bag to keep everything organized, and the variable speed dial is straightforward to understand. The DEWALT’s 3-speed selector and brushless motor are great features, but they’re overkill if you’re just learning. Start with the CRAFTSMAN to get comfortable with oscillating tools, and upgrade to the DEWALT later if you find yourself using it more often.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS356D1 is my clear winner. Its brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time and the 3-speed selector gives you precise control that the CRAFTSMAN simply can’t match. The universal accessory adapter also means you can use blades from most brands, making it the more versatile long-term investment.
If you’re still on the fence, think about how often you’ll actually reach for this tool. For weekly projects and professional use, the DEWALT’s performance gains are worth every penny. But if you’re a casual DIYer who needs a dependable multi-tool for occasional trim work, the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 with its storage bag and lower price is a smart choice that won’t disappoint.
Winner: DEWALT DCS356D1
- The 3-speed selector allows users to choose their speed setting based on...
- Brushless delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger gives users ultimate speed and application...
Best for professionals and serious DIYers who need maximum run time, precise speed control, and the flexibility of a universal accessory adapter. The 3-speed selector and brushless motor make it the superior tool.
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1
- Variable speed dial oscillating saw for control during application
- LED work light illuminates work area for visibility
- Tool-free universal attachment for quick and easy blade changes
Best for budget-conscious buyers and beginners who want a reliable cordless multi-tool with a variable speed dial, LED light, and a storage bag included. Great value for occasional use.
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