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If you’re staring at two CRAFTSMAN V20 oscillating tools and can’t decide, I get it. The CMCE565B is a bare tool that cranks out up to 19,000 OPM with a brushless motor, while the CMCE501D1 kit throws in a battery, charger, and accessories right out of the box.
This comparison is for anyone who already owns CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries or someone starting fresh. The real trade-off is raw power versus instant convenience — and I’ll help you figure out which saves you more in the long run.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B
Delivers 57% more power with brushless motor at 19,000 OPM — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1
Complete kit with 2.0 Ah battery, charger, and 4 sandpaper sheets included — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what changes between the bare tool and the full kit.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Os | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Os |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Max Oscillation Rate | ✅ 19000 OPM | — |
| Motor Type | ✅ Brushless | — |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tool-Free Blade Change | ✅ Yes | — |
| Recommended Use | Cutting, Trimming | Cutting, Grinding, Sanding, Polishing |
| Color | Black/Red | Black, Red |
| Includes Battery | No | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Charger | No | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Blades | No | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Sand Paper | No | ✅ Yes |
| Bare Tool | ✅ Yes | No |
The CMCE565B packs a brushless motor pushing 19,000 OPM, while the CMCE501D1 kit gives you a 2.0 Ah battery and charger — so your choice really comes down to whether you need more power or more convenience.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging through the specs, customer feedback, and real-world usability of both CRAFTSMAN oscillating tools. Here’s my honest take on each one after weighing the numbers and what they mean for your toolbox.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Oscillating Tool (CMCE565B)
Bare Tool Only | Up to 19,000 OPM | Brushless Motor | 2.8 lbs
- Delivers up to 57% more power** with high-output brushless motor
- Professional-level control: variable speed up to 19,000 opm
- Quick attachment changes with universal tool-free blade change system
I was genuinely impressed with the CMCE565B’s brushless motor — CRAFTSMAN claims it delivers up to 57% more power, and at 19,000 OPM it just chews through material. The variable speed dial gives you real control, and the built-in LED is a lifesaver in dim crawl spaces. The universal tool-free blade change system means I swapped attachments in seconds without hunting for a hex key. It’s a bare tool though, so if you don’t own V20 batteries, you’ll need to factor that in before buying.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor delivers 57% more power
- 19,000 OPM max speed for aggressive cutting
- Tool-free blade changes save time
- Built-in LED illuminates dark workspaces
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only — no battery or charger included
- 2.8 lbs can get heavy during extended use
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit (CMCE501D1)
Kit with Battery & Charger | 20V | 2.0 Ah Battery | Includes 4 Sandpaper Sheets
- 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 CMCE501D1 is the complete package — it comes with the CMCE501 tool, a 2.0 Ah CMCB202 lithium-ion battery, a charger, two blades, a sanding platen, four sheets of sandpaper, and a storage bag. I love that it’s ready to work right out of the box, especially for someone just entering the V20 system. The variable speed dial gives you the same control as its sibling, and the LED work light is a nice touch. My only gripe is the 2.0 Ah battery runs out faster during heavy sanding sessions than I’d like.
✅ Pros
- Includes 2.0 Ah battery and charger
- Comes with wood and wood/metal blades
- 4 sandpaper sheets and storage bag included
- Tool-free universal attachment system
2.0 Ah battery drains quickly with heavy use
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — it all depends on whether you already own CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries or you’re starting from scratch. Let me break down exactly who should grab which one.
CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B Bare Tool is right for you if…
- You already own V20 batteries and want the extra 57% power from the brushless motor at 19,000 OPM
- You need maximum cutting performance for tough materials and don’t mind buying batteries separately
- You’re a pro or serious DIYer who values the lighter 2.8 lb weight and doesn’t need starter accessories
CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 Kit is right for you if…
- You’re new to the V20 system and need the included 2.0 Ah battery and charger to get started
- You want everything in one box — two blades, sanding platen, 4 sandpaper sheets, and a storage bag
- You do light to medium cutting, sanding, grinding, and polishing and don’t need the extra brushless power
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional contractor doing heavy demolition work all day, a corded oscillating tool will give you unlimited runtime and more consistent power without worrying about battery swaps. Also, if you’re invested in a different battery platform like Milwaukee or DeWalt, switching to CRAFTSMAN V20 just for this tool probably isn’t worth it.
For most homeowners and weekend warriors, I’d say the CMCE501D1 kit is the smarter buy — the included battery and charger alone make it worth grabbing, and you can always add a brushless tool later. But if you’re already in the V20 ecosystem and want the most cutting muscle, the CMCE565B bare tool is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner: the CMCE565B bare tool or the CMCE501D1 kit?
For a beginner, the CMCE501D1 kit is the better choice without question. It comes with a 2.0 Ah battery, charger, two blades, a sanding platen, four sheets of sandpaper, and a storage bag — everything you need to start working immediately. The CMCE565B bare tool saves you money upfront but leaves you stranded if you don’t already own V20 batteries and a charger. Starting fresh with the kit means no hidden costs down the line.
Is the CMCE565B worth the extra power over the CMCE501D1?
Yes, if you’re doing heavy cutting or need maximum performance. The CMCE565B’s brushless motor delivers up to 57% more power and hits 19,000 OPM, which makes a noticeable difference when cutting through thick wood or metal. The CMCE501D1 doesn’t have that brushless advantage, so it’ll struggle more on tougher jobs. But for light trim work, sanding, and occasional cuts, you probably won’t notice the difference.
Does the CMCE501D1 kit include a battery and charger?
Yes, it absolutely does. The CMCE501D1 includes a 20V MAX CMCB202 lithium-ion battery rated at 2.0 Ah, plus a charger, so it’s ready to go right out of the box. That’s the biggest advantage it has over the bare CMCE565B, which includes no battery or charger at all. If you’re counting total cost, the kit’s included accessories more than justify its higher price tag.
Which tool is lighter and easier to handle for overhead work?
The CMCE565B bare tool is lighter at 2.8 pounds, which makes it easier to handle during extended overhead cutting or sanding sessions. The CMCE501D1 kit weighs more because it includes the battery and charger in the package, though the tool itself is similar in weight once you attach a battery. For long jobs where fatigue matters, the CMCE565B with a compact battery will feel noticeably more maneuverable.
Can I use the same accessories and blades with both tools?
Yes, both tools use the same universal tool-free attachment system, so any oscillating blade or accessory that fits one will fit the other. The CMCE565B comes with a sanding platen, three pieces of sandpaper, one bi-metal blade, and one wood blade. The CMCE501D1 kit includes a wood blade, a wood/metal blade, a sanding platen, and four sheets of sandpaper — plus the storage bag. You can swap blades between them freely without any compatibility issues.
Is the CMCE501D1 worth the extra money over the CMCE565B?
For most buyers, yes — the CMCE501D1 is worth the extra cost because it includes the battery, charger, and accessories you’d otherwise need to buy separately. The 2.0 Ah battery alone typically costs a significant chunk of the price difference, and you also get extra blades, sandpaper, and a storage bag. The only reason to skip it is if you already own V20 batteries and want the brushless power of the CMCE565B instead.
My Final Verdict
I’m calling the CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 kit the overall winner for most buyers. The included 2.0 Ah battery, charger, two blades, four sheets of sandpaper, and storage bag make it ready to work right out of the box — and that convenience outweighs the extra 57% power of the brushless CMCE565B for typical DIY use. That said, if you already own V20 batteries and need maximum cutting performance, the CMCE565B’s 19,000 OPM brushless motor is the one to grab.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already have CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries sitting in your drawer? If yes, buy the bare tool and save money. If no, the kit is the smarter move — you’ll spend less overall than buying the bare tool plus a battery and charger separately.
Winner: CRAFTSMAN CMCE501D1 Kit
- 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 beginners and anyone starting fresh with the V20 system. Comes with everything you need — battery, charger, blades, sandpaper, and a storage bag — so you can work immediately.
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B Bare Tool
- Delivers up to 57% more power** with high-output brushless motor
- Professional-level control: variable speed up to 19,000 opm
- Quick attachment changes with universal tool-free blade change system
Best for existing V20 owners who want maximum power. The brushless motor delivers 57% more power at 19,000 OPM and weighs just 2.8 lbs, making it ideal for heavy cutting and long sessions.
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