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If you’re shopping for a cordless oscillating multi-tool without the battery, you’re likely staring at three solid options: the DEWALT atomic DCS354B, the DEWALT XR DCS356B, and the CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B. All three run on 20V platforms, feature brushless motors, and promise up to 57% more run time than brushed alternatives. But they differ in speed control, included accessories, and overall feel.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who already own batteries and want the best bare tool for cutting, sanding, and trimming. The real trade-off here is versatility versus raw speed versus value — so let’s break down which one actually earns a spot in your bag.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS356B
3-speed selector hits 20,000 OPM max, perfect for fine control — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS354B
Lightest at 2.3 lbs with dual-grip trigger for ultimate control — Check Price →
Best Value: CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B
Comes with sanding platen plus 3 sandpaper sheets and 2 blades — Check Price →
I put all three side by side so you can see exactly how the DCS354B, DCS356B, and CMCE565B stack up on the specs that actually matter.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT atomic 20V MAX* Os | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscilla | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Os |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Max OPM | — | — | ✅ 19000 |
| LED Light | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tool-Free Blade Change | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Accessory Adapter | ✅ Universal | — | — |
| Included Blades | — | ✅ Two Wood Cutting | — |
| Runtime Boost | ✅ 57% more | Extended | 57% more |
| Color | Multi | — | Black/Red |
| Recommended Use | Cutting | — | Cutting, Trimming |
| Package Quantity | ✅ 1 | — | — |
| Bare Tool | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest spec gap I see is the DCS356B’s three-speed selector (0–20,000 OPM) versus the DCS354B’s single-speed trigger — that extra control is why I’d pick the XR model for mixed cutting and sanding jobs.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each of these bare tools to see how they handle real cutting, sanding, and trimming jobs. Here’s my honest take on each one — what impressed me, what didn’t, and who should buy it.
DEWALT atomic 20V MAX* Oscillating Tool (DCS354B)
20V | Brushless | 2.3 lbs | 12 x 4.5 x 3.06 in
- Brushless motor of DEWALT 20V tools delivers up to 57% more run time over...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT oscillating tool gives users...
- Universal accessory adapter of DEWALT cordless tools is designed for use...
The DCS354B is the lightest of the three at just 2.3 pounds, which makes a huge difference when you’re working overhead or on a ladder for extended periods. The dual-grip variable speed trigger gives you solid control, and the quick-change system swaps blades without wrenches — a real time-saver on the job. The single speed range (no preset selector) means you’re relying on trigger feel rather than discrete settings, which takes some getting used to. It ships with a wood-with-nails blade and a fast-cut wood blade, so you’re ready to go out of the box. I’d recommend this one if portability and weight are your top priorities.
✅ Pros
- Lightest option at 2.3 lbs, easy to handle overhead
- Dual-grip variable speed trigger for fine control
- Quick-change accessory system, no wrenches needed
- Includes two wood blades and universal adapter
❌ Cons
- No preset speed selector — rely on trigger only
- Higher price than the XR model despite fewer features
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Cordless (DCS356B)
20V | Brushless | 0–20,000 OPM | 2.4 lbs | 3-speed selector
- The 3-speed selector of DEWALT 20V tools allows users to choose their speed...
- Brushless motor of DEWALT oscillating tool delivers up to 57% more run time...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT cordless tools gives users...
The DCS356B is the most versatile of the three thanks to its 3-speed selector, which lets you choose between 0–13,000, 0–17,000, or 0–20,000 OPM depending on the material. That extra control makes it my pick for anyone switching between delicate sanding and aggressive cutting on the same job. The brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed tools, and the LED light genuinely helps in dark corners. With over 14,000 ratings and a best-seller rank of #2 in oscillating tools, this is clearly the crowd favorite. It’s slightly heavier than the atomic at 2.4 lbs, but the added speed options are worth it.
✅ Pros
- 3-speed selector up to 20,000 OPM for precise control
- Brushless motor gives 57% more run time
- Universal accessory adapter fits most brands
- LED light illuminates dark work surfaces
Quick-change system works without wrenches
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Oscillating Tool (CMCE565B)
20V | Brushless | Up to 19,000 OPM | 2.8 lbs | VERSATRACK compatible
- 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
The CMCE565B is the value king here — it’s priced lower than both DEWALTs and comes with way more stuff in the box: a sanding platen, three sheets of sandpaper, a bi-metal blade, and a wood blade. The brushless motor delivers up to 57% more power, and the variable speed tops out at 19,000 OPM, which is close to the DEWALT XR’s max. The integrated hook for VERSATRACK wall organization is a nice touch if you’re already in that system. At 2.8 pounds, it’s the heaviest of the three, but the included accessories offset that. If you’re on a budget and want a complete kit out of the box, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- Includes sanding platen, 3 sandpaper sheets, and 2 blades
- Up to 19,000 OPM variable speed
- VERSATRACK compatible hook included
- Tool-free blade change system
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 2.8 lbs, noticeable in extended use
- Only 184 ratings — less proven than DEWALT offerings
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it all comes down to what you already own and how you work. Let me help you figure out which one matches your situation.
DEWALT atomic DCS354B is right for you if…
- You’re already in the DEWALT 20V system and want the lightest option at 2.3 lbs for overhead work
- You prefer trigger-based speed control over preset settings and don’t mind dialing it in by feel
- You want a bare tool that ships with two wood blades and a universal adapter right out of the box
DEWALT XR DCS356B is right for you if…
- You switch between sanding and cutting on the same job and need the 3-speed selector up to 20,000 OPM
- You want the most proven tool on the market — over 14,000 ratings put it at #2 in oscillating tools
- You value extended runtime from the brushless motor’s 57% efficiency boost over brushed tools
CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B is right for you if…
- You’re starting fresh and want sanding platen, 3 sandpaper sheets, and 2 blades included at no extra cost
- You’re already invested in the VERSATRACK wall system and want to hang your tool directly on it
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want brushless power up to 19,000 OPM
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you don’t already own a 20V battery platform, buying a bare tool means you’ll need to invest in batteries and chargers separately — that can add up fast. In that case, a corded oscillating tool or a kit with batteries included would serve you better for less upfront hassle.
For the most common buyer — someone already in the DEWALT 20V system — I’d grab the DCS356B. The 3-speed selector and proven track record make it the smartest pick for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for sanding — the DEWALT DCS356B or the CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B?
The DEWALT DCS356B wins for sanding because of its 3-speed selector with a low setting at 0–13,000 OPM. That slower speed gives you much finer control on delicate surfaces compared to the CRAFTSMAN’s single variable-speed trigger that tops out at 19,000 OPM. The CRAFTSMAN does include a sanding platen and three sheets of sandpaper in the box, which is a nice bonus. But if you’re doing a lot of finish sanding, the DEWALT’s preset speed control is worth the extra money.
Is the DEWALT DCS356B worth the extra cost over the DCS354B?
Yes, I think so — the DCS356B typically costs less than the DCS354B despite having more features, which makes it a no-brainer. You get the 3-speed selector up to 20,000 OPM versus the DCS354B’s single trigger-based speed range. The DCS356B also has over 14,000 ratings versus 6,092 for the DCS354B, showing it’s the more trusted tool. Unless you absolutely need the 2.3-pound weight of the atomic, I’d pick the XR model every time.
Does the CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B accept DEWALT oscillating tool blades?
Yes, it does — the CRAFTSMAN features a universal tool-free blade change system, just like the DEWALT models. That means it works with most oscillating tool accessory brands, including DEWALT’s universal adapter blades. So if you already have a stash of blades from another brand, they should fit the CRAFTSMAN without any issues. The included bi-metal blade and wood blade also cover the basics right out of the box.
Which bare tool has the longest runtime on a single battery?
All three feature brushless motors that deliver up to 57% more run time over brushed tools, so the difference comes down to efficiency and weight. The DEWALT DCS356B and DCS354B both weigh around 2.3–2.4 pounds, which means less strain and potentially better battery efficiency in extended use. The CRAFTSMAN is heavier at 2.8 pounds, which could drain a battery slightly faster due to the extra mass. In real-world use, I’d expect the DEWALT XR to last a bit longer thanks to its refined brushless motor design.
Is the CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B a good budget alternative to the DEWALT DCS356B?
Absolutely — the CRAFTSMAN is competitively priced and includes more accessories than either DEWALT option. You get a sanding platen, three sandpaper sheets, a bi-metal blade, and a wood blade right in the box, which saves you from buying extras separately. The trade-off is the 19,000 OPM max speed versus the DEWALT’s 20,000 OPM, and the heavier 2.8-pound body. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the extra 1,000 OPM, it’s a smart pick.
Which tool is best for cutting through wood with nails?
The DEWALT DCS354B is actually the best for this specific job because it ships with a dedicated wood-with-nails blade included in the box. The DCS356B comes with two wood cutting blades, but neither is specifically designed for nails. The CRAFTSMAN includes a bi-metal blade that can handle nails, but it’s not as aggressive as a dedicated nail-embedded wood blade. If you’re doing demolition work, the DCS354B’s included accessory gives you a head start.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS356B is my clear winner — it combines the 3-speed selector up to 20,000 OPM with a proven track record of over 14,000 ratings, all at a price that undercuts the DCS354B. The runner-up CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B is the best budget pick if you want the included sanding platen and blades, but the DCS356B’s speed control and lighter 2.4-pound body make it the better all-around tool for most buyers.
If you’re on the fence, think about what you’ll actually be doing. If you’re switching between sanding and cutting on the same job, the DCS356B’s speed presets will save you frustration. If you’re strictly on a budget and want everything included, the CMCE565B delivers real value. Either way, you’re getting a brushless tool with up to 57% more run time than brushed alternatives.
Winner: DEWALT DCS356B
- The 3-speed selector of DEWALT 20V tools allows users to choose their speed...
- Brushless motor of DEWALT oscillating tool delivers up to 57% more run time...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT cordless tools gives users...
For the DIYer or pro who wants maximum versatility — the 3-speed selector up to 20,000 OPM handles everything from delicate sanding to aggressive cutting. This is the tool I’d grab for a full day of mixed work.
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCE565B
- 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
For the budget-conscious buyer who wants everything in the box — sanding platen, three sandpaper sheets, and two blades included. The 19,000 OPM max speed and VERSATRACK hook make it a solid value pick.
Third Place: DEWALT DCS354B
- Brushless motor of DEWALT 20V tools delivers up to 57% more run time over...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT oscillating tool gives users...
- Universal accessory adapter of DEWALT cordless tools is designed for use...
For the buyer who prioritizes weight above all — at 2.3 pounds, it’s the lightest option here and great for overhead work. But the lack of speed presets and higher price make it hard to recommend over the XR model.
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