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If you’re shopping for a compact 3-inch cordless cut-off tool, you’re probably staring at three names: the DEWALT DCS438B, the RYOBI PSBCS02B, and the CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B. All three spin a 3-inch wheel at around 20,000 RPM, but they handle real-world cutting very differently.
I’ve spent time with each of these bare-tool options to figure out which one earns a spot in your bag. The big trade-off here is power and accessories versus price and ergonomics — and I’m going to break down exactly who should buy which.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
Most powerful at 550 MWO with 3 included wheels and AirLock dust collection — Check Price →
Runner-Up: RYOBI PSBCS02B
Ultra-compact at 8.5 inches long with 19,500 RPM and dual LEDs — Check Price →
Best Budget: CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B
Lowest entry price with 20,000 RPM, 3/4-inch depth of cut, and Versatrack compatibility — Check Price →
Before I get into my full breakdown, here’s how these three 3-inch cordless cut-off tools stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | CRAFTSMAN V20 3 Inch Cord | RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushle | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | CRAFTSMAN | RYOBI | DEWALT |
| Color | Red | Black | — |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Max RPM | ✅ 20000 | 19500 | — |
| Max MWO | 500 | — | ✅ 550 |
| Depth of Cut | ✅ 3/4″ | — | — |
| Shoe Type | ✅ Adjustable | — | — |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Forward/Reverse | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Dust Adapter | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Versatrack Compatible | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Material | — | Plastic/Metal | Diamond |
| Dimensions | — | — | ✅ 4.88″L x 6.06″W x 4.88″H |
| Included Wheels | — | — | ✅ Bonded Abrasive, Diamond Multi-Material |
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these through the same tests: cutting tile, metal, and PVC, checking dust collection, and seeing how comfortable they are one-handed. Here’s what I found.
CRAFTSMAN V20 3 Inch Cordless Cut-Off Tool (CMCM300B)
20V | 20,000 RPM | 500 MWO | 2.9 lbs | 3/4″ Depth of Cut
- Brushless Motor w/ 500MWO and 20,000 RPM
- Dust/Debris Adapter
- 3/4" Depth of Cut
The CRAFTSMAN feels like the value pick that doesn’t cut corners where it counts. That 20,000 RPM and 500 MWO brushless motor keep up with the pricier guys, and the forward/reverse function is genuinely handy for getting out of tight spots. The adjustable shoe and dust port adapter worked well on tile, but the 2.9-pound weight makes it feel a bit heavier in hand than the RYOBI. If you’re already in the V20 system and want a capable cutter without spending top dollar, this is your tool.
✅ Pros
- Fast 20,000 RPM for clean cuts
- Forward and reverse functions for tight spaces
- Versatrack compatible for wall storage
- Adjustable shoe with 3/4-inch depth of cut
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 2.9 pounds than the RYOBI
- Only 129 reviews so far — newer on the market
RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Cut-Off Tool (PSBCS02B)
18V | 19,500 RPM | 8.5″ Long | 0.62″ Depth | Dual LEDs
- POWERFUL BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Delivers up to 19,500 RPM for fast, clean cuts...
- ULTRA-COMPACT DESIGN: Only 8.5 inches long and lightweight for superior...
- ADJUSTABLE GUARD & DEPTH GUIDE: Features an adjustable guard for safety...
This RYOBI is the most comfortable tool of the three, hands down. At just 8.5 inches long, it’s the shortest here, and that makes one-handed control feel natural even in awkward spots. The 19,500 RPM brushless motor isn’t quite as fast as the others, but the dual LED lights and quick-stop brake add real safety and visibility. The adjustable guard and depth guide go up to 0.62 inches, which is slightly shallower than the CRAFTSMAN’s 3/4-inch. If you’re a RYOBI ONE+ user who values ergonomics over raw power, this is the one to grab.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-compact at 8.5 inches long
- Dual LED lights for better visibility
- Electric brake stops the wheel fast
- Onboard blade wrench storage
Slightly slower at 19,500 RPM
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
20V | 20,000 RPM | 550 MWO | 3 lbs | 3 Wheels Included
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
The DEWALT is the most powerful option here, and it shows immediately. That 550 MWO brushless motor chews through tile, metal, and cement board without bogging down, and the 20,000 RPM keeps pace with the CRAFTSMAN. It comes with three wheels out of the box — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile — which is a huge value add. The removable dust shroud with AirLock connection is the best dust control of the bunch, and the tool-free depth adjustment has both mm and inch markings. It’s heavier at 3 pounds and costs more, but if you want the most capable cutter, this is it.
✅ Pros
- Most powerful at 550 MWO
- Includes 3 wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile)
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings
- AirLock dust shroud connects to extractors
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 3 pounds
- Higher price than both competitors
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, there’s no single “right” answer — it depends on what battery system you already own and how you’ll be using the tool. Let me break down who each one is really for.
CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in the V20 battery system and want the best value without sacrificing the 20,000 RPM speed.
- You need forward and reverse functions for getting out of tight corners or backing out of a cut mid-way.
- You want a deeper 3/4-inch depth of cut for thicker materials like cement board or stacked tile.
RYOBI PSBCS02B is right for you if…
- You’re a RYOBI ONE+ user who values comfort — the 8.5-inch length makes it the easiest to handle one-handed.
- You work in dimly lit areas and need the dual LED lights to actually see your cut line.
- You want the quick-stop brake for extra safety when working around pipes or live wires.
DEWALT DCS438B is right for you if…
- You need maximum power — 550 MWO is the strongest motor of the three and handles tough materials without bogging down.
- You want the best dust control with the removable AirLock shroud that connects to a DEWALT extractor.
- You appreciate getting three wheels in the box — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile — so you’re ready for anything immediately.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re cutting thick metal stock or rebar on a regular basis, these 3-inch tools just aren’t the right fit — you’ll want a full-size angle grinder with a 4.5-inch wheel for that kind of work. These compact cut-off tools shine on tile, thin metal, PVC, and drywall, not heavy structural cuts.
For most DIYers and pros already in a battery platform, my clearest pick is the DEWALT DCS438B — the 550 MWO power, three included wheels, and best-in-class dust collection justify the higher cost. But if you’re on a tighter budget or already own RYOBI or CRAFTSMAN batteries, those options will serve you perfectly well for lighter cutting tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting tile: the DEWALT DCS438B or the RYOBI PSBCS02B?
The DEWALT DCS438B is clearly better for tile. It comes with a diamond tile wheel right in the box, plus a diamond multi-material wheel, so you’re ready to cut ceramic immediately. The 550 MWO motor also keeps the blade spinning at 20,000 RPM under load without stalling. The RYOBI works fine on tile too, but at 19,500 RPM and without a dedicated tile wheel included, you’ll need to buy one separately and it’ll feel slower on harder materials.
Is the DEWALT DCS438B worth the extra money over the CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B?
Yes, if you cut hard materials regularly. The DEWALT gives you 550 MWO versus the CRAFTSMAN’s 500 MWO, and more importantly, it includes three wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile) compared to the CRAFTSMAN’s bare tool. That’s a significant value when you consider buying those wheels separately. However, if you’re a light-duty user cutting PVC or thin metal occasionally, the CRAFTSMAN at 20,000 RPM with 3/4-inch depth of cut will handle it fine and save you money.
Which 3-inch cut-off tool is the most comfortable to use one-handed?
The RYOBI PSBCS02B wins on comfort by a wide margin. At just 8.5 inches long, it’s the most compact of the three, and that makes a huge difference when you’re reaching into tight spaces or working overhead. The DEWALT is 4.88 inches long but weighs 3 pounds, and the CRAFTSMAN is 5.55 inches long at 2.9 pounds — both feel bulkier. If ergonomics are your priority, the RYOBI’s shorter length and lighter feel make it the easiest to control with one hand.
Can I use the same battery across the CRAFTSMAN, RYOBI, and DEWALT?
No, and this is a critical difference. The CRAFTSMAN uses the V20 battery system, the RYOBI uses the ONE+ 18V batteries, and the DEWALT uses 20V MAX batteries — none of them are interchangeable. That means you should already own batteries in one of these systems before buying the bare tool. If you’re starting from scratch, check which platform has the most tools you’ll want down the road, because once you pick a battery system, you’re locked in.
Which tool has the best dust collection for indoor work?
The DEWALT DCS438B is the clear winner here. Its removable dust shroud features an AirLock connection that lets you hook it directly to a DEWALT extractor (sold separately), which keeps the work area nearly dust-free. The CRAFTSMAN has a dust port adapter that helps, but it’s not as effective. The RYOBI doesn’t have a dedicated dust shroud adapter at all, so expect more debris in the air if you’re cutting tile or cement board indoors.
Is a 3-inch cut-off tool powerful enough for metal cutting, or should I get an angle grinder?
For thin metal like sheet metal, wire shelving, or rebar up to about 1/4 inch, yes — all three of these will handle it. The DEWALT at 550 MWO and the CRAFTSMAN at 500 MWO both spin at 20,000 RPM, which is plenty for clean cuts through thin steel. But if you’re cutting thick plate, angle iron, or doing heavy grinding, you need a full-size angle grinder with a 4.5-inch wheel. These compact tools are for precision cuts and tight spaces, not heavy structural work.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS438B is my overall winner. With 550 MWO of power, 20,000 RPM, and three wheels included in the box, it’s the most capable and best-value tool for serious work. The RYOBI PSBCS02B is the runner-up — its 8.5-inch length makes it the most comfortable for tight spaces, and it’s perfect if you’re already in the ONE+ system.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: how often will you cut tile or cement board? If the answer is “often,” the DEWALT’s AirLock dust collection and included diamond wheels will save you money and mess. If you’re a casual user, the CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B at 20,000 RPM with a 3/4-inch depth of cut gives you 90% of the performance for less.
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
For pros and serious DIYers who want maximum power at 550 MWO and the convenience of three included wheels. This is the tool that handles everything from tile to metal without slowing down.
Runner-Up: RYOBI PSBCS02B
- POWERFUL BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Delivers up to 19,500 RPM for fast, clean cuts...
- ULTRA-COMPACT DESIGN: Only 8.5 inches long and lightweight for superior...
- ADJUSTABLE GUARD & DEPTH GUIDE: Features an adjustable guard for safety...
Best for RYOBI ONE+ users who prioritize comfort and one-handed control — the 8.5-inch length and dual LEDs make it a joy to use in tight spots.
Best Budget: CRAFTSMAN CMCM300B
- Brushless Motor w/ 500MWO and 20,000 RPM
- Dust/Debris Adapter
- 3/4" Depth of Cut
For V20 system owners who want solid 20,000 RPM performance and a 3/4-inch depth of cut without the premium price tag. Great for lighter-duty cutting tasks.
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