DEWALT has a new 20V MAX XR brushless oscillating multi-tool, the DCS359, and it is already reaching retailers. ToolGuyd reported on October 18 that Lowe’s stocks it, with the kit at $299 and the bare tool at $249. DEWALT’s own product pages list the features but show no price.
What DEWALT says is new
The DCS359 runs on the 20V XR brushless platform and uses an anti-vibration system from the maker’s Perform + Protect line. Blades and attachments change without tools through a Quick-Change clamp with a removable pin, which DEWALT says fits most oscillating accessories. The oscillation angle is 4.2 degrees.
The maker also lists a variable-speed trigger with lock-on, a 4-mode speed lock that caps top speed, a lock-off switch for carrying the tool with the battery installed, and an LED worklight. It is rated for cutting wood, metal, drywall, PVC and plastic.
DEWALT makes several comparisons, all from its own testing. It claims up to 43% less vibration than the leading competitor by market share, and a worklight that is 519% brighter than the one on the DCS356. It also says the tool offers the fastest cutting speed with the lowest vibration in its class, measured with the DCBP034 battery at max speed. These are maker claims, not independent results.
Kit and bare tool
The DCS359E1 kit includes the tool, a DCBP034 20V MAX XR compact battery (1.7Ah), a DCB1102 charger, a fast-cut wood blade, a wood-with-nails blade, a sanding platen with sandpaper sheets and a depth guide. The DCS359B bare tool comes without a battery, charger or blades. DEWALT backs the tool with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
ToolGuyd notes that the bare tool was listed at $199 by Tool Nut at one point, but that listing was backordered. Treat prices as a snapshot: the article does not name markets, and they can change.
Compared with the DCS356
The older DCS356 launched more than seven years before this model, according to ToolGuyd. The site says the DCS359 cuts faster, vibrates less, has a brighter light and a more convenient blade change with broader tool-free compatibility. A commenter noted the head is slightly larger, and the ToolGuyd author said he prefers full-ring blade systems such as Starlock.
If you do not need the newest design, the DCS356C1 kit was listed at $99 at Lowe’s, and the single-speed DCS354D1 Atomic kit at $129 at Home Depot.
What it means for you
The DCS359 is aimed at people who already own 20V MAX batteries and want less vibration and an easier blade swap. If you do, the bare tool at $249 is the simplest way in. If you are starting from scratch, the kit adds a battery and charger. Speed range, amperage and weight were not given in the sources, so check the spec sheet before you buy, and remember that the performance numbers above come from DEWALT.
