Dewalt DCS355D1 – The Best Oscillating Tool
An oscillating tool is one of those power tools you never knew you needed until you buy one. It can be used to sand, grind, cut and do a lot more. Let us review 5 of the best rated oscillating tools on amazon.com: Dewalt DCS355D1, Dewalt DWE315K, Bosch MX30EC, Bosch MX25EC and Porter-cable PCE605K52
How To Choose The Best Oscillating Tools?
The oscillating tool has been around only for a few years, but it has become an essential tool in any workman’s kit. This simple tool has many features which can make choosing one difficult.
Corded or Cordless
A cordless version gives you more freedom and flexibility. But only buy one without sacrificing motor power or runtime. If you decided to go cordless go with a lithium-ion battery, it is quick to charge and stays charged for a longer time.
Motor Power
The higher the amperage higher the speed at which the tool oscillates which is measured as oscillations per minute. The more oscillations the tool makes, the faster your work is done.
Weight and comfort
This is a tool that you will need to hold for a long time, so choose one which is not very heavy and is comfortable to hold.
Tool-less accessory changing
This is a must-have feature. The advantage of an oscillating tool is that you can use multiple accessories with it. If you need to spend a lot of time changing tools, then this is a waste of time and energy.
Variable speed control
Another must-have feature, with multiple tools being used on multiple materials, you need to control the pressure and the speed of oscillations of your machines dynamically. A simple variable speed control mechanism goes a long way in making it easy to use this tool.
Number of accessories
Finally, the utility of your tool depends on the number of accessories you can use with your tool. These accessories are sometimes more expensive than the tool itself. So buy one which gives you a good number of accessories with your kit or has a universal accessory adapter which lets you choose any accessory from any brand.
The most important consideration, of course, is your budget.
Here is a table of specifications explaining some of the features of the oscillating tools listed above:
Comparison Table of The Top 5 Best Oscillating Tools
| Model | Dewalt DCS355D1 ** Editor’s Choice ** | Dewalt DWE315K | Bosch MX30EC-21 | Bosch MX25EC | Porter-cable PCE605K52 |
| Picture |   |   |   |   |   |
| Power | Lithium ion batteries | AC Power | AC Power | AC Power | AC Power |
| Motor | 3Amp | 3Amp | 3Amp | 2.5Amp | 3Amp |
| Max Oscillations per minute | 20,000 | 22,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| No of accessories | 28 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 52 |
| Dimensions | 17.2×5.1×9.8inches | 17.2x5x9.8inches | 17.2×2.5x4inches | 12.9×8.2×7.4inches | 15×4.3x11inches |
| Weight | 6.8pounds | 4pounds | 6.6pounds | 3.4pounds | 7.6pounds |
| Origin | China | China | China | ||
| Warranty | 3 year limited | 3 year limited | 1 year | 30-day money back guarantee, 1 year | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Rating | 9.6 /10 | 9.4 / 10 | 9.6 / 10 | 9.1 / 10 | 9.3 / 10 |
Detailed reviews of the best oscillating tools are given below for a better understanding of which one would suit your needs:
Top 5 Best Oscillating Tool Reviews:
#1 – Dewalt DCS355D1 Review – The Best Cordless Oscillating Tool
** Editor’s Choice – Best Oscillating Tool **
The only cordless oscillating tool we are reviewing today, Dewalt DCS355D, is also the best oscillating tool in the pack.
Features
- Brushless motor
- 0-20,000 OPM @ 1.6-degree oscillation angle.
- Quick accessory changing system
- Universal blade interface
- Dual-grip variable-speed trigger
- Oscillating Tool Guide System
- 28-piece accessory set including universal accessory adaptor
- Dimensions of 17.2×5.1×9.8 inches & weighs 6.8pounds
- 3year limited warranty
Performance
The DCS355D1 has a powerful brushless 20V motor which even though is cordless produces a maximum of 20,000 OPM at a 1.6-degree oscillation angle. The brushless motor is expected to deliver up to 57% more runtime. It has a dual-grip variable-speed trigger which allows you to control the speed of oscillation or lock it at the maximum speed.
It is well balanced and thus easy to control. It is a compact and light tool and quite easy to maneuver.
The tool guide system lets the operator set the limits for cuts. A bright LED light lets you be precise even in the dark. The quick-change system allows for you to change accessories without additional tools.
It comes with a universal blade interface so that you can use blades of other brands.
Durability
The tool is covered by rubber over a mold which increases the life of the casing and hence the tool. It is also comfortable to hold. The lithium battery lasts for 24hours and has a long life.
Pros
- Efficient and powerful brushless motor
- Affordable pricing
- Ease of use and comfortable to hold for long periods of time
Cons
- Tool-free blade change mechanism does not work with blades of other brands
- No dust port adapter
- Lack of locking at intermediate speeds
#2 – Dewalt DWE315K Review
DWE315K is one of the top selling corded models of oscillating tool from Dewalt, a trusted brand in power tools.
Features
- 3 Amp motor
- 0-22,000 OPM @ 1.6-degree oscillation angle.
- Quick accessory changing system
- Universal blade interface
- Dual-grip variable-speed trigger
- Oscillating Tool Guide System
- 28-piece accessory set including universal accessory adaptor
- Dimensions of 17.2×5.1×9.8 inches & weighs 6.8pounds
- 3year limited warranty
Performance
DWE315K has one of the most powerful 3Amp motors for an oscillating tool. This helps the tool operate at a maximum speed of 22,000 OPM at a 1.6-degree oscillation angle. The dual-grip variable-speed trigger allows you to control the speed of oscillation or lock it at the maximum speed.
The Oscillating Tool Guide System makes your cuts more accurate. It has a quick accessory changing system which lets you change tools without any fuss. The universal blade interface allows you to use multi-brand blades. It has an LED light in the front of the tool for accuracy in the dark. It has a removable depth adjustment bar.
With dimensions of 17.2×5.1×9.8 inches and weighing only 6.8pounds, it is compact and lightweight. It has an ergonomic design for ease of holding.
Durability
Life of the casing is increased due to the rubber over-mold.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Affordable pricing
- Ease of use and comfortable to hold for long periods of time
Cons
- Tool-free blade change mechanism does not work with blades of other brands
- Lack of locking at intermediate speeds
#3 – Bosch MX30EC Review
The MX30EC is a powerful oscillating multi-accessory tool from Bosch, which is known for quality power tools.
Features
- 3 Amp motor
- 0-20,000 OPM.
- Tool-less accessory changing lever
- Constant Response Circuitry.
- Paddle switch with variable speed dial.
- Reinforced gear housing
- Optional OSC003 dust collection kit
- 21-piece accessory set
- Dimensions of 17.2×2.5×4 inches & weighs 6.6pounds
- 1year warranty
Performance
The MX30EC has a powerful 3 amp motor which oscillates the tool at a maximum of 20,000 OPM. This Bosch tool comes with a Constant Response Circuitry which helps maintain a constant oscillation even under pressure.
This machine has a paddle switch to switch it on and off and a variable speed dial which helps you change the speed from 8000-20,000OPM with 6-speeds. The advantage is you can lock in a speed; the disadvantage is that each time you want to change the speed, you will need to stop your work to change the dial.
Its tool-less accessory changing lever is as simple as lifting the lever and changing the accessory, which helps speed up the process of changing the blades. It has a reinforced gear housing which reduces vibrations and makes the tool more comfortable to hold. With dimensions of 17.2×2.5×4 inches and weighing 6.6pounds, this tool is well balanced and easy to work with.
Durability
Bosch is known for quality and durability of its products.
The optional OSC003 dust collection kit helps save the motor by reducing the dust and debris.
Pros
- Powerful yet lightweight
- Tool-less accessory changing
Cons
- The tool-less lever is hard to work with a glove on.
- Variable speed dial is hard to access
- Expensive
#4 – Bosch MX25EC Review
This is the less powerful and smaller cousin to the earlier reviewed MX30EC from the same company Bosch. This is meant for DIY and home owners.
Features
- 5 Amp motor
- 0-20,000 OPM.
- Constant Response Circuitry.
- Paddle switch with variable speed dial.
- 21-piece accessory set
- Ball-joint 8 foot cord
- Dimensions of 12.9×8.2×7.4 inches & weighs 3.4pounds
- 1year warranty
Performance
The MX25EC has a 2.5 amp motor which operates the oscillating tool at a maximum of 20,000 OPM. This Bosch tool also comes with a Constant Response Circuitry which helps maintain a constant oscillation even under pressure.
Like all Bosch machines this too has a paddle switch to switch it on and off and a variable speed dial which helps you change the speed from 8000-20,000OPM with 6-speeds in between. The advantage is you can lock in a speed; the disadvantage is that each time you want to change the speed; you need to stop your work to change the dial.
With dimensions of 12.9×8.2×7.4 inches and weighing3.4 pounds, this tool is small enough to get to those tough to reach places with other bigger tools. It has an ergonomic design which makes it easy to hold and work with. It does not have a tool-less accessory changing system. The ball-joint cord ensures that the cord is straight even as you maneuver the tool.
Durability
Bosch is known for quality and durability of its products.
Pros
- Powerful yet lightweight
Cons
- Lack of Tool-less accessory changing
- Variable speed dial is hard to access
- Expensive for its power class.
#5 – Porter-cable PCE605K52 Review
The PCE605K52 from Porter Cable has the maximum number of accessories among all the kits reviewed above.
Features
- 3 Amp motor
- 0-20,000 OPM.
- Paddle switch with variable speed rear-mounted dial
- Tool Free Blade Change
- 52-piece accessory set
- Dimensions of 15×4.3x11inches & weighs 3.4pounds
- 3year warranty
Performance
The PCE605k52 has a 3 amp motor which is powerful enough for most of the work that is done with this kind of machine. It has a variable control dial mounted in the rear which helps set the oscillating speed between 10,000-20,000 OPM. The power switch is at the top.
It has a tool-less blade changing system which speeds up the process of changing accessories. This kit comes with 52 accessories which is the maximum in this kind of segment.
Durability
It has a solid construction which means it can take a lot of rough use.
Pros
- Variable speed dial
- Tool-less blade change
- 52 accessories
- Affordable
Cons
- The tool-less blade change system lever is large and requires some amount of pressure to work.
- Smaller blades heat up with prolonged use.
- Does not have a multiband adapter.
Our Recommendation
Cordless power tools are generally more expensive and less powerful than their corded versions. However, Dewalt DCS355D1 is much more affordable and more powerful than many corded oscillating tools on the market. It also features rich and easy to use and maintain, making the DCS355D1 the best and the cheapest cordless oscillating tool on the market today.
