DeWalt 20V MAX Tools That Deliver the Most Value

Best for
Finishing wood builds and desk tops

Best for
Renovators wanting every accessory in the box

Best for
Cutting shapes in desks and panels

Best for
Owners adding a stronger impact driver

Best for
Starting a 20V MAX setup from scratch

Best for
First-time multi-tool buyers needing a battery

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit, model DCS356C1, is a brushless multi-tool that reaches up to 20,000 OPM and comes with a battery, a charger and blades. A 3-speed selector lets you match speed to the job, and a Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger gives finer control. DeWalt says the brushless motor delivers up to 57 percent more runtime than brushed tools.

The Quick-Change accessory system swaps blades without wrenches, and a universal accessory adaptor works with most oscillating tool accessory brands. A bright LED lights up dark surfaces, the tool weighs 3 pounds and it carries a 3 year limited warranty. The description names drywall, detail sanding and laminate floor cutting among common uses. One spec looks wrong: the battery capacity reads 40 amp-hours, which is not plausible for a single tool battery, so check the actual battery included on the product page. Choose this kit if you want the multi-tool and a battery but do not need a big accessory set.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, model DCK240C2, is the value anchor for anyone starting from zero. You get a 20V MAX compact 1/2 inch drill/driver, a 1/4 inch impact driver, two batteries, a charger and a storage bag. That covers drilling holes, driving screws and assembling furniture or a desk frame, and the two batteries will run any of the bare tools in this guide.

Both tools are compact: the impact driver is 5.55 inches long and 2.8 pounds, and the drill/driver is 7.5 inches and 3.6 pounds. Each has an LED work light with a 20-second delay. The impact driver has a 1/4 inch hex chuck for one-handed loading of 1 inch bit tips, and the drill has a 1/2 inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck. The listing does not give torque or speed figures, and it names the impact driver as “DCF88M2,” an unusual model designation, so confirm what ships. It has a 3 year limited warranty. If you want even lighter driving for small screws, our guide to a DeWalt cordless screwdriver covers smaller options.

• Drill/driver and impact driver in one kit
• Two 20V MAX batteries, charger and bag
• LED work lights with 20-second delay
• 3 year limited warranty

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, model DCF845B, is the step up from the kit’s standard driver. Its brushless motor delivers 1,825 in-lbs of torque at 3,400 rpm, and DeWalt rates it at 30 percent more torque than the DCF885, which it lists at 1,400 in-lbs. A 3-speed setting and variable speed trigger add control, and an integrated 3-LED light helps in dark spaces. It includes a belt hook and carries a 3 year limited warranty.

It is tool only, with battery and charger sold separately, and it is Tool Connect chip ready, with the chip sold separately. The specs list a 0.5-inch max chuck size, which conflicts with the 1/4 inch hex in the title; go by the title. If you already own 20V MAX batteries and drive large screws or lag bolts, this is one of the best-value additions here. For heavier bolts, a DeWalt half inch impact wrench is the next step.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, model DCS334B, handles curves, cutouts and shapes. A variable speed trigger and dial control blade speed up to 3,200 strokes per minute, and 4-position orbital action lets you trade cut speed for finish quality. DeWalt says the brushless motor gives longer runtime than the DCS331.

Blade changes use an all-metal, lever-action keyless clamp for T-shank blades, and the keyless shoe bevels with detents at 0, 15 and 30 degrees plus a positive stop at 45 degrees. An integrated dust blower keeps the cut line clear and an LED lights your work. It measures 8.25 by 1.75 by 6.38 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds, tool only. A few spec fields, such as 2,000 watts and 10 teeth, do not fit a cordless jig saw, so rely on the feature list. For cutting a monitor-arm hole or a curved desk edge, this is the tool to add.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, model DCS356D1, is the same brushless 3-speed multi-tool as the DCS356C1, but packaged with far more gear. The description lists 28 popular cutting and sanding attachments, a universal accessory adaptor, one 2.0Ah battery and a charger. That makes it the better choice for anyone starting a renovation or a series of build projects who does not want to buy blades separately.

It has the same Quick-Change accessory system, Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger, LED light and claim of up to 57 percent more runtime than brushed tools. The listing gives a weight of 2.3 pounds and a 3-year warranty on material and workmanship. It does not state maximum OPM. If you want a multi-tool plus the accessories, choose this kit over the DCS356C1.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, model DCW210B, is described as a 5 inch brushless random orbital sander. A variable-speed dial runs from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM, and the low-profile design keeps your hand close to the work for control. The replaceable 8-hole hook-and-loop pad makes paper changes quick.

A dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion, a texturized rubber overmold improves grip, and a one-handed locking dust bag catches debris. The dust port also fits DeWalt’s DWV010 and DWV012 dust collectors, sold separately. It weighs 2.5 pounds and is tool only. For finishing a custom desk top or a speaker stand, this is the tool that makes a build look finished.