DeWalt DCS356B vs Milwaukee 2836-20 Oscillating Tool
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Both are brushless cordless oscillating multi-tools with the same top speed of 20,000 oscillations per minute and onboard LED lights. Pro Tool Reviews scored the Milwaukee 2836-20 9.6 out of 10 and the DeWalt DCS356B 9.2, per Slashgear. The Milwaukee has a wider oscillation angle (4.2 degrees vs 3.2), a variable-speed dial and an Auto-Load mode that raises speed under load. The DeWalt is about $50 cheaper and uses three speed settings. Both tools' accessory-change systems draw complaints. Pick the Milwaukee for the wider angle and Auto-Load. Pick the DeWalt for the lower price or if you own DeWalt 20V batteries.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS356B
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20
Side by side
| Spec | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS356B | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Tool Reviews score [1][2] | 9.2 of 10 | 9.6 of 10 |
| Top speed [1] | 20,000 oscillations per minute | 20,000 oscillations per minute |
| Speed control [1] | Three settings: low, medium, high | Variable-speed dial, 10,000 to 20,000 OPM |
| Oscillation angle [1] | 3.2 degrees | 4.2 degrees |
| Auto-load [1] | No | Yes; speed ramps up under load |
| Light [1] | Onboard LED | Onboard LED |
| Blade change [1][2] | Tool-free; includes a universal adapter for some accessories | Tool-free, threaded-bolt style that PTR calls slow |
| Accessory-change complaints [1] | Can stick and need a fair bit of force, per one owner | Slow but fairly bulletproof, per the same owner |
| Size [1] | Slightly smaller, per Slashgear | Slightly larger and heavier, per Slashgear |
| Price [1][2] | About $149 | $229 bare, $329 with a kit; $249 at Home Depot per Slashgear |
| Battery platform [1] | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS356B
- About $50 cheaper than the Milwaukee
- Three-speed control and the same 20,000 OPM top speed
- Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.2 of 10
- Narrower 3.2 degree angle
- Accessory change can stick and need force, per one owner
- Only three speed settings
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20
- Wider 4.2 degree oscillation angle
- Variable-speed dial plus Auto-Load
- Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.6 of 10; low vibration
- More expensive
- Slow threaded-bolt blade change, per Pro Tool Reviews
- Slightly larger and heavier, per Slashgear
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Own Milwaukee M18 batteries | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 | Wider angle and Auto-Load |
| Own DeWalt 20V batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS356B | Same top speed, lower price |
| Occasional use, tight budget | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS356B | About $50 less |
| Cut fast or want fine speed control | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 | 4.2 degree angle and a speed dial |
| Care about vibration | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 | PTR praised its low vibration |
What to look for
Oscillation angle
Why it matters: A wider angle cuts faster per stroke.
How to check: Think about the material: wood, drywall or metal.
Watch out: Milwaukee's angle is 4.2 degrees and DeWalt's is 3.2.
Speed control
Why it matters: A dial lets you match speed to the material.
How to check: Decide if you want fine control or simple presets.
Watch out: The Milwaukee has a variable dial and Auto-Load. The DeWalt has low, medium and high.
Accessory changes
Why it matters: Blade swaps happen often.
How to check: Look at how each tool holds blades and adapters.
Watch out: Slashgear says both systems could be improved. One owner calls the Milwaukee's slow but bulletproof and the DeWalt's liable to stick.
Battery platform
Why it matters: Batteries are the bulk of the cost.
How to check: Count the Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V batteries you own.
Watch out: Slashgear says 20V MAX and 18V batteries are essentially the same in power; Milwaukee claims better runtime.
Price
Why it matters: Oscillating tools are occasional-use for many.
How to check: Decide how often you will use it.
Watch out: Slashgear puts the DeWalt about $50 below the Milwaukee.
Traps and timing
- Both are tool-only. A battery and charger are extra.
- Published weights conflict. Slashgear says the Milwaukee is slightly heavier, while another comparison lists the Milwaukee lighter. Check the spec sheets.
- Pro Tool Reviews scores are reported through Slashgear. We could not open Pro Tool Reviews directly.
- Prices vary by source: $229 to $249 for the Milwaukee, and about $149 for the DeWalt.
- Third-party accessories can be hard to fit on both tools, per Slashgear.
Before you check out
- Count your batteries.
- Decide how much speed control you want.
- Check the accessory type you use most.
- Check the live Amazon price.
- Plan for hearing and dust protection.
How we put this together
We don't test oscillating tools in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which oscillating tool scored higher?
Pro Tool Reviews scored the Milwaukee 2836-20 9.6 out of 10 and the DeWalt DCS356B 9.2, per Slashgear.
Do they have the same top speed?
Yes, 20,000 oscillations per minute.
Which has a wider oscillation angle?
The Milwaukee, at 4.2 degrees vs 3.2 degrees.
Which is cheaper?
The DeWalt, by about $50.
Do they include a battery?
No. Both listings are tool-only.
Sources
- Milwaukee Vs DeWalt: How The Brands' FUEL & Max XR Oscillating Tools Compare, Slashgear (via Yahoo Tech)
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 vs DeWalt DCS356B, Front Desk Review