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The DeWalt DCS367 and DCS356 are not two versions of the same saw. The DCS367B is a compact 20V MAX XR reciprocating saw for demo, prune, and nails-in-wood between studs — and the Amazon carton is tool-only. The DCS356C1 is a brushless oscillating multi-tool kit for flush jambs, plunge cutouts, grout, and scrape work, with a battery and charger in the box.
Short answer: Buy the DCS356C1 if this will be your first cordless cutout / remodel accessory, or if the job is flush, plunge, grout, or scrape. Buy the DCS367B if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and specifically need a recip for studs, PVC, prune, or nails-in-wood.
DeWalt DCS367 vs DCS356 at a glance
| DeWalt DCS367B | DeWalt DCS356C1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool type | Compact reciprocating saw | Oscillating multi-tool |
| Best for | Studs, PVC, prune, nails-in-wood, demo in tight spots | Flush jambs, plunge cutouts, grout, scrape, punch-list remodel |
| Motor / platform | Brushless, DeWalt 20V MAX XR | Brushless, DeWalt 20V MAX XR |
| Speed (DeWalt) | Variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 SPM | Up to 20,000 OPM no-load; 3-speed selector + DUAL-GRIP variable-speed trigger |
| Cut geometry | 1-1/8-inch stroke; keyless 4-position blade clamp | Quick-Change accessory system; universal adaptor for most oscillating brands |
| Size / weight (DeWalt) | 14.5-inch compact body; 5 lb tool only | Compact oscillating body (kit includes pack) |
| Amazon carton | Bare tool: DCS367 saw; battery and charger sold separately | Kit: DCS356 tool, 20V MAX Li-ion battery, DCB107 charger, wood blade, wood/metal blade, universal adaptor |
| Best choice if… | You already own packs and the job is actually a recip cut | You want the more common remodel accessory, or you need a complete kit |
The real difference: recip blade vs oscillating accessory
The DCS367 hangs a reciprocating blade and pushes it through the work. DeWalt rates a 1-1/8-inch stroke and a variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 SPM, in a 14.5-inch, 5 lb tool-only body meant to fit between studs and other tight spots. That is the Sawzall-class job: demo, prune, PVC, and nails-in-wood where a circular-saw shoe will not fit.
The DCS356 vibrates a small accessory through jambs, drywall, grout, and adhesive. DeWalt rates up to 20,000 OPM no-load, a 3-speed selector, a DUAL-GRIP variable-speed trigger, a Quick-Change clamp, and a universal adaptor for most oscillating accessory brands. That is flush-cut and plunge-cut work a recip blade is the wrong shape for.
Do not choose by the larger speed number. 20,000 OPM is not a faster DCS367, and 2,900 SPM is not a better oscillating tool. Blade geometry and the workpiece decide this comparison. These two tools are adjacent, not substitutes.
Battery and carton differences change the value calculation
The Amazon links here compare a DCS367B bare tool against a DCS356C1 kit, so any price gap is not an apples-to-apples tool price. The oscillating kit is the more complete setup.
The DCS356C1 listing includes the multi-tool, a 20V MAX Li-ion battery, DCB107 charger, wood cutting blade, wood/metal blade, and universal accessory adaptor. It can be used after charging even if you are starting 20V MAX cold. DeWalt does not print an amp-hour rating on the current kit page, so do not shop this carton on a guessed Ah badge.
The DCS367B includes the compact recip only. It does not include a battery or charger. It is the better-value carton mainly for someone who already owns compatible DeWalt 20V MAX packs. An orphan recip plus a separate pack and charger is not cheaper than this oscillating kit.
Which DeWalt should you buy?
Buy the DCS356C1 if this is your first cutout / remodel accessory
For most buyers, the DCS356C1 is the answer. Flush door jambs, outlet holes, grout, adhesive scrape, and punch-list remodel are the more common home jobs, and this specific carton includes the battery and charger. Choose it when a small oscillating accessory fits the work.
Read the full DeWalt DCS356 oscillating multi-tool guide.
Buy the DCS367B if the job is actually demo
Choose the DCS367B when the reciprocating blade is the reason you are shopping: studs, nail-embedded wood, PVC, prune, and cuts between framing where a 14.5-inch compact XR body fits. It also makes sense only if you already have DeWalt 20V MAX packs on the shelf. It is not a flush-jamb tool, and it is not a cheaper complete kit.
Read the full DeWalt DCS367 compact reciprocating saw guide.
Decisive verdict
Buy the DCS356C1 for most remodel and punch-list work, and for any first-time DeWalt cordless cutout-tool purchase. Its oscillating format is the more common one-tool setup for flush, plunge, grout, and scrape, and the C1 carton includes a battery and charger.
Buy the DCS367B instead only when its reciprocating blade is the feature you need and you already own compatible packs. It is not the cheaper complete setup, and it will not flush-cut a door jamb the way the DCS356 will.
If you still need to confirm which aisle the job is in, start with Best Oscillating Multi-Tools 2026 for flush and plunge work, or Best Reciprocating Saws 2026 for demo and nails-in-wood. Many 20V MAX crews eventually own both. Buy Home Depot exclusives at Home Depot, not from third-party Amazon sellers.
FAQ
Is the DCS356 better because it reaches 20,000 OPM?
No. OPM does not erase the difference between an oscillating accessory and a reciprocating blade. Buy the DCS356 for flush, plunge, grout, and scrape. Buy the DCS367 for demo, prune, and nails-in-wood.
Can the DCS367 flush-cut a door jamb?
That is not its job. A recip blade is for pushing through studs and stock. The DCS356 is designed for flush and plunge accessories and is the better pick for jambs, outlet holes, and grout.
Do both tools use the same DeWalt batteries?
Both are DeWalt 20V MAX tools. The compared DCS356C1 carton includes a 20V MAX Li-ion battery and DCB107 charger; the DCS367B carton does not.
Can I use the same blades on both?
No. Reciprocating saw blades do not fit the DCS356 clamp. Oscillating accessories do not fit the DCS367 4-position blade clamp.
Which is better if I am starting 20V MAX from zero?
The DCS356C1, because it is a complete kit. The DCS367B is tool-only; you would still need a pack and charger before it cuts anything.