DeWALT Quietly Launched a New Brushless Reciprocating Saw – DCS382. DeWALT…
DeWALT Quietly Launched a New Brushless Reciprocating Saw – DCS382
DeWALT has quietly launched a new 20V Max cordless reciprocating saw, model DCS382. The new reciprocating saw arrived at stores in late 2021.
From the product images and specifications, it looks like the DCS382 is smaller and lighter than DeWALT’s other 20V Max cordless reciprocating saws, except maybe their compact XR model and Atomic series saw.
The DeWALT DCS382 reciprocating saw is an XR model, meaning it’s part of their core line of higher-performance tools, and features a brushless motor.
Features include a 2-finger variable speed trigger switch, twist-style keyless blade clamp, pivoting shoe, and LED light.
DeWALT says that their saw has pro-grade compatibility and works with all FlexVolt and 20V max batteries.
At this time, the DeWALT DCS382 reciprocating saw is available as a bare tool (DCS382B), and as part of several 20V Max cordless power tool combo kits that launched for the 2021 holiday shopping season.
Price: 169-179 for the bare tool, DCS382B
Discussion
I am of two thoughts here. First, the DCS382 does not look to be a flagship model, as it’s included in several value-focused tool kits that came out for the recent holiday shopping season. Additionally, DeWALT tends to be a lot more vocal about their major cordless power tool releases.
However, this is an XR tool. Another new 20V Max combo kit includes a mix of XR and non-XR (value-focused) tools, and also a PowerStack battery.
On paper, the speed and stroke length specs are great, matching the stroke length of DeWALT’s top-of-the-line 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage and 20V Max Power Detect reciprocating saws. This saw has a slightly higher [no-load?] speed.
The DCS382 appears much smaller than DeWALT’s leading saws, and is appreciably lighter too. The DCS382 weighs 5.1 lbs, compared to 7.63 lbs for the FlexVolt Advantage model.
One somewhat common complaint about DeWALT’s older DCS367 compact reciprocating saw was that it vibrated a bit too much. That model came out 5 years ago, and so I’m optimistic that DeWALT kept this in mind when developing the DCS382.
I am a fan of DeWALT’s larger high-performance reciprocating saws, but there are plenty of cutting tasks where a smaller and lighter saw could deliver enough power and with less fatigue.
I’m not sure why DeWALT has been so quiet about this model, but it looks to be suited for users that need more power than their one-handed Atomic saw can deliver, but less power, bulk, and weight than their highest performing FlexVolt Advantage, Power Detect, or FlexVolt 60V Max saws.
At least so far, there doesn’t seem to be a catch.
53 Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Anyone have any idea why they don’t add the adjustable depth shoe or the oscillating function on any of their reciprocating saws?
Those are both great questions. It seems that the vast majority of orbital recip saws are corded models. I know the only one I’ve owned was my old corded Super Sawzall. Ridgid, Metabo HPT, and Milwaukee offer “full size” cordless recip saws with an orbital mode but those are the only cordless models I’m aware of with that feature. I don’t think any of DeWALT’s cordless models have an orbital mode.
I like compact reciprocating saws, so I’m happy to have another option. This looks like a half-way between sort of model – smaller than the full-sized two-hand units, but not explicitly intended to be used one-handed either. Top of the line or not, I would definitely look at this were I buying another reciprocating saw.
It’s like the 6 1/2″ Circular Saw (which they didn’t brand XR for some reason) a core tools update about 10 years into the platform. Naturally an opportunity to make them brushless as well.
I have this saw, it is decent. It is a yellow version of the SBD Craftsman CMCS350B that has been out for sometime. Performance wise it is on par, or better, with their previous XR compact saw, the DCS367. Length and weight are pretty comparable as well. It lacks the 367’s 4-way blade clamp but does offer higher speed and less vibration. With the way the weight is distributed, it is not as easy to operate one handed as the 367 was either. Lastly, the shoe doesn’t seem to pivot as much as the 367’s does. All in all, it is good saw for light use. But if you want a compact saw – with better performance than a one handed recip – the 367 is much more versatile, even if it does have less than stellar vibration control.
I was very curious how this compared to the 367. I have that model and I really like 4-way blade clamp. I’ve honestly been very impressed with the 367. I bought it expecting it to be a “lighter duty” saw compared to the full-size flagship models, and I suppose it is in terms of specs anyway, but I’ve used mine for some pretty tough jobs in steel, wood, and masonry and it’s kept on chugging. The 4-way blade holder is easy to use and trouble free. I have no desire at all to replace it; I’ve got a Metabo compact model (Hackzall style) for the small jobs which has the benefit of being able to use jigsaw blades too. If I get another recip saw it will be a full-size Flexvolt or Flexvolt Advantage, and that’s only if I find myself needing to do a lot more heavy work.
I would not recommend trading your 367 for this model. It compliments the 367 in a way, but isn’t a replacement or upgrade per se. In my opinion. It’s a good pruning saw actually, due to it’s lighter weight and higher speed.
I’m certainly not going to be trading in my 367, I’m just curious what they changed and how this new model differs. It sounds like they might have improved the vibration control but lost the 4-way blade holder? If so that’s a poor tradeoff for me. The 367 isn’t the best when it comes to vibration but I find it controllable, it’s plenty powerful for my current needs, and I really really like the 4-way blade holder. I’m also sad to hear that it’s not as well balanced for 1-handed use. I like to keep my 367 on hand whenever I use my wood chipper to clean up pruning or storm damaged limbs. I try and use my chainsaw to cut everything up beforehand so all I have to do is feed the chipper but invariably there’s something I’ll miss so I like to have the 367 right there as I’m feeding the chipper. If I encounter a branch that’s bent or forked in a way that it can’t feed properly in the chipper then I just cut it right there. The 367 does the job but it’s awkward enough that I’ve considered buying an M12 Hatchet just for this task. If the new model were a step backwards from the 367’s already meh tier 1-handed balance then that would be a real deal killer for me.
The Hatchet rocks, especially if your already on M12, but also check out STIHL’s GTA 26. Smaller, lighter, cuts a bit smoother on small branches. They even make a holster for it so you can have it at your side while loading your chipper. Kit with case, oil, battery, and charger is 40 less than the Hatchet as a bare tool. Biggest downside is that it is not auto oiling, not that you are going to use a tool like that for extended periods of time.
@Big Richard I’m already on M12, but if the STIHL can be had with the battery for a lower price than the bare M12 tool then that may well be more appealing. It’s certainly big enough for the job, and being able to have it in a holster would be super convenient.
I’m at the point where I only want the lightest/smallest or the most powerful tools. I use the 60v recip all the time because it’s a beast. The 20v older version is never even picked up anymore. Next plumbing project I might buy a 12v or atomic version for a hackzall like utility in confined spaces operating one handed. But otherwise it’s 60v all day.
One size fits all doesn’t really work well with power tools it seems….always too big or not enough power. I’m a red guy but I kind of follow the same thoughts. I made fun of the m12 hackzall but it’s got enough power and small enough it gets grabbed far more often than I ever would have thought.
The 4-way blade change and wide shoe on the older compact is a worthy tradeoff for the beating. I mean vibration… IF used on applications that are not lengthy repetitive. It can even fit inside a TSTAK drawer. This one looks good. However, I already have the compact V1. If I were to choose an additional recip, I’d go full size.
Never fails. I just bought the DCS367 a month ago, and DeWALT comes out with a new model. Same as with the 1/2 impact driver that I bought two months ago flips table
Как зажечь нержавеющую трубу. или тест пилы DCS382
Return them. DeWALT has a 90day satisfaction guarantee, if you didn’t already buy from a retailer with a good/easy return policy. I can guarantee I’d be un-satisfied if a new model was available right after purchase.
In the email it says quote “ DeWALT has a new 20V Max XR brushless circular saw.” Is that a typo or I am I blind?
Sorry about that! fixed Rather than change the front-page and email excerpt from “recip” to “reciprocating” during final editing, my brain and hands miscommunicated and I changed it to “circular saw.”
That is technically a budget/entry level/holiday promo tool, so it’s not surprising they didn’t really announce that. But this is their XR premium line. It’s more like the quiet release of the 3 new compact stud and joist drills out right now. Two FlexVolt Advantage models and one XR Power Detect. They look nice.
Big Richard, you are my idol. I specifically look for your Комментарии и мнения владельцев when it comes to this site. I buy and sell tools and am also a big fan. For instance I’ve the FlexVolt 1st Gen, the 367 atomic and 380 (selling). To be honest, out of the 18 FlexVolt tools I own, the 388 Recip is the only one I would t buy again because there’s no 4 position and I feel the 367 is a little monster-just don’t need any more. Another FlexVolt tool I have is the Alligator Saw, which isn’t sold in the States. But I’m sure you knew this already. I would really love to know where you find all of the info on the DeWALT tools. All I know is the DeWALT News and Press, but you keep us apprised better than they do. Where can I go? Also, I too am a big fan of the Hatchet. Another also… I have all of the Xtreme tools that I’m aware of with the last one being the installation kit. Again, where can I be more up to date? Thanks, sir.
I’ve seen those alligator saws in the UK, I wish they’d offer them here in the states but I suppose that we don’t use much if any poroton block or the other sorts of masonry that the Alligator is optimal for cutting.
I’m no idol, I can assure you of that. But I appreciate the kind words. And while I have no use for that alligator saw, I want one. What I really want that is not available in the states is that single battery 10″ FlexVolt DCS727 miter saw. Still hoping it will make its way here someday, possibly as a 20v FlexVolt Advantage model. I wish there was one source where I got all my info, but that is not the case. It’s kinda all over. Social media is a great place to get tips and hints, but you can’t believe everything you see on there. Some people got mad photoshop skills. I make it a point to not report on something unless I’ve verified it elsewhere. Trade shows are great place to learn about new tools. With covid and such, a lot of them offer online options. I just actually did an Australian one that had some cool stuff including the new ratchets, new mid and high torque impact wrenches, FlexVolt Advantage mag drill, new premium compact drill/driver, etc. World of Concrete is coming up, I gotta think they will have some new stuff there. Some other ones to look for are NECA, FABTECH, or STAFDA, and GIE for OPE. Distributors also get a sneak peak at any new tools, as they have to order them and make shelf space on their plan-o-grams. So I always pick their brain whenever I’m in a store. Also, just searching a HD or Lowes website for a brand and filtering by “recently added” will sometimes turn up a tool that isn’t supposed to be there quite yet. The next Xtreme tool to come out is the OMT, DCS353. The ratchets will be out soon, too.
Thanks, my friend. You are a great character, to say the least. And oddly enough, the O.M.T. is my favorite and-including my FlexVolt collection, I’d say I have somewhere near 70 DeWALT tools. Nothing with a cord. Another question. Do you have or have you used the FlexVolt Vac? I just think of how much draw an actual vac uses and can only see that being equivalent if they pulled off a 120V FlexVolt vac. So I stick to my Wet/Dry corded Vacs, my favorite being the Ridgid Smart Cart. But if you told me the DCV585 DOES have that type of power, I’d take that as a go. Thanks again.
Louie, I do not have the FlexVolt vac. I could never justify its price for the small capacity. I’ve been waiting for them to come out with something more in the 6 gallon range, and on wheels. I imagine something like that would benefit from being a 2x FlexVolt 120v tool. I’d buy that in a heartbeat, but I have not seen or heard anything potentially coming. The current FlexVolt vac has 125 CFM of suction, which is comparable to their 15A corded dust extractors. But again, I have not used it so I can’t really comment on its performance. I think the biggest complaint people have of the FlexVolt, is its short runtime. If you are using it more as a shop vacuum, it’s probably fine. But if you have it running constantly as a true dust extractor hooked up to rotohammer or something for extended use, it eats up batteries.
A review/summary of DeWALT 20v, please. 20v (just 20v), XR, Advantage, Detected, Atomic. and that is just the 20v line. Is DeWALT marketing strategy is to make people only know that they are using a DeWALT and nothing else? And whatever currently on sale is the “Best in class”?
Different sizes/performance levels, similar to different classes of impact wrenches, circular saws, drill/drivers, and other such tools.
DeWALT Reciprocating Saw Review 20 vs 60 volt
To see if the DeWALT Flexvolt 60V Max reciprocating saw is worth its weight over the 20V Standard and the 20V Compact I tested them against each other, as well as my 11 amp corded Makita. The results were surprising.
- Flexvolt 60V model DCS388 – brushless, led light
- 20V MAX model DCS380 – brushed, no light
- 20V MAX Compact model DCS367 – brushless, led light
Power and Speed
Using new blades and fully charged 9 amp hr batteries, I made two cuts through a 4×12 parallam. Both 20 volts stalled a few times but still cut faster than the corded Makita, which was a shocker. The Compact beat the Standard by a second or two, and the 60V beat them all by a lot. (See video at bottom of this post.)
Weight
The 60V is 2-3 lbs heavier than the 20 volts. The extra weight can be tiring when doing overhead work for sure. But for low cuts the weight and gravity work in your favor, and with the extra weight you get much less vibration and more power. The 60V also has a more robust build. Everything from the shoe, to the rubber sleeve, to the chuck release spring is better on the Flexvolt.
Features
All have variable speed triggers, a 1-1/8” stroke length, a tool-less blade change and a pivoting shoe, but only the Standard 20V shoe adjusts in or out. They all hold the blade right-side up or down, but only the 20 volts hold the blade horizontally as well.
Where’s the Hook
Hopefully we’ll see a lightweight, brushless, rafter hooked, update for the 20V max DCS380 in 2020 to compete with Makita’s 18V brushless model XRJ05Z. The 18V Makita being, in my opinion, the best all around recip on the market. You can check out my review on the Makita here – https://youtu.be/s3GWRbNOJds
Bottom Line
I’ve been using the 60V for awhile now with no problems and no stalls. Honestly, it makes the 20 volts seem like home owner grade tools despite the fact that tradesmen make a living using them.
I’d say 60V is worth the extra weight over the 20 volts for framers, remodelers, and auto body shops. For plumbers, electricians, etc., already on DeWALT’s battery platform, the compact might be the way to go.
Update
DeWALT has released an updated version of the DCS388, the DCS389. It has more power, which it didn’t need, but still no hook, which it does need. Also the Standard 20V is now larger and still, no rafter hook. Go figure. Anyway, if you get one of these saws I hope it works as hard for you as mine has for me. See ya.
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Check out this video to see the saws in action.
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DeWALT XR Reciprocating Saw
DeWALT XR Reciprocating Saw DCS368
Manufacturer: DeWALT Model number: DCS368 Power source: 20 Volt Weight: 8 lbs
Recently, we had a chance to put the DeWALT DCS368 XR With Power Detect to the test. DeWALT has certainly given this tool and the other four tools with Power Detect a lot of press to educate users as to the power increase that this technology produces.
I usually run a Milwaukee 2721 reciprocating saw. If you follow the Head to Head testing on Toolboxbuzz.com, you may recall that this saw performed quite well in the Head to Head published in December of 2017. The Milwaukee 2721 bested a field of X cordless saws we tested at that time. So this cordless saw is a beast and was the leader of the pack at that time. I figured that it would be a good comparison saw against which to compare the DeWALT DCS368 XR.
Packing 44% more power than its predecessor, this DeWALT reciprocating saw is a substantial upgrade from previous DeWALT models. But how would it compare to the Milwaukee 2721?
Using the DeWALT DCS368 XR
The DeWALT DCS368 XR was very well balanced with a really smooth action. When we plunged the saw into work materials, we felt there was very little kickback. It had plenty of power to cut through a 10 x 10 old-growth oak and it did not bind at all. Additionally, it was able to plunge smoothly into a sill plate we recently replaced. The main reason for this smooth action is due to the new Power Detect TM battery technology. During this fieldwork, we operated the DSC368 saw with an 8 Ah 20v battery and a 10-inch bi-metal DeWALT blade.
DeWALT Power Detect /strong>
DeWALT recently released 4 new tools that operate on the new Power Detect battery technology. Power Detect TM battery technology recognizes the type of battery that is installed in the tool and adjusts the tool’s output to the battery in use. All tools with the Power Detect TM technology are currently shipping as kits with the 8.0 amp-hr battery.
21700 Lithium-Ion Batteries
DeWALT is taking advantage of the benefits from going with the 21700 lithium-ion battery technology and coupling it with brushless motor technology and more efficient bus designs, and, yes, the Power Detect tools are compatible with the regular 20v batteries, but the performance will be about the same as the DeWALT XR tools.
Power Detect Tools Are FlexVolt Compatible
The Power Detect tools can also run the Flex Volt batteries. The tools will benefit from the power boost with the FlexVolt batteries. One thing users may notice is that the 8.0 amp-hr battery that came with their new tool is the same size as a 6.0 Amp-Hr Flex Volt one. I imagine that most users will select the same-sized larger power capacity and run the 8.0 amp-hr battery pack.
DeWALT DCS368 XR Reciprocating Saw Features
- Power Detect TM battery technology
- Keyless lever-action blade clamp
- 1.⅛ stroke length
- Variable speed trigger
- Brushless motor
- LED work light
- Strokes per minute 0-3000 strokes per minute (SPM)
- Tool weight 8 lbs
- Stroke length 1-⅛ in
- Variable Speed
DeWALT Reciprocating Saw Vs. Milwaukee Sawzall
I recently made a number of cuts in several 4” EMT conduits. I thought this would be a good opportunity to see how the DeWALT saw stacked up against the one I have been using for the past 30 months. Since I wanted to have a fair comparison, I set up a weighted pulley system to apply the downward force during the cut. My pulley system has an 11-pound weight that hangs down from a ceiling-mounted pulley. The paracord wraps around another floor-mounted pulley and is attached directly to the tool.
In this way, I held the tool horizontal and the weight of 11 pounds pulls the tool into the workpiece. This type of pulley system is the only way I can ensure that the comparison between the two tools is a level playing field.
Test Results
Both saws were outfitted with similar-sized batteries – 8.0 Amp-hr for the DeWALT saw and 9.0 Amp-hr for the Milwaukee. Since the test was going to be fairly short in duration, I thought the extra 1.0 Amp-hr would make no difference.
In addition, I had two new Diablo carbide blades. These new blades are specifically designed to cut thin wall conduits. In this way, I could be sure that the cutting blades contributed equally to the way the comparison was run. The only variable left in the test was the relative power and blade speed difference between the DeWALT DCS368 saw and the Milwaukee 2721 saw.
I used a video camera in slow motion mode to time the start of the blade moving and the time that the cut went through the conduit material. Using this slow-motion technique gave me the ability to review the film of each cut and know, with great accuracy, the duration for each cut I made.
I ran the cut test three times for each saw. At the end, I compiled the results and tabulated the results, below.
I felt the power of the DeWALT DCS368 XR the moment I started to cut the 4” EMT conduit. It chewed through the thin wall metallic tubing with little problem. The DSC368 is a simple tool and it is easy to use.
It was only after making all of the cuts that I knew the new DeWALT Power Detect was going to measure up well in this comparison. As you can see in the table and graph, the DeWALT saw was within 2.0% of the identical performance to the Milwaukee saw. The new battery technology and the other changes have made a substantial difference.
In the previous TBB test using similar test techniques, the DeWALT entrant took 38% longer than the top-rated Milwaukee saw in a similar type of conduit cutting test. Since that Head to Head, DeWALT closed the performance gap to only 2.0% difference in my comparison. That is a remarkable improvement.
It is all in the math
When comparing reciprocal saws, users can figure out the Total Stroke Length per Minute to get a sense of how saws might compare against each other. Typically, manufacturers publish the stroke length and Stroke speed of their saws. If the user multiplies these two numbers together, then it creates the Total Stroke Length per minute metric. This number should give an insight into how well the saws stack up to each other. In this case, I calculated the DeWALT DCS368 XR to have a Total Stroke Length per Minute of 3,375.
This figure is identical to the metric produced by the Milwaukee saw. No wonder these saws produce nearly identical performance numbers. One caution, however, is that this Stroke Speed is for a saw that is not under load and the multiplication produces a result that is under no-load conditions. So it is not an absolute comparison indicator.
Using the DeWALT DCS368 XR
It almost doesn’t matter what trade you’re in, you probably own a reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw is my go-to tool for remodeling, special cuts, and demolition projects.
DeWALT is no stranger to “user experience,” and “user experience design.” On its simplest level, user experience is how the user feels about every interaction you have with the tool in front of you.
DeWALT hit the user experience mark with the DSC368 saw. We immediately liked the look, feel, and size of this saw. Its compact and lightweight design was evident from first use until I later zipped it up in the tool bag.
Compact Size
The compact size of the DeWALT DCS368 XR allows it to better fit between stud and joist bays as well as confined spaces. The tool weighs 5 lbs., [without battery], and measures 14.5” in length.
The shape and design makes the saw smaller and more compact, than traditional reciprocating saws, as well as allowed us more control and balance.
Blade Stroke
The DeWALT DCS368 XR gives the user a 1-1/8″ stroke length. The variable speed trigger allows this reciprocating saw to deliver from a stopped condition the full speed range up to 3,000 strokes per minute.
Blade Changing
The DeWALT DCS368 XR features a lever-action, 2-position, blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes in two directions for a variety of applications including flush cutting. At the end with the blade changing lever, a bright single LED light illuminates the blade area.
Rubberized Anti-Slip Grip
The DSC368 has a rubberized anti-slip grip [rubber boot] which helps increase safety around the front end of the tool to help absorb vibration and reduce hand fatigue.
Обзор аккумуляторных сабельных пил DeWALT новинка DCS382.
At the other end of the saw, the tool’s trigger handle is amazingly comfortable. In fact, it may well be the best-fitting and comfortable tool handle among the manufacturers I have used. DeWALT really hit the mark with their handle design on the DSC368.
DeWALT DCS368 XR Improvements
There are two things on the DSC368 that I think need attention. Firstly, I’d like to see the addition of a rafter hook on this tool. While I may not always use one, The times when I am on a high-lift, I would like to hook this tool on the top rail, not set it onto the floor where I am sure to either kick it or trip over it.
Second, I think the lack of a shoe that adjusts outward from the nose of the saw is a real oversight. This feature, present on many other saws, allows me to get additional life out of a worn blade while also allowing me to have the shoe to press up against the material I’m cutting. With the current configuration of the DSC368, if a blade wears out next to the shoe, the user must replace the blade, even though there may be several inches of the blade that is still used.
Cost
The DeWALT DCS368 XR With Power Detect Kit includes (1) saw, (1) battery charger, (1) 20v MAX Lithium-Ion 8.0 Ah battery, and (1) kit bag.
I found the DSC368 online as a kit for a price of 279.00 and 199.00 as a bare tool at Ohop Power Tools.
