Which is better for cutting trim and drywall?

The multi-tool. The DCS356C1 is built for plunge and flush cuts with an oscillating blade; the drill kit cannot cut.

Which is better for driving screws in tight corners?

The XTREME drill kit. Its right-angle and offset heads plus 15 clutch settings are made for confined fastening.

Is the multi-tool worth the extra over the drill?

It is actually cheaper right now: $97.99 at Amazon versus $124.99 at eBay as of November 4, 2026. Pick by task, not price.

Do they share batteries?

No. The multi-tool uses 20V MAX batteries and the drill uses 12V MAX batteries, so each kit's battery only fits its own platform.

Which lasts longer per charge?

The drill's 2 Ah 12V battery suits short drilling and driving bursts; the multi-tool's 1.5 Ah 20V battery drains faster during continuous sanding.

Can one tool do both jobs?

No. The multi-tool cuts, scrapes and sands; the drill drills and drives. Most buyers eventually want both.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (DCS356C1) vs DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless 5-In-1 Drill/Driver Kit

These are different tools, not substitutes: the DCS356C1 is an oscillating multi-tool for cutting, sanding and scraping, and the XTREME 5-in-1 is a compact drill/driver for drilling and fastening. Buy the multi-tool if you need flush cuts, plunge cuts or detail sanding; buy the drill kit if you need to drive screws and drill holes in tight spaces. On price, the multi-tool kit is $97.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, while the drill kit is $124.99 at eBay as of the same date.

Today the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (DCS356C1) costs $51.01 less at its best price.

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