DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw Reviews: DCS331B vs DCS334B vs DCS335B
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DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw Reviews: DCS331B vs DCS334B vs DCS335B
For most curved cuts, choose the DeWalt DCS334B for its compact D-handle and tool-free blade changes; pick the DCS335B if a barrel grip gives you better control, or the DCS331B if you want a simpler, lower-cost D-handle and can accept slower blade changes. All three are 20V MAX jigsaws with four-position orbital action and a maximum bevel angle of 45 degrees, but their grip, shoe adjustments and blade-change mechanisms make them feel different when following a curve through plywood or hardwood.
Head-to-head: what changes between the three
The DCS331B is the older, conventional D-handle design. Its blade clamp uses a lever-operated mechanism rather than the newer tool-free clamp found on the other two. The DCS334B keeps the D-handle format but adds a compact body, tool-free blade changes and more convenient bevel adjustments. The DCS335B shares much of the newer platform but has a barrel grip, which puts your hand lower and closer to the work surface.
| Feature | DCS331B | DCS334B | DCS335B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grip style | D-handle | Compact D-handle | Barrel grip |
| Motor speed | 0–3,000 strokes/min | 0–3,200 strokes/min | 0–3,200 strokes/min |
| Orbital settings | 4 positions | 4 positions | 4 positions |
| Maximum bevel | 0–45° | 0–45° | 0–45° |
| Maximum cut in wood | 3 in (76 mm) | 3 in (76 mm) | 3 in (76 mm) |
| Blade change | Lever-operated clamp | Tool-free clamp | Tool-free clamp |
| Tool weight, bare | About 5.4 lb (2.4 kg) | About 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) | About 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) |
Weights are approximate bare-tool figures; battery choice adds weight, and published figures can vary by measurement method. Maximum cut depth is a capacity rating, not a promise of a clean or fast cut through every 3-inch workpiece. These tools use DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, sold separately in the bare-tool versions commonly identified by the “B” suffix.
Which grip helps most on curves?
D-handle: easier to steer for many users
The DCS331B and DCS334B put your hand above the motor housing. Many users find this familiar and comfortable for broad curves, template work and general-purpose cutting. The DCS334B is the more refined choice for frequent work: its lower bare-tool weight and faster blade changes reduce fatigue and interruptions, especially when switching between a coarse blade for rough shaping and a fine-tooth blade for cleaner plywood edges.
Barrel grip: closer control near the cut
The DCS335B’s low grip can make it easier to keep the shoe flat and guide the saw precisely around tighter curves, particularly when working close to a bench or marking line. It is not automatically more accurate: the best grip depends on hand size, wrist comfort and how you naturally guide a saw. If possible, hold both styles with a battery installed. The battery’s added mass can noticeably change balance.
Orbital action, plywood and hardwood
All three models offer four orbital settings, including a non-orbital setting. Orbital action moves the blade forward on its cutting stroke, helping it clear material more aggressively. That can speed straight cuts, but it also tends to leave a rougher edge and makes a jigsaw harder to steer around a tight curve.
- Fine plywood curves: Start at setting 0 or 1 with a sharp, fine-tooth blade. Keep the shoe flat and let the blade advance without forcing it.
- Hardwood curves: Use setting 0 or 1 for control; move to setting 2 only if the cut is stable and the blade is clearing chips cleanly. Dense hardwood rewards patience and a sharp blade.
- Fast rough cuts: Settings 2 or 3 can remove material faster on open curves or straight cuts, but expect more splintering and less precise steering.
For plywood, choose a blade intended for clean cuts in plywood or laminate, and orient the workpiece to account for which face the blade teeth enter. A fine blade reduces tear-out but cuts more slowly. In hardwood, use a sharp, suitably long wood blade; a dull or overly short blade can wander, burn the cut or deflect under pressure. A jigsaw blade bends more easily than many users expect, so a curved line should be cut just outside the mark and brought to final shape with sanding or a rasp.
Bevel stops and blade changes: practical differences
Each saw can bevel up to 45 degrees, but a jigsaw’s shoe can shift while being adjusted or tightened. The DCS334B and DCS335B have detents at common angles, making repeatable adjustments more convenient. Treat a detent as a positioning aid, not a substitute for checking the angle: verify the shoe with a square or bevel gauge before a run of visible angled cuts. The DCS331B’s bevel adjustment is less convenient for frequent changes, so it suits users who mostly cut at 90 degrees.
Blade-change speed matters more than it first appears. The DCS334B and DCS335B use a tool-free clamp, useful when changing blade types or replacing one that has become dull. The DCS331B’s lever-operated clamp is functional, but changes take more handling. Regardless of model, disconnect the battery before clearing a jam or inspecting the blade area. Let a hot blade cool before touching it, and check that the blade is seated straight and locked before cutting.
Choose by your work pattern
| Your situation | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional DIY; mostly straight or broad cuts; lowest tool cost matters | DCS331B | Capable basic D-handle, with fewer conveniences than the newer models |
| Frequent plywood projects; want a familiar grip and quick blade swaps | DCS334B | Compact D-handle, tool-free clamp and convenient bevel detents |
| Tight curves; prefer a low hand position and close shoe control | DCS335B | Barrel-grip layout with the newer tool-free blade-change design |
| Mostly bevel cuts or repeated angle changes | DCS334B or DCS335B | Detents simplify setup; still verify the actual angle before cutting |
When comparing prices, look at the complete kit rather than the bare tool alone. If you already own compatible DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and a charger, a bare-tool purchase may be economical. If not, include the battery and charger in the budget; a higher-capacity battery can add useful runtime but also makes the saw heavier. Market prices vary by seller, kit contents and promotions, so compare the same configuration rather than relying on a bare-tool price.
Ownership notes: blades, dust and accuracy
For curved work, blades are the main consumable. Replace one when it starts requiring extra feed pressure, wandering, burning wood or leaving a noticeably rougher edge. Keep a small selection of blades for clean plywood cuts, fast rough cuts and hardwood rather than trying to make one blade handle every job. Check the shoe for sawdust and resin buildup; debris between the shoe and workpiece can scratch a finished surface or tilt the saw. A clear line of sight matters too: use dust extraction where practical, or pause to clear chips without putting fingers near a moving blade.
Whichever DeWalt cordless jigsaw you choose, support the work close to the cut, clamp the piece securely and avoid twisting the saw to force a curve. For a tight radius, make short relief cuts from the waste side toward the curve. They give waste material room to fall away and help prevent the blade binding. That setup and a sharp, appropriate blade often make a bigger difference to the finished curve than the small speed difference between these models.
