Skip to content

In-depth review

DEWALT 20V MAX DCS335B Barrel Grip Jig Saw Review (2027)

The DEWALT DCS335B drops the 20V MAX cutting system into a barrel grip for tight radii. Our research-based verdict on the scroll-friendly DEWALT.

TGBy TrueGear Research TeamIndependent editorial teamLast updated How we researchResearch-based assessment · Jigsaws
Specs verified against manufacturer docs
No paid placements
Independently funded by readers
Updated 2026-10-29
DEWALT 20V MAX DCS335B Barrel Grip Jig Saw Review (2027) featured graphic
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)

The same cordless DEWALT cutting system in a barrel grip that drops the hand low over the blade.

Check priceAdd to cart

Our verdict

The DCS335B is the DEWALT to buy when curves get tight: the same brushless 3,200 SPM system and four orbital settings as the top-handle DCS334B, re-shaped so the hand rides low and close to the blade. That low position steadies tight radius cuts in a way a top handle cannot match, and the body-mounted speed dial is easy to reach when material thickness changes mid-cut. Larger hands may feel cramped on long sessions, and dust collects around the barrel housing, but for scroll work on 20V MAX, this is the DEWALT shape.

What we like

  • Barrel grip puts the hand low and close to the work, which helps steady tight radius cuts
  • Brushless motor with up to 3,200 SPM and four-position orbital action, matching its top-handle sibling
  • Same 20V MAX platform as the DCS334B, so existing batteries carry straight over
  • Speed dial on the body is easy to reach mid-cut when material thickness changes

What to watch out for

  • Barrel shape suits smaller hands better; larger hands can feel cramped on long sessions
  • Tool-only box means first-time buyers face the extra battery and charger purchase
  • Dust tends to collect around the barrel housing and needs clearing to keep the line visible

What owners report: DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)

Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.

Most praised

  • Barrel grip puts the hand low and close to the work, which helps steady tight radius cuts.
  • Same 20V MAX platform as the top-handle sibling, so existing batteries carry straight over.
  • Speed dial on the body is easy to reach mid-cut when the material changes thickness.

Common complaints

  • Barrel shape suits smaller hands better; larger hands can feel cramped on long sessions.
  • Tool-only box means first-time buyers face the extra battery and charger purchase.
  • Dust tends to collect around the barrel housing and needs clearing to keep the line visible.

Who it is for

20V MAX owners doing scroll work, tight-radius curves and detailed cutouts who prefer a low grip position over a top handle.

Why the barrel grip changes the cut

Moving the hand to blade level shortens the lever between guidance and cutting, which is why tight radii feel steadier on this saw than on its top-handle sibling. The effect is most obvious on small circles and intricate cutouts, where a top handle asks the wrist to steer from above. The speed dial's position on the body supports the same work: thickness changes mid-cut are a thumb movement, not a hand reposition.

Same system, same honest limits

Nothing about the cutting system changes with the grip: brushless power to 3,200 SPM, four orbital positions, keyless blade change, LED light and dust blower, and bevel to 45 degrees. The battery story is identical too, since it shares the 20V MAX platform and arrives as a bare tool. Buyers choosing between the two DEWALT cordless saws are choosing a grip, not a motor.

Fit and housekeeping caveats

The barrel shape suits smaller hands better, and larger hands can feel cramped over a full day of curve work, so hand size is a genuine buying factor here rather than a footnote. Dust also collects around the barrel housing and needs clearing to keep the line visible, a small maintenance habit that top-handle owners mention less. Neither caveat outweighs the grip advantage for the scroll work this saw is built for.

Key specifications

Stroke speed
Up to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)
Orbital action
4 positions
Power
20V MAX cordless, brushless, bare tool
Grip
Barrel grip
Bevel
To 45 degrees
Weight
4.75 lb, per Amazon fields

Also consider

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)

DEWALT's cordless top-handle flagship: brushless power, four orbital settings and a blower that keeps the line visible.

Why consider it: The top-handle sibling with the same system, for buyers who prefer a conventional grip

  • Stroke speed: Up to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)
  • Orbital action: 4 positions
Check priceAdd to cart

Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.

Questions, answered

Barrel grip or top handle: which is better?

For tight curves and scroll work, barrel grip, because the hand sits near the blade. For general cutting, plunge starts and one-handed control, top handle. Many serious users own one of each eventually; if you buy one first, match it to the curves you cut most.

Does the DCS335B share batteries with the DCS334B?

Yes. Both are 20V MAX tools, so every battery and charger in the system works on either saw. That shared platform is the main reason DEWALT owners can choose on grip alone.

Why does dust collect around the barrel housing?

The barrel shape sits close to the work surface, so chips gather around the housing instead of falling clear. Clearing it during a session takes seconds and keeps the cut line visible; it is a housekeeping habit of the grip style, not a defect.

Every guide on Jigsaws15 pages