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Dewalt DCD771C2 Expert Review: The Best Cordless Drill

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Is the Dewalt DCD771C2 the Right Compact Power Tool for You? Find out! When it comes to compact, battery-powered drills and drivers, there are many choices. Does the Dewalt DCD771C2 hold up to similar products on the market? Find out today.

Whether you just like taking on the occasional DIY project or you’re a professional craftsman, you may find a full-size drill combo isn’t for you. Sometimes, you don’t have enough space to maneuver around, or you’re working overhead, and they have too much weight.

9.5 Total Score
Excellent!

you’re going to get a versatile and powerful product for the compact size. We have looked at other brands and options, but none of them are as serious as this little power tool.

Lithium-ion Battery
10
Compact design suitable for tight spaces
9.5
Two-speed gearbox
9.5
lightweight
9
Battery capacity
9
High speed transmission
8.5
PROS
  • Compact design suitable for tight spaces
  • Two-speed gearbox
  • 20V battery pack – compatible with other Dewalt tools
  • Weighs only 3.6 pounds
  • Gear bag provided
CONS
  • Chuck loosens during heavy use
  • Batteries aren’t long-lasting
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Powerful and Reliable Cordless Drill

In this case, it’s a struggle to find a powerful and reliable tool to use. However, the Dewalt DCD771C2 can fill that gap perfectly and has some great features with a decent price tag. It works for busy job sites as a specialty tool, as well.

DEWALT DCD771C2 20V Cordless Drill
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Compact, 1/2-Inch (DCD771C2)
Dewalt DCD771C2 Expert Review: The Best Cordless Drill

For those simple DIY jobs, you’re going to like this device. Dewalt is a brand that’s known for innovation and exceptional quality. To determine if this is the right drill for you, we decided to review it and talk about its many features. We also discuss when to use it and how it can help with various tasks.

Comparison Table

Dewalt DCD771C2Black+Decker LD120VABlack+Decker LDX120CDewalt DCD791D2
Battery TypeLithium-ionLithiumLithium-ionLithium-ion
Included ComponentsTwo batteriesBattery, six drill bits, screwdriver bits, nut driversOne battery, charger, double-ended bitBare-tool
Power SourceBattery, cordlessCordless, electricBattery, cordlessBattery, cordless

Dewalt DCD771C2 – Quick Summary

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

Sometimes, you’re limited with the space you have, so a regular drill drive doesn’t fit or restricts you so that you can’t move around.

With the Dewalt CDC771C2, you have a short head design, and it’s only 3.6 pounds, so you can fit it into any tight area or use it overhead.

Since the tight spaces are quite dark, the built-in LED light makes it easy to see what you’re working on. There’s no need to hold a flashlight and try to drill one-handed now. You know how much of a challenge that can be.

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This drill is cordless and features a lithium-ion battery. The kit has a ½-inch chuck, which is compatible with many bit styles. Unless you primarily need specialty bits and drills, most of your current bits are going to fit well.

The 20V battery is also interchangeable with other Dewalt power tools. Therefore, you don’t have to continuously buy new batteries for backup. Just take one out of another Dewalt tool and use it in a pinch.

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

You’re going to get a two-speed gearbox, too. With the lower speeds, you can get up to 450 rpm, which is suitable for delicate and precise work. In second gear, you’ve got 1,500 rpm to play with, which works for almost any job.

As part of the package, you get a gear bag with the kit. Though it isn’t a hard case, you can still keep your power tool protected and safe.

However, there are a few downsides with the Dewalt CDC771C2. First, it’s a relatively small tool, but the batteries don’t last very long. If you plan to have to work long hours, it’s best to have a backup or two. Also, the chuck can easily get vibrated loose at the full rpm. Just be sure to watch for this issue while using the drill.

Pros
  • Compact design suitable for tight spaces
  • Two-speed gearbox
  • 20V battery pack – compatible with other Dewalt tools
  • Weighs only 3.6 pounds
  • Gear bag provided
Cons
  • Chuck loosens during heavy use
  • Batteries aren’t long-lasting

Detailed Analysis

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

This section can tell you the primary features and help you learn more about this tool. That way, you can determine if you should add it to your inventory.

Motor

You’re going to find that the motor is very strong and can handle metal, timber, and stone projects. Since it spins at 1,500 rpm, you can get through almost any project. Therefore, you may want to get some high-performance bits to go along with it.

There is decent torque, but if your main goal here is driving, this might be the most appropriate choice. However, it works well for small jobs.

What’s really got us excited, though, is that there are two speeds for the attached gearbox. That way, you can switch between low and high rates quickly. The lower speed focuses on precision and care, while at full speed, you can get through anything fast.

Compact

The head design stands out on this Dewalt model. Check out some of the images online that show a hand. This gives you a better idea of its smallness. It’s only 10 inches long and fits inside small cabinets and HVAC units with no angled adapter.

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

Since it’s so small, you can hold it overhead for longer periods without tiring your arm. It’s only 3.6 pounds in weight, so you can get jobs done fast without straining yourself. Since you may be on construction sites where you’re working over the head, this is a great option. A few pounds make all the difference.

Battery

You get two 20V batteries with the Dewalt DCD771C2, and they each have a standard connector. That way, you can use them interchangeably with other power tools from the same brand. Because you get two different batteries, it helps prolong the time you can use it. Just make sure you keep the batteries charged.

Of course, since the batteries on all Dewalt tools are the same, you can save money because you don’t have to buy a lot of backups. When you’re facing a big project, consider charging all of them at once so that you’re ready for the long day ahead.

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Primary Advantages

Compactness

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

While it might not be the most durable or powerful tool out there, that’s not the reason to get it. Since it is only 13.9 x 9.9 x 4.2 inches, it’s small enough to get through a lot of tasks. The full length from the head down is right around 10 inches, but factor in that you have to add the bit’s length, too.

Compared to those full-size drills, this one is very small. You can get into different angles and tight spaces, which means there’s no need to switch out to an angled bit. 

Though angled bits do work well, they take longer to change out and don’t give the best results. 

Brushless Motor

Brushless motors always cost more, but you can still find inexpensive tools that use them. That’s because brushless motors are more efficient than other options, so most of the electricity used is turned into torque. The brushed motors are only 75 percent efficient, so you’re charging the batteries more often. Of course, this indicates that you are going to use more electricity to get those batteries ready to go.

Brushless motors also produce less friction and can outlast their brushed counterparts longer. This means fewer replacements with time. Even if you use the tool every day, it’s going to last longer than a power tool with a brushed motor.

LED Light

If you often have to use a power tool in a place with bad lighting, you know how beneficial it is to have a built-in LED light. It’s almost impossible to hold your flashlight and drill. Where precision and safety are concerned, it’s best to use both hands with your power tool.

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

The Dewalt DCD771C2 comes with a small LED light built right into the piece. When you press the trigger button, the light comes on and shines forward to help you see what you’re doing. 

This is clearly going to make it safer and easier to do your job. Plus, once you’ve used the light one time, you’re going to be amazed that you could ever have done the work without it.

Uses

As happens with many power tools, this one is suitable for particular situations. Find out where you could use the Dewalt DCD771C2 for hobby or professional needs.

Carpenters

If you do a lot of carpentry or make cabinets (professionally or as a hobby), you are going to find that this tool is very useful. These situations always have tight spaces with which to deal. Also, you may need to work overhead for hours.

Since this drill is so lightweight, you can keep working longer without that pain or burning in the arms. However, keep in mind that the battery doesn’t last very long, so you might need to have a couple of backups on hand. That way, you can work the entire day.

Electricians

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

Electricians like the two-speed gearbox. If you’re working around small screws or holes, the 450 rpm option is best. Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can do more precision work without worrying about getting into those tight spaces. Generally, electricians aren’t going to worry about the shorter battery life because they don’t use drivers and drills as often as a carpenter.

Plumbers

Many plumbing jobs are in confined spaces, so you want a tool that’s compact and lightweight. However, you can’t sacrifice power. This drill driver has plenty of that and is quite small.

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However, the power does suffer and can’t handle a lot of heavy-duty work. If you primarily work on industrial equipment, it might not be suitable. Still, the Dewalt brand isn’t going to gather dust because there are plenty of situations where you can turn to it.

DIY Experts

For the DIY hero and weekend warrior, you aren’t going to find anything else that gives you so much value for such a small price. You may not need the extra battery, but one is provided to you anyway. From fitting cabinets and decking to hanging shelves and pictures, this is an excellent tool.

Plus, it’s small enough to store anywhere. The storage bag keeps everything together and protects it from the elements. Of course, it also makes it harder for outsiders to see what type of tool it is. If that weren’t enough, the low price is going to make you want to buy it and try it on everything in your home.

Dewalt DCD771C2 - The Best Cordless Drill

Conclusion

With the Dewalt DCD771C2, you’re going to get a versatile and powerful product for the compact size. We have looked at other brands and options, but none of them are as serious as this little power tool.

With that two-speed gearbox and batteries that are compatible with other Dewalt tools, you can take on the toughest of jobs without any problems. Of course, it’s small and lightweight, so it’s going to be a go-to power tool for many small projects.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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