The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a 20-volt cordless, lithium-ion compact drill kit that provides a lot of torque (driving) and speed (drilling) for the money. DeWalt is known for making tools that are integrally and structurally strong to handle almost any drilling task. This drill is made of durable and sturdy materials and should be ideal for most drilling jobs at home. The variable speed levels and powerful transmission make this tool extremely convenient. Let's take a look at the tool in a lot more detail in this DeWalt DCD771C2 review so that you can be sure it's the drill you need.
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Pros | Cons |
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Top DeWalt DCD771C2 FAQs
What is the battery performance like?
It's hard to put the battery performance in terms of numbers, as the mileage varies with performance. Having said that, the battery should typically last an entire deck-building project, including all repair and railing work. And a completely charged, unused battery should hold power for weeks, even more than a month at times.
Is there a reverse mode option?
Yes, the drill has reverse mode, like all DeWalt drills. In fact, you get reverse, forward and a lock. Not to mention, the reverse functionality works expectedly well.
Does the drill work on concrete?
Yes but it's not the ideal thing to do as the DeWalt DCD771C2 is an impact driver and not a hammer drill. If you still go ahead using this drill on concrete, the carbide tip would likely overheat and sabotage the drill bit. You would, however, get away with some concrete drilling, provided the concrete is porous and the requirement is a small (in depth and diameter) hole.
Is this driver brush or brushless?
You can choose between a brushless and brush motor at the time of purchase. By the way, the brushless drill would cost you more compared to the brushed motor.
Is the billed weight inclusive of the battery?
Yes, the 3.6 pounds of heft accounts the battery weight too. This is why it's among the lightest drills around.
What's Our Take?
Basics
The battery-operated DCD771C2 provides 300 UWO and this power rating indicates the performance level is better compared to torque rating. The DCD771C2 is cordless and has a couple of speed settings. There is a forward/reverse control switch that also functions as a lock-off switch. The drill also comes with an efficient and effective single-sleeve, ½-inch ratcheting chuck and carbide insert that offers tight bit gripping power. Not to mention, the drill has 16 torque settings and a collar to adjust torque.
The machine takes in half-inch drill bits. A half-inch drill is usually an overkill within the house. But there are certainly advantages to it that cannot be overlooked. The highest drilling potential is 30mm and 13mm in wood and metal, respectively. The keyless chuck with a rotating sleeve makes for added convenience. And the automatic spindle lock setup lets you close and open the chuck single-handedly.
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Features
The following are some of the highlight features of this drill:
• Powerful and Compact
DeWalt DCD771C2 motor boasts 300 UWO of power. Despite packing in such power, the machine is fairly compact and light, weighing 3.6 pounds and measuring 13.9 x 9.9 x 4.2 inches. This petite frame should come in handy when working within tight workspaces.
• Speed
The machine's two-speed transmission helps deliver a couple of speed ranges, up to 450 and 1500rpm. In other words, the maximum RPM achieved is 1500 under zero load condition. For low speeds, the delivery is 0-450 RPM. The slower speed helps people who invariably strip screws or don't remove screws properly. These speed numbers lend to the excellent power output rating of this machine. Besides variable speed settings, this power tool comprises 15 settings and can perform a range of drilling and fastening jobs.
• Ergonomic
As aforementioned, this hand-operated drill is fairly light, which keeps tension and pain at bay even after having continuously handled the tool for hours. The ergonomic handle protects your hands, arms, and wrists from strain. This pain-free handling means improved control and maneuverability, which certainly makes you confident about handling the machine.
• Powerful and Fast-Charging Battery
The battery used in the DCD771C2 is a 20V lithium-ion power pack, which is an upgrade over the 18V batteries used in most equivalent drill machines. This means a lot more power and also mileage. The best part is that the 20V battery has a smaller footprint than conventional 18V batteries, which makes way for a lighter and smaller drill. And the battery charges quickly too, usually taking anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour for a complete charge. Also, the charging process shuts off automatically as soon as the battery is completely charged.
• LED Light
The drill has an LED light positioned right above the trigger. The light is fairly small but it's still bright enough to illuminate any space where you could be driving or drilling. The light may seem like a gimmick at first but you realize its usefulness once you start using it. Also, the light turns off automatically 20 seconds after the trigger is released.
Maintenance
The DeWalt DCD771C2 doesn't have specific maintenance requirements. You just have to keep it clean and put it inside its storage bag after every use, so that the drill comes good for long.
Accessories
The DCD771C2 comes with a handy carrying bag, an 18V XR charger and a couple of 20V batteries. The drill uses a single battery for power, which means you can charge the other battery when the battery inside the machine is at work. The bag is durable and compact too and accommodates all the drill and its different components in an organized manner. The charger has an LED light embedded, which indicates whether the battery is fully charged and if it's charging at all.
Who is this Drill for?
This drill is for any individual who is looking for a sturdy and capable drill. That said, this isn't your top-of-the-line, extremely powerful tool. If you're going to use this tool primarily inside your house, you would then be more than happy with this drill. It's an ideal drill for DIY enthusiasts. In other words, this compact driver/drill kit is perfect for crafting projects, weekend warriors, or people who don't want to sacrifice power for convenience and handling.
Things that Could Be Improved
Most users have been quite happy with the DeWalt DCD771C2. However, the tool is not completely perfect and can do better on certain fronts. The charging system's temperature restrictions have received some flak. Both the charger and battery's temperature numbers should fall in the 65-75F range. Moreover, the battery doesn't last the longest. Yes, it's rechargeable and replaceable but the stock battery should be performing better to start with. That said, battery performance could vary and some users have found a long gap between successive charges.Some people may also not find the embedded LED light extremely useful. Also, the bag isn't made of the best material available. If you are planning to use the drill long-term, ensure you buy a good quality bag.
Comparison with Other Drills
• DCD771C2 vs. DCD777C2
As the model numbers indicate, the DCD771C2 and DCD777C2 are almost the same. They work equally fine within tight areas and help with plumbing and other repairs. Both the tools are powerful for their sizes, lightweight, and are available brushless or brushed. Both the drills accept multiple attachments too. However, the DCD777C2 has a marginally more powerful motor.
• DCD771C2 vs. DCD791D2
The first thing that strikes us right off the bat about the DCD791D2, is its price. It sells for around $229, which is more than double the price of the DCD771C2, which retails at $99. The higher price means more power, performance and features. For instance, the DCD791D2 provides 57 percent more run time than the DCD771C2. It's a more robust machine and weighs accordingly, at around 8 pounds. Moreover, the integrated LED light has three-mode lighting, which includes a spotlight mode.
• DCD771C2 vs. Bosch DDB181-02
The DCD771C2 and Bosch DDB181-02 are similarly priced, but look completely different. The DeWalt tool has the trademark yellow exterior, whereas the Bosch machine is distinctly blue on the outside. As far as functionality and features go, both the machines match each other well. The Bosch, however, is slightly lighter than the DeWalt at 3 pounds.
• DCD771C2 vs. Makita XPH012
The Makita XPH102 is equipped for hammer drilling and driving, which the DCD771C2 isn't. Both the machines are lightweight and compact but the Makita's four-pole motor is capable of 480 pounds of torque. The Makita XPH012 does a lot more than the DCD771C2, but it's also appropriately priced. Selling for around $288, the Makita is definitely in another league and targets another set of buyers.
Users' Thoughts
The majority of people who have bought the DeWalt DCD771C2 have found the drill to be excellent value for money. The two batteries that come bundled in are quite handy. And with the charging speed being faster than normal, most users were able to have a fully-charged, secondary battery handy whenever the in-use battery died. These swappable batteries make the tool extremely portable.However, the best part about the battery mechanism, according to most users, is how it cuts off immediately instead of dying a slow death. This means you either get top-notch performance from the drill or nothing. As far as the LED light goes, most users were quite happy it was there. But quite a few were not impressed with its application. Since the LED lights up only when the trigger is pressed, using the light just to line up a screw or bit in a dark, unlit place is not possible.
Final Thoughts
DeWalt is a name to reckon with in the compact drill space. The DCD771C2 is an extremely potent tool that sticks to the popular DeWalt design language. However, the DCD771C2 isn't the least expensive drill around but the features, solid construction, and design more than make up for the mid-tier pricing. If you have just started drilling, you would find this tool more than sufficient. And if you're a DIY enthusiast who executes multiple home projects, this drill would be ideal. For requirements more advanced, this machine would most likely be underwhelming.
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