DeWalt DCD771C2 20V Drill Kit Review 2023 – Pros, Cons, & Verdict

DeWalt DCD771C2 – A Quick Look

Battery Value

The batteries are the star feature of this cordless drill kit. The 20V Li-ion batteries provide excellent battery life compared to lower-voltage alternatives and different battery technologies. These batteries resist developing “memory,” and the fact that the kit comes with two (2) batteries at the kit’s price point is very unusual.

See What You Are Doing

Including an integral work light might seem trivial, but for projects where you need to work in a dark area, like inside a cabinet, it is invaluable. The light is mounted above the trigger. It illuminates the work area well and is not easily obstructed. Not having to juggle a separate light in tight, dark areas simplifies completing projects.

Excellent Product Warranty

The DeWalt DCD771C2 comes with a robust warranty. The kit comes with a three-year warranty that covers most situations except abuse. In addition to the warranty, DeWalt offers a 90-day money back guarantee and a one-year service plan. The service plan lets you bring in your drill for no-charge service, a benefit that will keep your drill like new after a year of use.

FAQ

How long will the battery hold a charge?

The beauty of Li-ion batteries is their ability to hold a charge for lengthy periods of time. This battery technology can hold a charge for weeks or months, depending upon the temperature conditions where it is stored. This means you can finish a project, put the set away, and come back weeks later to a drill that’s ready to work without recharging first.

How much does the drill weigh?

With the battery installed, the drill tips the scales at 3 pounds and 9 ounces. This is a great weight for extended use. Combined with the ergonomic design, it reduces user fatigue and feels comfortable and balanced in the hand.

How many inch pounds does this drill deliver?

DeWalt uses a unit watts out (UWO) rating instead of inch- or foot-pounds, feeling it is a better reflection of torque. UWO ratings are a fairly new concept in the US, so they are unfamiliar to many people. Since it’s complicated to convert from UWO to inch-pounds, it is useful to think in terms of horsepower (hp). Converted, 300 watts is 0.4 hp, good power in a compact drill.

Is there any special way to store the batteries/drill?

With Li-ion batteries, there is no problem storing the drill with a battery installed. You can leave a battery in the charger with the charger connected to an outlet. DeWalt does say not to store a fully depleted battery, as this is detrimental to the battery and its ability to recharge.

General user impressions

The good

DeWalt’s reputation for quality

Many people reported that they were drawn to this kit by the reputation for quality DeWalt has built over the years. Based on the overwhelming majority of reviews, DeWalt does not disappoint with the DCD771C2 cordless drill. With a few exceptions, which we’ll mention further on, people found the quality of the drill top-notch. This included the fit and finish of the drill, the way it felt in the hand, its balance in use, and its general performance in drilling holes and driving screws.

Excellent value for the money

The value represented by the kit containing two (2) Li-ion batteries at the relatively modest price point also came up time and again. Many comparable products only come with one battery, and others may sell the battery separately. When the battery represents a significant percentage of the tool’s cost, as it does in cordless drills, having two is a tremendous added value, especially for cost-conscious buyers and those on a tool budget.

Plenty of power for longer projects

The amount of power provided is also a selling point. By this, we mean the length of time the battery delivers useful power. One review noted being able to install 50 eight-foot-long corrugated roof panels on a shed using one-and-a-half battery charges. Having the second battery means no time lost waiting for the battery charger to do its work. If you have a tight schedule, having this extended work time eliminates at least one worry from the job.

Can handle just about any job

Versatility on the job earned this tool high marks. The ½” chuck capacity allows the DCD771C2 to handle the largest bits users are likely to need (up to a 1” masonry bit in one case), as well as smaller bits for work in softer, lighter materials. The versatility may not be used by all homeowners, but having it available means users won’t find themselves in a situation where their tool cannot perform.

Great customer service

When it came to DeWalt handling any issues, people again responded with high ratings. The general impression from the reviewers is that DeWalt takes its warranty and service performance seriously, and treats customers who have an issue professionally.

The not so good

Battery issues or charger?

The DCD771C2 is not without its warts, as some reviewers reported. Typically, these fell into two categories: battery issues and low RPM gears failing. Some reports mentioned the batteries not holding a charge or not charging properly in the first place. According to information on resolving these complaints, it seems the issue may be more with the battery charger than with the batteries themselves.

Some reviewers also commented that the batteries seemed loose in the charger and that they had to take extra care to be sure they seated the batteries fully. This could be a contributor to the reported battery issues in some cases.

Low RPM gear failures

The other major area of concern was the low RPM (0-450) gears becoming damaged and inoperable. There was no readily available information that explained why this happened. Reviewers made no comment on the success or failure of their efforts to seek satisfaction under the terms of the warranty.

Overall, the reviews of the DeWalt DCD771C2 are overwhelmingly positive. Homeowners in need of a powerful, versatile, and compact tool will be pleased with this offering from DeWalt.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that people who are looking for a new or replacement cordless drill will find a suitable contender in the DeWalt DCD771C2 cordless drill kit. The two batteries, charger, and carrying bag with a rugged, compact drill provide real value in a crowded field of consumer-grade cordless drills. While it’s intended for homeowners and non-commercial use, this is not a flimsy product. It can handle the hard knocks and bumps typical of home projects and provide steady, reliable service. Backed by DeWalt, it is an option worth considering.

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