DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Review
The DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver is one of the most widely purchased cordless drills in the United States, largely because it bundles the tool, two batteries, and a charger at a price that fits a typical DIY budget. This review covers what the kit actually includes, where its real limits show up, and which buyers are better served by a different drill.
Quick answer
It is the right pick for a homeowner or casual DIYer who wants a proven 20V cordless drill with two batteries and a charger in one affordable box, and the wrong pick for anyone drilling regularly into concrete or running large hole saws all day.
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- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
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Research updated September 2026.
DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver
ReviewedPros
- Two batteries and a charger are included, so the drill is usable out of the box without buying anything else
- Compact and light enough for overhead work and long trim and cabinet sessions
- The 20V MAX battery platform is shared across a very large lineup of DeWalt tools, so batteries carry over if you expand later
Cons
- It is a drill and driver only, with no hammer mode, so it is not the tool for drilling into brick or concrete
- The brushed motor and 300 unit watts out put it below DeWalt's brushless models for sustained heavy drilling and large hole saws
The DCD771C2 is a compact 20V MAX drill and driver built around a brushed motor and a two speed transmission, sold as a kit with two batteries and a charger. It is positioned as an entry point into the DeWalt 20V MAX system rather than a premium brushless tool.
Real-World Notes
Owner-feedback themes are consistent: the drill handles everyday tasks like driving screws into studs, assembling flat pack furniture, and drilling pilot holes in wood and light metal without complaint, and the two battery setup means one is usually charged while the other works. The recurring criticisms are that it lacks a hammer function for masonry and that it will bog down under continuous heavy load, which is expected at this power level rather than a defect.
Alternatives Worth a Look
- DeWalt DCD777C2 20V MAX Brushless Compact Drill/Driver
- DeWalt DCD796D2 20V MAX XR Brushless Hammer Drill
Who Should Consider Something Else
Skip this kit if your work regularly involves drilling into concrete or brick, if you need to bore large holes with hole saws, or if you already own batteries from a different cordless platform and would rather not start a second one. In those cases a brushless hammer drill or a bare tool in your existing battery system makes more sense.
FAQs
Does the DCD771C2 have a hammer drill mode?
No. It is a drill and driver only, so it is not intended for drilling into masonry.
What comes in the DCD771C2 kit?
The drill, two 20V MAX lithium ion batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag.
What size chuck does it have?
It uses a 1/2 inch keyless single sleeve ratcheting chuck, which accepts standard round and hex shank bits.
Is it compatible with other DeWalt 20V MAX batteries?
Yes. It runs on the 20V MAX battery platform, so batteries are shared with the wider DeWalt 20V MAX lineup.
Is this drill good for professional use?
It can handle light professional tasks, but tradespeople who drill daily or work in masonry typically step up to a brushless hammer drill.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a sensible first cordless drill for US homeowners and light DIYers, since the two battery kit removes the usual hidden cost of getting started. Its brushed motor and lack of a hammer mode are real limits, but at this price point they are tradeoffs rather than surprises. Buy it for general home drilling and driving, and look at a brushless hammer drill if your work is heavier or involves masonry.