DeWalt DCD771C2 Cordless Drill Review

The DeWalt DCD771C2 has been the default homeowner cordless drill recommendation for nearly a decade — and for good reason. It's cheap enough to buy on a whim, capable enough to handle real work, and rides on the same 20V-Max battery platform as DeWalt's professional tools.

What we tested

Over six months we used the DCD771C2 to build a 12×16 shed, install a kitchen backsplash, hang three IKEA closets, and drive roughly 400 screws into pressure-treated 4×4s. We used the included 1.3Ah packs for the first month, then swapped to 4.0Ah batteries for everything after.

Power and torque

For hardwood, drywall, and softwood the DCD771C2 has no issues. It'll sink a 2-1/2" deck screw into a fresh 2×4 without pre-drilling if the battery is fresh. Where it starts to struggle: long lag bolts, big spade bits (1-1/4"+), and driving lots of 3"+ screws in a row. Those tasks are impact-driver territory anyway.

Ergonomics

At 3.6 lb bare, this is a genuinely light drill. Overhead work — installing cabinets, wiring ceiling fixtures — is much less fatiguing than with the heavier brushless models. The grip is textured and comfortable even for smaller hands.

The battery situation

The included 1.3Ah batteries are the tool's weakest link. They charge in about 40 minutes but drain fast under real work. Anyone planning to use this drill for more than 20 minutes at a time should factor in $80-100 for a pair of 4.0Ah batteries.

Should you buy it?

For everyone else — homeowners, occasional DIYers, and anyone building out their first tool collection — this is still the drill to buy.