Dewalt DCD771C2 vs DCD780C2, Ownership Comparison

Having owned a number of Dewalt cordless tools, I have come to love their cordless drill range ever since I laid my hands on the DCD771C2. 

However, in recent times, I have been hearing a lot of positive feedback about the DCD780C2 from my colleagues. So what exactly is the difference between the DCD771C2 and the DCD780C2?

Dewalt DCD780C2 is the more powerful drill when compared to the DCD771C2 while having a higher speed range. It is also slightly bigger and heavier than the DCD771C2, while having a lesser number of clutch settings.

	Dewalt DCD771C2	Dewalt DCD780C2
Chuck Size	½”	½”
Speed	0-450/0-1500	0-600/0-2000
Power	300W	350W
Brushless	No	No
Clutch Settings	16	15
Weight	3.64 lbs	3.75 lbs
Dimensions	6.5” x 6.3” x 2.5”	7.88” x 7.75” x 2.5”
Warranty	3 years	3 years
	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price

In this DCD771C2 vs DCD780C2 review, I will discuss the major differences between these Dewalt drill drivers. This includes an in-depth understanding of the fundamental differences that sets these two models apart.

Read on as I give you my personal views of both these products independently, as I put them through the paces to see which product I liked more.

This will include the main features that were the most helpful to me. The pros and cons from a user perspective will help summarize these products in brief.

I am sure that by the end of this article, you will have better clarity about these two popular drills from Dewalt. This will help you make a decision about the best choice between the two to suit your requirements and budget while ensuring you still own a quality product from one of the leading manufacturers in the industry.

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.

Dewalt DCD771C2 vs DCD780C2

If there is one brand that has established itself as a pioneer in the power tools industry, it has got to be Dewalt. It was amongst the first companies to leap onto the idea of this sector.

Dewalt has been a pioneer in the field of power tools for many decades. With technology developing at a rapid pace in the industry, it was amongst the first brands to offer customers cordless tools that were powered by batteries.

Over the decades, they have released a number of cordless drills that have gained popularity in the market. The combination of power and efficiency at an affordable price makes it the brand of choice for professionals and amateurs alike.

The DCD771C2 was one of the earlier models that became quite successful in the market. Thanks to its performance and ease of access, it was loved by most consumers who purchased this model.

Over the years, Dewalt developed and released the DCD777C2, which was a major leap forward for the company. It introduced new technologies that we will discuss in the next section, as I highlight the major differences between these products.

Over the decades, they have released a number of cordless drills that have gained popularity in the market. The combination of power and efficiency at an affordable price makes it the brand of choice for professionals and amateurs alike.

The DCD771C2 was one of the earlier models that became quite successful in the market. Thanks to its performance and ease of access, it was loved by most consumers who purchased this model.

Over the years, Dewalt developed and released the DCD777C2, which was a major leap forward for the company. It introduced new technologies that we will discuss in the next section, as I highlight the major differences between these products.

Differences

• Performance

The major difference between the DCD771C2 and the DCD780C2 is in the performance of the two drills. The DCD771C2 offers a maximum output of 300W while the DCD780C2 offers more power at 350W. 

Another important aspect that favors it is the fact that it has a higher rotating speed than the DCD771C2. 

This makes a big difference while drilling through materials, as the DCD780C2 requires lesser effort and gets the job done faster. The DCD780C2 has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, which is much more than the 1500 RPM offered by the DCD771C2

The DCD780C2 has a slow speed range between 0-600 RPM as compared to the 0-450 RPM of the DCD771C2. This allows for higher torque transfer without affecting the precision of the drilling process, allowing the job to be completed faster as a result.

• Weight and size

The DCD780C2 is the heavier of the two models, weighing 3.75 lbs when compared to the DCD771C2’s 3.64 lbs. 

It may seem insignificant for many customers on paper at first. However, the additional weight added thanks to a larger motor, also resulted in a slightly different weight distribution. This gave the DCD780C2 a bit more stability, which made it much more convenient, especially during single-handed operation.

However, it also resulted in an increase in dimensions, making it a bit of a hassle to fit in tight spots. This is where the DCD771C2 edges out its later version, by ensuring it can be used even in hard-to-access locations.

• Clutch settings

The DCD771C2 has 16 clutch settings while the DCD780C2 has 15 clutch settings only.

The clutch is crucial in moderating the amount of torque being delivered to the screw. It helps prevent over-tightening of the screw, which can cause damage to the head or the shaft of the screw itself.

The lower speed and increased number of clutch settings in the DCD771C2 give users a much more precise torque response as per their requirements. 

On the other hand, the DCD780C2 has to cover a wider speed range with one less setting, making it a bit difficult for first-time users to get the torque delivery exactly as they would like.

Similarities

• Chuck

The Dewalt DCD771C2 and DCD780C2 both contain a ½” ratcheting chuck that allows for better gripping of the bit during operation. 

The single sleeve design ensures that the bit does not move out of the axis, which helps in improved precision and accuracy during drilling. It also protects the drill bit from damage as a result.

Another advantage of the chucks on these drills is that they do not need a key to be tightened. Their keyless design makes it easy to change bits, which helps get jobs done without much of a hassle as a result.

• Battery and features

Both the Dewalt DCD771C2 and the DCD780C2 operate on the 20V MAX battery system, which is a unified battery system manufactured by Dewalt. 

These Lithium-ion batteries offered improved runtime and increased power to the tools. Both these tools come with a single battery included in the kit, which makes it ideal for first-time Dewalt customers to get introduced to this battery system.

They also share a number of common accessories such as a yellow contractor’s bag with Dewalt branding. Both these models come with an LED light that helps illuminate the work surface in low light conditions. 

• Dewalt warranty

As both the DCD771C2 and the DCD780C2 are manufactured by Dewalt, they come with a 3-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Customers can also avail of an entire year of free service for their tool as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee in case they are unhappy with the drill they have received. 

Dewalt DCD771C2 Review

Dewalt DCD771C2 was among the first cordless drills introduced in the market. Thanks to its compact dimensions and compatibility with the 20V MAX battery system, it soon became a favorite amongst the existing customer base.

I was quite happy to see that this drill came with multiple accessories that included a couple of 20V Li-Ion batteries, a compact charger, and a carry case. 

This helped me ensure that I was purchasing most of the things I needed for a drill kit in one go. It also offered me better value for money as a result.

As I tested out this product, I realized that it was a moderately powerful drill that offered great performance for light work. 

It was better designed for softer materials like wood, which do not require too much more compared to materials like concrete.

Features

• Compatibility with the 20V MAX system

As most of you know, I am a big fan of the Dewalt cordless tool range, owning a number of tools as a result. Almost all of them belong to the 20V MAX system, which offers great battery performance in terms of charging and run time.

With the DCD771C2I did not have to purchase batteries with higher Ah for outdoor applications. All I had to do was interchange it with any of the existing batteries I had. 

This gave me the runtime I needed to use the drill for longer in remote locations while having plenty of backups if and when required.

The rapid charger provided along with the drill was an additional benefit of buying this tool. It allowed me to have a fully charged battery in around an hour, which allowed me to efficiently rotate my batteries without having to wait for them to charge.

• Ergonomic design

Having the best experience possible while using their tools is very important for most handymen. Dewalt ensured that no stone was unturned in giving users maximum comfort while using the DCD771C2. 

Its oversized grips gave me quite a lot of room to hold the drill comfortably, which helped me settle into the job in no time.

I also found this to be one of the most balanced drills available at this price point, with the additional weight helping it add stability in the right places.

Being a compact drill, it also allowed me to fit the drill in hard-to-reach spots, allowing me to get the job done without any hassles.

• User-friendly features

Dewalt has gained the trust and favor of its customer base thanks to the user-friendly features it incorporates in every product. The DCD771C2 lives up to this reputation, with an LED work light, a keyless chuck design, and a reverse feature included in this drill

The LED work light allowed me to work at night without requiring additional lights from my workshop. I was also surprised at how it did not get blocked much by my hand, which ensured the working area was illuminated properly. 

The light does not turn off for 20 seconds after the trigger has been released. Thanks to it, I was able to get some last-minute work done at night without any issues, making it a real lifesaver in such situations.

I was also grateful for the reverse feature that allowed me to remove a bit from the hole without damaging the bit or chuck in the process.

The keyless chuck allowed me to change bits without having to use specialized tools to do so, helping me save time in the process. 

Pros and Cons

Dewalt DCD780C2 Review

As time passed by, there were multiple reports coming in from customers, especially those employed professionally about the DCD771C2 drill. Most of them felt that the drills needed more power to be able to handle professional requirements better. 

This led to the creation of the DCD780C2 cordless drill. The drill sacrificed a part of its compact footprint and focused on giving customers the highest power without affecting other vital aspects of the DCD drill series.

My first impression of this drill was its higher power, which convinced me that this drill would be able to handle occasional heavy-duty work when required.

In the next section, I will be discussing some of the standout features of the DCD780C2 from an owner’s perspective. 

This will give you a better idea of how the drill performs in the practical world.

Features

• Powerful performance

Despite being a brushed motor drill, the DCD780C2 offered improved power delivery and increased output. It also had a considerable increase in the speed of the drill, which allowed for an improved torque delivery system that reduced the time of drilling.

I found the additional power quite useful in a number of tasks that needed more power, especially in professional applications. This made it ideal for carrying around to various job sites. 

• Dual directional drilling

As a professional handyman, one thing that I am very particular about is taking care of my drilling bits. Having a forward and reverse option in the DCD780C2 allowed me to smoothly remove the bit out of the hole I had just drilled.

This made my life a lot easier as I did not have to worry about the bit snapping off while removing. 

Thanks to this option, the force on the bit is applied uniformly across the central axis, which reduces the forces acting on it vertically

Instead, all I had to do was press the direction switch near the trigger, which reversed the direction and allowed the bit to be removed without any hassles.

• Increased safety

Dewalt has incorporated an overload safety feature that helps protect the drill, battery, and the user from any adverse consequences. Knowing this gave me the confidence that my tool had an extra safety blanket to protect me in case of a malfunction.

This ensures that the tool does not overdraw current from the battery, which can lead to a fire in a worst-case scenario. Instead, the tool shuts down and gives the mechanisms some time to cool down.

The drill felt a lot more refined due to the slightly increased weight and oversized rubber grips, which helped absorb the vibrations. 

This reduces the strain on the hand while drilling, and also helps prevent the dropping of the tool, which can have serious consequences.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

After reviewing both these products and using them for some time, I was much more comfortable and happy with the Dewalt DCD780C2 vs DCD771C2.

I knew that I would have to shell out a substantial amount for the DCD780C2 compared to the DCD771C2. However, I knew that I was getting a substantial improvement in performance that would be a wise long-term investment. This convinced me that this product would give me better returns in the long run.

I was also impressed with the stability and comfort that the DCD780C2 offered while performing the drilling operation in various job settings. 

The increased power and speed gave me the much-required versatility that can be game-changing on a daily basis.

It was also made better by the fact that these drills operated on the Dewalt 20V MAX unified battery system, which has changed the way we use cordless tools. This gave me better runtimes and the ability to switch between batteries quite easily. 

At the end of the day, the DCD771C2 is not a bad drill, especially considering its budget-friendly pricing. However, the DCD780C2 adds a level of professionalism and power that makes it a much more preferred drill for handymen like me.

I hope that this article gave you all the information you needed about the Dewalt DCD771C2 and DCD780C2. I am sure that this will help you finalize which model of the two fits your budget and requirements perfectly, making you happy in the long run.

If you want to know some of the most commonly asked questions about these models, do read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below.

FAQs

Cordless Drill Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the right cordless drill, there are a few factors you need to take into account. In this post, we’ll give you some practical tips to help make your decision easier.

We’ll start by discussing the different types of drills available on the market, and then move on to some important considerations when making your purchase.

When it comes to choosing the right cordless drill, there are a few factors you need to take into account. The first is what you plan to use the drill for. If you only need it for light-duty tasks around the house, then a lower-end model should suffice.

However, if you plan on using the drill for more heavy-duty projects, then you’ll need to invest in a more powerful model.

Another important consideration is the battery life of the drill. If you’ll be using the drill frequently, then you’ll want to make sure that it has a long battery life so that you don’t have to keep stopping to recharge it.

Many of the higher-end models come with multiple batteries so that you can keep one charging while you use the other.

Finally, you’ll also want to think about the price of the drill. Cordless drills can range in price from around $30 to over $200. It’s important to find a model that fits your budget but still has all the features and power that you need.

With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different types of cordless drills available on the market:

1. Basic cordless drills: These are the most affordable option and are ideal for light-duty tasks. They typically have lower battery life and power than more expensive models.
2. Mid-range cordless drills: These are a good option if you need more power than a basic model but don’t want to spend too much. They often have longer battery life and more features than basic models.
3. High-end cordless drills: These are the most expensive option but offer the best performance in terms of power and battery life. They typically come with multiple batteries and additional features such as a built-in work light.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s move on to some important considerations when making your purchase:

1. Battery type: The most common type of battery used in cordless drills is a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. These batteries are lightweight and offer a long runtime. However, they can be more expensive than other types of batteries.
2. Battery life: As we mentioned before, battery life is an important consideration when choosing a cordless drill. If you plan on using the drill frequently, then you’ll want to make sure that it has long battery life.
3. Speed settings: Most cordless drills have two speed settings: low and high. Low speed is good for drilling into softer materials, while high speed is better for harder materials. Some drills also have a variable speed setting which allows you to adjust the speed on the fly.
4. Chuck size: The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the drill bit in place. The most common sizes are 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch. Drill bits for larger chucks are available, but they are less common.
5. Keyless chuck: A keyless chuck is a type of chuck that doesn’t require a separate key to tighten or loosen it. This can be a convenient feature if you plan on changing drill bits frequently.

With these factors in mind, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect cordless drill for your needs. Be sure to shop around and compare different models before making your final decision.