The DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver shows off that bigger is not better by demonstrating that power, speed and features can be combined in a small package. This drill is ideally suited for anyone that has just about any kind of drilling and fastening requirements – within reason, that is. Equipped a 1/2″ ratcheting chuck, variable speed motor and a two speed transmission, you will have the flexibility you need to do many different drilling and driving tasks. Since it weights in at a very manageable 3.4 pounds, even extended overhead work can be done with less fatigue.
Professional users often have frustrations with compact tools that have to do with performance or speed. With the DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver you can be sure that there is plenty of both. With a two speed transmission, there is a low setting that delivers 0-600 RPM and, if you need more, the high setting goes from 0-2000 RPM. To make sure that bits stay put once they are inserted, a ratcheting style 1/2″ chuck is used that helps to reduce bit slippage during high torque applications. The new compact drill/driver is just 7-1/2 inches long, and weighs only 3.4 pounds. A removable and repositionable belt hook and on-board bit storage are also standard features that help keep your tool where you put it and minimize the amount of time you take to locate a bit. A bright LED light positioned above the trigger comes with a 20-second stay-on delay for extended use in dimly lit spaces. Electronics are built into the switches, making these tools smarter by maximizing the life of the tools and batteries and helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. Two 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery packs come with the drill, along with a heavy duty carry case. The drill ships with the slim size battery pack which really makes the whole deal more compact. By utilizing the new sled battery packs, DeWalt was able to thin down the handle considerably, making it more comfortable to hold and control. All these features translate into more comfort and better productivity for contractors who use drills like this everyday.
DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Drill/Driver Features
The included 20V MAX Lithium-Ion quick charger has dual voltage functionality, making it compatible with the 12V MAX Lithium-ion batteries as well. So you might be wondering: What is the deal with the 20V MAX designation for these tools? Once operating in a tool, the batteries measure the expected nominal 18 volts. The reason for the new new name is simply because DeWalt wanted to ensure that they did not create any confusion with their current 18V cordless line. Rather than a top post design like we are familiar with, the new 20V MAX batteries are a slide-on sled style, much like their new 12V MAX compact cordless tools. The DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver comes with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The included two 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery packs come with a two-year free service contract. If you need extra batteries, a 3.0 Ah Lithium-ion battery can be purchased separately and it will also come with a three-year
free service contract.
Testing and Use
This is probably one of the most competitive categories of drill/drivers because it bridges the gap between smaller 12V tools and larger (and much heavier) hammer drill/drivers. I know in our tool shop that we have several similar sized compact 18V drills and they likely have seen more use than all the other types of drills put together. With that said, if we were to recommend a compact drill/driver we would tell you to keep lightweight and powerful at the top of your list. After spending a little time with the DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver, we would say that this tool really fits the bill. We enjoyed the slimmed down handle profile and the very balanced feel of this drill. There definitely is plenty of speed – and to make sure that you don’t over-torque your screws, the adjustable clutch does its job well. The belt hook is a real benefit and, thanks to the lithium-ion battery, the whole drill actually was very lightweight. At first we wondered why this drill did not come with the larger capacity 3.0Ah batteries, but after some extended use, we figured out that it would simply weigh you down since the larger battery does not add more power (just run time). Run time was not an issue either because the tool powered through nearly a whole day’s worth of holes and screws without requiring a battery change.
Conclusion
The DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver is a great starting place to start your 20V MAX Cordless tool collection. With plenty of power, a super compact size, and practical features, we’re pretty sure that professionals will fall in love with this drill. That includes remodelers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, woodworkers, electricians and plumbers. For our Professional rating, we gave this drill a 7/10 because it combines the best of the new with what folks have come to expect from DeWalt as far as job site durability. For our Value rating, we gave this drill an above-average score of 7/10 thanks to a good warranty for both the drill and the batteries combined with features that most professionals will appreciate.
