DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD785: Which 20V MAX Drill Should You Buy?
The Short Answer
I own both. Two DCD777s ride in my daily toolbox, and the DCD785 has been my general-purpose hammer drill for a year and a half. They’re both 20V MAX, so the batteries swap.
The difference is the hammer. If you never drill masonry, get the DCD777. It’s lighter, brushless and it has held up for six years. If you drill block, concrete or set Tapcons, get the DCD785 and skip buying a second tool.
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DeWalt DCD777
4.7 / 5 | Check current price
Best for: Everyday drilling and driving in wood and metal. Lighter, smaller and brushless.
DeWalt DCD785
4.5 / 5 | Check current price
Best for: Anyone who drills block or concrete or sets Tapcons. Hammer mode and more top speed.
The DCD785 is discontinued on Amazon. The button goes to the DCD805, DeWalt’s newer brushless compact hammer drill.
Head-to-Head Specs
| DCD777 | DCD785 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Drill/driver | Hammer drill/driver |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushed |
| Hammer mode | No | Yes, up to 34,000 BPM |
| Speeds | 0-500 / 0-1,750 RPM | 0-600 / 0-2,000 RPM |
| Power | 340 UWO | 350 UWO |
| Clutch settings | 15 | 15 |
| Chuck | 1/2" ratcheting | 1/2" ratcheting |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
| Platform | 20V MAX | 20V MAX |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 3-year limited |
| Our rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Recommended for | DIY, Handyman, and Contractor | DIY, Handyman, and Contractor |
Orange = the edge on that spec. Prices change; check the current price before you buy.
Where the DCD777 Wins
- Weight. About 2.6 lbs vs. 3.5 lbs, almost a pound lighter.
- Brushless motor. Less wear and better runtime per battery.
- Proven. Mine have six years on them. Beat up, still completely functioning, and the plastic chuck I worried about in 2020 never gave me a problem.
Where the DCD785 Wins
- Hammer mode. Tapcons and masonry drilling without grabbing a second tool.
- Top speed. 2,000 RPM vs. 1,750 RPM.
- One tool for everything. Wood, block and auger bits all out of the same drill.
How I Use Them
DCD777: I keep two of these in my daily toolbox. They’ve been through years of jobsite use, they’re scratched up, and they still work like they should.
DCD785: This has been my general-purpose drill driver for a year and a half. I use it for Tapcons, masonry drilling, wood drilling and wood auger bits. A good all-around drill.
Which One Should You Buy?
Get the DCD777 if your work is wood, metal and driving screws. It’s lighter, brushless and has proven it lasts.
Get the DCD785 if you drill block or concrete or set Tapcons, even occasionally. The hammer mode means one drill covers the whole job.
Note: The DCD785 is discontinued on Amazon. If you want the hammer drill, the Amazon link goes to the DCD805, DeWalt’s newer brushless compact hammer drill.
Already on DeWalt 20V MAX? Either one runs on the batteries you have.
Recommended for: DIY, Handyman, and Contractor (both)