Comparison:DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD791

DeWalt offers several 18V drill drivers designed for both professionals and demanding DIYers. Among them, two models stand out: the DCD777 and the DCD791. Compact, powerful, and cordless, they cater to different needs depending on the intensity and type of work. This comparison highlights their key features, strengths, and limitations to help you decide between these two options.

DeWalt DCD777

Technical specifications

Output power : 340 W

Max torque : 65 Nm

No-load speeds : 0–500 / 0–1,750 RPM

Torque settings : 19 positions

Chuck : 13 mm (1.5–13 mm)

Wood drilling capacity : 30 mm

Metal drilling capacity : 13 mm

Net weight : 1.15 kg

Included battery : 4 Ah

Length : 192 mm

LED light : Yes

Design/ergonomics : Rubber grip

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Lightweight (1.15 kg / 2.5 lbs net), reducing fatigue during extended use
19 clutch settings for precise torque control
4.0 Ah battery providing above-average runtime
Variable speed and reverse switch for versatile applications
Ergonomic design with a comfortable rubber grip
Solid drilling capacity: up to 30 mm (1.18 in) in wood and 13 mm (0.5 in) in metal

Weaknesses

Output power limited to 340 W, lower compared to newer models
Slightly lower maximum torque (65 Nm)
Standard chuck, less durable than an all-metal design
Bulkier than the DCD791 (192 mm vs. 175 mm)

Indicative price

196$

Who is DeWalt DCD777 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD777 is a compact and lightweight 18V drill/driver. Designed for everyday drilling and driving tasks, it combines performance with ease of handling. Its format makes it suitable for both regular DIY enthusiasts and home use.

DeWalt DCD791

Technical specifications

Output power : 460 W

Max torque : 70 Nm

No-load speeds : 0–550 / 0–2,000 RPM

Torque settings : 15 positions

Chuck : 13 mm all-metal, keyless

Wood drilling capacity : 40 mm

Metal drilling capacity : 13 mm

Net weight : 1.3 kg

Included battery : 2 Ah

Length : 175 mm

LED light : Yes (enhanced, with delay feature)

Design/ergonomics : Ergonomic grip + belt clip

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

High output power (460 W), about 35% more than the DCD777
Maximum torque of 70 Nm, providing better efficiency on tough materials
Compact size (175 mm in length), ideal for tight spaces
All-metal keyless chuck for greater durability and reliability
Faster no-load speed (up to 2,000 rpm) for efficient drilling
Improved LED with delay function for better visibility in dark areas
Convenient belt clip for mobile use
All-metal transmission for enhanced longevity

Weaknesses

Slightly heavier (2.9 lbs bare tool, 3.3 lbs with battery)
Supplied with a 2 Ah battery, less runtime compared to the DCD777 with 4 Ah
Fewer clutch settings (15 vs. 19)
Typically higher price than the DCD777

Indicative price

126$

Who is DeWalt DCD791 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD791 cordless drill driver, running on an 18V XR battery, is designed for heavy-duty use. More compact and powerful than the DCD777, it stands out with its durability and performance, making it suitable for both professionals and advanced DIYers.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD791

Criteria	DCD777	DCD791	Verdict
Output power	340 W	460 W	DCD791More powerful (+35%)
Max torque	65 Nm	70 Nm	DCD791Slightly higher (+5 Nm)
No-load speeds	0–500 / 0–1,750 RPM	0–550 / 0–2,000 RPM	DCD791Faster (+14%)
Torque settings	19 positions	15 positions	DCD777More settings (+4)
Chuck	13 mm (1.5–13 mm)	13 mm all-metal, keyless	DCD791More robust
Wood drilling capacity	30 mm	40 mm	DCD791Higher capacity (+33%)
Metal drilling capacity	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Net weight	1.15 kg	1.3 kg	DCD777Lighter (-150 g)
Included battery	4 Ah	2 Ah	DCD777Better runtime
Length	192 mm	175 mm	DCD777More compact (-17 mm)
LED light	Yes	Yes (enhanced, with delay feature)	DCD791
Design/ergonomics	Rubber grip	Ergonomic grip + belt clip	DCD791

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD777

Assorted 43-piece torsion screwdriver bit set DEXTER PRO

7-piece wood twist drill bit set BOSCH PROFESSIONAL

DEWALT DT71563-QZ Drill and Bit Set

For DeWalt DCD791

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

DEWALT DT71563-QZ Drill and Bit Set

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD791

On weekends, he works on renovating part of his garage. His tasks include assembling metal shelves, drilling wooden beams to install supports, and screwing in chipboard panels. Each session lasts about two hours, alternating between drilling and screwing.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD777?

Nicolas immediately notices how light the tool feels. It handles effortlessly, even overhead, and the rubber grip provides good control. The torque adjustment helps protect the screws, especially on thinner boards. When working with wood, the drill powers through easily, but on thicker metal, he feels the power maxes out fairly quickly. After two hours of use, the 4 Ah battery still holds up well, with no need for a swap.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD791?

From the very first holes, the difference in power is obvious: the tool delivers more punch and goes through metal faster. The high speed makes driving screws smooth, even in tougher materials. On the downside, the tool is a bit heavier, and Nicolas feels some fatigue during longer use. The 2 Ah battery needs recharging more quickly, but the all-metal chuck and compact size give him confidence in both durability and maneuverability, especially in tighter spaces.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD777

4.01/5

Power & Performance

76%

Battery Life & Runtime

86%

Ergonomics & Comfort

81%

Versatility & Drilling Capacity

78%

★★★★★

Marc L.

I mostly use it for assembling furniture and doing small jobs around the house. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and the 4 Ah battery lasts more than enough for this kind of work. That said, it quickly shows its limits when drilling into concrete.

★★★★★

Sophie R.

I do a fair bit of DIY, and this drill works really well for me. The torque settings are handy to avoid stripping screw heads. Even after using it for over an hour, I didn’t feel any discomfort—the weight stays manageable.

★★★★★

Karim D.

Good for occasional use, but you can tell pretty quickly it lacks power on tougher materials. Works fine for wood or thin metal, but it’s not suited for heavy-duty jobs.

DeWalt DCD791

4.21/5

Power & Performance

91%

Battery Life & Runtime

72%

Ergonomics & Comfort

86%

Versatility & Drilling Capacity

88%

★★★★★

Julie M.

I’ve used it on site for heavy drilling and it’s never let me down. The all-metal chuck feels solid, and the power is definitely there, even on steel. The 2 Ah battery drains quickly, but with a 5 Ah it’s no problem.

★★★★★

Antoine B.

What I like most is how compact it is—it fits in spots where my other drills won’t. The belt clip is a nice touch too. My only complaint is that the number of torque settings is a bit limited.

★★★★★

Hélène T.

Great tool for frequent use. It’s a little heavier than the DCD777, but the extra power and speed are obvious. The LED with delay is really practical when working in dark areas.

Questions? We have the answers!

What is the difference between the DeWalt DCD777 and the DCD791?

The DCD777 is lighter and usually comes with a 4 Ah battery that provides good runtime, while the DCD791 is more compact, more powerful (460 W vs. 340 W), and features a more durable all-metal chuck.

Which DeWalt 18V drill driver should I choose for heavy-duty use?

For professional or heavy-duty use, the DeWalt DCD791 is the better option thanks to its higher power, 70 Nm torque, and compact design.

Is the DeWalt DCD777 good enough for occasional DIY?

Yes, the DCD777 is more than sufficient for regular DIY tasks: driving screws, drilling wood up to 30 mm and metal up to 13 mm, with a lighter weight that helps reduce fatigue.

Which one is more compact, the DCD777 or the DCD791?

The DCD791 is more compact at 175 mm in length compared to 192 mm for the DCD777, making it easier to work in tight spaces.

How does the battery life compare between the DCD777 and the DCD791?

The DCD777 is usually supplied with a 4 Ah battery, offering longer runtime. The DCD791 typically comes with a 2 Ah battery, which shortens usage time before recharging, but it is compatible with higher-capacity XR batteries.