DeWalt DCD791 vs Milwaukee 2801-20: Compact Drill-Drivers Compared
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The compact drill-driver is the tool you grab 10 times a day. Pilot holes, hinge screws, shelf brackets, cable clamps. The DeWalt DCD791 and Milwaukee 2801-20 both run brushless motors on their respective battery platforms and weigh under 3.5 lb with a compact battery. These are the two most popular options in this category, and picking between them is harder than it should be.
Quick Verdict
Same torque, similar weight, nearly identical capability. The Milwaukee 2801-20 costs $10 less and weighs 0.2 lb less, which makes it the better value pick. The DeWalt DCD791 spins faster on speed 2 and has a more useful LED delay. Go with whichever platform you already own.
$10 less, lighter, and 550 in-lbs handles everything a homeowner throws at it.
2,000 RPM on speed 2 cuts through steel and oak faster than 1,800 RPM.
20-second LED delay means you can actually see the hole after you drill it.
0.2 lb lighter with battery. Over 8 hours of ceiling work, your shoulder notices.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | DeWalt DCD791 | Milwaukee 2801-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 550 in-lbs | 550 in-lbs |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 0 to 550 RPM | 0 to 450 RPM |
| Speed 2 (High) | 0 to 2,000 RPM | 0 to 1,800 RPM |
| Chuck Size | 1/2 in ratcheting | 1/2 in ratcheting |
| Battery Platform | 20V MAX | 18V (M18) |
| Weight (with battery) | 3.4 lb (with 2.0Ah battery) | 3.2 lb (with CP 2.0Ah battery) |
| Clutch Settings | 15 position clutch + drill mode | 18 position clutch + drill mode |
DeWalt DCD791
Price: $109 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 550 in-lbs puts it at the top of the compact drill class
- 1/2-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck holds bits without slippage
- LED with a 20-second delay keeps the work area lit after you release the trigger
Cons
- 3.4 lb with battery, slightly heavier than the Milwaukee
- No brushless indicator light on the tool body
- Plastic belt hook doesn't inspire confidence
Milwaukee 2801-20
Price: $99 (Home Depot)
Pros
- Lightest compact drill in the pro segment at 3.2 lb with battery
- 18-position clutch gives you 3 more adjustment steps than the DeWalt
- $10 cheaper bare tool price
Cons
- Lower top speed at 1,800 RPM vs 2,000 RPM (noticeable in metal)
- LED doesn't have a delay, goes dark the moment you release the trigger
- CP battery sits flush but reduces runtime compared to a standard M18 pack
Best For
General household drilling and driving
Milwaukee 2801-20
$10 less, lighter, and 550 in-lbs handles everything a homeowner throws at it.
Drilling metal or hardwood
DeWalt DCD791
2,000 RPM on speed 2 cuts through steel and oak faster than 1,800 RPM.
Working in dark spaces
DeWalt DCD791
20-second LED delay means you can actually see the hole after you drill it.
Overhead work all day
Milwaukee 2801-20
0.2 lb lighter with battery. Over 8 hours of ceiling work, your shoulder notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these drill through concrete?
Not effectively. These are drill-drivers, not hammer drills. For concrete, masonry, or brick, you need a rotary hammer or at minimum a hammer drill with a masonry bit.
What size holes can the 1/2-inch chuck handle?
Up to 1/2-inch drill bits in steel, 1-1/2 inch with a spade bit in wood, or larger with a hole saw. The chuck size is the max bit shank diameter, not the max hole size.
Is 550 in-lbs enough torque for deck screws?
For standard #9 or #10 deck screws into soft lumber, yes. For 4-inch structural screws into treated lumber, you'll want an impact driver instead. These stall before an impact driver does.