Best For: Everyone—same price, better tools
Price: $149
Issue: 10-year-old brushed motors, same price as better kit- Price: $149
Introduction
Choosing between DeWalt DCK240C2 vs DCK277D2 can feel confusing, right? You just want a combo kit that’s powerful, reliable, and worth the money… but every product page throws specs at you that don’t really help.
Don’t worry—I’ll break everything down in simple words so you can quickly see which kit actually fits your needs. No fluff, no tech headaches… just a clear, straight-to-the-point comparison.
Let’s make this choice super easy for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict:
The DeWalt DCK277C2 wins decisively at $149 with brushless motors delivering 57% longer runtime, more power, and newer technology. The DCK240C2 costs the same $149 but uses 10-year-old brushed motor tools with 1.3Ah batteries—there’s no reason to buy it.
The Real Difference: Brushless vs Brushed Motors (Same Price!)
| Features | DCK277C2 🏆 | DCK240C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $149 |
| Motor Type | Brushless (DCD777, DCF787) ✓ | Brushed (DCD771, DCF885) |
| Runtime | 57% longer ✓ | Standard |
| Drill Model | DCD777 (newer, 2016) ✓ | DCD771 (2014) |
| Impact Model | DCF787 (newer, 2016) ✓ | DCF885 (2011, 13 years old) |
| Batteries | (2) 1.5Ah ✓ | (2) 1.3Ah |
| Drill Size | 7.52" front-to-back ✓ | Larger |
| Impact Size | 5.4" front-to-back ✓ | 5.55" front-to-back |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.9/5) | ⭐⭐⭐(4.6/5) |
| Where To Buy | Check On Amazon | Check On Amazon |
The brutal truth: At the same $149 price, the DCK277C2 is superior in every meaningful way. The DCK240C2 uses decade-old brushed motor technology that’s been obsolete for years. DeWalt keeps selling it, but tool experts universally recommend avoiding it.
Important Note: Both kits usually cost $149 on Amazon, but prices change with sales. Even if the DCK240C2 drops to $20 cheaper, don’t buy it—the DCK277C2’s brushless motors and 57% longer runtime are worth paying $20 more.
Related Articles:
Why DCK277C2 Is the Only Logical Choice?
When two kits cost exactly the same, you buy the one with better technology. This isn’t even close.
1. Brushless Motors = 57% More Runtime
According to DeWalt specifications, brushless motors deliver 57% longer runtime compared to brushed motors. This means:
- More holes drilled per battery charge
- More screws driven per battery charge
- Less time waiting for batteries to recharge
- Fewer batteries needed on job sites
The DCK277C2’s brushless DCD777 drill and DCF787 impact driver use electronic motor control instead of carbon brushes rubbing against a commutator. This eliminates friction losses and converts more battery energy into work.
2. More Compact, More Powerful Tools
The DCK277C2’s brushless tools are:
- Drill: 7.52″ front-to-back (more compact than DCD771)
- Impact: 5.4″ front-to-back (slightly more compact than DCF885’s 5.55″)
- More powerful: Brushless motors deliver more torque and speed
Despite being more compact, the brushless tools outperform the larger brushed models. Better packaging, better engineering, modern technology.
- Best For: Everyone—same price, better tools
- Price: $149
3. Newer Tool Models (2016 vs 2011-2014)
The DCK277C2 includes tools from DeWalt’s 2016 refresh:
- DCD777 drill (2016 model, still current)
- DCF787 impact (2016 model, still current)
The DCK240C2 includes outdated tools:
- DCD771 drill (2014 holiday special)
- DCF885 impact (launched 2011—this tool is 13 years old)
According to tool industry experts at ToolGuyd, the DCK240C2 represents “first-generation 20V Max tools” that have been superseded by multiple improved generations.
4. Better Batteries (1.5Ah vs 1.3Ah)
The DCK277C2 includes two 1.5Ah batteries. The DCK240C2 includes two 1.3Ah batteries.
While neither battery is large by modern standards, the 1.5Ah batteries provide approximately 15% more capacity. Combined with the 57% brushless motor efficiency gain, you’re getting dramatically longer work time per charge.
Real Expert Opinion
According to ToolGuyd’s detailed comparison:
“DCK240C2 – old tools, brushed motor, I wouldn’t buy it. DCK277C2 – brushless tools, but older models, available at Amazon and other sellers.”
Even though ToolGuyd considers the DCK277C2 “older models” (compared to even newer kits exclusive to Home Depot and Lowe’s), they still rank it far above the DCK240C2.
Why DCK240C2 Should Be Avoided Entirely?
At $149, the DCK240C2 isn’t a “budget option”—it’s the same price as the better kit. There’s literally no reason to buy it.
The DCK240C2’s problems:
- 13-year-old impact driver design (DCF885 from 2011)
- Brushed motors waste 57% more battery energy as heat
- Smaller 1.3Ah batteries
- Older, larger tool designs
- Requires eventual brush replacement (carbon brushes wear out)
The only scenario for buying DCK240C2: You can’t find the DCK277C2 in stock and absolutely need tools today. Even then, most experts would recommend waiting or choosing a different kit entirely.
According to multiple tool reviewers, DeWalt continues selling the DCK240C2 primarily because it’s been a “holiday special” for years and retailers keep ordering it. But at $149—the same price as the brushless kit—it represents poor value.
What About Even Better Kits?
If you’re shopping for DeWalt drill/impact combos, here’s the current landscape:
DCK277C2 ($149, Amazon): Brushless, older models, best value at this price ✓
DCK227D2 ($169, Lowe’s): Brushless, newer models, nicer impact driver with better features
DCK225D2 Atomic ($169, Home Depot): Brushless, most compact drill, newer design
DCK240C2 ($149, Amazon): Brushed, obsolete, avoid ❌
For $20 more, the Lowe’s and Home Depot exclusive kits offer even newer tools. But if your budget is locked at $149, the DCK277C2 is your only good option.
Quick Buying Decision: 1 Question
Is your budget exactly $149, or can you spend $169?
- Must stay at $149 → [GET DCK277C2 – Only good option at this price →]
- Can spend $169 → Consider DCK227D2 (Lowe’s) or DCK225D2 Atomic (Home Depot) for even newer tools
Never buy DCK240C2 at $149. It’s outdated technology at the same price as modern tools.
Detailed Specs Comparison
Motor Technology:
- DCK277C2: Brushless motors (DCD777 drill, DCF787 impact)
- DCK240C2: Brushed motors (DCD771 drill, DCF885 impact)
- Runtime difference: 57% longer on DCK277C2
Drill Specifications:
- DCD777 (DCK277C2): Compact brushless, 7.52″ length, 2-speed (0-450/1500 RPM)
- DCD771 (DCK240C2): Brushed, larger, 2-speed (0-450/1500 RPM), 300 UWO power
Impact Driver Specifications:
- DCF787 (DCK277C2): Brushless, 5.4″ length, 2.0 lbs, 1,825 in-lbs max torque
- DCF885 (DCK240C2): Brushed, 5.55″ length, 2.8 lbs, 1,400 in-lbs max torque
Batteries:
- DCK277C2: (2) 20V Max 1.5Ah lithium-ion
- DCK240C2: (2) 20V Max 1.3Ah lithium-ion
Kit Includes (Both):
- Drill/driver
- Impact driver
- Two batteries
- Charger
- Contractor bag
LED Work Lights:
- Both: LED lights with 20-second trigger delay
- DCF787: Single LED
- DCF885: 3-LED ring (better illumination despite older design)
Warranty:
- Both: DeWalt 3-year limited warranty
- Both: 1-year free service contract
- Both: 90-day money-back guarantee
Best Use Cases
DCK277C2 Perfect For:
- DIY home improvement projects
- Light professional work (handyman, light contractor)
- First cordless tool kit purchase
- Budget-conscious buyers at $149 price point
- Anyone who wants modern brushless technology
DCK240C2 Avoid For:
- Everything. At the same $149 price, it’s inferior in every way
- Only consider if DCK277C2 is out of stock AND you need tools immediately
Both Handle:
- Drilling pilot holes
- Driving screws and fasteners
- Furniture assembly
- Light carpentry
- Home repairs
- Deck building
- Basic remodeling
The Brutal Truth About This Comparison
This isn’t really a comparison—it’s a warning.
The DCK240C2 at $149 is a bad deal when the DCK277C2 costs the same and delivers:
- 57% longer runtime
- More compact tools
- Newer technology (2016 vs 2011-2014)
- Better batteries (1.5Ah vs 1.3Ah)
- Higher performance
According to tool experts across multiple sites (ToolGuyd, Tool Craze, Tool Tally), the universal recommendation is: avoid the DCK240C2 entirely.
The only reason it still exists is retail momentum—it’s been a holiday special for years, so retailers keep ordering it. But you shouldn’t buy it.
Bottom Line: Only One Choice Makes Sense
- Best For: Everyone—same price, better tools
- Price: $149
Buy this: The DeWalt DCK277C2 at $149 delivers brushless motors, 57% longer runtime, and modern tool design. It’s the only logical choice at this price point.
Don’t buy this: The DeWalt DCK240C2 at $149 uses 10-13 year old brushed motor technology. At the same price as the brushless kit, it makes zero sense.
Better yet: If you can spend $169, get the DCK227D2 (Lowe’s) or DCK225D2 Atomic (Home Depot) for even newer tools. But if $149 is your limit, the DCK277C2 is your answer.
Pro Tip: Tool experts at ToolGuyd, who compare DeWalt kits professionally, explicitly state they “would not buy” the DCK240C2. When the experts won’t touch it, neither should you. Get the DCK277C2 instead—same price, vastly better tools.
FAQs
Why does DeWalt still sell the DCK240C2 if it’s outdated?
According to tool industry analysts, the DCK240C2 has been a holiday special for over a decade. Retailers continue ordering it because it has name recognition and a long sales history. DeWalt continues producing it because retailers order it. But at $149—the same price as the brushless kit—it no longer makes sense.
Is brushed motor technology bad?
No—brushed motors work fine. But they’re less efficient (shorter runtime), larger, and eventually need carbon brush replacement. When brushless costs the same, there’s no reason to choose brushed.
Which kit is better for beginners?
The DCK277C2. Better runtime means less frustration with dead batteries. More compact tools are easier to control. Neither kit is “too powerful” for beginners.
Will the DCK240C2 batteries work in newer DeWalt tools?
Yes. All DeWalt 20V Max batteries are interchangeable across the entire 20V Max platform (250+ tools). The batteries aren’t the issue—the motors in the tools are outdated.
Is the DCK277C2 good enough for professional use?
For light professional use (handyman, occasional contractor work), yes. For daily heavy use, consider spending $169 on the DCK227D2 or DCK225D2 Atomic kits with even newer tools.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. DeWalt 20V Max is a platform system. Buy the DCK277C2 now, then add individual tools as needed. Your batteries work with 250+ DeWalt 20V tools.
