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DEWALT DCD740B

By DEWALT · Cordless Drills · Power Tools · More from DEWALT

  • 20V MAX lithium-ion cordless
  • Dual speed: 0-650/0-2000 RPM
  • Compact 4.0 in. front-to-back length
  • 3/8 in. ratcheting chuck with deep hex pocket
  • Brushed motor, tool only (battery/charger sold separately)

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Summary

A compact 20V MAX right-angle drill/driver for fastening and drilling where a standard drill cannot fit, with a 4-inch head and a deep-hex ratcheting chuck. Check the duty cycle before you buy: an independent test found it starts smoking after about 45 seconds of continuous load.

Strengths

  • A compact 4-inch right-angle head reaches between studs and inside cabinets.
  • Independently measured the highest torque of 10 right-angle drills tested, at 211 in-lbs.
  • Fast on deck screws: 1.5 seconds for a 4.5-inch screw.
  • Runs on the 20V MAX battery platform.
  • A deep hex pocket takes 2-inch bits fully inserted for a shorter reach.
  • A belt hook is included and service parts exist.

Weaknesses

  • Began smoking after about 45 seconds of continuous load and shut off at 1 minute 5 seconds.
  • Owners report it struggles with larger holes in 2x lumber.
  • Battery life is short, and it gets heavy during long drilling sessions.
  • A brushed motor and no LED work light.
  • At a $179 bare-tool price it is a lot for occasional use.

Verified specifications

ModelDCD740B, the bare tool; the kit is DCD740C1.
Voltage20V MAX (nominal 18V).
Motorbrushed.
Speedtwo ranges, 0-650 and 0-2,000 RPM.
Chuck3/8 in. (9.5 mm) keyless ratcheting, with a deep hex pocket for 2-inch bits.
Front-to-back length4.0 in.
Power output360 UWO.
Torque33 Nm (about 292 in-lbs) per one retailer spec; independently measured at 211 in-lbs.
Capacity28 mm wood, 10 mm metal.
Weightabout 3.0 lb without battery; the 2011 kit was listed at 3.8 lb with battery.
In the boxthe drill, a belt hook and a 2-inch Phillips bit.
Country of originMexico.
Warranty3-year limited, 1-year free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Full research notes and sources

What the test measured

Which Brand Wins tested 10 right-angle drills in 2022 and placed the DCD740B 4th. It measured the highest max torque of the group, 211 in-lbs in a lag bolt test, drove a 4.5-inch deck screw in 1.5 seconds, bored a 1.5-inch bit through wood in 4.96 seconds, and slowed to 6.43 seconds on a 2-1/8 inch bit. It ran at 79.4 dB and was the only drill in the test made outside China or Japan. The same test is the only instrumented measurement found for this model; the manufacturer figure is 360 UWO of power output.

Heavy-load limits

The endurance result is the one to weigh. Lowe’s review summaries echo that risk, with some users reporting the tool smoking, sparking or burning out. Treat it as a light-to-moderate-duty tool: it is built for intermittent fastening and drilling in tight spaces, not for sustained heavy work.

The bare tool runs about $179 at Acme Tools, Northern Tool, Authorized Tool Outlet and Hanessupply, and the DCD740C1 kit with a 1.5Ah battery and charger costs $229 at Burns Tools, $229.99 at Home Depot and $268.20 at Power Bolt and Tool. A 2011 listing put the kit at a $199 list price. If you do not own 20V MAX batteries, add the cost of packs and a charger.

Is it worth it?

For electricians, plumbers and HVAC installers who work in confined spaces regularly, the compact head, the measured torque and DEWALT’s service network make the DCD740B a practical purpose-built tool, priced near $179 bare. For anyone reaching into a tight spot once or twice a year, the price and the heavy-load limit are hard to justify over a drill and a right-angle attachment.

Which model this is

This page covers the DEWALT DCD740B, the bare-tool 20V MAX 3/8-inch right-angle drill/driver; the B suffix means no battery or charger. The kit variant is the DCD740C1. Do not merge it with the 14.4V DCD720 predecessor or other right-angle drills. The listing ASIN is B007ML7DHS.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Retailers:

Buying guides for this category

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