Best DeWalt 20V MAX starter kit by use
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Verdict: match the kit to the tool you will use most, then choose the battery size. DCD771C2 ($129.00, Acme Tools) is the cheapest complete kit in the table. For a drill you will use for years, the brushless DCD800 kits (DCD800E2, or DCD800D1E1 with one compact and one 2Ah battery) cost more than the compact DCD771C2 and buy a stronger tool. For a reciprocating saw, the 5Ah DCS387P1 and the 2Ah DCS387D1 are the same saw; the price gap is the battery.
Kits with an authorized price
| Kit | In the box | Price | Dealer | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCD771C2 | DCD771, 2 × battery, charger, bag | $129.00 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
| DCD800E2 | DCD800, 2 × DCBP034, charger, bag | $246.91 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
| DCD800D1E1 | DCD800, DCBP034, DCB203 2Ah, charger, bag | $229.91 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
| DCS387D1 | DCS387, DCB203 2Ah, charger | $235.99 | Power Tool Store | Amazon |
| DCS387P1 | DCS387, DCB205 5Ah, charger | $289.99 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
| DCS391P1 | DCS391, DCB205 5Ah, charger | $320.99 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
Contents are from each kit's dewalt.com page. A dash means no authorized dealer price in our feed right now.
| Use | Pick |
|---|---|
| Drilling, assembly, light DIY | DCD771C2 compact drill kit |
| Daily drilling, decks, framing | DCD800E2 or DCD800D1E1 |
| Demolition, plumbing, pruning | DCS387D1 or DCS387P1 reciprocating saw kit |
| Cutting boards, plywood, framing | DCS391P1 6-1/2 in circular saw kit |
The math behind the picks
| Kit | Kit price | Compared with | Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCD800E2 | $246.91 | DCD800B | $152.15 | $94.76 |
| DCD800D1E1 | $229.91 | DCD800B | $152.15 | $77.76 |
| DCS387P1 | $289.99 | DCS387D1 | $235.99 | $54.00 |
- Drill kit premium. The difference over the bare DCD800B pays for batteries, a charger, a bag and a belt hook. If you own a compatible battery and charger, buy the bare tool and keep the money.
- Saw battery size. The D1 and P1 kits differ only in battery (2Ah against 5Ah). Divide the price gap by the 3 extra Ah to see what capacity costs here.
- One battery is a real limit. A single-battery kit stops when the battery is flat. For anything longer than a short job, a second battery is the next purchase; budget for it before choosing the cheaper kit.
Prices are authorized dealers only and change daily; open the dealer link to confirm before you buy. Amazon links are search links, we show no Amazon prices. How we get prices.