DeWalt Compact Task Light (12V/20V MAX compatible)

Why I kept reaching for this compact task light

I expected to use this little light as a backup. Instead, it quickly became the first thing I grab when a work area needs clean, even illumination without the bulk of a tripod tower. DeWalt’s compact task light (DCL077) hits a sweet spot: small enough to toss in a bag, bright enough to light a room, and flexible enough to aim precisely at the task.

Design and build

At about the size of a small lunchbox and weighing under three pounds bare, the light feels purpose-built for portability. The 360-degree handle is the hero feature. It swings with positive detents, letting me set the light on a floor, shelf, stair tread, or joist and lock the beam at just the right angle. I’ve hung it from the handle on a rafter, strapped it to a ladder with a bungee, and perched it on uneven concrete without drama.

Two integrated tripod mounts—1/4-20 and 5/8-11—are smarter than they sound on paper. The 1/4-20 threads fit virtually any camera tripod for quick, lightweight elevation on punch lists or paint work. The 5/8-11 mount mates to survey/laser tripods for a more bombproof setup on an active jobsite. Having both means I can use whatever stand is nearby.

The housing is durable enough for daily site use, and the IP54 rating has shrugged off sawdust, drywall dust, and the occasional splash or light rain. It’s not sealed for submersion or pressure washing, though, and I wouldn’t call it “drop-proof.” Treat it like a precision light, not a demo hammer.

One note: the lens is plastic. It’s clear and tough, but like most plastics, it will scratch if you toss it face-down in a bucket with fasteners. I started storing it face-up or in a soft bag, and that’s kept the lens looking clean.

Brightness and beam quality

The light tops out at 2,000 lumens and offers three brightness levels. More important than the headline number is the beam quality: it’s a broad, even flood with a natural daylight hue. There’s no harsh hot spot, which makes it excellent for finish work—scoping drywall, checking paint, or spotting surface defects. That neutral-white tone helps reveal imperfections without tinting the workpiece, and it keeps colors true.

At full power in a small to midsized room, it’s an honest area light. I can back it into a corner to bounce light off the ceiling for soft, indirect illumination or point it across a wall to rake the surface and highlight flaws before final coats. On vehicles, the wide flood fills engine bays or undercarriage areas without the blinding pinprick you get from narrow-beam flashlights.

Be mindful of the output: on high, it’s very bright. I aim it away from eye level or use the lower settings when working close-in to avoid fatigue and glare.

Controls and ergonomics

Controls are simple—a single, gloved-hand-friendly button cycles through the three modes. There’s no complicated UI, memory mode, or app. That sounds basic, but on real jobs it meant fewer fumbles: set, aim, click, work.

Balance depends on the battery. With compact 12V Max or 20V Max packs it’s noticeably lighter and easier to carry for handheld inspection. With a 5Ah or larger pack the center of gravity shifts back, which can be an advantage (more stability when perched) or a drawback if you’re holding it for long periods. For mobile tasks—chasing shadows while painting or inspecting drywall seams—I prefer a small battery; for extended area lighting, I’ll step up to a higher-capacity 20V pack and plant it.

Power and runtime

This is a cordless-only tool; there’s no corded option or hybrid AC port. On site, that’s usually fine because battery platforms are everywhere. In a fixed workspace, you’ll want to plan your battery rotation.

Runtime will vary by battery and mode. A practical planning rule that’s worked for me: roughly one hour of high output per amp-hour of battery capacity. So a 5Ah pack gets you in the neighborhood of five hours on high. Lower modes extend that considerably. If I’m using it as a raking light for finish work, I tend to run it on low or medium and get through much of a day on a mid-size pack.

Compatibility is broad: it runs on DeWalt 12V Max, 20V Max, and FLEXVOLT batteries. The 12V packs keep the weight down for handheld tasks; the larger 20V and FLEXVOLT packs are better when you need longer, stationary lighting.

Mounting and use cases

This light has filled a bunch of roles for me:

• Punch list and paint checks: Set on a camera tripod at shoulder height, aim across drywall seams or freshly painted walls, and imperfections jump out.
• Under-car and mechanical work: The wide, low-glare flood lets me see without constantly repositioning. The handle detents make it easy to “toe-in” the beam from the floor.
• Tight utility spaces: On a ladder, the handle hangs on a rung; in a crawl, it wedges and stays aimed where I need it.
• Room fill: In smaller rooms, one light in a corner on high often does the trick. For larger spaces, I’ll elevate it on a tripod or pair it with a second light.

The dual tripod threading is the understated feature that unlocks the most flexibility. If you own a camera tripod, you already have a fast, portable light stand. For tougher environments, the 5/8-11 mount on a laser tripod adds stability and height without lugging a dedicated lighting mast.

Durability and weather resistance

The IP54 rating has proven meaningful: I’ve used it in light rain and dusty conditions without issues. The seals keep out nuisance dust and the occasional splash, but it isn’t waterproof. Don’t leave it in a downpour, and definitely don’t set it where it could tip into standing water.

The overall build feels sturdy for its size. I wouldn’t expect it to survive a big fall or a direct hit against masonry unscathed, but used like a tool—not a hammer—it holds up well. Again, the plastic lens is the most vulnerable surface cosmetically. A small soft sleeve or a dedicated spot in a toolbox keeps it looking good and maintains beam quality.

What I’d change

• Add a hybrid AC option. In a fixed shop or on extended tasks, plugging in would save battery swaps.
• Publish the lumen values for the lower modes. They’re well-spaced by feel, but hard numbers would help plan runtime.
• Offer a protective lens bezel or replaceable lens cover. The current lens is tough but prone to cosmetic scratching over time.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re the first things I notice after weeks of use.

Value and platform fit

This is a bare tool—no battery or charger in the box. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 12V or 20V platform, it slides right in and makes a lot of sense. If you’re starting from scratch and want a corded-capable light, you’ll need to look to a different class of jobsite lights. For cordless users, the combination of output, color quality, compactness, and mounting options is hard to beat at this size.

The warranty coverage (3-year limited, 1-year service, 90-day satisfaction guarantee) adds peace of mind for a tool that may see daily use.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Use smaller batteries for handheld inspection and mobility; use larger packs for area lighting.
• Elevate the light on a tripod and bounce off ceilings for softer, more even room illumination.
• Aim at a shallow angle across surfaces to reveal drywall or paint defects.
• Store it face-up or in a soft pouch to keep the lens clear and scratch-free.
• Plan runtime at roughly one hour per amp-hour on high; bring spare packs if you’ll be stationed in one place.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCL077 for anyone already in the DeWalt 12V/20V ecosystem who needs a compact, high-quality area light with real mounting versatility. It’s bright, the daylight-like beam is excellent for both rough and finish work, and the 360-degree handle plus dual tripod mounts make it unusually adaptable for its size. The lack of a corded option and a scratch-prone plastic lens are the main trade-offs, but neither has outweighed the convenience and performance in my day-to-day use. If you want a portable, jobsite-ready flood with clean color and flexible positioning, this light earns a spot in the kit.