Comparison:DeWalt DCD709 vs DCD796

Choosing the right 18V drill driver isn’t just about the specs; it’s what makes the difference between smooth, effortless work and a day spent cursing your tool. At DeWalt, two models clearly stand out: the DCD709, slim, lightweight, almost as agile as a high-end electric screwdriver; and the DCD796, more muscular, built for job sites where toughness matters more than finesse. Both share the brand’s solid DNA, reliability, a brushless motor, and serious battery life but they don’t quite target the same user. The DCD709 focuses on maneuverability, perfect when space is tight or precision is key, while the DCD796 plays the raw power and endurance card, ideal for heavier-duty work.

DeWalt DCD709

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18 V

Motor Type : Brushless

Max Torque : 65 Nm

Output Power : 340 W

No-Load Speed (1st / 2nd Gear) : 0–450 / 0–1650 RPM

Blows per Minute (BPM) : 0–7 650 / 0–28 057

Drilling Capacity (Wood) : 30 mm

Drilling Capacity (Metal) : 13 mm

Drilling Capacity (Masonry) : 13 mm

Weight with Battery : ≈1,4 kg

Tool Length : 173 mm

Speed Settings : 2

Torque Settings : 15 positions

LED Light : Yes

Belt Clip : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Compact design (173 mm), ideal for hard-to-reach areas
Lightweight (1.2 kg) to reduce fatigue during extended use
Brushless motor for greater energy efficiency
All-metal 2-speed transmission ensuring durability
15 torque settings to adapt to different materials
LED light with delay feature for better visibility
Good battery life with compatible 18V XR batteries

Weaknesses

Maximum torque limited to 65 Nm, slightly lower compared to the DCD796
Less efficient on very hard materials or heavy-duty tasks
No significant difference in features compared to other models in the range
Légère perte de puissance sur la deuxième vitesse lors d’utilisations prolongées

Indicative price

239$

Who is DeWalt DCD709 suitable for?

Compact and lightweight, the DeWalt DCD709 is an 18V cordless hammer drill designed to strike a perfect balance between power and maneuverability. Its brushless motor provides excellent runtime, while the compact design makes it ideal for working in confined spaces.

DeWalt DCD796

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18 V

Motor Type : Brushless

Max Torque : 70 Nm

Output Power : 460 W

No-Load Speed (1st / 2nd Gear) : 0–550 / 0–2000 RPM

Blows per Minute (BPM) : 0–9 350 / 0–34 000

Drilling Capacity (Wood) : 40 mm

Drilling Capacity (Metal) : 13 mm

Drilling Capacity (Masonry) : 13 mm

Weight with Battery : ≈1,6 kg

Tool Length : 190 mm

Speed Settings : 2

Torque Settings : 15 positions

LED Light : Yes

Belt Clip : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

High torque (70 Nm) ideal for tough materials and professional applications
460 W brushless motor delivering 35% more power than the DCD709
Up to 2,000 RPM for faster drilling
Powerful hammer action (up to 34,000 BPM)
Enhanced drilling capacity in wood (up to 40 mm)
All-metal 13 mm keyless chuck for strength and precision
Long runtime thanks to XR technology and 18V Li-Ion batteries
Belt clip and built-in LED for convenient use on the job site

Weaknesses

Heavier with battery (around 1.6 kg)
Slightly longer body (190 mm), less convenient in tight spaces
Slight overheating may occur during continuous full-power use
Generally more expensive than the DCD709, justified by its higher performance

Indicative price

259$

Who is DeWalt DCD796 suitable for?

More powerful and faster, the DeWalt DCD796 is an 18V XR cordless hammer drill built for demanding users. Its 460 W brushless motor delivers 70 Nm of torque, ensuring consistent performance on intensive job sites. A versatile, durable, and high-endurance model suited for both heavy-duty drilling and precise screwdriving tasks.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD709 vs DCD796

Criteria	DCD709	DCD796	Verdict
Voltage	18 V	18 V	Tie
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless	Tie
Max Torque	65 Nm	70 Nm	DCD796+5 Nm, better suited for demanding tasks
Output Power	340 W	460 W	DCD796+35% more powerful
No-Load Speed (1st / 2nd Gear)	0–450 / 0–1650 RPM	0–550 / 0–2000 RPM	DCD796Faster on both speeds
Blows per Minute (BPM)	0–7 650 / 0–28 057	0–9 350 / 0–34 000	DCD796Faster and more efficient hammer action
Drilling Capacity (Wood)	30 mm	40 mm	DCD796Higher capacity
Drilling Capacity (Metal)	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Drilling Capacity (Masonry)	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Weight with Battery	≈1,4 kg	≈1,6 kg	DCD709Lighter, better handling
Tool Length	173 mm	190 mm	DCD70917 mm more compact
Speed Settings	2	2	Tie
Torque Settings	15 positions	15 positions	Tie
LED Light	Yes	Yes	Tie
Belt Clip	Yes	Yes	Tie

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD709

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

DEWALT DT71563-QZ Drill and Bit Set

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

For DeWalt DCD796

DEWALT DCB184 Battery 18V 5Ah

DEWALT DT71563-QZ Drill and Bit Set

DEWALT DCB118 Rapid Charger

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD709 vs DCD796

Full room renovation: installing shelves, drilling into solid wood studs, and anchoring wall plugs into brick. Daily use for about a week, averaging 3 to 4 hours per day.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD709?

Mathieu immediately appreciates the lightness of the DCD709. In tight spaces, it fits everywhere and remains perfectly easy to handle, even with an outstretched arm or when working overhead. The lightweight design reduces fatigue, and the grip feels natural. When drilling into wood, the tool runs smoothly and precisely, with no jerking. However, on brick, he quickly notices the hammer mode reaching its limits: it gets the job done, but requires a bit more effort. Ideal for assembly work, light carpentry, or repetitive screwdriving.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD796?

With the DCD796, the experience changes. The tool vibrates a little more but gives a real sense of power. Mathieu drills through brick effortlessly and saves time on each hole. The higher torque allows him to screw into dense wood without strain. The downside is the extra weight, which becomes noticeable during longer sessions, and slightly reduced maneuverability in tight corners. Still, for heavy-duty projects, it inspires more confidence and efficiency.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD709

4.33/5

Power and Performance

82%

Ergonomics and Handling

93%

Battery Life and Endurance

88%

Versatility and Drilling Capacity

84%

★★★★★

Julien R.

Very pleasant drill to use, lightweight and well-balanced. I use it for small projects around the house; the torque is sufficient, and the battery lasts well. Only minor downside: a bit limited on very hard materials.

★★★★★

Sophie L.

Compact and easy to handle, even for someone who doesn’t do much DIY. The LED light illuminates the work area well, and the light weight prevents fatigue. Excellent drill for home use.

★★★★★

Marc D.

Good tool for small assemblies or precise screwdriving, but lacks a bit of power for thick wood. I keep it as a backup drill in my workshop.

DeWalt DCD796

4.56/5

Power and Performance

94%

Ergonomics and Handling

85%

Battery Life and Endurance

91%

Versatility and Drilling Capacity

95%

★★★★★

Pierre G.

Excellent drill, powerful and reliable. The hammer mode works great on brick, and the all-metal chuck feels solid. Definitely a tool built to last.

★★★★★

Amandine T.

Great grip, slightly heavier than the DCD709 but you can really feel the extra power. Perfect for heavy-duty home projects, definitely worth the investment.

★★★★★

Nicolas B.

Used daily for several months, and it hasn’t missed a beat. Power and speed are excellent, and the battery easily lasts a full workday.

Questions? We have the answers!

What is the main difference between the DeWalt DCD709 and the DCD796?

The DCD796 is more powerful (70 Nm vs. 65 Nm) and faster, making it better suited for heavy-duty work. The DCD709, being more compact and lightweight, is ideal for tight spaces or extended use.

Is the DCD709 suitable for professional use?

Yes, its brushless motor and 65 Nm torque make it suitable for many common professional tasks, but the DCD796 is a better choice for daily use on job sites.

Are DeWalt 18V XR batteries compatible with both models?

Yes, the DCD709 and DCD796 are part of DeWalt’s 18V XR range and use the same batteries and chargers.

Which drill is better for drilling into concrete?

Both models feature a hammer function, but the DCD796 delivers a faster impact rate (up to 34,000 BPM), making it more effective for concrete and dense masonry.

Is the DCD796 worth the price difference?

For intensive or versatile use, yes, it delivers more power, better endurance, and faster drilling. For occasional or home use, however, the DCD709 remains an excellent balance of performance and value.