Comparison:DeWalt DCD791 vs DCD796

Choosing a reliable 18V drill driver is essential for working efficiently, whether it’s for heavy professional use or regular DIY projects. Among the most popular models in DeWalt’s XR lineup, the DCD791 and DCD796 stand out for their performance, compact size, and durability. While they share many similarities, they meet slightly different needs: the first is a compact yet powerful drill driver, while the second adds a hammer function to expand drilling capabilities in tough materials such as brick or concrete.

DeWalt DCD791

Technical specifications

Maximum torque : 70 Nm

Output power : 460 W

No-load speed : 0-550 / 0-2000 rpm

Hammer function : No

Drilling capacity in wood : 40 mm

Drilling capacity in metal : 13 mm

Drilling capacity in masonry : -

Chuck : 13 mm all-metal keyless

Torque settings : 15 positions

Net weight : 1,3 kg

Weight with battery : 1,5 kg

Dimensions (L x H x D) : 175 x 218 x 67 mm

LED light : Yes

18V XR compatibility : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

High torque of 70 Nm, suitable for demanding screwdriving tasks
460 W output power ensuring strong performance
15 torque settings for precise adjustment
Compact design (175 mm long), making work easier in tight spaces
Lightweight with battery (1.5 kg), reducing fatigue during prolonged use
13 mm all-metal keyless chuck, sturdy and durable
Built-in LED light for better visibility
Compatible with all 18V XR batteries

Weaknesses

No hammer function, limited to wood and metal
Not always sold with battery and charger (depending on the kit)
Slightly taller than the DCD796 (218 mm)
Runtime depends on the batteries used (not included by default)

Indicative price

129$

Who is DeWalt DCD791 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD791 is a compact and ergonomic 18V drill driver, designed to deliver both power and maneuverability in a reduced form factor. It’s aimed at professionals as well as demanding DIYers who need a reliable tool that’s easy to handle in confined spaces.

DeWalt DCD796

Technical specifications

Maximum torque : 70 Nm

Output power : 460 W

No-load speed : 0-550 / 0-2000 rpm

Hammer function : Yes, 0–9350 / 0–34,000 bpm

Drilling capacity in wood : 40 mm

Drilling capacity in metal : 13 mm

Drilling capacity in masonry : 13 mm

Chuck : 13 mm all-metal keyless

Torque settings : 15 positions

Net weight : 1,2 kg

Weight with battery : 1,6 kg

Dimensions (L x H x D) : 190 x 203 x 67 mm

LED light : Yes

18V XR compatibility : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Hammer function (up to 34,000 bpm) for efficient drilling in brick and masonry
Same maximum torque as the DCD791 (70 Nm) to maintain high screwdriving power
15 torque settings for precise control
Reduced net weight (1.2 kg), convenient for prolonged use
Lower height (203 mm), making it easier to work in certain positions
Supplied with a battery in some kits, unlike the DCD791
13 mm all-metal chuck, sturdy and reliable
Built-in LED light for increased visibility
Compatible with all 18V XR batteries

Weaknesses

Longer than the DCD791 (190 mm vs. 175 mm)
Slightly heavier with battery (1.6 kg vs. 1.5 kg)
Generally more expensive, due to the hammer function
Slight loss of compactness in depth despite reduced height

Indicative price

104$

Who is DeWalt DCD796 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD796 is an 18V drill driver with an integrated hammer function. More compact in height and slightly lighter when unloaded than the DCD791, it stands out for its greater versatility, especially when drilling into masonry and hard materials.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD791 vs DCD796

Criteria	DCD791	DCD796	Verdict
Maximum torque	70 Nm	70 Nm	Tie
Output power	460 W	460 W	Tie
No-load speed	0-550 / 0-2000 rpm	0-550 / 0-2000 rpm	Tie
Hammer function	No	Yes, 0–9350 / 0–34,000 bpm	DCD796Masonry drilling
Drilling capacity in wood	40 mm	40 mm	Tie
Drilling capacity in metal	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Drilling capacity in masonry	-	13 mm	DCD796
Chuck	13 mm all-metal keyless	13 mm all-metal keyless	Tie
Torque settings	15 positions	15 positions	Tie
Net weight	1,3 kg	1,2 kg	DCD796≈ 8% lighter
Weight with battery	1,5 kg	1,6 kg	DCD791≈ 6% lighter
Dimensions (L x H x D)	175 x 218 x 67 mm	190 x 203 x 67 mm	TieDCD791 more compact in length, DCD796 shorter in height
LED light	Yes	Yes	Tie
18V XR compatibility	Yes	Yes	Tie

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD791

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 DCD791 vs DCD796

He handles both kitchen installations and some renovation work, which occasionally involves drilling into brick.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD791?

For a kitchen installation, Laurent used the DCD791 for nearly two hours straight. The drill proved pleasant to handle: lightweight, compact, and precise for repeated screwdriving tasks. Torque control is effective, especially for avoiding damage to laminated wood panels. After dozens of screws, he noted good runtime with the 2 Ah battery and little wrist fatigue thanks to the reduced size. However, when it came to fastening a rail onto a brick wall, the drill reached its limits, lacking a hammer function.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD796?

The next day, on a renovation site, Laurent used the DCD796. The slightly higher weight with the battery is noticeable but still reasonable. When driving screws into wood and metal, performance is comparable to the DCD791. The difference really shows when drilling into brick: the hammer function gets the job done efficiently, without overheating or slowing down. The drill is a bit longer, which can be a slight drawback in confined spaces, but overall ergonomics remain good. Laurent concludes that he would gladly use the DCD791 for indoor installations, and reserve the DCD796 for more versatile job sites.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD791

4.27/5

Power

90%

Compactness

92%

Versatility

75%

Value for money

85%

★★★★★

Marc D.

I use the DCD791 for my DIY projects at home. It’s compact, easy to handle, and powerful enough for wood and metal. My only regret: no hammer function, so it’s limited when it comes to harder materials.

★★★★★

Sophie L.

As a craftswoman, I use it every day. The light weight with the battery is a real advantage on long days. Battery life is decent, and the precise torque settings save me time.

★★★★★

Julien R.

Good drill, reliable and sturdy. It feels solid in hand, and the metal chuck inspires confidence. I would have preferred if a battery was included in the kit, but it does the job very well.

DeWalt DCD796

4.41/5

Power

90%

Compactness

88%

Versatility

95%

Value for money

80%

★★★★★

Pauline G.

I chose the DCD796 for its hammer function, and I don’t regret it. It drills through brick with no problem and is still comfortable to use. A bit heavier with the battery, but still manageable.

★★★★★

Nicolas V.

As an electrician, I use it regularly on job sites. The power is there, and the ergonomics are fine. Too bad it’s a bit longer than the DCD791 for tight spaces.

★★★★★

Alexandre M.

Great tool for versatile use. Wood, metal, or masonry—it always delivers. The belt clip is handy, and the LED is well thought out. A bit pricey, but justified by the performance.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the DeWalt DCD791 and the DCD796?

The DCD791 is a compact drill driver without a hammer function, suitable for wood and metal. The DCD796 adds a hammer mode, which also allows it to drill into brick and masonry.

Is the DeWalt DCD796 more powerful than the DCD791?

Both models deliver the same maximum torque (70 Nm) and the same output power (460 W). The only difference lies in the presence of the hammer mode on the DCD796.

Which drill should I choose for heavy professional use?

For intensive use that includes drilling into masonry, the DCD796 is preferable thanks to its hammer function. For work mainly involving wood and metal, the DCD791 is sufficient and more compact.

Are 18V XR batteries compatible with both models?

Yes, both the DCD791 and the DCD796 are fully compatible with DeWalt’s 18V XR battery range.

What is the weight of the DeWalt DCD791 and DCD796?

The DCD791 weighs about 1.3 kg without a battery and 1.5 kg with a battery, while the DCD796 comes in at 1.2 kg without a battery but goes up to 1.6 kg with one.