Comparison:DeWalt DCD778 vs DCD795

In the 18V drill/driver market, some models look similar on the spec sheet but tell a different story once in hand. That’s exactly the case with the DeWalt DCD778 and DCD795, two XR hammer drill/drivers often compared in serious DeWalt head-to-head reviews. Same voltage, same lineup, same promise of reliability. Yet their focus differs. One is geared toward immediate efficiency for everyday tasks; the other emphasizes precision and endurance for more demanding applications.

DeWalt DCD778

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18V XR

Motor type : Brushless

Max torque : 65 Nm

Mechanical speeds : 2

Max no-load speed : 1,750 rpm

Hammer rate (max) : 29,750 bpm

Drilling capacity - wood : 30 mm

Drilling capacity - metal : 13 mm

Drilling capacity - concrete : 13 mm

Chuck : 13 mm plastic

Torque settings : 15 positions

Weight (with battery) : approx. 1.6 kg

LED light : Yes

Overall length : 203 mm

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

High 65 Nm torque, comfortable with demanding screwdriving
Compact form factor with good balance in hand
2 Ah battery included, ready to use out of the box
15-position clutch for precise screwdriving
Full compatibility with the DeWalt XR 18V ecosystem
Integrated LED useful in low-light areas

Weaknesses

Plastic chuck, less reassuring for prolonged heavy-duty use
More limited wood drilling capacity (30 mm)
Harsher hammering feel on hard materials
Overall finish slightly less robust than models aimed at continuous professional use

Indicative price

196$

Who is DeWalt DCD778 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD778 is an 18V XR hammer drill/driver designed to handle the majority of everyday tasks without overthinking it. Compact, responsive, and supplied with a battery, it clearly targets immediate efficiency whether for regular DIY work or occasional more demanding jobs. It doesn’t aim for extreme sophistication; it aims to get the job done, cleanly.

DeWalt DCD795

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18V XR

Motor type : Brushless

Max torque : 60 Nm

Mechanical speeds : 2

Max no-load speed : 2,000 rpm

Hammer rate (max) : 34,000 bpm

Drilling capacity - wood : 38 mm

Drilling capacity - metal : 13 mm

Drilling capacity - concrete : 13 mm

Chuck : 13 mm all-metal

Torque settings : 14 positions

Weight (with battery) : 1.6 kg

LED light : Yes, with delay

Overall length : 197 mm

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

13 mm all-metal chuck, more reliable over time
Very high hammer rate (34,000 bpm), effective for light masonry
Excellent wood drilling capacity (38 mm)
Higher no-load speed (2,000 rpm) for faster drilling
Refined ergonomics, good one-handed control
Delayed LED light, useful for working cleanly in dark areas
Full compatibility with the XR 18V range

Weaknesses

Battery not included (bare tool), additional investment required
Slightly lower torque (60 Nm) on very resistant screwdriving
Pricing often higher for equivalent equipment
More geared toward regular use than occasional DIY work

Indicative price

135$

Who is DeWalt DCD795 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD795 is clearly aimed at users who drill and drive on a regular basis. More oriented toward sustained use, it focuses on precision, stability, and robust design. In hand, the difference is noticeable fairly quickly: the tool feels calmer and more controlled, especially as the pace increases or when working with more demanding materials.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD778 vs DCD795

Criteria	DCD778	DCD795	Verdict
Voltage	18V XR	18V XR	Tie
Motor type	Brushless	Brushless	Tie
Max torque	65 Nm	60 Nm	DCD778+5 Nm, higher torque
Mechanical speeds	2	2	Tie
Max no-load speed	1,750 rpm	2,000 rpm	DCD795+14% faster
Hammer rate (max)	29,750 bpm	34,000 bpm	DCD795+14% hammering
Drilling capacity - wood	30 mm	38 mm	DCD795+8 mm
Drilling capacity - metal	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Drilling capacity - concrete	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Chuck	13 mm plastic	13 mm all-metal	DCD795Durability
Torque settings	15 positions	14 positions	DCD795
Weight (with battery)	approx. 1.6 kg	1.6 kg	Tie
LED light	Yes	Yes, with delay	DCD795
Overall length	203 mm	197 mm	DCD795More compact

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD778

Wood, metal, and concrete drill bit set DEWALT DT70702-QZ

Additional battery DEWALT DCB183 18V 2.0 Ah

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

For DeWalt DCD795

DEWALT DCB184 Battery 18V 5Ah

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

TSTAK case with 100 drilling and driving accessories

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD778 vs DCD795

Installation of lightweight partitions, fixing rails, drilling wooden studs, and anchoring into cinder block walls. Around 4 hours of continuous indoor use, with frequent changes of bits and drilling diameters.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD778?

From the first screwdriving tasks, the torque is immediately noticeable. The tool delivers strong power, sometimes a bit too much if the clutch setting isn’t anticipated. In hand, it remains compact and easy to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. For standard wood drilling, it moves along without hesitation, but the limits become apparent as the diameter increases. In light masonry, the hammer action gets the job done, with a rather sharp feel. After several hours, fatigue remains manageable, even though the tool feels more “punchy” than precise.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD795?

The behavior changes. Speed builds more gradually and in a more controlled manner. On large-diameter wood drilling, the difference is clear: it goes through without strain, with fewer vibrations. The hammer action is more consistent, especially in cinder block. The metal chuck inspires confidence during repeated bit changes. Over time, the tool almost disappears in use—fewer corrections, fewer jolts. It’s not the most demonstrative, but clearly the most stable when working at a sustained pace.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD778

4.3/5

Power and torque

90%

Precision and control

82%

Versatility of tasks

84%

Value for equipment / price

88%

★★★★★

Julien R.

I use it for fairly regular home projects—furniture assembly, drilling into walls, nothing extreme. It has plenty of torque, doesn’t stall, and the battery easily lasts half a day. The chuck feels a bit light, but in use it’s fine.

★★★★★

Marc L.

A pleasant surprise for a drill that comes ready to work. It’s compact, well balanced, and screwdriving is precise if you take the time to set the clutch properly. For serious DIY work, honestly, it gets the job done.

★★★★★

Sébastien P.

Used occasionally on job sites as a backup tool. The power is there, but it feels more comfortable for non-intensive use. Still reliable and pleasant to use.

DeWalt DCD795

4.35/5

Power and torque

86%

Precision and control

90%

Versatility of tasks

92%

Value for equipment / price

80%

★★★★★

Antoine M.

I use it almost every day on renovation projects. The metal chuck inspires confidence, and for wood drilling it doesn’t hesitate. You can tell it’s designed to last.

★★★★★

Claire D.

Very good control, even at high speed. It’s stable, precise, and the delayed LED is more useful than I expected. Too bad it’s sold without a battery.

★★★★★

Nicolas B.

Professional use as a secondary tool. It holds up well, especially in light hammer mode. Slightly less torque than some other models, but the precision more than makes up for it.

Questions? We have the answers!

Which DeWalt 18V drill/driver should you choose for regular home use?

The DCD778 is well suited for sustained home use: it offers high torque, straightforward handling, and comes with a battery, avoiding additional purchases.

Is the DeWalt DCD795 suitable for professional use?

Yes. Its more robust design, all-metal chuck, and strong performance in wood and masonry drilling make it suitable for professional or intensive use.

What is the main difference between the DCD778 and the DCD795?

The DCD778 stands out for its slightly higher torque and ready-to-use package, while the DCD795 focuses on precision, speed, and durability for more demanding work.

Are the batteries compatible between the two models?

Yes. Both drills are part of the DeWalt XR 18V platform and accept the same batteries from the range.

Which drill is better for large-diameter wood drilling?

The DCD795 is more comfortable in this area, with a wood drilling capacity of up to 38 mm, compared to 30 mm for the DCD778.

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