Comparison:DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD805

18V hammer drill drivers have become essential tools for both seasoned DIYers and construction professionals. Among DeWalt’s lineup, two models stand out: the DCD796 and the DCD805. Compact, powerful, and equipped with XR technology, they cater to a wide range of needs from occasional assembly work to intensive jobsite use. The DCD796, already well-established, is appreciated for its lightweight design and its remarkable balance between performance and price. The newer, more robust DCD805 represents the natural next step: it’s built for those who want more power, durability, and everyday comfort.

DeWalt DCD796

Technical specifications

Maximum torque : 70 Nm

Output power : 460 W

No-load speed (1st/2nd gear) : 0-550 / 0-2 000 rpm

Blows per minute : 0-9 350 / 0-34 000 bpm

Masonry drilling capacity : 13 mm

Metal drilling capacity : 13 mm

Length : 190 mm

Net weight (without battery) : 1,2 kg

Included battery capacity : 2 Ah

Motor type : Brushless XR

LED light : Standard built-in LED

Accessories : Belt clip

Compatibilité XR 18V : Oui

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Maximum torque of 70 Nm — sufficient for most applications.
Lightweight design (1.2 kg bare tool), reducing fatigue during extended use.
Includes a 2 Ah battery, providing decent runtime for a compact format.
15 torque settings for greater precision.
13 mm all-metal keyless chuck — sturdy and durable.
Compact size (190 mm), ideal for working in tight spaces.
XR Brushless technology ensuring efficiency and long service life.

Weaknesses

Less powerful than the DCD805 (70 Nm vs. 90 Nm).
Less effective LED light (non-pivoting, narrower coverage).
Limited accessories: belt clip only, no integrated bit holder.
Lower hammer rate (9,350 bpm vs. 11,050 bpm).

Indicative price

104$

Who is DeWalt DCD796 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD796 is a compact and versatile 18V hammer drill driver. It meets the needs of both dedicated DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its main strength lies in its balance of power, maneuverability, and battery life.

DeWalt DCD805

Technical specifications

Maximum torque : 90 Nm

Output power : 500 W

No-load speed (1st/2nd gear) : 0-650 / 0-2 000 rpm

Blows per minute : 0-11 050 / 0-34 000 bpm

Masonry drilling capacity : 13 mm

Metal drilling capacity : 13 mm

Length : 177 mm

Net weight (without battery) : 1,34 kg

Included battery capacity : 1,7 Ah

Motor type : XR Brushless (latest generation)

LED light : Pivoting LED at the base

Accessories : Belt clip + magnetic bit holder

Compatibilité XR 18V : Oui

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Maximum torque of 90 Nm — a 28% increase compared to the DCD796.
Slightly higher output power (500 W).
Compact size (177 mm), shorter than the DCD796 — ideal for confined spaces.
Higher hammer rate (11,050 bpm).
Pivoting LED light positioned at the base for better visibility in dark areas.
Handy accessories: belt clip and magnetic bit holder.
Enhanced comfort thanks to the ergonomic handle and variable-speed trigger.
Compatible with new POWERSTACK batteries (up to 50% more power).

Weaknesses

Slightly heavier (1.34 kg bare tool), making it less comfortable for long sessions.
Included battery has lower capacity (1.7 Ah), offering slightly shorter runtime than the DCD796 (2 Ah).
Generally more expensive than the DCD796.
Power gain mainly beneficial for intensive use — less essential for occasional DIY users.

Indicative price

149$

Who is DeWalt DCD805 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD805 is the latest 18V hammer drill driver in the lineup. Designed for heavy-duty work, it stands out with its high torque, compact size, and several notable improvements in ergonomics and lighting.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD805

Criteria	DCD796	DCD805	Verdict
Maximum torque	70 Nm	90 Nm	DCD805More powerful (+28%)
Output power	460 W	500 W	DCD805Advantage (+9%)
No-load speed (1st/2nd gear)	0-550 / 0-2 000 rpm	0-650 / 0-2 000 rpm	DCD805Slightly faster in 1st gear
Blows per minute	0-9 350 / 0-34 000 bpm	0-11 050 / 0-34 000 bpm	DCD805Better hammer performance
Masonry drilling capacity	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Metal drilling capacity	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Length	190 mm	177 mm	DCD805More compact (−13 mm)
Net weight (without battery)	1,2 kg	1,34 kg	DCD796Lighter (−0.14 kg)
Included battery capacity	2 Ah	1,7 Ah	DCD796Slightly better runtime
Motor type	Brushless XR	XR Brushless (latest generation)	DCD805More optimized motor
LED light	Standard built-in LED	Pivoting LED at the base	DCD805Better visibility
Accessories	Belt clip	Belt clip + magnetic bit holder	DCD805More complete
Compatibilité XR 18V	Oui	Oui	Tie

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD796

DEWALT DCB184 Battery 18V 5Ah

DEWALT DT71563-QZ Drill and Bit Set

DEWALT DCB118 Rapid Charger

For DeWalt DCD805

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

DEWALT DT70731 Drill and Bit Set

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD805

David, a self-employed craftsman for about ten years, works on a wide range of job sites. He was looking for a drill driver that could handle everything — drilling into wood, metal, and masonry, as well as driving screws in series. For this test, he put both models to the test on a real project: setting up a workshop with OSB panels, installing metal rails, and drilling a few holes in a brick wall.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD796?

With the DCD796, David immediately appreciated its lightweight design and comfortable grip. On the OSB panels, the torque settings proved precise, preventing the screws from being driven too deep. The 2 Ah battery lasted nearly an hour without weakening — a solid point for sustained work.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD805?

Switching to the DCD805, David immediately felt the difference: more torque, more speed — especially in hammer mode. On the metal rails, drilling was faster and more precise. The pivoting LED light turned out to be extremely useful under a staircase where lighting was poor — a real advantage over the DCD796. The slightly heavier weight and 1.7 Ah battery, however, shortened work sessions. Despite that, the overall ergonomics and integrated bit holder provided real everyday comfort.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD796

4.21/5

Power and Torque

81%

Compactness and Ergonomics

86%

Battery Life and Power Management

88%

Versatility and Features

82%

★★★★★

Pierre-Antoine I.

Good drill — fairly light and easy to handle. I mostly use it for regular DIY work at home, and it holds its charge well with the 2 Ah battery. Too bad the LED light isn’t a bit stronger.

★★★★★

Claire B.

I use it on job sites alongside other DeWalt tools. The weight-to-power ratio is excellent, and it’s less tiring over long periods. Solid, reliable — no issues after a year of use.

★★★★★

Julien R.

For occasional use, it’s more than enough. The torque settings are precise, and the drill remains compact. Slightly less efficient on concrete, but nothing problematic.

DeWalt DCD805

4.48/5

Power and Torque

94%

Compactness and Ergonomics

92%

Battery Life and Power Management

81%

Versatility and Features

92%

★★★★★

Sophie L.

I use it in my carpentry work, and the extra power really shows. The 90 Nm torque is great for tough screwdriving tasks, and the pivoting LED light is super handy in dark areas.

★★★★★

Nicolas T.

A sturdy tool — you can tell it’s the new generation. However, it’s a bit heavier than the DCD796, and the 1.7 Ah battery drains quickly during intensive work.

★★★★★

Antoine M.

Excellent tool for daily professional use. Compact, efficient, and very well designed with its magnetic bit holder. The price is higher, but well justified by the performance.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the DeWalt DCD796 and the DCD805?

The DCD805 is newer and more powerful, delivering 90 Nm of torque compared to the DCD796’s 70 Nm. It’s also more compact (177 mm vs. 190 mm) and features an adjustable LED light. The DCD796, being lighter, retains the advantage of slightly better runtime with the included 2 Ah battery.

Is the DeWalt DCD805 worth the extra cost compared to the DCD796?

Yes, if you use it intensively or on job sites. It delivers more torque, improved ergonomics, and compatibility with Powerstack batteries. For occasional use, however, the DCD796 remains an excellent choice.

Which DeWalt 18V drill driver is the lightest?

The DCD796, weighing 1.2 kg, is slightly lighter than the DCD805 (1.34 kg). This small difference becomes noticeable during longer work sessions.

Are the 18V XR batteries compatible between the two models?

Yes. The DCD796 and DCD805 share the same DeWalt 18V XR platform, allowing you to use the same batteries across all tools in the range.

Which drill is best for regular home use?

The DCD796 remains the most versatile choice for general DIY tasks. It combines power, compactness, and battery life without adding unnecessary weight or cost.