Comparison:DeWalt DCD805 vs DCD996

The DeWalt range offers several high-performance 18V drill drivers, suitable for both professionals and experienced DIYers. Among them, the DeWalt DCD805 and the DeWalt DCD996 stand out as top choices. Both of these brushless hammer drills deliver power, runtime, and versatility, but they meet slightly different needs. This comparison highlights their features, strengths, and limitations to help you choose the tool best suited for your drilling and driving tasks, whether in masonry, metal, or wood.

DeWalt DCD805

Technical specifications

Max Torque : 90 Nm

Output Power : 500 W

No-Load Speed (max) : 0–2 000 rpm

Blows per Minute : 0–34 000

Number of Speeds : 2

Metal Drilling Capacity : 13 mm

Masonry Drilling Capacity : 13 mm

Product Length : 177 mm

Net Weight : 1,34 kg

LED Light : Pivoting

Clutch Settings : 15 positions

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Compact size (177 mm), convenient in hard-to-reach areas
Lightweight (1.34 kg), reduces fatigue during extended work
High torque of 90 Nm, covering most applications
15 clutch settings for controlled fastening
Adjustable LED light, useful in dark environments
Compatible with XR 18V and POWERSTACK batteries, more compact and efficient

Weaknesses

Less power than the DCD996 (500 W vs. 820 W)
Only two speeds, compared to three on the DCD996
Limited metal drilling capacity of 13 mm (vs. 15 mm for the DCD996)

Indicative price

149$

Who is DeWalt DCD805 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD805 is a compact and powerful 18V drill driver, designed to combine comfort and efficiency. Its brushless motor and ergonomic design make it ideal for frequent use without sacrificing maneuverability.

DeWalt DCD996

Technical specifications

Max Torque : 95 Nm

Output Power : 820 W

No-Load Speed (max) : 0–2 250 rpm

Blows per Minute : 0–38 250

Number of Speeds : 3

Metal Drilling Capacity : 15 mm

Masonry Drilling Capacity : 13 mm

Product Length : 213 mm

Net Weight : 1,7 kg

LED Light : Fixed with delay

Clutch Settings : 11 positions

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Maximum torque of 95 Nm, slightly higher than the DCD805
High output power (820 W), suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Three mechanical speeds, offering greater versatility depending on the material
High hammer rate (up to 38,250 bpm), efficient in masonry work
Increased metal drilling capacity up to 15 mm
Sturdy all-metal 13 mm chuck with automatic locking
LED light with delay feature, can double as a work lamp

Weaknesses

Heavier weight (1.7 kg without battery / 2.1 kg with), less maneuverable than the DCD805
Bulkier size (213 mm in length), less practical in confined spaces
Only 11 clutch settings, compared to 15 on the DCD805
Ergonomics less suited for long sessions (faster fatigue)
Limited compatibility to XR 18V batteries, without specific POWERSTACK optimization

Indicative price

164$

Who is DeWalt DCD996 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCD996 is a high-performance 18V drill driver, built for demanding job sites. More powerful and versatile than the DCD805, it is mainly aimed at professionals and users looking for a tool capable of drilling effectively into tough materials such as concrete, metal, or hardwood.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD805 vs DCD996

Criteria	DCD805	DCD996	Verdict
Max Torque	90 Nm	95 Nm	DCD996Slight edge (+5 Nm)
Output Power	500 W	820 W	DCD996More powerful (+64%)
No-Load Speed (max)	0–2 000 rpm	0–2 250 rpm	DCD996Slight edge (+12.5%)
Blows per Minute	0–34 000	0–38 250	DCD996Slight edge (+12.5%)
Number of Speeds	2	3	DCD996More versatile
Metal Drilling Capacity	13 mm	15 mm	DCD996(+2 mm)
Masonry Drilling Capacity	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Product Length	177 mm	213 mm	DCD805More compact (–36 mm)
Net Weight	1,34 kg	1,7 kg	DCD805Lighter (–360 g)
LED Light	Pivoting	Fixed with delay	Tie
Clutch Settings	15 positions	11 positions	DCD805More settings

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD805

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

DEWALT DT70731 Drill and Bit Set

For DeWalt DCD996

DEWALT DCB184 Battery 18V 5Ah

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

DEWALT DT70731 Drill and Bit Set

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD805 vs DCD996

He alternates between kitchen installations and apartment renovations. Both drills were tested over a full day: mounting cabinets, drilling anchors into concrete, and repeated screwing into hardwood.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD805?

The compactness is striking: it feels good in the hand and stays light even after an hour of continuous driving. For mounting cabinets overhead, its smaller size is a real advantage, especially in tight spaces. The torque covers most screws, and the 15 clutch settings prevent overdriving. On the other hand, when faced with hard concrete, you quickly feel it reaching its limits and straining more.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD996?

The contrast is immediate: the power is noticeable from the very first holes in concrete. The three speeds allow precise adaptation to the material, and the hammer rate shows impressive efficiency. In return, the weight tires out the arms quickly, especially overhead. The tool is less practical in cramped corners, but for demanding tasks, it delivers consistency and confidence that the DCD805 simply cannot match.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD805

4.30/5

Power & Torque

84%

Compactness & Ergonomics

92%

Versatility (speeds, drilling capacities)

78%

Weight-to-Performance Ratio

90%

★★★★★

Marc D.

Compact drill, comfortable in the hand. I mostly use it for assembling furniture and some household projects. The battery life is sufficient, and its light weight helps prevent fatigue.

★★★★★

Sophie L.

Very easy to handle, with a pivoting LED light that’s really useful in dark spots. Too bad it only has two speeds, but for regular use it’s still effective.

★★★★★

Karim T.

As a tradesman, I wanted a model that wasn’t too heavy for quick jobs. The DCD805 does the job well, though for more demanding drilling I have to switch to a more powerful machine.

DeWalt DCD996

4.40/5

Power & Torque

96%

Compactness & Ergonomics

83%

Versatility (speeds, drilling capacities)

91%

Weight-to-Performance Ratio

82%

★★★★★

Julie M.

Excellent for concrete and metal, it doesn’t let up. A bit heavy, but the power more than makes up for it.

★★★★★

Antoine P.

Used regularly in the workshop. The three speeds make it easy to adapt to the material, and the metal chuck feels reliable. The weight does start to show after a long session.

★★★★★

Lucie G.

Passionate DIYer, I chose it for its sturdiness. Efficient and reliable, though its bulk can be an issue for certain indoor tasks.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the DeWalt DCD805 and the DCD996?

The DCD805 is more compact and lightweight (177 mm, 1.34 kg) with 90 Nm of torque. The DCD996, more powerful (820 W, 95 Nm), offers three speeds and is designed for heavy-duty work.

Which DeWalt drill driver is better for professional use?

The DCD996 is better suited for demanding job sites thanks to its power and versatility. The DCD805 is more practical for frequent use where maneuverability and compactness are key.

Is the DeWalt DCD805 compatible with XR 18V batteries?

Yes. It works with all XR 18V batteries, including the POWERSTACK range, which is more compact and efficient.

Is the DeWalt DCD996 suitable for drilling into concrete?

Yes. With a hammer rate of up to 38,250 bpm, it performs efficiently in masonry, provided you use the right drill bits.

What is the weight of the DCD805 and DCD996 with battery?

The DCD805 weighs about 1.6 kg with battery, compared to 2.1 kg for the DCD996. The difference is noticeable during long sessions or when working overhead.