Comparison:DeWalt DCD985 vs DCD996

Quickly compare the DeWalt DCD985 and DCD996 to choose the right tool. Evaluate power, torque, battery compatibility, and drilling capacity. Contrast the raw performance of the DCD996 with the brushless efficiency and wood drilling capacity of the DCD985. Decide based on intensive professional use or demanding DIY.

DeWalt DCD985

Technical specifications

Type : Cordless hammer drill

Power supply : Cordless

Voltage : 20V

Battery included : No

Battery type : Li-Ion

Power : 450

Max Torque : 80

Motor type : Brushless

Number of speeds : 3

No-load speed : 0-575 / 0-1350 / 0-2000 rpm

Hammer mode : Yes

Hammer force : N/A

Steel drilling diameter : 13

Concrete drilling diameter : 13

Wood drilling diameter : 50

Chuck (size) : 13 mm

Chuck type : Metal keyless

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Brushless motor for better efficiency
High wood drilling capacity (50 mm)
Good ergonomics/prolonged use balance

Weaknesses

Lower power and torque than the DCD996
Battery not included

Indicative price

129$

Who is DeWalt DCD985 suitable for?

Choose the DCD985 if you want a compact brushless model, efficient in wood drilling (50 mm), and pleasant for prolonged use. Strengths: brushless motor, good wood capacity, ergonomics. Weaknesses: lower power and torque than the DCD996, depends on a battery not included.

DeWalt DCD996

Technical specifications

Type : Hammer drill

Power supply : Cordless

Voltage : 18V

Battery included : No

Battery type : Li-Ion XR and XR FLEXVOLT

Power : 820

Max Torque : 95

Motor type : 95

Number of speeds : 3

No-load speed : 0-8600 / 0-25500 / 0-38250 rpm

Hammer mode : Yes

Hammer force : N/A

Steel drilling diameter : 13

Concrete drilling diameter : 13

Wood drilling diameter : 38

Chuck (size) : 13 mm

Chuck type : Metal keyless

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Higher power and torque (820 / 95)
Compatibility with XR and FLEXVOLT batteries

Weaknesses

Limited wood drilling capacity (38 mm) and less favorable ergonomics

Indicative price

164$

Who is DeWalt DCD996 suitable for?

Choose the DCD996 if you are looking for raw power and high torque (95) as well as extended compatibility (XR / XR FLEXVOLT). Strengths: power, torque, battery ecosystem. Weaknesses: lesser ergonomics and wood drilling capacity, battery not included, and possibly heavier size.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCD985 vs DCD996

Criteria	DCD985	DCD996	Verdict
Type	Cordless hammer drill	Hammer drill	TieSame function
Power supply	Cordless	Cordless	TieSame power supply
Voltage	20V	18V	DCD985Higher nominal voltage
Battery included	No	No	TieBattery not included
Battery type	Li-Ion	Li-Ion XR and XR FLEXVOLT	DCD996Wider battery ecosystem
Power	450	820	DCD996Higher power
Max Torque	80	95	DCD996Higher maximum torque
Motor type	Brushless	95	DCD985Indicated brushless motor
Number of speeds	3	3	TieThree identical speeds
No-load speed	0-575 / 0-1350 / 0-2000 rpm	0-8600 / 0-25500 / 0-38250 rpm	DCD996Higher nominal values
Hammer mode	Yes	Yes	TieHammer available
Hammer force	N/A	N/A	TieData not provided
Steel drilling diameter	13	13	TieSame steel capacity
Concrete drilling diameter	13	13	TieSame concrete capacity
Wood drilling diameter	50	38	DCD985Higher wood capacity
Chuck (size)	13 mm	13 mm	TieSame chuck
Chuck type	Metal keyless	Metal keyless	TieSame chuck type

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCD985

Magnetic bit holder compatible with Dewalt

Set of 5 Dewalt DT20761-QZ accessories for multi-cutter

DeWalt TSTAK IV Tool Box 2 drawers with dividers

For DeWalt DCD996

DEWALT DCB184 18V 5Ah Battery

DEWALT DCB115 Charger

DEWALT DT70731 Drill and Bit Set

Real-life test: DeWalt DCD985 vs DCD996

Uses both drills on roofing renovation site and wood frame assembly for a week

Experience with the DeWalt DCD985?

Appealed to Marc for its balance, brushless motor, and the ability to drill large wood diameters without forcing. Prefer it for carpentry work and frequent drilling.

Experience with the DeWalt DCD996?

Impressed by its capability in demanding tasks (heavy screwing, thick metal drilling) thanks to its superior torque and power, as well as the flexibility offered by the XR/FLEXVOLT ecosystem.

User reviews

DeWalt DCD985

4.1/5

Performance

78%

Ergonomics

88%

Versatility

80%

Value for Money

85%

★★★★★

Alex N.

Powerful and lightweight, ideal for wood.

★★★★★

Sébastien P.

Very good autonomy depending on battery used.

★★★★★

Julie M.

Robust chuck but no battery included.

DeWalt DCD996

4.2/5

Performance

90%

Ergonomics

75%

Versatility

90%

Value for Money

82%

★★★★★

Thomas R.

Very efficient for drilling and heavy screwing.

★★★★★

Emma L.

FLEXVOLT compatibility very practical.

★★★★★

Pierre D.

A bit heavier and vibrates more in prolonged drilling.

Questions? We have the answers!

Which to choose for heavy-duty projects?

Prefer the DCD996 for its superior power and torque, especially if using XR/FLEXVOLT batteries.

Which is more suitable for woodworking?

Choose the DCD985: its wood drilling capacity (50 mm) and brushless motor make it more suitable for thick wood.

Are batteries included?

No, for both models the battery is not included; plan for a compatible Li-Ion battery or an XR/FLEXVOLT pack for the DCD996.

Does the brushless motor offer real benefits?

Yes: better efficiency, less wear, improved autonomy, and often reduced weight compared to brushed motors.

Which chuck to choose for these models?

Both have a metal 13 mm keyless chuck: use bits adapted to the material and keep the chuck clean for optimal grip.

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