If you are looking for a powerful and versatile hammer drill, you might be interested in comparing two popular models from Dewalt: the DCD996 and the DCD805. Both of these drills are part of the 20V MAX XR lineup, which means they have brushless motors, LED lights, and variable speed triggers.
However, they also have some significant differences that might affect your decision. In this post, we will compare the performance, battery life, design, features, and price of these two hammer drills, and help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Performance
The most important factor to consider when choosing a hammer drill is how well it performs in drilling holes in various materials, especially concrete and masonry. The DCD996 and the DCD805 have different power ratings, torque settings, and speed ranges that affect their performance.
Power
The DCD996 has a power rating of 820 UWO (unit watts out), which is a measure of the power output of the motor. The DCD805 has a lower power rating of 650 UWO. This means that the DCD996 can deliver more power to the bit than the DCD805, and handle tougher drilling tasks.
Torque
The DCD996 also has a higher maximum torque of 820 in-lbs, compared to the DCD805’s 600 in-lbs. Torque is the twisting force that the drill applies to the bit, and it determines how much resistance the drill can overcome. A higher torque means that the drill can drill larger holes and drive longer screws with less effort.
Speed
The speed range of the DCD996 is 0-450/0-1300/0-2000 RPM, while the speed range of the DCD805 is 0-500/0-1750 RPM. Both drills have two speed settings that can be adjusted by a switch on the top of the drill. The lower speed setting is for high torque applications, such as drilling large holes in concrete or wood. The higher speed setting is for low torque applications, such as drilling small holes in metal or plastic. The DCD996 has an additional third speed setting that is optimized for fast drilling in masonry.
Hammer Mode
Both drills also have a hammer mode that can be activated by a switch on the side of the drill. The hammer mode adds an impact force to the rotation of the bit, creating a pounding action that helps break through hard materials like concrete or brick. The hammer mode of the DCD996 has a higher impact rate of 0-8600/0-25500/0-38250 BPM (blows per minute), while the hammer mode of the DCD805 has a lower impact rate of 0-8500/0-29750 BPM.
Based on these specifications, we can conclude that the DCD996 has a better performance than the DCD805 in terms of power, torque, speed, and hammer action. The DCD996 can drill faster and deeper than the DCD805 in various materials, especially concrete and masonry.
Battery Life and Power
Another factor to consider when choosing a hammer drill is how long it can run on a single battery charge, and how much power it can draw from different types of batteries. The DCD996 and the DCD805 are compatible with all Dewalt 20V MAX batteries, which come in different capacities and technologies.
The most common battery type for these drills is the XR battery, which has a lithium-ion chemistry and a fuel gauge that shows the remaining charge level. The XR batteries come in different capacities, such as 2Ah, 4Ah, 5Ah, 6Ah, and 8Ah. The higher the capacity, the longer the battery life.
The DCD996 and the DCD805 have similar battery life when using XR batteries of the same capacity. For example, both drills can run for about 45 minutes on a 4Ah battery when drilling in wood or metal. However, when drilling in concrete or masonry, the battery life will be shorter due to the higher power demand.
Design and Ergonomics
Another factor to consider when choosing a hammer drill is how comfortable and easy it is to use. The DCD996 and the DCD805 have different designs and ergonomics that affect their handling and usability.
The DCD996 has a larger and heavier design than the DCD805. The DCD996 measures 8.4 inches in length and weighs 4.7 lbs without a battery. The DCD805 measures 6.9 inches in length and weighs 3.6 lbs without a battery. The difference in size and weight might not seem significant, but it can make a difference when working in tight spaces or for long periods of time.
The DCD996 has a more ergonomic design than the DCD805. The DCD996 has a rubber overmold on the handle and the trigger that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The DCD805 has a plastic handle and trigger that might feel slippery or hard on the hand. The DCD996 also has a side handle that can be attached to the drill for extra stability and control when drilling in hard materials or at high speeds. The DCD805 does not have a side handle, which might make it harder to control the drill.
Feature Variations
Another factor to consider when choosing a hammer drill is what additional features it offers that might enhance its functionality or convenience. The DCD996 and the DCD805 have some feature variations that might appeal to different users.
The DCD996 has a feature called Nitro-Carburized Metal Chuck, which is a metal chuck with a hard coating that resists corrosion and wear. The metal chuck provides better bit retention and durability than a plastic chuck. The DCD805 has a plastic chuck that might not hold the bit as securely or last as long as a metal chuck.
The DCD996 also has a feature called Belt Hook, which is a metal clip that can be attached to either side of the drill for easy storage or access. The belt hook allows you to hang the drill on your belt or tool pouch when not in use, or switch between hands quickly when needed. The DCD805 does not have a belt hook, which might make it less convenient to store or carry around.
Price and Value
The final factor to consider when choosing a hammer drill is how much it costs and how much value it provides for your money. The price of the hammer drill will depend on where you buy it from, whether it comes with batteries or accessories, and whether there are any discounts or promotions available. However, we can compare the average prices of these two drills based on online sources.
The average price of the DCD996 bare tool (without battery or charger) is around $200 USD. The average price of the DCD805 bare tool (without battery or charger) is around $180 USD. This means that there is only a $20 difference between these two drills.
Conclusion
The Dewalt DCD996 offers superior power, torque, and speed compared to the DCD805, making it a more capable option for demanding drilling tasks in various materials. Its ergonomic design and additional features enhance usability. While the DCD805 is lighter and slightly more affordable, the DCD996’s performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking higher drilling power and versatility.
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