In this modern realm of technology, DeWalt has revolutionized the power tool market. It is renowned for manufacturing innovative corded and cordless power tools to serve the tech industry. The 20V Max catalog is one of the latest cordless drill ranges of DeWalt. Among this 20V Max range, the DeWalt DCD796 and DCD996 are considered rivals of each other more than peers.
Therefore, the selection between DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD996 seems a daunting task. Don’t be confused; I have tested both the gears practically and written their unbiased, detailed reviews. This honest review helps you to choose one according to your needs and their beneficial features.
DCD796 vs DCD996 Major Difference
The main difference between the DeWalt DCD796 and DCD996 is that the DCD996 has a powerful motor, higher torque speed variables, is a bit heavyweight, and is pricier than the DCD796.
DCD796 vs DCD996 (Comparison Table)
| Features | DCD796 | DCD996 |
| Max Rotational Speed | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Voltage | 20V | 20V |
| Max Power | 300 Watts | 300 Watts |
| Max Chuck Size | 13 mm | 13 mm |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Speed Variations | 2 Speed variables | 3 Speeds variables |
| LED Light | Standard light | 3 mode light |
| Dimensions | 7.75″L x 3.5″W x 8.75″H | 10″L x 4″W x 8″H |
| Weight | 3.6 pounds | 4 pounds |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
A Quick Overview of Differences
Although both DCD796 and DCD 996 share similarities and seem identical in outlook, design, and structure, many features make them different from each other.
1- Motor power
Although both gears come equipped with brushless motors that are more powerful than a brushed motor, the DCD996 is an upgraded version of the DCD796. DCD996 is specifically designed to cope with heavy-duty applications and harder materials. DCD796 motor is 57% powerful, and the DCD996 brushless motor is 75% more powerful than a brushed motor.
2- Max Rotational Speed
As far as the rotational per minute (RPM) is concerned, DCD796 has 2000 RPM, while the DCD consists of 2800 RPM. if the drill has higher RPM it will be able to turn the drill a bit more powerfully. Therefore, you can use the DCD796 for lightweight and softer materials. Contrarily, the DCD996 with higher RPM allows you to use it efficiently on the hardest material with a greater force and accomplish the work in less time than the DCD796.
3- Speed Variations
DCD796 comes with 2-speed variables, Low/High. On the other hand, DCD996 has a 3-speed variable, Low/Max/High. You can set the speed mode according to your tasks’ nature and requirements.
4- Weight
DCD796 is more lightweight than DCD996. The lightweight drill is easy to handle while working on extended sessions, whilst the heavy one is a bit harder to handle for a long time.
5- LED Light
DCD996 also has a significant edge over DCD796. It comes with LED light with 3 modes, dim/bright/brighter. You can choose the preferable mode according to your surroundings and workplace. In comparison, the DCD796 has a static LED light with just a single mode and illumination.
6- Price
Comparatively, the DCD996 is more costly than DCD796. If you analyze the difference between both, you will feel the DCD is worth every penny.
DeWalt DCD796
Technical Specifications
- Max Rotational Speed: 2000 RPM
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Max Chuck Size: 13 mm
- Material: Plastic
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Dimensions: 7.75″L x 3.5″W x 8.75″H
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Power: 300 Watts
Key Features
DCD796 is a cordless hammer drill that comes with a brushless motor. DeWalt has incorporated innovative technology to design this fabulous drill. Its motor is 57% more powerful than a brushed motor.
When it comes to the rotational speed, DCD796 has a high rotational speed of 2000 RPM. which is quite enough to do DIY projects and handle your household repairs.
With it, you don’t need to worry about hammering, driving, drilling, and screwing. Plus, with the combination of high speed and low torque, level up your drilling and screwing. You can screw open the clogged and rusted screws and nuts effortlessly.
DCD796 is a lightweight and compact hammer drill that is easy to handle and easy to carry wherever you want to go for work. Whether you work in your home garage, workshop, or on-site workplace, it’s the best buddy that doesn’t make you feel tired, even in extended work sessions.
This amazing gear is structured based on specific Dewalt XR technology and has a special integrated feature of Tool Connect Bluetooth technology. You can connect it to a free tool mobile app and Inventory Manager web portal. These portals help you to track, manage, and customize your tool’s functionality.
This superb drill not only comes with high speed but also allows you to control the speed by different variations. It offers two-speed variables from (0-600/0-2000). You can adjust the speed according to your applications’ requirements.
As a bonus, LED light comes in handy when you are working in dark areas and hard-to-reach places where the light is dim. You can use this LED light to work effectively.
Pros
- 57% more efficient brushless motor than a brushed one.
- Long-lasting lithium-ion battery.
- Compact and lightweight.
- High RPM with 2-speed variations.
- Tool connect Bluetooth technology
Cons
- Not recommended for heavy-duty tasks.
DeWalt DCD996
Technical Specifications
- Max Rotational Speed: 2800 RPM
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Max Chuck Size: 13 mm
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Dimensions: 10″L x 4″W x 8″H
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Max Power: 300 Watts
Key Features
DCD996 is the successor of DCD796. With an upgraded version and a wealth of features, it stands ahead of its cousin in the 20V XR family. It’s a cordless and brushless hammer drill with premium features.
With the latest brushless technology, its motor is almost 75% more powerful than a brushed motor. It is equipped with a higher rotational speed of 2800 RPM. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast, an architect, or a seasoned professional, DCD996 can tackle all your high-end tasks and harder materials.
This strong partner comes with three-speed variables (0-500/0-1700/0-2800 RPM) that allow you to work on diversified material with convenience and efficiency. You can adjust the speed from the trigger according to your project’s preference.
Its heavy weight enables it to work on large workpieces with wobbling and prevents vibration while working on high-end tasks. It’s a compact and portable gear that is not difficult to transport anywhere with you while traveling from home to outside workplaces.
One more plus point is its three-mode LED light that offers dim/bright/brighter variations. The flexibility of light modes helps you work in the darkest workplaces with greater efficiency. You can work with accuracy and precisely even if you have weak eyesight.
This powerful beast is appreciated and top-rated by verified customers who love to use it with an ice-fishing auger. On the frozen seas, this ½” hammer drill helps the fisherman to drill the holes from 8” to 30”. Its high torque and power enable you to drill various holes within a short time. Moreover, its long-lasting lithium-ion battery provides you with extended work hours.
Pros
- Powerful motor and torque speed.
- Higher rotational speed of 2800 RPM.
- Three variables of speed control.
- Latest three-mode LED light.
- Compact and versatile.
Cons
A bit pricier than its peers in the 20V Max line.
Final Buying Guide
When you have a lot of options at your disposal while thinking about buying a hammer drill, you might be a bit confused. Let’s resolve all your doubts and confusion. Before making a final decision, firstly, you consider your specific needs, and then you consider some technical factors that are must-have essentials of a hammer drill.
Let’s have a look at these factors:
1- Voltage
In drills/hammer drills, the voltage matters to a greater extent. Despite its vitality, your work nature is more important. Firstly, you should determine why you are buying the drill, for what type of application, and what kind of material you are working on. Then, go for the hammer drill with the specifications that can be compatible with your tasks’ requirements.
2- Brushed vs Brushless
Brushless motors are more powerful and efficient than brushed motors. It enhances the speed and life of the more to 2X. So, if you want a gear that stays with you in the long run, the brushless motor would be your go-to source.
3- Rotational Speed
The rotational speed per minute (RPM) is a measuring unit used to measure the spin time of the motor. The higher the RPM, the higher the speed rate of the motor. The RPM of your drill should be according to your work needs. If you want to do lighter tasks occasionally, then 0-1500 RPM is more than enough for you. Contrarily, if you are working on heavy-duty tasks and larger or more rigid materials, then you should consider the gear with 0-3200 RPM.
4- Speed Settings
Some drills come up with just a standard speed, and you can’t tweak it as per your preference. Now, the latest drills are equipped with the fantastic feature of speed variations that allow you to adjust the speed according to your project. You can set the speed from low/mid to high, which can meet the needs of your applications.
5- Chuck Size
The chuck size of the drill makes it versatile and flexible. If the chuck size would be bigger. It will have the capacity to fit bigger drill bits. If you want to work on larger projects with greater efficiency, you should choose the drill with a bigger chuck that can stand with you firmly even on diversified drilling, hammering, and driving tasks.
Conclusion
Whether you are a professional contractor, architect, automotive mechanic, or DIY enthusiast, the best hammer drill is the vital tool your tool kit must have. So, embellish your tool kit with the best drill that can stay with you in the long run and provide you optimal advantages in diversified drilling tasks.
If you are unable to differentiate between DeWalt DCD796 vs. DCD996. This definitive review guide walks you through the specifications, features, pros, and cons of both gears. After reading it thoroughly, you will be able to make a suitable decision to invest your hard-earned money in the right tools for your drilling needs.