Are you in the market of power tools and confused to choose between DeWalt DCD996 and DCD999?

Oh, it’s not a big deal; it’s the specialty of DeWalt that throws its users in a fog by launching the upgraded version of the old one regularly. It designs its tools according to the user’s and the industrial needs.

DeWalt reigns as a king over all its competitors. It’s renowned for manufacturing high-quality and durable tools. It provides the latest versions of successor gears specifically designed based on innovative technology. In this detailed review guide, I have explained the similarities and differences between DeWalt DCD996 vs DCD999.

To clear all your confusion, let’s unveil the specs, features, pros, and cons of these gears.

DCD996 vs DCD999 Major Difference

The main difference between the DeWalt DCD996 and DCD999 is the powerful motor with FlexVolt Advantage technology. Compared to the DCD996, the DCD999 has a high torque rating, a longer handle, 20X brighter LED light, and compatibility with all DEWALT 20V Max and FlexVolt batteries.

DCD996 vs DCD999 (Comparison Table)

Features	DCD996	DCD999
Max Rotational Speed	2800 RPM	2000 RPM
Voltage	20V	20V
Max Power	300 Watts	300 Watts
Max Chuck Size	13 mm	13 mm
Material	Plastic	Plastic
Chuck Type	Keyless	keyless
Chuck Material	Ratcheting nitro-carburized metal	Ratcheting nitro-carburized metal
Battery type	Lithium-ion	Lithium-ion
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Speed Variations	3 Speed variables	3 Speeds variables
LED Light	3 mode light	3 mode light
Dimensions	10″L x 4″W x 8″H	8.4″L x 2.7″W x 8.3″H
Weight	‎4 pounds	‎3.54 pounds
Warranty	3-year limited warranty	3-year limited warranty

A Quick Overview of Differences

1- Design and Structure

DCD996 and DCD999 seem like twins with almost the same length, compact design, color, and weight of 1.6kg without a battery. In structure, there is just a minor difference in that the DCD999 comes with an extra long handle while the DCD996 has a standard handle. The extra long handle is necessary due to safety reasons. It can help you to grip the drill tightly despite excessive vibration while drilling.

2- Motor Speed

Although both come with a 20V brushless motor, the innovative FlexVolt Advantage Technology makes DCD999 the super powerful drill. If you are dealing with heavy-duty applications and tougher materials, the DCD999 should be your go-to source to accomplish the tasks conveniently and efficiently.

3- Torque Rating

The 996 provides you with a 95 NM torque rating while the DCD999 provides a 116 NM torque rating with a 54V 6 ah FlexVolt battery. You can get more power and torque by pairing it with a more high-capacity battery. DCD999 allows the adjustment of the torque control by providing 11 variables. Comparatively, DCD996 has no speed limit. This speed limit is vital for driving and screwing.

4- Price

As a powerful and latest gear, the DCD996 is a bit more expensive than its predecessors of the 20V Max XR whole line. The DCD999 has plenty of outstanding features that stand it alone in the crowd of its peers and competitors. the treasure demands a high price tag as well.

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
• Power: ‎300 Watts

Key Features

DeWalt DCD996 is a Max XR hammer drill that comes equipped with a brushless motor. The power capacity of its brushless motor is 75% more than a NiCad brushed motor. It supplies 820 Units of Watts Out (UWO), making it faster even for harder applications.

It provides a 2800 RPM and 95 NM faster torque rating than its predecessors. It works 2.8X more faster than DCD796.

This fabulous drill seems a beast in the tiny casing. Whether you are working with wood, metal, or masonry, it enables you to drill and drive fast and accurately. Moreover, the three-speed variations allow you to control the speed according to your project’s requirements. While drilling, you can adjust the speed on levels 2 and 3, while for driving, you should choose the rather slow speed as level 1.

It features a ½” keyless chuck that is not only easy to handle but also constructed with ratcheting nitro-carburized metal. This structure makes it durable and enhances its grip on the drill bits more strongly. This high-end chuck can stand firmly while working on heavy-duty applications and rigid materials.

It’s a compact and portable drill that is easy to handle, even in extended work sessions. Plus, it comes with an LED light that enables you to see your workpiece in the darker areas as well as helps you to focus on your targeted area for more accuracy.

Additionally, the LED Spotlight Mode has a fabulous 20-minute shutoff function that provides you with more extended work time, even in clumsy and dim light areas.

Pros

• The brushless motor is 75% faster compared to the NiCad brushed.
• Three-speed variations.
• Keyless ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck.
• Compact, strong, and durable.
• Faster rotating speed of 2800 RPM.

Cons

• It’s a bit heavier than its predecessors.

DeWalt DCD999

Technical Specifications

• Max Rotational Speed: 2000 RPM
• Voltage: ‎20 Volts
• Max Chuck Size: 13 mm
• Battery Cell Type: Lithium-ion
• Dimensions: 8.4″L x 2.7″W x 8.3″H
• Weight: ‎3.54 pounds
• Power: ‎300 Watts

Key Features

DeWalt DCD999 is a 20V combi hammer drill/driver that comes with premium features. These bunch of features provide you with optimal advantages over old and standard drills. It’s one of the most powerful combi hammer drills that DeWalt has ever made.

It stands out from its peers and competitors due to its FlexVolt advantage technology that combines with magnetic power.

This magnetic power enables the motor to spin more fast. So, despite its 20V motor and 2000 RPM rotational speed, it’s a powerful giant that can accomplish your diversified tasks in seconds.

This high-end motor provides you with a 116 NM torque rating by using a 54V 6AH FlexVolt battery. On the other hand, when you pair it with a 54V 9AH FlexVolt battery, it increases the torque rating to 125 NM. So, the bigger the battery, the more power.

Additionally, the electronic clutch offers you 11 adjustable torque control positions to tweak the settings according to the task’s demand. With the adjustable three-speed variations of 0-450/0-1,300/0-2,000 plus the adjustable torque, you can drill and drive conveniently on diversified materials such as wood, metal, and masonry.

It comes equipped with an LED spotlight that provides 20X brighter than previous models. Above all, this superb LED has 20 20-minute shutoff function that saves power consumption and extends working hours.

Additionally, its three modes, dim/bright/torch feature, help you to choose the mode that is more convenient to your eyes and enough to illuminate the workspace.

For safety reasons, it has an extra long handle that prevents you from the risk of injury while working on rigid material and large workpieces.

Pros

• Three-speed variables trigger.
• 11 adjustable torque control positions.
• Heavy-duty motor with 116 NM torque rating.
• Long-lasting 54V 6 ah battery.
• Compatible with Max XR and FlexVolt batteries.

Cons

• Seems expensive for budget buyers.

Final Buying Guide

If you want to buy a drill, you should determine your needs & usage and then make a decision accordingly. But if you don’t know what features and specs you should consider before you can tackle your specific needs efficiently, dive deep into these technical factors to buy a suitable gear for you.

1- Motor Speed

Motor speed is the basic essential that you should consider while purchasing a drill. The speed is based on the voltage power. The higher voltage ensures the faster spinning motor. If you want to work on high-end applications, you should get a machine with up to 20V and more.

2- Adjustable Torque

The torque speed and control play a vital role in the accuracy and precision of the tasks. If your hammer drill/driver provides you with multiple adjustable torque positions for diversified projects. It should be your go-to choice.

3- Speed Variables

Along with the torque adjustment, the speed variables also seem necessary for performing multiple tasks perfectly. The drill usually comes with static, dual, or triple-speed modes. These speed modes can be adjusted as per your project and material demands. So, choose the hammer drill at least with dual speed variations.

4- Brushed vs Brushless

Brushed motors seem the older and a bit slower technology, while the brushless motor can perform the tasks and provide a speed of 75% faster. So, prefer the brushless motor drill with the latest specifications.

5- Chuck Size

The chuck size, type, construction, and material are also very important. The chuck is a vital part responsible for gripping the drill bit firmly without any wobbling and vibration. If the chuck is designed with a high-quality metal as well as structure in large size. The recommended size would be ½”, which can be capable of coping with your harder and larger workpieces smoothly.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned professional, DIY enthusiast, or a weekend warrior, the hammer drill is the need of the hour for you. If the drill is equipped with tons of beneficial features, it can add more value as icing on the cake. In the ultimate review guide, I have tried to clear all the misunderstandings and enable you to differentiate between the DCD996 and DCD999.

DCD996 is a fabulous choice for those who want to work on smaller as well as larger projects of drilling and driving. Contrarily, the DCD999 is a super powerful drill that can tackle all your largest tasks swiftly. Now, choose between them wisely according to your task demands.