DEWALT dcd996 vs dcd997 vs dcd998W1 vs dcd791B vs dcd796

Being one of the most reliable and popular power tool manufacturers, DEWALT couldn’t help releasing the whole lineup of hammer drills for tasks of various complexity. The market offers dozens of models, but today, we’d like to speak about the latest, most powerful, and durable 20V MAX XR series.

The battle is conducted between DEWALT dcd996 vs dcd997 vs dcd998W1 vs dcd791B vs dcd796 drills. One series means lots of similarities, like exceptionally convenient cordless design and the most sophisticated brushless motor.

So how to make the right choice? Keep reading to learn the main differences and customers tips!

Main Differences Between the Models

Here are the most significant differences between the modifications, which may influence your choice:

Comparison Table

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill (DCD996B)

The DCD996B model presents a middle price category hammer drill, which provides exquisite performance despite its affordability. The tool features all the advantages of the 20V MAX XR series common for other DEWALT drills.

First of all, the manufacturer equipped it with a high-efficiency brushless motor and high-performance transmission for improved power and runtime. The tool can drill all types of masonry materials and do it twice better and faster than previous generations of hammer drills.

DEWALT DCD996B is an excellent option for the toughest works as its ratcheting chuck was also reinforced. The unit is made of durable nitro-carburized metal.

Users are free to switch between 3 speeds as well as 3 LED light modes. Customers note the ease of application even in tight areas thanks to compact and quite light design. Besides, a coated and sealed body is resistant to moisture and dust.

2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Premium Hammer Drill (DCD997CB)

The DCD996B model presents a middle price category hammer drill, which provides exquisite performance despite its affordability. The tool features all the advantages of the 20V MAX XR series common for other DEWALT drills.

Though the previous model has almost no minuses, there is always space for improvements. That’s how the manufacturer thought when developing the DEWALT DCD997CB tool. The DCD996B vs DCD997CB comparison will show literally identical design and filling except for one great addition – integrated Bluetooth technology.

Owners of this model can connect this hammer drill to the DEWALT Tool Connect free mobile app and get dozens of maintenance and control opportunities. The app allows for customizing the tool, conducting diagnostics on the battery life, temperature, the number of trigger pulls, receiving alerts, and even tool tracking.

The latter is possible thanks to the Last Seen feature. Thus, you can find your lost tool and disable it if it was stolen.

When speaking about other characteristics, they are absolutely the same as in the DEWALT DCD996B hammer drill.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer/Drill Combination Kit (DCD998W1)

Not always bare tools can satisfy a customer. If you don’t have batteries and storage units from your previous instruments, their purchase will become additional financial expenses. In such cases, it’s better to look for a kit.

DEWALT took care of this and launched the DCD998W1 combination kit. You get a nice storage bag, belt clip, and a side handle. Moreover, when it comes to the battery, DCD996B vs DCD997CB vs DCD998W1 battle ends with the unconditional victory of the last tool over all the above discussed. The unit comes with a 20V MAX 8Ah battery and charger.

attention

Please pay attention that this model can boast of even more powerful and durable operation due to Power Detect Tool Technology. The system maximizes performance by 29%. Besides, the body became significantly lighter.

4. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver (DCD791B)

The DCD791B is definitely the best budget option. This model is aimed at preserving a balance between high performance and affordability. However, a lower price means certain sacrifices. Let’s look at them closer.

Undoubtedly, the manufacturer kept an innovative brushless motor. We also note the same 3 LED modes. But this time, we have only 2 speed settings.

The chuck alloy also became simpler – engineers used metal without any reinforcements. Engineers managed to reduce weight even more but reduced sealing protection.

This tool will provide you with 15 clutch settings, which is 4 more than all other DEWALT hammers have. So, if you’re looking for a multi-functional yet budget device for common domestic work, this product is for you.

As usual, customers get a bare tool, and the battery and charger are sold separately.

5. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Lithium-Ion Compact Hammer Drill (DCD796)

The final representative of DEWALT cordless hammer drills also occupies the medium position in terms of power. It’s 57% more potent and durable than non-XR tools but loses in comparison with the first three DEWALT hammers discussed.

Mostly, it’s similar to the DCD791B tool. Besides, DCD791B vs DCD796 comparison reveals literally two differences; lightweight design and less number of clutch settings.

Once again, we get 2 speed options. Though professional craftsmen may find it insufficient, two speeds won’t be an issue for domestic use as many people never need to apply the high power.

Analogically, the tool is suitable for double use as a hammer drill and as a driver.

Now when you got familiar with the DEWALTs main strong and weak sides, let’s go deeper into characteristics comparison.

Face to Face Comparison

Design and Dimensions

When we speak about power tools for tough tasks, dimensions are as crucial as never before. The weight and size of your hammer drill will significantly influence how long you’ll be able to work with it and how comfortable it will be. Besides, small models can reach more places.

Here is the list of dimensions for all five DEWALT models discussed:

As you see, drills height, length, and width don’t vary so much. But the last two models offer the best weight.

verdict

The design of the tools doesn’t provoke any diversity. The brand uses its traditional black and yellow colors. All items are made of metal and plastic, and we’d like to separately note rubber covering on grips for better contact with the hand.

Motor

Motors have been scrutinized in the description section. So let us just quickly remind you that absolutely all DEWALT tools of the 20V MAX XR series, including our five hammer drills, are equipped with brushless motors of the new generation.

According to the manufacturer, such motors consume 57% less energy but provide double power. It results in longer battery life and higher performance.

The voltage required is 110-120 volts.

Speeds and Rotations Per Minute

Here all models can be divided into two groups.

verdict

The difference between the groups is not too great, but it influences the performance. The first three drills are omnipotent. The others won’t suit extreme professional challenges.

Chuck

Chuck size unites the models. It measures standard 1/2 inches and suits most bits and drills. Moreover, its keyless design allows for using one hand only for quick replacement.

However, more powerful hammer drills require more durability and reinforcement.

Clutch Settings

As long as all models are 2-in-1 tools that can be used as hammer drills and drivers, the number of clutch settings is quite important.

The most powerful DEWALTs and the last DCD796 offer 11 settings.

Among all drills, only the DEWALT DCD791B comes with an extended number of settings. Here we have 15 options.

LED

All hammer drills are equipped with convenient LED lighting with 3 modes, including the Spotlight mode. Thanks to this system, users can conduct work in dark or confined spaces without the need for additional lighting.

The worklight and its switch are located on the foot of the tool. The worklight is activated when the trigger switch is depressed. You can also change the modes by moving the switch on the foot of the tool.

There are Low, Medium, and Spotlight options. On Low and Medium settings, the beam automatically turns off 20 seconds after the trigger switch is released. The Spotlight will run for 20 minutes after the trigger switch is released.

Batteries

Among five hammer drill models, only the third product DEWALT 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer/Drill Combination Kit (DCD998W1) comes with a battery and a charger. Here, we get one 8Ah battery.

Others are sold as bare tools. The manufacturer supposes that customers should either have batteries from their old DEWALT tools or purchase a new XR unite separately.

attention

Hammer drills are compatible with older batteries, but the highest power and durability are possible only in pair with the 20V MAX XR batteries. They are 60% more durable than the 20V MAX kits.

You can choose between several options of various price and capacity. The brand cannot provide an exact runtime as this would depend on many different variables as well as other environmental factors. However, we can say drills run for a couple of hours.

The maximum initial battery voltage is 20 volts. The nominal voltage is 18 volts.

verdict

Frankly speaking, the lack of a battery is a big disadvantage for us. If you could use older batteries with the previous series, there is no sense to buy the latest XR power tools and equip them with old batteries. Not only do you spend money on an additional purchase, but you also have to waste time looking and waiting for the unit to come. That’s why the DCD998W1 is a clear winner here.

Accessories

Four out of five kits offer tools only. But DEWALT DCD998W1 is an exception. It is a full kit that includes:

Other models will be worthy in terms of accessories if you already have batteries and storage bags or are ready to make extra investments.

Guide: How to Choose the Best Hammer Drill?

If you have faced the question of how to choose a hammer drill for your home or professional tasks, try to consider the following moments:

Conclusion

Despite their extreme efficiency and performance, the latest XR hammer drills save reasonable prices. Thus, they are definitely worth buying. Besides, we see several nice options for professional use (DEWALT DCD996B, DCD997CB, DCD998W1) and more affordable tools for domestic application (DCD791B and DCD796).

We still miss batteries in the kits, but otherwise, any of the five products will be a decent multi-purpose addition to your tool set.

Further reading and references: