Comparing Dewalt’s DCD800P1 and DCD996P2: A Detailed Review and Guide

Overview of DCD800P1

The DCD800P1 is a professional-grade 20V MAX* XR® Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver from Dewalt that is designed to deliver superior power and speed for heavy-duty drilling and fastening applications. The high-output brushless motor provides up to 40% more Unit Watts Out compared to the DEWALT DCD791B when using a DCB205 battery (sold separately).

Key Features:

• Ability to complete challenging projects with up to 40% more UWO** vs. the DCD791B using DCB205 battery (sold separately).
• Compact size of 6.37 inches, which is 1/2 inch shorter in length compared to the DCD791, tool head only.
• High bit retention with 1/2 in. metal ratcheting chuck.
• High-speed transmission with variable trigger and 2 speed settings (0-650/0-2,000 rpm).
• Adjustable 3-Position, 3 Mode LED with up to 70 Lumens for brightening dark work areas.
• Optimized performance and runtime.
• Drill/Driver chip pocket for seamless worksite asset management using the Tool Connect™ chip DCE042 and Tool Connect™ Site Manager app (DCE042 sold separately).

Package Includes:

1. DCD800 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver
2. DCB205 20V MAX* 5Ah Battery
3. DCB112 Charger
4. Kit Bag
5. Belt Hook

Description:

This versatile power tool delivers up to 2,000 rpm when drilling into wood and metal. It is lightweight and built compact for ease of use in tight spaces over extended periods. The kit includes a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery, charger, and durable storage bag for portability. The 3-position, pivoting LED enhances visibility in dimly lit work areas with its 3 mode settings and up to 70 Lumens of brightness.

Overview of DCD996P2

The DCD996P2 is a high-powered 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Hammer Drill/Driver from Dewalt, designed to provide impressive performance in a wide range of drilling applications. It boasts a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers up to 75% more runtime compared to 18v NiCad brushed motors and features a heavy-duty ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength.

Key Features:

• High power, high efficiency brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18v NiCad brushed motors.
• XR® Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge provide 33% more capacity over standard packs.
• Heavy-duty 1/2 in. ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength.
• 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model.
• LED Spotlight Mode features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
• 3-speed, all-metal high performance transmission optimizes tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved run-time.
• Drill mode: 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM; Hammerdrill mode: 0-500 / 0-1500 / 0-2250 RPM; 0-38,250 BPM for fast drilling in masonry materials.

Package Includes:

1. DCD996 – 20V MAX* XR® Lithium Ion Brushless Premium 3-Speed Hammerdrill
2. 2 x DCB205 – 20V MAX* XR® High Capacity Li-Ion Batteries (5.0 Ah)
3. Charger
4. Belt Hook
5. 360° Side Handle
6. Kit Box

Description:

This hammer drill/driver delivers impressive performance in a wide range of jobs thanks to its heavy-duty ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts and high-efficiency brushless motor. The 3-mode LED feature provides superior lighting in dark or confined spaces, being 20X brighter than the previous model. The package includes two 20V MAX* XR® 5Ah batteries, a charger, and a durable kit box for portability on the jobsite.

Summary of Specs: DCD800P1 vs DCD996P2

Specs	DCD800P1	DCD996P2
Brushless	Yes	N/A
Battery Voltage	20 V	18 V
Chuck Size	1/2 in	N/A
Clutch Positions	15	N/A
Product Length	6.37 in	N/A
No Load Speed (RPM)	0-650 / 0-2,000 rpm	0-450/1300/2000
Battery Capacity	5 Ah	5 Ah
Product Height	8.14 in	N/A
Product Width	2.5 in	N/A
Max. Watts Out	900 W	820 W
LED Light	Yes	N/A
Variable Speed	Yes	N/A
Battery Type	Lithium-Ion	LI-ION
Power Source	Cordless	Cordless
Product Weight	2.82 lbs	N/A
Depth	6.37 in	N/A
Battery Chemistry	N/A	XR Li-ion
Battery Quantity	N/A	1
Uncertainty K1 (Vibration)	N/A	1.5 m/s2
Uncertainty K2 (Vibration)	N/A	3.9 m/s2
Is it a Set	N/A	Yes

User reviews of DCD800P1

Summary of Positive User Reviews for DCD800P1

• Highly recommended for its excellent strength and overall build quality.
• Admired for its superior power compared to other brands like Makita.
• Appreciated for its durable metal chuck.
• Favored by professionals for its exceptional power and battery longevity.
• Admired for its great performance and compact design, which doesn’t cause overheating even with prolonged use.
• Valued for its adjustable light feature and real chuck, providing a heavy-duty feel.
• Loved for its powerful performance and long-lasting battery life, despite being a bit heavy.
• Considered reliable, as users replace it with the same model when worn out from heavy use.
• Recognized as a quality contractor-grade tool.
• Overall, users express great satisfaction with the product.

Summary of Critical User Reviews for DCD800P1

• Users have reported concerns about the quality of the gearbox, describing it as sounding terrible.
• Some users have noticed a significant amount of runout in the chuck, comparing it unfavorably to cheaper alternatives.

User reviews of DCD996P2

Summary of Positive User Reviews of DCD996P2

• Several users stated that the DCD996P2 drill easily and effectively drills through concrete, with one user likening the experience to “a knife through butter”.
• Many users praised the battery lifespan, with multiple reviews highlighting its impressive autonomy and longevity even under heavy use, with one user managing to drill 25-35 holes in ice fishing before needing a recharge.
• Users found the DCD996P2 to be a powerful tool, with many comments highlighting its torque and the ease with which it can handle heavy-duty tasks, such as driving large screws or powering an ice auger.
• Several users praised the customer service provided by DeWALT, particularly in relation to resolving issues with faulty chargers.
• Customers loved the overall quality, power and durability of the product, with several users even ordering more units or recommending it for tasks such as ice fishing or building.
• It also received praise for its efficient battery charging system, with one user noting that it does not take more than 1 hour for a full charge.
• Some users noted the additional comfort offered by the DCD996P2, with one user noting that its weight counteracts its torque, making it easier on the wrist during use.

Summary of Critical User Reviews of DCD996P2

• Some users reported that the drill uses the hammer function even when in regular drill mode, affecting the quality of drilling especially on metals.
• There were complaints about the durability of the product, with some users stating that the drill stopped working after a short period of usage. Some of these issues were not covered by Dewalt’s warranty, leading to dissatisfaction.
• The battery mount design was criticized by several users for being loose, leading to rattling in both the drill and the charger, making charging difficult. Some users also mentioned issues with oil leakage and the speed switch being hard to move.
• There were concerns about the drill’s power, with several users stating that it stalls or does not have enough strength for heavy-duty tasks such as drilling through tiles or concrete, or using a hole saw.
• There are also reports of the drill not functioning as expected, including issues with the chuck getting jammed or the drill not restarting after stalling.
• Some international customers mentioned difficulties in returning the product due to high shipping costs.

Pros and Cons of the Compared Products

Pros/Cons of DCD800P1

Pros	Cons
Highly recommended for its excellent strength and overall build quality.	Users have reported concerns about the quality of the gearbox, describing it as sounding terrible.
Admired for its superior power compared to other brands like Makita.	Some users have noticed a significant amount of runout in the chuck, comparing it unfavorably to cheaper alternatives.
Appreciated for its durable metal chuck.
Favored by professionals for its exceptional power and battery longevity.
Admired for its great performance and compact design, which doesn’t cause overheating even with prolonged use.
Valued for its adjustable light feature and real chuck, providing a heavy-duty feel.
Loved for its powerful performance and long-lasting battery life, despite being a bit heavy.
Considered reliable, as users replace it with the same model when worn out from heavy use.
Recognized as a quality contractor-grade tool.
Overall, users express great satisfaction with the product.

Pros/Cons of DCD996P2

Pros	Cons
Several users stated that the DCD996P2 drill easily and effectively drills through concrete.	Some users reported that the drill uses the hammer function even when in regular drill mode, affecting the quality of drilling especially on metals.
Many users praised the battery lifespan, highlighting its impressive autonomy and longevity even under heavy use.	There were complaints about the durability of the product, with some users stating that the drill stopped working after a short period of usage.
Users found the DCD996P2 to be a powerful tool, handling heavy-duty tasks with ease.	The battery mount design was criticized by several users for being loose, leading to rattling in both the drill and the charger, making charging difficult.
Several users praised the customer service provided by DeWALT, particularly in resolving issues with faulty chargers.	There were concerns about the drill’s power, with several users stating that it stalls or does not have enough strength for heavy-duty tasks such as drilling through tiles or concrete.
Customers loved the overall quality, power and durability of the product, with several users recommending it for tasks such as ice fishing or building.	There are reports of the drill not functioning as expected, including issues with the chuck getting jammed or the drill not restarting after stalling.
It received praise for its efficient battery charging system, taking no more than 1 hour for a full charge.	Some international customers mentioned difficulties in returning the product due to high shipping costs.
Some users noted the additional comfort offered by the DCD996P2, with one user noting that its weight counteracts its torque, making it easier on the wrist during use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the DCD800P1 and DCD996P2 are professional-grade drills from Dewalt; each offering unique features that cater to different needs. The DCD800P1 is compact, making it ideal for work in tight spaces, while the DCD996P2 provides higher power for heavy-duty applications. When choosing between these two, it’s crucial to consider the nature of your tasks, the environment you’ll be working in, and the specific features you require. Either way, both drills guarantee efficient performance, high quality, and value for money.