David vs Goliath - New DeWalt XR Compact Drill Driver battles the XR 3-Speed Hammer Drill

Can the new compact XR drill driver (DCD 800) match up with Goliath? The 3-Speed XR Hammer Drill (DCD 996) certainly gigantic compared to this new compact drill. So is all that extra size and weight necessary to get the job done? We put each through a series of tests to find out how they compare on power and speed.
Buy each at Home Depot
DeWalt DCD800 (Tool Only)
www.homedepot....
DeWalt DCD996 (Tool Only) - Currently sold out but still available in kit form
www.homedepot....
See the First Impressions for the XR Compact:
• DeWalt's New XR Drill/...
Music Credits:
The Devil's Sway / I'm Not That Girl (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Paper Twins / Standing on Your Own (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

[@cwkie3776]

The dcd996 is a beast of a drill. I use it primarily for drilling holes for ice fishing. The auger is 8 inches wide and 3 1/2 feet long and it has never flinched once even in fridgid temperatures. It is truly impressive.

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s not a small drill but I imagine that would be of benefit when doing something like that.

[@ToastedBuns207]

My 996 has been through hell and it just comes back for more. Best drill I've ever owned

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@ToastedBuns207 I’m considering getting the 996 because it’s smaller and lighter than the 999.

[@robertdestefano4619]

Picked up the 800 based on your past and up dated reviews. LOVE this Drill tons of power and if it bogs just flip it to speed 1 .like down shifting my truck up hill thanks for the practical reviews they helped me make a great choice Bob

[@TinkerWithTools]

Glad it was helpful. I really love the 800!

[@andyjame6351]

Drill- Packedge in typical box, came with a tool bag (added bonus), two batteries, one charger, drill, and driver. Two words "plenty of Torque" kzbin.infoUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv well I guess that's three. Nice upgrade from current setup. Has belt clips, I don't think I will be using those. Driver and drill were bigger than what I expected but it is an upgrade from the current setup. For the money I would say that this is a great setup for Professionals and DIY/Weekend warriors.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The light is certainly versatile and bright.

[@sfrskz]

im actually hobby user but i wanted something more powerful than my other drills and bought 805. today i tested it. it is a total beast with 5ah ps battery.

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s a really impressive drill (both the 805 and the 800 drill driver).

[@davidsalinas1669]

I currently own the Dcd 998 and been wanting to get that 805 for its compact design with that cool new light design.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I just have the non hammer 800 but if the 805 is anything like it (which I have seen others claim) then it’s just about good enough to be your only drill unless you are doing repetitive bigger stuff. And it’s the same size as the 12 volt just a little fatter.

[@IMPACT-NATION]

Nice comparison brother. You never disappoint. Always a pleasure man👊

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks man! I enjoyed your impact driver vs wrench video!

[@IMPACT-NATION]

@@TinkerWithTools thanks man👊. That high torque is a monster.

[@taylorshin]

I once had to drill a 1" hole with Irwin forstner bit onto a 2x4 and I was actually looking into buying the battleship of drill, dcd998 or 999. But that was too much for me to invest for the drill and high amperage battery kit just for a couple or handful of those holes. So, I just took my 800 with the Irwin 1" forstner bit. Set speed 1 since I knew it will not going to be fun with a compact drill + 2 Ah battery. And it did quite well! In fact, I tried speed 2 to see if it can catch up... it did and even almost fried the wood! Of course, I stepped down to speed 1 after seeing the wood smoking which means heated up drill bit may get damaged (dulled) by the heat. This was the toughest drilling I had to so far and 800 was cutting it but the battery was less then half after drilling 3 of those holes and the drill was losing some power. So, instead buying a dreadnaught of those drills, I ordered a 5 Ah battery kit with DCF850 BOGO deal for this BF sale. I just wish we could find some way to attach the handle to DCD800!

[@TinkerWithTools]

A handle on that drill would really make it feel like the only drill you have to have. It’s capable of a lot but without any sort of anti-kickback or a handle it can get sketchy on bigger stuff.

[@rcud1]

Been wanting to get the dcd800 drill, waiting for the powerstack kit coming out with it. I have the 998 and its a great drill, one of the things I use it for is a big garden auger but it is hard on the wrists. I also had picked up the dewalt 12 volt drill and its a very nice little drill to use for a lot of smaller things.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The power is the perfect battery for that tool. When you get it though, I think that 12 volt will not get much use. They are roughly the same size but the DCD800 packs significantly more power!

[@doctorlefthandthread]

DCD996 is my favourite in the range. I always tell people the DCD996 is the best drill in it's class. we haven't got much atomic stuff on this side of the Atlantic yet. Good video

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think for power and reliability it’s a good drill but it has just gotten older compared to the other drills in its class. Hopefully the next release will put them back at the front.

[@XDIY]

Great review & comparison. I have the 996 and I uploaded a review video about it lately :) It's one of the best purchase I made (together with the 887 impact driver)

[@jasonvandervalk3679]

I like the dcd996 for the heavy jobs. I use the atomic for most of my work does great. But I recently got the dcd800 because it's compact like the atomic with more power.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah it really feels like the one size fits all drill almost.

[@marcusharmon8389]

Ive got a 709 xr very happy with it !!!

[@OscyJack-]

Im glad to see this vid. I rock a 991, but do see a place for a conpact but atill robust drill, for tighter spaced applications. Glad i happened across your channel the other say

[@TinkerWithTools]

I'm glad you found it as well.

[@BadWolf507]

It might take a lil longer to drill something but it’s the job done and save me money to buy

[@chrisclassical7]

i have a dcd999 that i use for mixing thinset and mortar. monster drill.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have liked the 999 (I have other videos on that drill) but I am really excited for the 1007 to come out hopefully later this month.

[@hewlett260]

Got the 999 and the 805. I don't think the 999 will be getting much use any more. Used to be my go to but the 805 so much power in a small package

[@TinkerWithTools]

That’s how I am feeling. Unless I need to do something with an auxiliary handle I don’t see the need for the 996.

[@hewlett260]

@@TinkerWithTools the clutch settings on the 999 are basically useless when sinking fasteners, caused me using my impact more than I cared to. They are great on the new 800 and 805 and give a much better feeling than an impact driver

[@cafeclavosypalos3918]

Hello, I watched your test of this two drills David versus Goliath, and respectfully, I believe the test was not conducted properly. The larger drill is designed with a third speed to optimize battery life, generating higher speed at the expense of sacrificing some power. This additional speed is suitable for drilling into walls and metals like steel, which require higher speeds to optimize the drill's battery. However, in your video, you did not perform either of these tests, which leads me to think, with all due respect, that you may not fully understand the design of the drills. For the wood drill bit test, I suggest using both tools at speed 2, as it is the appropriate speed for that task. Whenever a large drill bit is used, the drill in the second speed will always have an advantage over the one in the third, as the latter is designed for a different purpose. In summary, the third speed of the drill is designed to extend battery life, primarily when drilling into steel or other materials that require high revolutions. In my opinion, an ideal test would be to drill the most holes possible in steel using the third speed of the larger drill and the second speed of the smaller drill, to determine which performs better with the same battery.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. Just wanted to be clear though, for the 996, Speed 2 is only about 1300 RPM's while speed 2 on the 800 is 2000, equal to speed 3 on the bigger 996.

[@devonboyer626]

Considering I have the Milwaukee Fuel hammer drill which I like, I really don't see any point in another hammer drill. I want that new Dewalt compact drill those because the ergonomics and control look to be better than Milwaukee, but with similar power. Milwaukee has the power and reliability, but they just need to refine their design, especially for weight distribution and form.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The Milwaukee is still an awesome drill. I wish it had the anti rotation stuff on the non one key model but it’s no slouch in the ergonomics in my opinion. I have an upcoming comparison with the makita and that Milwaukee that will be fun to see where these dewalts stack up against those drills.

[@PINOYROCKTRAX]

I came for the DCD800 review but left wanting the handheld blower at 6:33 😅 Who makes that blower??

[@TinkerWithTools]

Ryobi. It’s pretty darn nice especially at the price.

[@peterhamilton7218]

What's frustrating about DeWalt is they provide little metric to compare tools within their own lineup... If I remember correctly the 996 was rated at 820UWO and this new 800 is rated at 850UWO. UWO should, in theory, provide a more accurate measure of average amounts of work done - accounting for torque and speed. But it's very clear here that the 800 does not match the capabilities of the 996, nor would I expect it to. But, if a person went and bought the 800, purely based on DeWalt's own marketing, they'd be disappointed that they can't take the 996 off their truck. And before anyone says that's a silly proposition, all I have to say is that Milwaukee owners get to... The 2904 is about the same size as the dcd805... Makita owners get to... The XPH14 is about the same size as well. Side note: Maybe we should run the XPH14 against the DCD800/805?? That might be interesting.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree with you. I will say that the 800 goes toe to toe with it until bigger fasteners. What I hate is you can’t even get a feel for how it compares to other companies.

[@peterhamilton7218]

@@TinkerWithTools Yeah, it's a bit silly. I'm more than impressed with that dcd800/805, but I'm on Makita, DeWalt and Kobalt and am torn between the dcd805 and XPH14 to replace my aging dcd709, atomic. Also, at Lowe's there is a new compact Kobalt 24v drill that hasn't been announced yet and it's touting 850in/lbs. I'd rather have the hammer drill when it comes out, but it's something to watch for.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Both the 800 (and I assume the 805) and the XPH14 are great drills. I kind of view them in different classes though. The XPH is heavier duty and the 800/805 is significantly more compact. For a lot of stuff I think either would be fine but if you need the hammer function I think the Makita would be a better bet.

[@TinkerWithTools]

And I hadn’t heard about new kobalt. Maybe that’s why i got my XTR on clearance.

[@peterhamilton7218]

@@TinkerWithTools It looks like Kobalt is rolling out redesigns of all there old base model tools... At my store I found a designed recip saw and drill/driver. I think the XTR will remain the big boy for a while, but we'll see.

[@Davi_uk]

Thank you for making this video

[@TinkerWithTools]

You’re welcome!

[@carlosf9278]

Atomic series are designed to be more compact/less power… they are not like Flex’s new drill Gen where they don’t compromise power at all I kinda wish Dewalt would take a page from Flex in this regard since they have an absurdly amount of drill models

[@falvesc]

Great duel and amazing machines! Congratulations for the cameras and ilumination used... simply top notch !

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks.

[@fredbrunson3730]

Thank you

[@TinkerWithTools]

You’re welcome.

[@dennisTHEmenac3]

This video also didn’t highlight the DCD996’s hammer drill capability and the ability to use it in masonry applications which sets it even further apart from the 800. Most tradesman have two or more drills to cover all scenarios but the versatility of the 996 keeps it at the top

[@TinkerWithTools]

You are correct. I would say to look at the 805 though if hammer drill functionality is a focus for you. It is the hammer drill version of their compact XR and has received some great reviews.

[@fohelle1990]

I have both the DCD800 and DCD999 flexvolt advantage and i reach for my SDS+ DCS273 always for concrete. DCD800 use 95% of the time for drlling as it is light and compact and use the DCD999 with holesaws and spadebits and etc

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@fohelle1990 thanks for the input. Appreciate it.

[@DiligentDave1966]

Do you plan on getting the new Atomic DCD799? It's rated at 552 UWO, which should fill the gap between the old Atomic and the DCD800.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I don't currently have plans to get it. If I see a sale on it, I might pick it up... but honestly don't love the Atomic Drills and where they are nearly the same size as the DCD800/805, I would opt for that based on preference.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools The 799 is all on sale for $116 at Home Depot in a kit with a battery charger and a bag. I would just like to see how it stacks up against my DCD 777.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools I wouldn’t rush out to get the DCD799. It looks like people are already having issues with it.

[@TheTarwin]

I've been using 996 for 4 years, as i do a lot of outside work, especially drilling 3/4" holes though brick, and concrete. My Drill recently broke, and I'm looking to replace it. Now I'm not so sure 805 will be powerful enough to drill through a foundation on a daily, so the question is, should i just rebuy my beloved 996 or go for a 999 if i find a decent sale (I'm in Canada)

[@TinkerWithTools]

The 800 (I haven't used the 805) hits hard for it's size but I would guess that another 996 or as you have said a 999 would be more well suited for the heavy duty use. I love the 800/805 because for most people and in most situations, it delivers a tool that can do more than it should be able to for it's size but it's not a massive anchor sized object to carry around. But if you use case is for the big stuff, I would recommend going for the 998/999. I keep hoping that Dewalt will give us a new top tier XR drill, but for now, that's the direction I would recommend. I have tested the 996 with the flexvolt batteries or the 8ah that comes on the power detect and it does perform better than it will on a 5ah...so if you want a power bump without going all in on the 999/998, that might be an option.

[@Linkys_Adventure]

I have come to find out and realize that DeWalt drills are really I don't know I want to say no good I've been using them for years and in the last past couple years I have had three of them break on me and it's all due to not being able to drill concrete I always use on concrete mainly used to drill half inch holes a lot of times I will have to start out with a quarter inch drill bit and then step up to a half inch because it just won't do it so I have to break out the big gun and use the DeWalt corded SDS and then that gets the job done but come to realize that the DeWalt all it is good for is sheetrock wood and some minor concrete I will be buying the SDS battery operated DCH273b or the DCH263b after winding down on holes holes it literally takes me all day long to draw holes with the 999 when I'm drilling camera holes ½ and anchor holes ¼ and that is one ½ and four ¼ holes per and I usually do anywhere from 4 to 8 on a square building so yeah it takes me anywhere from 1 to 2 days to drill all the holes until I get the big gun out LOL but it's so worn out and it is also corded which I really hate to get it out

[@DiligentDave1966]

I believe the 800 is rated at 900 UWO, which should be the same as the 996. I think I would go with the 996 due to the bigger fan.

[@TinkerWithTools]

DEWALT doesn’t list a UWO on their US website or their US marketing. Just that’s is strong than the 796/791 by x percent. But if you look on something of the marketing oversees I have been able to find a claimed 850 UWO on an Australian website and a UK website that claims 90nm (equivalent to 796 in-lbs).

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools I could swear that, either the Home Depot or Lowe’s website, or the box from the 800 said 900 UWO. I’m almost certain that the 996 is also rated at 900 UWO.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools I could swear that, either the Home Depot or Lowe’s website, or the box from the 800 said 900 UWO. I’m almost certain that the 996 is also rated at 900 UWO.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The interesting thing is that on their websites they mainly reference up to 40% more UWO than the DCD796. Based on what I found they rate that tool at 460 UWO so 40% more doesn’t put that anywhere near the 800+ UWO. But I will say that it feels as strong as the 996 up to a certain point. That drill is rated at 820. So it’s maddening to try and make sense of it when there own claims don’t seem to be consistent with reality.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools I just know that the 800 I returned last year cut out and got pretty hot doing some of the things I think you tested it with in your video. I think that is one of the sacrifices when you try to add power while cutting down on the size.

[@timmathias3576]

I just bought the 805 and been thinking about getting a handle for it

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s powerful enough to make you want one but to my knowledge there isn’t one.

[@timmathias3576]

@@TinkerWithTools damn

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@timmathias3576 I don’t have anything official to support this opinion but my guess is that DEWALT didn’t rate it as high in terms of what they say it can handle so that it wouldn’t undercut the DCD996 too much. Thus no side handle means it’s a compact drill and not a replacement for the more expensive model. But I view that has the pound for pound champion. For its size its really hard to beat.

[@garthqueen]

Soyboy 🤣

[@bennytorres4557]

I use the Milwaukee fuel hammer drill and if I want to boost up in power I use the dewalt 999 w a 60 volt battery

[@TinkerWithTools]

Is there a pretty noticeable power difference between those two?

[@alexandergonzales9109]

Recién ordene por Amazon el dcd 800 en ves de haber escogido el dcd 791. Espero haber elegido bien

[@TinkerWithTools]

You made a great choice. The 791 isn’t a bad drill but the 800 is awesome!

[@alexandergonzales9109]

@@TinkerWithTools thanks my friend

[@DiligentDave1966]

What other Dewalt drills do you have?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have a video that goes through all the ones I had at the time I made it. I have since gotten rid of a couple of them.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools I didn’t see the video, but I can look for it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have owned the first and second gen atomic, the 777, the 800 and 805, the 996, 999, 12v drill and hammer drill. I don’t have the 777 or the first gen atomic any more.

[@Saxondog]

Does either of them have a wobbly Chuck?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Nothing noticeable in a negative way. I did a shot comparing the 800 to the Milwaukee Brushless. Both were similar.

[@EMlawncare843]

I have the 999 hammer drill and the dcd 800 drill driver

[@TinkerWithTools]

Both good drills but I’m hoping we will and update for the 996/998/999 trifecta soon.

[@farmerned6]

NO Metal drilling tests? Cordless drills are ideal for working on steel buildings, testing drilling through an RSJ/I-beam would be useful

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have never done much work with metal so that’s the main reason it hasn’t appeared in to many tests. I’ll have to work on adding it.

[@farmerned6]

@@TinkerWithTools I'm putting wall cladding on a cattle shed right now, my trusty little old dewalt manages to bore out 12mm holes (piloted , over 10mm in one go is pushing it) in the steel pillars, But was starting to strain the gears earlier in the year, so I was looking at getting a 996 (has it been discontinued? all stock seems to have dried up in the UK) or a 999 , I've got a trio of 4ah batteries , but thought there was no point opting for a 999 over a 996 unless I upgraded to flexvolt batteries as well?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think there is a small power bump from the 999 in general but you are right, without the flexvolt or even the 8ah/6ah XR batteries, you likely won't see that much improvement.

[@joshuaewalker]

The 998 and 999 really aren't that much of an upgrade from the 996, if at all.

[@TinkerWithTools]

There is a power difference if you use the right battery but if you aren’t commonly doing tasks that push it to its limit then it likely won’t be super noticeable

[@Biaanca5036]

The 996 is a conventional hammer drill and has a foregrip so that's at least one point of safety. I can't recommend the new mini-drill at all and think of it as a dangerous gimmick. There's no foregrip and dewalt doesn't put emergency kickback stop in any of their box-store drills. At the very least provide _one_ of these two safety features I trust Hitachi HPT or Hilti to make an extremely high torque mini drill. Even Kobalt...sometimes. The dewalt is just unsafe, but fun 🤗 but unsafe !

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s powerful enough to do the bigger stuff but you are correct it just doesn’t feel safe. With that said, for 90% of my drilling it would be the go-to. That is until the gen 4 Milwaukee fuel gets here next month. Then it might have serious competition. And the gen 4 will have a handle and auto stop technology.

[@hirammbugua7593]

How can I get one(996) to Kenya through you??

[@TinkerWithTools]

I am not sure on that. I searched on Google and it looks like there are websites that would ship the product to you but it would come at a premium from what I could see

[@nsatoday]

For electrical and plumbing holes (missed ones from rough in because I use a 471 which is basically dewalts take on a super hole hawg) i use my 998. If there is one or two tapcons like for a toilet flange or something then I use the hammer function but really I reach for my 273 SDS+ if doing anything larger that 3/8” or if having to do a bunch of holes in masonry. The 800 will be my next purchase because my 791 can run small hole saws etc and the 800 is more compact and more powerful. Since I have a VSR (DCD471) the 998 is more for if running large holes in wood but not many at a time such as missed runs or remodel. Everyone seems to love the 444 and one guy has one thinking that it would have the power of the 471 but be lighter and could run on 20V batteries. Does the 444 work? Yes. Is it as powerful as the 471? Not close. The gear box allows you to use a low range and some super serious hole saws. It’s like a hole hawg vs super hole hawg.

[@TinkerWithTools]

If you are doing anything big and repetitive then I think it makes a lot of sense to get the right tool for the job... like the 471 and the SDS. They make the jobs so much easier and save you time and headaches while doing it.

[@Sowwwwy]

Wow you don’t have a handle so you can’t run it… you ain’t worked in a trade before. Try a 6 inch hole saw on a 20 foot step ladder

[@DiligentDave1966]

Why would he risk getting hurt for a video?

[@harlanborders943]

You need to try the Makita xph14 it’s a great drill

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have it and I agree with you. Its coming in a future video.

[@HnrPram]

They both haven't entered Indonesian market yet... It's a pity... 😟

[@TinkerWithTools]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully they will soon.

[@artsilk2944]

supposedly* suh-poh-zid-lee

[@narendrabhatia6140]

Seems Better Product & TECHNOLOGY then BRAND HILTI with Great Power in NM RPM & BLDC MOTOR

[@TinkerWithTools]

To be honest I haven’t tried Hilti’s compact drill that would be comparable to this but the DCD800 is an impressive drill.

[@joshawabrown6794]

Gets scary without a handle i hurt my wrist not to long ago using my m12 drill driver

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree man. Not worth it to me to show a test where I might get hurt.