Dewalt Atomic vs XR - How Much Of A Difference Is It?

Today we have a view requested video of two Dewalt Drills and we take a chance to answer how much difference there is between Dewalt's Atomic Line and their XR Line.
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[@fredo3161]

Thanks for this video. I just got stuck at Lowes for an hour in analysis paralysis trying to figure out what to buy....and ended up having to leave. I couldn't make a decision. All the freaking batteries and tools and combo kits and deals. Holy crap.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I don't suspect it will happen overnight but they did just announce a bit of a new direction for their product roadmap. They are doing away with some of the confusion while still giving different tiers of power tools. With that said, are you looking for top tier performance or something more in the middle ground?

[@fredo3161]

@@TinkerWithTools Something I can beat up at home, not commercial grade.

[@TinkerWithTools]

So let me offer a few options. If you have Dewalt batteries already, I would almost recommend purchasing a the tool on Amazon for beneficial pricing. For me the best option is the Dewalt DCD800/805 (drill driver/hammer drill variant). This drill will provide plenty of performance and when buying the tool only, it's only about $10 more than the lesser Dewalt drills. If you don't already have Dewalt drills, you can still get that drill but the kits for it are typically a bit more expensive ($200-230). If you don't want to spend that my recommendation would be the Dewalt DCD799. The main reason for that over other models is just that it's more powerful than the drill driver versions like the 793/794. But it's shorter than the 798 that is sold at Lowes. Tool only it's about $100 but the single battery kit is about $140 online. You won't find that model at Lowe's because they sell specific models at certain stores only. Home Depot will carry it but the prices will be higher than online.

[@brianf9619]

I have the DCD800 and Love It , its crazy powerful for its size and I can easily do the majority of my drilling tasks with it , I also have the DCD998 Power Detect Hammer Drill and I almost Never use it anymore 🤷‍♂️. The Red Fan-Girls hate my DCD800 they always have trouble accepting the Truth 😅😂 , Milwaukee Does Not make the Best Everything , Far From It , they think because Milwaukee makes a great Impact Driver that every tool is great 😂 and thats Definitely Not the case ..... 🤯🙄😅🤣

[@gregorsamsa1364]

I came to terms with running multiple battery platforms. I run 3 platforms. I think those 3 cover me pretty damn well without much, if any, sacrifice or compromise

[@brianf9619]

​@@gregorsamsa1364 ABSOLUTELY , these days I feel you have to be on multiple platforms in order to get the best tools for you and the things you do .... 👍🖖

[@TinkerWithTools]

I am a big proponent of at least two platforms for that very reason. When you only have one platform to pick from you are left to choose from just the tools they have. But when it comes to the best, you are going to have a bunch of different colors.

[@gregorsamsa1364]

I hate the way it feels to buy and use a cordless tool that I know is significantly inferior in serving my purposes than other available tools, just to avoid dealing with a different.platform.. I've done it before, years ago.. Hopefully never again. I found that dealing with a few platforms actually ended up being much less of an inconvenience than I figured

[@georgedavall9449]

Great comments in here! Appreciate the feedback on this Video! 👍✌ 😊

[@georgedavall9449]

Good Morning ‘Tinker!!!’ Made my Day! 😊 Well done and thoroughly compared, and hopefully it helps someone out there! Yes it was an “Apples to Oranges” comparison, but I think You illustrated the key differences between them. The DCD799 is a great drill, but obviously will not keep up with the 800, and they ARE two different class of drills. Thanks !!!!!!!!! 👍💪😊

[@TinkerWithTools]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@georgedavall9449]

E. X. C. E. L. L. E. N. T. !!!

[@michaela3330]

Happy that finally someone did this video. Actually, after using the new compact m18, i prefer it over both of these

[@TinkerWithTools]

I like the compact M18 more than the atomic but I strongly prefer the compact XR to just about everything else on the market unless I need a heavier duty drill.

[@georgedavall9449]

Appreciate the comment michaela, and I am surprised at the performance, VS specs, on the M18. It seems it ‘spins’ faster than what it is rated? I do see some QC issues in the Compact M18, so Buyer beware. It is a little beast for sure! Take care

[@GregBrecker]

I have the latest Milwaukee compact set. And the chuck and grip I find lacking versus the XR DeWalt.

[@tomforward990]

I’ve got the 709 I think it’s the first gen Atomic hammer drill and it’s been great. I use it for smaller Tapcons and some driving. I use my Makita XPH 14 for bigger stuff but I like the Atomic line in general. The mini recip and the OMT are great as well.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NWGR]

The DCD800 has been my daily driver for a bit over a year now and I love it. I run mine with 5.0 powerstacks though.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Another great battery choice. I’ll put that on when I am doing some more serious work but for a lot of stuff I find the 1.7PS a great pairing.

[@devonboyer626]

I wonder if the clutch is more consistent on the atomic just because there is less power. Assuming the clutch designs on both drills are the same, I'm starting to wonder if the faster drill is more of a challenge for the clutch to disengage rather than the slower drill. Part of the reason I bought the 12v dewalt brushless drill is because I felt the clutch was more sensitive than on my milwaukee 18v compact.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think that plays a part in it. There isn’t as much working against it.

[@georgedavall9449]

Most definitely! I found the little DCD 794 to be excellent for running smaller screws in, but the difference in overall performance between it and the 799, as illustrated by ‘Tinker,’ outweighs the 794 for a broader use case. Of course going with the DCD 800/805 is a win win deal!

[@aciccotelli6951]

Hey - new subscriber here and loving the channel. So I wouldn’t even call myself a DIY er but would like to do more myself (hanging doors, putting up blinds, etc). I currently have a dewalt 771 and want to upgrade but want a compact. I don’t think I need a dcd800 though it looks great. I can get the atomic and the Milwaukee compact kits for $99. Which of the 2 would be a better fit for my needs?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Between those two drills, either one will represent a substantial improvement over your current drill. They will be more powerful and more compact. If you are considering the atomic I would suggest the 799 thought it is not as small I think it’s the better drill. But if it’s the 794 then I would recommend the Milwaukee. It’s a little powerhouse for sure.

[@GregBrecker]

I missed this one! Glad I came across it. Just picked up HD’s $179 5ah std battery and charger, get a free tool. Yes got the Dcd 805. Haven’t tried it yet but based on the dcd 800 I’m sure I’ll love it. Love the ergonomics on the DeWalt’s this one no exception. Keep up the good work.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks Greg! And nice deal. I think we are going to see those 5ah XR batteries included in a lot of deals this holiday season since they are swapping the design to take the XR off.

[@interman7715]

I have both, the 805 is fantastic but I use the Atomic the most because of its lighter weight but the 805 is sturdier and way more powerful imo.

[@TinkerWithTools]

See and I look at it like the 800 (my preference over the 805) is compact enough that I don’t mind the added weight in favor of the performance gains.

[@calebcrockett1085]

I used to have a DCD794 and a DCD996 for work use. Because of your videos I bought the DCD805 and it is the only one I carry for work use anymore! The DCD794 is ok for stuff around the house but love that I can drill 3-4” holes when I need to run flue pipe but it’s so compact.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’m glad you found the video useful. It’s an awesome drill.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

In a year's time all this info will be irrelevant. All new models, all new specs.

[@TinkerWithTools]

While the models might change, the relation of Atomic to XR will still likely be relevant.

[@huntercook6605]

I was poking around DeWalt ServiceNet and it looks like maybe there has been a mid-cycle change in the DCD794 motor? The original part NA071961 says discontinued, superseded by NA304843, which is...the same motor from the DCD799. Is it possible that newer production DCD794 drills perform better than the first run?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Interesting. I wonder if there is a way to tell you are getting a new model. Can you see by chance if that same motor is used in the 799?

[@huntercook6605]

@@TinkerWithTools Yes, the ServiceNet page for the DCD799 shows only one motor, NA304843. I just ordered a DCD794, planning on swapping a Rohm chuck onto it anyway so I'll be in there where hopefully I can see the motor part number. But I don't have a 799 to test against...even if the motors are now the same the output might not be, either from the different transmissions or electronics.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I appreciate you sharing! That would make the 794 much more compelling.

[@aciccotelli6951]

So let me ask this. I don't even own any of the bits you used for testing or ever had to drive anything more than a couple inches. I'm talking just normal/easy stuff around the house. Only situation I see for needing a hammer function is maybe drilling into the brick to hang something on the front of the house. Only reason I was looking at drills is because when hanging blinds with my brushed DeWalt 771 I had a hell of a time getting through the metal above the window frame and I want to try and make the next installation easier if I could. I am assuming either drill would handle these tasks and the 800/805 may be overkill? Also I'm pretty sure the DCD793 is the Lowes version of the DCD794 but the DCD798 at Lowes and the DCD799 don't appear to be the same (especially given the comment about the motors used in the models). The DCD798 has similar specs to the 793 and 794. Is that correct? Thank You, getting a lot of good information from the channel.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Okay let me try to go through the different questions. Power wise the 793/794/798 are identical. The 793 is not as small as the 794 so the big difference there is that the 794 is pretty compact. If it has the power of the 799 I think you would be fine going that route. 799 has decent power for your use case but it isn’t quite as small. Your old drill had an output of 300 UWO and the three drills I mentioned earlier are just over 400. So think about those has being about 30% more powerful. The 799 is almost 2x more powerful. The DCD800/805 is almost 3x more powerful. As for which one would best I am guessing that you won’t reach the limit of the DCD800 and may not even of something like the 799. Where my mind goes is if you are already on Dewalts platform you can each of these on Amazon for roughly $125. If they are the same price I would recommend the 800/805 depending on if you want hammer function or not but if you can get a deal on the 799, it’s not a bad option either.

[@aciccotelli6951]

Thank you sir, big help. And I have to say seeing that 800 buck like it can on some videos gives me a little caution too. Maybe best to leave that one to the big boys.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I get it... the 799 would be my pick and that would give you the abillity to drill into masonry too. But any of those drills will be a reduction in size and an increase in power.

[@dantecastro1573]

Thanks for the review! I'm glad I have the XR 👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

No problem 👍. That drill is probably my favorite. They really did a fantastic job with it.

[@luisvalentin_cora]

I would like to see a comparison with the dcf 860

[@devonboyer626]

It's not even in the states yet.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll be sure to show it when they release it here but it’s just not out yet.

[@bdm1000]

Excellent comparison! As a DIYer & weekend woodworker with a very heavy DeWALT DCD999 hammer drill/driver that came with a 6Ah Flexvolt battery and the extremely light/compact Bosch GSR12V-300FCB22 5-in-1, I'm STILL looking for something in between eventually, and I prefer a lighter drill. Moreover, I won't have a lot of demanding work in my future, so I'm fine with using the hammer drill/driver for that when it does come up (along with my DCF887 impact). As such, I think the DCD800B might be a great option-but-I'm still wanting a CXS for some reason despite the massive price difference. Could an 18v CXS really be that good (i.e. worth getting over the 12v version)? I almost bought a Festool track saw but decided to save money and go with the Milwaukee (which I love), but I kinda regret not taking the plunge and experiencing Festool. Honestly, I suspect the Festool CXS 18 would do everything I need it to do, including what I use the Bosch for (save for when space is really limited). The CXS 12 would be too similar to my Bosch, but the CXS 18 would probably do virtually anything I need, but I don't know what that extra power gets me exactly (over the Bosch or CXS 12). What does the CXS 18's 398.3 inch pounds of max torque get me over CXS 12's 265.5 inch pounds? What does that extra 132.8 inch pounds do? The rumor is that the CXS 18 was supposed to replace the C 18. It's not as powerful as it's older brother, but I guess the thought is that if you need more power you'll go to a hammer drill drill/driver anyway, and the CXS 18 is a lot smaller and lighter than the C 18. I know what you and others might be thinking. Why spend $499 on a CXS 18 that doesn't even come with the offset chuck? Heck, the offset chuck itself costs more than it would cost a DeWALT DCD800B! I don't have an answer. It makes no sense other than I want the most powerful Festool CXS for some reason. In fact, I doubt I would ever buy the offset chuck for it because I can just use my Bosch in those situations. Week after week I think about just picking up the DCD800B, but I always stop myself wondering about the CXS 18. Will I regret not having it like a Festool track saw? Geez, I never thought amassing tools would be like collecting firearms (an even more expensive habit). Anyway, thanks again for the comparison. Your now one of my go-to channels on KZbin.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven't tried the CXS 18 but the newest 12 is a nice tool to use. But in terms it's going to be similar to that of the Bosch you have. Now for the 18, it does got up on power a little but it still would be on the light end of things. The value of Festool is always a tricky one but each of the tools is still pretty nice.

[@EdwardButler-vc6qd]

Excellent description and analysis as usual. I have the 805 and love it so much, I go looking for jobs so that I can use it. I'm in Ireland and cannot get the 800 over here so I ordered the 800 on Amazon from the USA. I didn't mind paying the import taxes and postage and the usual delays as it was a gift to myself. The package eventually arrived but contained the 805 along with a note from the supplier informing me that they upgraded me to the 805 at no extra cost. I have two 805s now which is handy as we drive on the left over here and ye drive on the right, I have a drill for either hand. Ed

[@TinkerWithTools]

Interesting upgrade for sure. Glad you are enjoying it though. Crazy that they don’t offer the 800 over there.