DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD805 UK: Which 18V XR Combi Drill to Buy?
The DeWalt DCD796 and DCD805 are two of the most popular 18V XR brushless combi drills in the UK. They share the same battery platform, chuck size and top speed, but the DCD805 is the newer, more powerful drill. Here is how DCD796 vs DCD805 compares, and which one to buy.
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Buy the DCD805 if you drill a lot of larger holes in timber or masonry, as it has more torque (90 Nm against 70 Nm), a larger wood capacity and 15 torque settings. Buy the DCD796 if you want a lighter, cheaper drill for general fixing and second fix work, especially as part of a kit.
DCD796 vs DCD805 at a Glance
| Feature | DeWalt DCD796 | DeWalt DCD805 |
|---|---|---|
| Max torque (hard/soft) | 70 Nm / 27 Nm | 90 Nm / 27 Nm |
| No-load speed | 0 to 550 / 0 to 2,000 rpm | 0 to 650 / 0 to 2,000 rpm |
| Impact rate | 0 to 34,000 bpm | 0 to 34,000 bpm |
| Chuck | 1.5 to 13 mm | 1.5 to 13 mm, metal ratcheting |
| Wood capacity | 40 mm | 55 mm |
| Masonry / metal capacity | 13 mm / 13 mm | 13 mm / 13 mm |
| Torque settings | Clutch with multiple settings | 15 |
| Weight (bare) | About 1.2 kg | About 1.3 kg |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Battery platform | DeWalt 18V XR | DeWalt 18V XR |
The Key Differences
Power
DeWalt lists the DCD805 at up to 90 Nm against 70 Nm for the DCD796, with the same 27 Nm soft-joint figure. In practice that extra torque shows when you are driving large augers, hole saws or long screws into timber. DeWalt lists a 55 mm wood capacity for the DCD805 against 40 mm for the DCD796. Masonry and metal capacity is 13 mm on both.
Speed and hammer action
Both top out at 2,000 rpm in high gear and 34,000 blows per minute in hammer mode, so for small masonry holes there is little between them. The DCD805 has a slightly faster low gear at 650 rpm against 550 rpm.
Size, weight and chuck
The DCD796 is the lighter drill at about 1.2 kg bare, against about 1.3 kg for the DCD805, so it is a little easier to use overhead all day. The DCD805 has a metal ratcheting chuck and 15 torque settings. Both take bits from 1.5 to 13 mm.
Price and kits
The DCD796 has been on sale longer and is often cheaper, especially in twin packs and kits. The DCD805 is commonly sold body only in a TSTAK case, or with DeWalt’s POWERSTACK batteries. Both run on any DeWalt 18V XR battery, so if you already own DeWalt batteries a body-only drill is usually the best value.
The Two DeWalt Combi Drills
1. DeWalt DCD805NT (body only, TSTAK case)
Best for heavier drilling90 Nm brushless combi drill with 15 torque settings, 2-speed gearbox, 34,000 bpm hammer action, metal ratcheting 13 mm chuck and 55 mm wood capacity. Supplied in a TSTAK case without battery or charger.
2. DeWalt DCD796P1 (kit)
Best lighter, cheaper option70 Nm brushless combi drill, about 1.2 kg bare, 2-speed, 34,000 bpm hammer action and 13 mm chuck. This kit includes one battery and a charger, which suits anyone starting on DeWalt 18V XR.
Which Should You Buy?
- Carpenters, joiners and builders drilling big holes in timber: DCD805.
- Electricians, plumbers and second-fix trades: DCD796 is lighter and usually enough.
- Already own DeWalt 18V batteries: buy body only and spend the saving on a better battery.
- Not tied to DeWalt yet: read our DeWalt vs Makita vs Milwaukee battery platform guide first.
- Comparing more drills: see our best combi drills guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DeWalt DCD805 better than the DCD796?
It is more powerful. DeWalt lists the DCD805 at 90 Nm against 70 Nm for the DCD796, with a larger 55 mm wood capacity and 15 torque settings. The DCD796 is lighter and often cheaper, so it suits lighter work.
Do the DCD796 and DCD805 use the same batteries?
Yes. Both are DeWalt 18V XR tools, so they take any DeWalt 18V XR battery, including the POWERSTACK range.
Can the DCD796 drill into brick and concrete?
Yes. It is a combi drill with a hammer action of up to 34,000 blows per minute and a 13 mm masonry capacity. For larger holes in concrete, an SDS drill is the better tool.
What does NT mean on the DCD805NT?
On DeWalt UK model codes, N means body only (no battery or charger) and T means it comes in a TSTAK case.
Related Guides
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- Best Combi Drills UK for Tradespeople
- DeWalt vs Makita vs Milwaukee UK
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- Black Friday 2026 Tool Deals for UK Tradespeople
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