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Dewalt DCD985B Vs DCD996B – Which One Is Better?

The Dewalt DCD985B and the Dewalt DCD996B are two of the most popular cordless drills on the market. They both have their pros and cons, but which one is the better drill? Let’s take a closer look at each drill and see which one comes out on top.

You can read our article if you are interested to know more about the comparison of Dewalt cordless drill.

Comparison Between Dewalt DCD985B and DCD996B

Model no.Dewalt DCD985BDewalt DCD996B
Weight1 lbs4 lbs
Voltage20V20V
Max Power450W300W
Maximum Chuck Size1/2 inches1/2 inches
Max speed2000 RPM2250 RPM
LED lightYesYes
No. of speed33
Motor typeBrushedBrushless
Battery capacityNot includedNot included

Dewalt DCD996B Cordless Drill


DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill (DCD996B)

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The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for a variety of applications. It features a brushless motor that delivers up to 820 units watts out, making it one of the most powerful cordless drills on the market. It also has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver and use in tight spaces. The three-speed settings allow you to adjust the speed to your specific application.

It has a high performance brushless motor that delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed. With 0-38,250 BPM, this hammer drill offers 3-speed settings for optimized application versatility. The LED light with 20-second trigger release delay provides increased visibility in dark or confined spaces.

Key features of Dewalt DCD996B

Nitro-carburized metal ratcheting chucks

The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill features a nitro-carburized metal ratcheting chuck for superior bit gripping strength and durability. The advantage of this feature is that it allows for extremely tight bit gripping, which is ideal for drilling through tougher materials. The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to release the bit from the chuck once it is tightened, which can be frustrating for some users.

2,250 RPM maximum speed

The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill has a maximum speed of 2,250 RPM, making it one of the faster models on the market. This can be a major advantage for users who need to drill through tougher materials quickly. However, it is important to note that this speed can also make the drill more difficult to handle, so users should be careful when using it.

820 Units Watts Out motor power

The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill has a powerful motor that delivers 820 Units Watts Out of power. This makes it ideal for drilling through tough materials. It also has a variable speed trigger that allows you to control the speed of the drill.

3-Mode LED

The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill has a 3-Mode LED. This is a great feature for those who need to see in dark or confined spaces. However, there are some disadvantages to this feature. First, the LED can be a bit blinding if you are not expecting it. Second, the light is not always evenly distributed, so you may need to move the drill around to get the best light.

Advantages of Dewalt DCD996B

  1. The 20V MAX XR Hammer drill(DCD996) features a powerful brushless motor that supplies 820 Units Watts Out (UWO) for a faster application speed.
  2. At just 8.4 ins long and 4.7 lbs, DEWALT’s Premium 3-Speed Hammer drill (DCD996) features a compact size that allows users to fit into tight spaces.
  3. The hammer drill also has a 3-mode LED that provides users with optimal lighting in dark or confined spaces.
  4. The DEWALT XR Hammer drill also features an all-metal ratcheting chuck that provides superior bit gripping strength.
  5. The all-metal ratcheting chuck provides superior bit gripping strength and durability.

Dewalt DCD985B cordless Drill


DEWALT DCD985B 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill

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The Dewalt DCD985B is a powerful and versatile hammer drill that is perfect for a variety of applications. Its three-speed, all-metal transmission provides fast application speed and improved run time, while its heavy-duty 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts ensures superior bit-gripping strength. Additionally, the LED light with 20-second delay after trigger release illuminates dark work surfaces for clear visibility.

The Dewalt DCD985B is a top quality hammer drill that comes with a number of features which makes it perfect for a wide range of applications. One of the most notable features of this hammer drill is its three-speed transmission. This feature allows the user to select the most appropriate speed for the job at hand, which can be a great advantage for certain applications. Another great feature of the Dewalt DCD985B is its all-metal construction. This makes the drill extremely durable, which is perfect for those who need a drill that will last.

The Dewalt DCD985B hammer drill is a reliable and powerful tool that is perfect for a variety of applications. Its 20-volt lithium-ion battery provides plenty of power and its Dewalt-designed electronics help protect the tool and battery from overheating, overloading, and deep discharge. The only downside to this drill is that it is a bit on the heavy side, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.

Key features of Dewalt DCD985B

535 unit watts out power

The Dewalt DCD985B hammer drill is a powerful tool that is designed for durability and long life. It has a number of features that make it a good choice for a variety of applications. One of the most notable features is the 20-volt lithium ion battery that provides plenty of power and long life. The other feature that makes this drill stand out is the DEWALT-designed electronics that help to protect the tool and batteries from overheating, overloading, and deep discharge.

2,000 RPM maximum speed

The Dewalt DCD985B hammer drill has a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM. It also has a three-speed all-metal transmission that allows users to select the appropriate speed for the job at hand. This is a significant advantage for applications that require a high level of precision.

1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck

The Dewalt DCD985B hammer drill has a heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts that provide superior bit-gripping strength and reduce slippage during high-torque applications. The all-metal gear housing provides jobsite durability and increased reliability.

Slim handle design

The slim handle design of the Dewalt DCD985B hammer drill makes it comfortable to use for long jobs. The engineering and design team of Dewalt have also adjusted the product footprint and weight allocation for ideal balance and light weight, making it easy to use for anyone.

Advantages Dewalt DCD985B

  1. A heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck for added durability.
  2. The bright built-in LED work light above the trigger illuminates dimly lit spaces.
  3. The premium hammer drill’s slim design improves user comfort and control.
  4. An all-metal gearbox for increased durability.
  5. Variable speed control for greater versatility.
  6. A built-in belt hook for added convenience.
  7. A soft-grip handle for improved comfort during use.

Final verdict – Dewalt DCD985B or DCD996B – Which one is the winner?

The Dewalt DCD985B has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM while the Dewalt DCD996B has a maximum speed of 2250 RPM. The DCD996B is therefore the better choice if you need a faster speed.

The Dewalt DCD985B has a brushed motor while the Dewalt DCD996B has a brushless motor. The brushless motor is more powerful, efficient, and durable than the brushed motor. The DCD996B is also able to run at a higher speed, making it the better choice for most applications.

The DCD985B is a bit lighter and more compact than the DCD996B, making it a good choice for those who need a more maneuverable tool. The DCD996B, on the other hand, has a higher speed and is better suited for heavy-duty applications.

In most other features, Dewalt DCD996B is far ahead of its competitor. Although the price of this unit is a bit higher, comparing the value with the price, its value for money is higher. Therefore, comparing all these features, our final verdict is that Dewalt DCD996B will be a better option than DCD985B.