Dewalt DCD985B vs. DCD995B vs. DCD996B [Full Comparison]

To most professional contractors, craftsmen, woodworkers, carpenters, DIYers, and many other power tool users, the Dewalt name is synonymous with high-quality, durable, and reliable tools.

This is not a wonder as they have been in the industry for more than 80 years and will probably still be there in the next hundred years or more.

If you are planning to upgrade your tool collection, or if you are new to the drilling and driving scene, then this article is a must-read for you. 

Three of Dewalt’s most powerful cordless drills are listed here with information that can guide you in getting the best one suited for your needs.

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

Delivering 34,000 blows per minute, the DCD985B is the ideal drill for construction and heavy-duty work. It has a nice balance because of the ergonomic design, and a 360-degree side handles to make it even more comfortable to use.

Its amazing power and useful features can handle all your hammering and drilling needs at home or the work site.

Weighing just 4.35 pounds, some users still find this hammer drill a bit heavy, but for most, this is hardly noticeable. 

Some overheating is also reported, but this is something that cannot be fixed with a little rest now and then.

Pros:

  • Delivers 450 unit watts out (UWO) of max power
  • Has a built-in LED light with a 20-second delay after trigger release
  • Comes with a heavy-duty, 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck
  • Has a hammer drill capability
  • Has a three-speed motor at 600 rpm, 1,250 rpm, and 2,000 RPM
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Cons:

  • A little heavy
  • Some overheating

 

Dewalt DCD995B 20V Max XR Lithium Ion Brushless Premium Hammer Drill

A suitable hammer drill for tough masonry jobs, the DCD995B can deliver up to 34,000 BPM (Blows Per Minute). It comes with a side handle that is made of a composite material that is lightweight and gives the perfect support for drilling tough surfaces.

This drill operates on a brushless motor which gives you more efficiency with less heat. It comes with features that are ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

The chuck can get loose while in use, so you need to tighten it securely before starting your work to avoid distraction. Also, be ready for the high torque power of this tool as it can cause a strain on your hands and arms.

Pros:

  • Offers 650 unit watts out (UWO) of max power
  • Comes with 3-speed, (0-2,000 rpm) all-metal transmission
  • Has a 3-speed, full metal transmission
  • Uses a brushless motor
  • Equipped with a LED light with a 20-second trigger release delay

Cons:

  • The chuck sometimes gets loose
  • The high torque can cause a slight strain on your wrist

Dewalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless Hammer Drill

A versatile choice, the DCD996B can help you drill holes in concrete or metal quickly and easily. It has a hammer drill feature that you will find useful when working on tough materials. It has LED lights to illuminate your work area, and a side handles to help you drill with precision and control.

This drill gives you high-performance thanks to its brushless motor, speed, and power to drill through concrete with its hammer mechanism feature.

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Some users have noticed a slight noise that this drill makes especially in high settings, and some are looking for an auxiliary handle which I think only comes with Bosch power tools.

Pros:

  • Delivers up to 820 unit watts out (UWO)
  • Runs on a brushless motor
  • Has 3-speed settings
  • Gives you up to 38,250 BPM
  • Comes with ultra-bright, 60 lumens, LED work lights

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with an auxiliary handle
  • Noise levels can be high

Comparison

The DCD995B and the DCD996B share almost the same features, and both run on brushless motors. The difference between these two is that the DCD995B is an older version of the DCD996B which make the latter more powerful and faster than the former.

The DCD996B can drill a hole in a treated wood using the highest speed setting while drilling the same hole with the DCD995B requires you to go back down to speed 2. On the other hand, the DCD985B delivers the least max power among the three, but it comes with the lowest price.

All three hammer drills come as bare tools so do not expect them to come with anything such as batteries, chargers, or other accessories.

Recommendation

If you are a DIY enthusiast or you want some improvements done on your house, the DCD985B is your best bet.

However, if you think that you need more power and speed, then get either the DCD995B or the DCD996B. Although it is recommended that you choose the DCD996B because it is the newer version and can get you more work done.

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