DeWalt All-Purpose Drills with Hammer Function
Did you think we would call these just “hammer drills”? They are, but that’s not all they can do. Sure, they can sink TapCons in concrete. But turn off the hammer and use them to drill wood and metal, too. Let’s look at both models to see which one will be the best for you.
DEWALT DCD985B 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Drill Driver
This is a pro tool. The DCD985 is rated to have 450 unit watts out of torque, and it has a 3-speed all-metal transmission. If you have a regular need for a powerful drill, this could be the one for you. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a brushless motor. See the DCD995 below if brushless is what you want.
Turn off the hammer function and use the DCD985 to drill wood and metal. It can handle up to a 4” hole saw bit in wood and 1-3/8” hole saw bit in metal. Since it has a ½” all-metal ratcheting chuck, you can use a wide range of other accessories like sanding pads and wire brushes with it. The chuck itself has carbide inserts to keep a firm grip on any bit.
Turn on the hammer and pound away at up to 34,000bpm (blows per minute) in the highest gear. The variable-speed trigger gives you precise control at each of the 22 clutch settings and at each of the 3 transmission gears. Low gear ranges from 0-600rpm, medium covers 0-1250rpm, and high gear is 0-2000rpm.
There is an LED work light mounted below the chuck. It turns on when you press the trigger, and stays lit for 20 seconds to keep your work area illuminated while you grab the next fastener. The light runs off the same battery as the drill itself.
Since the DCD985 here is sold as a bare tool, it doesn’t come with a battery. It’s compatible with any of the DeWalt 20V MAX lithium-ion battery packs, from 1.5Ah up to 5.0Ah. These packs have a built-in fuel gauge so you can see how much charge is left. The smaller capacity packs recharge in as little as 30 minutes.
One last note: DeWalt says this drill was designed for builders, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—anyone who need a powerful, reliable tool for everyday work.
More features of the DeWalt DCD985B hammer drill
- Comes with just a 360-degree rotatable side handle
- DeWalt offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year free service contract, and a 3-year limited warranty
DEWALT DCD995B 20V Max XR Lithium Ion Brushless Premium Hammer Drill Bare Tool
The DCD995B has more torque than the DCD985B, and is powered by a brushless motor. This means it runs cooler and quieter, gets more work done on each battery charge, and has a longer life expectancy than a tool with a brushed motor.
Specifically, it’s rated for 650 UWO (unit watts out) of torque, and speed up to 2000rpm. Like the DCD985, it also has a 3-gear all-metal transmission. It also hammers out up to 34,000bpm on the hammer setting. This means you can sink TapCon fasteners into concrete in just a few seconds.
There are just 11 settings for the electronic clutch. The clutch senses if the drill is straining, and it will shut off the motor to save it from burnout. You’ll have to release the trigger and then press it again to restart the drill.
DeWalt included an LED work light with a new design. It’s located at the foot of the drill so it doesn’t cast shadows. It also has a 20-second delay before it shuts off when you release the trigger.
The DCD995B is compatible with DeWalt’s 20V MAX lithium-ion battery packs. Match it with a 5.0Ah capacity battery for the longest runtime possible.
More features of the DeWalt DCD995B hammer drill
- Comes with a 360-degree rotatable side handle, belt hook, and on-board bit holder
- Weighs 3.4 pounds without battery, measures 8.4 inches long (back to front)
- DeWalt offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year free service contract, and a 3-year limited warranty
Recommendation
For everyday drilling and occasional hammer drilling, the DCD985B is more than adequate. It’s been on the market for a few years and has proven to be a durable and reliable tool for many professionals.
For maximum durability and power, consider getting the DCD995B. It has a superior brushless motor and more torque than the DCD985B. It will run for longer on a single battery charge.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DCD985B on Amazon!
Click here to purchase DEWALT DCD995B on Amazon!