Quick verdict
A light timber drill against a full-power hammer drill. The Makita XPH14Z does everything the DeWalt DCD800 does and adds masonry and big-bit torque; the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper. Buy by platform, and on DeWalt with concrete in the plan, compare the DCD805 or DCD999 instead.
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH14Z is the full-power LXT hammer driver-drill with 1,250 inch-pounds, 2,100 RPM and a hammer mode. It handles timber, big bits and masonry and runs on LXT batteries shared with the broadest yard tool range on 18V.
DeWalt DCD800 compact drill driver versus Makita XPH14Z full-power hammer driver-drill: hammer mode, torque, weight and yard tool platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill | Best Full-Power Drill for Mixed Yards | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver | Best Light Drill for Timber | 8.6 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH14Z is the full-power LXT hammer driver-drill with 1,250 inch-pounds, 2,100 RPM and a hammer mode. It handles timber, big bits and masonry and runs on LXT batteries shared with the broadest yard tool range on 18V.
Reasons to buy
- Hammer mode and 1,250 in-lbs
- Handles augers, hole saws and masonry
- LXT platform depth
- Makita build
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier and longer
- Costs more
- No bind protection
DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver
The DCD800 is the compact XR drill driver: brushless, two speeds to 2,000 RPM, a ratcheting chuck and no hammer mode. It is the lightest serious DeWalt drill and handles all timber yard work on 20V MAX batteries.
Reasons to buy
- Lightest drill of the pair
- Brushless with ratcheting chuck
- Lower price
- DeWalt 20V MAX platform
Reasons to avoid
- No hammer mode
- Less torque
- Strains on big bits
Where these two differ
The DCD800 is DeWalt’s lightest serious drill and the XPH14Z is Makita’s full-power hammer drill. One has no hammer mode and modest torque in a light body; the other has a hammer mode and 1,250 inch-pounds in a heavy one. They overlap on timber and nowhere else.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both drills and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either drill ourselves.
| Specification | DCD800 | XPH14Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Makita 18V LXT |
| Hammer mode | No | Yes |
| Torque | 1,000 UWO rating | 1,250 in-lbs |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Timber
Both drive screws, pilot rails, fit hardware and run small augers. The DeWalt does it with the least weight; the Makita with the most reserve. For a deck and a fence, either works and the DeWalt is the more pleasant tool overhead.
Masonry and big bits
The Makita hammers a slab, bores a 6×6 with a two-inch auger and runs a paddle in a bucket. The DeWalt does not hammer and strains on big bits. Any of those jobs rules the DCD800 out.
Weight
A compact drill driver against a full-size hammer drill: the DeWalt is far easier to hold all afternoon. That is its whole argument and it is a good one for a timber yard.
Yard jobs this decides
Concrete and big bits decide for the Makita. Long overhead sessions decide for the DeWalt. The platform then decides the mower and the blower; Makita LXT has the broadest range and DeWalt covers the essentials. A DeWalt owner who wants hammer mode has the DCD805 and the DCD999 to choose from.
Batteries and runtime
The DCD800 runs on a compact pack all afternoon. The XPH14Z wants a 5 Ah pack on heavy work, which an LXT mower owner has. Neither is short of runtime for yard use.
Setup tips
Keep the DeWalt on a 2 Ah pack for the overhead work it is best at and let an impact driver take the screws on a full deck. Use the Makita low gear for augers and hole saws and clear chips often. Neither has a bind sensor, so a braced second hand is the habit to form with big bits on either.
Batteries and runtime
A compact LXT or 20V pack lasts a session of light drilling on either tool. The Makita wants a 5 Ah pack for sustained boring, which an LXT mower owner already keeps charged.
Common owner complaints
DCD800 owners wish for a hammer mode later. XPH14Z owners mention weight and a stiff mode collar when new. Both last.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD800 for a timber yard on DeWalt batteries and a light hand. Buy the XPH14Z for a mixed yard on LXT batteries with concrete and big bits ahead. On DeWalt with concrete, buy the DCD805 instead.
Our verdict
The Makita XPH14Z is the more capable drill and takes this comparison. The DeWalt DCD800 is the better buy for a timber-only yard and anyone who values a light tool.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Masonry
Only the Makita hammers.
Weight
The DeWalt is much lighter and easier overhead.
Platform
DeWalt 20V MAX or Makita LXT packs decide it.
Price
The DeWalt costs less.
Our verdict
A light timber drill against a full-power hammer drill. The Makita XPH14Z does everything the DeWalt DCD800 does and adds masonry and big-bit torque; the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper. Buy by platform, and on DeWalt with concrete in the plan, compare the DCD805 or DCD999 instead.
FAQs
Yes, pilots and hardware; an impact driver for the screws. Posts bored with large augers are a struggle.
It is a full-size drill. Fine on a bench or a post; tiring overhead for long sessions.
No. Brace a hand with big bits.
Makita LXT is the broadest 18V outdoor system. DeWalt covers the essentials on 20V MAX and FlexVolt.
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