DeWalt DCD800 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Drill Driver Against Compact Hammer Drill

Where these two differ

The DCD800 is a drill driver and the 2804-20 is a hammer drill, both compact and brushless. The Milwaukee has more torque, a metal chuck and a hammer mode; the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper and has none of those. For a timber yard the DeWalt is enough; for a yard with any concrete the Milwaukee is the only one of the two that applies.

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.

Timber

Decks, fences, pergolas, raised beds and sheds on bearers are drill-driver jobs. The DCD800 does them lightly and well. The 2804-20 does them with a stronger chuck and a little more torque, which shows on big spade and auger bits.

Masonry

A post base on a patio, a shed on a slab, a light on a brick pier: the Milwaukee hammers through and the DeWalt does not. This is the single biggest difference and it decides the comparison for any yard with concrete.

Weight and price

The DCD800 is the lighter and cheaper tool and the easier one overhead. The 2804-20 asks more money and a little more weight for its hammer mode and chuck.

Yard jobs this decides

Every timber job is a draw and every concrete job is Milwaukee. Big bits are the second split: the Milwaukee metal chuck and torque pull a two-inch auger with more confidence, though neither drill stops itself on a bind. The platform then decides the mower, the blower and the trimmer, and both systems have them.

Batteries and runtime

Both run an afternoon of light work on a compact pack. The Milwaukee wants a 5 Ah pack for heavy jobs, which an M18 yard tool owner already has. The DeWalt is happy on small packs for most of its life.

Setup tips

Set the DeWalt clutch low for deck screws so heads seat flush without stripping, and pilot hardwood rails before driving. On the Milwaukee, keep the collar on drill for timber and switch to hammer only on masonry, since hammer mode in wood wanders the bit. Both benefit from a second hand on the body with augers.

Batteries and runtime

Both drills run an afternoon of screws on a compact pack. The Milwaukee draws more on heavy work and wants a 5 Ah High Output pack, which an M18 blower owner has. The DeWalt runs happily on small packs for most of its life.

Common owner complaints

DCD800 owners often wish for a hammer mode later. 2804 owners mention price and no bind protection. Both are reliable.

Which one should you buy

Buy the DCD800 if you are on DeWalt, work in timber and want the lightest drill. Buy the 2804-20 if you are on Milwaukee or have concrete to drill. A DeWalt owner with concrete should buy the DCD805, which is the fairer rival.

Our verdict

The Milwaukee 2804-20 is the more capable drill and takes this comparison. The DeWalt DCD800 is the better value for a timber-only yard and a lighter hand.