Quick verdict
These are the same drill with and without a hammer mode. Buy the DCD805 if the yard has a slab, a block shed base or brick to anchor into; buy the DCD800 if everything is timber and you want the lighter, cheaper tool. Nothing else about them differs enough to matter.
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the hammer drill version of the compact 20V MAX XR brushless drill: the same two-speed motor, the same half-inch ratcheting chuck and the same power rating, with a hammer mode for anchors in a concrete slab, a brick wall or a block shed base. For a yard that mixes deck screws with masonry fixings, the hammer mode is the difference.
DeWalt DCD805 hammer drill versus DeWalt DCD800 drill driver: the same compact XR drill with and without hammer mode, compared from published specifications for deck, fence and masonry work.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best for Masonry and Mixed Jobs | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver | Best for Wood and Lighter Weight | 8.6 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the hammer drill version of the compact 20V MAX XR brushless drill: the same two-speed motor, the same half-inch ratcheting chuck and the same power rating, with a hammer mode for anchors in a concrete slab, a brick wall or a block shed base. For a yard that mixes deck screws with masonry fixings, the hammer mode is the difference.
Reasons to buy
- Hammer mode for concrete, brick and block anchors
- Same compact size and two-speed motor as the DCD800
- Half-inch ratcheting chuck holds auger and spade bits
- XR brushless efficiency on 20V MAX packs
Reasons to avoid
- A fraction heavier and longer than the DCD800
- Hammer mode is unused on an all-timber yard
- Usually a little more expensive
DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver
The DCD800 is the drill driver of the pair: identical motor, chuck and speeds, no hammer mode, slightly lighter and shorter. It drives deck screws, drills post holes for hardware and runs an auger bit for bulbs all day. If nothing in the yard is concrete, it is the lighter tool for the same money or a little less.
Reasons to buy
- Lightest and shortest of the XR compact pair
- Same chuck, speeds and power for wood and metal
- Often cheaper
- Fits a tighter space between joists
Reasons to avoid
- No hammer mode; masonry anchors are slow
- Same battery platform cost as the DCD805
- Nothing else separates it
Where these two differ
The DCD805 and the DCD800 are the same compact brushless XR drill, built on the same motor, chuck, speeds and power rating. The DCD805 adds a hammer mode for masonry; the DCD800 leaves it out and is a touch lighter and shorter for it. That is the whole difference, and it decides the purchase for most yards in one question: is there any concrete or brick to anchor into?
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 | DCD805 | DCD800 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless XR | Brushless XR |
| Speeds | 0 to 650 / 0 to 2,000 RPM | 0 to 650 / 0 to 2,000 RPM |
| Hammer mode | Yes | No |
| Chuck | 1/2 inch ratcheting | 1/2 inch ratcheting |
| Power rating | 1,000 UWO | 1,000 UWO |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Slightly lighter |
What they share
Both drive deck screws, pilot fence rails, run a spade bit through a post, spin an auger for bulb planting and mix a bucket of concrete with a paddle. The two-speed gearbox gives torque in low and speed in high, the brushless motor stretches a 20V battery, and the ratcheting chuck holds a bit without slipping. On every job that is wood, metal or plastic, the two drills are interchangeable.
Where the hammer matters
A hammer mode adds thousands of blows per minute behind the bit so a masonry bit chips its way into concrete, brick or block. Anchoring a shed base to a slab, fixing a post base to a patio, mounting a hose reel to a brick wall or a light to a block pier are hammer jobs. The DCD800 with a masonry bit will drill a small shallow hole slowly; the DCD805 does it quickly and repeatedly. If any of those jobs are on the list, the DCD805 is the right drill.
Where the lighter tool matters
The hammer mechanism adds a little weight and length. Driving screws overhead on a pergola or working between joists, the DCD800 is slightly easier to hold and fits slightly tighter spaces. For an all-timber yard with a deck and a fence, that is the better trade.
Price and kits
The DCD805 costs a little more as a bare tool. In a kit with batteries and a charger the gap is small, and the kit is the sensible way to start on a platform. Both run every other 20V MAX tool in the shed.
Common owner complaints
Owners of both mention the belt clip loosening and the LED being below the chuck where the hand shades it. DCD805 owners occasionally mention a hammer mode selector that is stiff when new. Neither drill has a pattern of motor or chuck failure.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD805 if the yard has a slab, a wall or a pier to anchor into now or later; the hammer mode costs little and is there when needed. Buy the DCD800 if everything is timber and the lighter tool and the small saving appeal. Owners who guess wrong usually wish they had the hammer.
Our verdict
The DCD805 is the better buy for most yards because masonry turns up eventually. The DCD800 is the right choice for a timber-only property and a lighter hand.
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
Any concrete in the plan
A shed on a slab, a post base on a patio, a hose reel on brick: each needs a hammer mode. If none applies, save the weight.
Weight on a ladder
The DCD800 is a little lighter and shorter, which is felt driving screws overhead on a pergola.
Price
The hammer version costs a little more. On a kit with batteries the gap shrinks.
Battery platform
Both run on 20V MAX packs, so the choice does not change what else you can own.
Our verdict
These are the same drill with and without a hammer mode. Buy the DCD805 if the yard has a slab, a block shed base or brick to anchor into; buy the DCD800 if everything is timber and you want the lighter, cheaper tool. Nothing else about them differs enough to matter.
FAQs
No. DeWalt rates both the same; the DCD805 adds a hammer mechanism, not more torque.
Slowly, with a masonry bit, for a small shallow hole. A hammer drill is many times faster and the DCD805 does it properly.
Either. For a full deck an impact driver beside the drill is the right pairing; both drills pilot and countersink equally.
Yes, both have a half-inch ratcheting chuck for augers, spades, hole saws and mixers.
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