Quick verdict
The DCD805 is the drill for everyday yard work; the DCD999 is the drill for big bits, deep concrete and bucket mixing. Buy the compact unless the project list includes large augers, hole saws through posts or a lot of masonry, in which case the DCD999 with a FlexVolt battery is worth the weight and the money.
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the compact two-speed XR hammer drill: light, short, brushless and strong enough for deck screws, post hardware, bulb augers and anchors in a slab. It is the drill most households reach for most of the time, and it rides a ladder and a tool belt without complaint.
DeWalt DCD805 compact hammer drill versus DeWalt DCD999 FlexVolt Advantage hammer drill: speeds, power, clutch, weight and the yard jobs each suits, from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best All-Round Yard Drill | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD999 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill | Best for Large Augers and Heavy Masonry | 8.9 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the compact two-speed XR hammer drill: light, short, brushless and strong enough for deck screws, post hardware, bulb augers and anchors in a slab. It is the drill most households reach for most of the time, and it rides a ladder and a tool belt without complaint.
Reasons to buy
- Compact and light for ladders and tight spaces
- Two-speed brushless with hammer mode
- Covers deck, fence and shed anchoring
- Lower price
Reasons to avoid
- Strains on large augers and hole saws
- No anti-bind electronic clutch
- Less power than the DCD999 on a FlexVolt pack
DeWalt DCD999 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill
The DCD999 is the heavy-duty XR hammer drill with three speeds, a larger motor, an electronic clutch that stops the tool when a bit binds, and the FlexVolt Advantage system that gives more power with a FlexVolt battery. It drives big augers, large hole saws, mixing paddles and deep masonry holes. It is heavier and longer than the DCD805.
Reasons to buy
- Three speeds for large bits and fine control
- E-Clutch stops the tool when the bit binds
- More power with a FlexVolt battery
- Built for long masonry and mixing jobs
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier and longer
- Costs more
- Overkill for screws and small holes
Where these two differ
The DCD805 is the compact XR hammer drill and the DCD999 is the heavy one. Both are brushless 20V MAX XR with hammer modes and half-inch chucks. The DCD999 adds a third speed, a larger motor, an electronic anti-bind clutch and the FlexVolt Advantage system that boosts power on a FlexVolt battery, and it carries the weight and the price that go with them.
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 | DCD999 |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Compact XR | Heavy-duty XR, FlexVolt Advantage |
| Speeds | 2 | 3 |
| Clutch | Mechanical | E-Clutch anti-bind |
| Hammer mode | Yes | Yes |
| Power on FlexVolt pack | Standard | Boosted per DeWalt |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
Everyday yard work
Deck screws, fence rail pilots, hardware on posts, a bulb auger, a hose reel on the wall: the DCD805 does all of it with power to spare and weighs little enough to carry up a ladder all afternoon. The DCD999 does it too, with more tool in the hand than the job needs.
Big bits and binding
A two-inch auger through a post, a four-inch hole saw for a vent, a paddle in a bucket of post mix: these load a drill hard and the bit can catch. The DCD999 three-speed gearbox has a low range built for big bits and the E-Clutch cuts power the instant a bind is sensed, which saves wrists. The DCD805 manages small augers and hole saws and strains on large ones, with only a mechanical clutch between the bit and the hand.
Masonry
Both hammer. For a few anchors in a slab the DCD805 is quick enough. For a shed base with a dozen deep holes, a brick wall of fixings or repeated work in block, the DCD999 motor and gearing finish faster and run cooler.
Batteries
Both run on 20V MAX packs. The DCD999 unlocks more power on a FlexVolt pack, which is the pack most owners of a FlexVolt mower or blower already have. On a compact 20V pack the gap between the two drills is smaller.
Common owner complaints
DCD805 owners mention stalling on large hole saws, which is a mismatch of tool and job. DCD999 owners mention the weight on overhead work and the E-Clutch cutting out on a dull bit. Both drills have a long record of reliability.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD805 for the normal run of yard and deck work; it is lighter, cheaper and strong enough. Buy the DCD999 if the project list has large augers, hole saws, mixing or heavy masonry, or if a FlexVolt platform is already in the shed. Many owners keep both: the compact on the belt and the heavy one on the bench.
Our verdict
The DCD805 is the better buy for most households and the drill used most. The DCD999 is the better tool for the heavy jobs and earns its place when those jobs exist.
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
Bit size
Spade and small auger bits suit the DCD805. Two-inch augers, large hole saws and mixing paddles suit the DCD999 and its anti-bind clutch.
Masonry depth
Occasional anchors favor the DCD805. Repeated deep holes in concrete favor the DCD999.
Weight and reach
On a ladder or a pergola the compact DCD805 is easier. On a bench or a post the DCD999 weight is no issue.
Batteries owned
The DCD999 gives its best on FlexVolt packs. On a 20V pack it is still strong but the gap to the DCD805 narrows.
Our verdict
The DCD805 is the drill for everyday yard work; the DCD999 is the drill for big bits, deep concrete and bucket mixing. Buy the compact unless the project list includes large augers, hole saws through posts or a lot of masonry, in which case the DCD999 with a FlexVolt battery is worth the weight and the money.
FAQs
An electronic sensor that cuts power when the drill detects a sudden bind, so a large bit catching does not wrench the wrist. The DCD805 has a mechanical clutch only.
No. It runs on any 20V MAX pack. FlexVolt packs unlock extra power, as DeWalt advertises.
Yes. Pilots, countersinks and hardware are compact drill work. Pair it with an impact driver for the screws.
The DCD999, with its larger motor and three speeds, on deep or repeated holes. For a few anchors, the DCD805 is fine.
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