Quick verdict
The DeWalt DCD805 is the lighter everyday drill; the Makita XPH14Z is the stronger full-power drill. Both cover a yard. Buy by platform, and if starting fresh, buy by the mower and blower you want on the same battery, since both drills are more than good enough.
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH14Z is the full-power 18V LXT hammer driver-drill: 1,250 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,100 RPM, 31,500 BPM. It is a heavier, stronger drill for posts, hole saws and masonry and it shares LXT batteries with the widest 18V yard range.
DeWalt DCD805 compact XR hammer drill versus Makita XPH14Z full-power LXT hammer driver-drill: torque, weight, speed 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 on Makita | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best Light Compact on DeWalt | 8.8 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH14Z is the full-power 18V LXT hammer driver-drill: 1,250 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,100 RPM, 31,500 BPM. It is a heavier, stronger drill for posts, hole saws and masonry and it shares LXT batteries with the widest 18V yard range.
Reasons to buy
- 1,250 in-lbs and 2,100 RPM
- Strong on augers, hole saws and masonry
- LXT platform depth for yard tools
- Makita build
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier and longer
- Costs more
- No bind protection
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the compact 20V MAX XR hammer drill: light, short, two speeds to 2,000 RPM, a ratcheting chuck and a hammer mode. It is the everyday DeWalt drill for decks, fences and anchors and shares batteries with DeWalt yard tools.
Reasons to buy
- Light and compact
- XR brushless efficiency
- Lower price
- DeWalt 20V MAX platform
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque than the Makita
- Lighter chuck
- No bind protection
Where these two differ
A compact drill against a full-power one. The DeWalt DCD805 is light, short and strong enough for most yard work; the Makita XPH14Z is heavier, longer and stronger for the rest of it. Both have hammer modes and half-inch chucks, and both sit on platforms with full outdoor ranges.
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 | XPH14Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Makita 18V LXT |
| Torque | 1,000 UWO rating | 1,250 in-lbs |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Hammer rate | 34,000 BPM | 31,500 BPM |
| Class | Compact | Full power |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Everyday work
Screws, pilots, hardware, bulb augers and a few anchors are compact drill work, and the DeWalt does them with less weight and a shorter body that fits between joists. The Makita does them too, with more drill in the hand than the job needs.
Heavy work
A two-inch auger through a post, a large hole saw, a paddle in a bucket and a row of deep anchors in a slab are where the Makita torque and mass pay. The DeWalt manages small augers and occasional anchors and strains on the rest. Neither drill stops itself when a bit binds.
Weight and size
The DCD805 is one of the lightest hammer drills with real power. The XPH14Z is a full-size tool. Overhead and on a ladder the DeWalt is easier; on a post or a bench the Makita weight is no issue.
Yard jobs this decides
The platform decides more than the drill. DeWalt 20V MAX and FlexVolt run mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws; Makita LXT runs the widest range of all, including two-pack 36V tools. The specific mower you want should choose the system, and the drill follows.
Batteries and runtime
Both are efficient brushless motors. A compact pack lasts an afternoon of light work on either; a 5 Ah pack lasts a heavy session, and both platforms share that pack with the mower.
Setup tips
Run the DeWalt on a compact pack for overhead work and switch to a 5 Ah pack when an auger goes in. Keep the Makita in low gear for big bits and brace a hand on the body, since neither drill stops itself on a bind. A sharp bit matters more than the torque difference on either.
Common owner complaints
DCD805 owners mention the belt clip and LED. XPH14Z owners mention weight and a stiff mode collar when new. Both drills last.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD805 if you are on DeWalt or want a light drill for everyday work. Buy the XPH14Z if you are on Makita or have heavy drilling ahead. Starting fresh, choose the yard tools first.
Our verdict
The Makita XPH14Z is the more capable drill and the DeWalt DCD805 the more convenient one. For a yard with heavy jobs the Makita takes it; for a yard of screws and pilots the DeWalt is the smarter buy.
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
Platform
DeWalt 20V MAX or Makita LXT packs in the shed decide it.
Weight
The DeWalt is noticeably lighter for overhead work.
Torque
The Makita has more for big bits and long masonry sessions.
Price
The DeWalt costs less.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DCD805 is the lighter everyday drill; the Makita XPH14Z is the stronger full-power drill. Both cover a yard. Buy by platform, and if starting fresh, buy by the mower and blower you want on the same battery, since both drills are more than good enough.
FAQs
It is a full-size drill against a compact, so yes, and it is longer. The compact Makita equivalent is the XPH16Z.
The Makita, with more torque and a higher blow rate, on deep or repeated holes. For a few anchors the DeWalt is fine.
Makita LXT is the broadest 18V outdoor system; DeWalt 20V MAX plus FlexVolt covers mowers, blowers and more.
No. Brace a hand with big bits on either.
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