Quick verdict
Both are full-power hammer drills; the DeWalt is the heavier, dearer one with a third speed and a bind sensor, and the Makita is the lighter one on the deeper yard platform. The DCD999 wins on sustained heavy work with FlexVolt packs; the XPH14Z wins for the mixed yard and the household that wants one battery for everything.
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 31,500 BPM. It handles posts, hole saws and masonry at a lower weight and price than the DeWalt, without a bind sensor, on the broadest 18V yard platform.
DeWalt DCD999 FlexVolt Advantage hammer drill versus Makita XPH14Z LXT hammer driver-drill: speeds, torque, E-Clutch, 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 Most Yards | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD999 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill | Best for Mixing and Deep Concrete | 8.9 | 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 31,500 BPM. It handles posts, hole saws and masonry at a lower weight and price than the DeWalt, without a bind sensor, on the broadest 18V yard platform.
Reasons to buy
- 1,250 in-lbs and 2,100 RPM
- Lighter and cheaper than the DCD999
- LXT platform depth for yard tools
- Makita build
Reasons to avoid
- No bind protection
- Two speeds
- Less power than the DeWalt on FlexVolt
DeWalt DCD999 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill
The DCD999 is the heavy XR hammer drill with three speeds, an E-Clutch and FlexVolt Advantage power. It is the strongest DeWalt drill for mixing, large hole saws and deep masonry, and it is heavy and expensive.
Reasons to buy
- Three speeds with a low range
- E-Clutch bind protection
- FlexVolt power boost
- Built for sustained heavy work
Reasons to avoid
- Heaviest and dearest of the two
- Overkill for most yards
- Best only on FlexVolt packs
Where these two differ
Two full-power hammer drills from the top of their ranges. The DeWalt DCD999 has three speeds, an E-Clutch and a power boost on FlexVolt batteries, and it is the heavier and dearer tool. The Makita XPH14Z has two speeds, 1,250 inch-pounds and no bind sensor, and it is lighter, cheaper and on the platform with the most yard tools.
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 | DCD999 | XPH14Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX, FlexVolt Advantage | Makita 18V LXT |
| Speeds | 3 | 2 |
| Bind control | E-Clutch | None |
| Torque | Boosted on FlexVolt | 1,250 in-lbs |
| Weight | Heavy | Mid |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Power and gearing
The DeWalt low gear and FlexVolt boost make it the stronger drill for mixing and large hole saws, and it runs cooler on a long session. The Makita pulls the same bits for a homeowner job and spins a little faster at the top. On a single post or anchor there is nothing between them.
Bind protection
The E-Clutch stops the DeWalt when a bit catches. The Makita relies on its mechanical clutch and a braced hand. With a two-inch auger, that is a real difference in favor of the DeWalt.
Weight
The XPH14Z is a full-size drill; the DCD999 is a heavy-duty one. The Makita is the easier tool for overhead work and long sessions, and most yard drilling is neither sustained nor heavy enough to need the DeWalt mass.
Yard jobs this decides
A long run of fence posts set in concrete and bored for bolts favors the DCD999. A deck, a shed, a few anchors and a bulb auger favor the lighter Makita. The platform then decides the mower: LXT has the broadest outdoor range, FlexVolt has strong 60V mowers and blowers that share packs with the DCD999.
Batteries and runtime
The DeWalt wants FlexVolt packs to deliver its rating. The Makita runs a 5 Ah LXT pack on heavy work and a compact pack on light. Neither is short of runtime for a yard.
Common owner complaints
DCD999 owners mention weight and the clutch tripping on dull bits. XPH14Z owners mention a stiff mode collar and no bind protection. Both drills last.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD999 if you drill heavily and own FlexVolt packs. Buy the XPH14Z for a mixed yard, a lighter tool and the LXT yard range.
Our verdict
The Makita XPH14Z takes this comparison for most yards on weight, price and platform. The DeWalt DCD999 is the stronger drill for sustained heavy work and the right choice for a FlexVolt shed.
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
Sustained heavy drilling
Mixing and boring all day favor the DCD999 and its low gear.
Weight
The Makita is lighter and easier for long sessions.
Bind protection
Only the DeWalt stops itself.
Platform
FlexVolt owners get the DCD999 at its best; LXT is the broadest yard system.
Our verdict
Both are full-power hammer drills; the DeWalt is the heavier, dearer one with a third speed and a bind sensor, and the Makita is the lighter one on the deeper yard platform. The DCD999 wins on sustained heavy work with FlexVolt packs; the XPH14Z wins for the mixed yard and the household that wants one battery for everything.
FAQs
The DCD999 on a FlexVolt pack by DeWalt rating. On a standard pack the two are close and the Makita is lighter.
No. The DeWalt E-Clutch does. Brace a hand with big bits on the Makita.
Makita LXT, including two-pack 36V mowers and blowers. DeWalt FlexVolt covers mowers and blowers at 60V.
The XPH14Z unless the work is unusually heavy or FlexVolt packs are already owned.
Related guides
Milwaukee 2904-20 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Is the Gen 4 Hammer Drill Worth the Upgrade
DeWalt DCD999 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Heavy FlexVolt Advantage Against Compact M18 FUEL
DeWalt DCD800 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Drill Driver Against Compact Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD800 vs Makita XPH14Z: Light XR Driver Against Full-Power LXT Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD805 vs Makita XPH14Z: Compact XR Against the LXT Flagship Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD805 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: The Two Compact Hammer Drills Most People Cross-Shop
FLEX FX1271T-2B vs Ryobi PBLHM101B: 24V Turbo Hammer Drill Against the ONE+ HP
