DeWALT DCD796 MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DeWalt DCD796 is a cordless hammer drill/driver from DeWalt's 20V MAX XR platform, incorporating brushless motor technology for enhanced runtime and durability. The model designation "DCD796" identifies it as part of DeWalt's drill/driver product line, with the hammer function distinguishing it from standard drill/driver models by adding impact drilling capability for masonry applications.
The drill is characterized by its brushless motor delivering up to 57% more runtime compared to brushed motor equivalents, representing a significant efficiency advantage. The compact design measures 7.5 inches front to back with a weight of 2.7 pounds (tool only), making it one of the more compact professional-grade hammer drills available for work in confined spaces.
The DCD796 features a high-speed transmission with 2-speed settings of 0-550 and 0-2,000 RPM, delivering what DeWalt claims is up to 30% faster application speeds compared to previous generation models. The hammer function provides 34,000 blows per minute for drilling into concrete, brick, and other masonry materials when the drill/driver's standard rotational action proves insufficient.
Technical Specifications
Motor and Power System
The DCD796 employs DeWalt's brushless motor technology, which eliminates the carbon brushes found in traditional motors, reducing friction and wear while increasing efficiency. This brushless design delivers up to 57% more runtimefrom a given battery charge compared to brushed motors, a crucial advantage for cordless tools where battery capacity directly limits working duration. The brushless motor requires no periodic brush replacement, reducing maintenance requirements and extending the tool's operational life.
Speed and Torque Specifications
The drill features a 2-speed transmission providing 0-550 RPM in low gear and 0-2,000 RPM in high gear, allowing users to select appropriate speeds for different applications. Low gear provides higher torque for driving large fasteners and drilling large diameter holes, while high gear delivers faster rotation for drilling small holes and driving small screws. The maximum torque output reaches 70 Newton metres, providing sufficient power for demanding drilling and driving operations in construction and woodworking applications.
Hammer Drill Performance
In hammer drill mode, the DCD796 delivers 34,000 blows per minute, creating the percussive action necessary for drilling through concrete, brick, and block materials. This impact rate, combined with the rotational speed, enables efficient drilling in masonry applications that would stall or damage a standard drill. The hammer mechanism engages through a mode selector, allowing users to switch between standard drilling/driving operation and hammer drill mode as required by the material being worked.
Chuck and Capacity
The drill incorporates a metal 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck providing superior bit gripping strength compared to keyless chucks with less robust construction. The ratcheting mechanism enables single-handed chuck tightening, maintaining secure bit retention even under the high torque loads generated during heavy-duty drilling operations. The 1/2-inch chuck capacity accommodates a wide range of drill bit and driver bit shank sizes commonly used in construction and woodworking trades.
Physical Specifications
With a compact front-to-back length of 7.5 inches, the DCD796 ranks among the shorter cordless drills in its power class, facilitating operation in confined spaces such as between wall studs or in cabinet interiors. The drill weighs 2.7 pounds without battery, providing good balance between substantial enough construction for durability and light enough weight to minimize operator fatigue during overhead work or extended use periods.
Key Features
Brushless Motor Efficiency
The DeWalt brushless motor represents a significant technological advancement over traditional brush-type motors. By eliminating friction-generating carbon brushes, the motor operates more efficiently, converting more of the battery's energy into useful work rather than waste heat. This 57% runtime improvement over brushed motors means users can complete more work per battery charge, reducing downtime for battery changes and improving productivity on job sites where charging facilities may be limited.
Enhanced Application Speed
DeWalt claims the DCD796 delivers up to 30% faster application speeds compared to previous generation models, attributed to the increased power and efficiency of the brushless motor combined with optimized transmission gearing. This performance improvement translates to faster completion of repetitive drilling and driving tasks, particularly valuable in production environments or large installation projects where numerous fasteners must be driven or holes drilled.
LED Work Light System
The drill incorporates a 3-mode LED system providing illumination in dark or confined spaces. The LED spotlight mode features a 20-minute shutoff function, allowing for extended worktime in areas with poor lighting without requiring the user to maintain constant trigger pressure. The three lighting modes allow users to select appropriate illumination intensity for different working conditions, conserving battery power when full illumination is unnecessary.
Ergonomic Design
The DCD796 features an ergonomic comfort grip handle designed to provide ideal balance and tool control during extended use periods. The grip design incorporates rubber overmolding to improve comfort and reduce vibration transmission to the operator's hand. Combined with the tool's compact dimensions and light weight, the ergonomic handle design helps minimize operator fatigue, particularly important during overhead work or when operating the drill for extended periods throughout a working day.
Compact Access Design
The 7.5-inch front-to-back dimension enables the DCD796 to fit into tight areas where longer drills cannot access. This compact design proves particularly valuable in renovation work where drilling or driving must occur between existing framing members, inside cabinet carcasses, or in other space-constrained locations. Despite the reduced length, the drill maintains full power and functionality, avoiding the performance compromises sometimes associated with ultra-compact tool designs.
Applications
Construction and Framing
The DCD796's combination of hammer drilling capability and high torque output makes it well-suited for construction and framing applications where both wood drilling/fastening and occasional concrete drilling are required. The drill can drive large-diameter structural screws, drill holes through multiple framing members, and create anchor holes in concrete or block foundations. The cordless design eliminates the need for power cords on construction sites, improving mobility and reducing trip hazards.
Electrical and Plumbing Installation
Electrical contractors and plumbers benefit from the DCD796's compact design when working in confined spaces typical of retrofit installations. The 7.5-inch length allows drilling between wall studs for wire routing or pipe installation, while the hammer function enables anchor installation in concrete or masonry walls. The 20V MAX battery platform compatibility means trades using multiple DeWalt cordless tools can share batteries across their entire tool collection, reducing the number of chargers and spare batteries required on job sites.
Cabinet and Furniture Installation
Cabinet installers utilize the DCD796's precision speed control and compact dimensions when mounting cabinets and installing hardware. The variable speed trigger enables careful control when driving screws into finished surfaces where overdriving would cause damage. The drill's light weight reduces fatigue during extended installation sessions, while the LED work lights help illuminate cabinet interiors and other dimly-lit installation locations.
General Woodworking
Woodworkers appreciate the DCD796's balance of power and compactness for furniture assembly, project construction, and hardware installation. The 1/2-inch chuck accommodates the full range of woodworking drill bits and driver bits, while the 2-speed transmission allows selection of appropriate speeds for different operations. The 70 Nm maximum torque proves sufficient for driving large wood screws and drilling large diameter holes, while the variable speed control enables precision when working with delicate materials or finishing operations.
Masonry Applications
While not intended as a heavy-duty rotary hammer replacement, the DCD796's 34,000 blows per minute hammer function handles light to moderate masonry drilling tasks effectively. The tool can drill holes for wall anchors, small diameter holes for conduit installation, and create fixing points in concrete or brick walls. The hammer function's on-demand availability eliminates the need to carry separate rotary hammers for occasional masonry drilling requirements, reducing tool inventory for trades working primarily in wood but occasionally encountering masonry materials.