DeWalt Hammer Drills: Models, Specs, and Pricing
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DeWalt makes cordless hammer drills on the 20V MAX platform that pull double duty as standard drill-drivers with a hammer mode for masonry. The DCD996 is the flagship, built around a 3-speed brushless motor that pushes through concrete and brick without bogging down. For lighter masonry work, the DCD778 costs less and still gets the job done.
DeWalt 20V MAX Platform
All DeWalt 20V MAX batteries work in both models. The DCD996 draws hard on batteries during sustained masonry drilling, so a 5.0Ah pack is worth the extra cost.
Current Models
DeWalt DCD996B
DCD996B
Premium brushless hammer drill. Three speeds, metal chuck, and enough percussion to drill 1-inch holes in poured concrete.
DeWalt DCD778C1
DCD778C1
Mid-range brushless. Handles mortar joints, brick, and light concrete anchoring. Ships as a kit with battery and charger.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | DCD996B | DCD778C1 |
|---|---|---|
| torque | 820 UWO | 550 UWO |
| rpm | 2,000 | 1,750 |
| bpm | 38,250 | 29,750 |
| chuck | 1/2" metal ratcheting | 1/2" metal ratcheting |
| weight | 4.4 lbs | 3.8 lbs |
| speeds | 3 | 2 |
| Price | $149 bare | $139 kit (1.3Ah) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hammer drill or can I just use a regular drill?
For wood and metal, a standard drill-driver is fine. For concrete, brick, mortar, or stone, you need the hammer function. The percussion breaks up masonry while the bit spins. Without it, you'll burn through bits and barely scratch the surface.
Can the DCD996 replace a rotary hammer?
For small holes (up to 1 inch in concrete), yes. For anything larger or for sustained concrete drilling, a dedicated rotary hammer like the DCH133 hits harder and lasts longer. The DCD996 is a drill that can do some masonry, not a masonry tool that can also drill.
What's the difference between UWO and in-lbs for torque?
Unit Watts Out (UWO) measures power delivered under load. In-lbs measures static torque. DeWalt uses UWO for hammer drills because it better represents real-world drilling performance in hard materials. Higher UWO means more sustained power through concrete.