Quick Verdict: I keep the DCD796 as my backup and for its spotlight mode. The DCD805 is my daily drill—shorter, stronger, safer, and runs cooler. If you’re buying today, get the DCD805. If you find a DCD796 kit under $200, it’s still a solid tool.
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DeWalt DCD796 vs DCD805- Spec Comparison
| Feature | DCD796 | DCD805 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 70 Nm | ~90 Nm |
| No-Load Speed | 0–550 / 0–2,000 RPM | 0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM |
| Head Length | 195 mm | 176 mm |
| Weight (bare) | ~1.2–1.3 kg | ~1.1 kg |
| Kickback Control | No | Yes |
| LED Modes | 3 (incl. 20-min spotlight) | Adjustable, no spotlight |
| Battery Fit | Slight wobble | Tight, secure |
| Thermal Management | Good | Better |
| PowerStack Benefit | Moderate | Significant |
| Bare Tool Price | $120–$160 | $180–$220 |
1. Torque: 70 Nm vs ~90 Nm
DCD796: Rated at 70 Nm. I’ve driven 6-inch TimberLOKs through pressure-treated 6×6s with it. It bogs near the end but finishes the job. In hammer mode, 1/2-inch holes in concrete block take about 8 seconds with a sharp bit.
DCD805: Rated at roughly 90 Nm. Same TimberLOK? No bogging, motor stays cooler. Same 1/2-inch hole in block? About 6 seconds. The gap widens under sustained load—50 holes in poured concrete and the 796’s body gets hot while the 805 stays warm.
My take: The extra torque isn’t just numbers. It’s fewer stalled bits, less motor strain, and the confidence to attempt bigger fasteners without switching to an impact driver.
2. Size: 195 mm vs 176 mm Head Length
DCD796: 195 mm from chuck to back cap. For years this was compact enough. I used it between studs, in engine bays, overhead in attics.
DCD805: 176 mm—nearly an inch shorter. I ran conduit in a commercial kitchen with 8-inch ceiling clearance. The 796 fit with my knuckles scraping drywall. The 805 slid in with room to spare. That inch matters in crawlspaces, under sinks, inside HVAC plenums.
My take: The 805’s shorter head isn’t a minor improvement. It’s the difference between fitting and not fitting in tight spots.
3. Kickback Control: Present vs Absent
DCD796: No kickback control. I’ve bruised knuckles and nearly sprained my wrist when bits bound on hidden nails or rebar. I learned to brace with a side handle and position my body to absorb torque.
DCD805: Has active kickback control—electronic sensor that cuts motor power when it detects sudden rotational force. First time it triggered: I hit a nail in an LVL beam. The drill stopped before I could react. No twist, no strain, no broken bit.
My take: I didn’t think I needed this until I had it. Now I won’t buy a drill without it. Three activations in six months, each preventing what would have been painful.
4. LED Lighting: Spotlight vs Brighter Task Light
DCD796: Three modes—dim, bright, and 20-minute spotlight. I’ve used that spotlight as a work light in unlit basements more than I expected. Set the drill down, light stays on while I measure and cut.
DCD805: Brighter, more configurable LED, but no dedicated spotlight mode. Better for illuminating the bit while drilling, worse for lighting up a workspace.
My take: I miss the spotlight. The 805’s light is technically superior for task visibility, but less versatile. Small loss, not a dealbreaker.
5. Speed Control and Trigger Feel
DCD796: 2-speed (0–550 / 0–2,000 RPM), 15+1+1 clutch. The clutch is mechanical and reliable. Low speed is still aggressive enough that I have to be careful with #6 screws in cabinet hardware.
DCD805: 2-speed (0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM), refined clutch. The trigger response is more linear—easier to feather at low RPM for precise starts. First gear tops out higher, giving more usable speed range without shifting to second.
My take: The 805’s trigger is more forgiving for finish work. The 796 requires more skill to avoid over-driving small fasteners.
6. Chuck Quality
DCD796: 13mm all-metal keyless chuck. After 3+ years, still tightens smoothly, holds bits securely, releases easily. I’ve used it with hole saws up to 2-1/8 inches without slippage.
DCD805: Also 13mm all-metal. Centers bits more consistently. Ratcheting action feels tighter. After heavy use, releases slightly easier than the 796.
My take: Both are excellent. Not a deciding factor. The 805’s chuck is marginally better; the 796’s is proven over years.
7. Battery Fit and Connection
DCD796: Known issue—battery wobble. The battery rocks slightly in the mount. Doesn’t fall out, but rattles during use and can lose momentary contact on aggressive twisting. Common complaint, never fully fixed.
DCD805: Tight battery connection. No wobble, solid lock, no rattling. Feels like a different generation of engineering.
My take: The wobble annoyed me for years on the 796. The 805’s tight fit is immediately noticeable and preferable.
8. Thermal Management
DCD796: Good brushless motor, but older generation. Under sustained heavy load—50 consecutive holes in concrete—the body gets uncomfortably warm. RPM drops slightly on the last battery bar.
DCD805: Better thermal design. Same torture test, the body stays warm, not hot. Speed stays consistent through full battery depletion.
My take: For occasional heavy use, the difference is minor. For production work, the 805’s cooler operation means fewer breaks and longer motor life.
9. Battery Runtime and PowerStack Compatibility
DCD796: With 5.0Ah battery, roughly 80–100 holes (3/8-inch in concrete block) or 150–200 screws (3-inch deck screws). Works with PowerStack but doesn’t extract full benefit.
DCD805: With same 5.0Ah, roughly 100–120 holes in concrete or 180–220 screws. Benefits more from PowerStack batteries—lower internal resistance, less voltage sag, snappier response.
My take: The 805’s efficiency gains are real but not dramatic. The PowerStack compatibility is more meaningful for users investing in newer battery tech.
10. Price and Buying Decision
DCD796: Legacy model, frequently discounted. Bare tool $120–$160. Kits $200–$280. Often available refurbished or open-box cheaper.
DCD805: Current generation. Bare tool $180–$220. Kits $280–$380. Less discounting.
My take: DCD796 under $200 with batteries is a steal. At similar prices, the DCD805 is worth the premium. The kickback control, shorter head, and tighter battery fit justify $40–$60 more.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | DCD796 | DCD805 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 70 Nm | ~90 Nm |
| No-Load Speed | 0–550 / 0–2,000 RPM | 0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM |
| Head Length | 195 mm | 176 mm |
| Weight (bare) | ~1.2–1.3 kg | ~1.1 kg |
| Kickback Control | No | Yes |
| LED Modes | 3 (incl. 20-min spotlight) | Adjustable, no spotlight |
| Battery Fit | Slight wobble | Tight, secure |
| Thermal Management | Good | Better |
| PowerStack Benefit | Moderate | Significant |
| Bare Tool Price | $120–$160 | $180–$220 |
FAQs
Is the DCD805 worth upgrading from the DCD796?
Yes, if you use it daily or work in tight spaces. The kickback control and shorter head are meaningful. If your 796 works and you use it occasionally, keep it.
Same batteries for both?
Yes. Both use DeWalt 20V MAX—XR, PowerStack, FLEXVOLT in 20V mode.
DCD796 enough for concrete?
Yes, for residential and light commercial. The 805 is faster and handles sustained drilling better, but the 796 gets it done.
What is kickback control?
Electronic sensor that cuts motor power when the bit binds, preventing the drill from twisting your wrist. Not essential if you’re careful, but valuable insurance.
Why does my DCD796 battery wobble?
Known issue with this generation. Doesn’t affect function but is annoying. The DCD805 fixes it.
Better for DIYers?
DCD796 at discount prices is unbeatable value. DCD805 is worth the premium for latest features and safest operation.
How long do these last?
5–10 years of professional use with proper care. Brushless motors, metal chucks, solid construction.
Conclusion
The DCD796 was a benchmark compact hammer drill. The DCD805 improves where it matters: more torque, shorter head, kickback control, better thermal management, tighter battery fit. The 796 is still capable; the 805 is simply better engineered. Buy the 805 if budget allows. Buy the 796 if you find it cheap and don’t need the newest features.