“I’m never satisfied with my current power tools, so I always end up going for the next best thing. I’ve been looking at purchasing a new hammer drill and combo kit to replace my current one that is starting to show its age for some time now. Recently, I have bought two different kits – Dewalt DCD996B and Dewalt DCD998W1 -Now I want to compare which one would be right for you.” This review is for everyone who is confused between these two powerful tools. In this review, I would be comparing these two tools side by side and share my experience with you.
Dewalt has always been a reliable brand when it comes to the manufacturing of power tools. It was created in 1924, and since then, they have been making sure that their customers get nothing but the best. The current flagship product of this brand is their cordless hammer drill which you can use for industrial works and home improvement purposes.
Dewalt DCD996 vs DCD998
The Dewalt DCD996 is the most powerful hammer drill available in this market regarding its maximum torque. It delivers an incredible 1,540 in LBS torque which is enough to bore through some of the most rigid materials. It comes with a heavy-duty case that protects the drill as well as its accessories. This hammer drill has an advanced keyless ratcheting chuck and can handle hex shank bits or other bits up to 1/2 inches wide.
Dewalt Dcd998 is the most refined product when it comes to hammer drills. It has a compact design, making it easy to use in tight spaces and ensuring that you get maximum control over your work. It comes with Dewalt’s exclusive 3-speed all-metal transmission. Now let us go into more details on both tools and see which tool is better for you.
Features of Dewalt DCD996
High power and high-performance brushless motor
Dewalt Dcd996 has High power and a high-performance brushless motor. It has a maximum torque of 1,540 in LBS. This unprecedented power is due to the patented XR Brushless motor that delivers consistent power under load. It also gives more life span to your drill and eliminates the problem of overheating.
It has a heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck.
Dewalt Dcd996 has a heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck. This chuck can hold your drill bits securely and can take larger drill bits than most other drills.
The all-metal transmission is very durable.
Dewalt Dcd996 has the exclusive 3-speed all-metal transmission, which offers extreme power and superb control when carrying out your work.
It has a 3-Mode LED
It has a 3-Mode LED which shows you the operating mode of your drill. It is up to 20X brighter than the previous model.
Dewalt Dcd996 has a built-in strain relief with a dust ejector.
This feature ensures that you can easily reach tight spaces without damaging your power tools. It also works as a dust ejector, which keeps the motor clean as you drill through your workpiece.
Pros and cons of Dewalt DCD996
Pros
The Dewalt Dcd996 is a high-end drill that comes with many advantages. It is a very versatile drill with multiple benefits to the user. It has many features that will help to improve the productivity of an individual in their day-to-day tasks. The Dcd996 comes with a 20V max lithium-ion battery, which provides a longer run time and maximum performance.
Other features include a 3/8 inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck for a more secure grip, a three-speed transmission switch, and an ergonomic handle. The Dcd996 kit comprises a 12V max lithium-ion battery, charger, and carrying case, so you will be ready to go as soon as you receive the tool.
This Dewalt drill is priced at $149 online and has received many positive reviews from customers who have purchased this item.
One customer who purchased the Dewalt Dcd996 said that his previous drill was a Dewalt model, and this one is just as good if not better. He told us that he loves how lightweight it is and its ease of use with only one hand (trigger grip).
He also mentioned that since it has 20V max lithium-ion batteries, the run time is much longer. It also has a three-speed transmission switch that allows you to match the speed with the task.
We highly recommended this drill to anyone who needs a faster, easier, and smoother drill/driver.
Cons
Even though there are not many cons, one customer mentions that he had to return the first one because it did not work correctly. However, he could get a replacement, and it has worked well for him since then.
Features of Dewalt DCD998
High-performance motor
With its 20V MAX* 8Ah Lithium-ion battery, Dewalt Dcd998 delivers a maximum power of 720 in. lbs. of torque, making it one of the most powerful drills on the market today. The Dcd998 comes with a battery display that displays battery status and allows you to track how much capacity is left. It is also 29% more potent than Dcd996, making it a better option for many people.
3-mode LED with a spotlight mode
Dewalt Dcd998 has a 3-mode LED spotlight mode for a 20-minute shutoff function that ensures that you will not accidentally leave your tool on. Both Dcd996 vs Dcd998 have this function to buy any one of them, and you will get the spotlight mode feature.
Heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck
Dewalt Dcd998 has a heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck, just like Dewalt Dcd996. It will hold your drill bits securely, and features offset jaws to make it easier to access tight spaces.
Pros and cons of Dewalt DCD998
Pros
The Dewalt DCD998 is the newest of the Dewalt Drill/Driver Kit, and it has many features. The two batteries are included in this kit. It doesn’t have to be plugged in all the time. It helps if you’re trying to save money or it’s hard to find an outlet nearby. The Dewalt Dcd996 includes only one battery. It also charges faster than the Dcd996.
The Dcd998 kit includes a flashlight, which helps find things in the dark. The Dcd998 also has a LED light with 20% more light than other models for illuminating dark areas while working on a project.
However, the Dcd998 does not have a belt clip like the Dc996. Still, the Dcd998 is more durable, making it great for construction workers or anyone using tools outside.
Based on this knowledge, I would choose the Dewalt Dcd998 kit because it is more robust and more durable. The Dcd996 would be a better choice for the home, and if you are doing more heavy-duty work, definitely the Dcd998 is a more excellent choice.
Cons
Dewalt Dcd998 does not have the belt clip like Dewalt Dcd996. A belt clip is a handy feature when you want to use your drill with your hands-free.
Conclusion
I would choose the Dewalt Dcd998 kit because it is more robust and more durable. Dewalt Dcd996 kit is a fine machine and can do most jobs, but it has minor construction problems.
The Dcd998 kit is a much better machine than the Dcd996. However, if all you will be doing are lighter jobs (such as finishing small projects, and around the house), purchase the Dewalt 996 kit. I dislike the Dcd996 a little bit because the screw holding the motor is made of plastic and tends to strip when tightened (which results in frustration).
However, depending on your needs, you can choose any of them as both work great and are incredibly affordable.
