We put DEWALT’s four most popular 18V Cordless Drills to the test. Featuring the DEWALT DCD996, DEWALT DCD796, DEWALT Atomic (Ultra Compact) DCD709 and the DEWALT DCD776.

Watch as we test these four DEWALT 18V cordless drills in wood, metal and concrete to compare the power, torque and speed. Each test is timed to see how quickly each DEWALT 18V drill completes the task. The results of the five tests are reviewed at the end of the video.

How we tested them?

We designed 5 tests to compare the torque, speed and power of each of the drills. Test 1: Drilling three 7,5mm holes through 5mm thick steel. Test 2: Driving three TEKS screws through 5mm thick steel. Test 3: Driving three 6x100mm coach screws into timber. Test 4: Drilling 26mm holes into timber with an auger drill bit. Test 5 Drilling three 6,5mm holes into concrete.

Results

Test 1:

All four drills performed well in this test. The DCD776 and DCD709 came in with a time of 40 seconds and 26 seconds respectively. Which is pretty good for compact drills. The DCD996 came in with a time of 22 second, but the fastest in this application was the DCD796 (16 seconds). It definitely felt easier than the others.

Test 2:

This test was relatively even, with all four models completing the task relatively easily. The DCD776 struggled with one TEKs screws. There is a bit of variability in the test as it also depends on the user’s technique. We think that apart from the DCD776, the other three models can cope easily with this task.

Test 3:

We noticed a clear difference in the speed of the DCD796 and DCD996 as compared to the two small models (DCD776 and DCD709). If you are going to be doing a lot of this type of coach screws, then the higher torque drills will be a better option.

Test 4:

As with the coach screws, drilling with a auger bit is a high torque application. Especially if you are going to be drill holes larger than 26mm. The DCD796 and DCD996 will be a better option for this. The DCD996 was much quicker than the DCD796, becuase it has a higher torque (95Nm compared to 70Nm), but also because of the three speed gearbox. The gear ratios enable it to reach higher torques at higher speeds.

Test 5:

It is important for us to state that none of the DCD776, DCD709, DCD796 or DCD996 are ideally suited for concrete. They are suitable for masonry. Masonry is brick, which is a lot easier to drill into than concrete. Concrete is made of cement and stone, which is significantly harder than brick. If you have one of these drills and need to drill the odd hole into concrete, than it will be fine. But if you doing a lot of holes in concrete, you could end up damaging the gearbox.

The DCD776 and DCD709 struggled in concrete, but the DCD796 and DCD996 could handle it. The drills do take strain in concrete, but will not take as much strain in brick.

So, for concrete, rather consider the DCH133 Rotary Hammer Drill. It provides a lot more impact energy and you can clearly see in the video how much quicker and easier it is to drill into concrete with.

About Us:

With over 10 years of experience as the leading distributor of DEWALT in South Africa, we offer the largest range of DEWALT tools and accessories. We also stock over 5000 spare parts for most DEWALT products. CIB serves the industrial and DIY market through our e-commerce store. We deliver across South Africa with The Courier Guy. All orders are dispatched on the day you order.