DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill: The Little Drill That Could (And Does)
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill: The Little Drill That Could (And Does)
Imagine a hammer drill that's small enough to slip into a kitchen cabinet corner yet gutsy enough to punch through cinder blocks like a champ. Meet the DeWalt DCD805, a 20V MAX XR tool that's here to prove you don't need bulk to bring the thunder. We spent a week testing this compact contender—drilling, driving, and hammering our way through real-life projects—to see if it's the Goldilocks drill DIYers and pros have been hunting for. Spoiler: It's close to perfection, but it's not without quirks.
Hands-On Testing: Where Rubber Meets the Road
We didn't just spin this drill in a garage—we threw it into the chaos of home reno and light pro work. Here's how it held up across three grueling tests:
- Kitchen Cabinet Install: Armed with a ⅜" bit and #8 wood screws, the DCD805 turned oak cabinets into a breeze. Its 6-15/16" length let us sneak into tight spots—think under-sink nooks where bigger drills cry uncle. The 15-position clutch was silky smooth, preventing overdriving even when our coffee-jittered hands got sloppy. Time to mount five brackets? 12 minutes flat.
- Concrete Challenge: Swapped to hammer mode (34,000 BPM) and a 3/16" masonry bit for Tapcon screws in 10-year-old concrete. It drilled 2" holes in 9-10 seconds each, with dust flying like a mini volcano. Noise hit 96.1 dBA—bring earplugs—but the power was undeniable.
- Deck Prep: A 1-½" spade bit met pressure-treated 2x4s. In high speed (2000 RPM), it bored through in 7.2 seconds per hole—28% faster than drill mode alone. The 850 Unit Watts Out (UWO) flexed its muscles, though the lack of kickback control made us grip tight on bind-ups.
Performance Results
Avg. Seconds/Hole
Avg. Seconds/Hole
UWO
Benefits: Why It Shines
- Compact King: At 2.95 lbs and under 7" long, it's a featherweight champ. Perfect for overhead work or squeezing into crawlspaces where 8" drills laughably fail.
- 3-Mode LED: This isn't just a light—it's a mini lifeline. The 70-lumen spotlight mode (20-minute timeout) turned a dim attic into a workable space. Base-mounted design beats top-heavy LEDs every time.
- Battery Sip, Not Guzzle: The brushless motor stretched a 2Ah PowerStack battery to 6 hours of mixed use—drilling, driving, and hammering. DeWalt claims 8 hours, but real life says otherwise (still impressive).
Target Users: Who's This For?
- DIY Renovators: If you're leveling up your home—think shelving, furniture builds, or small masonry fixes—this drill's balance of power and portability is your sweet spot.
- Light-Duty Pros: Carpenters or electricians needing a second drill for tight spaces will love it. It's not an SDS replacement, but it's a trusty backup for Tapcons or quick framing.
- Tool Minimalists: Hate lugging a giant kit? This all-in-one (drill, driver, hammer) cuts the clutter.
Pain Points (And Fixes)
No kickback control—bind-ups twist your wrist hard.
Grip it like you mean it and avoid oversized bits in high-torque mode. Or, step up to the Milwaukee 2904 for Autostop tech.
Hammer mode is LOUD—96 dBA is no joke.
Ear protection is non-negotiable. We used foam plugs and still heard the concrete cry.
Battery life falls short of 8-hour claim.
Stick to a 2Ah for light jobs; upgrade to a 5Ah XC for all-day grunt work.
Comparison: How It Stacks Up
Product Comparison
| Model | Power | Weight | Length | Bpm | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD805 | 850 UWO | 2.95 lbs | 6-15/16 in | 34,000 | $179 |
| Milwaukee 2904-20 | 1400 in-lbs | 4.9 lbs | 7.8 in | 32,000 | $199 |
| Makita XPH12Z | 530 UWO | 4.0 lbs | 7.5 in | 30,000 | $149 |
The DCD805 trounces the Makita XPH12Z in power and size, but the Milwaukee 2904-20 is the torque titan. If you prioritize compactness over brute force, DeWalt's your pick.
Pros
- Tiny footprint, big performance—ideal for tight spaces.
- LED versatility is a DIYer's dream.
- Metal chuck grips bits like a pitbull.
Cons
- No anti-kickback tech—brace yourself.
- Hammer mode noise could wake the neighbors.
- Overpromised battery life stings a bit.
Pro Tip
Final Verdict: Small But Mighty
The DCD805 is like a pocketknife with a prizefighter's punch—versatile, powerful, and easy to wield. At $179 (tool only), it's a no-brainer for DIYers or pros who value agility over raw horsepower. It won't replace a dedicated rotary hammer for heavy masonry, but for everything else? It's a toolbox MVP.