DEWALT 20V XR Hammer Drill, ,Brushless 3-Speed, Tool Only (DCD996B) $99

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03-25-2020 at 03:27 PM #2

I own this, an Atomic, and two of the new 12v Xtreme drills. I almost never use this because I never have a need. It's big and powerful, but it's bulky and it's heavy.

Good price, but make sure you need the bastard offspring of a masonry drill and a hole hog before letting your wallet birth this behemoth.

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03-25-2020 at 04:53 PM #3

Good price but I'd estimate this is one of my least used tools because I already have the non-hammer version DCD791 which is lighter and shorter so I grab that first for any non-hammer tasks. I've used the hammer feature on this a few times and it works but not very well. I ended up getting a real SDS hammer drill, corded, D25263K when I had a lot of concrete drilling to do and it came in handy ripping up tile.

Depending on your needs this might be a perfect in between for you, but for me it's overkill for non-hammer tasks and doesn't cut it for most hammer-tasks.

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03-25-2020 at 05:13 PM #4

Quote from ben5243 :

Good price but I'd estimate this is one of my least used tools because I already have the non-hammer version DCD791 which is lighter and shorter so I grab that first for any non-hammer tasks. I've used the hammer feature on this a few times and it works but not very well. I ended up getting a real SDS hammer drill, corded, D25263K when I had a lot of concrete drilling to do and it came in handy ripping up tile.

Depending on your needs this might be a perfect in between for you, but for me it's overkill for non-hammer tasks and doesn't cut it for most hammer-tasks.

Some good points for sure. This thing is like a beefier version of a regular drill. I'd say maybe 20% larger? It definitely has it's place though depending on your usage. I drill alot of tapcons for conduit straps and this thing does those like they're nothing. I usually do 1/4" holes but I've done all the way up to 5/8" without it sweating too hard. $99 is more than fair if you ask me, but I have a regular use so, yeah.

Edit:

I feel like it's worth mentioning that this model has the built in 20 minute work-light setting. Super bright and really handy if you don't have a flashlight and are working in a poorly lit area. it's definitely not ideal as a dedicated flashlight, but definitely a premium feature in my opinion.

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Last edited by scubasasquatch March 25, 2020 at 09:42 PM.

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03-25-2020 at 05:25 PM #5

Quote from scubasasquatch :

Some good points for sure. This thing is like a beefier version of a regular drill. I'd say maybe 20% larger? It definitely has it's place though depending on your usage. I drill alot of tapcons for conduit straps and this thing does those like they're nothing. I usually do 1/4" holes but I've done all the way up to 5/8" without it sweating too hard. $99 is more than fair if you ask me, but I have a regular use so, yeah.

What bits do you use with it? That's one of the tasks I like this tool for. With each hole being up to 4ft apart and up and down ladders, it's nice not to have the extension cord. But in old concrete my bits go dull in 1 or 2 holes and it takes a while to drill.

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03-25-2020 at 05:46 PM #6

Just today i was using this drill with a right angle attachment and spade bit. The bit bound up and the drill body spun nearly spraining my arm. Its a beast!

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03-25-2020 at 05:52 PM #7

Check out the review of the new power detect model.
It's actually pretty amazing, but this one is plenty for me.
Still you should know what is out there before buying this one...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jPebJBMfic

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03-25-2020 at 09:36 PM #8

Quote from ben5243 :

What bits do you use with it? That's one of the tasks I like this tool for. With each hole being up to 4ft apart and up and down ladders, it's nice not to have the extension cord. But in old concrete my bits go dull in 1 or 2 holes and it takes a while to drill.

I've had an Irwin bits in there lately because I picked up a bunch when they were on clearance at Lowes a while back. Probably drilled ~50 3" deep holes with the one currently in the chuck. I'm usually a fan of Bosch, but I've had at least 3 of those snap on me so I avoid those now. Menard's has a weird almost generic brand one in a white package that I like. I can't remember the name unfortunately. If I need an odd size that I won't use very often I get one of those because they're suspiciously cheap, but seem to hold up well. The 5/8" holes that I drilled were that brand actually. I just make sure to try and not put any side to side pressure when drilling and clear the hole often and that seems to help them last longer.

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03-26-2020 at 02:12 PM #9

My wife stolen this drill from me. She puts on one of those Garden Auger bit and use it to dig holes in the garden. Works real well, especially with the extra handle. Without it, once it hits a rock it can break your wrist.

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03-26-2020 at 06:15 PM #10

Quote from chumanji9 :

My wife stolen this drill from me. She puts on one of those Garden Auger bit and use it to dig holes in the garden. Works real well, especially with the extra handle. Without it, once it hits a rock it can break your wrist.

haha, can confirm it work well with auger bit. I keep the demolition hammer with spade bit to dig bigger deeper hole, though :-)

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03-29-2020 at 01:06 AM #11

Tool only, doesn't include the battery or the charger.

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04-02-2020 at 11:25 PM #12

Quote from Greg-J :

I own this, an Atomic, and two of the new 12v Xtreme drills. I almost never use this because I never have a need. It's big and powerful, but it's bulky and it's heavy.

Good price, but make sure you need the bastard offspring of a masonry drill and a hole hog before letting your wallet birth this behemoth.

What would you recommend for in home projects and simple things like putting things up on the wall, mounting tv, etc? The Dewalt 79 something?

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04-02-2020 at 11:32 PM #13

Quote from ScarletMarmot9150 :

What would you recommend for in home projects and simple things like putting things up on the wall, mounting tv, etc? The Dewalt 79 something?

I think the new DeWalt 12v Xtreme line is awesome if you can find a good deal. I've picked up the tool + 2 battery combo kits at Lowe's for $50 as returns. They're compact, lightweight, and plenty powerful for home use. If you want something with more umph, the Atomic line is great too. Just wait for the sales.