DeWalt DCD796 18V Brushless Combi Drill

In-Depth Look

The DeWalt DCD796 has become one of the most popular combi drills on UK building sites. It strikes a strong balance between power, compactness, and value, and the brushless motor makes it a more efficient choice than the older brushed DCD776 at similar price points.

Two-Speed Gearbox

The two-speed gearbox covers the full range of drilling and driving applications. First gear (0-600 RPM) provides maximum torque for driving large screws and drilling with larger auger or spade bits. Second gear (0-2000 RPM) is the faster setting for drilling through timber and masonry with smaller bits. Selecting the wrong gear is the most common cause of poor results: stalling on large screws in first gear is far less likely than in second.

Hammer Drill Function

The DCD796 includes a hammer drill mode for masonry work. When combined with an SDS-less masonry bit, it drills into brick and block effectively for fixing plugs, anchors, and conduit clips. For continuous heavy masonry work, an SDS drill remains the better tool, but the hammer function covers the occasional masonry task without reaching for a separate machine.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

At 1.8kg bare, the DCD796 is notably light for a combi drill with this power output. The 180mm front-to-back length fits into tight spots above ceilings and inside cabinets. The all-metal 13mm chuck provides reliable bit retention, and the rubber overmould grip reduces fatigue during extended driving sessions. The LED work light with 20-second delay illuminates fixings in dark ceiling voids and corner cupboards.

Battery Platform

Compatible with all DeWalt 18V XR slide batteries. Tradespeople already running DeWalt impact drivers, circular saws, and lights can share battery packs without additional investment.

Verdict

The DCD796 is a dependable, efficient combi drill that delivers genuine trade-level performance. Its brushless motor, compact dimensions, and XR platform compatibility make it a practical choice for electricians, plumbers, joiners, and general builders alike.

How It Compares

The DCD796 is aimed at the tradesperson who wants one dependable drill driver in the bag every day. Against a brushed combi drill, the main gain is the brushless motor. It runs cooler, wastes less energy as heat and has no carbon brushes to wear out, which is why it is a more efficient choice than the older brushed DCD776. If you drill and drive for a few hours most days, that efficiency shows up as more work per battery charge and a longer working life for the tool.

Against rival brushless combi drills from Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch Professional, the differences are mostly about platform rather than raw ability. All three brands make capable 18V brushless combis, and the right choice usually comes down to which battery system you already own. If your van is full of DeWalt 18V XR tools, the DCD796 shares every battery with them. If you run Makita LXT or Milwaukee M18 tools, you will get more value from staying with the drill from that range than from starting a second battery family.

Size is where the DCD796 earns its place. At 1.8kg bare and 180mm front to back, it is easy to hold overhead and fits into cupboards and ceiling voids where bulkier drills do not. Bigger, heavier drills in the wider market can offer more torque, but 70Nm is plenty for general building, electrical and plumbing work, and a lighter tool is kinder to your wrist by the end of the day.

It is not the right tool for everything. For regular drilling into brick, block or concrete, an SDS drill is faster and cleaner, as the hammer function on a combi is best kept for the occasional masonry hole. If you mostly drive long screws, an impact driver does that job with less effort.

Common Questions

Is a bare-unit DCD796 enough, and what battery do I need? The DCD796N is sold as a bare unit, so it comes without a battery or charger. It works with any DeWalt 18V XR slide battery. If you already own XR packs from another DeWalt tool, you can buy the body alone. If not, you will need to buy at least one battery and a charger separately. A larger capacity pack gives longer runtime, though it also adds weight.

Should I use a combi drill or an impact driver for fixing into timber? Use the combi for drilling pilot holes, drilling larger holes with auger or spade bits, and driving small to medium screws where you want a clutch to stop the screw going too deep. An impact driver is better for long screws and bolts because it hits harder as resistance rises. Many tradespeople carry both and use the combi for precision work.

Does it work with older DeWalt 18V XR batteries? The product specification states compatibility with all DeWalt 18V XR slide batteries, so older XR packs that slide onto the tool will fit. An old battery that has lost capacity will simply give shorter runtime. Check the pack is in good condition and charged on a DeWalt charger designed for that battery type.

Is 70Nm enough for hole saws and self-feed bits? For most hole saws and moderate auger bits, 70Nm in first gear is fine. Very large self-feed bits and big hole saws through thick timber put the greatest strain on any 18V combi, because the bit can grab and twist the tool. Use first gear, hold the drill with both hands where possible, and let the bit cut rather than forcing it. For repeated heavy boring, a dedicated corded drill is more comfortable.