Which DeWalt Drill Do You Need?

A drill driver combines rotary drilling with adjustable torque for screwdriving. It is the straightforward choice for timber, sheet material and metal when a hammer function is not required. The conventional keyless chuck accepts a wide range of round-shank drill and driver bits.

The absence of hammer action can make the tool simpler and lighter, but it also means a drill driver is not the right choice for regular masonry work. The DCD740N-XJ in the ERS DeWalt catalogue is a specialist right-angle drill driver whose 90-degree head is designed for work between joists, inside framing and in other confined spaces.

A combi drill adds hammer mode to the drilling and screwdriving functions of a drill driver. The chuck moves rapidly forwards and backwards while rotating, helping a suitable masonry bit work into brick or block. Hammer mode should be switched off for wood, metal and normal screwdriving.

A combi drill is often the best one-tool starting point because it covers the broadest mix of everyday jobs. It is well suited to installers, maintenance teams and DIY users who drill timber and metal regularly but only make occasional masonry fixing holes.

DCD796: compact everyday versatility

The DCD796 is the more compact all-round option in the ERS range. It delivers 70 Nm through a two-speed transmission, has a 13 mm keyless chuck and provides hammer action for masonry. Choose the DCD796N bare tool if you already have suitable 18V XR batteries, or a kit version such as the DCD796P1 when a battery and charger are required.

DCD996: more torque and three-speed control

The DCD996 steps up to 95 Nm, a three-speed all-metal transmission and a 13 mm ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts. It suits users who regularly drill larger holes or want more control across low-speed high-torque work, general drilling and high-speed hammer drilling. ERS catalogue options include bare-tool and kit versions.

Simple choice: Pick the DCD796 when compact handling matters most. Pick the DCD996 when higher torque, three speeds and a heavier-duty chuck better match the work.

An SDS rotary hammer is designed around masonry and concrete. Its bit is free to move backwards and forwards inside the holder while the tool's pneumatic mechanism delivers a stronger hammer blow than a combi drill. This makes repeated anchor and fixing holes faster and reduces the amount of pressure the user must apply.

Many SDS rotary hammers also provide rotation stop for chiselling and impact stop for rotary-only drilling. Check the operating modes and compatible accessories of the exact model before use. A tool with an SDS-Plus holder does not accept a conventional round-shank bit directly unless an approved chuck or adaptor is fitted.

18V XR SDS-Plus: DCH273

The DCH273 is an 18V XR SDS-Plus hammer rated at 2.1 J and up to 24 mm in concrete or masonry. It is a strong match for regular fixing holes and light chiselling while staying on the widely used 18V XR battery platform. ERS catalogue options include the DCH273N bare tool and DCH273P2-GB kit.

54V XR FLEXVOLT SDS-Plus: DCH333 and DCH334

For more demanding work, the 54V XR FLEXVOLT DCH333 and DCH334 family increases impact energy to 3.5 J and drilling capacity to 30 mm in concrete or masonry. The DCH3342X2-GB kit adds a quick-change SDS-Plus holder and three-jaw keyless chuck, which makes the tool more adaptable when switching between masonry and rotary-only drilling.

SDS-Plus is the common choice for fixing holes, medium-diameter concrete drilling and lighter chiselling. SDS-Max uses a larger shank and is intended for larger holes, higher impact energy and heavier demolition work. The SDS products highlighted from the ERS DeWalt catalogue in this guide are SDS-Plus models. If the work involves large core-type holes or sustained heavy breaking, compare suitable SDS-Max or dedicated demolition options instead.

An impact driver is not another type of general-purpose drill. It uses a 1/4-inch hex holder and delivers rotational impacts to drive screws and suitable fixings. Its compact body and high fastening torque make it useful for repetitive screwdriving, but it does not replace a combi or SDS drill for normal drilling.

The DCF850N-XJ is a compact 18V XR example in the ERS catalogue, delivering 205 Nm in a 100 mm body. The DCF887N-XJ also delivers 205 Nm with three speed and torque modes. Pairing an impact driver with a combi drill allows one tool to stay fitted with a drill bit while the other handles fixings.

For users starting from scratch, the DCK266P2 twin kit combines a DCD796 combi drill with a DCF887 impact driver. The DCK368P3T-GB adds a DCH273 SDS-Plus hammer, creating a three-tool setup for drilling, fastening and regular masonry wor

Product specifications and kit contents vary by product code. Always check the individual listing before purchasing, particularly whether the tool is supplied bare or with batteries, a charger and a case.

HOW TO CHOOSE IN SIX STEPS

1. Start with the hardest material you expect to drill regularly. Timber and metal point towards a drill driver or combi drill; regular concrete work points towards SDS.
2. Decide whether masonry is occasional or a core part of the job. A combi drill is convenient for occasional fixing holes, while SDS is built for repeated hammer drilling.
3. Compare the correct performance figure. Torque in Nm matters for drills and fastening; impact energy in joules is more useful when comparing rotary hammers.
4. Check the chuck or tool holder. Standard round-shank drill bits fit a conventional keyless chuck, while SDS-Plus tools require compatible SDS-Plus accessories unless the model supports an approved alternative chuck.
5. Choose between a bare tool and a kit. A bare tool can suit an existing compatible battery setup; a first-time cordless buyer will normally need a battery and charger as well.
6. Plan the wider setup. A drill and impact driver make an efficient pair, while a combi drill, impact driver and SDS hammer cover a broader mix of installation and masonry work.

SAFETY AND ACCESSORY CHECKS

• Use a bit or accessory that matches the chuck, tool holder, material and intended application.
  
  
• Switch hammer action off when drilling wood or metal unless the tool instructions state otherwise.
  
  
• Check for hidden cables, pipes and other services before drilling into walls, floors or ceilings.
  
  
• Use the side handle where supplied, particularly on higher-torque combi drills and rotary hammers.
  
  
• Control masonry dust with suitable extraction and wear the required eye, hearing and respiratory protection.
  
  
• Follow the tool, accessory and fixing manufacturers' instructions, including rated drilling capacities.

Can a DeWalt combi drill drill into concrete?

Yes, a combi drill can handle occasional smaller holes in suitable masonry or concrete when used with the correct bit and hammer mode. For frequent holes, hard concrete or larger diameters, an SDS rotary hammer is normally faster and easier to control.

Is a hammer drill the same as an SDS drill?

No. A combi or hammer drill adds a mechanical hammer action to a conventional chuck. An SDS rotary hammer uses a dedicated holder and a more effective pneumatic hammer mechanism for masonry and concrete.

What is the difference between SDS-Plus and SDS-Max?

SDS-Plus is commonly used for fixing holes, medium-diameter drilling and lighter chiselling. SDS-Max is a larger system intended for bigger holes and heavier drilling or demolition. The DeWalt SDS examples in this guide are SDS-Plus models.

Can I use normal drill bits in an SDS drill?

Conventional round-shank bits do not fit directly into an SDS-Plus holder. Some models, such as the DCH3342X2-GB kit in the ERS catalogue, include a quick-change three-jaw chuck. Otherwise, use only an approved chuck or adaptor where the tool manufacturer permits it.

Do I need an impact driver if I already have a combi drill?

Not necessarily, but the pair is useful. The combi drill can remain set up with a drill bit while the impact driver handles screws and suitable fixings. This saves bit changes and gives a shorter tool for fastening in confined areas.

Which is better: the DeWalt DCD796 or DCD996?

Choose the DCD796 when compact size, lower weight and everyday versatility matter most. Choose the DCD996 when you need higher torque, a three-speed transmission and a more substantial chuck for demanding drilling. The better option depends on the workload rather than one model being universally better.

Should I buy a bare DeWalt drill or a kit?

A bare tool is practical if you already own compatible batteries and a charger. A kit is usually the easier starting point if you are new to the battery platform. Always check exactly what is included with the product code you are considering.

Which DeWalt drill setup gives the widest coverage?

For mixed trade work, a combi drill and impact driver form a strong everyday pair. Add an SDS-Plus rotary hammer when concrete and masonry drilling becomes regular. The DCK368P3T-GB in the ERS catalogue combines these three tool types on the 18V XR platform.

A drill driver is the focused choice for wood, metal and screwdriving. A combi drill is the most versatile single tool for mixed everyday work and occasional masonry. An SDS-Plus rotary hammer becomes the better investment when concrete and masonry drilling is frequent, while an impact driver makes repetitive fastening quicker and keeps the drill free for drilling.

Need help choosing? Explore DeWalt drills, impact drivers, kits and drilling accessories from ERS, or speak with the team about the material, hole size and frequency of work so the tool can be matched to the application.