Head-to-head
DeWalt DCD791 vs DCD796 — which compact drill?
Both are DeWalt 20V MAX XR brushless compact drills. One has a hammer mode. Here's when that matters and when you can skip it.
DeWalt DCD791 (drill/driver)
20V MAX XR compact brushless drill/driver. No hammer mode — it's a pure drill and driver. Lightest option in DeWalt's XR compact line.
DeWalt DCD796 (hammer drill/driver)
20V MAX XR compact brushless hammer drill. Same chassis as the DCD791 but adds a hammer mode for occasional concrete and masonry.
Where they differ
| Spec | DeWalt DCD791 | DeWalt DCD796 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | XR brushless | XR brushless | Tie |
| Max torque | 460 UWO | 460 UWO | Tie |
| Hammer mode | No | Yes (27,200 BPM) | B wins |
| Weight (bare) | 3.6 lbs | 3.8 lbs | A wins |
| Chuck | 1/2" metal ratcheting | 1/2" metal ratcheting | Tie |
| Speeds | 2 speeds (0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM) | 2 speeds (0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM) | Tie |
| Best for | Wood, metal, drywall — pure drill work | Same + occasional concrete anchors / masonry | Tie |
| Typical bare-tool price | ~$129 | ~$149 | A wins |
DCD791 unless you routinely drill concrete — then DCD796.
Everything else being equal, save $20, save a quarter-pound, and pick the DCD791. The hammer mode on the DCD796 works for occasional 1/4" anchors but isn't a real substitute for an SDS rotary hammer when you need to drill concrete seriously. If you're installing a few masonry anchors a month, DCD796. If you mostly drill wood and metal, DCD791 is the smarter pick.
FAQ
Is the DCD796 hammer drill good enough for concrete?+
For occasional 1/4" anchors in cinder block or soft concrete, yes. For anything structural, frequent, or over 3/8", step up to an SDS-Plus rotary hammer (Milwaukee 2912-20 or DeWalt DCH416) — a compact hammer drill will cook.
Do they use the same batteries?+
Yes. Both run on any DeWalt 20V MAX, 20V MAX XR, or FlexVolt battery.
Can the DCD791 still drill masonry if I use a masonry bit?+
Poorly. A masonry bit needs a hammering action, which the DCD791 doesn't have. You can get through a single anchor hole with enough time and pressure, but it's not what the tool is built for.