DeWalt DCD796 XR Brushless Combi Drill Review: 4.8 Stars Earned

What Is the DeWalt DCD796?

The DCD796 is DeWalt's compact brushless 18V XR combi drill, part of the XR platform that shares batteries across over 200 tools. Brushless motors are the current standard for professional-grade cordless tools: they run cooler, consume less battery per Watt of output, and last significantly longer before service than brushed equivalents. The 4.8-star average from 307 buyers is one of the strongest ratings in the combi drill category on Amazon UK.

Performance Across Materials

The two-speed gearbox covers the two primary use modes with appropriate character. Speed 1 (0–550rpm) delivers high torque for driving long screws into structural timber — driving 100mm screws into treated pine without pilot holes. Speed 2 (0–2,000rpm) runs fast for drilling through wood and metal, covering a 25mm flat bit through 38mm pine in a single pass. Hammer mode adds the percussion action required for masonry — adequate for common wall fixings and anchor holes.

Fifteen torque settings give the granularity to drive small furniture screws without stripping them on setting 3, then move to setting 15 for structural fixings. The clutch disengages with a satisfying click at the set torque, preventing over-driving in softwood or into hollow-wall cavities.

Compact Body

The compact body is 188mm from nose to back — around 40mm shorter than a full-size combi drill. This makes the difference when driving screws in a kitchen cabinet interior, above a ceiling box, or inside a stud wall cavity. For confined-space work, the compact format is the reason to buy this drill over the DCD777 full-size equivalent.

Verdict

For buyers in the DeWalt 18V XR ecosystem or willing to invest in the platform, the DCD796 is the correct combi drill choice. The brushless motor and compact body are the right long-term investment. For a first power tool purchase, the kit version (with battery and charger) is the practical starting point.

Rating: 4.8/5 — The strongest combi drill at this price for the DeWalt platform.