I'm looking to replace my 35-year-old corded DeWalt hammer drill and I'm overwhelmed by the options out there. I've seen models like the DCD996 and DCD999 but not sure which one is the best fit. I prefer a 3-speed model with a 1/2" chuck and a clutch. Are there any specific models I should avoid, and which ones do you recommend for reliability?
3 Answers
From my experience, I’ve never found a handheld hammer drill that can actually drill through concrete properly—brick, sure, but concrete? Forget it! I have the DCD996 and it’s great, but it struggles with concrete. If you're doing lots of concrete work, you might want to go for a real rotary hammer with SDS plus. For home use and concrete drilling, consider a budget-friendly SDS rotary hammer from Harbor Freight. It may not match DeWalt's quality, but at $100, it’s decent for occasional use. If you're a pro, then the plug-in DeWalt SDS hammer drill is the way to go!
I’ve had an old DCD996 that’s been great for my home projects, like drilling into concrete for anchors and installing cabinets. It's solid for what I need. For softer materials, I have to use the low-speed setting or I risk drilling too deep. Definitely a step up from my previous drill!
I own the DCD998 and DCD999, and they’re fantastic! They actually outperform the DCD996. If you want something smaller that's still powerful for occasional tasks, check out the DCD805 or the newer DCD806. The DCD1007 is a beast but might be overkill if you aren't planning heavy use.