DeWalt DCD991P2 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver Kit
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Editor’s Conclusion
Unlike many other drills in our reviews, the DeWalt DCD991P2 is a cordless 20-volt Drill/Driver powered by a brushless 3-Speed motor and 5.0Ah batteries. The manufacturer claims it has a much greater runtime than brushed models; it is the most powerful drill in the DeWalt line.
With three speeds, the drill can do a broader range of jobs. Amazon buyers report using it to drill through thick floorboards and seasoned 4x4s for decks, mix mortar, and auger ice, in addition to the normal hole drilling and screw insertion.
Based on the price and the power, some users expect that this drill has a hammer function. Despite the power, the DCD991P2 is a cordless drill/driver, not a hammer drill that has a setting for drilling into bricks and concrete.
A drill /driver works with rotational action and a clutch that allows the user to adjust the amount of torque applied, while a hammer drill has a gear-driven cam that makes a linear striking motion along the path of the drill bit. In effect, it combines chiseling and drilling in the same tool. A contractor who needs this functionality might look at the DeWalt DCD996B.
With three speeds, the drill can do a broader range of jobs. Amazon buyers report using it to drill through thick floorboards and seasoned 4x4s for decks, mix mortar, and auger ice, in addition to the normal hole drilling and screw insertion.
Based on the price and the power, some users expect that this drill has a hammer function. Despite the power, the DCD991P2 is a cordless drill/driver, not a hammer drill that has a setting for drilling into bricks and concrete.
A drill /driver works with rotational action and a clutch that allows the user to adjust the amount of torque applied, while a hammer drill has a gear-driven cam that makes a linear striking motion along the path of the drill bit. In effect, it combines chiseling and drilling in the same tool. A contractor who needs this functionality might look at the DeWalt DCD996B.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Pros
The power drill has an all-metal 3-speed high-performance transmission to optimize tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved runtime
High power brushless DEWALT 20V MAX drill motor delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed motor
Heavy-duty ½" ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength
3-Mode LED comes with the Dewalt drill to provide lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20 times brighter than previous models
20-minute shutoff function LED Spotlight Mode features allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
Cons
Heavy at nearly 5 pounds
Expensive
Awkward placement of forward/reverse button
No place to attach drill bits
No hammer function
DeWalt 20V MAX XR
KEY FEATURES:
Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver has a brushless motor that is responsible for the great performance of this tool. As it rotates, opposing magnetic poles make the shaft spin. Traditional motors use metal brushes that work with magnets, but a brushless motor controls the magnet with an electronic circuit board and a sensor.
Without the need for brushes, the drill is smaller, lighter, and easier to maintain than older models. It also runs cooler, is more energy-efficient, and will last longer.
As with other DeWalt products, this drill's power is stated in UWO or Units Watts Out rather than torque. It has 820 UWO, which reflects how fast the unit will perform on the job site. Some users have speculated that torque is nearly 900 in. pounds though.
Speed
With three speed settings of 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM, the DCD991P2 dramatically improves performance as it has a middle setting that proves useful when cutting through thicker wood with hole cutter attachments. The faster speed gives a better cut than if it were attempted at lower speeds.
Performance
Compared to brushed motors, the 20V Max brushless Drill/Driver offers up to 57% more runtime. This is a major advantage for a contractor or a serious DIYer doing a big project that requires a drill that will make it through the day without running out of power.
Length of Charge
The 5.0Ah batteries that come with the drill have long life on the job. The batteries charge in 90 minutes or less.
While the battery is designed for DeWalt's line of 20-V tools, an adapter makes them useable in 18-V tools as well.
Handling and Ease of Use
At twice the weight and an inch or two longer than DeWalt drills such as the DCD701F2, this heavier unit puts more of a strain on the operator to hold but is still more compact than older models. As it is designed for bigger, tougher jobs, the extra weight and girth are expected. Users claim it is well balanced.
Extras
Like most cordless drills these days, the DCD791F2 has a work light mounted on the shaft. However, the light is an LED lamp that effectively illuminates dark or confined space. Twenty times brighter than previous models, it has a Spotlight mode with a 20-minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
The batteries in the DCD701F2 are costly, at over $30 each, but are compatible with a growing family of 200 20-V Max-powered tools. For a DIYer who occasionally needs a heavy-duty drill, this model includes batteries that can be put to use in 200 other power tools.
The drill kit is also available with drill bits and screwdriver bits for an extra $15-30, but the tool works with any brand of bits,
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
Ninety-seven percent of Amazon reviewers were so pleased with this drill that they gave it 4 or 5-stars and an overall rating of 4.8
You also want to check out the DeWalt Extreme DCD701F2, as it may better suit your needs.
Verdict
For the current price of $264 for the basic kit, you could almost buy a couple of the 12-V DCD701P2s, but the capabilities of the 20V cordless, brushless drill/driver make the DCD991P2 a different class of drill. Those who need a heavy drill on the job or for intense DIY projects will find this purchase well worth the price.
- Size: 6.9" front to back
- Weight: 4.6 pounds with the battery inserted
- Kit includes a high cordless power drill/driver, 2 20-V MAX* 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, charger, and tough case
- 3-speed transmission to help optimize the speed of application
- 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck for superior bit gripping strength
- LED spotlight mode features a 20-minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver has a brushless motor that is responsible for the great performance of this tool. As it rotates, opposing magnetic poles make the shaft spin. Traditional motors use metal brushes that work with magnets, but a brushless motor controls the magnet with an electronic circuit board and a sensor.
Without the need for brushes, the drill is smaller, lighter, and easier to maintain than older models. It also runs cooler, is more energy-efficient, and will last longer.
As with other DeWalt products, this drill's power is stated in UWO or Units Watts Out rather than torque. It has 820 UWO, which reflects how fast the unit will perform on the job site. Some users have speculated that torque is nearly 900 in. pounds though.
Speed
With three speed settings of 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM, the DCD991P2 dramatically improves performance as it has a middle setting that proves useful when cutting through thicker wood with hole cutter attachments. The faster speed gives a better cut than if it were attempted at lower speeds.
Performance
Compared to brushed motors, the 20V Max brushless Drill/Driver offers up to 57% more runtime. This is a major advantage for a contractor or a serious DIYer doing a big project that requires a drill that will make it through the day without running out of power.
Length of Charge
The 5.0Ah batteries that come with the drill have long life on the job. The batteries charge in 90 minutes or less.
While the battery is designed for DeWalt's line of 20-V tools, an adapter makes them useable in 18-V tools as well.
Handling and Ease of Use
At twice the weight and an inch or two longer than DeWalt drills such as the DCD701F2, this heavier unit puts more of a strain on the operator to hold but is still more compact than older models. As it is designed for bigger, tougher jobs, the extra weight and girth are expected. Users claim it is well balanced.
Extras
Like most cordless drills these days, the DCD791F2 has a work light mounted on the shaft. However, the light is an LED lamp that effectively illuminates dark or confined space. Twenty times brighter than previous models, it has a Spotlight mode with a 20-minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
The batteries in the DCD701F2 are costly, at over $30 each, but are compatible with a growing family of 200 20-V Max-powered tools. For a DIYer who occasionally needs a heavy-duty drill, this model includes batteries that can be put to use in 200 other power tools.
The drill kit is also available with drill bits and screwdriver bits for an extra $15-30, but the tool works with any brand of bits,
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
Ninety-seven percent of Amazon reviewers were so pleased with this drill that they gave it 4 or 5-stars and an overall rating of 4.8
You also want to check out the DeWalt Extreme DCD701F2, as it may better suit your needs.
Verdict
For the current price of $264 for the basic kit, you could almost buy a couple of the 12-V DCD701P2s, but the capabilities of the 20V cordless, brushless drill/driver make the DCD991P2 a different class of drill. Those who need a heavy drill on the job or for intense DIY projects will find this purchase well worth the price.
Best Deal