Get a Power Boost with the DeWalt Power Detect Hammer Drill
DeWalt introduces two lines of battery sensing: Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage. After testing the FlexVolt Advantage hammer drill, we really wanted to see how the DeWalt Power Detect hammer drill compared.
advantage
- Great performance with any battery that converts to great performance with the 20V Max 8.0Ah battery pack
- Capable of maintaining high speeds with a larger bit range
- 3 speed gearbox
- LED light intensity adjustment
shortcoming
- Not as compact as some other premium hammer drills
- Requires a large battery for optimal performance
Be sure to check out our article on the best DeWalt drill bits
What is the difference between DeWalt Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage?
Essentially, two of DeWalt's technologies are the same between Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage. They just use different batteries.
In tools like the DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Hammer Drill, the Power Detect tool runs fine on a 2.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery, then kicks into another gear when you use a 20V Max 8Ah battery.
For the FlexVolt Advantage it's the same, but a power boost occurs when you switch from a 20V Max battery to a FlexVolt battery pack.
The DeWalt DCD998 rivals the DCD996, DCD997 and DCD999 with its top speed of 2000 RPM and hammer speed of 38,250 BPM. The difference is power.
The Power Detect hammer drill and the 1072 UWO sit between the other two. The 20V Max XR and Tool Connect versions have a maximum of 820 UWO, while the FlexVolt Advantage can reach 1219 UWO.
Putting these specs to the test, we ran it on the PTR Drill Test Track to see how Power Detect compares to other DeWalt models. If you're not familiar with the PTR test track, here's what the 2×4 studs look like:
PTR test track
- 20 drywall screws
- 10 x 1/2 Auger Bit Holes
- 10 x 3/4" spade drill holes
- 10 x 3/4" auger drill holes
- 1 inch hole saw
- 2 1/8 inch hole saw
Using the 5.0Ah battery as our benchmark, the DCD998 was able to complete the course in an impressive 2:19. With a new 8.0Ah battery pack, it shaved 14 seconds off its time, finishing in 2:05.
That's not as big as the 38-second reduction we saw with FlexVolt Advantage. However, Power Detect's final time was actually faster than FlexVolt Advantage's fastest run time of 2:19.
Remove the main points where human error comes into play (drill bit changes and drywall screws) and we can see that Power Detect is really faster in every part.
| power detection | FlexVolt Advantage |
|
| Twist drill part | 8.36 seconds | 9.35 seconds |
| spade bit part | 14.50 seconds | 14.71 seconds |
| Auger part | 17.97 seconds | 18.84 seconds |
| 1 inch hole saw | 2.53 seconds | 4.35 seconds |
| 2 1/8 inch hole saw | 5.45 seconds | 6.17 seconds |
takeout
It's important to consider that neither of these tests forced either to drill out of high speed – an impressive feat for both! So they don't have to invoke the maximum torque that other bit types might require.
So we tested the largest drill DeWalt recommends for you—a 2 9/16-inch self-feeding drill.
And the two of them still completed the hole at high speed.
Of course, they will have to switch to harder materials. But it's safe to say that these are very high performance impact drills.
Speaking of Hammer Drills
The DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Hammer Drill does something very unusual when you click into hammer drill mode. For one thing, when you engage the mechanism, you can see the collet protrude a little.
It also kicks speed up a notch. In drill and drive mode it runs at 450 – 2000 RPM. In hammer drill mode, the speed is 500 – 2250 RPM. Regardless of the grounds, it makes for some really quick concrete drilling.
DeWalt 20V Max Power Detected Hammer Drill Design Notes
size and weight
One of the major trends we've seen lately is making flagship impact drills lighter and more compact. DeWalt hasn't joined yet, opting to give us the extra power first.
The overall package is almost the same as DCD996/DCD997. It measures 8.4 inches from front to back and weighs 3.5 pounds net. It weighs 4.9 lbs with the 5.0Ah battery and 5.6 lbs with the 8.0Ah battery.
Compare to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and you will notice the difference.
LED control
If you've ever wished you could adjust the intensity of the LED light on your drill, the DeWalt is your genie in a bottle. You can choose between 3 levels on the foot, but there is no way to turn it off completely.
However, the brightest mode remains on for 20 minutes after the trigger is released. If you can place the light where you need it, you can forego using a separate flashlight or headlamp. so cool!
Additional features
- Compatible with all 20V Max and FlexVolt batteries
- 1/2" Nitrocarburized Metal Collets
- All Metal Transmission
DeWalt Power Detect Hammer Drill vs. 20V XR and FlexVolt Advantages Quick Comparison
| DCD996 20V max XR |
DCD998 power detection |
DCD999 FlexVolt Advantages |
|
| Maximum speed | 2000 rpm | 2000 rpm | 2000 rpm |
| Maximum power | Chapter 820 | Chapter 1072 | Chapter 1219 |
| Hammer rate | 38,250 times/min | 38,250 times/min | 38,250 times/min |
| length | 8.4 inches | 8.4 inches | 8.4 inches |
| bare weight | 2.8 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| PTR test track | 2:34 | 2:05 | 2:19 |
DeWalt DCD998 Power Detect Hammer Drill Prices
The best way to get started is to get the DCD998W1 kit. It comes with an 8.0Ah battery for maximum performance out of the box and costs $279. If you're fine with just bare tools, that's $179.
There's also a combo kit that includes hammer, DeWalt DCF887 impact driver, 2.0Ah battery, 8.0Ah battery, and charger for $399.
the bottom line
If you're looking for the best DeWalt has to offer in an impact drill, it's between the Power Detect and the FlexVolt Advantage. None will disappoint you.
If you're not going to use the FlexVolt platform for 60V tools, use the DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Hammer Drill. If so, the FlexVolt Advantage model may serve you better. Either way, you'll end up with one of the best hammer drills out there.
For more information on DeWalt Power Detect Hammer Drills, click here.
DeWalt Power Detect Hammer Drill Specifications
- Model: DEWALT DCD998W1
- Motor: Brushless
- No-load speed: 0-450/0-1,300/0-2,000 RPM
- Clutch Settings: 11
- Height: 8.2 inches
- Length: 8.85 inches
- Width: 2.55 inches
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Kit Price: $279