DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver with POWER DETECT Tool Technology (Tool Only)

First impressions and setup

I put the DCD998 to work the same day it arrived. As a bare tool, it ships without a battery, charger, or case, so plan accordingly. That’s fine for me because I’m already invested in 20V MAX packs. The drill itself feels like a serious piece of kit: compact for its class, dense, and clearly built around a robust, brushless drivetrain. The all‑metal 3‑speed gearbox clicks positively into place, and the heavy‑duty 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck has the gritty, high-friction bite you only get from a hardened, nitro‑carburized body with carbide jaws. The included side handle is not optional window dressing—on a tool this powerful, it’s essential.

Control layout is familiar if you’ve used modern DeWalt drills. The variable‑speed trigger is smooth and predictable, the mode ring switches between drill/drive/hammer, and the 3‑mode LED at the foot includes a “spotlight” setting that stays on for up to 20 minutes. That light isn’t articulating, but it’s bright and surprisingly usable as a task light when you set the tool down.

POWER DETECT and batteries: what actually changes

The headline feature is POWER DETECT, which senses pack capability and opens the taps when you pair the tool with a high‑capacity 20V MAX XR battery. With an 8.0Ah pack, the drill clearly hits harder—both in torque-heavy drilling and hammer mode. You feel it in the way it recovers under load and how unwilling it is to stall compared to running the same task on a compact pack.

Here’s what shook out across a few pairings:
- Compact 2.0Ah/PowerStack 1.7Ah: fantastic balance for overhead and punch-list work, but you don’t unlock the full grunt. Great for driving and small bits.
- 5.0Ah: the sweet spot for all-around work. Strong performance without getting unwieldy.
- 8.0Ah XR: maximum output and runtime. Front‑heavy, but the tool pulls like a corded drill.

If you’re buying the DCD998 for its top‑end capability, budget for a high‑capacity pack. If you’re mostly doing general carpentry and occasional anchors, a 5.0Ah strikes a very practical balance.

Performance in wood and metal

In Speed 2, the drill chews through spade and auger bits in framing stock with ease. I used it for 1‑1/2 in. self‑feed holes for plumbing runs and it pushed cleanly without excessive bogging, even when I bumped into dense knots. The variable trigger gives good finesse to feather a bit through the last fibers and avoid blowout.

With hole saws for door hardware, Speed 1 is the right call. There’s ample torque, and the side handle keeps your wrist out of harm’s way if the saw binds. For metal, the mid-speed range paired with step bits was smooth and controllable. The chuck earns its keep here: no slippage, and runout on my sample was minimal enough to avoid chatter on thin gauge steel.

For driving screws, the 13-position clutch does its job. This is a lot of drill for delicate cabinetry, but it will sink structural screws all day without breaking a sweat. If you regularly run long structural fasteners, consider a dedicated impact driver to reduce wrist load—this drill will do it, but it’s not the most comfortable choice for repetitive screwdriving.

Hammer drilling in concrete

The hammer mode is the main reason to consider this model over a standard drill/driver, and it performs like you’d hope from a high‑end 20V unit. In cured slab and block, 3/16 to 5/16 in. Tapcon holes go quickly. With an 8.0Ah pack, the bit keeps chipping consistently with less bogging as you lean on the tool. I ran a series of anchor holes for ledger work and didn’t feel constrained by power; the limiting factors were bit sharpness and dust extraction.

That said, it’s still a hammer drill, not an SDS‑plus rotary hammer. If your week is full of 1/2 in. holes or you’re sinking dozens of anchors a day, step up to an SDS‑plus. For remodelers, electricians, HVAC techs, and general contractors who do intermittent masonry work, the DCD998 hits a sweet spot: true cordless convenience with enough punch to make real progress.

Noise is typical of the class—hammer mode is loud and sharp—so hearing protection is smart. Heat buildup was reasonable; the motor warmed after extended concrete drilling, but the tool never thermal‑limited on me. Give it a breather between long runs and it’s happy.

Ergonomics and handling

Bare tool weight is manageable, but the battery choice defines the feel. With a 5.0Ah, the drill balances at the grip and feels planted. With an 8.0Ah pack, it becomes nose‑heavy. That’s the tradeoff for POWER DETECT’s extra output. I like the compact PowerStack packs for overhead tasks; they trim bulk and the drill feels nimble, though you give up peak performance.

The side handle deserves another mention. There’s no active electronic kickback control here, so use the handle for large bits, hole saws, and any drilling that could bind. The handle locks solidly and gives you the leverage you need to keep the bit moving and your wrist safe.

Grip texture and contouring are classic DeWalt—comfortable, secure, and friendly to gloved hands. The mode and speed switches are positive and can be changed by feel once you know the layout.

Lighting and visibility

The 3‑mode LED is one of the better implementations I’ve used. Low and medium modes are great for close‑in work without blinding bounce, and the spotlight mode genuinely functions as a small work light—handy in crawlspaces and cabinets. The 20‑minute shutoff is a thoughtful touch. Just remember it draws from your pack; don’t leave it glowing all afternoon.

Build quality and durability

Between the all‑metal transmission and the nitro‑carburized chuck with carbide inserts, the DCD998 feels like a tool built to live on a jobsite. The chuck’s ratcheting action crushes down on smooth shanks and SDS‑plus adapter-style bits without quitting. After a mix of wood, metal, and masonry tasks, there’s no play in the gearbox, and the clutch detents remain crisp.

DeWalt’s 3‑year limited warranty and 1‑year free service are in line with pro expectations. As with any bare tool purchase, buy from an authorized seller and give the tool a quick inspection out of the box—check the chuck alignment, control feel, and that the manual and labels match the model.

What could be better

• Weight with large batteries: The drill is compact, but pairing it with an 8.0Ah pack makes the setup heavy and front‑biased. A 5.0Ah is the ergonomic sweet spot.
• No active kickback control: Power is high enough that a bind can twist the tool. The side handle mitigates this, but electronic safety would be welcome.
• Price as a bare tool: You’re paying for performance and durability, then buying batteries on top. Value improves if you already own packs.
• Hammer mode limits: It’s strong for a hammer drill, but if you routinely drill lots of 1/2 in. holes in concrete, an SDS‑plus will be faster and less fatiguing.

Who it’s for

• Remodelers and general contractors who need one drill that can truly do double duty—heavy wood boring one minute, a run of Tapcons the next.
• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs who want corded‑like torque in a cordless form, especially if they already run 20V MAX batteries.
• Advanced DIYers upgrading from a compact drill who occasionally tackle masonry and larger diameter drilling.

If you mostly drive screws and drill small pilot holes, this is more tool than you need. If your days are dominated by concrete, consider an SDS‑plus. But if you want a hammer drill/driver that leans pro, the DCD998 slots in beautifully.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCD998 for users who want a high‑output, jobsite‑ready hammer drill/driver and already own (or plan to buy) a high‑capacity 20V MAX pack. The combination of a stout brushless motor, a genuinely useful 3‑speed gearbox, a vice‑grip chuck, and POWER DETECT’s extra headroom with big batteries makes it a reliable primary drill for mixed trades work. It’s heavier than a compact drill, and it lacks electronic kickback control, but with the side handle attached and an appropriate battery, it delivers the kind of no‑nonsense performance that keeps you productive across wood, metal, and concrete.