DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless 3-Speed 1/2 in. Drill/Driver

Why I reached for this drill

I first picked up the DeWalt DCD991 because I wanted a truly capable drill/driver that could handle heavy work without feeling like a jobsite compromise. After months of framing punch lists, cabinet installs, and metal work in the shop, it’s become the cordless drill I reach for most when I need power, runtime, and control more than compactness.

What stands out

At its core, the DCD991 pairs a brushless motor with a 3-speed all‑metal transmission and a heavy-duty 1/2 in. ratcheting metal chuck. On paper, it delivers 820 UWO (DeWalt’s Unit Watts Out measure), and the kit lands with two 20V MAX XR 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, a 360° side handle, and a decent kit bag/box. The LED light system has three modes, including a long‑running spotlight that shuts off automatically after about 20 minutes.

Numbers aside, the defining experience is how composed it feels under load. The transmission gears (0–450 / 0–1300 / 0–2000 RPM) map cleanly to real tasks, and the nitro‑carburized, carbide‑insert chuck grips bits with a no‑nonsense bite that doesn’t loosen when the tool heats up. It’s a workhorse, and it behaves like one.

Build and ergonomics

This is a full‑size, full‑weight drill. At roughly 2.0 kg bare (closer to 2.6 kg with a 5.0Ah pack), it’s not pretending to be a compact. The upside is stability and less chatter when you’re leaning into big bits; the downside is fatigue if you’re spending an afternoon overhead or squeezed inside a cabinet.

• Grip and balance: The overmolded handle is comfortable and the trigger modulation is excellent. With a 5Ah battery the balance skews slightly tail‑heavy, which I prefer when drilling larger holes—there’s less tendency to tip the nose.
• Side handle: The included 360° handle is not optional for aggressive work. Hole saws, self‑feed or large augers, and step bits benefit from the extra leverage and wrist protection.
• Chuck quality: The 1/2 in. ratcheting metal chuck is a highlight. It tightens smoothly, resists marring, and I’ve had zero slippage even with polished‑shank step bits. Runout on my sample is minimal—good enough for small twist bits without wobble.

Noise is civilized for a tool in this class (75 dB(A) sound pressure spec), and there’s a reassuring absence of gearbox whine compared to some rivals.

Performance in the field

• Wood: In Speed 2 (0–1300 RPM), it’s ideal for general drilling and driving. I used it with 1-1/2 in. self‑feed bits through SPF studs—no stall, just a steady pull. Speed 1 (0–450 RPM) offers the torque you want for lag screws and large spade or auger bits. With a 2-1/8 in. hole saw in ply and poplar, it remained controllable, though the side handle is a must.
• Metal: The listed maximum drilling capacity is 15 mm (about 19/32 in.) in mild steel. Using high‑quality cobalt bits, it handles 1/2 in. cleanly in plate and takes step bits through HVAC knockouts without drama. Keep it in Speed 1 for torque and to avoid blueing the bit.
• Fasteners: Trigger feathering is predictable, and with a clutch ring (standard for drill/drivers), you can avoid overdriving cabinet screws. For big structural screws, I still grab an impact driver, but the DCD991 has more than enough grunt if you’d rather keep one tool in hand.

The three gear ranges are thoughtfully spaced. Speed 3 (up to 2000 RPM) is genuinely useful for small twist bits in wood and for countersinks when you want clean edges and less tear‑out.

Batteries and runtime

The kit’s two 5.0Ah XR packs are a major part of the value. On a mixed‑use day—drilling studs, driving structural screws, and a few metal holes—I typically end with one pack still on the second bar. For pure hole‑saw sessions, you’ll chew through a pack faster, but having two high‑capacity batteries keeps downtime to a minimum. Charging is straightforward, and the packs run cool with the brushless motor.

If you want to trim weight for overhead work, a 2.0Ah pack makes the drill feel notably lighter and more compact, though you’ll sacrifice runtime and a bit of balance.

Lighting and visibility

The 3‑mode LED is more than a gimmick. The “spotlight” mode with a 20‑minute automatic shutoff is genuinely useful when you’re fishing for studs, aligning hinges inside a cabinet, or working under a sink. It’s bright, focused, and keeps your hands free. I’ve used it as a temporary task light between steps; the automatic shutoff prevents accidental battery drain if you walk away.

Durability

An all‑metal transmission and the nitro‑carburized chuck are the durability story here. My drill’s gearbox has stayed tight with no gear slip or creep, and the chuck action remains crisp after months of heavy use. The tool casing shrugs off scuffs. The belt hook is sturdy enough for a fully kitted drill, and the side handle threads haven’t loosened with repeated installs.

DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee, which aligns with what I expect in this tier.

Where it shines, and where it doesn’t

Shines:
- Power and control for large bits and demanding drilling
- Excellent chuck grip with minimal runout
- Thoughtful 3‑speed gearbox that matches real tasks
- Strong kit value with two 5.0Ah batteries, charger, and side handle
- Practical, long‑running LED spotlight

Doesn’t:
- Size and weight make it tiring overhead and cramped in tight spaces
- No hammer function; for masonry you’ll want a hammer drill variant
- Not the cheapest entry point if you just need a light, occasional‑use drill

Practical tips

• Use the 360° side handle anytime you’re running hole saws, large augers, or step bits. It’s a safety feature as much as a productivity aid.
• Match the gear to the bit. Speed 1 for torque (large bits/fasteners), Speed 2 for general drilling/driving, Speed 3 for small bits and clean finishes.
• For cabinet and finish work, pair it with a smaller battery to reduce weight and improve balance in tight quarters.
• Let the tool do the work in metal. Keep RPM low, use cutting oil, and you’ll get longer bit life and cleaner holes.

Alternatives to consider

If you regularly work in masonry or concrete, DeWalt’s hammer‑drill sibling makes more sense. If compactness is your priority—think electricians and cabinet installers—DeWalt’s compact/Atomic series is better in tight spaces, though you’ll give up some torque and the robust chuck feel.

On the other end, if you want maximum power and plan to lean hard into big hole saws or self‑feed bits all day, DeWalt’s high‑end models that leverage larger battery platforms can out‑muscle the DCD991, but most users won’t need that extra headroom.

Value

As a kit, the DCD991 is compelling. Two XR 5.0Ah packs, a charger, a side handle, and a sturdy chuck put it in the “buy once, use for years” category. The lack of a hammer mode is the only meaningful omission at this price point, but that’s by design—it’s a drill/driver, not a hammer drill.

Final take

The DCD991 is the drill/driver I trust when the job skews heavy: framing bores, large spade/auger work, step‑bit metal holes, and long sessions that demand stable power and consistent control. It’s not the smallest or lightest, but it earns its keep with a superb chuck, a legitimately useful three‑speed transmission, long‑running 5.0Ah batteries, and a worklight that actually helps.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for pros and serious DIYers who prioritize power, durability, and runtime over compactness. If you need a hammer function for masonry, choose the hammer‑drill version instead. If your work lives mostly in cabinets and tight spaces, consider a compact drill. For everyone else, this DeWalt drill is a dependable, high‑value workhorse that feels right at home on a jobsite or in a well‑used shop.