DEWALT DCD805 20V Brushless Impact Drill Review: Is This the Only Drill You Need?
We have all been there. You are halfway through a weekend DIY project—maybe hanging a heavy shelf or assembling some flat-pack furniture—and your old, bulky drill gives up. Or worse, the battery dies after three screws, and you spend more time waiting for it to charge than actually building.
If you’re tired of fighting with underpowered tools that feel like they’re made of plastic, you’ve probably started looking at the yellow-and-black corner of the hardware store. Specifically, you might be looking at the DEWALT DCD805 20V Power Tools Brushless Impact Drill Cordless Electric Screwdriver Multi-Function Hand Drill.
I’ve spent some time putting this drill through its paces. Is it worth the investment, or is it overkill for your occasional home repairs? Let’s break it down in this DEWALT DCD805 20V Power Tools Brushless Impact Drill Cordless Electric Screwdriver Multi-Function Hand Drill review.
What Exactly is the DEWALT DCD805?
At its core, the DCD805 is a hammer drill-driver. It’s designed to handle three main tasks: drilling holes in wood or metal, driving screws into almost anything, and using its "hammer" function to punch through masonry or brick.
What makes this model stand out is the "brushless" motor. Without getting too technical, older drills have "brushes" inside the motor that wear down over time and create friction. A brushless motor is more efficient, runs cooler, and lasts significantly longer.
When you shop around, you’ll often find this model listed as budget-friendly compared to the heavy-duty industrial tools that cost twice as much. Plus, many online retailers offer free shipping, which is a nice bonus since these tools are heavy and usually expensive to ship.
Why the Features Actually Matter (And How They Help You)
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of numbers, but how does this drill handle your actual to-do list?
The Compact Size The biggest advantage of the DCD805 is how small it is. If you’ve ever tried to fit a drill inside a cramped kitchen cabinet to tighten a hinge, you know that size matters. This drill is surprisingly short, meaning you can get into tight corners without banging your knuckles against the wall.
Power and Control With 20 volts of power, this isn’t a toy. It has enough "oomph" to drive long deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without breaking a sweat. The variable speed trigger is also very responsive. You can start slowly to get a screw perfectly seated and then squeeze the trigger to finish the job in seconds.
The Hammer Function Most basic drills don’t have a hammer mode. This one does. If you need to mount a TV bracket to a brick wall or hang a picture on concrete, the hammer action pulses the drill bit forward to break through tough materials. It’s a great "extra" that makes this a true multi-function tool.
LED Work Light It sounds like a small detail, but the light at the base of the handle is a lifesaver. It illuminates exactly where your bit is touching the surface. If you’re working in a dimly lit closet or under a sink, you don't have to hold a flashlight in your teeth while trying to drill.
Pros and Cons: A Realistic Look
No tool is perfect. To give you an honest DEWALT DCD805 20V Power Tools Brushless Impact Drill Cordless Electric Screwdriver Multi-Function Hand Drill review, I have to point out where it shines and where it falls short.
The Pros: Brushless Motor: Lasts longer and provides more power per battery charge. Ergonomics: It’s well-balanced. It doesn’t feel front-heavy, so your wrist won’t get tired after 20 minutes of work. Versatility: The hammer mode means you don’t need to buy a separate tool for masonry work. Battery Ecosystem: If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries, they will work perfectly with this.
The Cons: Plastic Chuck: While it’s high-quality plastic, some professional users prefer an all-metal chuck for durability. No Belt Hook Included: Depending on the specific kit you buy, it might come without a belt hook. It’s a small piece, but annoying to buy separately. Price Fluctuations: While often budget-friendly, the price changes often. Keep an eye out for sales, and always check for free shipping deals to keep your total cost down.
Who is This Drill For (And Who Should Skip It)?
This drill is for you if: You are a homeowner who wants one reliable tool to handle everything from hanging curtains to building a deck. You are tired of "disposable" drills that die after a year. You want a lightweight tool that won't make your arm feel like lead.
You should skip this if: You are a professional contractor working on concrete all day, every day. You might want to look at the "FlexVolt" line which is built for extreme, non-stop abuse. You have zero interest in DIY and only need to tighten one screw once a year. A simple, cheap electric screwdriver would be more than enough for you.
What Real Users Are Saying
To see if my experience matched others, I looked at what people are saying online.
“I’ve used cheap drills for years, but the DCD805 was my first ‘real’ upgrade. The difference is night and day. The brushless motor is so much quieter, and the battery life is insane compared to my old nickel-cadmium drills. I built a whole shed and only had to swap the battery once.” — Mark T., DIY Enthusiast
“It’s a solid, reliable drill. I was worried it might be too powerful for small furniture assembly, but the speed control is so smooth that I haven't stripped a single screw yet. Definitely worth the money.” — Sarah J., Homeowner
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Money?
After putting the DEWALT DCD805 20V Power Tools Brushless Impact Drill Cordless Electric Screwdriver Multi-Function Hand Drill through various tests, I’m confident in saying it hits the "sweet spot" for most people.
It isn't the cheapest drill on the market, but it’s far from the most expensive. Because it uses a brushless motor, you are paying for longevity. You won’t need to replace this in two years, which makes it a smarter financial choice in the long run.
If you can find it with free shipping—which is common on major sites—you are getting a high-quality, professional-grade tool that will make your home improvement projects significantly easier. It’s powerful, it’s compact, and it’s reliable. For the average person looking to tackle home repairs, this is a fantastic investment that won't let you down.
