DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Review: Complete Guide

The DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Kit is a heavy-duty cordless drilling system built for users who need more capability than a basic drill/driver. It combines conventional drilling, controlled screwdriving, and hammer drilling in one tool, backed by a three-speed all-metal transmission and a full-size 1/2-inch metal chuck.

DEWALT originally rated the DCD985L2 at 535 unit watts out (UWO), with no-load speed ranges of 0–575, 0–1,350, and 0–2,000 RPM. In hammer mode, it can produce up to 34,000 blows per minute (BPM). The original L2 kit included two 20V MAX 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a 360-degree side handle, and a kit box.

Those specifications place the DCD985L2 well above a lightweight household drill. It was designed as a premium cordless hammerdrill capable of handling wood, metal, fasteners, and masonry-related drilling when paired with the proper accessories.

However, it is also an older generation of DEWALT cordless technology. Modern brushless hammer drills can provide more power in a smaller and lighter package, so evaluating the DCD985L2 today requires looking at more than its original specifications.

This guide examines the DEWALT DCD985L2, including its power, three-speed transmission, hammer action, chuck, clutch, battery system, drilling performance, advantages, limitations, and the types of users for whom it still makes sense.

DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Overview

DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Review: Complete Guide

The DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Kit is a cordless three-mode tool.

It can operate as a:

Drill
Screwdriver
Hammer drill

A separate mode collar lets the operator select the appropriate function. In screwdriving mode, the adjustable clutch controls fastening torque. In normal drilling and hammer-drilling modes, the clutch is bypassed so the tool can deliver its available drilling power continuously.

The DCD985L2 also differs from many ordinary cordless drills by using a three-speed mechanical transmission instead of two speeds.

That gives the operator greater control over the relationship between rotational speed and available torque.

Key Specifications

Specification	DEWALT DCD985L2
Tool Type	Cordless hammerdrill/drill/driver
Battery Platform	20V MAX lithium-ion
Maximum Power	535 UWO
Transmission	3-speed all-metal
Speed 1	0–575 RPM
Speed 2	0–1,350 RPM
Speed 3	0–2,000 RPM
Hammer Rate – Gear 1	0–9,775 BPM
Hammer Rate – Gear 2	0–22,950 BPM
Hammer Rate – Gear 3	0–34,000 BPM
Chuck Size	1/2 inch
Chuck Type	Metal ratcheting with carbide inserts
Clutch Settings	22
Variable Speed	Yes
Work Light	LED with 20-second delay
Original Battery Capacity	3.0Ah
Original Batteries	2
Side Handle	360-degree
Listed Weight	About 5.2 lb with battery
Original Charger	Fast/1-hour charger

DEWALT’s period catalog lists the DCD985L2 as a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Premium 3-Speed Hammerdrill Kit, confirming its 535 UWO output, three speeds, 34,000 maximum BPM, metal chuck, two 3.0Ah batteries, and 360-degree side handle.

How Powerful Is the DEWALT DCD985L2?

DEWALT rated the DCD985L2 at 535 unit watts out.

UWO, or unit watts out, is a DEWALT performance measurement combining rotational speed and torque at the tool’s output. It should not be treated as a direct torque specification in pound-inches, but it is useful when comparing drills from the same manufacturer’s generation.

At 535 UWO, the DCD985L2 was positioned as a high-power cordless hammerdrill rather than a compact DIY drill.

Its available power makes it appropriate for applications such as:

Large wood-boring bits
Hole saws
Structural screw installation
Metal drilling
Spade bits
Auger bits
General construction drilling
Masonry drilling with suitable carbide bits
Heavy household repairs
Professional installation work

Power alone does not determine performance, however.

The DCD985L2’s real advantage comes from combining its motor output with a three-speed gearbox, allowing the operator to select a more appropriate mechanical ratio for each application.

Three-Speed All-Metal Transmission

One of the defining features of the DCD985L2 is its three-speed all-metal transmission.

The available ranges are:

Gear 1: 0–575 RPM

Gear 2: 0–1,350 RPM

Gear 3: 0–2,000 RPM

DEWALT specifically designed the three-speed transmission so the tool could be better matched to different jobs while balancing application speed and runtime.

First Gear: 0–575 RPM

The lowest gear emphasizes control and mechanical leverage.

It is generally best suited to:

Large wood bits
Large hole saws
Heavy screwdriving
High-resistance drilling
Larger fasteners
Applications where maximum speed is unnecessary

A lower gear lets the motor operate through a more favorable gear ratio when resistance increases.

This is particularly valuable when using larger accessories that can place substantial load on the drill.

Second Gear: 0–1,350 RPM

The middle range offers a compromise between speed and torque.

It can be useful for:

Medium-size drill bits
General-purpose drilling
Smaller hole saws
Faster fastening
Woodworking
Metal drilling where 2,000 RPM would be excessive

The middle gear is one reason a three-speed hammerdrill can feel more versatile than a conventional two-speed model.

Third Gear: 0–2,000 RPM

The highest range is intended for jobs where application speed matters.

Typical uses include:

Smaller drill bits
Pilot holes
High-speed wood drilling
Smaller metal-drilling applications
Hammer drilling with suitable smaller masonry bits

A maximum of 2,000 RPM remains competitive for many drilling applications even though the DCD985L2 is now a legacy model.

Hammer-Drilling Performance

The key difference between the DCD985L2 and a standard drill/driver is its hammer-drilling mode.

When hammer mode is selected, the tool combines normal bit rotation with rapid axial impacts.

The three hammer rates correspond to the three transmission speeds:

0–9,775 BPM
0–22,950 BPM
0–34,000 BPM

The maximum 34,000 BPM gives the drill the rapid percussion action needed to help a carbide masonry bit break up hard material while its cutting edges rotate.

What Can the Hammer Mode Drill?

With an appropriate masonry bit, the DCD985L2 can be used for tasks involving materials such as:

Brick
Masonry block
Mortar
Certain concrete drilling applications

It can be useful for installing:

Masonry anchors
Wall fixtures
Shelving brackets
Concrete screws
Electrical hardware
Construction fasteners

The hammer function does not turn the DCD985L2 into a rotary hammer, however.

A rotary hammer uses a much stronger pneumatic or electromechanical impact mechanism and is generally more efficient for larger or repeated concrete drilling.

The DCD985L2 is better viewed as a powerful multipurpose drill that can also handle periodic masonry work.

Drill, Screwdriver, and Hammerdrill Modes

The DCD985 uses a dedicated mode-control collar to switch between its three major operating functions.

Drill Mode

In drill mode, the clutch does not interrupt torque delivery.

This mode is appropriate for drilling:

Wood
Metal
Plastic
Other compatible materials

Screwdriving Mode

Screwdriving mode activates the adjustable torque clutch.

The operator can then choose among 22 clutch settings to control how much force is applied to the fastener. Period product literature confirms 22 clutch positions.

Hammerdrill Mode

Hammer mode engages the percussion mechanism for masonry work.

The instruction manual notes that the torque clutch does not disengage the tool while the mode selector is in either normal drilling or hammer-drilling mode.

Having these functions on separate controls is helpful because gear selection, operating mode, and fastening torque can each be adjusted independently.

22-Position Adjustable Clutch

The 22-position clutch makes the DCD985L2 considerably more versatile as a screwdriver.

Clutch settings determine the amount of rotational resistance required before the clutch begins to slip.

A lower setting is useful when working with:

Small screws
Cabinet hardware
Thin material
Delicate assemblies

Higher settings are appropriate for:

Larger wood screws
Heavier hardware
Long fasteners
Denser materials

DEWALT’s instructions explain that increasing the number on the torque collar increases the amount of torque available and allows larger fasteners to be driven.

The advantage is control.

Instead of driving every screw with the tool’s full output, the clutch can stop further tightening once a predetermined resistance level is reached.

That helps reduce:

Stripped screw heads
Damaged driver bits
Overdriven screws
Crushed material
Broken fasteners

Heavy-Duty 1/2-Inch Metal Ratcheting Chuck

The DCD985L2 uses a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts.

DEWALT promoted the carbide inserts as a way to improve bit-gripping strength, particularly under demanding loads.

This is an important feature on a high-output hammerdrill.

When a large bit encounters substantial resistance, a weak chuck can allow the bit shank to slip.

The DCD985’s metal construction and ratcheting mechanism are better suited to demanding drilling than the lighter plastic-covered chucks found on many entry-level drills.

The 1/2-inch capacity also accepts a broad range of drilling accessories, including many larger bits that would not fit a 3/8-inch chuck.

Performance in Wood

The DCD985L2 has a strong feature set for wood drilling.

The three-speed transmission allows the operator to select lower gearing for large-diameter accessories and higher speeds for smaller bits.

Potential applications include:

Framing lumber
Deck construction
Cabinetry
Remodeling
Large pilot holes
Spade-bit drilling
Auger drilling
Hole-saw work
General woodworking

For large bits, the 360-degree auxiliary handle becomes especially important.

A large wood bit can bind suddenly. When that happens, the reaction torque can attempt to rotate the drill itself instead of the bit.

DEWALT’s manual specifically emphasizes using the side handle to maintain control if an accessory binds or the drill stalls.

Metal Drilling Capability

The DEWALT DCD985L2 hammerdrill/driver can also handle metal drilling when fitted with an appropriate bit.

Its variable-speed trigger and three transmission ranges make it easier to adjust drilling speed to suit:

Steel
Aluminum
Metal brackets
Sheet metal
Fabrication projects

Metal drilling frequently benefits from lower rotational speeds as bit diameter increases.

This is where having a dedicated middle and low range becomes useful.

Using the correct cutting speed, a sharp bit, controlled pressure, and suitable cutting lubricant when required can make a substantial difference in both drilling speed and drill-bit life.

Screwdriving and Fastening Performance

Although it is powerful enough for demanding drilling, the DCD985L2 also functions as a conventional cordless drill/driver.

The combination of:

Variable speed
22 clutch settings
Forward and reverse
Three gearbox ratios

allows it to handle a broad range of fasteners.

Typical jobs include:

Deck screws
Construction screws
Cabinet fasteners
Furniture assembly
Hardware installation
General wood screws
Remodeling work

However, it is worth distinguishing the DCD985L2 from an impact driver.

An impact driver uses rotational impacts to drive resistant fasteners and is often faster and easier to control when repeatedly installing long construction screws.

The DCD985L2 provides smoother continuous torque and a clutch, making it more versatile for precision screwdriving and drilling.

For demanding projects, the two tools often complement each other rather than directly replacing one another.

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery System

The original DCD985L2 kit included two 20V MAX 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries.

This distinction matters because later DCD985 kits, including certain DCD985M2 configurations, were supplied with larger 4.0Ah batteries. The L2 version originally used 3.0Ah packs.

Lithium-ion technology provides several advantages over the older Ni-Cd battery systems that preceded DEWALT’s 20V MAX platform:

Lower weight for comparable stored energy
Better energy density
Reduced self-discharge
No traditional Ni-Cd memory-effect concerns
Easier battery management

It is also important to understand DEWALT’s voltage terminology.

20V MAX refers to maximum initial battery voltage without load. The nominal operating voltage is 18V. This is normal for DEWALT 20V MAX packs and does not indicate that the battery is defective or mislabeled.

Two Batteries Are a Practical Advantage

Supplying two batteries made sense for a tool intended for demanding professional work.

One battery can operate the drill while the second charges.

This reduces downtime compared with a one-battery kit, especially during repetitive drilling.

Battery runtime still depends heavily on the application.

Drilling small pilot holes places far less demand on a battery than:

Large hole saws
Large auger bits
Repeated masonry drilling
High-load fasteners

Battery age is especially relevant when buying a DCD985L2 today.

An original 3.0Ah battery may have substantially less usable capacity after years of charging cycles and storage.

LED Work Light With 20-Second Delay

The DCD985L2 includes an integrated LED work light above the trigger.

The light activates with the trigger and remains illuminated for approximately 20 seconds after the trigger is released.

That delay is useful because it keeps the work surface visible briefly after drilling stops.

Potential situations include:

Inside cabinets
Between framing members
Under workbenches
Utility rooms
Dim construction areas
Mechanical spaces

It is a simple feature, but one that can make positioning the drill significantly easier in poorly illuminated areas.

360-Degree Side Handle

The original kit includes a 360-degree auxiliary side handle.

This is not merely a convenience accessory.

A high-powered drill can produce substantial reaction torque when a large bit binds.

The auxiliary handle can be rotated to suit different working positions and allows the operator to control the tool with both hands.

It is particularly useful for:

Hole saws
Large auger bits
Large spade bits
Hammer drilling
High-load drilling
Working at unusual angles

For demanding drilling, using the side handle is a significant safety and control advantage.

Size and Weight

Period specifications list the DCD985L2 at approximately 5.2 pounds with its original battery configuration.

That weight reflects its heavy-duty construction.

It includes:

A substantial gearbox
Metal chuck
Hammer mechanism
Large 3.0Ah battery
High-output motor system

The tradeoff is that the DCD985L2 feels heavier than modern compact drills.

For occasional demanding drilling, the added mass can provide a solid feel.

During repetitive overhead work or all-day fastening, however, a newer lightweight brushless drill may reduce fatigue.

What Comes in the DCD985L2 Kit?

The original DEWALT DCD985L2 kit included:

DCD985 hammerdrill/driver
Two 20V MAX 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries
Charger
360-degree side handle
Kit box

Period product documentation consistently lists this package configuration.

Because the model is now older, secondhand packages may not include every original component.

Check the actual contents before purchasing.

DEWALT DCD985L2 Pros and Cons

Pros

Powerful 535 UWO output
Three-speed all-metal transmission
Maximum 2,000 RPM
Maximum 34,000 BPM
Dedicated hammer-drilling mode
Normal drilling and screwdriving modes
22 clutch settings
Heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck
Carbide chuck inserts improve bit grip
Variable-speed trigger
Two original 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries
LED work light
20-second LED delay
360-degree auxiliary handle
Compatible with DEWALT’s widely used 20V MAX battery platform
Capable of demanding wood, metal, and occasional masonry drilling

Cons

Heavy compared with modern compact drills
Older motor and electronics technology
Original batteries may now be significantly aged
Bulkier than newer high-output hammer drills
Not a replacement for a rotary hammer in heavy concrete work
Impact driver is usually more convenient for repetitive heavy fastening
Legacy model availability is primarily through remaining stock or used equipment

Best Uses for the DCD985L2

The DCD985L2 is most appropriate where one drill needs to handle several types of work.

Good applications include:

Remodeling
Construction
Woodworking
Deck building
Metal drilling
Cabinet installation
Masonry-anchor installation
Large hole drilling
General repair work
Heavy DIY projects
Professional maintenance

Its biggest strength is versatility.

Rather than specializing in only one type of drilling, the tool combines high torque, high rotational speed, adjustable fastening control, and hammer action.

Who Should Consider the DCD985L2 Today?

Existing DEWALT 20V MAX Owners

Someone who already owns compatible DEWALT batteries may find a bare or used DCD985 very practical.

Battery-platform compatibility eliminates the need to build a separate charging system.

Users Who Need Three Mechanical Speeds

Many drills use only two gears.

The DCD985’s middle 1,350 RPM range provides an additional option between maximum torque and maximum speed.

Heavy DIY Users

Home renovation, deck construction, larger woodworking projects, and occasional masonry work can justify a more substantial drill than a compact household model.

Workshop Users

A DCD985 can remain useful as a secondary heavy-duty drill even if newer cordless tools are already available.

Who May Prefer a Newer Hammer Drill?

A current-generation model may make more sense for someone who prioritizes:

Lower tool weight
Smaller dimensions
Brushless motor efficiency
Newer electronic protection systems
Greater power-to-weight ratio
New batteries supplied with a warranty
Modern LED placement and controls

Cordless drill technology has advanced significantly since the DCD985L2 was introduced.

Therefore, the question is not simply whether the DCD985L2 can still drill effectively—it can.

The more important question is whether its condition and price make sense compared with current alternatives.

What to Check Before Buying a Used DCD985L2

Battery Health

Old batteries are one of the biggest concerns.

Check for:

Rapid discharge
Charging errors
Excessive heating
Physical damage
Very short runtime

Chuck Condition

Install a straight drill bit and run the tool slowly.

Look for abnormal wobble and verify that the ratcheting chuck tightens securely.

All Three Gears

Test all three transmission settings.

Each should engage positively without abnormal grinding or jumping out of gear.

Hammer Mode

Confirm that hammer action engages when selected.

Clutch

Run the drill in screwdriving mode through several torque positions and make sure the clutch operates progressively.

Trigger and Reverse Switch

The variable-speed trigger should respond smoothly.

Forward and reverse should engage reliably.

Gearbox Noise

A heavy-duty geared drill naturally makes mechanical noise, but grinding, severe rattling, or slipping can indicate wear.

Housing and Handle

Look for cracks around:

Gearbox
Chuck
Main grip
Battery interface
Side-handle mount

Signs of repeated drops deserve additional attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DEWALT DCD985L2

What is the DEWALT DCD985L2?

The DEWALT DCD985L2 is a 20V MAX cordless three-speed hammerdrill/driver designed for drilling, screwdriving, and hammer drilling.

How powerful is the DCD985L2?

DEWALT rated it at 535 unit watts out (UWO).

How many speeds does the DCD985L2 have?

It has a three-speed transmission with ranges of 0–575, 0–1,350, and 0–2,000 RPM.

What is the maximum BPM?

The maximum hammer rate is 34,000 BPM in the highest gear.

How many clutch settings does it have?

The DCD985L2 has 22 clutch settings for controlled screwdriving.

What size chuck does the DCD985L2 use?

It uses a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts designed for strong bit retention.

What batteries came with the DCD985L2?

The original kit included two 20V MAX 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries.

Is 20V MAX actually 20 volts during normal use?

20V MAX represents the battery’s maximum initial voltage without load. DEWALT specifies its nominal voltage as 18V.

Does the DCD985L2 work as a regular drill?

Yes. It includes a conventional drilling mode in addition to screwdriving and hammer drilling.

Can it drill concrete?

Its hammer mode allows it to drill masonry and suitable concrete applications with the proper carbide bit. Large or repeated concrete drilling is better handled by a rotary hammer.

Is the DCD985L2 an impact driver?

No. It is a hammerdrill/drill/driver. An impact driver uses a different rotational impact mechanism designed primarily for fastening.

Does it have an LED light?

Yes. The LED activates with the trigger and remains illuminated for around 20 seconds after trigger release.

How much does the DCD985L2 weigh?

Period specifications list approximately 5.2 pounds with the original battery configuration.

Final Verdict

The DEWALT DCD985L2 20V MAX Hammerdrill/Driver Kit was built as a premium, high-output cordless drill capable of covering far more than ordinary household screwdriving.

Its 535 UWO output, three-speed all-metal transmission, 0–2,000 RPM maximum speed, 34,000 BPM hammer action, 22-position clutch, and heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck give it the versatility needed for wood, metal, fasteners, and periodic masonry work.

The original kit was also well equipped, with two 20V MAX 3.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a 360-degree side handle, and a carrying case.

Its biggest disadvantage today is age rather than basic capability.

The DCD985L2 is heavier and bulkier than many modern premium hammer drills, while newer brushless technology can offer a better combination of efficiency, output, and weight. Original batteries may also have lost substantial capacity after years of use.

Even so, a mechanically sound DCD985 remains a capable cordless hammerdrill/driver, especially for someone already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX platform.

For drilling large holes, installing fasteners, working in wood and metal, and occasionally drilling masonry, its three-speed transmission remains particularly useful. The low gear provides control for demanding loads, the middle range adds flexibility, and the 2,000 RPM high gear supports faster drilling.

The DEWALT DCD985L2 therefore makes the most sense when its condition, battery setup, and purchase price are considered alongside its still-substantial performance. It may no longer represent DEWALT’s newest cordless technology, but its durable metal transmission, strong chuck, hammer function, adjustable clutch, and broad operating range continue to make it a versatile heavy-duty drill.