This Porter Cable 20V drill and impact driver combo kit just came out (PCCK602L2), and it’s pretty fairly priced at $180. It comes with their new PCC600 drill/driver, PCC640 impact driver, two 20V Max lithium ion batteries, a fast charger, starter bits, and a kit bag.
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I’ve been testing and passing around both tools, and they have proven to be quite capable performers. There doesn’t seem to be any compromise on power, ruggedness, or performance, but there is a tradeoff – neither tool sports the cutting edge features that some other newer and much pricier models do.
It’s a good buy for budget-minded pro’s and DIYers and enthusiasts who want pro-grade quality.
jeepnut24
Figures… I just bought the 18V combo…
Clayton
Pretty sure I saw this kit for $179 at Lowes this week too, so another option for those who’d want to just pick it up in-store. And I laughed a little when I saw that the 18v kit was $169. I don’t know though, for an extra $20, I’d have to think pretty hard about just getting Milwaukee’s 18v Drill/Impact kit, or the other various ‘insert pro brand here’ similar kits that go on sale around the holidays for $200.
I really like the Porter Cable 18v tools that I have already for the price, but I’d be hesitant to buy into this 20v system until I see that PC will be producing more tools for it.
Mike U.
There is a banner on the P-C website with “coming in 2013” with what appears to be a circular saw, work light, and maybe oscillating tool, so I suspect that they are planning on coming out with a full line of 20v tools.
Dan
I have the full 18V line, and I have been more than pleased. This 20V line has caught my eye, but I do not want to get into a two battery pack system. Interestingly, the 18V impact driver actually has an edge on the 20V by 150 in-lbs of torque although it does have a higher BPM rating
Brandon
Is it just me, or do they kind of look like they are made of legos?
Stuart
I believe I’ve heard that description before, and can definitely see the resemblance. Even so, I like the look of the new tools. Definitely different, but not offensive.
Joe
LEGO bricks or some type of transformer… they look like they’re trying REALLY HARD to look futuristic
Stuart
Maybe. I believe that differentiation must have been the top priority.
Everything from the handle up seems to be functional as well as aesthetical. The battery seems a bit overdone, but they had to be different enough so as to not be mistaken with 18V battery packs.
A couple of years ago everyone complained about Hitachi’s “alien green” coloring. They’ve toned things down a bit since then. Perhaps Porter Cable will consider a duller look for their next revision in a few years. Personally I don’t mind the more modern look.
Joe
not saying I dont like the look, it just looks like it came out of a video game (halo?)
Stuart
I’ve heard these tools be described as futuristic in good and bad ways, and so I couldn’t make any assumptions as to how you meant it. Different can be both good and bad as well.
Javier
I remember the hitachi tools youre talking about. The post style lithium tools, I thought they were pretty cool looking. Its funny you mention alien green coloring, I thought the tool design resembled styling from the alien creatures from the aliens movies. I still think the designs are cool but like you said the newer models are more toned down. I like the look of the new porter cable tools. I think they closely resemble the dewalt tools from the handle to the overall shape down to the battery.
Gary Wyatt
Really tempted to go for the 20v as more power is always better when it comes to cordless tools in my opinion. Fell somewhat insignificant here with my 14.4v.