The Bottom Line
The Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-Volt Cordless NiCad Drill/Driver Kit is a close cousin to the Porter-Cable PCL180DK-2 Cordless Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill. They both include a multi-position clutch, 1/2-inch keyless chuck, a bit holder in the base and an LED above the trigger to help illuminate the work. This NiCad version is a bit heavier and the batteries don't charge as quickly, but it also comes with a lower price tag. The power is still substantial, and the additional weight of the NiCad battery actually gives this model a little more stable of a base.
A very good choice for a NiCad-powered drill.
A very good choice for a NiCad-powered drill.
Pros
- Sturdy, well-balanced and powerful 1/2" cordless drill
- Nice hard-shell case to protect drill, charger and backup battery
- NiCad battery has large base so that drill can stand on battery, even with a large bit in the chuck
- Less expensive than the Lithium-Ion version
Cons
- NiCad battery doesn't charge as quickly as the Lithium-Ion version
- A bit heavier than Lithium-Ion powered drills
- A belt clip would be a nice feature to add
Description
- Two-speed, 1/2-inch keyless chuck with a 32-position torque adjustment. Includes a bit holder in the base.
- Hard-shell case is well-designed, and provides nice protection for the drill, charger and second battery.
- Would like to see a belt clip and improved positioning of the LED light.
Guide Review - Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 Cordless NiCad Drill Driver
Many cordless drill manufacturers seem to be gravitating to Lithium-Ion powered battery packs for their drills because of their fast charging times and lighter weight. However, there is something to be said for a good quality NiCad-powered cordless drill. I'm happy to see that Porter-Cable is offering basically the same drill with the two different types of power.The PC180DK-2 is well-balanced, and has a more stable base than it's lighter cousin. However, it seemed to handle all of the same tasks with the same ease, but at a lower price point. I also preferred the hard-shell case that came with this model to the soft-sided case on the Lithium-Ion version. While the NiCad version is definitely the heavier of the two models, I didn't feel that the additional weight was enough to cause fatigue when working overhead.
Note: In an earlier note on this review, I incorrectly mentioned that the battery packs for the Lithium-Ion and NiCad models of this drill were not interchangeable. In fact, the batteries ARE interchangeable - however, for optimum performance, Porter-Cable recommends using the appropriately-designed battery types in each of their tools.
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