The Bottom Line
The Porter-Cable PCL180DK-2 18v 1/2-inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver is a pretty impressive cordless drill. I was amazed with how light and well-balanced the unit felt in my hand. I became even more impressed after using it for a few hours, on various tasks of differing stress levels, from simple pre-drilling and inserting screws in pine to drilling holes in concrete block. The PCL180DK-2 handled all of the tasks with flying colors.
While there are a few improvements that I'd like to see, such as a hard-sided case and a belt-clip added to the drill's base, this cordless drill is a winner.
While there are a few improvements that I'd like to see, such as a hard-sided case and a belt-clip added to the drill's base, this cordless drill is a winner.
Pros
- Powerful cordless drill - handled difficult tasks with relative ease
- Quite well-balanced, and not too heavy for overhead use
- Lithium-Ion batteries charge in 30-60 minutes and hold a charge longer than NiCad batteries
Cons
- Would prefer a hard-shell carrying case to the soft-sided over-the-shoulder case
- A belt clip would be a nice addition
Description
- Two-speed 1/2-inch keyless chuck drill with 24-position torque adjustment. Includes a bit holder in the base.
- Lithium-Ion battery power allows for lighter, smaller battery packs and faster charging than NiCad batteries.
- LED light's position above trigger always leaves point of work in shadow of the chuck.
Guide Review - Porter-Cable PCL180DK-2 Cordless Drill/Driver
If you've not yet experienced a cordless drill with a lithium-ion battery, you're in for a treat. The batteries on the PCL180 charge in less than sixty minutes, and hold a charge longer than more common NiCad batteries. I also didn't notice as much of a power drop-off as the battery wore down. Instead, the drill simply stopped momentarily, which indicated that it was time to charge the battery.
I appreciated the LED light that Porter-Cable installed just above the trigger, but didn't find it all that useful. The problem is that the position of the light is such that the tip of the drill bit will always be in the shadow of the keyless chuck. I'd love to see them reposition the light to the front of the base and point it up diagonally at the work, as this would help eliminate the shadow.
As I mentioned above, I'd also like to see a hard-sided case for this drill. I inadvertently placed the drill into it's space in the carrying bag with the Phillips bit in the chuck, and later found that the bit had pierced through the fabric case.
Frankly, I have to say that these two complaints really didn't diminish my impression of the PCL180 as a woodworking tool. Even with these minor flaws, this is a very impressive tool, one that I can imagine any woodworker would enjoy using.
Research other cordless drill reviews on Consumer Search.
I appreciated the LED light that Porter-Cable installed just above the trigger, but didn't find it all that useful. The problem is that the position of the light is such that the tip of the drill bit will always be in the shadow of the keyless chuck. I'd love to see them reposition the light to the front of the base and point it up diagonally at the work, as this would help eliminate the shadow.
As I mentioned above, I'd also like to see a hard-sided case for this drill. I inadvertently placed the drill into it's space in the carrying bag with the Phillips bit in the chuck, and later found that the bit had pierced through the fabric case.
Frankly, I have to say that these two complaints really didn't diminish my impression of the PCL180 as a woodworking tool. Even with these minor flaws, this is a very impressive tool, one that I can imagine any woodworker would enjoy using.
Research other cordless drill reviews on Consumer Search.
