Review: Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-Volt NiCd Drill Kit
The Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-volt Cordless NiCad Drill is able to produce up to 440 inch-pounds of torque to handle tougher applications. It places a firm handle on drill bits with its 1/2 inch metal single sleeve chuck. The two position gear box is suited for jobs that require high speed or low speed drilling. The PC180DK-2 has a 32 position clutch that is micro-adjustable to provide consistent torque control. The built-in LED light provides increased visibility when working in darker areas. The length of this drill is 9 inches long, and weighs 5.1 pounds. Included in this kit are two NiCad batteries, a charger, a double ended bit tip, and a box.
Pros
- Torque
- Battery life
- Extra Battery
- LED Light
- Quality
- Value
The PC180DK-2 has good torque and power that can handle tougher applications, but still be able to tackle jobs around the house. The battery life is excellent, and the charge time is under an hour. The LED light is helpful, but is somewhat blocked by the chuck. Nonetheless, it does come in handy. If you plan on using this primarily for DIY projects and tasks around the house, then for the money (around $100) this provides great value.
Cons
- Heavy
It weighs over 5 pounds. This is a bit heavy for a drill this size, but that is the only real complaint. If you want a drill suited for heavy-duty tasks day in and day out, then it will probably wear down much quicker. This is not a professional quality drill, so don’t expect it to be. If you need something that will withstand tough conditions each day, then a DeWalt drill would be a better option.
Otherwise, this is a quality drill. Porter Cable has a good reputation for the power tools, and the PC180DK-2 is representative of that. If you are someone who needs a good, solid drill for amateur work, then this is will suit you well.
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Customer Reviews
I’d used this drill on masonry job without problems. Good performance for good price. Would be better if total weight was lower. Good power and torque. Gear box and clutch are decent for this price class. Battery endurance is very good. Best value drill. – Paulo R. C. Santos (Brazil)
I purchased this at Lowes a few months back for home/weekend warrior use. It’s fantastic, tons of torque. As mentioned by others, the light isn’t the most useful because it’s blocked the chuck. Although it’s handy as a quick flashlight as needed (you can squeeze the trigger just enough to turn on the light but not start the chuck turning). For a weekend warrior, no hesitation. Yeah, you’re paying less because it’s NiCad instead of Lithium Ion, but if you take care of the batteries (do a full discharge/recharge, unlike lithium ion which is meant to be “topped off” regularly) you should be fine. – J. Heizman (Overland Park, KS)
This drill replaced a 5 yr old 12V drill that recently died. Having the two speeds to choose from is great so I can set the drill and torque appropriately. It’s a bit heavy than my other drill, so that is why I only gave 4 stars. However, I don’t plan on using it over my head for extended periods of time. Used it to install an outside dryer vent cover to brick and the it cut through like butter. Also used it to hang curtain rods. Very pleased with my purchase. – Arty Wife
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I’d used this drill on masonry job without problems. Good performance for good price. Would be better if total weight was lower. Good power and torque. Gear box and clutch are decent for this price class. Battery endurance is very good. Best value drill.