Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 Review
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Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 18V 1/2" NiCd Hammer Drill Driver 1/2" Chuck Price Level: $$ |
Torque 490 Max In-Lbs |
Speed 1600 Max RPM |
Weight 6 Lbs w Batt |
Battery 1.5 Ah Capacity |
Warranty 3 Year |
| Ratings Guide | Best | Better | Good | Fair | Poor |
| KEY STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES | ||
| POWER | The PC180HDK-2 is 5% more powerful than average and ranks in the top 40% of 18V-class drills for torque and power. It generates 22 in-lbs more maximum torque than the average 468 in-lbs drill in its class. | ✔ |
| SPEED | This Porter-Cable cordless drill has about average speed with a max RPM comparable with standard 18V-class drills. The average cordless drill in this class runs at speeds up to 1584 RPM. | |
| WEIGHT | It is 28% heavier than average and ranks in the bottom 20% of 18V-class drills for higher weight. It weighs 1.3 lbs more than the average 4.7 lb cordless drill in this class and may increase operator fatigue. | |
| BATTERY | This Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) battery ranks about average for capacity and run-time with an amp-hour (Ah) rating that is considered standard for 18V-class batteries. The average battery capacity for this class is rated at 2.2 amp-hours. | |
| WARRANTY | Porter-Cable's 3-year limited tool warranty is a little longer than average for the cordless drill industry where the standard is about 2-3 years. Longer warranties can often indicate improved durability with fewer repairs. | ✔ |
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| PERFORMANCE RATINGS | ||
| Power | 490 in-lbs - The PC180HDK-2 is 5% more powerful than average and ranks in the top 40% of 18V-class drills for torque and power. It generates 22 in-lbs more maximum torque than the average 468 in-lbs drill in its class. | ✔ |
| Speed Settings |
2 Settings 0-400 / 0-1,600 RPM - Fitted with both Low and High speed settings that come standard on most cordless drills. Speed selection is an important feature to match drilling or driving RPM to each unique job. | ✔ |
| Max Speed |
1600 RPM - This Porter-Cable cordless drill has about average speed with a max RPM comparable with standard 18V-class drills. The average cordless drill in this class runs at speeds up to 1584 RPM. | |
| Clutch | 32 Settings - The Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 has an above average number of clutch settings that provide a wide range of protection for almost any job. The clutch acts like a brake and helps prevent stripping screws. | ✔ |
| Power Ratio |
82 P/W - The Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 is designed with an average power-to-weight ratio that is standard for mid-range 18V-class cordless drills. The average P/W ratio is about 100 for cordless drills in this voltage class. | |
| Hammer | 0-6,000 / 0-24,000 IPM - Generates a hammer impact rate that's 12% lower than average and ranks in the bottom 40% of hammer drills for IPM. It delivers 3000 less impacts per minute (IPM) than the average 27000 IPM drill. | |
| DURABILITY RATINGS | ||
| Gear Case |
Non-Metal Parts - Some of the Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 transmission components are made of non-metal materials that are more susceptible to failure. Gears spin at high RPMs and experience large rotational forces. | |
| Chuck | All-Metal - Drills are commonly dropped-off ladders onto concrete and the chuck often bears the brunt of the impact. An all-metal chuck with metal sleeve helps prevent damage and costly repairs. | ✔ |
| Motor | No Brush Access - The entire drill usually has to be taken apart in order to access the motor brushes. Motor brushes wear-out and must be replaced periodically, but repair costs can sometimes be prohibitive. | |
| Warranty | 3-Year - Porter-Cable's 3-year limited tool warranty is a little longer than average for the cordless drill industry where the standard is about 2-3 years. Longer warranties can often indicate improved durability with fewer repairs. | ✔ |
| BATTERY RATINGS | ||
| Type | Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) PC18B - The oldest and original cordless drill battery that is still found on many drills, but is significantly larger and heavier than the newer high-capacity Lithium-Ion batteries. | |
| Capacity | 1.5 Ah - This Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) battery ranks about average for capacity and run-time with an amp-hour (Ah) rating that is considered standard for 18V-class batteries. The average battery capacity for this class is rated at 2.2 amp-hours. | |
| Charge Time |
60 min PCMVC Charger - Battery charge-time is about average for this class battery. If you only have one battery, or you go through multiple batteries on the job-site, charge-time is an important consideration. | |
| Fuel Gauge |
No Battery Fuel Gauge - Not equipped with a battery charge indicator that alerts you to remaining battery life or if the batteries are running low. Sudden battery failure during the job is a common frustration. | |
| Backup | 2 Batteries Included - It's important to have a second back-up battery for the Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 that's charged and ready to go. Makes it easy to swap-out batteries during the job with minimal down-time. | ✔ |
| CONVENIENCE RATINGS | ||
| Weight | 6 lbs Tool Plus Battery - It is 28% heavier than average and ranks in the bottom 20% of 18V-class drills for higher weight. It weighs 1.3 lbs more than the average 4.7 lb cordless drill in this class and may increase operator fatigue. | |
| Length | 10 in - Cordless drill length is a personal preference, but shorter is generally better to help you in close quarters such as under a sink, or drilling in-between studs. Torque is harder to handle if the drill is too short though. | |
| Spindle Lock |
One-Hand Bit Change - This single-sleeve chuck has auto spindle lock. The drill bit can be changed with only one hand by simply spinning the chuck open to release the bit, and counter-spinning it to tighten. | ✔ |
| LED Light |
Integrated LED Light - The Porter-Cable PC180HDK-2 illuminates your work area and allows you to clearly see your bit position and depth while you're drilling or driving. Great feature that's now available on many cordless drills. | ✔ |
| Belt Hook |
No Belt Hook - There is no provision to hang the drill on your belt and free-up both hands to perform other tasks. You may be able to purchase a separate belt clip that can be attached to the drill. | |
| Side Handle |
Side Handle Included - Higher torque levels can cause injury if a bit suddenly binds or the drill slips. A side handle is essential to handle more powerful drills and provides additional stability and control. | ✔ |
| Bubble Level |
No Bubble Level - This feature is only available on a few drills and can be helpful in situations where precision holes are critical for alignment. Most projects can be performed with just visual sighting. | |
| Keyless | Keyless Chuck - Nearly all cordless drills are now equipped with keyless chucks that can be tightened with both hands (double-sleeve) or just one hand (single-sleeve) without the use of a key. | ✔ |
| VSR | VSR - Most cordless drills are equipped with variable speed capability that can be controlled with simple trigger pressure. Reverse is usually performed with the push of a side-to-side button. | ✔ |
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