We do our job so you can do yours better. We dig down into the tiny details that separate one power tool from another so you can find the one you need. These two drills from Porter-Cable have a lot in common. Let’s review them both and see which details will make the deal sweetest for you.
PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch Lithium Ion Drill/Driver Kit
This Porter-Cable PCCK600LB drill is more powerful than the one we’ll discuss below. It’s rated for 330 unit-watts-out. The higher that rating is, the faster the tool completes the drilling or driving action.
The PCCK600LB has two speed settings, 0-400rpm and 0-1600rpm. There are also 23 clutch settings. These two factors mean it’s easy to select just the right amount of torque for any application. You can choose high speed, low torque, or low speed, high torque. Large screws and hard materials like metal need a high torque setting.
The metal ratcheting ½” chuck is compatible with a wide range of bits, including hole saws, as long as they have a ½” shank. Unfortunately, Porter-Cable does not make it clear what the maximum drilling range is. Typically, for a drill with this amount of torque and speed, it would be limited to ½” bits in metal and masonry, and up to 2” with a hole saw in wood. More than that and it would take a long time to finish, and possibly burn out the motor.
There are other helpful features to like on this drill. For one, it has an ergonomic handle that balances the weight well. Once the battery is mounted, the drill can stand on its foot. The whole setup is lightweight at just 3.5 pounds.
The forward/reverse switch above the trigger is a safety lock-off in the middle position. Use that while you change bits instead of removing the battery. There is an LED work-light right below the chuck, and a battery fuel gauge in the foot of the drill.
More features of the Porter-Cable PCCK600LB drill
- Porter-Cable offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free parts and service, and 3-year limited warranty
- Comes with two PCC680L 1.5Ah Li-Ion batteries, the PCC690L charger, one double-ended bit tip, belt clip, and a kit box
- One battery recharges in about 40 minutes
PORTER-CABLE PCC601LB 20V Max 1/2-Inch Lithium Ion Drill/Driver
The PCC601LB drill also has a ½” keyless chuck, but it’s rated for just 283 unit-watts-out. The two-speed transmission ranges between 0-350rpm and 0-1500rpm. This is a drill made for occasional use by homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, or contractors who don’t use a drill as their primary tool.
The two batteries in this kit are also Lithium-Ion, but they have a smaller capacity of just 1.3Ah. The included charger takes about an hour to refill each one. The PCC601LB doesn’t have a battery fuel gauge built into the drill, but it does have an LED work-light under the chuck. There is also a place to store the included screw-driving bit onboard.
The nice thing about Lithium-Ion batteries compared to the Ni-Cd formerly used in most cordless tools is that they hold their charge in storage. If you’re buying a drill that you’ll only need three times a year, you’ll benefit from that feature. You can pick up the drill, insert the battery, and get to work, instead of having to recharge first. Li-Ion also tolerates cold weather better than Ni-Cd. The only real danger is overheating, so don’t leave your Li-batteries in a hot car, or you’ll need new ones.
More features of the Porter-Cable PCC601LB drill
- Porter-Cable offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free parts and service, and 3-year limited warranty
- Comes with two PCC6811.3Ah Li-Ion batteries, the PCC691L charger, one Phillips bit tip, and storage bag
- Weighs just 3.5 pounds and measures 8.25” long
Recommendation
If you have only occasional drilling and driving jobs, you may be very happy with the PCC601LB kit. This drill has less power and the batteries have a smaller capacity, but it’s ideal for small projects like mounting cabinet doors.
If you’re looking for something that will handle larger or tougher tasks, get the PCCK600LB. The batteries have a slightly larger capacity and the tool itself has more power.
Click here to purchase PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB on Amazon!
Click here to purchase PORTER-CABLE PCC601LB on Amazon!