I bought this tool, to supplement my current power tool selection. I currently use Dewalt NiCad 18V XRP tools, and was looking for something lighter and more compact, to compliment, more than replace them. Since anything I would buy compatible with any batteries I already had would still be big & heavy, I had to go to a different platform.
I was trying to decide what to get, I really liked the looks of the DeWalt 12V Max system, but found that the PC 20V Max tools were almost as compact, almost as light, but yet had performance almost on par with the 18V XRP tools I already owned, this impact driver in particular, and didn't cost any more. I wasn't stuck on brand, but I wanted a tool platform that would stand upright on the battery if set down on a table, shelf, etc, (which required it have a flat bottomed battery) and also one that had soft rubber pads on the sides, so that I could lay it on its side, and not scratch finished surfaces. I already had the top of the line 18V XRP impact driver, and thought this would be a handy compliment to it, for when I had a helper, to run some screws here and there. Well, long story short, this has every bit of power the XRP Dewalt does. The max torque of both is so close, that there really is no practical difference between them. The Porter Cable is also a 'little bit' more compact, and notably lighter. The bare tools (without battery) seem to weigh about the same (held in my hand, no scale) but the lithium batter of this tool, is notably lighter than the NiCad battery of my old driver. Granted, this kit comes with the 'compact' batteries, but the 'high capacity' versions, with twice the AH (amp hour) ratings are still significantly lighter than the Nicads, which helps reduce operator fatigue. Battery life is maybe 2/3 of the life of the XRP Nicads, but unless you are running the tool almost continually, you shouldn't run out of battery. The kit comes with two batteries, and a fast charger, and so far the spare one was recharged before the one in the driver went dead. Charging time seemed to be just under an hour. By then, I was ready for a drink of water, anyway. The toolbox this kit comes with, as sturdy, and the driver, charger, and spare battery fits inside nicely. Not much extra space inside, though. You can fit in some loose driver bits, but there isn't room for even a small 'box' of driver bits. They either need to be loose, or in a bag so it can squish some to conform to the space available. I personally would rather the box be a little bigger, and have a built in storage space for bits, so they wouldn't be rattling around loose inside, but I really can't fault Porter Cable for wanting the box to be as compact as possible.
Fit, finish, and build quality appear to be as good as on any tool I own, every joint in the body of the tool fits together seamlessly, and it has a surprisingly solid feel, for as light as it is. Keep in mind I don't view this to be a 'super premium' tool, with every top of the line feature, but instead, to me, it seems to be a well-made, solid performing tool, built with an eye to cost.
For example, the LED light that shines to the front of the tool, where the screw you will be driving would be, is down by the battery, and can cast a bit of shadow, some premium tools have more than one LED built right in the nose, oriented to minimize shadow, which works better, but adds to cost). However, it works pretty well, and lights up before the motor starts, so you can line everything up before it starts turning. Ditto things like gauge that estimates the remaining battery life. It is built into the tool, and works well, but some of the premium lines have the gauge built into the battery, so you can test it separately from the tool. However, I would think it would save a few bucks to make just one gauge on the drill, compared to including one with every battery. The spare bit holders are small magnets, instead of steel clips. Not quite as secure, but simple and work well. It also comes with a removable clip that you can mount on either side, to hang the tool on a pocket or toolbelt pouch. It is plenty heavy hanging from a pocket, but tolerable from a tool belt if it isn't loaded too much, otherwise. Overall, I am very happy with it. It seems to have as much power as my XRP DeWalt, that cost almost twice as much (with a somewhat shorter battery life between chargings)
To sum up;
Pros:
Well made
Good performance
Reasonable cost, without feeling 'cheap'
Lightweight and comfortable to use
Comes with spare battery, case, and fast charger
Cons
Features are more 'basic' than 'premium', although for all but a true pro user, you likely won't really find it lacking
Lack of extra storage in kit box
Unknown durability (it looks well made, and feels solid, but I haven't had it long enough to tell how long it will last)
| Brand | PORTER-CABLE |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2900 RPM |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Amperage | 1.5 Amps |
| Maximum Chuck Size | 6.35 Millimeters |
| Color | Black, Red, Gray |
| Included Components | PCC640 Impact Driver | (2) PCC680L Compact Batteries | FMC690L Charger | Kit Box | #2 PH Screwdriving Bit |
| Special Feature | compact |
| Product Dimensions | 12.81"L x 4.19"W x 11.19"H |
| Number of Speeds | 2 |
| Speed | 2900 RPM |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Maximum Power | 300 Watts |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 Amp Hours |
| Manufacturer | PORTER-CABLE |
| Part Number | PCCK640LB |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Item model number | PCCK640LB |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wattage | 35 watts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Head Style | Flat |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Certification | certified frustration-free |
| Special Features | compact |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Ion |
