Porter-Cable PCCK600LB 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill/Driver Preview

January 3, 2013 Posted by Thomas Gaige

Filed under Carpentry, Cordless, Drills & Drivers, Electrical, frontpage, Plumbing, Power Tools, Tool Reviews by Tool, Tool Reviews by Trade

Manufacturer:
Model: PCCK600LB
Price: $169
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We’re taking a look at Porter-Cable’s newest 20V Max Impact Driver, but the company just released a compatible Drill/Driver this week, so we thought you’d want to get caught up on that product as well. The new Compact Drill/Driver (PCCK600LB) uses the same 20 Volt MAX Lithium Ion battery as the Impact Driver (PCCK640LB) and now brings the line up-to-date with SBD’s (Stanley Black & Decker’s) move to the new battery platform. Like the Impact Driver, however, the new platform is focusing, for now, on compact 1.5 Ah batteries and there is currently no “fat pack” available. That will limit your tool’s run-time, but it also means that these new tools are extremely lightweight and nimble.

The new Drill/Driver is attempting to directly take on such rivals as Ryobi and Kobalt Tools, who are also valu-priced and compact. The PCCK600LB 1/2″ 20V MAX Drill/Driver is one of the first tools Porter-Cable is deploying to bring this new system to market. Like DeWalt tools, the new drill/driver is now being spec’d in the nebulous and non-standard Unit Watts Out (the PCCK600LB has 330 UWO) according to Porter-Cable. The drill features a 2-speed gear transmission and delivers up to 400 RPM in low speed and 0 to 1,600 RPM in high speed. You’ll get the most torque in the lower gear ratio and the fastest drilling in the high speed setting.

The PCCK600LB weighs just 3.7 pounds and measures less than 8 inches in length. It’s not the shortest drill we’ve used, but it definitely falls under the “compact” moniker. The drill/driver features a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck that is really a nice, sturdy model that provides excellent bit retention. Porter-Cable also included a battery gauge on the battery so you know how much charge is left in the pack before you get all the way on the roof or to the top of the ladder. The PCCK600LB also features additional accessory storage with two magnetic bit tip holders on the top of the tool. Other standard features include an integrated LED work light, rubber bumpers on the sides of the tool, and a belt clip that can be fastened to either the right- or left-hand side of the tool.

The PCCK600LB includes:

PCC600 Drill/Driver
(2) PCC680L Lithium-ion compact batteries
PCC690L Lithium-ion charger
Kit box
Double-ended bit

The new 20V MAX PCCK600LB Lithium Ion drill/driver will be available at Lowe’s and independent distributors starting in February 2013. The expected retail price is $169 and the tool comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.

Specs