Let me preface this review with this: On just about anything and everything I buy, I can normally find a pretty even amount of opinions both for and against said item. From my limited experience and in today’s market of mediocrity to average quality stuff (for above average to outrageous prices) luck of the draw seems to play the biggest role in whether or not I get a good average priced item or a Monday or Friday produced item………….
With that said, lets get on with this review:-)
So, I do own a couple corded Porter-Cable items and for the years that I have owned them and the use they’ve been subjected to, they have ALL held up quite fine. Now understand these corded items have certainly not been put thru the grind of a contractor style life, but they have been used to help me produce and complete what I consider to be average and slightly above average DiYer type jobs.
So I bought this Duo because my Black & Decker Firestorm 18V power drill was just no longer cutting it for me. The original batteries for it on top of the additional batteries I’ve purchased for it have just stop performing as expected and needed. Mind you, this firestorm item is part of a set (flashlight, skill saw, reciprocating saw and power drill).
So after looking at numerous brands and price points I was willing to spend, I went with PC because of my previous experience with their corded equipment.
Although not Heavily used, I am so very glad I made the purchase, so much so that I have purchased a few other items from the 20V max family. As well as buying additional 20v Max extended batteries.
Now mind you, my comparison is to older technology, but I can say having stepped into this new era of power and portability, PC has not let me down!!!
Ergonomics: I have decent size hands and these tools feel comfortable when I hold and use them. They have a pretty decent balance that allows me to get into tight spots without worry about my arm/wrist/fingers fatiguing quickly. They’re light enough to hold for extended periods but not to light to feel light junk.
Aesthetics: Totally subjective, but they look as good as they feel to use. I can easily spot them across a room or my garage and I have no problem reading their molded numbers/settings on the casing.
Battery Life: So far OUTSTANDING, both usage time as well as standby time (I’ve had these items for about 5 months now) – and recharging is quite quick as well. I Definitely enjoy these new chargers that are truly smart chargers so as not to over charge and then drop down to a trickle charge once a battery is replenished.
Power: Since I only have my old Firestorm to compare it to – there really is no comparison. Both the power driver and power drill have performed flawlessly. Chucking up bits in either is a snap and I’m quickly powering thru 2×4/4×4 lumber or removing rusted nuts from trailer carriages. I recently purchased the reciprocating saw in this family and was chewing thru 4×4/6×6 lumber like nobody’s business:-)
Storage: It came with a simple tote bag that the drivers fit in. Nothing to do backflips over, but suitable and functional. Oddly enough though, when I look at the large combo pack they sell, they only provide larger tote bags too to accommodate everything……I would have liked to seen something more formed and rugged like a molded plastic case – but this was certainly not a deal breaker for me.
Interchangeability: More so referencing the batteries and how they can fit this entire family of tools – but that’s nothing unique to porter-cable however I do like how they connect to the bottom and slide in from the front. It feels firm and pretty solid as if they would take a good knock and not pop off if say one fell from my shop bench.
Ruggedness: Although I certainly have not dropped them from a ladder or roof (Thank GOD!!) they have gotten bumped around a bit in my garage and still look and perform like I just bought them yesterday. And they clean up pretty easily when I’ve grabbed them with greasy/oily hands
Value: For the value I thought they were well worth it. In my opinion and from my experience PC has provided me quality tools for a long time. A name I trust and tools I’ve come to appreciate (much like my craftsman tools) and the price point on this combo I felt was very reasonable.
SUMMARY: So, there you have it. I like the tools, they work quite well for me, they weren’t outrageously priced and provided I treat they properly and with a little craftsmen respect, I believe they’ll last me for years to come like they’re corded brethren. If you decide to make the purchase, I hope yours treat you as well as mine currently are:-)
