Porter Cable 12V Lithium-Ion 3/8" Drill Driver and 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Set (PCL212IDC-2)

The PCL212IDC-2 is a combination kit that includes a 3/8" drill driver (PCL120DDC-2) and a 1/4" hex impact driver (PCL120IDC-2). It comes with a fast charger, two batteries, two belt hooks, two bits, and a carry bag.

These drivers share a number of features. They're powered by a 12-volt 1.3 amp-hour cartridge style lithium-ion battery, which helps contribute to the light weight of the tools, but still gives sufficient oom-pah-pah for a fairly wide range of drilling and driving tasks that you're likely to encounter in the typical work shop, as well as for light construction and renovation work. It would have been nice if two batteries per tool were included in the kit. If you're drivers get a lot of use, or if they're shared among several people, it might be worth purchasing a couple of extra batteries ($49.00, PCL12BLX); it'll lessen the chance you'll be waiting in line at the battery charger.

12-volt 1.3 amp-hour battery

Magnetic bit holder

A magnet on the top of the housing holds bits securely in place, and there are belt clips on the side of the motor housing, making it easy and convenient to suspend the drivers safely from a belt. Another great feature are the rubber pads on the side of the motor housing; these protect the drivers when you lay them on a work surface. You'll like this feature, as neither driver will rest securely on the base of the handle - they fall forward. The LED light on these drives is very small; the intensity of the light is about average.

The handles, as expected, are covered with a rubber overmold grip. As for most cartridge style drivers, the handles are quite bulky - about 2" at their widest, and some 6-3/8" in circumference. If you're gripping the tools for short periods of time this isn't much of an issue, but for extended periods of use, it puts noticeable strain on the hand, especially if you have small hands. At 2.4 pounds and 7-1/4" long (drill driver) and 2.6 pounds and 6-1/4" long (impact driver), these are light and fairly compact tools, certainly comparable to others in the same class. The drivers lack on board battery power meters, which I find very useful, certainly more than the LED lights. I don't want to start a job or be at the top of scaffolding only to have the battery power run out.

Rubber pads protect drill when laid on side

The drill driver has a two-speed transmission, delivering 0-315 and 0-1,200 RPM. This is a standard set-up; slower speeds for setting screws and drilling large diameter holes, and higher speeds for the smaller diameter bits. The chuck is made of high-impact composite plastic with a metal cap on the end, which gives a better measure of protection to the chuck than plastic alone. I've always felt that a 3/8" chuck is more versatile than a 1/4" hex drive for screwing applications, particularly if you use a wide range of bit sizes. I also find it a better choice when sinking smaller diameter screws - the clutch ensures I don't sink them too deep, or strip the heads. The 21 clutch settings on this drill match up well to the two-speed gearbox, enabling you to finely tune the power that the drill delivers.

Average size trigger and forward/reverse switch

Two speed transmission

With 275 inch-pounds of torque, the drill driver has sufficient power to sink all but the largest screws and drill all but the widest and deepest holes. The #8 screw is probably the most widely used in woodworking shops, and I could easily sink dozens of 3" #8 screws in pre-drilled holes in oak stock. Likewise, the drill easily bored 1" holes through 2" oak.

Ample clutch settings

Plastic chuck with metal cover at tip

The impact driver has a single speed of 0-2,400 RPM, delivers from 0 to 2,500 impacts per minute, and is rated at a maximum of 950 inch-pounds of torque. The speed and impact levels are about average for 12-volt drivers, while the torque rating is somewhat above average. Still, this driver delivers more than enough power to easily sink 3" #8 or #10 deck screws or 6" lag bolts into framing members. The impact driver has an all metal head, with a removable protective rubber cap.

Removable rubber nose cap

Compact and light, if somewhat bulky handle

The PCL212IDC-2 set is excellent value for professional and hobbyist woodworkers and avid DIYers. The drives have ample power and speed for just about any drilling and driving task you're likely to encounter in the shop or around the home.

Reviewed January 2011