Porter-Cable today launched the NiCd-powered PC180CHDK-2 18V Hammer Drill. While not using new Li-ion batteries, the new drill is designed to give general contractors, plumbers, electricians, woodworkers, etc, more power and performance over Porter-Cable’s current line of hammer drills. The PC180CHDK-2 18 Volt NiCd Hammer Drill is more compact and delivers greater beats per minute than the older model it replaces (the PC180HDK-2). The new tool uses 1.5 Ah, 18V NiCd batteries and is a 2-speed model, running at 0-350 and 0-1,500 RPMs. The hammer drill anvil mechanism delivers up to 25,500 blows per minute (bpm) and the tool delivers a full 424 in-lbs of torque at max potential. This hammer drill seems perfectly suited for heavy-duty applications like concrete, brick and mortar block drilling. The tool includes an all- metal chuck and weighs just over 5 pounds. From tip to back it measures 9″ in length which, for a hammer drill, means that you’ll be able to insert it into some pretty compact areas.
The new tool is amazingly similar to the company’s brand new Porter-Cable PCL180CDK-2 Lithium-ion Drill/Driver and Porter-Cable reduced the length and girth of the tool in the same way – by using an exposed gearbox. The handle features the same comfortable, no-slip rubberized grip we’ve noticed with all of the new Porter-Cable tools. The housing itself is now made from glass filled nylon which is far stronger than ABS plastic still used by some other models.
The Hammer Drill comes with 22 clutch stops and a single LED work light, placed above the trigger. We’ve found these lights to work effectively, even though this placement may cast some shadows along the tip of the bit. The LED automatically activates with the trigger and there is no defeat control. The new Hammer Drill also comes with on-board bit tip storage on the side above the battery, but no integrated belt-clip is included.
Another huge change is that Porter-Cable relocated the battery release lever to the front so it’s much more ergonomic – particularly for one-handed battery changes. The PC180CHDK-2 comes with a standard PCMVC NiCd one-hour (60 minute)charger, which is an unfortunate reality of NiCd technology.
Available in November 2011 at Lowe’s, Amazon.com and the independent channel, the PC180CHDK-2 will retail for approximately $129. The kit comes with 2 PC18B NiCd batteries, a PCMVC NiCd one-hour charger, a double-ended bit, and a kit box. The PC180CHDK-2 has a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.
