When Porter-Cable announced it had launched a new 7-amp 1/2″ 2-speed hammer drill (PC70THD) we perked up our ears. The tool is designed to take advantage of new power-to-weight ratio advantages in motor and transmission technology and apply that to the corded tools that so often lag behind their “updated every 9 months” cordless brethren. The Porter-Cable PC70THD hammer drill seems to really target pros who are looking for an ergonomic rotary hammer drill driver that doesn’t cost a fortune but isn’t slack on performance.
The Porter-Cable PC70THD 7A 1/2-inch hammerdrill has a bit more power than the PC650D which it replaces. It operates in two speeds, at 0-1,100 and 0-3,100 RPMs (rotations per minute). On top of that, the tool can deliver 52,700 blows per minute (BPM) or 878 anvil hits per second! This is going to make it very easy for this tool to drill its way through concrete, tile, brick and block – even with larger bit sizes that might give a cordless model a tougher time (or drain the battery faster than it takes to get the job done).
The ergonomics of the new hammer drill seem to borrow a lot of what Porter-Cable has learned from its development of its new corded tools. For example, the new Porter-Cable PC70THD has a smooth rubber overmold on the handle to give a solid and comfortable grip during use – something that is absolutely critical for a hammer drill. It also weighs just over 5 pounds (5.1 to be exact) and is 14-1/4 inches long. That’s going to mean that you have a fighting chance of using it overhead for periods of time as needed and also you can cram it into close quarters when necessary. The tool uses a metal gear housing that, while indicative of higher quality, also aids in dissipating heat as it builds up from the motor during extended use.
The new Porter-Cable PC70THD 2-speed hammer drill is available next month (October 2011) at Lowe’s, as well as via Amazon.com and select dealers. The PC70THD hammer drill will have an MSRP of $79.97 and includes a rotating side handle, metal depth rod and a chuck key. The PC70THD also comes with a 3-year limited warranty, including a 1-year service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.
