Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo Kit Review

Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo Kit Review

Having to buy lots of power tools can be a pain especially if they are cordless, you can end up with countless different batteries and chargers. In our Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo kit review we'll take you through what's in this combo kit and who it's right for.

Why buy a combo kit?

The main benefits to buying your tools as combo kits are:

  • Value - it is usually cheaper than buying them as separates
  • Common platform - you no longer have a mess of chargers and different batteries lying around your workshop.

Contractors, hobbyists and maintenance men/women make up the majority of people who buy their power tools as combo kits. Especially those that are just starting out and would rather not splash out on a range of more expensive individual tools. 

Buying as a kit can save you a significant amount of money. As you skills grow you may need to buy more specialist tools. However the 8 tool combo kit from Porter Cable has pretty much everything you might need.

They also make ideal gifts for woodworkers if you are thinking of purchasing something for your loved one.


Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo Kit Review

With 8 different cordless tools you can cover a fairly wide range of DIY jobs about the house or in your garage. There are two batteries, one charger and two durable kit bags for easy transportation included in the kit.

Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo Kit

What you get:

  • PCC601 1/2" Drill Driver
  • PCC641 1/4" Impact Driver
  • PCC660 6-1/2" Circular Saw
  • PCC670 Reciprocating Tiger Saw
  • PCC650 Jig Saw
  • PCC710 Oscillating Multi-tool
  • PCC761 Cutoff Tool/Grinder
  • PCC700 LED Flash Light
  • PCC685 20V Max Lithium Ion 4.0Ah Battery
  • PCC680 20V Max Lithium Ion 1.5Ah Battery
  • PCC691L Battery Charger
  • 2 Kit Bags

PCC601 Drill Driver

PCC601 Drill Driver

The PCC601 is a small form lightweight drill driver from Porter Cable. It has a 2 speed gear box and 21 different adjustable torque settings. A great little drill for light work.

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On the high setting you can get up to about 1500 rpm's which is fairly standard for drilling holes. On the lower setting it max's out at about 350 rpm's which is just about right for a cordless screw driver.

The PCC601 also includes an LED light to help illuminate your immediate work space just in front of the drill.

Specifications

  • 2 speed gear box: 0-350 and 0-1500 rpm's
  • 21 different torque settings
  • 1/2 inch keyless chuck
  • LED light
  • Light weight
  • Small size

PCC641 Impact Driver

PCC641 Impact Driver

Just like the driver/drill above the PDD641 Impact Driver is great for small tasks, saying that the battery will last much longer than it takes to re-charge so it's certainly convenient.

An impact driver can really take the pain out of tightening bolts and driving screws into wood. Where these tools really excel is when you need to drive many screws or bolts repeatedly. Doing this by hand would be a royal pain.

Specifications

  • Single speed gear box: 0-2800 rpm's
  • Power 1450 in-lbs
  • LED light

PCC660 Circular Saw

PCC660 Circular Saw

If you are in need of a light weight cordless circular saw then the PCC660 is more than capable of handling most small jobs and light commercial work.

It has a max speed of 4000 rpm and has a maximum cutting depth of roughly 2-1/8 inches. Although it may never be a powerful as a corded circular saw it can still get the job done despite it's small size. 

Specifications

  • Max speed 4000 rpm
  • Cutting depth 2-1/8 inches
  • Blade size 6-1/2 inches in diameter

PCC670 Reciprocating Tiger Saw

PCC670 Reciprocating Tiger Saw

The PCC670 is Porter Cables cordless reciprocating saw. It is perfect for small jobs especially that are in awkward places.

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A variable trigger controlled motor allows you to match the speed of the saw to the materials you are cutting. A light and compact design means that cutting overhead or in small confined space is much easier than with a heavier corded model.

If has a very easy to use tool free blade changing system. Simply twist and insert the blade no tightening necessary or small tool to lose.

Specifications

  • Speed 3000 SPM(strokes per minute)
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Keyless blade clamp
  • Pivoting shoe

PCC650 Jig Saw

PCC650 Jig Saw

The PCC650 is a variable speed cordless jigsaw. It can run at up to 2500 strokes per minute. 

It has 3 different random orbital action settings. Each orbital setting changes the action of the blade stroke ever so slightly. Depending on the density of the material you need to cut, you can select the correct one for that material giving a better cutting finish overall.

Specifications

  • Tool-free blade change system
  • Variable speed 0-2500 strokes per minute
  • 3 random action orbital settings
  • Duct blower

PCC710 Oscillating Multi-tool

PCC710 Oscillating Multi-tool

Porters cordless oscillating multi-tool can tackle a host of jobs about the house. It has a quick tool blade change system that is very simple to use.

Note: you will need to buy the various different blades and tool head separately.

Specifications

  • Variable speed 8000 - 18000 oscillations per minute 
  • Built in LED light
  • Quick change tool free blade swap mechanism
  • LED work light
  • Variable speed dial

PCC761 Cutoff Tool/Grinder

PCC761 Cutoff Tool/Grinder

The PCC761 is a high revving cordless grinder that can be used for light/medium grinding jobs, finishing and removal depending on the disc used. It has a cast metal gear housing. The metal gear housing helps to cool the grinder as it dissipates the heat from the grinding head and the internal gears.

With a 3 position side handle it can be used comfortably and safely in a variety of ways, which is quite important if you are attempting some awkward grinding jobs or are forced to work in a tight spot. 

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Specifications

  • Max speed 8500 rpm's
  • Spindle Lock
  • 4.5 inch diameter 
  • 3 position side handle

PCC700 LED Flash Light

PCC700 LED Flash Light

A nice little addition to the kit is a pistol grip LED work light. With 4 LED's and outputting 120 Lumens is more than adequate for most indoor work sites. 

It has a pivoting head so can easily be adjusted to suit your needs and stands upright quite well on the battery pack.

Specifications

  • 4 LED lights
  • 120 Lumens output
  • Pivoting head
  • Pistol grip 

Batteries & Charger

Supplied with the kit is one charger, one 4.0Ah Lithium ion battery and one 1.5Ah Lithium ion battery. You can purchase additional batteries if required.

The 20V battery series that Porter Cable use is capable of holding a charge for long periods. Battery technology has really progressed in recent years and cordless power tools have seen a massive benefit as a result.


Verdict

The Porter Cable 8 Tool Combo Kit is ideal for home DIY'ers that are not looking to use the tools under heavy load for long periods of time.

If you are looking for a more heavyweight combo kit then the tools in the Dewalt 9 Tool Combo Kit are capable of much higher workloads and abuse.

The Porter Cable 20v Combo kit for the money however is excellent value if you are looking for an all in one power tool kit for light jobs about the house.

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