Which PORTER-CABLE 20V Drill Kit Fits Your Projects?

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Shopping for a porter cable drill set usually comes down to one practical question: will a single drill driver handle the shelves, curtain rods and flat-pack furniture in your home, or do you need a combo kit with saws and an impact driver that will earn its spot on a garage shelf? The six PORTER-CABLE options below all run on the same 20V MAX battery platform, so the decision is less about compatibility and more about how many jobs you plan to take on and how much storage you can spare.

According to the listings, the range splits into two groups. Three are single drill drivers: a brushless kit (PCCK607LB), a tool-only drill (PCC601LB) and a drill kit (PCC601LA). The other three are combos that pair a 1/2-inch drill driver with extra tools: a 4-tool set with two saws (PCCK616L4), a 4-tool set built around an impact driver (PCCK615L4) and an 8-tool set (PCCK6118) that covers most cutting, sanding and fastening work around a house.

PORTER-CABLE Drill Set Lineup at a Glance

The Models in Detail

01 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver 5 1/2-inch circular saw delivers 3700 RPM for a variety of cutting

Check price on Amazon 4.8 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

Best for: Renovators equipping a whole garage

Pros

• Eight tools in one set
• 3Ah and 1.3Ah batteries
• Storage bag included

Cons

• Heavy 31.3 lb listed weight
• Most garage space needed

Best for: DIYers adding cutting tools to drilling

Pros

• Drill plus circular and reciprocating saws
• 18T carbide blade included
• Tool-free saw depth adjustment

Cons

• Battery count unclear in listing
• No impact driver

Best for: Homeowners wanting one capable brushless drill

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Up to 1,800 RPM
• 2 batteries and charger in title
• Compact 7-2/5 in. length

Cons

• Spec sheet also lists ‘Brush’
• No second tool included

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver (PCCK607LB) is the brushless option in this group, and the listing leans on that point: it claims 50% more runtime than brushed motors and a 370 MWO motor that delivers high output with minimal stall. The transmission reaches up to 1,800 RPM, the highest drill speed in this comparison, and the 1/2-inch keyless ratcheting chuck is described as designed for firm bit retention. The listing gives a maximum torque figure of 440 in-lb and two speeds.

For daily routines it is the easiest single drill to live with here. The listing also says you can switch output modes without losing your clutch setting, a small convenience when you move between pilot holes and screws. One inconsistency: the spec sheet lists “Brush” under additional features, which contradicts the brushless headline, so treat the feature bullets and description as the clearer statement.

This is the pick for a homeowner who wants one strong drill and nothing else. If you already know you will be cutting lumber or driving long lag screws, one of the combo kits below gives way more coverage for the space.

02 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Driver 1/2-inch Drill/Driver in the cordless drill combo kit features 283 Units

Check price on Amazon 4.0 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

Best for: Light household drilling and shelf hanging

Pros

• Light 3.5 lb design
• LED light
• Two-speed gearbox

Cons

• Kit contents cut off in listing
• Brushed-style older motor rating

Best for: Furniture assembly and heavy fastening jobs

Pros

• Impact driver with 1,450 in-lbs
• Drill with LED light
• 120-lumen flashlight
• 2 batteries included

Cons

• No circular saw
• Listed weight clearly wrong

Best for: Owners who already have 20V MAX batteries

Pros

• LED work light
• 2-speed gearbox
• 1/2-inch keyless chuck

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Conflicting torque figures

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Driver (PCC601LB) is sold as a bare tool: the listing states plainly that battery and charger are sold separately. It uses a motor rated at 283 Units Watts Out, a two-speed gearbox (0-350 and 0-1,500 RPM), a 1/2-inch keyless chuck for quick bit changes and an LED light for dark corners. The listing puts it at 8.25 inches long and 3.5 lbs.

The torque data is muddled. The specifications list a maximum torque of 85.5 in-lb and, separately, a torque of 188.67 in-lb, and neither is explained. Because the listing contradicts itself, it is safer to think of this as a general-purpose drill for wood, metal and routine fastening, which is how the description frames it, rather than to rely on either number.

This model makes sense only if you already own PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX batteries, perhaps from a combo kit, and want a second drill so you can keep a bit in one and a driver in the other. Without batteries, the PCCK607LB kit above or the PCC601LA kit below is the simpler starting point.

03 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Power Tool Combo 1/2-inch keyless chuck on cordless drill for quick bit changes

Check price on Amazon 4.6 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Power Tool Combo (PCCK616L4) pairs a 1/2-inch two-speed drill driver with a 5-1/2-inch circular saw, a compact reciprocating saw and an LED work light. The drill is listed at 3.5 lbs with an ergonomic handle, LED light and bit storage. The circular saw runs at 3,700 RPM, comes with an 18T carbide blade, has tool-free depth adjustment and bevels at 45 and 90 degrees. The reciprocating saw offers 0-3,000 SPM, a 7/8-inch stroke, tool-free blade changes and a pivoting shoe.

This is the kit for someone whose projects involve cutting as much as drilling: trimming shelf boards to fit an alcove, cutting down a garden bed frame or removing an old fence panel. Battery details conflict, though. The title says two batteries and a charger, while the specification line says one battery is included. The listing also gives a torque figure of 210 in-lb and a 3-year limited warranty.

What it lacks is an impact driver, so it is less suited to long lag screws or deck work. If fastening dominates your list, the PCCK615L4 below is the better fit.

04 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Combo Brushless motor provides 50% more runtime than brushed motors

Check price on Amazon 4.2 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Combo (PCCK615L4) swaps the circular saw for a 1/4-inch impact driver. The listing rates that driver at 1,450 in-lbs of torque with a 0-2,800 RPM and 0-3,100 BPM motor, a quick-load one-handed chuck and a built-in LED. The drill driver matches the PCC601 family specs: 283 Units Watts Out, a two-speed gearbox (0-350/0-1,500), 8.25 inches long and 3.5 lbs, with an LED.

The reciprocating saw here is listed with a 1-inch stroke length, 3,000 SPM, tool-free blade release, a variable-speed trigger and a 14.5-inch length. The flashlight uses 4 LED bulbs for 120 lumens with a pivoting head. Two lithium ion batteries are included per the specifications, and the kit carries a 3-year limited warranty. The item weight of 0.27 g in the listing is obviously an error, so check the box dimensions before planning storage.

For a household that assembles a lot of furniture, hangs heavy mirrors or builds simple outdoor projects, the drill-plus-impact pairing is the most useful combination here. It gives way to the PCCK616L4 if straight cuts in sheet goods or boards are a regular need.

05 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Lithium Ion 8-Tool 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver In The Cordless Drill Combo Kit Features 2-Speed

Check price on Amazon 4.7 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Lithium Ion 8-Tool set (PCCK6118) is the largest kit in the range. The description lists a drill driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, impact driver, jigsaw, sander, oscillating tool and flashlight, plus one 3Ah battery, one 1.3Ah battery, a 20V MAX charger and a storage bag. The listing describes the drill with a two-speed gearbox (0-350/0-1,500) and LED, and the impact driver with 1,450 in-lbs max torque at 2,900 RPM and 3,000 BPM.

The circular saw is listed at 3,700 RPM with a 5-1/2-inch 18-tooth carbide blade and a 50-degree beveling shoe, and the reciprocating saw at a 7/8-inch stroke with 3,000 SPM, tool-free blade release and variable speed. The spec sheet’s 3,000 RPM maximum speed appears to reflect a saw rather than the drill. The listed item weight is 31.3 pounds, which is worth taking seriously if the set has to live in a hall closet rather than a garage.

The listing aims it at contractors, carpenters and trades, but it also suits a homeowner starting a renovation who wants every common cordless tool on one battery system. Anyone who mostly hangs pictures and builds bookshelves will leave most of it unused, and a single drill or the PCCK615L4 would be a better match for the space.

06 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Driver 1/2" keyless chuck for fast and easy bit changes

Check price on Amazon 4.5 out of 5 — average from Amazon buyers

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill Driver (PCC601LA) is the kit version of the PCC601 drill. It shares the 283 Units Watts Out motor, the two-speed gearbox (0-350/0-1,500 RPM), the 1/2-inch keyless chuck, the LED light and the 8.25-inch, 3.5 lb body. The spec sheet lists a maximum torque of 283 in-lb and a wood drilling capacity of 0.5 inches, and the description positions it for wood drilling, metal drilling and fastening.

The title calls it a kit, and the description mentions a 20V MAX lithium ion battery with 1.3 amp-hour cells, but the text is cut off before it confirms the full contents. Check the box contents on the product page before assuming you get a charger or a second battery.

It suits apartment dwellers and homeowners with a light, occasional to-do list: hanging shelves, assembling a desk, fitting a new towel rail. It gives way to the brushless PCCK607LB if runtime and speed matter more to you. For heavier masonry work, our guide to the PORTER-CABLE hammer drill is the better place to look.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• You rent a small apartment and mainly hang shelves and assemble furniture: the PCC601LA drill kit keeps things simple and light.
• You want one drill with the most speed and runtime claims in the range: choose the brushless PCCK607LB.
• You already own 20V MAX batteries from another PORTER-CABLE tool: the tool-only PCC601LB adds a second drill without extra chargers.
• You build flat-pack furniture often and drive long screws into studs: the PCCK615L4 with its impact driver fits best.
• You cut boards and trim wood for shelving or garden projects: the PCCK616L4 adds a circular saw and a reciprocating saw.
• You are renovating and have garage space for a full kit: the 8-tool PCCK6118 covers sanding, jigsaw cuts and oscillating work too.

Before You Buy

Several listings leave gaps. None of them states a charge time, and only the PCCK6118 names specific battery capacities (3Ah and 1.3Ah). The PCCK616L4 contradicts itself on battery count, the PCC601LB gives two unexplained torque figures, and the PCCK615L4 lists a weight that cannot be right. The PCC601LA description is cut off before listing what is in the box. None of the listings mention a drill bit set or driver bits, so plan on buying those separately, or look at a general household tool kit that bundles hand tools and bits.

Carrying cases are also inconsistent. Only the PCCK6118 mentions a storage bag. For the other kits, the listings do not specify a case, which matters if your tools share a closet with cleaning supplies rather than living on a pegboard. Warranty is stated as a 3-year limited warranty only for the three combo kits; the single drill listings do not specify one.

FAQ

What is the difference between the PCC601LB and the PCC601LA?

Both share the same drill specs. The PCC601LB is tool only, with battery and charger sold separately, while the PCC601LA is listed as a kit and mentions a 1.3Ah battery, though its description is cut off before listing everything included.

Is the PCCK607LB brushless?

The title, feature bullets and description all describe a brushless motor with 50% more runtime than brushed motors. The spec sheet oddly lists “Brush” as an additional feature, which appears to be a listing error.

Which PORTER-CABLE drill set includes an impact driver?

The PCCK615L4 and the 8-tool PCCK6118 both include a 1/4-inch impact driver rated at 1,450 in-lbs. The PCCK616L4 does not.

Do these kits share batteries?

All six are part of the 20V MAX line according to their titles. The listings do not include a full compatibility chart, so confirm on the product pages if you plan to mix tools across kits.

Which porter-cable drill set should I buy for basic home use?

For shelf hanging and furniture assembly, a single drill driver is enough. The PCCK607LB offers the most speed and runtime claims, and the PCC601LA is the simpler kit option.

Are drill bits included in any of these sets?

None of the listings mention drill or driver bits. The PCCK616L4 includes saw blades, and the PCCK616L4 drill has onboard bit storage, but the bits themselves are not listed.