Porter-Cable vs. DeWalt: Who Wins…

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Feature

Power tools are the engine that runs any workshop whether it is a professional one run by an expert woodworker or a makeshift garage one for a DIYer. 

Regardless of the kind that you run or your level of expertise, it is always vital to make sure you have the best tools. In many instances, this means buying from a highly reputable brand.

And for many power tool users, American-born brands like Porter-Cable and DeWalt are always their preferred power tool manufacturer. But, choosing between the two can still be quite challenging.

Both are highly reputable companies that make some of the best-selling power tools, and to pick between them you need to understand what they are all about and what gives each an edge.

In this piece, we highlight the story behind these two great brands and compare some of their top-rated combo kits to help you make a more informed choice between the two.

The Story 2 Great American-Born Brands

About Porter-Cable

Porter-Cable Logo

The Beginning

Porter-Cable is one of the oldest power tools manufactures in the USA as it has been in business since 1906.

The company was founded by two brothers R.E Porter and G.G Porter and their friend F.E Cable which explains where the company gets its name. They were operating out of a garage in Syracuse, New York, and they started by investing around $2,300 on a jobbing machine.

And in 1910 the company started making readily merchandisable products beginning with a pencil sharpener, gas lamps, and an automatic tire pump.

Their products experienced significant market success and in 1914 they decided to venture into power tools starting with a line of lathes. Three years later they bought a manufacturing plant with the aim of expanding their business further.

Growth and Expansion

You cannot mention the growth and expansion of Porter-Cable without including the name Art Emmons who was their long-serving chief engineer from the 1920's until his retirement in the late 1960's.

The story begins in 1926 when Art Emmons invented Porter-Cable’s first portable electric sander that was fondly known as the Take-About sander.

And a couple of years later in 1928 Emmons also invented a compact and lightweight helical drive circular saw that went on to become the industry standard

While Emmons was still at the helm of the company’s engineering department, Porter-Cable also introduced their first portable band saw into the market in 1953. But, the company was sold to Rockwell International a few years later.

Rockwell made several changes to the company which included dropping its original name and focusing more on the production of the lower end power tools to compete with Black & Decker.

However, in the early 1980's, Pentair Inc acquired the power tool company from Rockwell and restored the original company name (Porter-Cable).

They also stopped the manufacture of consumer power tools and focused more on making tools for use by professionals. And in 1989, Porter-Cable introduces their first electric random orbital sander.

Porter-Cable continued its expansion and introduction of new tools into the 90’s. Some of its significant milestones include the introduction of their first palm-grip electric orbital random sander in 1992 and the launch of redesigned reciprocating saws in 1995.

Today, Porter-Cable is owned by Stanley Black & Decker and continues to be an industry leader in innovation and prides in making some of the most affordable consumer power tools that are now used globally.

About DeWalt

DeWalt logo

The Beginning

DeWalt is also an American-born brand that began its operations in the early years of the 20th century. The company was formed as DeWalt Products Company in 1924 by Raymond DeWalt in Leola, Pennslyvania.

When it was started, DeWalt focused on making and perfecting an electric universal wood-working machine referred to as the Wonder-Worker that could be configured in 9 different ways. But, they also had a dedicated mortiser and jointer.

In 1929 the company moved to a larger and what was considered outstandingly modern plant then.

However, the actual breakthrough and boom for DeWalt came in 1941 when they were contracted by the government to make tools to support national defense and wartime machinery

Growth and Expansion

After the Second World War and the rapid expansion that DeWalt faced, it was reincorporated under DeWalt Inc in 1947 and then acquired by American Machine Foundry in 1949.

The new owners would then expand its operations into Canada in 1953 through a subsidiary but would also sell the company to Black and Decker who are the current owners in 1960.

Under the new owners, DeWalt experienced a period of stability and significant growth in their market share. And in 1992 they introduced their first line of portable electric power tools and their accessories.

A couple of years later in 1994 DeWalt also launched a system of 30 different cordless tools which had a great impact on the market. Among these tools was their famous 14.4V cordless drill/driver that was the most powerful in its class then.

By 2001 DeWalt had over 200 electric power tools and more than 800 accessories in the market. In 2010 the company introduces their 12V max lithium-ion power tools and they expanded it the following year by introducing the 20V max lithium-ion system.

DeWalt now boasts a global market presence and several manufacturing plants across the USA and Canada.

Key Product Features

Porter-Cable Features

Having been in business for more than a century, Porter-Cable understands exactly what users look for in a power tool. And they make use of different features to ensure their products meet these needs. These features include:

  • 20V Max System. A line of power tools that uses the 20V max lithium-ion batteries for longer run times and battery life. The system also allows you to use the same battery on different kinds of tools.
  • Ergonomic Design. Most Porter-Cable tools are ergonomically designed and lightweight enough to fit the needs of the user which in most cases is a typical homeowner, hobbyists or DIYer.
  • Affordable Prices. The relatively affordable price tags that are aimed to make their tools more appealing to regular consumers is one of the key elements that set Porter-Cable apart from DeWalt and many other brands

DeWalt Features

It is not always easy to sum up the features that define DeWalt power tools. And this is because most are feature-rich and make use of some impressive and advanced technologies. But, some of these amazing features include:

  • 20V Max XR Line. Introduced in 2013 but has become the most popular line of DeWalt power tools. It features a line of brushless power tools that use brushless motors and the high capacity 20V max lithium-ion batteries to ensure top-notch tool performance and long battery life and runtimes.
  • Tool-Connect. Tool-connect is one of those features that every DeWalt power tool user will love as it makes it easy to track tools from anywhere with real-time updates. Although it is only for those with Bluetooth-enabled batteries, it is becoming more common as more users switch to these more advanced batteries.
  • Flexvolt. The first power tool battery in the world that has been designed to change the voltage automatically when the user moves it from one tool to another. The aim of this is to ensure that users always get increased power and longer runtimes regardless of the tool.
  • Breakaway Blades. A common feature of the recent reciprocating saws from DeWalt. And it is an innovative blade design that allows the user to break away the used section of a blade and reinsert the unused part for a longer blade life and more cutting efficiency.

If you are going to buy your power tools from either Porter-Cable or DeWalt, it is a great idea to go for a combo kit as it is more economical.

With a combo kit, you also get all (or at least most) the power tools that you need for your projects. And for these two brands and many other leading ones the tools will use the same battery.

Porter-Cable PCCK619L8 and DeWalt DCK955X are some of the top combo kits from these leading brands. Porter-Cable's combo kit is an 8-piece one that contains, a hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, grinder, oscillating multi-tool, jigsaw and work light.

DeWalt’s combo kit is a 9-piece one that comes with everything that you get on Porter-Cable's kit except the multi-tool but also has an impact wrench and cut-out tool.

Below we compare individual tools on these top-notch combo kits to help make your choice between the two much easier.

#1. Hammer Drills

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Power Drill

Product Name

Power

Chuck Size

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

283 UWO

1/2 in

0-350 and 0-1,500 RPM

3.5 lbs

8.25 x 7 x 3 in

450 UWO

1/2 in

0-500, 0-1,250 and 0-2,000 RPM

3.9 lbs

16 x 11 x 10.3 in

You can always trust Porter-Cable power tools to be lightweight and compact enough for easy handling as they are meant for use by the regular consumers.

This hammer drill does not disappoint as it only weighs 3.5 pounds and is just 8.25 inches long to ensure minimal user fatigue.

The drill is designed with a significantly powerful motor that delivers up to 283 units watts out and uses the 20V lithium-ion battery for longer runtimes.

Also, it is a dual speed drill that delivers 0-350 and 0-1,500 RPM, and with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck like DeWalt DCD950 to make bit changes fast and easy.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and more compact design
  • Quick bit changes
  • Relatively long runtimes and battery life
  • LED keeps dark work areas well-illuminated

Cons:

  • No belt hook attachment

If you are looking for a powerful hammer drill that can handle almost any task, the 450 units watts out of the DeWalt DCD950 makes it a perfect pick.

This drill is not only more powerful than what Porter-Cable offers in their combo kit but it also offers triple speed ranges which are 0-500, 0-1,250 and 0-2,000 RPM for increased versatility.

The 1/2-inch chuck is the same size as what you get on Porter-Cable PCC601 but it takes things a notch higher by being self-tightening to provide superior bit-gripping strength, and with 22 clutch settings also for enhanced versatility.

With the 360-degree side handle, this is also a relatively easier hammer drill to use.

Pros:

  • More powerful motor
  • Heavy-duty self-tightening chuck
  • Triple speed ranges
  • All-metal transmission
  • 360-degree side handle

Cons:

  • Does not seem to hold small bits tight enough

The Verdict

DeWalt DCD950 wins here as it is not only significantly more powerful but also offers more speed options than Porter-Cable’s drill for increased versatility.

#2. Impact Driver

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Impact Driver

Product Name

Max Torque

Chuck

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

1,450 in.lbs

1/4 in

0-2,800 RPM and 0-3,100 IPM

3.3 lbs

N/A

1,330 in.lbs

1/4 in

0-2,400 RPM and 0-2,700 IPM

2.2 lbs

5.75 x 6.69 x 4.13 in

Porter-Cable PCC641 uses a high-performance motor that delivers 1,450 in.lbs maximum torque which is higher than what you get from the DeWalt DC825.

Also, this powerful motor delivers speeds of 0-2,800 RPM and 0-3,100 IPM to make this impact driver an excellent choice for quick fastening applications.

The quick release 1/4-inch chuck makes bit changes fast and easy as you can do it with one hand which helps to reduce job site downtimes significantly.

And although it is heavier than DeWalt's impact driver, it is still quite a compact tool that will be great for use in tight spaces. And it is fitted with an LED to help keep these tight and dark work areas well illuminated.

Pros:

  • Higher maximum torque
  • Greater motor speeds
  • Easy one-handed bit changes
  • Handy LED light included
  • Compact design fits tight spaces

Cons:

  • Also does not have a belt hook

Although with its 1,330 in.lbs maximum torque the DeWalt DC825 is less powerful than Porter-Cable’s impact driver, it makes up for this by being lighter and more comfortable to use.

At just 2.2 pounds, this is one of the lightest impact drivers out there. And it uses a textured anti-slip grip to improve control and ensure maximum user comfort.

This impact driver uses a frameless motor for more durability and long tool life and replaceable brushes for more serviceability.

It has a heavy-duty impact mechanism to help reduce kickback and a durable magnesium gear case and an all-metal transmission also for enhanced durability.

Pros:

  • Durable frameless motor
  • Heavy-duty impact mechanism
  • Durable magnesium gear case
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design
  • Anti-slip comfort grip

Cons:

  • Relatively less powerful motor

The Verdict

With a higher maximum torque output and faster speeds than the DeWalt DC825, Porter-Cable PCC641 takes the win here.

#3. Circular Saw

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Circular Saw

Product Name

Cut Capacity

Bevel Capacity

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

2-1/8 in

0-50°

4,000 RPM

6.5 lbs

15.25 x 9.63 x 8.38 in

2-1/4 in

0-50°

3,700 RPM

6.3 lbs

10.5 x 16 x 8.5 in

Porter-Cable uses a high-performance motor on this circular saw that delivers up to 4,000 RPM for fast and aggressive cutting.

The 6-1/2-inch circular saw has a highly durable carbide tooth blade with a cutting capacity of 2-1/8 inches. Although the cutting capacity is slightly smaller than what DeWalt DC390 has to offer, it is still more than enough for most cutting applications around the home.

Its beveling capacity of 0-50 degree is also a great addition to the design as it makes it ideal for making non-traditional cuts.

And with the compact size and relatively lightweight design, this circular saw also helps to minimize job site fatigue. If you also factor in the contoured over molded handle, you have an easy to control and comfortable power tool to operate.

Pros:

  • High-speed motor
  • Compact design minimizes job site fatigue
  • Tough and highly durable carbide-tooth blade
  • Comfortable contoured and over molded handle

Cons:

  • It seems to struggle when cutting thicker and larger lumber

DeWalt DC390 is all about giving you a great cutting capacity for increased versatility as it will cut 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees.

It also runs on a significantly powerful motor that delivers up to 3,700 RPM which is less than what you get from Porter-Cable but still quite good. Also, this motor uses replaceable brushes for increased durability and longer tool life.

The 0-50 degrees bevel capacity provides additional cutting capacity. And there is also a high strength magnesium shoe and upper guard also for increased durability.

With the vibration-dampening rubber grip handle, this is also a comfortable tool to operate, and it is also relatively lightweight as it only weighs 6.3 pounds.

Pros:

  • Relatively larger maximum cut depth
  • Replaceable brushes for long tool life
  • Comfortable rubber grip handle
  • High strength magnesium shoe

Cons:

  • Goes through battery quite fast

The Verdict

Although Porter-Cable PCC660 delivers a higher RPM, DeWalt DC390 still wins here because it has a larger cutting capacity and is also a relatively lighter tool.

#4. Reciprocating Saw

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Reciprocating Saw

Product Name

Stroke Length

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

1 in

0-3,000 SPM

4.0 lbs

16.19 x 3.5 x 7.63 in

1-1/8 in

0-3,000 SPM

5.65 lbs

6.25 x 18.63 x 3.94 in

The compact and lightweight Porter-Cable PCC670 is great reciprocating saw for use in tight spaces. And it also uses a high-performance drivetrain that delivers a stroke length of 1-inch and variable speed of 0-3,000 SPM.

Also, it uses a tool-free blade release to make blade changes quick and easy for minimal job site downtimes, and it has a pivoting shoe to ensure constant contact with the material.

The variable speed trigger ensures that users will have more control when cutting a variety of materials. And there is also a contoured and over-mold handle to improve control and to make the saw more comfortable to operate.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Quick and easy blade change
  • Handy pivoting shoe design
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Comfortable contoured over molded handle

Cons:

  • Smaller stroke length

With reciprocating saws, it is always about how deep and fast they can cut. The DeWalt DC385 offers an aggressive cutting stroke length of 1-1/8 inches that can power through almost any material.

The 0-3,000 SPM speed is similar to what the Porter-Cable PCC670 delivers but at 5.65 pounds it is a relatively heavier reciprocating saw. However, you will hardly feel the extra weight as it is still quite a comfortable saw to use thanks to the anti-slip rubber grip.

DeWalt uses a 4-position blade clamp on this reciprocating saw to allow for flush cutting. And it also has a pivoting adjustable shoe with an open top to ensure maximum visibility.

Pros:

  • Longer stroke length
  • Multiple position blade clamp
  • Pivoting adjustable shoe
  • Anti-slip rubber grip

Cons:

  • Relatively heavy

The Verdict

The longer stroke length gives DeWalt DC385 the win as it means that it can cut through almost any material.

#5. Jigsaws

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Jigsaw

Product Name

Stroke Length

Bevel Capacity

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

3/4 in

0-45°

0-2,500 SPM

4.98 lbs

12.19 x 3.75 x 10 in

1 in

0-45°

0-3,000 SPM

5.73 lbs

11.25 x 11 x 3.88 in

If you want a jigsaw that will help you with projects that require aggressive cuts, the Porter-Cable PCC650 is a great pick thanks to the 3 orbital settings that make it easy to adjust the cut aggressiveness.

This powerful jig saw has a relatively smaller stroke length of 3/4-inch when compared to the DeWalt DC330, but it is still long enough to make it ideal for a variety of applications.

The beveling shoe on the saw allows you to cut 0-45 degrees bevel cuts, and it also uses a tool-free blade release to make blade changes fast and easy.

With the variable speed 0-2,500 SPM trigger, you can always be sure of getting better control over the saw for clean and accurate cuts.

Using this jigsaw should also be comfortable enough thanks to the contoured over-molded handle.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy blade change
  • Easily adjustable orbital settings
  • Integrated dust blower
  • Comfortable over molded handle

Cons:

  • Built-in LED would have been a nice addition

With a full 1-inch stroke length and a speed range of 0-3,000 SPM, the DeWalt DC330 will cut through almost any building material whether you are making straight or curved lines.

Besides being fast and powerful, it is also quite a convenient jigsaw thanks to the keyless lever-action blade clamp that makes blade changes quick and easy.

This jigsaw also uses an all-metal keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees to make it ideal for a variety of cuts.

The 4-position orbital action makes cut quality and speed control easy. And this is also a comfortable jigsaw to operate thanks to the top handle and comfortable anti-slip grip.

Pros:

  • Greater stroke length and speed
  • Longer runtime and battery life
  • Anti-slip comfort grip
  • Easy cut quality and speed control

Cons:

  • Blade holding mechanism needs improvement

The Verdict

A longer stroke length, more bevel detents, and a relatively higher speed give the DeWalt DC330 a slight edge and so it is the winner here.

#6. Angle Grinder

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Cut Off Tool

Product Name

Wheel Diameter

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

4-1/2 in

8,500 RPM

6.8 lbs

15.3 x 6 x 6 in

4-1/2 in

6,500 RPM

4.6 lbs

18.1 x 39.1 x 16.7 in

The high-performance motor on the Porter-Cable PCC761 delivers speeds of up to 8,500 RPM which is 2,000 RPM more than what you get from DeWalt DC411.

These high speeds make it great for a variety of applications from aggressive cutting to material removal and finishing.

This grinder also has a cast metal gear housing that will be very useful in dissipating heat when using it for extended periods. And it uses a spindle lock to allow for quick and easy wheel changes.

Guard adjustment is also quick and easy thanks to the tool-free guard design, and this is also a comfortable power tool to use as it comes with a contoured and over-molded handle.

Pros:

  • High performance and speed motor
  • Durable cast metal gear housing
  • Quick and easy wheel change
  • Comfortable contoured and over molded handle
  • Fast and simple guard adjustment

Cons:

  • Significantly heavier grinder

For those that prefer a more lightweight cut-off tool, the DeWalt DC411 is a great option because at 4.6 pounds it is at least a couple of pounds lighter than Porter-Cable’s grinder.

Apart from being lightweight, this 4-1/2-inch cut-off tool is also quite convenient to use thanks to the trigger switch design with a lock-off button that makes gripping easier and more comfortable.

Its 2-position handle makes it more comfortable to use and easier to control, and there is also quick-change wheel release that makes wheel removal quick and easy.

And you can also be confident of a smoother and quieter transmission thanks to the low-profile gear case that provides precise gear alignment while also making access to tight spaces easier.

Pros:

  • Convenient trigger switch
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Dual position side handle
  • Tool-free wheel removal
  • Smoother and quieter transmission

Cons:

  • Uses up battery relatively faster

The Verdict

The higher wheel speed and the relatively more compact design give the Porter-Cable PCC761 the win here as it outperforms DeWalt’s cut-off tool slightly.

#7. Work Light

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Flashlight

Product Name

Bulb Type

Light Output

Run-Time

Weight

LED

120 lm

N/A

0.5 lb

Xenon

325 lm

3 hrs

1.4 lbs

Like with most other LED lights, the Porter-Cable PCC700 is designed to provide long runtimes, and unlike the xenon bulb on the DeWalt DW919 it does not heat up.

This work light produces a light output of 120 lumens that might not be as bright as what you get on DeWalt’s light but still provides enough light to keep most work areas well-illuminated.

Porter-Cable PCC700 is also a lightweight work light to minimize hand fatigue when you have to hold it for an extended period.

And it also has a pivoting head to make it easy to direct the light where you want it and contoured and over-molded handle for increased user comfort.

Pros:

  • Convenient pivoting head design
  • Contoured and over molded handle
  • Lightweight to minimize hand fatigue
  • Longer runtimes

Cons:

  • Relatively less bright

Sometimes you can be forced to work in pitch dark spaces and when this happens, you will be happy to have DeWalt DW919 with you as it will provide more than enough light.

This small work floodlight uses an extra-bright xenon bulb with a light output of 325 lumens which should be bright enough for any work environment. And it has a wide-angle beam that is brighter than the traditional flashlights.

The light also has a flexible neck design that will allow for hands-free use as you can easily direct the light where you want it, and it comes with an extra xenon bulb.

Pros:

  • Super-bright Xenon bulb
  • Wide-angle beam
  • Lockable head clip
  • Comes with a free replacement bulb
  • Allows for hands-free use

Cons:

  • Xenon bulb can get quite hot

The Verdict

DeWalt DW919 is the clear winner for the work lights because the xenon bulb is way brighter than the LED bulbs on the Porter-Cable work light.

#8. Oscillating Multi-Tool

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Multi Oscillating Tool

Product Name

Oscillating Angle

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

2.8°

8,000-18,000 OPM

3.6 lbs

11 x 3.8 x 10.2 in

1.6°

0-20,000 OPM

2.78 lbs

12.3 x 5.2 x 2.8 in

It is always great to have a tool that you can use for various applications like the Porter Cable PCC710 that will come in handy for almost all your projects.

This oscillating multi-tool is more compact than DeWalt DCS355B that we recommend below, and it is a variable speed of 8,000-18,000 oscillations per minute.

Also, it uses a 2-finger tool-free system that will make accessories adjustment and change fast and easy.

The power tool also has an integrated LED light to keep work area illuminated and a 3-position over mold grip that reduces vibrations for increased user comfort.

Pros:

  • Quick and easy accessory adjusting and changing
  • Multiple positions over mold grip
  • Lightweight and compact construction
  • Integrated LED work light

Cons:

  • Not great for heavy-duty use

Every tool that uses a brushless motor is often more efficient, and the DeWalt DCS355B keeps up with the trend with its brushless motor that also gives it a relatively long run time.

Like the Porter Cable PCC710, it has a quick-change accessory system that makes it easy and fast for the user to change the blades and attachments.

It also has built-in LED for better visibility and a dual-grip variable speed trigger with speeds of 0-20,000 oscillations per minute.

With this multi-tool, you can also use oscillating tool accessories from most other brands thanks to its universal accessory adapter.

Pros:

  • Highly efficient brushless motor
  • Quick blade and attachment change
  • Built-in LED light
  • Universal accessory adapter

Cons:

  • Can be quite loud

The Verdict

Porter-Cable takes the win here because DeWalt does not include an oscillating multi-tool on their combo kit and also because their tool is high-performing.

#9. Impact Wrench

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Impact Wrench

Product Name

Max Torque

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

330 ft-lbs

1,650 RPM and 2,500 IPM

6.0 lbs

9.9 x 3 x 7 in

300 ft-lbs

1,650 RPM and 2,600 IPM

7.55 lbs

8.63 x 12.63 x 4.13 in

The powerful motor on this impact wrench produces a maximum torque of 330 ft-lbs which is 30 ft-lbs more than what you get with the DeWalt DW059.

This impact wrench also produces a maximum of 1,650 RPM which makes it ideal for driving large fasteners and doing it quickly. And it has a fully variable speed trigger for precision control.

Its 1/2-inch hog ring makes socket changes quick and easy. There is also a built-in LED to improve visibility when working in dark spaces and a comfortable over mold grip.

Pros:

  • Higher torque motor
  • Lightweight and more compact
  • Easy socket changes
  • Comfortable over mold grip
  • Integrated LED light improves visibility

Cons:

  • No battery gauge

Most regular impact wrench users seem to prefer the more convenient rocker-switch design as it makes it easy to switch between forward and reverse modes. And so the fact that the DeWalt DW059 uses it makes it a great buy.

The impact wrench delivers up to 300 ft-lbs maximum torque and with a speed rating of 1,650 RPM and 2,600 IPM. Also, it uses a heavy-duty impact mechanism to direct the torque to the fasteners with no kickback.

And it is made with magnesium gear case and an all-metal transmission to ensure a long tool life. Using it is also more comfortable thanks to the comfort grip

Pros:

  • Convenient rocker-switch
  • Comfort grip design
  • Durable magnesium gear case
  • Heavy-duty impact mechanism

Cons:

  • A little bulkier

The Verdict

Although our recommended Porter-Cable impact wrench delivers more torque than the DeWalt DW059, it is not in the combo kit, and so we have to give DeWalt the win.

#10. Cut-Out Tool

Porter Cable vs. DeWalt - Cut Out Tool

Product Name

Collet Diameter

Speed

Weight

Dimensions

1/4 in, 1/8 in

26,000 RPM

2.5 lbs

N/A

1/4 in, 1/8 in

26,000 RPM

2.5 lbs

11.1 x 4.7 x 4 in

Porter-Cable does not seem to have a lot of options when it comes to the cordless cut-out tools, but their PC18SS rotary saw seems good enough to compete with DeWalt DC550.

This power tool will accept both 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch shank bits for increased flexibility and user convenience just like the DeWalt cut-out tool.

Also, the 26,000 RPM speed and 2.5-pound weight are similar to what you get on the DeWalt DC550. And so the choice between these two will depend mostly on brand-preferences as they are almost identical.

However, this rotary saw also includes a detachable vacuum port to make dust management easy.

Pros:

  • Tool-free depth guide
  • Detachable vacuum port
  • Fast and smooth cutting
  • Accepts both lithium-ion and NiCad batteries

Cons:

  • Drains battery pretty fast

DeWalt DC550 is powered by a powerful motor that delivers speeds of up to 26,000 RPM for more cutting power and speed.

The cut-out tool has a dust sealed switch that is designed to provide durability and a longer switch life. And it also allows for tool-free bit change for fast and easy bit changing.

With the compact and ergonomic design of this powerful tool, it will also be more comfortable to use and easy to control even when using it for extended periods.

And like the Porter-Cable PC18SS, it will accept both the 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch shank bits.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy bit change
  • Durable dust-sealed switch
  • High-speed motor
  • Compact and ergonomic design

Cons:

  • On/off button design is a little inconvenient

The Verdict

While these power tools seem to be the same in almost every space from the speed to weight, DeWalt is the winner only because the Porter-Cable rotary saw is not part of the combo kit.

Summary

Tools

Hammer Drill

-----

Win

Impact Driver

Win

-----

Circular Saw

-----

Win

Reciprocating Saw

-----

Win

Jig Saw

-----

Win

Cut-Off Tool/Grinder

Win

-----

Work Light

-----

Win

Oscillating Multi-Tool

Win

-----

Impact Wrench

-----

Win

Cut-Out Tool

-----

Win

  • Hammer Drill: More power and speed options mean DeWalt is the winner.
  • Impact Driver: Higher maximum torque and speeds give Porter-Cable the win.
  • Circular Saw: Better cutting capacity and relatively lighter weight mean DeWalt wins.
  • Reciprocating Saw: Longer stroke length results in a win for DeWalt.
  • Jig Saw: The longer stroke length, more bevel detents, and higher speed give DeWalt the upper hand.
  • Cut-Off Tool/Grinder: Higher speed and a more ergonomic and compact design give Porter-Cable the win.
  • Work Light: The brighter Xenon bulb gives DeWalt a clear win here.
  • Oscillating Multi-Tool: Porter-Cable wins because their multi-tool is high performing and DeWalt does not have one on their combo kit.
  • Impact Wrench: DeWalt wins as Porter-Cable does not include an impact wrench in their combo kit.
  • Cut-Out Tool: DeWalt wins as Porter-Cable does not include a cut-out tool in their combo kit.

It is clear that DeWalt DCK955X outperforms Porter-Cable PCCK619L8 on our combo kit showdown with 7 wins from a possible 10 compared to the latter’s 3 wins.

But, because both brands are under the same parent company (Stanley Black & Decker), you can be confident that you will still have a great set of tools regardless of what you buy.

Also, both brands back their combo kits with a 3-year limited warranty. And if the price if your key concern or consideration when choosing between the two, the Porter-Cable PCCK619L8 is the more affordable option.

Conclusion

Buying a combo kit is always a good decision, but the wiser thing is always to buy from highly reputable names like Porter-Cable and DeWalt as you can be more confident with the quality.

And while the choice between the two will ultimately depend on your budget and personal preferences and experiences, our detailed combo kit comparison above will help you make a more informed pick.

Lastly, also note that although the Porter-Cable PCCK619L8 and DeWalt DCK955X combo kits are some of the most popular from the two brands, both still have many other options.

Last Updated on March 4, 2020 by Tom Bradly

Our Score
Tom Bradly
 

My entrepreneurial journey started in 2006, when I dropped out of university. I wanted to work with my hands, to build things. Now I mix my background with computers with my first-hand experience with woodworking to provide insights into the tools I like best. I love everything about woodworking and have been building stuff for over 20 years of my life. I hope to pass some knowledge and expertise. See more at TomBradly.com

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