Porter-Cable 9966 12-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

I got this at the same time as I got a cheap, 15.6v Crafstman drill as a gift. They couldn't be more different. If you're considering a cheap alternative like that, let me list some differences:
- The PC has WAY more power. Don't let the voltage rating fool you. I have had the Craftsman drill bog down far more often than the PC drill.
- Brake and locking chuck - When you take your finger off the PC trigger, it stops immediately and locks in place, making bit changes much easier and avoiding turning screws too far.
- Speeds - There is a speed switch on the top of the PC, not the Craftsman. I have found this very helpful when switching between drilling (HI) and screwing (LO).
- Apparent quality - The PC feels better built. It has that steel-instead-of-plastic feel to it. It probably is a little heavier, but that's probably due to more metal and more battery, a trade-off I'm fine with making.

This drill has had plenty of power and battery life for me in my furniture...Read more

I have had this drill for several years. Bought it as a kit with a super flashlight and two batteries. I was looking at this site because my handyman said he was thinking of getting a PC because he liked mine so much. I was surprised to see just a 3 star overall rating and a couple of negative reviews. No doubt those people got lemons. Mine gets used at least several times a month, has taken through many remodeling projects, and has performed flawlessly. I've used it to drill holes in all kinds of wood, drive screws in pressure treated 1 x 10 pressure treated lumber to build a 400 sq foot deck, many hundreds of dry wall screws, etc, etc. It charges quickly (about an hour?)and runs for a long time. Get the flashlight too - it's great. I thought I had made a somewhat frivolous purchase when I got the light but there have been dozens of times when I was very glad I did. Both have performed flawlessly and I'm 100% satisfied.

I've had this drill for two and a half years and am loving it. Not one single time have I regretted purchasing it. It has met or exceeded my expectations every time I've used it. I was impressed enough by the quality of this tool that when I needed (okay, 'wanted') a nail gun, I bought Porter Cable for that as well (and it's great, also).

My wife and I bought a fixer upper two and a half years ago and have been working on it since. Among other things, we renovated our kitchen soup to nuts and built a new mahogany deck. We've used the PC drill/driver for everything we've done in the house. Having the two battery packs and the fast charger is great. We've never managed to drain the second one before the first one is fully recharged.

We bought a second drill when we were doing our deck so that my wife and I could work in parallel. We wanted it right away and ended up getting a Black & Decker because our local Home Depot didn't have this PC drill in stock. The...Read more