New Porter-Cable line is light, durable

Porter-Cable has released a new 12-volt Max lithium-ion line of cordless power tools offering durability, compact size and light weight for professionals in the woodworking and construction industries. The line features three products that deliver the performance required to complete light-to-medium-duty applications, including a 3/8" drill/driver, 1/4" impact driver and the ClampSaw, a small reciprocating saw.

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Derek Vlcko, the company's senior product manager, says that in speaking with tool users, most identified the need for more compact tools that had enough power to get them through the day. "This new line provides durability in a lightweight, compact package, which is ideal for accessing tight spaces where larger tools can't go," he says.

The 3/8" drill/driver is about 7-1/2" long and weighs just over 2 lbs. It will fit in a tool pouch or clips to a belt. It features a single-sleeve chuck, spindle lock and two-speed gearbox, delivering up to 1,200 rpm. There's also a variable speed trigger, LED work light and adjustable clutch with 20 torque settings. This tool is particularly useful for working inside a cabinet or overhead.

The driver sells for about $90 in a kit that includes two batteries, a 30-minute charger and a soft carrying case.

The impact driver is also small and powerful, measuring about 6-1/2" in length and weighing about 2 lbs. It delivers 950 lbs. of torque and 2,400 rpm, according to the company. It has a quick-release chuck, LED work light and sells as a kit for about $120.

The drill/driver and impact driver are also available as a two-tool kit for $139.

The ClampSaw, as the name suggests, features a unique clamping shoe for holding and cutting small diameter objects. "We identified small diameter workpiece vibration as a user frustration and worked to develop an innovative solution," says Vlcko. "The clamp allows professionals to quickly and easily saw material like medium-duty wood, metal, PVC, copper pipe and threaded rod that typically moves or bounces due to vibration."

The ClampSaw has a three-position adjustable handle for cutting in confined spaces, taking the length of the tool from

9-1/2" to 3-1/2". It weighs less than 3 lbs. It also features a variable speed trigger for up to 3,000 strokes per minute, a tool-free blade collar and an LED work light. The ClampSaw kit sells for about $130.

Porter-Cable has also introduced an 18-volt jobsite radio and a 1,500-watt heat gun.

Contact: Porter-Cable. Tel: 888-848-5175. www.portercable.com

This article originally appeared in the October 2010 issue.