Having worked with power tools for years, I’ve seen firsthand the century-long legacies of both Porter-Cable and DeWalt. But does this rich history guarantee their expertise in the power tool industry, or might their products not measure up? I’ve personally tested and compared both Porter-Cable and DeWalt, aiming to discern which brand truly stands out.
Porter Cable or DeWalt?
Features of Porter Cable and DeWalt
Before we dive deeper, let me share a brief overview from my years of woodworking experience on the key features of each brand.
Porter-Cable offers a wide array of power tools, and from my perspective, it confidently positions itself as a multi-tool brand that delivers performance without breaking the bank. Often, I’ve noticed that for a similar tool, Porter-Cable tends to price their equipment and accessories at nearly half the cost of some competitors.
Similar to more expensive tool brands, Porter-Cable cordless tools operate with a 20V Max battery. Porter-Cable also delivers lightweight tools that mostly come with a 3-year limited warranty. Woodworkers can have their choice between brushed and brushless motors and the brand’s line of power tools is suitable for DIY woodworkers or professional use.
DeWalt has made quite an impact in the US, as it is one of the most popular power tool brands for homeowners and professional contractors alike. Unlike Porter-Cable, DeWalt’s tools are mostly manufactured in the states and in Canada, which is an added bonus for some users.
DeWalt adopts the 20V Max battery system and its own FlexVolt system for their tools. The brand also features a smart design in some lines called Tool Connect, which allows users to customize and monitor their tools. They may not have affordable prices like Porter-Cable, but the prices are not astronomical. DeWalt products have a distinct yellow and black color, so users recognize the tool from afar.
DeWalt customers also get a 3-year limited warranty on their products but the heavy-duty design of their items are very reliable. For brand features, the winner is subjective. People who need affordable pieces for DIY [1] projects will appreciate the variety Porter-Cable power tools offer, but people who want smart designs may prefer DeWalt.
History and Track Record
Porter-Cable tools are known to be low on the price scale but high on quality assurance. The brand originates in the US, and was founded by the Porter brothers and has been a presence in the power tool industry for over a century.
In the early 1900s, power tools were still a new concept, and the brand specialized household accessories such as gas lamps and pencil sharpeners until 1914. That was the year when the company started venturing into the woodworking and construction market by introducing a line of lathes.
From the lathes, Porter-Cable started increasing production and expanding their product line in the 1920s. Notable Porter-Cable tools and other products include the portable electric sander or heavy-duty drum sander, portable band saw, and helical drive circular saw. Like DeWalt, Porter-Cable is under the same parent company of Stanley Black & Decker, and Porter-Cable continues to strive for innovation in their power tools to this day.
DeWalt had a later start compared to Porter-Cable in 1924. The brand was utilized by the American government to manufacture machines for war. DeWalt changed hands a few times in its history, but it has since found a more permanent home in the Stanley Black & Decker family, which coincidentally also owns Porter-Cable.
DeWalt is a very well established brand that has come a long way since its start. Now, they have racked up hundreds of DeWalt power tools suited for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Manufacturing Sites: Porter Cable and DeWalt
From my years in the woodworking field, I’ve observed that Porter-Cable primarily manufactures in China and Mexico, while DeWalt centers its operations in the US and Canada. Typically, products made in the US and Canada tend to adhere to rigorous safety guidelines and labor laws, ensuring that companies don’t cut corners.
Price Points of Porter Cable and DeWalt
Speaking of the price point for Porter-Cable VS DeWalt, the winner is clear. Both have already established a secure footprint in the power tool industry, but Porter-Cable has the upperhand in affordability.
DeWalt VS Porter-Cable results shouldn’t hinge on the price alone, but from my findings, the quality doesn’t vary by much. As I said, the manufacturing location has a significant role to play in how PC tools are priced.
The quality difference between the two brands is subtle for most tools. However, when it comes to larger commercial or industrial products, the gap becomes more noticeable. Personally, I’d suggest Porter-Cable for everyday hobbyists, homeowners, or DIY enthusiasts. But for those in need of more heavy-duty equipment, DeWalt might be the better choice.
Warranty and Service
In assessing the warranties of Porter-Cable and DeWalt, an essential factor came to light. Both brands provide a 3-year limited warranty, but there’s a notable distinction when it comes to Porter-Cable. I observed that Porter-Cable’s warranty primarily covers the tool, leaving the batteries somewhat lacking in coverage. If a battery issue arises within your Porter-Cable package, it comes under a shorter 2-year warranty, which is something to consider in your decision.
Combo Kits: Porter Cable and DeWalt
Now I will finally get into some tool comparisons. The combo kits from both brands will often feature a power drill or cordless drill. The one from Porter-Cable comes with 6 tools, a Porter Cable drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, a variable speed tool for various purposes and also LED light. If 6 pieces are too many for you, the brand also features a 4-piece combo Porter-Cable kit that still includes the power drill.
The DeWalt kit has many of the same tools as its competitor, including a powerful hammer drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and LED light as well. On the surface, it looks the same, but why is one much pricier than the other?
I already looked at what factors impact the pricing for both Porter-Cable VS DeWalt, but how does it affect the combo kits? Is it the innovative technologies, larger cutting capacity, speed range, or longer battery life? Yes, DeWalt and Porter-Cable have lines that use the same battery, and the tools the two brands include in the kits are the same, but that’s where the similarities end.
As expert power tool users, I was confident they could find the difference between the PC and DeWalt tools. They picked up the reciprocating saws from both packages and the reason for the price difference was as clear as day – the DeWalt power tool was much sturdier.
As for the motors on these handheld power tools, the results of Porter-Cable versus DeWalt were a tie. The maximum torque was comparable on the handheld circular saw. While the construction doesn’t impact the performance, the durability of the PC power tools can suffer over time.
Although they both adopt the 20V Max batteries for their combo kits, the variance in battery life is much more apparent. DeWalt doesn’t have more power, but it sure has more battery power than PC. The better build quality will also ensure a longer blade life, a long tool life, and other key elements such as the anti-slip rubber grip came into play when I assessed the combo kits.
Jigsaw: Porter Cable and DeWalt
In choosing a standout tool from each brand, my expertise leads me to spotlight the jigsaw. Both brands showcase a remarkable range of products, each incorporating a 20V battery system in their jigsaws. DeWalt, with its Max 20V, and Porter-Cable with a 20V option of their own. However, having closely worked with these tools, I’ve noticed that the performance of the DeWalt jigsaw subtly, yet noticeably, surpasses that of Porter-Cable.
Reciprocating Saw
The same logic applies to the reciprocating tools, with the ones from DeWalt featuring a high performance motor and a higher maximum torque depending on the product.
The saws from Porter-Cable are suited for everyday use and can do the job well, but they still fall short. DeWalt also has the FlexVolt on some of their products, which does what the name suggests and is flexible with the voltage.
Hammer Drills
In my years of working with various tools, I’ve come to appreciate the hammer drills from Porter-Cable, mainly because finding replacement parts hasn’t been a challenge for me. Similarly, DeWalt, being under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker, ensures easy access to replacement components. But what sets DeWalt apart in my eyes is the robustness of their hammer drills – they just feel sturdier and seem to deliver a bit more drive to the blade.
Impact Drivers
Products Offered: Porter Cable and DeWalt
Porter-Cable and DeWalt have extensive product lines encompassing a wide range of tools, including brushless power tools, handheld devices, portable units, and corded power tools. In terms of their product offerings, both brands provide consumers with a wide variety of options and comparable values.
FAQ
Which is better DeWalt or Porter Cable?
Is Porter cable the same as DeWalt?
Overall Winner: DeWalt
Based on my extensive experience in woodworking, it’s clear to me why DeWalt emerges as the top choice in this comparison. Their tools simply feel more robust in hand, and the inclusion of battery coverage in their warranty is a plus. Beyond that, having worked with their products, I’ve been impressed by innovative features like the proprietary Tool Connect and their game-changing FlexVolt battery system.
For more power tool brand comparisons, you can check these pages, too!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
