Is PORTER-CABLE a Good Brand? Recalls, Ratings & Verdict (2026)

Reliable

No CPSC recalls in the last 36 months.

PORTER-CABLE, founded in 1906 and owned by Stanley Black & Decker, makes power tools that Amazon owners rate highly. The CPSC lists 8 recalls, none in the last three years.

Recall counts are not adjusted for sales volume. How the verdict works

What owners say about PORTER-CABLE

Verbatim excerpts from Reddit threads that mention the brand.

Porter Cable still makes a few quality tools like their routers and orbital sanders. However, I would stay away from 5 tool kit most people ...

r/Carpentry

Porter cable does make some good stuff, I have a dovetail jig from them. Have seen some guys online say they prefer porter cable drill/drivers ...

r/Tools

PORTER-CABLE recalls

2019
2019-07-24Porter-Cable 10" Table Saws. The motor can overheat, creating a fire hazard. Incidents: Chang Type has received 61 reports of the table saw motors overheating and causing fires. About 258,000 (in addition, about 990 were sold in Canada) units. Remedy: Refund. CPSC notice
2018
2018-11-01Black & Decker, Bostitch and Porter-Cable Hammer Drills and Drill Drivers. The side handle sold with the drill can slip or break, leading to a loss of control of the tool, posing an injury hazard Incidents: Black & Decker has received 11 reports of side handles slipping or breaking and one report of a torn rotator cuff injury About 641,000 (in addition, about 18,000 were sold in Canada) units. Remedy: Replace. CPSC notice
2014
2014-07-02Other Portable or Stationary Power Tools. The router base handles are not insulated, posing an electric shock hazard. Incidents: None reported About 100,000 in the United States and about 7,800 in Canada units. Remedy: Replace. CPSC notice
2006
2006-06-29Nailers. The nailer can eject a nail while the switch is in the "off" position, if the trigger is pulled and it is placed on a surface. Incidents: Porter-Cable has received two reports of injuries, including puncture wounds to the leg and back, requiring surgical removal of the nail. About 25,000 units. CPSC notice
2006-01-24Routers & Accessories. The motor coil insulation can be worn away by vibration from the motor, which could pose a shock hazard. Incidents: No incidents or injuries have been reported. About 70,000 units. CPSC notice
2005
2005-11-29Circular Saws. The lower guard on these saws could stick in the open position, posing a risk of severe lacerations to consumers. Incidents: None reported. About 196,000 units units. CPSC notice
2001
2001-12-14Generators. A small hole in the generator's fuel tank, where it mounts to the frame, can leak fuel and pose a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents: DeVilbiss has received 10 reports of leaking fuel tanks, though no injuries have been reported. About 600 units. CPSC notice
1995
1995-11-06Circular Saws. Electrocution/Electric Shock Incidents: not stated CPSC notice

Marked items are within the last 36 months and count in the verdict.

Product-related lawsuits

No product liability or consumer fraud cases naming PORTER-CABLE found in federal court records.

What to buy from PORTER-CABLE

Best-rated PORTER-CABLE products

Heat Gun, 1500 Watt, Dual Temperature Settings, Corded (PC1500HG)

Check price on Amazon

Impact Wrench, 7.5-Amp, 450 lbs. of Torque, 1/2 Inch, Corded (PCE211)

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20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, Tool Only (PCC761B)

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PORTER CABLE PCCK604L2 20V MAX 2-Tool Cordless Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

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Alternatives from other brands

DEWALT 20V Max XR Drill Driver, Battery and Charger (DCD771C2)

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Seesii Mini Chainsaw, 6-inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless, Handheld Electric Power Chain Saw with 2 Batteries, for Tree Trimmi

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Hi-Spec 3.6V Cordless Electric Screwdriver and Tool Kit for DIY, Pink

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PORTER-CABLE product lines on Amazon

Product line	Products	Owner ratings
Power & Hand Tools	16	Highly rated
Welding & Soldering	1	Highly rated
Power Finishing Tool Parts & Accessories	1	Highly rated
Safety & Security	1	Highly rated
Sports	1	Highly rated

Amazon data checked 2026-10-15. source

PORTER-CABLE customer service and warranty

We have not verified PORTER-CABLE's warranty and support contacts yet.

Who makes PORTER-CABLE

Owner: Stanley Black & Decker source
Country: United States source
Founded: 1906 source
Headquarters: Jackson source
Trademark (USPTO): Black & Decker Corporation, The (MARYLAND, USA); first registered 1993 source
Made in (recalled products): Taiwan (2 of 6 recalls), United States (2 of 6 recalls), China (1 of 6 recalls), Mexico (1 of 6 recalls)

FAQ

Is PORTER-CABLE a good brand?

Reliable. No CPSC recalls in the last 36 months. Owner satisfaction on Amazon: High.

How many recalls has PORTER-CABLE had in the last 3 years?

0 recalls in the last 36 months, according to the CPSC.

Who owns PORTER-CABLE?

Stanley Black & Decker.

Who owns the PORTER-CABLE trademark?

USPTO lists Black & Decker Corporation, The (MARYLAND, USA) as the owner of the PORTER-CABLE trademark, first registered 1993.

Where is PORTER-CABLE based?

Jackson.

When was PORTER-CABLE founded?

1906.

Where is PORTER-CABLE from?

PORTER-CABLE is a company from United States, headquartered in Jackson.

Where are PORTER-CABLE products made?

Recalled PORTER-CABLE products listed by the CPSC were made in Taiwan (2 of 6 recalls), United States (2 of 6 recalls), China (1 of 6 recalls), Mexico (1 of 6 recalls).

Has PORTER-CABLE had product recalls?

Yes. The CPSC lists 8 recalls for PORTER-CABLE. The most recent, on 2019-07-24: Porter Cable Table Saws Sold Exclusively at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Chang Type.

Power tool brands

Facts checked 2026-10-15. Brand representatives can send corrections to hello@isagoodbrand.com.