It is very difficult to do without a tool such as a drill and screwdriver in the house, especially if you are building, rebuilding or repairing something. If a hammer drill is rarely used, then a drill/screwdriver will be useful both for making holes in various materials, as well as for assembling furniture, installing shelves and many other household chores, so the question of how to choose a drill/screwdriver is very relevant.
A drill and screwdriver is useful for making holes in materials and for many other household tasks.
A drill and screwdriver can be used when it is necessary to make holes in wood, metal, brick and concrete, but if you need to make a lot of holes, especially in concrete, then it is better to use a hammer drill for these purposes.
Before purchasing a drill and screwdriver, you need to familiarize yourself with the device, and only then can you make the right choice.
To attach slate, sheet metal or similar material, you can use a drill and screwdriver, but you will first have to drill holes, then find suitable bolts or screws, all of which takes a lot of time and effort. It is much easier to use a drill, screwdriver and special fasteners for these purposes; they are selected according to the type of material you will be working with.
When fastening sheets with a drill, there is inevitably some play left at the fastening points, but if a screwdriver is used, then the self-tapping screws securely fasten the materials together. These fasteners are specially treated so that they cannot be easily negative impact natural factors.
In order to set the rotation force of the drill bit or screwdriver attachment, there is a special adjustment ring. The master must himself select the torque of the tool that is suitable for carrying out specific type works The choice of rotation force depends on what material you will be working with.
This adjustment of the drill and screwdriver allows you to screw in self-tapping screws or tighten bolts with the same force. You will be notified by characteristic clicks that it has been achieved. Setting the ring to the last position allows the tool to operate in drill mode, and there is no power limitation; all of it is directed to the drill. The chuck can be quick-release or hexagonal.
Rigid screwdrivers have 2 times more torque than permanent screwdrivers.
When choosing this tool, the main indicator that you need to pay attention to is its power. There are rigid and permanent screwdrivers. Rigid screwdrivers have 2 times more torque than permanent screwdrivers. This allows them to exceed the current limit found in permanent instruments.
The power of the tool will determine what diameter and to what depth a self-tapping screw can be screwed into a certain material, and what diameter a hole can be drilled.
You should also pay attention to the rotation speed before choosing a screwdriver. This indicator will determine how quickly you can tighten a screw or make a hole. For household models, a rotation speed of up to 500 rpm is suitable, and for professional models it reaches 1200 rpm.
Power type: if electric tools require an electrical outlet, then battery-powered ones can be used in a place convenient for you, and there are no cables near them that interfere with work. If we talk about gears, they can be metal or plastic.
The motor can be of two types: brushed and brushless. The latest motors are more durable as they have no brushes so they don't spark or wear out which greatly increases the life of the motor, everything is controlled electronically. Such models have a higher efficiency, are easier to maintain, but are more expensive.
It is advisable for the tool to have a replaceable battery, so that you don’t have to wait for a dead one to charge, but continue to work.
The charging time of the battery is of great importance, it depends on the charger used. The battery is the main element in this tool, so its cost is more than half the price of a screwdriver. It is difficult to purchase a battery separately, and if you damage it, it will be easier to buy a new tool.
It is better to purchase a screwdriver that comes with 2 batteries. It must be taken into account that each battery has a certain number of charging cycles.
Battery capacity will depend on the type of battery. There is such a thing as the memory effect; the battery must be charged and discharged completely, otherwise it will lose its capacity. Any battery, even if it does not work, discharges itself.
The advantages of NiCd batteries are their low cost, resistance to low temperatures, and the ability to be stored in a discharged state.
Their disadvantages include high toxicity, the presence of a memory effect, a small amount of charge-discharge cycles.
Nickel-hybrid batteries are environmentally friendly, have low self-discharge, high capacity, and 40% more duty cycles.
Their disadvantages: quite high cost, not designed to operate at low temperatures, the battery can only be stored charged.
Lithium batteries have no memory effect, almost no self-discharge, have a large capacity and can be recharged many times. The voltage of each battery is 3.6 V, so the total weight of the battery is quite large, it also has high cost and, despite its advantages, users often opt for cheaper, but lower quality batteries. Another disadvantage of a lithium battery is that it only has a shelf life of 3 years, after which the lithium begins to degrade.
What other functions can a drill/screwdriver have? In addition to standard functions, depending on the model of the tool, it may have additional functions, for example, variable change of rotation speed. This allows you to work with various materials, and to change the specified parameter, simply turn the ring.
Maybe there is something like this in the instrument additional function, like impact drilling, but in cordless models it is practically not used, because it increases the weight and dimensions of the tool, so if you need to drill a lot, then it is better to also purchase a hammer drill.
The presence of a flashlight makes it easier to work in poor lighting, and it is more convenient to carry and store the tool in a case.
Almost everyone home handyman On the farm, a drill and screwdriver is simply necessary, since this is an indispensable tool in circumstances requiring repairs in the apartment or repair of equipment. Therefore, if you are used to everything homework to do it yourself, without turning to specialists for help, you need to think about purchasing a drill/driver. This tool will make completing your tasks several times easier. If you decide to follow the advice and purchase a drill-driver, then you will need to know some information that will facilitate the selection process, or rather, allow you to make it right. How to choose a drill/screwdriver correctly? Which cordless drill will last the most?
You can use a screwdriver when working with various materials, including wood and metal surfaces, concrete walls If necessary, small diameter holes can also be used with a drill/screwdriver. The only exception may be work that involves a large-scale process. In this case, it is better to use more powerful tools, such as a hammer drill.
What can influence the desire to purchase a screwdriver? Select it as irreplaceable home tool? Everything is very simple. Using a simple conventional drill or screwdriver to perform work on securing building materials and other purposes is not always convenient or appropriate.
First, you need to select a drill of the right size, then prepare holes at the intended points, and then start choosing screws or other fasteners appropriate for the task being performed. All this takes precious time, and the quality of work leaves much to be desired. This is due to the formation of the so-called backlash between the material being fastened, or more precisely, between the prepared hole and the fastener itself. This does not apply to the operation of a drill-driver.
Fundamental distinctive feature drill-driver from the usual version This tool (including screwdrivers) is considered to be capable of working with surfaces of any quality, with almost no exceptions. In addition, the described tool will allow you to perform the required function with high quality, as a result of which you will receive ideal adhesion of the screw (screw) to the material and surface.
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And if you use special self-tapping screws designed to work with this tool, then you are guaranteed protection provided by a treatment that prevents the impact of an aggressive environment on their surface.
But that is not all positive sides choosing a screwdriver as a tool for the home. Others will be discussed below. Let's look at how to choose a cordless drill.
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So, how to choose the right drill? Before you go to the store to buy a drill/driver, decide what you need the tool for and what work you intend to do with it. It can be useful both for large-scale construction and for ordinary use to solve everyday problems.
It is the tasks of using a drill-driver that will primarily determine its choice. Based on its purpose, you can choose the right drill/screwdriver and its parameters.
Models with a higher battery voltage will be more powerful, which means they can easily cope with the most difficult tasks.
But do not forget that this figure increases simultaneously with the weight of the tool. That is why the purpose of using a drill-driver was mentioned above. Why buy a heavy tool with a power of 36 V, if a model with a voltage of 12 V will be enough for you to solve everyday problems? Pay special attention to this when choosing.
There is one more important criterion, which determines the choice of drill. It's about about the rotation speed. The operating mode of the tool depends on it.
Remember that in slow mode the cordless drill/driver operates when drilling holes that are fairly large in diameter. In contrast, the high speed mode is used to make small to medium sized holes. In specialized stores you will most likely find models that have two operating speeds. But there are also screwdrivers that have a three-speed rotor that provides optimal mode work.
Let's move on to familiarize ourselves with such a parameter as torque. Depending on its indicator, the ability to overcome resistance also changes. The larger it is, the greater the degree of resistance it will be subject to. When choosing a drill/driver, do not forget about it, as it is quite important for the quality of work.
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Now a few words about the cartridge. They come in two types: with two couplings and with one. Which one is better? Opinions differ on this matter. But if you turn to practice, it becomes clear that a cartridge with one clutch has great advantages compared to its double-clutch counterpart. One of the advantages is more easy installation rigging.
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What else should you pay attention to when you need to choose a screwdriver? The adjustment clutch is also a useful element. Its capabilities include setting the desired torque indicator. This device can also prevent the occurrence of a malfunction of the nozzle due to incorrect calculation of the capabilities of the tool (its strength).
Experts advise testing it before purchasing a drill and screwdriver. To do this, turn on the screwdriver at the lowest speed, and at this time try to hold the chuck with your hand. As a result of these actions, you will determine the capabilities of the coupling and understand whether you will be comfortable working with this model of tool.
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Now about batteries and their type. When going for a drill/driver, be sure to read the information describing the batteries. Please note that all batteries are divided into three main types. This:
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After familiarizing yourself with possible options batteries, it is necessary to say a few words about chargers for them.
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Older models of chargers charge drill batteries within several hours, approximately 3 to 5. More modern options have the amazing ability to charge in just one hour, and sometimes less. But do not forget that depending on the continuation of the charging period, the properties of the charger to the process of its cooling depend.
Cordless drill and screwdriver are one of the most popular types of power tools, as they are extremely versatile. The device is capable of performing both functions conventional drill due to the high torque, it can also be used for tightening nuts and screws (like a classic screwdriver). For this purpose, the drill-driver is equipped with a clutch for switching the amount of torque. This allows you to increase the scope of work, from the usual screwing of self-tapping screws into gypsum board, to drilling holes in a concrete wall.
The presence of a battery has a positive effect on the ease of use of the tool. It can be used where there is no outlet or when the work involves frequent movement of the technician (wires constantly get tangled underfoot or the power cord is not long enough). However, you should also be aware of the disadvantages batteries. Firstly, they require recharging, although most models come with two batteries. Secondly, cordless drills and screwdrivers are somewhat more expensive than network ones. Thirdly, the batteries themselves are consumables, and sooner or later they fail and require replacement (depending on the intensity of use).
If we compare a regular screwdriver with a drill - a screwdriver, then the latter wins in versatility due to the function of a drill. But it loses in ergonomics and ease of use due to its greater mass.
You should also know about the key parameters of a drill/driver that you should pay attention to when choosing:
We bring to your attention the TOP of the best cordless drills and screwdrivers in the categories: lightweight, inexpensive and professional models.
The weight of a screwdriver is an important parameter, especially for those who often have to use the tool. For example, furniture assemblers, repairmen. The lighter the screwdriver, the less tired the hand (especially the wrist joint) and the easier and more comfortable it is to work.
As a rule, the lightest models are those equipped with lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion). With the same dimensions as nickel-based batteries, Li-Ion has a higher energy density. From here, you can use less battery weight without reducing the operating time of the tool. Let’s not forget about another important advantage of Li-Ion batteries - they have no memory effect, which means you don’t need to wait until the battery is completely discharged before recharging again (as you have to do with Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries).
Lightweight screwdrivers are a tool for professionals. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the three best cordless drills and screwdrivers in the light weight category.
Light weight and fast battery charging
Country: Japan
Average price: 6,290 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An inexpensive version of a hammerless drill/driver from Hitachi, which weighs only one kilogram. Despite this, the performance indicators remain at a very high level: the keyless chuck is capable of working with drills with a diameter of 0.8 to 10 millimeters (for metal), the idle speed at peak can reach 1300 rpm, and the torque on the spindle increases up to up to 36 Nm.
The Hitachi DS10DAL's lithium-ion battery has a standard 10.8 V voltage and takes just over 40 minutes to fully recharge. Among other things, as advantages of the model, in their reviews, users highlight the comfortable position of the handle in the hand when carrying out drilling work, the equipment (additional battery + durable case with a spacious organizer), as well as well-installed lighting, which facilitates the use of the screwdriver in conditions of poor visibility.
Ultra-fast battery charging
Country: Japan
Average price: 6,490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The next place in the rating is the development of Japanese designers, the Makita DF330DWE hammerless drill/driver. Makita is considered one of the most popular brands of power tools. The quality and reliability of Makita tools has been confirmed by millions of users around the world.
The Makita DF330DWE model is one of the most successful in the company's line. In our TOP 3 - this is the best cordless screwdriver in terms of battery charging speed. From zero to full charge it takes only 30 minutes. True, the model is somewhat inferior in power to the leader, showing a maximum torque of 24 Nm. The device is sold in a very convenient and nice case. It is small in size, but everything you need fits in without any problems.
A distinctive feature of the model is a unique LED attenuation system working area. After releasing the trigger, the LED does not go out immediately, but gradually. The delivery set includes two Li-Ion batteries with a capacity of 1.3 Ah.
Pros: lightweight, reliable, convenient case, great design, capacious batteries, fast battery charging, backlight
Disadvantages: not powerful enough, low quality cartridge, there is some play
Best Value prices and quality. The lightest screwdriver
Country: Germany
Average price: 6,800 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
It is also possible to use bits without a cartridge - this will allow you to drill a hole or unscrew a screw from hard-to-reach places.
The birthplace of the Metabo brand is Germany, but production is established in China. Special attention You shouldn’t pay attention to this fact, since almost all popular screwdrivers today are manufactured by the “Chinese”.
Included it's going well a set of bits, in a convenient case. The bits are of medium quality, optimal for home use. For professional work, of course, it is better to purchase more durable bits.
Metabo PowerMaxx BS Basic 2.0 is the best ratio of price, quality and functionality. We recommend!
Advantages: lightness and compactness, capacious battery, excellent equipment, convenient case, ability to work without a cartridge
Disadvantages: there are minor complaints about the quality of the plastic, the handle is a bit thick
Budget models of screwdrivers are purchased mainly for household needs and minor repairs. Their further operation does not involve excessive load on the tool. The maximum torque of cheap models often does not exceed 10 Nm - this power is enough for tightening screws, but this is clearly not enough for drilling holes in concrete.
Best price
Country: China
Average price: 2,250 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
An interesting budget model of a universal screwdriver from a Chinese brand, which, in fact, became a replacement for the rather controversial Bort BAB-12-P device. Of all the advantages that this particular version is endowed with, special mention should be made of the fundamental change in the power battery. And not just one: the kit includes two batteries, not nickel, but lithium-ion, without memory effect. Now one full charge lasts for about four to five hours, and recharging takes no more than one hour. True, a small flaw was discovered here: some users complain about the “unreliable” power supply, which begins to hum when connected to the network.
Among the other “chips” of the model, we can highlight the presence of reverse, electrically adjustable spindle speed, as well as the engine brake function as a measure to prevent accidents. The idle speed was 1350 per minute, and the maximum torque was 30 Nm. In general, a good tool for home use, and at a very modest price.
Excellent workmanship. High level reliability
Country Russia
Average price: 3,980 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
VORTEX DA-18L-2K – a positive reflection of the experience adopted from the pillars of the market construction tools, which includes a number of targeted modifications to expand the scope of work performed. It is noteworthy that none of them concerns constructive solutions, allowing you to significantly increase the spindle speed (here it is 1250 rpm) and influence the torque (28 Nm). However, domestic craftsmen still offered consumers interesting option with the ability to vary the speed over the entire permissible range in order to maintain the charge of the already not very capacious battery (only 1.3 Ah).
Perhaps the main mystery of the design of the VIKHR DA-18L-2K remains where such excess weight came from - 2.2 kilograms for budget model With such characteristics, to put it mildly, it’s a bit much. Otherwise, there are no complaints about the screwdriver - the charging indicators work properly, the backlight is really useful for once, and the equipment covers all “period-use” needs.
Capacious replaceable battery (2 Ah). The best ratio of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 4,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
An inexpensive cordless screwdriver of Chinese origin, which is a kind of “workhorse” with low performance standards for everyday household needs. main feature PATRIOT BR 201Li – capacious battery (2 Ah) with high voltage(20 V) and an ultra-fast charging function that takes only one hour.
From an operational point of view, this model does not present anything outstanding, at least in the most obvious indicators. At idle, the spindle produces up to 1350 rpm, while the torque falls just short of the round number, stopping at 29 Nm. However, consumers express tacit agreement with the power indicators of the tool, noting the advantages of good spot lighting, as well as the presence of a “living” fuse that blocks the power button.
The prefix “professional” in the name of these screwdrivers speaks for itself - the tool of this group is intended for carrying out serious installation and construction work and meets the highest requirements for quality and performance. The main features of the models in this group are increased spindle speeds (not lower than 1350 rpm), high torque (from 50 Nm), as well as an abundance additional elements design and built-in functions.
Best package
Country: Germany
Average price: 7,340 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The rating opens with a level model of a screwdriver from the German company Bosch, which shows excellent power characteristics. According to consumers, the first months of operation of the GSR 180-LI 1.5Ah x2 Case pass without a single complaint: the two-speed machine does an excellent job of drilling small and large diameter(up to 35 mm for wood and up to 10 mm for metal), fortunately the torque of 54 Nm allows such operations.
The main problem begins to appear at the stage of long-term operation (six months or more) and is expressed in the failure of the quick-release chuck. On some specimens, runout begins to appear, which, of course, negatively affects the accuracy of the hole being drilled. And if in non-critical work on metal (taking into account the maximum diameter of the drill) this fact is not critical, then drilling on wood can cause a lot of trouble. As a screwdriver, the Bosch GSR 180-LI 1.5Ah is ideal without the slightest complaints.
Best torque
Country: Germany
Average price: 10,080 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
AEG BS 18G2 Li-152C takes an honorable place in the ranking of professional screwdrivers. The screwdriver was invented in Germany, but is currently manufactured in China. The practice of locating production facilities in China is now used by almost every brand of power tools.
What positive things I would like to note about this screwdriver. Firstly, this is a maximum torque of 50 Nm - one of the best indicators in the rating. Secondly, it is very well thought out ergonomics. So, in the body of the drill-driver there is a special socket for attaching bits. This allows you to keep the most popular bits at hand, rather than putting them on the floor or in your pocket. Yes, maybe this adds additional weight to the tool, but no one forces you to put all the bits - it’s enough to take 2-3 of the most popular ones for the current job.
It is also worth noting the presence of a quick-release chuck, spot lighting and torque adjustment. AEG BS 18G2 Li-152C has a strict and, in a sense, aggressive design.
A clear disadvantage of the AEG BS 18G2, according to user reviews, is its weight of 1.8 kg. Otherwise, this is a great model. One of best screwdrivers for professionals.
Highest spindle torque (70 Nm)
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 17,580.
Rating (2019): 5.0
A high-performance cordless screwdriver from DeWalt that can meet the needs of any professional user. Despite the increased dimensions of individual units American developers managed to keep the weight of the product at 1.5 kilograms, which is the best indicator in the category. At the same time, the operating modes were modernized (relative to older versions): the spindle speed increased to an impressive 2000 rpm, and the torque increased to 70 Nm. Thanks to these indicators, users have a unique opportunity to work with viscous and stubborn materials, drilling or screwing connecting elements (screws, screws, etc.) into them.
In addition to the above, a huge number of options and functions have been added to the DeWALT DCD791D2, ranging from the ability to regulate the rotation speed and ending with the notorious rotation reversal. It is also worth noting the brushless motor at the heart of the design - no problems with switching, and, consequently, an increased operating life.
Cordless drills and screwdrivers of the semi-professional level do not always differ from budget ones in improved performance indicators (torque value, rotation speed, etc.), representing superiority in a single basic complex. As a rule, their main difference is higher assembly quality, increased working life, and the presence of additional functions.
Original balance of basic operating parameters. Low price
Country: USA
Average price: 4,030 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Not the best famous company on the territory of Russia, which not so long ago existed in the realities of a purely American market, presented to domestic users a whole line of inexpensive cordless screwdrivers with a drill function. The most paradoxical in this selection was the BLACK+DECKER BDCDC18K model, an average level, but with a very specific set of performance characteristics. The maximum rotation speed here barely reaches 650 rpm, which imposes a number of restrictions on the ability to drill holes in dense metal. In this case, the torque on the chuck can increase up to 30 Nm, which in some cases allows you to use 10 mm drills.
Despite the strange configuration of operating parameters, the BLACK+DECKER BDCDC18K was very popular with buyers who saw in it the potential for performing ordinary household functions (according to the vast majority of reviews). Ergonomics are excellent, the battery lasts a long time, all additional gadgets work properly - what else is needed for comfortable work?
High degree of reliability
Country: Germany
Average price: 6,190 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Regarding the DeWALT DCD710C2 drill-driver, there is a rather contradictory opinion: on the one hand, this model has all necessary characteristics for a home workshop tool, and not at the very entry level. On the other hand, the abundance of safety margins and structural balance cannot compensate for the paucity of technical characteristics and rather high cost.
The whole essence of the claims converges on the key operating parameters: the maximum number of spindle turns at idle and a torque of 1500 rpm and 24 Nm. Such parameters will be quite sufficient for working with soft types of wood and thin sheet metal, which do not require much effort from the rotating mechanism and, as a result, a large torque to rotate the chuck with a drill or a bit for a screw. The rest of the wealth of materials, alas, is beyond the power of a screwdriver. Therefore, if the priority is to carry out purely light work, and the first place is taken by the high operational reliability of the elements and the device itself, the DeWALT DCD710C2 is the optimal, but expensive option, and it is worth preparing for this in advance.
Optimal combination of price and quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 8,590 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Another battery representative from Hitachi, based on the use of nickel-cadmium batteries with a long service life of capacitive plates. Despite the low rotation speed (1200 rpm), the DS18DVF3 produces 45 Nm of torque, which is enough to fully replace a drill in everyday life.
According to consumer reviews, this tool has high impact endurance - the rubberized body perfectly protects the “insides” from mechanical damage, allowing you to survive falls from decent heights (3-5 meters). Characteristic advantages also include good ergonomics and fairly wide range diameters of drilling tools supported by a chuck for drilling work. Of the nuances, the most common complaint is about the low capacity of the batteries: for comfortable operation in the given modes, 1.4 Ah is still not enough.
Choosing a tool is not an easy task. You need to fit into the budget, choose a copy with good characteristics and not make a mistake in choosing the manufacturer. In this article we will talk about how to choose a screwdriver, what types they are, and which one is better.
The first thing you need to decide when choosing a screwdriver is whether you need a household tool or a professional one. The difference between them is significant. First of all, the working resource differs. Professional models made of more durable and expensive materials. They can serve for several years even with constant use in production. Household models last several times less, but also cost several times less.
You need to choose the class of screwdriver - household or professional
If you need a screwdriver “to have it” - for various chores around the house or cottage, an inexpensive household model will be enough. They usually have a one-year warranty, but can last quite a long time. If serious repairs are planned or construction begins, a screwdriver will have more than enough work. Then a professional or semi-professional model will come in handy. But some owners decide that it is better to purchase two household tools than one professional one. In general, how to choose a screwdriver based on this parameter is up to you.
When looking at models of screwdrivers, you are sure to come across impact wrenches, screwdrivers and drill-drivers. How they differ and which is better to choose are two questions that many people have. The main difference is in the purpose of the tool:
As is clear from the description, for construction or household work There is a choice between a screwdriver and a drill-driver. The second modification is a universal tool that has two modes of operation - drilling and tightening screws. It's good for occasional use. That is, if large-scale work is not expected, but you need (or want) a tool on your farm, this is an excellent choice. But, if you are starting a construction project, major renovation, it’s better to take a separate drill and screwdriver. As practice has shown, under prolonged loads they cope with their responsibilities better than combined devices.
If you need a drill/driver, in addition to the parameters important for a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to the parameters for the drill:
For domestic use, a drill-driver without metal drilling is often recommended. This function is available in powerful units that are expensive. You don’t have to drill metal very often, so this power is often excessive. And for drilling metal, it’s better to still have a drill.
There are two types of screwdrivers - mains-powered and battery-powered. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a corded screwdriver is that it works as long as there is voltage in the network. Second positive point— it costs less than similar battery-powered tools. But the biggest advantage of corded screwdrivers is that they can remain idle for as long as desired without compromising performance. Cordless tools require regular “training” during periods of long periods of inactivity. Batteries must be discharged and recharged periodically. Otherwise, they may not “wake up.”
There are also disadvantages - the power cord limits freedom of movement and sometimes gets in the way quite a bit. The second drawback is that 220 volts are not available everywhere, and on construction sites this is generally rare. The question of how to choose a screwdriver that operates from the mains is practically not worth it. All you need to pay attention to is the length of the power cord. The longer it is, the more convenient it is - there is no need to use a carrier. The rest of the choice lies in the selection of technical parameters.
Cordless screwdrivers also have their pros and cons. Plus - greater mobility and independence from power supply. The downside is a higher price, more weight and the need to recharge the batteries. That is, dependence on power supply still exists, but not so severely.
If desired, you can have a second set of batteries (many companies immediately equip their tools with two batteries). This will provide practically uninterrupted operation. Despite the inconvenience with charging and overweight, most decide to purchase a cordless screwdriver. And when they talk about how to choose a screwdriver, they mean a battery-powered tool. If you come to this opinion, you need to understand the types of power elements.
Rechargeable batteries for screwdrivers come in different types. And the cost of the tool largely depends on the type of batteries. What’s also interesting is that a new set of batteries costs almost the same as the tool with this power supply included. Therefore, you should be careful about the rules for using batteries.
Let us briefly consider the types of ABs, their advantages, disadvantages and features.
Most of the tools on the market are equipped with nickel-cadmium batteries. They are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Expensive professional models use lithium-ion cells. How to choose a screwdriver? Pay attention to the type of battery, since the rules for recharging and storing depend on their type.
When choosing cordless screwdriver Be sure to pay attention to the power supply parameters. The duration of operation on one charge and some other points depend on them. Here's what you should look at first:
Also pay attention to whether batteries are included with the battery and their number. Usually two pieces come with the tool, but there are only screwdrivers without AB. Before choosing a screwdriver with a battery, decide on the type of battery and its parameters.
There are two types of screwdrivers: keyed and quick-release chucks. The second option is more convenient, since the bits are released and clamped by turning the chuck, without additional devices. In this case, the tool is held with the left hand and the chuck is rotated with the right. Keyless chucks come in two types - with one or two couplings. The second coupling serves to lock the shaft so that the nozzle can be changed. If there is only one clutch, there is a button on the housing to lock the shaft, with which the shaft is locked. In this case, before starting to replace the nozzle, press the shaft lock button, hold it, and replace it. Release the button, you can work.
There are two types of quick-release chucks - single-clutch and double-clutch
An additional advantage of the quick-release chuck is that you can install a nozzle with a shank of any diameter into it. The main thing is that it fits into the holder. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we pay attention to such a parameter as the diameter of the chuck. It determines the maximum diameter of the nozzle that can be installed.
Key cartridges require a special key. It is inserted into the hole in the chuck, turning in one direction or the other, and the bit or drill is released or clamped. This tool costs a little less, since its design is a little simpler.
To fully answer the question “how to choose a screwdriver,” you need to talk about the technical parameters. The parameters of the batteries and cartridge have already been discussed, there are still some technical characteristics that need to be paid attention to.
In the technical specifications there is a line “Maximum torque”. This is an indicator that shows how much force the tool can develop. Measured in Nm (Newton per meter). For a household (amateur) tool or for a “clean” screwdriver, it is enough for the maximum torque to be 10-15 Nm. For a professional and universal one (with a drilling function), it should be larger - in order to quickly and confidently do the necessary work even on hard materials or screw in powerful screws.
For different materials and different screws require different torque. It is changed using a special switch, which allows you to change it from minimum (1 Nm) to maximum. The number of steps may vary. The more there are, the more accurately you can select the required force. This is not so important for corded screwdrivers, but it is important for cordless ones - with heavier loads, the batteries discharge faster. Therefore, it is important to choose the optimal mode.
To track when the drill has reached the specified torque, the moment this parameter is exceeded, the chuck rotates idle, making clicking noises. This mechanism protects the instrument from overheating and is popularly called a “ratchet.” Useful feature, which prolongs the life of the screwdriver.
How to choose a screwdriver based on torque? If you buy a tool for a specific type of work, you can focus on the diameter of the screws that will have to be tightened. This parameter is also in the technical specifications, but there is the following dependency:
These parameters will also be useful during work - you can immediately set the required values, only slightly adjusting the value for a specific case. So, when working with drywall, you will need a lower value so as not to overtighten the screws and not pierce the cardboard. You will have to select the torque depending on the type of wood - the screws go into spruce with more force than into pine.
The torque must be provided by a sufficient spindle speed. To work with soft materials type of wood, normal speed is 400-500 rpm, to work with concrete or metal, faster rotation is required - 1200-1300 rpm - this is normal.
So when choosing a screwdriver, look not only at the torque, but also at the spindle speed. They must be agreed upon. Only then will it be convenient to work with the tool in different modes.
There are screwdrivers that can operate at two speeds. These are mainly professional and semi-professional models. Speeds are switched depending on the density of the material being worked with. You can also try different speed and with screws of different sizes.
Having two speeds is useful for professional models
Selecting the speed allows you to save battery power. As a result, the tool lasts longer on a single charge. For household models, this is not the most necessary option, but it is nice to have.
And the last thing people pay attention to when deciding which screwdriver to choose is ease of use. It’s definitely worth paying attention to how comfortable the instrument “fits” in your hand. You often have to work for several hours at a time, and if your hand gets tired quickly, it becomes torture. For greater comfort, rubber pads are placed on the handle. They significantly increase the comfort of use. There are other options that make your work easier.
Almost all modern screwdrivers have reverse motion or reverse. It allows you to quickly unscrew a screw or pull out a drill stuck in the material. Reverse motion is activated using a special button, which is located near the trigger.
To prevent the tool from immediately changing direction (accidental pressing of the reverse button is possible), many models, for safety reasons, have an intermediate mode. After switching, the shaft stops, and only then does it start in the opposite direction.
This option is only needed in production, where a screwdriver is used constantly. The fasteners are installed in special plastic tapes (this is how they are sold). This tape automatically feeds the next screw onto the attachment after the previous one has been tightened.
Screwdriver with belt feed screws
This option saves quite a lot of time, but the price of such a tool is high. For home use, this "bell" is not the best way to spend your money.
