When doing household work, any owner is often faced with the need to tighten nuts, drive screws or assemble furniture. Of course, all this can be done manually. However, modern manufacturers offer special tool, facilitating this work. A screwdriver will greatly simplify and speed up the tightening process.
Application area
Direct purpose of the screwdriver:
Unscrewing and tightening various fasteners (bolts, screws, screws, etc.);
- drilling required holes in brick, metal and wood.
There is also folk use of this tool. So, a screwdriver is used for:
Mixing paints and building mixtures;
- drilling holes in the ice while fishing in winter.
Today, a screwdriver is widely used by owners of apartments and private houses when performing various construction work. Professional craftsmen also use this tool for assembling furniture, as well as for fastening drywall and various parts.
The design of the screwdriver allows it to be used in the most hard to reach places. But at the same time, it is the battery unit that is most popular among craftsmen. It makes it possible to work where there is no electrical network.
Anyone who has ever picked up a screwdriver will no longer reach for a screwdriver. will become a welcome assistant in many construction issues. The advantage of purchasing a screwdriver is its ease of handling, as well as its constant readiness for use due to the built-in battery.
Types of models
How to choose a screwdriver for your home given the existing variety of manufacturers and the tools they offer? First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of models available on the consumer market.
All screwdrivers are divided into household and professional. The assignment of a tool to a particular group is made based on the size of the cartridge, the power of the nutrient element, the configuration, the price, as well as the presence of additional functions.
Main settings
When watching popular TV shows about repairs, many of us probably paid attention to how craftsmen using a screwdriver perform in a matter of minutes such volumes of work that would take hours to do with a regular screwdriver. It is not surprising that after this a significant number of viewers are thinking about buying this electric tool.
How to choose a screwdriver for your home so that it does not disappoint your expectations? To do this, you will need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the tool. Moreover, it is recommended to start with the engine. Any electric tool has a certain power, on which the performance of the device depends. But what about autonomous devices? In them, power is related to the battery capacity.
If you don’t know how to choose a good screwdriver, then start getting acquainted with the model from the engine. What should it be like? Experts positively characterize the type without commutator brushes. They are virtually silent, maintenance-free and have high performance.
Experts recommend familiarizing yourself with such a parameter as the frequency with which the tool’s working units rotate. By this characteristic you can find out about the purpose of the screwdriver. When small, a high rotation speed of the cartridge is ensured. This feature of the tool will be needed for drilling holes of small diameter.
Combination screwdriver
Many owners prefer to have a tool in their home that performs various functions. As such, a cordless drill/driver can be purchased. How to choose a model that will allow you to easily perform all the tasks facing its owner?
As for professionals, they focus their attention on expensive, high-quality tools. Home craftsmen choose conventional models that have a reasonable price. If the purpose of your purchase is a cordless drill/driver, how to choose the right tool for the job? For beginners this is not an easy task. First of all, you will need to gain certain knowledge about the power characteristics of the tool and its other subtleties.
When choosing this wonderful assistant, keep in mind that drill-drivers typically have an option that allows you to use the tool with two speeds. Thus, with minimal effort, the rotation of the cartridge occurs more slowly. Pressing harder causes the number of revolutions to increase.
For more careful handling of screws, the tool may have a clutch that adjusts the torque. When the screw is fully screwed in, it begins to slip. This is a very convenient option that helps keep drills, as well as a replaceable attachment, in working condition.
When choosing a drill/driver, carefully read the passport data. Experts recommend paying attention to the weight of the tool, which is indicated along with the battery. Small and lightweight drills/drivers will not have as much energy and power as heavier ones.
Selecting a tool by battery type
How to choose an electric screwdriver based on this element, because battery capacities have different meanings? This question should not cause much difficulty. With a larger battery capacity, the power of the unit itself certainly increases. Batteries in screwdrivers can be either nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, or lithium-ion.
If you don’t know how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home, then take the advice of experts and look for a model equipped with a spare battery. The costs of such additional accessory will certainly justify themselves. This becomes clear when looking at the prices of new batteries, which are fifty percent of the cost of the screwdriver itself. Most comfortable models This unit can work with two types of elements (metal hydride and nickel-cadmium). This version of the tool is very convenient.
Lithium-ion batteries
How to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home so that it is reliable in operation? To do this, it is important to pay attention to the type of battery built into it.
Today, lithium-ion cells are widely used. They are equipped not only with screwdrivers, but also with many other tools, as well as portable devices. Such batteries are designed for three thousand charge-discharge cycles. The battery can charge quickly and is quite lightweight.
The main disadvantages of these modern batteries include their short duration (3 years) and high cost. In addition, to get maximum benefit, this element must be used without long breaks.
In this regard, experts advise those who find it difficult to answer the question: “How to choose the right cordless screwdriver?” - purchase tools with lithium-ion cells to perform professional work. It is also recommended not to fully discharge or charge the battery. This will significantly shorten the life of the element. Charge should be between 15 and 90 percent.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Power tools have been equipped with this type of battery for a long time. And this applies not only to screwdrivers. Such batteries are designed for one and a half thousand charge-discharge cycles. For those who don’t know which screwdriver to choose for the job, experts recommend models with nickel-cadmium batteries. Such a tool will function without problems at temperatures down to minus fifteen degrees. In addition, the manufacturer guarantees trouble-free operation battery for five years. The buyer will also be pleased with the low cost of such models.
However, the nickel-cadmium battery also has some disadvantages. They should be taken into account if you are faced with the following question: “How to choose a cordless screwdriver for the home?” Among these negative aspects are the rather long (about an hour) charging process and the large weight of the nickel-cadmium element.
If you bought a screwdriver with this battery option, then, according to the recommendations of experts, you will need to charge and discharge it completely. This will allow the element, which has a memory to charge, not to reduce its service life. Special conditions You will also need to observe this when storing such a battery. It must be kept charged.
Nickel metal hydride batteries
These batteries are essentially middle option, located between the two described above. If you are faced with the question of how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home, you need to consider a tool with this type of element.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are capable of performing about a thousand charge-discharge cycles. There are others positive sides. These include minimal self-discharge and lack of memory for charging. The disadvantage of such a battery lies in its significant weight, as well as its inability to withstand temperature changes and high voltage.
If you choose a screwdriver with this type of battery, then before use it should be completely discharged, and then fully charged. These actions will extend the life of the element.
Today, the most popular screwdrivers are those with a nickel-metal hydride battery. This type is most often found on instruments made in Europe. Wide use This type of battery received because of its environmental friendliness.
Which battery to choose a screwdriver with is up to you. Before purchasing, evaluate the pros and cons of each type of battery and decide on the appropriate model.
Cell Capacitance and Voltage
How to choose the right screwdriver so that it is as efficient as possible? To do this, you should familiarize yourself with such characteristics as battery capacity. At higher values of this indicator, the tool will be able to perform the greatest amount of work during one charge-discharge cycle.
The voltage of the element, measured in volts, is also important. If you don’t know how to choose a good screwdriver, then listen to the opinions of experts. Choose a model with a high voltage value for home work. This will be quite a powerful tool.
Torque and rotation speed indicators
How to choose an electric screwdriver that will become the main assistant for its owner? Please note that there is a clutch to lock the tool under increased load. This is the so-called maximum torque, which operates at 5-10 Nm. The option does not interfere with the tightening of tight anchors and creates conditions for engine safety when loads increase. This value threshold will allow you to work with steel and concrete, as well as make a hole of large diameter.
Those screwdrivers that have high torque values are rated by experts as universal. No problem this tool will allow you to work with self-tapping screws, as well as drill hard materials.
When choosing a model, you need to pay attention not only to torque. It is also necessary to evaluate the performance of the engine under high load and how well it is able to maintain speed.
When choosing a screwdriver, many amateur beginners make the same mistake, looking for a model with the highest speed. But you should not chase the maximum values of these indicators. For screwing in screws, five hundred rpm is enough, and for drilling, one thousand three hundred. High tool speed is only needed when working with
Experts recommend purchasing screwdriver models in which the motor rotation speed can be adjusted. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a reverse option. She will allow without special labor remove a stuck drill or tightly screwed screw.
Tool manufacturers
A potential buyer will certainly ask the following question: “Which company should I choose a cordless screwdriver?” And this is not surprising. As with the purchase of any device, much depends on its manufacturer.
Good simple screwdrivers for household work are produced by Bosch, Hammer and Hitachi. Which screwdriver brand should you choose if you are interested in a professional model? The Dewalt company pleases its customers with good units. This tool has a favorable ratio of quality and price.
However, it is worth considering the fact that brand fame almost doubles the cost of products. For those who are not ready to allocate a significant amount of money to purchase a screwdriver, experts recommend paying attention to less popular but well-established companies. This is, for example, Makita.
Not so long ago, work on arranging screw fastenings was carried out purely by hand, and only screwdrivers or special keys were used as tools.
Now this approach is considered almost archaic, since wherever it is convenient, for arrangement threaded connections a special device called a screwdriver is used. With its help, all operations for inserting and unscrewing screws are significantly simplified, and the time required to carry them out is reduced by an order of magnitude.
Choosing the right screwdriver for your home is a task that can only be solved after a detailed familiarization with this tool.
Products called screwdrivers consist of several main parts. First of all, it is an electric motor with a gearbox. The engine rotates at a certain speed (varying from model to model), and through a gearbox the operating torque is transmitted to the spindle. The gearbox is equipped with a special clutch that reacts to the amount of torque and limits it when the load exceeds the normalized value.
The screwdriver has a spindle with chuck, into which special equipment is inserted for screwing in or unscrewing a screw: a bit or a drill.
Manager the electronic unit The tool is equipped with an on/off button and a separate lever for switching the direction of rotation (reverse).
The screwdriver also contains a power supply that supplies electricity from the mains or from a built-in removable battery. In the version powered by 220 Volts, the device must include a power cord.
Where is it used?
Screwdrivers are widely used during installation operations, organized both at home and in production. Based on this feature, devices can be classified as universal devices.
Professional builders who have to deal with large volumes of prefabricated structures also resort to the capabilities of screwdrivers. When using them, the speed of performing monotonous operations on arranging standard fastenings increases significantly.
At the same time, the quality of the assembled installation connections increases, since, in addition to their main function, screwdrivers can have an additional option such as drilling, which must be taken into account when choosing.
Professional and amateur models
In accordance with the complexity and nature of the work to be done, the entire variety of products in this class is divided into two large groups - professional and household appliances. The first ones are intended for use during installation building structures in flow mode and in large volumes. Amateur household models of screwdrivers are used mainly for one-time assembly operations organized within an apartment or country house.
In terms of their technical capabilities and functionality, these two versions differ significantly from one another. Their differences are manifested primarily in power electric drive and the magnitude of torque, which makes it possible to improve the quality and efficiency of the assembly of structures (reduce the time of operations).
The spindle speed in this case of decisive importance does not, since this parameter has virtually no effect on performance.
Due to the difference in the performance of professional and amateur screwdrivers, their prices differ significantly. Therefore, based on the price, you can make some initial conclusions that will influence the final choice.
Multifunctional products
In my own way design all known examples of these products are divided into three large categories:
- electric screwdrivers;
- special powerful impact wrenches;
- universal drills capable of working in screwdriver mode.
Note! The last of the listed modifications can be supplemented with a shock function, which allows you to significantly expand the range of applications.
The most popular among amateurs and professionals are models of screwdrivers that are not tied to electrical network and battery operated. However, if necessary, anyone can use a suitable network device.
Features of choice
Before choosing a cordless screwdriver for your home or private workshop, you need to study in more detail all the models on the market, paying attention to Special attention the previously listed parameters.
During the search and selection process suitable model First of all, you should understand what is more convenient for high-quality performance of the task - an electric screwdriver, a wrench or a multifunctional drill. After solving this problem, you need to decide on the following important characteristics selected model:
- torque value (power);
- food type;
- type of spindle chuck for a bit;
- availability of additional functionality;
- ergonomics and design.
Let's consider the procedure for choosing a screwdriver in relation to each of the above points.
Torque
This parameter for most household screwdrivers is about 200-300 N/m.
Note! For expensive models belonging to the class of professional tools (with an engine power of more than 1000 Watt), this value can reach 1000 N/meter.
Torque is directly related to the drive power of the screwdriver, which for various devices can range from 350 to 1500 watts. The minimum values of this indicator are typical for models intended for amateur purposes. And powers close to 1000 Watts are usually chosen in cases where it is necessary to decide which screwdriver should be chosen for professional work.
Type of food
The choice of a suitable device model based on the type of power supply depends on the conditions of the upcoming work (the availability of a mains voltage of 220 Volts), as well as on the user’s preferences. In a situation where there is no mains voltage near the place where they are taking place, the only right choice– purchase a battery-powered screwdriver.
The same decision is reached in cases where the performer does not want to be connected to a wired cable and agrees to the additional costs and inconveniences that are inevitable with autonomous power supply. Inconvenience means the need to periodically recharge the built-in battery.
A similar decision is made in rural areas remote from the city (at the dacha, for example), where the voltage is highly unstable.
When choosing a cordless tool, pay attention to the battery capacity, charging time, and the presence of a spare one. Now the most popular are lithium-ion devices, but they quickly discharge at low temperatures (near zero and below). It is not recommended to allow such batteries to be completely deeply discharged.
Cordless screwdrivers can also use nickel-cadmium chargers. These batteries have a memory effect - they need to be charged only after they are completely discharged. The advantage is resistance to frost, can be stored completely discharged, unlike lithium-ion ones. For operational operation, it is recommended to have one more battery in reserve.
Instead of a screwdriver with a cadmium battery, you can choose a tool with a nickel-metal hydride charger. It is more environmentally friendly, has a large capacity, and less memory effect, although its service life is also shorter.
Type of cartridge (holder)
Most amateur and professional screwdrivers are equipped with self-clamping chucks, which ensure quick and easy change of bits or drills. These devices can have a single or double coupling design.
In the second case, when installing and removing a working tool (bits or drills), the lower coupling must be held manually, and the upper coupling must be simultaneously tightened or loosened. Models with a single clutch are much easier to operate, and all of these operations can be performed with one hand (without the need to pay attention to the details of loading the cartridge).
Important! Fixing the bit in this way is only possible if this model has an automatic or forced spindle locking function.
Cam-type chucks, clamped with a special key, are practically not used in screwdrivers. However, experts advise having such clamps in the kit (in case you need to work with a drill or clamp the bit harder).
Additional features (belt feeding of screws)
Some models of screwdrivers have an additional option that allows automatic feeding of screws fixed in a special belt mechanism with the same pitch. This device ensures precise installation of the head of the next screw directly above the bit, followed by its reliable screwing in.
In addition, the feed mechanism provides for adjusting the depth of screwing in hardware, which is very important during installation plasterboard sheets with an easily damaged surface. Choosing this type of screwdriver will greatly simplify your work. Products of this class, in addition to the main functional parts, have a working magazine change head in the gear unit. They also have a special nozzle, through which screws (self-tapping screws) built into the tape are fed into the work area.
Note! The screw heads are secured using special locking rings.
Different models of these devices can vary greatly in their capabilities, which ultimately depends on the manufacturer of a particular sample.
Popular brands of screwdrivers
One of the manufacturers of screwdrivers is the German company Bosch, which produces a wide range of products of various configurations. Thus, a universal model from this manufacturer called Festool C15 contains in its kit a special adapter for hex bits.
In addition, it provides space for installing a quick-release chuck of a special design, and the kit includes a special gear attachment that allows screws to be screwed in at right angles.
Another company familiar to most users, Makita (a subsidiary of Bosch), is the undisputed leader in the ranking of manufacturers of tools in this class. It is distinguished by a wide range of models, including not only cheap products, but also expensive professional samples.
Screwdrivers from the well-known company AEG can hardly be called cheap, but they fully pay for themselves with the capabilities they contain. In turn, DeWalt brand models are distinguished by high-tech innovations and promising developments. Hilti tool kits are among the multi-functional examples of this class of products, with prices that many people find unreasonably high (despite attractive warranties).
Inexpensive and well-known models, widely represented on the market by such foreign companies as Hitachi, Sparky, and Skil, are in great demand among the average consumer. Among Russian manufacturers Among amateur and professional screwdrivers, the companies “Interskol”, “Zubr” and “Caliber” stand out.
It should be noted that when operating screwdrivers, certain difficulties may arise with spare parts required when repairing the product. This circumstance should be taken into account when trying self-repair previously purchased screwdriver.
Nowadays, along with other tools, it is necessary to have a drill-driver. This indispensable assistant in the house, at the dacha and in the garage. But in order for the work to be flawless and bring only pleasure, you need to know how to choose a drill and screwdriver, because today in markets and in specialized stores there is a wide variety of models that differ in their characteristics.
When choosing a drill, you need to take into account the specifics of the work being performed, since in some cases an ordinary simple impact drill will be enough, while in others the upcoming work requires a more professional tool. To pick up the right tool, you need to know the features of each model.
Existing types of drills
Drills are divided into two types:
- regular hammer drill screwdriver;
- hammer drill.
A drill with an impact function is a tool with less power than a hammer drill. The main function of this tool is drilling. It is mainly used for working with wooden and metal products and can also be used for drilling tiles. This tool is more suitable for performing minor works around the house.
A hammer drill is a more powerful tool and is considered professional. It is capable of simultaneously performing both drilling and impact functions. Due to its characteristics, it is good to use when working with concrete structures, as it is capable of making holes of large diameters. For responsible and difficult work with concrete, it is recommended to choose this type of drill.
Before you do, you need to remember that a simple drill is not suitable for making large holes, since it can be used to make holes in concrete structures no more than 13 mm, in wood - no more than 20 mm, and in metal about 8 mm.
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Impact Drill Specifications
This type of drill differs in three main characteristics:
- by drilling diameter;
- by rated power;
- by speed of revolutions.
Before you do, you need to weigh everything, whether you need a tool with maximum power. Devices with medium and low power are mainly used for home use.
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The main functions of a drill/screwdriver include:
- drilling holes;
- twisting and unscrewing functions.
In each drill/screwdriver model, one of two functions predominates. Taking this nuance into account, when choosing a suitable tool, you need to decide which function should be a priority. It depends on the type of work ahead.
The most practical and convenient are battery-powered drills, since thanks to technical qualities They can work in places where there is no electricity.
The question often arises: how can one determine which function is predominant - drilling or unscrewing? To determine this by eye, you need to study the following characteristics:
- how many revolutions per minute does this tool make;
- torque.
The best drill is considered to be one that produces 1000 or more revolutions per minute, but if about 500, then this model is a screwdriver.
If you decide to choose a battery model, then you need to pay special attention to the power supply itself. Modern instruments equipped various types batteries:
- nickel-cadmium;
- nickel metal hydride;
- Lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion is considered the highest quality and most harmless, but it is quite difficult to find a tool with a similar power supply on the markets. The most common are nickel metal hydride, which are considered a medium quality material.
You should also pay attention to the battery capacity so that its charge is enough for long time, and didn't have to charge it often. For convenience, you can purchase a replacement element or buy a model with mains charging, so that you do not remove the battery from the drill during operation.
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What parameters should you use to choose a drill/screwdriver?
You can choose a screwdriver based on several criteria, taking into account its purpose. For everyday purposes, some indicators are used, and for professional work, others are assumed.
- The most important indicator is torque.
The higher this parameter, the more power the tool will have. Devices with high torques are able to cope with drilling and tightening screws even with large diameters, which makes them universal. Before use, you must read the instructions, which indicate the largest permissible diameter.
- The rotation speed also depends on the operating mode.
The largest holes should be drilled at low speed, and high speed is used for making small and medium-sized holes. To make a hole without problems, you need a speed of 1200 rpm, and when using a drill as a screwdriver, 400 rpm is enough.
- The capacity of the battery determines how much work can be done at one time.
This indicator is designated - A/h. Ordinary household power supplies have a capacity of 1.3-1.6 A/h. Almost only professional devices are equipped with two batteries.
- The chuck that comes with the tool has one or two couplings.
Mostly there are models with a quick-release single-clutch chuck, since replacing elements with a double-clutch design is labor-intensive. For convenience and simplification of the process when carrying out work, some screwdrivers are equipped with quick-release chucks.
- Some drill designs have an impact function.
But an impact drill and screwdriver has the greatest power, which means its price will be many times more expensive. For this reason, only some models have this feature. The device, which includes all the options, got its name - drill-screwdriver-hammer.
Many models may include additional characteristics, such as an angle attachment, reverse, charge indicator and many others.
A screwdriver is a hand tool. Its main task is to screw in self-tapping screws. There are simple screwdrivers that cannot do anything more than screw in fasteners. And there are models that can make preliminary holes for installing screws. This is already a complicated option. In addition to screwing, screwdrivers have an unscrewing function, that is, reverse.
There is a lot to choose from when choosing a tool. important aspects: engine power, battery capacity, torque, cartridge type and ergonomics. Important factor– availability of various adjustments. But let's look at the main types of screwdrivers.
The simplest screwdriver and a model with a screw depth regulator
The most simple model has nothing more than switching the reverse button and speed control. There are even single-speed devices.
The model with a screw depth limiter looks a little more complicated. In what case can it be useful? This addition is important if you are going to install drywall or assemble furniture. Agree, it won’t be very pleasant if a self-tapping screw slips right through a furniture panel? The limiter allows you to adjust the depth of insertion of the fastener; each click changes this indicator by 0.4 mm.
Screwdrivers, drills, screwdrivers and impact wrenches - why do we need additional functions?
We have already mentioned an electric drill/driver. This is a universal tool that is capable of drilling holes for fasteners. Such a device can be powered by mains or battery. A corded drill/driver is always a powerful tool with a wide range of capabilities.
A wrench is a special type of tool that is “sharpened” for working with nuts and bolts. Such devices can be manual or stationary, depending on their purpose, and have an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive. Here, instead of a chuck, a rod is used to secure the nut head. Impact wrenches are always single-speed and are equipped with external torsion bars to regulate torque.
A screwdriver is essentially an analogue of a wrench. It differs only in the number of edges of the rod. It is used to work with screws and self-tapping screws. Operates on a pneumatic or electric drive. What is the difference between a drill and a screwdriver - in a short video.
What parameters should you use to choose a professional or household tool?
A good cordless screwdriver is a valuable thing not only household, but also in professional activities. But don’t try to immediately buy the most expensive instrument. Professional models have a number of characteristics that are not so necessary for simple home renovation, and you will pay a lot of money for them. What is important for using a screwdriver in everyday life: that it screws and unscrews fasteners and can handle wood, metal and other surfaces.
Professional tools are required to handle a lot of hard work
What are the criteria for choosing a professional cordless or corded screwdriver?
Professional screwdrivers have a torque of at least 120 Nm, and a rotation speed of 1200 per minute. For permanent job You will need a powerful device and a capacious battery. There is no time to constantly recharge the battery if you are in the middle of a working day. Another important point– the ability to quickly and easily change attachments – that’s why professionals prefer a three-jaw chuck.
It should be noted that the need for long-term operation affects other characteristics of the device. Its body is mostly metal, which means that such a device is heavier than a regular household one.
How to choose the right inexpensive cordless screwdriver for your home
Before you start choosing a screwdriver for your home, decide for what tasks you plan to purchase the tool. For minor repairs, there is no need to purchase an expensive, powerful device; an inexpensive household model is sufficient. It can adequately handle bolts and screws, install anchors and dowels, and drill holes in wood, drywall and metal.
If you are planning something more serious, opt for a drill with a screwdriver. There's about 3000 rpm. The only thing that should be taken into account is the possibility of adjusting the speed.
For a lightweight household tool, it is not necessary to have a super-capacious battery, but it is convenient if the kit includes two batteries and a charger. While you are planting one, the second can be powered from the network.
And although many manufacturers persistently offer screwdrivers for domestic use in plastic case, still pay attention to metal models. In them, the gearbox cools down faster, and the tool itself lasts much longer. And the last thing in choosing a household device: do not be fooled, like a priest, by cheapness.
Which battery is considered the best for a screwdriver?
Power tool with rechargeable batteries uses two types of batteries: lithium and nickel-cadmium. It is extremely rare to find devices with nickel-metal hydride batteries on sale. They are not very popular due to overheating during prolonged use. Let's look at the two most popular types of elements and their features.
Screwdrivers with lithium batteries: capricious and explosive
Lithium cells today are included in the batteries of almost all gadgets, from smartphones to large household appliances. It's comparative new technology, which has only three decades of experience. The first lithium batteries exploded very often, it's true. The reason was the imperfection of technology. Now manufacturers equip them with controllers that prevent overheating and overcharging.
They also have disadvantages: such batteries are very sensitive to changes temperature regime. They become capricious when moving from warm to cold and vice versa. If lithium batteries are not used regularly, they lose their capacity. Such batteries are not stored for more than two years.
Nickel-cadmium batteries and their features
Alkaline nickel-cadmium batteries were invented back in the 19th century. But the widespread use of this energy source was postponed until the middle of the 20th century. You may hear a lot of unflattering statements about this type of battery, but don't believe them all. Yes, they really do not contain as much energy as, for example, lithium-ion ones, but they do not heat up during operation. This is precisely the main advantage of these and other power tools. Such batteries do not burn out, are equipped with a metal case and work flawlessly in heat and cold down to -40°C. Such batteries last up to 10 years and are cheaper than lithium-ion analogues.
ADVICE!
To extend the life of a nickel-cadmium battery, you need to use it until it is completely discharged. And if you do not use the device for a long time, you need to store it with a discharged battery.
Which batteries to choose
We considered the issue of advantages and disadvantages different elements power supplies, so which ones are better for a screwdriver? The answer is not so clear: you need to select a battery in accordance with the tasks that your home tool must perform. Lithium batteries are more capacious, and cadmium batteries are safer. Lithium ones will stop working in a couple of years, even if they have not been used, and cadmium ones will last at least 10.
Professionals will advise you to stick to cadmium. And it is not afraid of temperature changes, and does not discharge during storage. This the best option For household appliance, which is not used very often.
What cartridges are best to buy a screwdriver for home?
The chucks in a screwdriver are quick-clamping and key. The quick-clamp has a three-lobed shape that instantly clamps the nozzle. By the way, it is permissible to use nozzles of different thicknesses on such a cartridge.
Three-blade quick-release chuck
The key cartridge requires a special key - it looks like a hexagonal pin with a bend. To fix the attachment, the key must be inserted into the socket and turned until it stops. If you lose your key, changing attachments will become a real problem. In addition, this chuck can only hold bits with a quarter-inch diameter.
Our advice is to choose a device with a quick-release chuck. With it, the screwdriver costs a little more, but it is the right choice.
Advice from experienced builders: how to choose a cordless screwdriver
We have reviewed theoretical basis choice, but what about practice? Now we will find it very useful to receive recommendations from repairmen and finishing specialists. They are the ones who most often use such a tool.
How to choose a screwdriver based on torque
Andrey Nikolaevich Zvyagin, master finisher with 30 years of experience:
“If you are choosing a screwdriver, pay attention to two related parameters: its power and torque. For self-tapping screws up to 7 cm long, you need 12 Volts; for ten-centimeter screws, you need 14.5 Volts. To prevent your tool from overheating, it is better to pre-drill the holes. If you need a screwdriver for simple housework, 40 Nm of torque is enough.”
Chuck rotation speed
Igor Komkovets, employee of the Master House company:
“Rotation speed directly affects the pace of work, but the tool and fasteners get very hot. This is not always good. Optimal for domestic use – 500-600 rpm. Our company uses faster screwdrivers, but it is important for us to quickly complete the order. If you don’t have enough experience, don’t try to buy a high-speed tool.”
Reverse and belt feed
Renat Dzgoev, construction company"Stroyles":
“Sometimes when working with wood you have to twist the fasteners. Without reverse, this is simply impossible. Never use a screwdriver without reverse! It will also save you if the drill gets jammed while working. Remember that reverse can only be switched when the chuck is stopped.
We use in our work professional tool with belt feed of self-tapping screws. The fastener is pre-inserted into the tape, and thanks to automatic feeding the process goes very quickly. We mainly use such screwdrivers when fastening OSB sheets and drywall during finishing work. Can I recommend such a tool for solving everyday problems? If you have no experience, it will be of little use. The speed in the tape device is very decent, and you risk winding up so much defect that you will then be tortured to unscrew it. And such “Shuriks” cost a lot. No, I wouldn’t recommend it for domestic purposes.”
For fishermen: which screwdriver to choose for an ice ax
Winter fishing is a sport for strong in spirit and body. To drill a hole, you will have to work, because even ice some 20 centimeters thick is a serious opponent. You can make your life much easier by using an ice ax attachment, and many people purchase it for this very purpose. cordless tool. It is clear that a powered screwdriver is not suitable here.
Many manufacturers have met fishermen halfway and offer special drill attachments for screwdrivers, this is already ready-made solution. The pioneer in this area is the Swedish manufacturer Mora. There are a lot of recommendations online on how to combine a screwdriver with an ice ax. Answering the question of how to choose a drill-driver for fishing, the Kulibins note that for a successful symbiosis it is important that the tool is not afraid of frost (remember that we wrote about cadmium batteries?), had a power of at least 18 Volts (preferably 36) and had a torque element of at least 70 Nm.
It is important that the battery charge is enough for drilling, so it is better to have a couple more batteries in reserve. And the last thing is the side handle of the device. If it is not there, you can damage the brush during drilling.
The device should be operated according to simple rules:
- Before inserting or removing the battery, disconnect the device;
- work at intervals to cool down the device;
- securely fix the nozzle, tightening the cartridge until it stops;
- adjust the torque correctly according to the material you are working with;
- ensure the integrity of the network device cable and charging cable;
- Do not operate power tools in the rain or snow.
Detailed information on screwdriver settings is in the video instructions.
Rating of the best manufacturers of budget cordless screwdrivers: who you can trust
Our goal is to choose the best screwdriver for your home. We looked at various technological nuances, and only one question remains: which of the timely manufacturers can you trust? Based on our own experience and recommendations from our experts, the site has compiled a rating of screwdriver manufacturers, in which the price corresponds to the quality of the products.
6th place – Interskol
Inexpensive and trouble-free domestic tools enjoy deserved popularity among buyers. The powerful electric drive easily handles thin metal, wood and drywall. On Interskol screwdriver models, you can adjust the torque; they are equipped with quick-release chucks. The advantage of Interskol devices is their light weight and good ergonomics.
5th place – Sparky
The Bulgarian instrument, in addition to its lightness and ease of settings, has LED backlighting, which is very helpful when working in hard-to-reach places. The two-speed engine is highly reliable. This company also offers a network tool that is affordable and excellent in power. Battery models have a battery charge indicator, so you can send the device for recharging in a timely manner.
4th place – Dewalt
Americans strictly adhere to quality and safety standards for power tools. Their screwdrivers are compact, powerful and have minimal vibration during operation. The products are equipped with lithium-ion batteries with a large charge capacity. The keyless chuck has an automatic lock. IN model range There are examples with a striking mechanism that allows you to work with metal and concrete.
3rd place – Bosch
German Bosch quality has earned respect and a worthy reputation. Users note the durability of the electric drive and the convenient ergonomics of the screwdrivers. Basically, such a tool is suitable for working with plastic and wood, but there are specimens that can even cope with stone. Domestic screwdrivers are painted green color, and professional – in blue. In addition to the tool, there is a set of attachments and various tips.
2nd place – Hyundai
The South Korean automobile giant began producing construction tool only 12 years ago, but his potential easily coped with this task. Professional and household, this tool is famous for its quality and reliability. The developers work very carefully on ease of use and even added a strap to the screwdriver that will prevent the device from accidentally falling. Hyundai batteries can work up to 10 hours without stopping, and at the same time the tool is considered the quietest of all.
1st place - Makita
Our editors' choice is Japanese quality from Makita. More than half a century of experience in the production of construction power tools and an impeccable reputation - this is how you should choose a drill/driver. Particularly powerful models with an impact mechanism easily screw fasteners into concrete, and the powerful motor has high endurance. And all this power is contained in a compact body with a comfortable handle and LED backlight.
We hope that our research helped you make your choice. If you can add your own information to it, write about it in the comments!
