Many craftsmen prefer to use a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver. It allows you to save time and do the job quickly and efficiently. Let’s get acquainted with the principles of operation and the structure of this tool, find out the scope of its application and operating rules, as well as give some useful tips.
Device and principle of operation
The screwdriver can be used in various fields of activity and for various actions, for example, in everyday life, during construction, assembly and disassembly of furniture, in various workshops and where many fasteners are used. They can be drilled, carved, twisted and unscrewed fasteners. Let’s get acquainted with the device and the principle of operation of such a mechanism.
All screwdrivers are divided into three types:
- working from a regular network and called network;
- working from a charged battery and bearing the name of the battery;
- operating both on mains and battery. a combined option.
All screwdrivers are very similar in both external and internal structure. They consist of elements such as:
- housing;
- cartridge;
- power button;
- rotation switch;
- speed controller;
- power lock button;
- tightening force regulator.
Some models additionally have a backlight, and some lack an element. So, for models that run on the network, there is a power cord, while battery models have a charge accumulator.
The body of a power tool consists of two parts and can be made of plastic or an alloy of various metals, but this is much less common.
Inside it are:
The principle of operation of all screwdrivers is similar to each other. the electric motor is rotationally driven by the consumed electric power, which transfers the force with the help of the gearbox and shaft from the motor to the existing nozzle installed in the cartridge, and the nozzle is already performing the process of drilling, screwing or unscrewing the fasteners. In network screwdrivers, the motor uses an alternating voltage of 200 V, and in cordless ones, a constant voltage of 3.5 V to 36 V.
Replacing the nozzle is also quite easy and simple. In this case, the screwdriver may have a keyless chuck or turnkey type.
Changing the nozzle with a chuck type:
- First you need to choose a drill for the work that you plan to do, or a bat, given the size of the cap, the type of slot;
- the cartridge is untwisted counterclockwise;
- set the selected nozzle;
- rotating the cartridge sleeve in the clockwise direction, the nozzle clamps.
Changing the nozzle with a turnkey cartridge:
- take the key and insert it into a special recess;
- untwist the cartridge;
- insert a new nozzle;
- rotate the key in the clockwise direction, securing the nozzle.
How to prepare for work?
The first thing you will need to do in order to get started is to remove the screwdriver from the case or suitcase and check for visible damage, chips or cracks on it. If you notice that something is wrong with the tool, then you can’t use it in any case, as this may be unsafe. Be sure to make sure that the battery of the screwdriver is charged, or that the screwdriver is connected to the network. When these conditions are met, the screwdriver is turned on to idle and check that the rotation of the nozzle and the thread on the fastener is checked. If all the conditions are met, then you can safely start work.
Do not forget to choose and correctly fix the nozzle or drill, depending on where and how you are going to work. How to fix them, we mentioned above when we talked about changing nozzles.
When using the device directly, it is also necessary to observe a number of simple rules and requirements.
Pay close attention to the screwdriver itself. On it is a special scale, rotating which there is the possibility of regulating the power of the tool. When turning the dial, set the mode you need, focusing on what kind of work you are currently doing.
Modes:
Switching between these features of the tool is quite easy and simple. You just need to hold the screwdriver by the handle located above the battery. Most often, the handle is coated with a rubberized material. That is why such a machined handle is safe to use and provides a guarantee that the screwdriver will not fall out of your hand during operation. For greater reliability, the tool is fastened to the hand with a strap.
Video: Can a Screwdriver Drill a Concrete Wall
Use cases
Proper use of a screwdriver is its use in accordance with the instructions or established documentation. According to these documents, the main scope of use is directly the ability to screw and unscrew various fasteners, as well as for drilling various holes.
Depending on the capabilities, one or another model can be used both in everyday life and in the professional field. Household screwdrivers are cheaper and have little power, while professional models have increased power, high performance and wider functionality for use.
But some users use a screwdriver, for example, for such non-standard things as polishing a car, to stir mixtures or paints, to grind various surfaces, to twist wires, knit fittings and even drill holes in ice.
Twisting wires
A screwdriver with a specific tip is great for twisting the split ends of wires. Usually, twisting is done using pliers, but those who wish can use a screwdriver, applying it for this purpose. The main thing is to correctly perform this tricky procedure.
Reinforcement knitting
A screwdriver can be used for knitting reinforcement using steel wire. This is widespread during construction, when the construction of various reinforced concrete structures of houses and foundations occurs. In order to knit, take a cordless or network tool, which has a hook attachment.
Features of concrete drilling
As already noted above, a screwdriver can be used in various fields and in various ways. Using electric screwdrivers, you can drill wood, concrete and many other materials. Carefully read the instructions for the use of a particular model, as it is written there for drilling which materials it can be used.
For drilling concrete, very powerful drill drivers are used. Most often, such tools work in shock mode, but even with such a device to drill a concrete wall is quite problematic. Therefore, for such cases, it is better to use a special drill with diamond coating.
Can I use as a drill?
As mentioned above, basically a screwdriver is used for such things to unscrew or twist something. When using a screwdriver as a drill, carefully read the instructions. is there such a possibility in the instructions from the manufacturer.
If you still have the opportunity to use a screwdriver as a drill in order to drill and make a hole, for example, in a wooden or plastic product, then it is recommended to lay a small and even piece of wood under this or that item. So your hole will be made better and will prevent the occurrence of cracks and chips.
If metal is used in your work, then you need to adhere to some simple rules. Before starting drilling, the hole should be tilted to prevent the drill from sliding over the metal. Select a drilling mode and get to work. But here we must not forget that when drilling for metal, the drill may break. In order to prevent this, it is not recommended to press the tool hard. If it happened that the drill got stuck, then switch the screwdriver to the twisting mode and quietly unscrew the drill.
But nevertheless, it is recommended for these purposes to purchase a special model drill / driver, which can also be either network or battery.
Useful Tips
Let’s get acquainted with some useful tips on the operation of both conventional screwdrivers and tools such as a drill / driver, using which you can use your tools for a long time and efficiently:
- if you intend to attach or remove the battery, be sure to turn off the screwdriver;
- during operation, do not allow the instrument to overheat, and at the slightest sign, take breaks in operation;
- if you use a screwdriver at high speeds, then after that it is recommended to scroll it at idle until it cools down;
- when the network is lost, the replacement of the wire or cord of the charger is required;
- Do not use it in the rain, snow or in any other humid environment.
When using a drill / driver:
- make sure that all parts of the device are working;
- if you have not used the tool for a long time, it is recommended to charge the battery, as even in the idle state the battery is discharged;
- during the drilling procedure itself, be sure that the electric cable, various pipes and so on do not pass anywhere;
- as well as when using a conventional screwdriver, try to avoid getting moisture on the device body;
- during first use, the battery must be charged for at least 12 hours;
- for direct use, avoid frequently slowing down the operation of the device, otherwise you may damage the battery.
Do not forget about some features of storing a screwdriver. During storage, disconnect the battery from the device, it is recommended to store these components separately. After the battery is removed, it must be charged. Do not forget that batteries can be discharged during prolonged periods of non-use;
The screwdriver has a gearbox that requires it to be lubricated. The frequency of this procedure depends on what model is used and how often you use it. A warning that the device must be lubricated will be the appearance of a characteristic unpleasant angry sound, or heavy rotation of the cartridge. Silicone or Teflon grease, Litol or Mannol are well suited for lubrication.
Before you start using a screwdriver, be sure to familiarize yourself with the operating instructions. In it, as a rule, the technical characteristics of the operated model, various design features, recommended areas of application, as well as tips on how to care, maintain and transport are indicated.
See how to work with a screwdriver in the video below.