How to use an electric screwdriver at home

How to properly use an electric screwdriver?

Many craftsmen prefer to use an electric screwdriver instead of a screwdriver. It saves time and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Let’s get acquainted with the principles of operation and the device of this tool, learn its areas of application and rules of operation, as well as give some useful tips.

an electric screwdriver can be used in different spheres of activity and for different actions, for example, at home, in construction, assembly and disassembly of furniture, in various workshops and where there are a lot of fasteners. They can drill, make threads, screw and unscrew fasteners. Let’s take a look at the mechanism and how it works.

All screwdrivers are divided into three types:

• powered by an ordinary network and are called mains-powered;
• Battery-powered and called battery-powered;
• running on both mains and battery power. a combination option.

All screwdrivers are very similar both externally and internally. They consist of elements such as:

• body;
• chuck;
• the power button;
• rotation switch;
• speed regulator;
• power lock button;
• tightening torque regulator.

Some models additionally have a backlight, and some lack one or another element. For example, the mains-powered models have a power cord, while the cordless models have a charge accumulator.

The body of the power tool consists of two parts and can be made of plastic or different metal alloys, but it is much rarer.

The principle of operation of all screwdrivers is similar. the electric motor is driven in a rotary motion by the electricity consumed, which transmits the force through the gearbox and the shaft from the motor to the available nozzle installed in the chuck, and the nozzle already performs the process of drilling, screwing or unscrewing fasteners. The motor of a cordless screwdriver uses an AC voltage of 200 V, while a cordless screwdriver uses a DC voltage of 3.5 V to 36 V.

Changing the bit is also quite easy and simple. In this case, an electric screwdriver can have a chuck quick-action or key-type chuck.

Changing the bit with a quick-change chuck:

• to begin with it is necessary to pick up a drill under those works that you plan to perform, or a bit, taking into account the size of the head, the type of slot;
• unscrew the cartridge counterclockwise;
• install the selected bit;
• Rotate the sleeve of the chuck clockwise to change the bit.

Changing the nozzle with a chuck under the key:

• take a wrench and insert it into a special recess;
• unscrew the chuck;
• insert a new bit;
• turn the key in the clockwise direction, securing the nozzle.

What an electric screwdriver consists of? Adjusting the device.

In the plastic housing there is a motor and a gear mechanism that drives the bit, which is installed at the end of the electric screwdriver. The device is provided with a start switch, a direction switch and a speed switch, an LED backlight and a tightening time controller.

The principle of operation is very simple. The bit, previously fixed in the chuck, moves by means of a shaft, which is initiated by the work of the motor through a gearbox. Before using an electric screwdriver, you must find out whether the battery is charged and whether the nozzle is properly installed.

Immediately before performing the work, you need to look for such a nozzle, so that it corresponds to the head of the screw or screw.

to install the right bit, match it to the size of the flat of the fastener element and fasten it in the magnetic holder of the chuck. First the chuck with the socket must be removed from the device, and after fixing the bit, the chuck must be reattached to the housing of the electric screwdriver.

Then we need to assign a suitable bit speed. Adjustment is carried out using a special regulator. The required mode is set when the tool is switched off.

Before using a power tool, it is necessary to adjust the depth of screwing the fastener element. After a time it may be necessary to change the magnetic holder. To change it, the chuck, magnetic mount and collar must be removed. Then the chuck with clutch is inserted back into the shell of the electric screwdriver.

How to use a power drill

Electric screwdriver drill. an indispensable tool in the household. But not everyone knows how to use it. And the many different settings can be very confusing for the new user. This article will help overcome drill phobia.

DIRECTION OF ROTATION

There is a button that goes through the drill, looking right and left. This is the switch for the direction of rotation of the drill. Clockwise, we drill or screw in screws and screws. Counterclockwise. helping the drill come out of the hole or unscrewing screws. When the switch is in the middle, the drill locks up. So if the battery is charged and the drill isn’t working, make sure the switch is moved to the left or right.

SCREWS CAN BE DRIVEN WITH DIFFERENT STRENGTHS

most screwdrivers have a scale with numbers from 1 to 20 that is written on the “collar” next to the chuck. This is the torque, that is, the force with which the chuck is turned. The greater the value, the more resistance the electric screwdriver is able to overcome. If you don’t know what to put in, start with a lower number. A small or medium force is usually sufficient for simple tasks, e.g., to drive a short screw into soft wood. If it doesn’t work, increase the torque.

You might need

Some screwdrivers have an automatic sensor that thinks for you. It senses when it needs more torque.

N.B. A value between 1 and 20 is only given when you have to drive in or drive out a screw. If you have to drill, read the following paragraph.

DRILL AND HAMMER ICONS

On the same “collar” there are images of a drill and sometimes a hammer (if you have an impact drill). During drilling the drill bit icon must be set, then the chuck will not rotate, regardless of resistance. And if you are drilling into a concrete wall, set the hammer so that the hammer mechanism engages.

N.B. Do not use these modes to drive screws! The screwdriver will not turn if there is too much resistance. At some point, it may get stuck and the drill will spin with your hand instead of the chuck. This can cause injury.

ROTATING SPEED

On the top surface of the drill there is a speed switch. Usually there are two speeds (sometimes there are three). If the number 1 is set, the drill twists harder but slower. suitable for drilling large and deep holes, tightening difficult screws, or for starting to unscrew a screw out of a wooden item, i.e. loosen it.

If number 2 is set, the drill is slower but faster. suitable for fast unscrewing of screws that are already loose, drilling of shallow and small holes in soft material.

N.B. Do not touch the speed switch until the tool has come to a complete stop, or you could break it.

How to properly design, contour and calculation of lightning protection and earthing for buildings and constructions, examples on video and photo

TRIGGER

Also called the start button. It is very simple: press it and the drill works, release it and it does not work. There is one BUT. On some drills, the speed depends on how hard you squeeze the trigger.

BATTERY

Removable battery located in the body of the drill. Many batteries have an indicator on them that shows how much charge is left. To turn it on, click on the battery icon. Make sure the battery is fully charged before you start.

HOW TO CHANGE DRILLS AND BITS

A chuck is where you put the drill bits and bits like screwdrivers to tighten screws. They are either clamped manually with a wrench or automatically without a wrench (quick-action chuck).

To clamp a drill bit or nozzle in a keyless drill, hold the chuck in one hand and slowly squeeze the trigger with the other hand (the rotation must be clockwise). To pull the drill out, do the same thing, only counterclockwise.

Make sure the drill bit is firmly clamped in the chuck. To do this, squeeze the trigger and watch it spin. If the drill bit is not installed correctly, you will see that it wobbles, deflects.

TYPES OF ATTACHMENTS

Regular twist drills are versatile tools for drilling wood, metal, plastic and other materials. For concrete, brick and stone, you need particularly tough drill bits with a carbide tip. Feather dowels are paddle-like bits designed for large-diameter holes. And for mixing paint and other solutions there is a special mixer attachment.

You might also need

In addition to drills, there are also bits. They turn your tool into an electric screwdriver (aka electric screwdriver). The tips of these bits come in a variety of shapes and fit all kinds of screws, screws, nuts, and more. Some bits fit directly into the chuck. But more often you need a special magnetic adapter that fits in the drill and the bits are magnetized to it.

MAGNETIC DRILL BIT AND BIT HOLDER

Today’s cordless screwdrivers have a magnet. You can attach nozzles to it, so you always have them handy. It’s very handy!

HOW TO DRILL

Hold the drill like a gun with your leading hand, placing your index finger on the trigger. Put your other hand around the tool body or place it on top of the tool. Hold the drill exactly perpendicular to the surface you want to drill. Then pull the trigger and apply gentle pressure to the tool to help the drill into the material.

If you’re drilling a wood piece, periodically pull the drill out and clean off the shavings.

DRILL PILOT HOLES

Make a small hole in the wood before you drill a large one. Otherwise the wood might crack or split. Take a thin drill bit and drill a pilot hole with it. Its depth should coincide with the future end hole you want. Then insert the main drill bit and drill the hole, using the pilot drill bit as a guide.

GUIDE HOLES FOR SCREWS

If you are dealing with dense wood or other hard material, make a pilot hole first before screwing a screw into it directly. To do this, take a drill bit that is slightly smaller than a self-tapping screw. To determine the correct size, apply the drill bit to the screw: the drill bit should overlap the body of the screw, but its thread should peek out from above and below.

The screwdriver needs breaks

To electric screwdriver served by the owner long enough, it is necessary to use it correctly and remember: loading the mechanical parts of the construction tool to the maximum, do not count on a long and simultaneously effective work. If the motor is running at full speed, it can overheat and cause winding faults. Special nozzles also have a hard time: they become hot when in contact with materials to be machined. That’s why specialists recommend to take periodical breaks to cool down the drill. Do not use water to solve this problem: drastic temperature changes are not desirable.

The authors of the instructions for the tool warn: It is forbidden to correct the bit rotation course, its frequency if the electric screwdriver is switched on. Where it will be necessary to apply this device, sufficient lighting and stable operation of the electric network is required.

You have to be careful if there are grounded objects nearby. It is strictly forbidden to touch them with an electric screwdriver, an electric shock will not be pleasant to anyone. Protecting yourself, a person must also be careful with the tool. For example, care must be taken to ensure that the housing is not exposed to moisture.

the electric screwdriver has successfully replaced not only different kinds of screwdrivers, but also wrenches and Allen keys. This tool is also used instead of a drill. For builders and furniture makers, the electric screwdriver has become an indispensable helper. There is always a use for it in the home, too. The assortment on the market is represented by a large variety of models. Despite the prevalence of screwdrivers in various fields of activity, not all users, especially beginners, know how to operate it. Proper use, maintenance and storage of power tools will extend their service life to the maximum.

There are two types of screwdrivers according to the way they are powered:

external and internal structure of cordless and battery models are almost the same. In general, a power tool consists of the following structural elements:

• housing;
• chuck;
• push button;
• switch of the direction of rotation of the electric motor (reverse);
• Speed regulator (number of revolutions);
• The power lock buttons;
• Tightening torque regulator (torque switch).

A number of models are additionally equipped with a backlight, which is structurally realized in different ways. Not every product has a speed regulator and a trigger lock button. Electric corded screwdrivers have a power cord, but cordless screwdrivers have a battery charger instead.

The body of the power tool is most often made of plastic, much less often. of various metal alloys. For convenience, it usually consists of 2 halves. Inside the chassis are the main parts:

The electrical connection diagram depends on the model.

The electric screwdriver can be equipped with different types of chucks. The most common is the three-jaw quick-action version of this workpiece. The cartridge also consists of individual parts, which are shown in the photo below.

The principle of operation of both mains and cordless screwdrivers is the same. It consists in electric power that drives an electric motor. The gearbox and shaft transmit the power and speed from the motor to the bit fastened in the chuck. It already drills a hole or screws in or out a fastener. The peculiarity of the process is that the electric motor of cordless models operates at an AC voltage of 220 V, and cordless. at a constant voltage, whose value can range from 3.5 V to 36 V.

Drilling mode

If you decide to use the screwdriver as a drill to drill a hole in wood or plastic, in order to make the hole qualitative, it is necessary to put under the objects that you drill, an even piece of wood. This avoids cracking and chipping while drilling.

Drilling a hole in metal involves following some rules. The place of the future hole must be tapped. This will help prevent the drill bit from sliding around on the metal surface. After selecting the drilling mode on the screwdriver, do not forget that when drilling metal it is not uncommon to break the drills at the outlet of the metal. Try not to use too much pressure on the screwdriver when you are drilling. If the drill bit gets stuck, turning the screwdriver to unscrew mode will help unscrew it. If you are drilling into small pieces, you might want to use a vise to hold it in place.

How to use the battery

The advantages include a low price, a large number of charge-discharge cycles, the ability to operate at low temperatures. The disadvantages are 8-10% loss of capacity during storage and “memory effect”. With each charging of not fully discharged power source its capacity will gradually decrease. If the battery is not used for a long time, it will be ready to work after 5 charge-discharge cycles.

Lithium-ion models are attractive due to the lack of “memory effect. They can be recharged at any degree of discharge. The advantages are low weight, low self-discharge (up to 5% per month), speed of charging. The main disadvantages are high price and rapid discharge at temperatures below 0 degrees. It is necessary to store such batteries at half of charge.

How to use a cordless electric screwdriver, described in detail in the instruction manual of the unit. Even the most expensive models can work on a single charge for no more than 2 hours, so many manufacturers equip the tool with a spare power source.

Charge the battery by means of a conventional or pulse charger. The rate of replenishment of the capacity in the first case is 2-6 hours, in the second. no more than 1.5 hours. Some models offer a quick charge for 30 minutes. When connecting the battery to the charger, make sure the polarity is correctly aligned on each item. The red light-emitting diode will indicate the beginning of charging, while the green light-emitting diode will indicate the end of the charging process.

Modern batteries are fitted with overheat protection, so they may be left charging for a long time without fear of premature failure. But experts do not recommend a process that lasts more than 24 hours.

Options for use

The correct use of an electric screwdriver is to use it according to the instruction manual or specified documentation. According to these documents, the main area of use is directly the ability to screw and unscrew various fasteners, as well as for drilling various holes.

Depending on the capabilities of each model, it can be used at home or in the workplace. Household screwdrivers are cheaper and have less power, while professional models have more power, high performance and more functionality to use.

But some users use an electric screwdriver, for example, for non-standard things like polishing a car, to stir mixes or paint, to sand various surfaces, to twist wires, to knit fittings and even to drill holes in ice.

Twisting wires

An electric screwdriver with a specific attachment is great for twisting split ends of wires. Twisting is usually done with a pair of pliers, but those wishing to use an electric screwdriver can use it for this purpose. The main thing is to do this tricky procedure correctly.

Tie rebar

The electric screwdriver can be used to tie rebar using steel wire. This is widespread in construction, when various reinforced concrete structures of houses and foundations are erected. In order to knit, one takes a cordless or corded tool, which has a hook attachment.

How to properly use a screwdriver

To use the device successfully, it is important to clearly follow the instructions. How do you need to use an electric screwdriver?

Getting ready to work

Beginner craftsmen often don’t even know how to properly turn on an electric screwdriver. For home use of the device you need to do the following:

• Remove from the case and make sure there is no damage.
• After inspection, attach the battery and make sure there is enough charge.
• Install the right nozzle. This is done taking into account the nature of the work. screwing screws or drilling.
• Set operating mode and rotation speed using the controls.
• If necessary, set the drilling depth.

Performing a bit change

Many people are interested in how to properly screw a bit into an electric screwdriver. To do this, you need to understand the constructional features.

Bit retention in the chuck is achieved with a special bit that has a magnetized bit holder. It prevents the construction from falling apart and holds the bit well in different positions. To fix the bit, you need to unscrew the sliding piece of the chuck, place the bit there and fully screw the chuck.

Setting the torque

To set the torque, the tool is equipped with an adjustment ring with marked values. They are set according to the hardness of the materials. For example, for screwing self-tapping screws into drywall, 2-4 will be sufficient, and for durable wood, the maximum mark will be more suitable.

Direction of rotation of the chuck

Direction of rotation can be reversed for screwing in or unscrewing fasteners. Only do this when the motor has come to a complete halt. Middle position of the switch blocks the operation of the electric screwdriver.

Operating tips, safety precautions

Dummies should familiarize themselves with safety precautions for safe operation of an electric screwdriver:

• The use of third-party batteries and battery chargers is forbidden.
• Hair, clothing items, such as sleeves, should be kept away from the rotating parts of the tool.
• The use of personal protective equipment is imperative.
• Do not drill into walls if cables are routed through the drill hole. In unavoidable situations, the power supply is interrupted in case the wire is damaged.
• For storage, the direction of rotation switch is set in the middle position.
• The tool shall not be stored and used in wet, rain, snow conditions.
• Hold the electric screwdriver steady with both hands when working.
• Do not work with a damaged tool.

Details on how to properly use a cordless electric screwdriver beginners tells the expert.