How to choose a screwdriver.
Most of us regularly face the problem of choice in our daily life. Today we will try to figure out how to choose the right screwdriver for all kinds of work around the house or summer cottage, as well as in everyday life, which are not regular, most often it is repair work or small restoration work in the country. This article will not be the task of choosing a tool for carrying out work at a professional level, which is of a regular nature; this is the subject of a separate article, which we will talk about in the future. In the meantime, let’s talk about screwdrivers for everyday household work. Let’s start by trying to determine what kind of work the screwdrivers are intended for:
– Screwing screws, screws, screws and other fasteners;
– Removing screws, bolts, screws and other fasteners;
– Drilling in hard and soft wood;
– Drilling in metal and tapping in metal;
– Tightening of anchors and dowels, as well as their removal, during installation work.
Now we will determine the main parameters by which we will choose a screwdriver, in order to simplify the task as much as possible, we will focus on three main parameters, which, in my opinion, are defining:
a) torque
b) the number of revolutions
c) power supply
Let me remind you again that we are choosing an amateur instrument. The maximum torque is the force that the screwdriver is able to develop or overcome. On average, tools with a torque of 10-15 nm are produced for home use. For professional tools, the torque can be up to 130 Nm. The scope of the screwdriver is very wide, specialist finishers use it to mount drywall, and furniture assemblers generally cannot imagine their work without it..
The next parameter is the number of revolutions of the engine, maximum revolutions per minute means the maximum speed of rotation of the engine or bits, which is the same thing. For a screwdriver, 400-500 rpm is enough, while for a drill it reaches 1200 rpm and more.
Let’s move on to choosing the third parameter, by which we will choose a screwdriver, namely the power source. Most of the screwdrivers made today are of the cordless type, but there are also models that are powered by the mains. In the overwhelming majority of cases, preference is given to cordless screwdrivers, since in this case it is not necessary to look for an outlet, cord, extension cord, and work can be done in places where there is still no electricity at all. There are three types of batteries:
– lithium-ion (Li-ion)
– nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
– nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Choose a battery with a higher capacity if you want the screwdriver to work as long as possible without recharging, as well as a model with a spare battery. While you are working on one battery, the second is being recharged, it is very convenient. The charging time for amateur models of screwdrivers is from 1 hour to 7 hours, a professional tool usually charges within 1 hour, mainly due to an expensive charger. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are currently the most widespread, and all of Europe is now switching over to them. They can withstand up to 500 recharges without loss of capacity, have smaller dimensions, but unfortunately they can withstand high currents and negative temperatures worse. I don’t think that this should stop you, not so often and not so much you and I have to work at subzero temperatures. It is advisable to store these batteries in a charged state. They are distinguished by their high price. They are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.
Nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) contain toxic materials and a very strong allergen-cadmium, they can withstand 1000 recharges without decreasing capacity. It is with such batteries that most screwdriver models are equipped today, despite the toxic component. These rechargeable batteries can be stored in a discharged state. They can work at low temperatures. They are distinguished by their low price and have a strongly pronounced self-discharge effect. Very toxic and difficult to dispose of.
Another type of batteries, although they occupy a small segment of the market, are lithium-ion batteries, they are more powerful than nickel ones, but they tolerate negative temperatures even worse. These batteries can handle 500-1000 recharges without degrading capacity, but they have no memory effect. They have a weak self-discharge effect, increased battery capacity and a very high price. All nickel batteries have a memory effect, which becomes a real problem for their owners. You must always remember that before you put the battery on charge, it must be completely discharged, otherwise its volume will decrease by the amount of the remaining capacity of the battery that you put on charge. This is not very convenient. Batteries are one of the main components of screwdrivers, and their cost reaches 60-70 percent of the cost of the tool. Let’s consider the most important indicators inherent in all types of batteries:
– battery voltage
– Battery capacity
– memory effect
– self-discharge effect
The battery is a removable unit that consists of several batteries located inside one housing and interconnected by plates. Each battery has its own voltage, in total they show the voltage at the output of the battery, which can be 12 volts, 14.4 volts or 18 volts. The voltage of one nickel-cadmium cell is 1.2 volts, a nickel-metal hydride cell is 1.2 volts, and a lithium-ion cell is 3.6 volts. The operating time and battery power depend on the voltage. Battery capacity depends on the type of power supply installed inside the battery case and affects uptime and cycle times as battery capacity decreases over time..
The memory effect is that you have to discharge and charge the battery to the end every time, otherwise it will quickly lose capacity. Even if the battery is not used, it will lose charge over time. When you choose a power screwdriver for your work, pay attention not only to the battery voltage, take into account the ratio of current to time – ampere / hour. Batteries with the same voltage are not the same, batteries with a higher amp / hour ratio, keep charging longer.
The moment has come when we can discuss the design of this or that model of the screwdriver. The screwdriver consists of several structural units:
– An electric motor that produces a rotary motion.
– The planetary gearbox carries out mechanical transmission from the motor to the spindle, on which the chuck is attached.
– The torque regulator clutch is adjacent to the planetary gearbox.
– The chuck is needed to connect the bits (bits) to the spindle or torque shaft.
– Electronic control unit with start button and reverse switch.
– Rechargeable battery (power supply).
Screwdrivers are produced in various configurations, both as an independent tool and with a set of attachments. If the set of nozzles is complete, then with its help you can tighten screws with a wide variety of head shapes, from straight to four-sided. Now, when choosing, pay attention to the handle of the screwdriver. The grips are pistol grips or center-of-gravity balanced. The handles are balanced in the center of gravity due to their ergonomic parameters are the most widespread. In this case, the screwdriver is conveniently located in the hand, like any other tool, and the hand is less tired. Pay attention to the gearbox, it provides the rotation of the working shaft of the screwdriver at a certain angular speed. Usually, in cordless screwdrivers, planetary gearboxes with plastic gears are installed with satellites, with different gear ratios. They give an output of 500 revolutions for screwing and 1200 revolutions for drilling. There are mains-powered screwdrivers, they are usually heavier than battery-powered ones, their access zone is limited by the length of the cord, and we agreed that we will not describe them in this article.
If they touch upon all sorts of additional functions of the screwdriver, then their presence or absence depends on the personal preferences of each owner of the screwdriver and his material capabilities. But the key difference between all screwdrivers from another tool is the presence of a torque limiter. At the screwdriver, right behind the chuck, there is an adjusting ring, as soon as the self-tapping screw is screwed in, the chuck stops, while the engine continues to work (you will immediately hear the crackle of the ratchet), this prevents the slot on the screw from breaking off (either the self-tapping screw goes into the depth, or the bit is worn out). The number of steps for adjusting the torque limiter is from 5 to 22. To protect the engine, all modern couplings are equipped with a so-called ratchet or the ability to slip when the load is exceeded. This is a limitation or maximum torque, it is quite enough to tighten the tightest self-tapping screw and protect the engine from overloads. High torque screwdrivers are versatile, they can drill and screw in self-tapping screws. There are 2 types of torque: hard and constant. Hard moment is the power at the moment of starting the engine, at this moment starting currents are triggered that exceed direct currents and are necessary to start the engine. The torque affects the diameter and length of the screw to be screwed in, the drilling diameter of the material and depends on the density of the material. The more power, the thicker in diameter and longer the self-tapping screw can be screwed into a denser material.
The number of spindle speed modes can be different:
– one, at a speed of approximately 0-800 rpm idle.
– two, switching from about 0-400 rpm to 0-1300 rpm.
The first mode is used for loosening and twisting, the second for drilling.
A very useful feature is the ability to adjust the engine speed. However, almost all modern models are able to do this. This feature is useful when you are just starting to drill a hole, as the slower the drill rotates, the more accurately you can position the hole and the less likely the drill will jump off..
The clamping chuck according to the method of fixing the nozzles can be:
– quick-clamping, it allows you to clamp the bit holder or drill without using a clamping wrench.
– key, to fix the part in such a chuck, a toothed clamping wrench is required.
The clamping chuck by the number of couplings can be:
– single-sleeve, it is used with the function of blocking the spindle from scrolling when changing nozzles.
– Double-clutch, it is used in screwdrivers that do not have a spindle lock function. One sleeve holds the chuck, the other is used for clamping.
Another useful characteristic is reverse or reverse. With its help, you can not only free the stuck drill, but also unscrew the tight screw. Reverse in screwdrivers is usually electronic, that is, switching occurs by changing the electrical polarity. To control the reverse, there is a two-position switch next to the start button, it can additionally have the function of blocking it from being pressed when the switch is in the middle position. The property of blocking the rotation of the spindle, if the rotational movement is applied from the side of the chuck, makes it convenient to change the attachments in the chuck, since it is necessary to hold the chuck with only one hand. The blocking depends on the design of the gearbox. For clarity, we present several models of screwdrivers from leading manufacturers.
How to choose a screwdriver
Screwdriver power
The power of cordless models depends on the operating voltage of the battery. It ranges from 1.2 to 36 V.
- For simple work, 3-6 V (Volts) is enough.
- For screwing into wooden beams, plastic and drywall, optimal 10-15 V.
- For drilling hard materials – 18 V minimum.
The more power, the more functionality the screwdriver has. Powerful models are heavier than their “brothers”.
The performance of a tool is directly related to the work of torque (force). The more powerful it is, the more you tighten the screw or drill the hole deeper..
For household chores, screwdrivers of three powers are chosen.
- Stronger: torque 30-40 Nm (Newton meters) and above. Professional models are equipped with torques up to 130 Nm. In addition to twisting, they are equipped with the function of drilling hard surfaces.
- Normal: with a force up to 20 Nm. It is easy for them to unscrew / tighten the bolts and screws on drywall and plastic.
- If only twisted – this is a cordless screwdriver. Its torque is about 10 Newton meters. Suitable for working with small fasteners: repair children’s toys or tighten loosely clamped furniture bolts.
In most screwdrivers, the maximum torque is adjusted using a limiter – a ring with digital divisions located behind the chuck. You will be able to set the optimum torque to tighten the screw. The more graduations the limiter has, the more accurately you will be able to meter the torque element..
Sparky BUR2 10.8Li-C HD: 20 torque steps drilling
To determine the drilling coverage, a separate division is provided. Therefore, the rotational speed in screwdrivers is indicated in two ranges:
- unscrew the screws on a low one. It ranges from 400 to 800 rpm.
- drilled on a high. For professional models, the rotation speed reaches 1300 rpm..
Choosing a screwdriver: for home and for work
The difference between home and work screwdrivers is power and functionality. Accordingly, their tasks are different..
- With the help of household models, you can change the lock, hang a mirror or assemble furniture. They are designed for tightening bolts, screws and self-tapping screws. Designed for short-term operation.
- Professional screwdrivers, in addition to screwing, are equipped with the function of drilling hard surfaces. They are tough: able to work non-stop for eight hours, five days a week..
Choose screwdrivers for two parameters.
Battery type
The battery determines how quickly the tool is discharged. And if the question has become an edge: “How to choose a cordless screwdriver?”, – it is worth dealing with the types of batteries.
- Li-Ion (lithium-ion) – they have the highest power and, in comparison with other batteries, the largest number of charges – up to three thousand times. They are lightweight, charge fast and have no memory effect. To extend the life of the battery, do not fully charge / discharge it, keep it half charged. There is only one drawback:
- works intermittently in the cold.
How to choose a screwdriver based on the type of power supply: mains and cordless tools
When choosing a screwdriver, many users first of all pay attention to the type of power supply of the device. In retail outlets, 2 variants of models are most often found:
- network, designed to operate from a 220 V outlet;
- rechargeable, powered by a replaceable battery.
Sometimes there is also a universal tool that can work both from the mains and from the battery. But often such devices are distinguished by their high cost, so they did not receive mass popularity..
Before choosing a cordless screwdriver for the home, you should again determine the purpose and operating conditions. It is important to understand that the power of the battery is a limited criterion, therefore, network models often have a higher engine performance..
Screwdrivers are mains, cordless and combined
On average, users note that a good new battery on a screwdriver is enough to screw in from 100 to 250 fasteners, and it all depends not only on the features of the device, but also on the size and type of fasteners. The longer the device works autonomously, the more the power of the device decreases. This, in turn, affects the tightening time of the self-tapping screw..
It should also be borne in mind that no matter how expensive the device is, the battery capacity will still be limited. After a certain number of charge / discharge cycles passed, the battery may become unusable, as a result, it will need to be replaced. If the device was purchased a long time ago, in this case, a problem may arise, because it is not always possible to choose a battery for a specific model, which is suitable not only in power, but also in the type of attachment.
Despite this, cordless screwdrivers have become widespread due to the large number of advantages, among which stand out:
- Autonomous work, not dependent on the availability of power supply. It will be possible to use the device when performing work at heights and in hard-to-reach places..
- Lack of cable, which often interferes with free movement and convenient operation.
Among the advantages of the power tool are high power, no need for charging and low weight.
Makita DHP480 Screwdriver Test – Worth Taking?
Expert advice! Regardless of which cordless screwdriver you choose for your home, you should immediately purchase an additional battery, especially if it is not included in the package. Firstly, this will allow not to slow down the work if the first battery is dead, and secondly, it will save you from searching for the desired model if the “native” battery fails.
A cordless screwdriver is often more powerful than a cordless screwdriver, although modern professional models boast high technical characteristics. Among the main advantages of purchasing a network tool are:
- High power. Most models with mains supply are professional devices.
- No need to constantly monitor the remaining charge level. There is also no need to stop work and wait for the device to recharge..
- Low weight. This allows the tool to be held for a longer period..
Before choosing a power screwdriver, you need to familiarize yourself with the shortcomings of the device, where the main thing is the connection to electricity and the presence of a cable that may not be enough or, conversely, that will interfere with work. Frequent twisting and kinking of the cable can cause damage to the device..
As expensive as a cordless screwdriver is, battery capacity will still be limited.
Based on the above reasons, it becomes clear: in order to understand which screwdriver to choose – a cordless or networked one, you should decide how important the autonomy of the power tool is.
It is interesting! Network devices with the same characteristics will cost less than battery ones.
How to choose the right screwdriver: motor types, torque indicator
When comparing screwdrivers, it is worth considering that they are also classified according to the type of motor that rotates the shaft. According to this criterion, tools are divided into the following types:
- brush (collector);
- brushless (inverter).
A distinctive feature of the brush motor is the presence of graphite brushes for transferring electrical energy from the contact wire. The main advantage of the devices is their low cost. The disadvantage is the large loss of energy at the point of sliding contact, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the tool.
If you are wondering which screwdriver is better for your home, then it should be noted that in this case, most users prefer a brushless tool, which has a lot of advantages:
Screwdriver motors are brushed and brushless
- easy adjustment of the spindle speed;
- the ability to tolerate short-term overloads well;
- increased by 30% efficiency;
- long period of warranty work;
- the absence of the likelihood of sparking during use;
- economical charge consumption.
A relative disadvantage is the high cost of the brushless tool..
Torque is a characteristic that determines what kind of load a screwdriver can be subjected to. In fact, this is an indicator of the force with which the device acts on the fastener. The value is measured in Newton meters (N / m). Two types of torque are distinguished:
- Soft. The minimum speed at which the tool tightens the fastener.
- Hard. The maximum force used primarily for the drilling mode. Most often found in screwdrivers.
Depending on the indicator, the device can tighten the fasteners or drill holes in materials of different densities. Before using a screwdriver, you should figure out which torque indicator is suitable for a particular type of work:
In screwdrivers, 2 types of torque are distinguished: soft and hard
- Up to 10 N / m. Such a device is intended for the repair of interior items, children’s toys or household appliances. Basically, electric screwdrivers differ in this indicator..
- 20-30. Suitable for driving screws in various materials.
- 30-40. Suitable for drilling hard wood, concrete and metal surfaces.
- 50-130. An indicator found in a professional tool, which is enough to perform complex and voluminous work of any plan.
A screwdriver with an adjustable torque is considered optimal for use. In this case, the device has a limiter installed after the chuck. It is with its help that the level of effort is adjusted in the process of twisting the elements. In this case, the chuck stops automatically, although the engine continues to run..
Cordless screwdriver: which one to choose depending on the type of battery
Knowing about the types of removable batteries that affect the duration of tool use will help you choose a good cordless screwdriver as an indispensable home assistant..
The abbreviation “Li-Ion” on the devices indicates that the device operates on a lithium-ion battery, which is considered very popular today. Batteries of this kind are installed in many portable devices and gadgets due to the large number of advantages:
A screwdriver equipped with a Li-Ion battery is only needed if it is planned to be used continuously
- the ability to carry out up to 3 thousand charge / discharge cycles;
- insignificant weight;
- fast charging, which rarely takes more than 30-60 minutes;
- lack of memory effect, which allows you to remove and put the device on charge, regardless of the charge level.
Despite all the advantages, lithium-ion batteries also have negative aspects:
- The average battery life is 3-5 years or 3,000 cycles, although it should be noted that this is longer than other types of device.
- Despite the high cost of the battery, it is not designed to operate at low temperatures, which is rather inconvenient given the tool’s portability..
Brushless screwdriver: dedicated to high quality connoisseurs
The advantages and disadvantages of the device. How to choose the right unit. Flagships of world manufacturers. Rating of the best models.
In general, we can conclude that it is necessary to purchase cordless screwdrivers with a Li-Ion battery only if you plan to constantly and often use the device, because, even while in standby mode, the battery loses its qualities.
Expert advice! The lithium-ion battery does not need to be fully charged and discharged for normal operation. It is recommended to put the device on recharge when at least 15% of the charge remains, and it is better to remove it from the charge when the battery is 90% charged. In this case, it is better to fully charge and discharge a new battery 3 times in a row.
The average lifespan of a Li-Ion battery is 3 thousand cycles or 4-5 years
Pros and Cons of Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries: What Capacity Affects
Nickel-cadmium batteries have been installed in screwdrivers and other tools for a long time. The maximum number of charge / discharge cycles reaches 1500, the batteries are designed for at least 5 years of use. The main advantage is the ability to work at low temperatures, but not lower than 15 ° С. In terms of cost, Ni-Cd batteries are cheaper than all the others. When deciding which screwdriver is better to choose, you should immediately study the disadvantages of such power supplies:
- Long-term charging, which on average takes more than 7-8 hours.
- The presence of the “memory effect”, which does not allow to remove from charging a battery that is not 100% charged. Before you put the device on charge, it should be completely discharged..
- The substances that make up the inside of a battery can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of..
- All screwdrivers are heavy.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are identified with the “NI-MH” mark. Main advantages:
- environmental Safety;
- insignificant size;
- average cost.
Nickel-cadmium batteries have a maximum number of charge / discharge cycles of up to 1500
Like lithium-ion batteries, they have not been used for more than three years and cannot be operated at low temperatures. Screwdrivers with such batteries are compact and lightweight, which is especially important for long-term work in an uncomfortable position. In this case, you need to know that it is strictly forbidden to store nickel-metal hydride batteries in a completely discharged state. If you temporarily do not use the device, it needs to be charged up to 100%.
Which screwdriver to choose for homework? Most customer reviews claim that lithium batteries are considered to be more capacious, but even if used infrequently, they will stop working after about two years. Cadmium – less safe, they are designed for 10 years. As practice shows, many professionals opt for cadmium batteries, because they work regardless of temperature changes, and also do not discharge even during long-term storage, which is especially important when the device is used occasionally..
In addition, before choosing a good cordless-type screwdriver, you should pay attention to the battery capacity indicator, which is measured in A / h. The larger this value, the longer the device will be able to operate without recharging. Another important parameter is the battery voltage, which is measured in Volts. It is this criterion that indicates what maximum power can be achieved from the device..
So, how to choose a home screwdriver? In this case, tools with a voltage of 12-14 V are considered the best; for a professional device, this indicator should not be less than 18 V.
The best screwdrivers for home use are tools with a 12-14 V battery.
How to choose a screwdriver to become a real house helper
First of all, a screwdriver is a tool designed for unscrewing / twisting various types of fasteners, whether they are bolts, screws or screws. The modern building materials market is filled with a variety of options, so it is sometimes not clear which screwdriver to choose in order to get a reliable assistant. Below we will consider the key characteristics and parameters that affect the quality of each model and will help in choosing.
A screwdriver is a tool with which various types of fasteners are twisted or twisted, as well as holes are made
How to choose a screwdriver based on the functions assigned to it
With the help of an electric screwdriver, you can solve a large front of tasks that often arise in the house, for example:
- assemble / disassemble a wardrobe or other furniture;
- unscrew the old self-tapping screw;
- fix the plinth.
If the screwdriver is equipped with an impact function, then you can drill holes with it not only in wood, but also in concrete
As already noted, the main function of a screwdriver is screwing / unscrewing various types of fasteners. This is what makes it an indispensable tool when working with furniture. In addition, the device is used to perform other functions:
- tighten the already screwed anchors firmly;
- drill holes in hard materials if the device is equipped with an impact function;
- cut threads;
- prepare the solution for use.
It is interesting! Some fishermen have successfully used a cordless screwdriver as a brace to make a hole in ice for ice fishing..
Today, hardly anyone wants to assemble a cabinet or other furniture without using a screwdriver.
Before buying, many are interested in the question of what is better to buy: a screwdriver, a drill – or to give preference to a universal tool with a large number of functions. First of all, it is advised to pay attention to how you plan to operate the device. When the main area of work is assembling / disassembling furniture, a regular screwdriver will do. If you often need to make holes in various hard materials, for example, wood, concrete, metal, it is better to purchase a drill-screwdriver, in which you can change the nozzles and adjust the rotation speed.
It is worth considering that modern professional screwdrivers are endowed with such power that even without the drill function it will be possible to make holes in any material, but in this case it is not recommended to often use the device in this mode.
The design of the screwdriver as a whole has one feature – the absence of an inertial moment during operation. This means that as soon as you remove your finger from the “Start” button, the torque will be braked, while in most inexpensive drills this option is absent, and even after turning off the devices will rotate by inertia for a few additional seconds..
The screwdriver has another advantage. As soon as the tool reaches maximum resistance during rotation (this happens when the fastener is fully screwed in), the automatic mechanism will stop the movement of the chuck. Thus, too deep penetration of fasteners into the surface is excluded..
Professional modern screwdrivers have such power that, even without a drill function, they can easily make holes in any material
In general, we can say that a drill and a screwdriver are completely different devices, but at home it is quite permissible to use a universal drill-screwdriver, which is perfect for performing various jobs around the house..
How to choose a drill-driver: rotation speed indicators and chuck type
Conventional screwdrivers for home use accelerate up to 400-500 rpm, and this is quite enough for tightening the fasteners. If you need to purchase a good screwdriver with a drill function, the indicator should be at least 1300 rpm, but better – more. For example, for working with wood, the optimal speed is 800-1500 revolutions, but for drilling concrete and metal – 2-3 thousand. In general, it is considered convenient when the gearshift function is available in the device.
Screwdriver types and sizes (some)
Screwdriver chucks are divided into 2 types: keyless and hexagonal
By the type of cartridges, the tool is divided into 2 types:
- Keyless. A versatile option that allows you to use bits, drills and a variety of accessories with equal success. The mechanism can be one- and two-clutch, but with the first option, work faster.
- Hexagonal. Designed to work only with bits held by a magnet.
It is interesting! There are two-chuck screwdrivers that allow you to use 2 different bits at the same time, which can be easily alternated using a torque element. One of the most popular options is the Chinese-made WORX – WX176L model, but before buying you need to evaluate the need for such a design..
Which screwdriver to choose: types and recommendations for choosing
A screwdriver is a tool that is needed in every home. It will come in handy not only when carrying out repairs, but also for performing everyday tasks of a construction or repair nature. Hanging a shelf or painting is much faster and easier using a screwdriver rather than a regular screwdriver.
Every man wants to replenish his arsenal of tools with a screwdriver, but as usually happens, a completely fair and reasonable question arises – by what parameters should he choose, because the question of price often matters, but it is not decisive. To answer this question, you must first decide for what tasks it will be used, after which it will become much easier to make a choice..
Combined devices
As the name implies, combo devices use both power supplies and are a great solution for those buyers who were unable to make the final choice between the first two devices. The best quality combination screwdrivers are considered devices from Blaucraft..
Network models
Screwdrivers that are powered by an electrical network are very similar to a drill. This is manifested in the appearance and structure of the instrument. The principal difference is the ability to adjust the torque of the screwdriver. Most of the network devices are designed for professional use, and only a few manufacturers have devices for the home in their lineup. It is worth noting another feature of networked professional devices. When working with drywall, the bit starts rotating only after it is immersed in the material.
The most famous manufacturers of cordless screwdrivers are Bosch, Interskol, Fiolent and Makita..
When is it necessary to choose a model with a mains supply.
- Continuity of work. The use of an electrical network as a power supply allows the devices to be used for a long time, that is, virtually without interruptions. Here you don’t have to worry about the battery running out and taking time to charge it. For work on a construction site, this is the best option, since there are no breaks for recharging the device..
- The weight. It is quite logical that the device weighs significantly less without a battery. This is important for long-term work with the device, because in addition to the fact that it constantly has to be held in weight, the screwdriver itself requires the application of some forces in order to start tightening the screw. It is worth remembering that not in all cases a network device is lighter than a battery device, but more often than not this is the case..
- When buying a network model, the price is based on the characteristics of the device, while when buying a screwdriver with a battery, the price of the power source is taken into account. Accordingly, at the same price, the characteristics of the network model will be slightly lower than that of the battery model. In addition to this, over time, the battery will fail and will have to be replaced, and this is an additional cost that will not be available for mains-powered models..
Additional functions
When buying a screwdriver, you should pay attention not only to its technical indicators, but also to the presence of additional functions that can make a real universal tool out of a simple screwdriver.
- Impact mechanism. Essential for drilling hard materials such as concrete or brick.
- Pulse mode. Provides a periodic increase in torque, making it much easier to screw the mount into the material. Indispensable in cases where the device has nothing to rest on.
- Speed controller. Provides more comfortable work when working with different materials. Three-speed models can be used as a cordless drill screwdriver.
- Backlight. Facilitates work in poorly lit areas or in the evening.
Varieties of screwdrivers
In general, screwdrivers are divided into three types according to the way they are fed:
- from the network;
- from the battery;
- combined devices.
Each of the types has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, before choosing, it is necessary to consider all aspects of using these devices..
Using a screwdriver
The main task of the screwdriver is twisting and unscrewing, as well as drilling holes in various materials – from wood to concrete. Indirect functions include mixing liquid building materials or drilling holes in ice for ice fishing.
Conventionally, all screwdrivers are divided into professional and amateur models. For amateurs, low power and performance are characteristic, which is quite enough for performing everyday tasks. Accordingly, the price for such models is much lower than for a tool for professionals. For an amateur screwdriver, a torque of 10-15 Nm is considered good performance, and a rotation speed of about 400 or 500 revolutions. Such a torque is usually called soft and it is quite enough to screw a shelf or rest a cabinet. But in professional tools, the corresponding indicators reach values of 150 Nm and 1200-1300 rpm. Such a hard torque is necessary only in the construction industry and if the tasks for which the tool is purchased do not require such indicators, then the overpayment for a professional model will be unnecessary.
Equipment
When buying a screwdriver, you should carefully look at the complete set, since because of it the price may increase, while for specific tasks that you are going to use, the attachments from the kit may not be applicable. You can easily pick up the necessary equipment separately, so sometimes there is no point in overpaying. When buying, you should also try how the device lies in the hand, because working with an uncomfortable device for a long time will be very problematic.