What is the power of a screwdriver for home

Ergonomics

All those who think about the question of how to choose a screwdriver absolutely definitely want to get the most convenient tool for their money. This is logical to the point of banality. That is why it is better to buy a screwdriver after you personally hold it in your hands and make sure that the tool is easy to use, all the buttons are located where necessary, and are easy to press..

The grip can be pistol grip or slightly forward. The last option is the most balanced in the center of gravity, and the hand will not get too tired even with prolonged work. It’s great if the handle is rubberized – the likelihood that the device will fall out of your hands is sharply reduced.

Separately, it is worth noting the angle screwdrivers with a flat body and a chuck located at a right angle. This is a tool for carpentry professionals, and at home and at a construction site, such a device is unlikely to be needed..

power, screwdriver, home

Screwdriver chuck type

In screwdrivers, there are mainly two types of cartridges used:

  • quick clamping;
  • hex.

To decide which screwdriver to choose, you need to remember the previously defined purposes for using the tool.

Screwdrivers with a keyless chuck are more versatile and allow you to install both bits and drills, and even a mixer attachment and a grinding brush. Changing the attachments is quite simple and quick, fixation occurs due to the rotation of the clamping ring. The mechanism can be two-sleeve, when two rings have to be turned simultaneously, and one-sleeve. The latter allows you to change the equipment more quickly..

The hex chuck is designed only for working with bits, but you can trick and use drills with a hex shank. An alternative is to use the removable keyless chuck that comes with some models. The hexagonal chuck allows you to quickly change the bits, they are held by a magnet or a special lock, you need to make a little effort to change the bit.

Also, when choosing, pay attention to the inner diameter of the chuck, which determines what size the bit or drill can be inserted into the screwdriver. Household models, as a rule, allow you to work with attachments with a diameter of no more than 10 mm, but there are exceptions.

The gears in the gearbox can be plastic or metal. The metal version is naturally better.

Network screwdrivers

These screwdrivers are powered from the mains, and this implies a number of pros and cons.

The advantages of network screwdrivers include:

DRILL VS. DRIVER (What’s The Difference?!! Cordless Drill Vs. Impact Driver–COMPARISON)

  • higher power, therefore the professional one prevails among the network tool. Household screwdrivers with mains power supply are not produced by all manufacturers;
  • there is no need to constantly monitor the battery level and recharge it – plugged in the plug and you can start;
  • the operating time is not limited by the duration of the battery, there is no need to come off in order to recharge the battery;
  • less weight compared to cordless models, because the design of the tool does not provide for the presence of a battery.

Minuses:

  • network binding. When assembling furniture, wires only interfere, and when performing construction work, there is not always access to electricity. In addition, the outlet may be located far away, and then you will have to additionally use an extension cord. When working at heights, cordless screwdrivers are extremely inconvenient.

Screwdriver complete set and bit types

When choosing a screwdriver, it is necessary to take into account its complete set. The cheapest options will be with the minimum configuration, i.e. just a screwdriver and that’s it – all the necessary attachments are selected independently. A tool with an extensive set is more expensive, but it is still more profitable than buying all the accessories separately. The only question is whether you will need all those elements that come in the kit, and whether it makes sense to pay for them.

As a rule, the following bits are included in a set with a screwdriver:

  • cross-shaped bits with PH markings from to for self-tapping screws;
  • PZ bits for self-tapping screws with Pozidriv slot, also differ in size;
  • asterisk bits are marked with the letter T, vary in size from T8 to T40, are used in the repair of equipment and cars;
  • bits for nuts and bolts from 6 to 13 mm;
  • flat bit for screws and screws;
  • drywall bits, triangular, with a limiter and others.

Titanium coated bits will cost more, but are also more durable.

It’s good if the kit includes a replaceable battery (for a cordless screwdriver) and a case that will make it easier to store and carry the tool.

What is a screwdriver for??

We will not go into the details of the structure of screwdrivers – our material is not a bit about that. The scope of this tool is quite wide:

  • screwing and unscrewing various fasteners, including bolts, screws, screws and screws. This is the main function of the screwdriver, which allows you to use it during the assembly and disassembly of all kinds of furniture, installation of skirting boards and in other works;
  • firm tightening of anchors and dowels;
  • professional screwdrivers can be used to drill holes in soft materials, here the scope of use is similar to household drills;
  • threading;
  • some use screwdrivers to stir slurries and even to create holes in ice during winter fishing.

Surely, craftsmen from the people came up with a dozen more interesting options for using a screwdriver, but screwing in and out of fasteners is still the main one.

Often the question arises, which is better to choose, a screwdriver or a drill, or a two-in-one tool. If you work with furniture many times more often than drilling holes in metal, brick, concrete and wood, it is better to take a separate screwdriver. If you need the most versatile tool, then a drill-screwdriver would be a good option, where you can change nozzles and adjust the speed of revolutions. On the other hand, there are advanced screwdrivers, the design and power of which allow you to cope with drilling wood, and sometimes even metal, but their drilling function is still secondary and is intended for infrequent use..

The design feature of the screwdriver is such that the inertial moment during operation is completely absent. This means that as soon as the master removes his finger from the switch, the tool stops working, and the drill, if it does not have a brake function (found only in expensive models), will continue to function for a few more seconds. Not only is it inconvenient, but it also risks getting damaged. The screwdriver mechanism stops the chuck when the rotation resistance reaches its maximum, i.e. when, for example, a screw is completely screwed in.

An ordinary household screwdriver has a rather low maximum rotation speed, since a rotation frequency of more than 500-600 rpm is not used to tighten the fasteners. With drills, the maximum rotational speed is much higher, and an impact mechanism may be present for more efficient drilling in hard materials. However, some craftsmen manage to tighten screws and screws with an ordinary drill, but this is not a trick for beginners..

With the same power, a screwdriver will be stronger than a drill in the sense that it has a higher tightening torque and torque. In addition, the torque in the screwdriver can be adjusted. In general, a screwdriver and a drill are completely different tools, and it is better to take two separate independent devices to perform serious repair work. In everyday life, drills and screwdrivers and screwdrivers with a drill function show themselves well, but you will not be able to drill with the latter often and you will not be able to do a lot – this is an option for small and rare home repairs.

Cordless screwdrivers

This type of tool has become more widespread. These devices are powered by batteries, the capacity and charging time of which can vary significantly..

Benefits:

  • independence from the availability of electricity and the location of the outlet, which gives freedom of action. Work can be performed at a height, in hard-to-reach places, but practically in the field, and the wires will not get tangled underfoot;
  • the scope of application is wider, which results from the autonomy and mobility of the tool.

Minuses:

  • dependence on the battery charge level, the need to constantly monitor this parameter and periodically charge the batteries. Experts recommend taking a spare battery with a cordless screwdriver: while one is charging, the second is working. It is preferable to choose batteries that charge quickly;
  • in terms of power, the cordless tool loses to the mains one. The torque may not be enough for working with hard materials, but there are exceptions here – professional cordless screwdrivers are quite powerful and reliable.

Professionals know that choosing a cordless screwdriver is even more difficult than a network one, because it is necessary to take into account not only the functions of the device directly, but also the characteristics of the battery.

Difference between Drill Drivers & Impact Drivers

The first thing to look out for is the type of battery:

  • lithium-ion batteries, Li-Ion. This is the most popular and modern type of battery, it is used everywhere, not only in screwdrivers. Among the advantages are low weight, sufficient power, no memory effect, long service life of charge / discharge cycles (about 3000 and more), high charging speed. Of the minuses, the relatively high cost, so this is a good option for permanent, but not one-time work. This battery is not designed to work in cold weather. In order for the battery to last as long as possible, it is better not to discharge it less than 15% and not to charge it more than 90%. Service life is about 3 years;
  • nickel-cadmium, Ni-Cd. They are highly resistant to low temperatures and power surges. On the other hand, they have a pronounced memory effect, so it is better to discharge such a battery completely and fully charge it so as not to reduce its capacity. The battery can withstand about 1000-1500 charge / discharge cycles, but it takes a long time to charge – about 7 hours, so it is better to have a spare battery. The battery’s weight is significant, but it costs the cheapest. Service life is about 5 years;
  • nickel metal hydride, Ni-MH. Such batteries are becoming more and more popular, they are lightweight, have low resistance to low temperatures, and the memory effect is not expressed. A big plus is the minimum self-discharge, and a minus is the price;
  • Lithium polymer batteries, Li-Pol, are rarely used in screwdrivers. These are capacious, but not very durable batteries..

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the battery capacity in Ah: the higher it is, the longer the screwdriver can work without recharging. Another important parameter is voltage in Volts. The maximum power that can be obtained from a cordless screwdriver directly depends on this indicator..

Typically, the voltage ranges from 9 to 36 V. For simple work, you can take the 9 V model: these are compact tools for rare use. A 12 V screwdriver is an excellent option for a household tool, suitable for many home repair work. The 14 V screwdriver is the golden mean, the 18 V and more screwdrivers are already a tool for professionals.

Household and professional screwdrivers

From the general name, it is clear that household screwdrivers are designed for infrequent household chores, and a professional tool is an indispensable assistant to a specialist in construction and repair work. These two types of screwdrivers differ in power, chuck size, power supply, availability of additional functions, weight and, of course, price.

Household (amateur) screwdrivers should be taken when you rarely need the tool and will use it for a short time. These devices are lightweight, often battery powered, inexpensive, and do well in tasks such as assembling furniture or changing a lock. The rotation speed is rarely higher than 400-500 rpm, and the torque is usually around 10-15 Nm.

If you constantly make something or are professionally engaged in repairs, and the screwdriver will be used almost every day and for several hours, then you need to take a more impressive tool. Professional screwdrivers are more powerful, easily withstand high loads, they will not replace a drill, but if necessary, they can even cope with drilling hard surfaces. Their rotation speed reaches 1300-1500 rpm and more, and the torque is 130 Nm.

To decide which screwdriver to choose, you need to soberly assess the future load on it and the type of work being done. More functional professional models are not always the best option. On the farm, to carry out minor repairs, it is enough to have the simplest screwdriver, especially since the prices for such a tool do not bite.

Torque

Torque is one of the main characteristics of screwdrivers. It shows the user what loads the tool is ready for and what its functionality is. To simplify, the torque is the force that the device applies to the screwed fastener, or the force of its resistance to the load. This indicator is measured in Nm.

  • soft torque determines with what force the tool can tighten screws, self-tapping screws, etc., the speed in this case is minimal;
  • hard torque shows the maximum force in the drilling mode, but this function is not available in all screwdrivers.

For home use, a tool with a torque of 10-15 Nm is suitable. If the task is to occasionally make holes in not very dense materials with a screwdriver, then it is better to take a tool with 30-40 Nm. In professional screwdrivers, the torque can be up to 130 Nm and sometimes even more.

The higher the torque, the longer and larger in diameter the fastener can screw in the tool. For example, a device of 25-30 Nm can easily cope with screwing a 70 mm self-tapping screw into a tree, and to work with 100 mm self-tapping screws, you will have to take a screwdriver from 40 Nm. Sometimes, when working with long self-tapping screws, a hole is pre-made.

The torque of the screwdriver can be adjusted, which makes it different from many other tools. The design of the device includes a special limiter located after the chuck, with its help you can set the level of torque when tightening. When the fastener is screwed in, the chuck will stop even if the engine is still running. Thanks to this feature, the likelihood of drowning the self-tapping screw too deeply or damaging the bit is reduced..

Cordless screwdrivers

This type of tool has become more widespread. These devices are powered by batteries, the capacity and charging time of which can vary significantly..

Benefits:

  • independence from the availability of electricity and the location of the outlet, which gives freedom of action. Work can be performed at a height, in hard-to-reach places, but practically in the field, and the wires will not get tangled underfoot;
  • the scope of application is wider, which results from the autonomy and mobility of the tool.

Minuses:

  • dependence on the battery charge level, the need to constantly monitor this parameter and periodically charge the batteries. Experts recommend taking a spare battery with a cordless screwdriver: while one is charging, the second is working. It is preferable to choose batteries that charge quickly;
  • in terms of power, the cordless tool loses to the mains one. The torque may not be enough for working with hard materials, but there are exceptions here – professional cordless screwdrivers are quite powerful and reliable.

Professionals know that choosing a cordless screwdriver is even more difficult than a network one, because it is necessary to take into account not only the functions of the device directly, but also the characteristics of the battery.

The first thing to look out for is the type of battery:

  • lithium-ion batteries, Li-Ion. This is the most popular and modern type of battery, it is used everywhere, not only in screwdrivers. Among the advantages are low weight, sufficient power, no memory effect, long service life of charge / discharge cycles (about 3000 and more), high charging speed. Of the minuses, the relatively high cost, so this is a good option for permanent, but not one-time work. This battery is not designed to work in cold weather. In order for the battery to last as long as possible, it is better not to discharge it less than 15% and not to charge it more than 90%. Service life is about 3 years;
  • nickel-cadmium, Ni-Cd. They are highly resistant to low temperatures and power surges. On the other hand, they have a pronounced memory effect, so it is better to discharge such a battery completely and fully charge it so as not to reduce its capacity. The battery can withstand about 1000-1500 charge / discharge cycles, but it takes a long time to charge – about 7 hours, so it is better to have a spare battery. The battery’s weight is significant, but it costs the cheapest. Service life is about 5 years;
  • nickel metal hydride, Ni-MH. Such batteries are becoming more and more popular, they are lightweight, have low resistance to low temperatures, and the memory effect is not expressed. A big plus is the minimum self-discharge, and a minus is the price;
  • Lithium polymer batteries, Li-Pol, are rarely used in screwdrivers. These are capacious, but not very durable batteries..

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the battery capacity in Ah: the higher it is, the longer the screwdriver can work without recharging. Another important parameter is voltage in Volts. The maximum power that can be obtained from a cordless screwdriver directly depends on this indicator..

Typically, the voltage ranges from 9 to 36 V. For simple work, you can take the 9 V model: these are compact tools for rare use. A 12 V screwdriver is an excellent option for a household tool, suitable for many home repair work. A 14 V screwdriver is the golden mean, 18 V and more screwdrivers are already a tool for professionals.

Torque

Torque is one of the main characteristics of screwdrivers. It shows the user what loads the tool is ready for and what its functionality is. To simplify, the torque is the force that the device applies to the screwed fastener, or the force of its resistance to the load. This indicator is measured in Nm.

  • soft torque determines with what force the tool can tighten screws, self-tapping screws, etc., the speed in this case is minimal;
  • hard torque shows the maximum force in the drilling mode, but this function is not available in all screwdrivers.

For home use, a tool with a torque of 10-15 Nm is suitable. If the task is to occasionally make holes in not very dense materials with a screwdriver, then it is better to take a tool with 30-40 Nm. In professional screwdrivers, the torque can be up to 130 Nm and sometimes even more.

The higher the torque, the longer and larger in diameter the fastener can screw in the tool. For example, a device of 25-30 Nm can easily cope with screwing a 70 mm self-tapping screw into a tree, and to work with 100 mm self-tapping screws, you will have to take a screwdriver from 40 Nm. Sometimes, when working with long self-tapping screws, a hole is pre-made.

The torque of the screwdriver can be adjusted, which makes it different from many other tools. The design of the device includes a special limiter located after the chuck, with its help you can set the level of torque when tightening. When the fastener is screwed in, the chuck will stop even if the engine is still running. Thanks to this feature, the likelihood of drowning the screw too deep or damaging the bit is reduced..

Types of screwdrivers by type of power supply

Additional features

The presence of specific additional functions makes the device more expensive, but also more versatile. In order not to overpay for unnecessary functionality, you need to soberly assess the scope of the tool.

Additional functions of the screwdriver include:

  • The hammer mechanism practically turns the screwdriver into a hammer drill and allows the tool to cope with creating holes in concrete and stone. However, for constant drilling of such hard materials, it is better to purchase a drill or even a hammer drill, and in a screwdriver it is just a pleasant addition for rare use;
  • pulse mode will increase the torque and cope with driving screws into harder materials. At the same time, the impulse makes it easier to unscrew the fasteners and facilitates work in the absence of normal support;
  • there is a reverse in the absolute majority of models, it allows you not only to tighten, but also to unscrew screws and screws;
  • backlighting will simplify work in hard-to-reach places, but is not required;
  • there is a speed switch on those tools where the speed of revolutions allows not only screwing in fasteners, but also drilling holes. The most advanced tools have 3 speeds;
  • automatic feeding of self-tapping screws makes it possible to simplify and speed up large-scale work, but this function is found only in professional screwdrivers.

Network screwdrivers

These screwdrivers are powered from the mains, and this implies a number of pros and cons.

The advantages of network screwdrivers include:

  • higher power, therefore the professional one prevails among the network tool. Household screwdrivers with mains power supply are not produced by all manufacturers;
  • there is no need to constantly monitor the battery level and recharge it – plugged in the plug and you can start;
  • the operating time is not limited by the duration of the battery, there is no need to come off in order to recharge the battery;
  • less weight compared to cordless models, because the design of the tool does not provide for the presence of a battery.

Minuses:

  • network binding. When assembling furniture, wires only interfere, and when performing construction work, there is not always access to electricity. In addition, the outlet may be located far away, and then you will have to additionally use an extension cord. When working at heights, cordless screwdrivers are extremely inconvenient.

Combined screwdrivers

If you are professionally engaged in the implementation of repair and construction work, then in the arsenal you can have both types of screwdrivers. However, there is an alternative option – combined models with the ability to power from the mains and a battery, however, their choice is not very large.

Household and professional screwdrivers

From the general name, it is clear that household screwdrivers are designed for infrequent household chores, and a professional tool is an indispensable assistant to a specialist in construction and repair work. These two types of screwdrivers differ in power, chuck size, power supply, availability of additional functions, weight and, of course, price.

Household (amateur) screwdrivers should be taken when you rarely need the tool and will use it for a short time. These devices are lightweight, often battery powered, inexpensive, and do well in tasks such as assembling furniture or changing a lock. The rotation speed is rarely higher than 400-500 rpm, and the torque is usually around 10-15 Nm.

If you constantly make something or are professionally engaged in repairs, and the screwdriver will be used almost every day and for several hours, then you need to take a more impressive tool. Professional screwdrivers are more powerful, easily withstand high loads, they will not replace a drill, but if necessary, they can even cope with drilling hard surfaces. Their rotation speed reaches 1300-1500 rpm and more, and the torque is 130 Nm.

To decide which screwdriver to choose, you need to soberly assess the future load on it and the type of work being done. More functional professional models are not always the best option. On the farm, to carry out minor repairs, it is enough to have the simplest screwdriver, especially since the prices for such a tool do not bite.

Tool chucks

Buyers often ask: “How to choose the right screwdriver for the house, focusing on the type of chuck?” The answer is to remember the information and learn to distinguish one type of cartridge from another. There are 3 of them:

  • The key one is that the drill holds in it a device resembling “cams” – the two sides of the chuck are connected with the fastening side to the center and in this way clamp the tool. The chuck nut is tightened with a special wrench that comes with the kit. It takes some time to change the tooling, but the fixation is strong and reliable, which is ideal for working with hard materials.
  • Keyless – one- and two-clutch. The main difference is that in single-cartridge cartridges the nozzle is changed with one hand – press the cartridge, remove the rig, put the other. For two-clutch ones, you will have to use both hands, which is already inconvenient.
  • Hexagon. Special “socket” for bits, which are necessarily included in the tool kit with such a chuck.

Looking through the assortment of cordless screwdrivers with different cartridges, it is difficult to answer which one is better. Here, rather, you need to look at the diameter of the hole in the chuck, it depends on it what kind of equipment can be used when working. In household tools, nozzles no more than 1 cm thick are used.

Rotation frequency

To choose the perfect device for specific purposes, you should pay attention to the number of revolutions. The manufacturer calls this parameter speed or rotational speed. It is adjusted by pressing the “trigger” – the harder you press, the greater the speed. In addition, the frequency shows whether the tool will be able to screw the screw into a dense material and what is the approximate diameter of the hole if the screwdriver replaces the drill..

If the buyer is confident that the device will only be used for tightening screws and bolts, 500 rpm is more than enough. Screwdrivers acting as drills operate at 1200 rpm.

Nuance: there are models with 1, 2 and 3 speeds on the market, where one is for self-tapping screws, the second is for drilling small holes, the third is for working with metal or other durable raw materials.

Voltage and other parameters

For an ordinary buyer of a screwdriver, it is enough to know:

  • for household appliances, the voltage ranges from 10-14 V;
  • for professional, the indicator should be more – from 18 V. Some instruments boast a level of 36 V.

The next characteristic is power. The parameter informs the user about the speed of the device. It is logical that the higher the power, the faster the self-tapping screw will be tightened. But you should not overdo it, for household purposes and do-it-yourself in-line repairs, a 500-700 W model is quite enough.

In order not to send the device for charging every half hour of operation, you should pay close attention to the battery. Modern screwdrivers use:

  • Lithium-ion batteries are not subject to self-discharge, the most common. They can be charged up to 3000 times, and at any stage and discharge level.
  • Nickel-cadmium – are not afraid of cold, they work efficiently at subzero temperatures. However, there is a small drawback – self-discharge. You need to store such a battery with 0% charge in order to save capacity to the maximum..
  • Nickel-Metal Hybrid batteries are eco-friendly batteries found in some European brands. These batteries are compact and lightweight, but they are frost-resistant..

When comparing battery specifications, it’s also worth looking at capacity. The autonomy of the device and the number of possible recharges depend on it. Over time, the capacity decreases, this also needs to be taken into account.

How to choose a cordless screwdriver: 6 tips and a rating of 5 cool models

A screwdriver is essentially an electrical substitute for a screwdriver. It performs the same functions as the younger “brother”, only makes the process of tightening / unscrewing screws and bolts much faster. Such a tool is especially effective if there are tens or even hundreds of screws. The device can not only twist the screws. By installing a special drill, you can make holes in wood, plastic and thin metal with a screwdriver. More powerful devices even take bricks and concrete. In general, the tool is indispensable in everyday life and during repairs..

Criteria for choosing a cordless screwdriver

To choose a quality screwdriver, it is not enough to pay attention only to the price, appearance and comfort in the hand. It is necessary to additionally evaluate a lot of characteristics. Those who do not trust the consultants can independently study the technical passport of the device they like. It describes the main parameters and capabilities. What is important when buying a cordless screwdriver and which device is better for the house from inexpensive ones is described in detail in the following sections..

Torque

The numbers in the characteristic show with what force the screwdriver twists the self-tapping screw or how much force is required to overcome the load during drilling. What is the practical use of knowing the parameter? The diameter and length of the bolt to be screwed in depends on the torque. The higher the indicator, the longer and thicker the screws can be used in work without fear of failures or breakdowns. For example, at 40 N / m, it will be possible to freely “drive” a self-tapping screw 10 cm long into the tree.

In small household models, the torque is from 10 to 30 N / m, but the indicator can be adjusted by adjusting to the nozzle. For adjustment, a limiter is provided on the screwdriver body – a ring that goes immediately after the chuck. The user can coordinate the effort for a specific screw by scrolling the limiter. Result: as soon as the self-tapping screw is tightened to the desired level, the chuck will stop, although the motor will work at the same time.

Interesting: the stop not only helps to tighten the bolts, preventing excessive “sinking” into the material, but also protects the tool from wear.

Everything about battery-powered screwdrivers: pros and cons

The main difference between the cordless screwdriver and the network model is the absence of a cord. Autonomy of work and non-attachment to an outlet are the main advantages of a tool with a battery inside.

The advantages of the device also include:

  • Mobility. The tool and the charging battery are in the same housing, no additional elements are needed for operation. It is enough to take the device in hand, and it is already ready to work. Can be moved anywhere.
  • Compactness. As a rule, household autonomous screwdrivers are small in size. This makes the device especially convenient in hard-to-reach places..
  • Versatility. Technique replaces screwdriver and drill.

In practice, a cordless instrument is indispensable in objects without electricity, when it is necessary to frequently move or climb to a height. The device can be operated outdoors or indoors..

The only drawback here is the need to periodically charge the battery. Manufacturers are trying in every possible way to solve this problem, for example, offering 2 batteries with the tool. While one is in the working process, the second restores energy.

Emphasis on the manufacturer

A hackneyed truth – a brand beyond competition. Yes, branded tools are more expensive, but they have a quality guarantee and service centers for repairs, and the screwdrivers themselves are made of durable components.

Quite good screwdrivers with a removable battery are also offered by Varo Kreator, Sparky, Dnipro-M and others..

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries

Among other things, they are completely harmless to the environment when disposed of, and this is already a lot. The disadvantages of this type of battery are much less, for example, they have higher prices on the market than nickel-cadmium batteries, and their service life is somewhat shorter. True, such batteries are rarely put on screwdrivers, so this type cannot be called popular..

Methodically and thoughtfully: how to choose a cordless screwdriver for home

All tools produced by modern industry can be divided into two main categories: professional and household. If you are not going to build a house from scratch, or screw and unscrew three to five hundred self-tapping screws every day, then it is better to do with the second option, since the first will cost much more, although its reliability and durability are much higher.

  • All professional equipment, whatever it may be related to, always costs much more, but in terms of functionality and power, reliability and durability, it simply has no equal. True, you need to use a professional drill plan often so that the tool does not stagnate. If it is used once a year to screw on the shelf, or even just lies, waiting for its time, then it is better to abandon the expensive brand name because its cost will be much higher than you might expect.
  • If you are interested in the question of how to choose a cordless screwdriver for a summer residence or at home in order to use it inactively, several times a month, then a household model that does not have high power and does not have unique functionality is sufficient. They are not designed for heavy loads, therefore they can quickly fail with intensive use, but their price is much lower than the first.

Thus, we can say with confidence that the cordless screwdriver, which is better and more suitable for you, first of all you need to choose based on the goals and objectives that you set for yourself. There are reliable and durable models among household tools, but they cannot be compared with professional equipment anyway..

We evaluate additional functionality: how to choose the right cordless screwdriver

In addition to the main indicators, power and configuration, you should definitely think about additional functionality, especially when the purchase is made for your own household needs, and not for a specific job. After all, it’s great to have a universal screwdriver at home, with which you can also drill a hole, than buy a drill, and a perforator together with it, and God knows what else.

  • The presence of an impact mechanism will make it easy to deal with work on a brick or even concrete surface.
  • The more compact the device, and also the more comfortable its handle, the easier it will be for you to hold it in your hands, which is very important if you have to work for a long time.
  • It is convenient to work in poorly lit rooms if there is a special lighting in the screwdriver.
  • In order to simply twist a broken or damaged screw, it does not hurt to have an impulse function, its presence can be checked according to the instructions.

Also, the sets of nozzles, which can be changed arbitrarily, are very helpful in the work. If you buy an expensive cordless tool, then in the kit, most likely, you will receive a full set of them, however, you can purchase such things separately, the main thing is also to choose quality and reliability, and not cheapness.

Reducers and chucks: cordless screwdriver, which is better for home, price

Today, most screwdrivers are specially equipped with a three-jaw keyless chuck, which has a pitch of 0.5 to 13 millimeters, or, alternatively, a conventional hex seat. The second option is made standard to fit any standard 1/4 ”shank tooling. The first version of the mechanism with cams can be called more universal, since in such a cartridge you can clamp almost any equipment that fits your soul,

If the work involves a frequent change of drills, bits, or other equipment, then it is better to take, of course, a hexagonal seat. It is extremely easy to work with it, and replacement takes place with a certain skill in a matter of seconds. But this is not all, since in addition to the cartridge, the screwdriver also has a gearbox, which transfers the rotation from the engine to the nozzle. The gearbox is a set of gears, and they can be plastic or metal, and it is clear that the latter will be much more reliable and durable. In household appliances, plastic is most often found, and professional ones are equipped exclusively with metal..

Lithium (Li-on) rechargeable batteries – market leaders in power tools

The most widespread and also demanded on the market today are lithium batteries, which are widely used in a wide variety of sectors of human life. They can be safely charged at any time, regardless of the charge level at a given time, they can withstand more than three thousand charge-discharge cycles, and are charged for a shorter time than any others. In addition, they are compact and lightweight, and they do not pose any threat to nature, which is very important..

But even here, of course, it will not be possible to do without minuses, because man has not yet created anything ideal, at least not yet. Lithium batteries do not respond very well to low temperatures below fifteen degrees, and also have a much higher cost than any other.

You should definitely understand that lithium batteries, which all professional craftsmen love so much, are actually intended for constant use. That is, if you have to work with a screwdriver only occasionally, you should purchase Ni-Cd or Ni-MH types, otherwise you will soon find that the battery is out of order due to lying on the shelf for a long time.

In addition to batteries, there are other parameters that should be taken into account when choosing a screwdriver for your own household needs, for example, the power of the unit. In the documentation, you can find that this indicator, measured in Nm, has two main criteria: hard and soft..

  • Hard torque refers to the degree of maximum drilling force and is most often expressed in terms of speed. It is calculated by counting revolutions per minute..
  • Soft torque is already something else, and is an indicator of the same maximum screwdriver force, based on the aspect of twisting or unscrewing.

It should be understood that the higher the torque, the more powerful, practical, and also more versatile and productive your screw gun will be. True, it should be understood that its price will necessarily be higher than that of low-power equipment. For example, we can say that a power of 25-30 Nm will make it easy to screw seven-centimeter self-tapping screws into wood, 40 Nm is enough for ten-centimeter ones, but for larger ones you will have to pre-drill holes for fasteners.

Types and types of batteries: which battery is better for a screwdriver

Everyone knows that a screwdriver can be simply stationary, that is, such that it will allow work to be done anywhere and anytime, regardless of the presence of an electrical network in the immediate vicinity of the object. Today we are talking about portable models that are equipped with rechargeable batteries, and this indicator can be considered the key when choosing. There are several types of batteries, all the disadvantages and advantages of which do not hurt to evaluate in advance, even before buying, so that later it does not turn out to be an unpleasant surprise..

How to choose a cordless screwdriver for home and garden?

Almost any home craftsman knows that sometimes, doing just ordinary household chores, sometimes you have to get seriously tired, for example, if you need to screw in a dozen self-tapping screws or bolts. After a screwdriver, your hands will hurt, as if they were filled with lead, and only the electric drill available on the farm will solve the problem in an instant. But what if you need to work just where there is no access to the electrical network? You will have to look for a way out, for example, to purchase a portable tool, and the rating of cordless screwdrivers in 2016 will help you finally decide on the choice.

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries

The cheapest, and, consequently, the most common types of batteries on the market, which are equipped not only with screwdrivers and drills, but also with other household power tools, are nickel-cadmium models. Most often they are designed for one and a half thousand “charge-discharge” cycles, and their shelf life reaches five years. It is wonderful that such a battery can be charged, and at the same time, it can be used at an ambient temperature of up to fifteen degrees of frost without any harm to it, and even with long-term storage without use, they show themselves perfectly.

True, there are some disadvantages, and they are very significant. For example, you definitely need to know that before you put a drill or screw gun with such a battery on charging, it must be discharged to the very end, otherwise the batteries may simply fail ahead of time. So the low price is still a rather controversial advantage. Such batteries are charged for a long time, and their volume and weight also leave much to be desired. Among other things, such batteries pollute the environment and they cannot be called environmentally friendly for sure..

Screwdriver power

In most instructions for using a screwdriver, such an indicator as power is not indicated. However, for those who choose a tool, it is perhaps the most important. And it is not indicated because the concept is, one might say, combined. So what determines the power of a screwdriver? This is, first of all, battery power and torque. In order to assess the power of the screwdriver as a whole, you need to take into account all these indicators.

Let’s consider the power components separately:
– Battery voltage. It determines the power of the engine and the amount of torque, as well as the operating time of the screwdriver. The average power of household screwdrivers is 10.8-14.4 volts (V). However, there are models with batteries up to 36 volts..
– In addition to voltage, it is worth evaluating its capacity, which determines the operating time and is measured in ampere hours. The average battery capacity of a screwdriver is 1.2-1.5 Ah.
– The torque, that is, the rotational force that the tool develops, determines the length and diameter of the screw that the screwdriver is able to tighten. The higher it is, the more power the screwdriver has. The torque rating differs depending on the material to be drilled. The technical data sheet of the tool usually indicates the size of the maximum possible drilling diameter for various materials. In addition, a distinction is made between hard torque (starting power) and working torque, that is, constant. A hard moment is always higher than a constant one. It should also be noted that the torque of modern screwdrivers. the value is adjustable, in the technical data sheets, again, it is indicated how many installations the screwdriver has and the maximum possible torque. Provides a maximum torque of approximately 10 to 60 Newton meters (Nm). It is worth noting that, all other things being equal, the power of the screwdriver increases significantly if it has the function of working in a pulsed mode (jerks). Power is increased due to the fact that periodically hard torque is triggered.

You should not strive to acquire the most powerful tool. With excess power, you will screw in the screws too hard, the head will be deeper than the surface, which spoils the appearance and makes it difficult to unscrew the screws if necessary..

Let’s summarize. Before choosing which power of the screwdriver is right for you, you should decide for what purpose the tool will be used. For rare use in a home workshop, a simple low-power tool is suitable, with a voltage of 12V, a capacity of 1.2Ah and a maximum torque of 10Nm. Such a tool can be used when assembling furniture and screwing in small self-tapping screws for attaching home furnishings (curtains, paintings, etc.). The greatest power is achieved with indicators of 36 V, 3 Ah and 60 Nm. Such screwdrivers are considered professional, working with them requires certain skills, the price for them is quite high. In any case, before buying a screwdriver, you should carefully study the technical data sheet and compare all the given values ​​in order to represent what final power is available to your chosen tool..

The difference between a drill and a screwdriver

Tools are equally successful in drilling, screwing in screws, punching holes in concrete, stone, and brick surfaces. But the existing differences in their mechanisms do not allow us to close our eyes to the peculiarities of the first and second home helper. Take at least the screwdriver ratchet, which the drill lacks. The add-on allows you to adjust the force with which screws, screws and self-tapping screws are screwed in. Conveniently? And how!

Understanding which is better, a drill or a screwdriver, is not easy. It is worth starting from what this or that tool is needed for. Corded drills and screwdrivers are faster, have more power, weight and drill diameter in different materials. Yes, they are more efficient at work, but definitely not more convenient than a light tool weighing 1.2 kg.

For more practical work without a mains connection, use cordless tools. If you take cordless screwdrivers and compare them to drills, they are more popular, cheaper and more common. Their “weak point”. power. A power drill, judging by the impressive indicator of this parameter, works much more efficiently.

So choose: drill or screwdriver?

How often do you plan to use the instrument? Lightweight electric screwdrivers have much less powerful, lower voltage motors than most cordless drills. Therefore, they may not cope with the task if they screw long screws with a gap into hard woods. 18- and 20-volt cordless drills can handle almost any screwdriving task. Even a cheap drill is more powerful and more durable than a cordless screwdriver. Therefore, this toolkit is suitable for working with the hardest building materials. Drilling in walls, installation of complex structures in places with electricity – all this is under the power of a drill.

Tip: A screwdriver with less rpm is much better controlled. Therefore, if we are talking about irregular small works, then it is better to choose a screwdriver. It is also more suitable if the work consists solely in screwing self-tapping screws, screws and screws..

Work in places without electricity. To make a couple of holes, it is better to use a cordless screwdriver than a power drill of the same type. For example, the Bort BAB-10 screwdriver, which is powered by a battery, is more convenient and cheaper. it makes no sense to buy an expensive cordless drill for household use.

Comfort level at work. The power of cordless drills is increased by the added weight. Some professional cordless drills weigh up to 3 kg, which makes them tiresome for long periods of time. Less powerful household drills are lighter, but even they cannot compete in lightness with electric screwdrivers, which weigh less than a pound. If the heavy weight and the presence of a wire from the drill interfere with work, then it is better to purchase a cordless screwdriver. He works productively with wood, plastic, metal, precisely screwing fasteners.

Which is better to choose. drill or screwdriver for home: 3 selection criteria

Minor home repairs, nailing shelves and installing paintings – this requires drilling, twisting or unwinding. To do this job yourself and quickly, you need the right tool. For everyday needs, it is impractical to have a lot of different tools, but there should definitely be one thing. It remains to make a purchase decision: drill or screwdriver?

Universal drills

In order not to think about the choice for a long time, make a “knight’s move”. The universal tool combines the functionality of both assistants, expanding the range and increasing the efficiency of work. In appearance, it looks more like a screwdriver, but on the ratchet, turn on the jamming mode of the drill connection. and a drill appears in front of you. If you buy an impact attachment, it can do even more tasks.

Drill-screwdrivers by power source are divided into mains-powered and battery-powered.

Price difference

Cost also plays a big role in choosing the perfect home tool. Drills are not only practical and powerful, but also quite budgetary. A particularly optimal option can be chosen from the household range. Their initial cost is quite within the power of every owner..

Tip: Mains powered tools are not so easy to use (more weight, wires), but they quickly cope with work on wood, metal and concrete.

Feature of screwdrivers. work with self-tapping screws, screws and screws. They are not very suitable for drilling. Rechargeable models are convenient to use, but their power will be enough for short and simple work. The price of such a tool is three times cheaper than its decent quality network counterpart..

For small volumes of work, it is better to purchase a screwdriver. If the house is being renovated and you often need to make holes in different materials, along the way to work with fasteners, then a drill is better. This tool is supported by its low cost with normal characteristics – all that is needed for domestic purposes.

Tip: Any tool can be made better with special drills.

To decide what to buy – a drill or a screwdriver – answer the questions:

What kind of work are you going to do (you need a hammer drill or you can do something simpler). The more difficult the task, the more powerful the tool is needed: a screwdriver is suitable for screwing in, and for drilling in concrete. drill.

How often you plan to use the tool (often or from time to time). For minor, rare work with screws and holes, you can use a screwdriver, but for regular work you need a more powerful tool. Long-term work with hard materials under the power of an impact drill and universal drill-screwdriver.

What will be the working conditions (will there be access to power sources). Drills and screwdrivers are battery and mains. If the work on the site is without electricity, then a cordless tool is needed. It is important to remember that power drills and screwdrivers are much more powerful..

As you can see, the choice was not so difficult. the main thing is to ask the right questions and give clear answers to them! This video review will help you assess the situation even more..