What is the torque of a screwdriver. Screws in securely and unscrews easily: choose a cordless screwdriver What torque is better for a screwdriver
Based on the types and technical properties of this tool, which is necessary for many types of construction work. Having basic information about what screwdrivers are needed for and how they are used in everyday life or in professional activities, you cannot go wrong with your choice when buying a tool.
Where is the screwdriver used
A screwdriver will perfectly replace a drill, drill through metal and even concrete. The moment is about to come when the screwdriver will practically supplant the screwdrivers.
Screwdrivers are needed to:
... It is easy to tighten or unscrew various fasteners: self-tapping screws, screws, bolts.
... Drill holes in a wide variety of materials. Screwdrivers can make holes in metal, wood, drywall, brick.
But the people found other use for screwdrivers, sometimes completely unexpected. For example, this tool is great for stirring mortars and paints, as well as for drilling holes in ice if you go ice fishing.
What types of screwdrivers are on the tool market
There are enough classifications of screwdrivers. Manufacturers produce household and professional tools, which, in turn, may differ in battery power, in particular, in their power, in the diameter of the cartridge, in the materials from which the gears of the gearbox are made. There are screwdrivers with additional functions. It is clear that the price of different types of screwdrivers is also different. The price also depends on the brand.
Let's consider how screwdrivers differ in terms of power supply. The devices are divided into two large groups: cordless screwdrivers and electric ones.
Li-Ion rechargeable batteries
Li-Ion rechargeable batteries are extremely common and popular today. They are used in many instruments, portable devices, and more. What explains such a demand for these rechargeable batteries? Their advantages include:
... Three thousand battery charge cycles.
... The batteries are lightweight and very light.
... The battery charges very quickly.
... The battery does not have a memory-to-charge effect.
But the modern Li-Ion battery also has negative qualities. For example, such a battery only works for three years, which means that it must be used to the maximum during this period, otherwise it will be a pity for the money spent. Li-Ion batteries are quite expensive. Li-Ion batteries are afraid of frost, so if frost resistance is important, then it is better to choose Ni-MH batteries.
Output:
... These rechargeable batteries need to be bought if there is a constant, not one-time work with a screwdriver.
... Full charging and discharging is not recommended for Li-Ion batteries in order for the battery to last as long as possible (discharge - at least 15%, charge - no more than 90%).
... To calibrate the battery, it is sufficient to perform three charge-discharge cycles (cycles are performed in succession).
Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries
These batteries have been used for a long time in screwdrivers and other tools. The number of charge-discharge cycles is one and a half thousand. Such rechargeable batteries last longer than Li-Ion - five years. The use of Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries allows you to use the tool at low temperatures (at frost no more than 15 degrees). The popularity of these devices is also promoted by the fact that their cost is the lowest for rechargeable batteries.
The disadvantages of Ni-Cd batteries include:
... Battery charging takes quite a long time, at least an hour, or even more.
... The battery has a memory-to-charge effect.
... The Ni-Cd rechargeable battery is quite heavy.
Output:
... Because Ni-Cd batteries have a memory-to-charge effect, the batteries need to be fully charged and discharged to enable them to last a long time.
... Full charging is done using a conventional charger.
... A full discharge can be done using a flashlight, which is often included in many kits with a screwdriver.
Battery voltage and capacity
Batteries differ from each other in such important parameters as capacity and voltage.
The unit of measure for capacitance is the ampere multiplied by the hour (Ah). The battery charge directly depends on its capacity. Accordingly, as the capacity increases, the operating time that can be performed without recharging the battery increases.
The voltage of the battery, the unit of which is Volt (V), determines the power of a screwdriver or any other battery-type tool. In the language of professionals, this means that the voltage depends on which indicators will have both soft and hard torques of the screwdriver.
Network (electric) screwdrivers
These screwdrivers are included in the electrical network and are similar to electric drills. The main difference between such a screwdriver and a drill is that you can adjust the torque in it.
Plug-in screwdrivers¸ are great for both occasional home work and professional builders. The screwdriver does not need charging, it works as long as needed from the mains, and this is its undoubted advantage. But there is also a downside to network tools, created precisely by the presence of an electrical network: firstly, electricity is needed to work, and secondly, the tool's wire often interferes, limiting mobility and getting underfoot.
About the chuck and gearbox in the screwdriver
The screwdriver can be either a quick-release three-jaw chuck (with a clamping range of 1 / 2-13 millimeters), or a chuck with a hex socket with a 1/4 inch shank. The larger size of the keyless chuck makes the screwdriver more versatile.
The tooling changes very quickly in the hex chuck, and this is great convenience if the replacement is done frequently. Often, with such a chuck, drills with a hex shank are used. A combination of a conventional chuck and a hex shank is possible.
The gearbox is needed to transmit the motor rotation impulse to the chuck. The parameters of the torques depend on the gearbox. The gears of the reducer are made of either metal (usually steel) or plastic. Only metal gears are used in professional screwdrivers.
Power
An important technical characteristic of a screwdriver is its power, which depends on the torques (soft and hard). Torques are measured in Nm (newton meters). The tool is more powerful if the number of torque is higher, that is, the screwdriver can drive thicker and longer screws or drills into hard or viscous material.
... Soft torque refers to the maximum twisting or unscrewing of the screwdriver. The soft torque range is 0-350 rpm.
... The indicator of the maximum drilling force is a hard torque. Its range is 0-1000 (maybe much more than 1000) revolutions per minute.
The performance of the screwdriver depends on the maximum torque parameters. For example, with a torque of 25-30 Nm, it is usually easy to screw a self-tapping screw with a length of up to 70 millimeters into a tree. For self-tapping screws up to 100 millimeters long, a torque of more than 40 Nm (for wood) is needed. If the screws are even longer, you first need, as a rule, to drill a hole for it in the material.
Additional functions found in screwdrivers
Many brands produce screwdrivers equipped with additional functions. There are many reasons for both specialized and multifunctional tools, but usually well-known manufacturers equip screwdrivers with a number of additions:
... The percussion mechanism is useful if you have to work with socket heads, as well as, if necessary, make a hole with a drill in a brick or concrete.
... Pulse mode (temporary torque boost mode) will make it easier to sink the fasteners into the material, easily unscrew the stuck self-tapping screw or drill if the hammer drill fails. In addition, the impulse mode is very important if you cannot rest against the screwdriver tightly.
... Possibility of illumination, which is an actual addition when working in places where there is poor lighting or no lighting at all. The backlight is usually located above the battery.
... Battery charge indicators and automatic devices that turn off charging.
It is clear that the more additional features, the more expensive the screwdriver. As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all tool for every task. And you should choose a screwdriver, necessarily assuming the purposes for which it will be used.
What should be guided by when choosing a tool for work at home or in the country
Usually the network model is sufficient for home or summer work. Its weight is small, there is no particular need for mobility. When choosing a rechargeable version, it is better to buy Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh if frequent work is not expected. If you have to work often, a modern Li-Ion battery will justify itself.
As for the torque, the figure of 25-35 Nm is quite normal for household needs. A more powerful screwdriver can also be taken if your financial capabilities allow you.
A battery with a capacity of one and a half to two amperes per hour with periodic use at home or in the country is quite suitable for you.
What should be guided by when choosing a tool for professional use
If you have to use a screwdriver in hard-to-reach places, it is better to purchase a compact model. With long and frequent continuous use of the tool, it is logical to stop at the Li-Ion battery. The maximum torque of the screwdriver should not be lower than 40 Nm. But, of course, the torque can be higher, this is determined by the type of material with which you will be working (it is clear that drywall and brick require different torques).
Why choose Li-Ion rechargeable batteries? They ensure a seamless workflow due to their fast charging capability. In addition, their weight is very small, which becomes a very important factor with prolonged use (the hand will get tired less).
To select additional functions, you need to have a clear understanding of the nature of the future work. If you have a hammer drill, as well as a drill, you are unlikely to need all the possible add-ons that modern screwdrivers are equipped with. Therefore, there is no need to overpay for multifunctionality if it is not needed for use.
There are many models of screwdrivers on the screwdriver market now, so you can always find a tool that is suitable for solving your specific tasks. We hope that the article you have read will help you to choose a screwdriver as much as possible.
How to choose a screwdriver, an instruction of 9 steps, an article from which you will learn everything about screwdrivers! Types, capacities, characteristics, applications, comparisons.
Preparing the orchestra for the working season. How to choose a screwdriver - 9 step guide
Today it is not necessary to put a lot of effort to assemble furniture or hang a picture.
- The main thing is to choose the right tool!
This article will help you understand the variety of these tools and buy the screwdriver that is right for you.
1. Purpose of the tool
The screwdriver is only suitable for working with fasteners - an ideal assistant in the assembly of furniture or simple repair work.
There is also a universal tool: a drill-screwdriver, which combines the first two functions - drilling and screwing in.
Cordless screwdriver - serves as a screwdriver, and also allows you to unscrew and re-tighten fasteners. However, its power is lower than that of a conventional screwdriver.
2. Tool type
The classic of the genre is the hammerless drill or screwdriver. Such a tool makes only rotational movements. The hammerless drill is ideal for working with non-hard materials and wood.
- If you need to tighten screws or drill holes in the wall, this is a safe bet.
There are instruments with a blow - in addition to rotational movements, they perform forward and backward translational movements. This allows you to drill in more durable materials: concrete, brick and various metals.
* Impact drills are more versatile - the impact function can always be turned off and move on to work with more fragile materials.
Angle tools are essential for working in confined spaces or hard-to-reach places. Here the gearbox has the shape of the letter "L" and is fixed at an angle of 90 degrees - hence the name.
Some hammerless screwdrivers also have additional angle attachments. For example, it is very convenient when working under the hood of a car.
3. Chuck type
Any screwdrivers are equipped with a chuck. This is the mechanism that holds the bit or drill. In screwdrivers, the chuck is installed under the bits. A bit is a small nozzle, hexagonal on one side and various shapes on the other. To change the nozzle - just remove one and, until a light click, insert the other.
Another important parameter is the chuck diameter. It determines what size drill or bit can be used when working with a tool. For non-professional instruments, a range of 0 to 20 mm is sufficient.
4. Tool power
The power of the tool is determined by the voltage supplied by the battery. It ranges from 1.2 to 36 volts.
Thus, for small jobs, you can buy a power gun with a voltage of 3-6 volts. A screwdriver with a voltage of 10-15 volts is suitable for drilling in non-solid materials.
- When choosing a screwdriver, pay attention to the battery capacity - the operating time depends on it. Average rate is from 1 to 3 A / h.
Often the set includes a second battery for continuous operation, as well as a special base for charging.
5. Maximum torque
Maximum Torque - Determines the efficiency of the tool.
By this indicator, you can understand how large the diameter and length of the screw can screw the screwdriver.
- Power, voltage and maximum torque are interrelated indicators. The higher the voltage, the higher the torque.
For a screwdriver, the maximum torque can be several N / m. This is sufficient for assembling a chair or arm.
A screwdriver with a torque of 10-30 N / m - to cope with any task. Tighten the screw tightly in the metal rack - no problem!
* Torque of 30-40 N / M - easily allows you to drill a tree.
A device with a maximum torque of 40 N / m and more - easily cope with bricks, concrete and metal surfaces
6. Number of speeds
As a rule, screwdrivers and screwdrivers have only one working speed: from 0 to 800 rpm - this is enough for working with fasteners.
But most drills have 2 speeds:
1st mode with a number of revolutions from 0-400 rpm - mainly used for twisting.
2nd mode with a number of revolutions from 400-1300 rpm - for drilling holes.
- Almost all screwdrivers are equipped with a "reverse" function - for loosening fasteners.
7. Additional information
When working with such tools, reliability and safety are important.
Many models have: blocking the power button; battery protection system against overload, overheating and deep discharge; illumination of the working area with a built-in LED flashlight.
When choosing a tool, pay attention to its weight - the higher the power of the screwdriver, the heavier it is.
8. Package contents
The set for screwdrivers, as a rule, includes: a compact plastic or metal case, a battery charger, but sets of drills and nozzles are bought separately, most often.
- Do not forget to protect your eyes when working with screwdrivers and drills - use construction safety goggles.
9. Recipes
If you need a tool for simple work, a small and lightweight screwdriver with a voltage of 3 to 15 volts, with a built-in battery, with a keyless chuck or padded is suitable for you.
For some types of work, it makes sense to buy an angle-type screwdriver - especially if you often repair the car.
If you use tools at home and occasionally: you should buy a screwdriver-drill - shockless or percussion, with a voltage of 15 volts and a torque of 30 N / m, and better - with power and mains support.
Serious renovation ahead?
A percussion drill-screwdriver with a voltage of 20 volts, with a quick-clamping or twisting chuck for large drills, with a torque of 40 N / m and 2 speeds for different operating modes is ideal.
Each instrument has its own special sound! Do you have a whole orchestra?
How to choose a screwdriver - video
Today the industry offers a wide range of tools for DIYers. One of the most popular among them is the screwdriver, which greatly facilitates the work of both furniture assembly and roof construction.
The cordless screwdriver is perfect for work where there is no electricity.
A screwdriver can perform the functions inherent in a drill, and its powerful enough devices can cope with drilling metal and even concrete. The tool will soon completely replace screwdrivers from everyday life. Most of its owners are already experiencing significant discomfort when they are forced to do without a screwdriver.
Which tool should you choose?
Most do-it-yourselfers and professionals prefer cordless screwdrivers, which make it possible to work away from the mains, but the requirements for this tool when used in everyday life and professional activities can differ significantly.
Someone uses it to screw 2-3 screws into the wood every couple of months, someone needs a screwdriver to build a fence, and for others it is an aid in their daily work, so making the right choice of a screwdriver for the house is simply necessary so that the tool did not gather dust on the shelf, but became a real assistant.
Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the screwdrivers operating from the mains. Of course, they do not have the mobility of their cordless "brothers", but when choosing a drill for the home, the buyer of a specialized store is simply obliged to take a closer look at the network models of screwdrivers.
Equipped with the same functionality and power as a drill, they are torque controlled, making them a versatile tool. The power drill of the screwdriver has an "enviable destiny" - it has found recognition among professionals. Nevertheless, in a domestic environment, such a drill can be useful.
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Tool selection based on torque
Without going into the details of the description of what the physical definition of torque is, it must be said that when buying a screwdriver drill, you must definitely pay attention to this indicator. On the tool body and in its passport, the torque is displayed in Nm. The higher the number, the more powerful the screwdriver is. This means that it is able to drive thicker screws and drills into more viscous and harder materials. Tools with a torque below 10 Nm can be called screwdrivers.
Screwdrivers working in the range of 10 Nm to 20 Nm can handle most household tasks. To cope with a more serious test (working with a roof, for example), a screwdriver drill with a torque of 20 Nm and more is more likely. In professional models, this figure reaches 140 Nm.
Screwdrivers are equipped with a torque control device (KM), because different efforts are required from the screwdriver when performing different work both at home and in production. If it works as a drill, then the regulator is set to the maximum KM, which ensures reliable drilling in wood or metal. To screw screws into a board, confirmations into furniture or self-tapping screws into a metal profile, completely different efforts are needed.
The KM regulator is installed at the base of the screwdriver chuck and ensures sufficient tightening of the fasteners into a particular material. The smallest setting of the regulator corresponds to the smallest KM. As soon as more force is required to screw in a self-tapping screw or screw than set by the regulator, the chuck will be disengaged from the motor shaft (the so-called ratchet will work). The ability to adjust the torque provides greater accuracy during work and protects the motor from overload.
In addition to installing the KM regulator, some manufacturers equip screwdrivers with speed switches. Of course, not every model can change the rpm, but there are two-speed and three-speed tools. Such models at high rpm of the chuck cope with the duties of a drill, and at low speeds they screw in fasteners.
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A little about cartridges
Since the cartridge has already been mentioned, it is worth talking about its two varieties installed on screwdrivers. Most models have three-jaw quick-change clamps that provide hot-swap bits and drills from ½ to 13 mm.
There are screwdrivers equipped with a socket with a 6-point socket, into which tools with corresponding shanks are inserted. Both those and other cartridges receive an impulse from the engine through the gearbox. Cheap models of screwdrivers can be equipped with plastic gear reducers, and professional tools are equipped with durable steel gears.
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Cordless screwdrivers
The same characteristics for a cordless drill, a screwdriver and a cordless tool are considered. Now it is necessary to dwell in more detail on portable screwdrivers, which receive energy from a battery that is periodically charged from the mains. When choosing a screwdriver for the home, you can see models on the counter that are equipped with different types of batteries.
The screwdrivers are equipped with 3 types of batteries - nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion). Until now, the most common batteries in home screwdrivers have been Ni-Cd sources. These batteries have a number of advantages, the main among which are lower price compared to other types and the ability to work at low temperatures.
The process of charging the battery for a screwdriver.
At the same time, these batteries have a whole range of disadvantages, and the main one on their list is the memory effect, which affects the battery capacity and its service life. For nickel cadmium power supplies to last long, they must be used regularly. In doing so, they must go through a full charge-discharge cycle. If you do not fully charge the Ni-Cd battery, its capacity will decrease, and it will be almost impossible to restore its original value. These elements are also afraid of deep discharge, so they cannot be stored in a discharged state.
Nickel-metal hydride sources are less toxic than Ni-Cd batteries and have slightly better capacities. In addition, they are less susceptible to the memory effect, but they must be stored in a charged state. These energy sources are more expensive, but their service life is much shorter.
Lithium-ion sources have virtually no memory effect. Their value for household chores lies in the fact that the batteries can be charged at any level of discharge. At the same time, Li-Ion batteries are much less efficient at low temperatures, have the worst discharge current values, are prone to destruction if the charging mode is violated, and are the most expensive. Lithium-ion cells are best used when working with high intensity.
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What to look for when buying
The set usually comes with standard nozzles for a screwdriver, and for the most useful work, you will need to additionally purchase a set of special nozzles and drills.
Ni-Cd batteries are still the optimal power source for home screwdrivers. Many manufacturers offer tools with 2 batteries to provide longer cycle times. Such proposals also arise due to the fact that nickel-cadmium energy sources do not have a high capacity.
When choosing a drill and deciding that it will be replaced by a screwdriver with a Ni-Cd battery, be prepared to quickly discharge it when drilling. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the battery capacity indicator, expressed in A * h. The higher it is, the longer the tool will work between charges.
The voltage of the power source also has a direct impact on the performance of the cordless screwdriver. In stores, most often you can see devices equipped with 12 V, 14.4 V and 18 V batteries.
The power of a screwdriver is directly proportional to the voltage supplied by its battery.
Repair is a permanent state, and a screwdriver will become a good and necessary helper in it. There are also almost everyday tasks in which the help of modern technology will come in handy. For example, how often do you tighten or remove screws? Quite often, I think. Buy a screwdriver, you will do it even more often, but faster, easier and better.
And if there is a desire to independently or its elements (shelves, whatnots), evenly attach decorations and paintings to the wall, then it will not be easy without a screwdriver. Try, for example, without precise (up to a millimeter) drawings, to assemble and fit the details of a multi-level shelf, a folding sofa, while alternately tightening and unscrewing the screws, and transferring them to a new place. Of course, as they say, measure seven times ... But the help of a convenient tool will not hurt you in any case. And there will be no damaged screws and additional blisters.
In other words, screwdrivers are designed to tighten screws and self-tapping screws without preliminary preparation of the hole. They allow you to save energy, quickly and easily perform laborious manual work, and improve its quality. - this is one of the three important tasks of a man. And, having built, equip it with beautiful and comfortable furniture, decorate with paintings and fence with an attractive picket fence. A screwdriver will be a reliable assistant in all this.
The device and principle of operation of the screwdriver
The principle of operation of a screwdriver is the same as that of a drill, but there is a difference - a torque limiter. Directly behind the chuck at the screwdriver there is an adjusting ring that allows you to set the required torque: as soon as the screw is tightened, the chuck stops. although the engine continues to run. This prevents the slot on the screw from breaking off, "going" into the depth of the surface and wear of the screwdriver bit. The number of adjustment steps is usually from 5-7 to 22, and if the screwdriver can work as a drill, then there is also a special position - "without limitation", that is, all the torque is transmitted to the drill. It depends on the limiter how exactly you screw the screw and whether its head remains on the surface.
This tool will help to fix many small, but necessary interior details, it simply does not know fatigue
But what about the drill?
What kind of screwdriver do you need for your home?
Like all tools, screwdrivers are professional and amateur. As we have already written many times, professional ones are designed for long-term, without interruptions, constant work and have a large resource, are made of more expensive materials and, of course, are more expensive. And amateur tools imply a smaller scope of work, a smaller resource and a lower price.
Family in a row - modern screwdrivers, even in graceful female hands, will be obedient and useful
Often times, people "hunt" for a serviceable tool to extend its life. But in a good amateur screwdriver, even with a maintenance-free engine, the resource is at least 150 hours of clean work, and there are tools that have 1500 hours of resource. How much it will be in thousands of twisted screws is easy to calculate. There are network screwdrivers, these are professional and very powerful tools. But cordless screwdrivers are more common on the market, and these are the tools that are offered for the home user.
Furniture assembly is the main application of screwdrivers. No matter how many screws there are, you will tighten them quickly and efficiently
Why is a cordless screwdriver good?
It is safer, more mobile (the wire does not interfere, and you can safely work, for example, on the stairs). The cordless screwdriver is indispensable in the country and just outside. , it is more ergonomic, lighter, which means that working with it, you will get tired much less.
Which screwdriver battery is better?
In theory, a Ni-MH battery is better. All of Europe is switching to such batteries for environmental reasons, since nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries contain cadmium, which is considered an allergen. But we still have a limited selection of them, and Ni-Cd batteries are the most common. By the way, they have their pros and cons. Ni-MH batteries are smaller, but withstand high currents worse, and it is better not to use a tool with a Ni-Cd battery in conditions of negative temperatures. Finally, Ni-MH batteries have a higher capacity, but also a higher price.
An important point is the capacity of the battery. The larger it is, the longer it will not need to be charged. Many models often have two batteries: you work with one and charge the other. With this configuration, the difference of 0.5 A * h may not be noticed.
And the main disadvantage of household models compared to professional ones is that charging usually takes 1-2 hours for them, and few models can boast of a half-hour charge.
Due to their size, very small household models are very convenient when working in corners and other hard-to-reach places
Torque and rotational speed of the screwdriver
We have already talked about the limiter, but what numerical parameters should be looked at when choosing a screwdriver, we will now clarify. For screwdrivers, the torque is most often limited to 5-10 Nm. This is enough to tighten the most "serious" screws, and the engine does not suffer from overloads. Impressive numbers in front of the letters Nm (there are models up to 30 Nm) are useful when screwing screws into hard materials, for example, steel, hard woods - beech, hornbeam, oak, and also when using a screwdriver as a drill - for drilling large-diameter holes. But do not forget that the maximum drilling diameter of screwdrivers is still limited, therefore the drilling function is only auxiliary.
In general, high-torque screwdrivers can be called universal: they are equally convenient for screwing screws and drilling any materials. Less "strong" screwdrivers are best used only for assembly work.
Much more important is how the engine operates under load, whether it keeps revs well, and whether it delivers enough power when the battery is discharging. True, this is only found out empirically. Another serious indicator is the maximum speed. To tighten the screws, 500 rpm is enough, but for drilling you need 1200-1300 rpm. An even higher rotation speed is needed only for specific tasks.
By the way, modern models are equipped with a powerful cooling system with increased air flow, which protects the tool from overheating at low speeds.
Powerful screwdriver models handle a large amount of work, for example, installation of the roof of a house or floor slabs
Choosing a screwdriver and proper care for it
When choosing models, it is necessary to compare their main technical characteristics: rated power, idle speed, maximum screw diameter, maximum drilling diameter in steel and wood, torque, weight - evaluating all this from the standpoint of practical necessity. And of course, the quality of the tools, the level of service and service time, the price / performance ratio of power tools and spare parts should influence the decision on choosing a specific model of a screwdriver.
The construction market now has a fairly wide selection of drills and screwdrivers from various manufacturers. The differences between the models of different companies are manifested mainly in the ease and convenience of working with them, in the presence of additional functions and equipment.
And in conclusion, it is worth adding the following: like any power tool, screwdrivers require careful treatment, correct storage and operation conditions (dry place, without direct sunlight, temperature range from 10 to 25 ° C). Prolonged lying of a screwdriver without work, especially in a discharged state, is harmful to its battery, so periodically give it at least some work. Alternatively, disconnect the battery during storage. And batteries with a "memory effect" will have to be "run out" before work, that is, repeat the charge / discharge cycle several times.
If a man is a jack of all trades and loves to independently carry out repair work in his house, then he probably has a full set of necessary tools. Among them, the screwdriver - depending on its power, it can also be called an electric screwdriver and a drill - occupies a significant place. Those who make crafts often or even do such work all the time have long appreciated the undoubted advantages of a cordless screwdriver, its convenience, mobility and ease of use. Do you know how to choose the right cordless screwdriver to become your reliable assistant in household chores?
What is this tool and what is it for
If you live in an apartment or a private house, you still have to carry out minor repairs from time to time. And this is where a screwdriver comes to the rescue - a hand-held electric tool with adjustable torque, that is, the effort with which it can:
- drill holes in surfaces of almost any material - drywall, soft and hard wood, concrete and metal;
- screw and unscrew any fasteners - screws, self-tapping screws, nuts, screws, bolts;
- tighten the anchor bolts during assembly;
- cut threads in small metal parts.
Professional builders and repairmen use screwdrivers on a regular basis. It is difficult to imagine a more convenient tool for securing, for example, drywall sheets for finishing work, installing windows and doors. In general, a screwdriver is necessary in any home where they are used to solving construction and repair issues on their own.
The cordless screwdriver consists of the following elements:
- a housing with an electric motor for rotation;
- clamping chuck;
- a rotary clutch attached to the gearbox that regulates the twisting force, with a scale printed on it, in the common people - a ratchet;
- bits-bits (screwdrivers), which are fixed in the chuck, as well as additional bits for drilling holes and tapping;
- tool start button;
- rotation speed switch;
- reverse switch (reverse);
- removable rechargeable battery.
With a cordless screwdriver, you can work anywhere in the apartment
Why is it worth giving preference to a non-ordinary screwdriver, namely a cordless screwdriver? Devices powered from an outlet are not limited in operating time, you do not need to charge them. But they have a significant drawback: with such a screwdriver, you will not go far from the outlet. Of course, you can use an extension cord, but you have to adapt to constantly interfering cords. A cordless screwdriver will not cause such inconvenience. You can easily work with it anywhere in the house, yard, or take it with you somewhere where there is a need for work, but there is no electricity. Mobility is an indisputable advantage of such a tool. True, the operation of such a screwdriver directly depends on the battery charge level, but high-quality batteries significantly increase the operating time of the device.
Any power tool is a device with certain functions necessary for work, and this significantly affects its price. The cordless screwdriver is no exception. If you buy it for regular use, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the device, which will become the main selection criteria:
- shape, ergonomics and size of the tool, as well as its weight;
- battery type and capacity;
- indicator of maximum torque (effort);
- the presence or absence of a shock function;
- the maximum possible diameters of drilling in wood and metal;
- equipment of the device.
In addition, of course, the price of the product and the name of the manufacturer should be taken into account. But we will talk about these parameters later, and now we will consider the listed criteria in detail.
The indicator of the number of speeds, according to experts, is not decisive when choosing a tool. Most screwdrivers have two speeds, but due to different operating settings, the difference during work is not always noticeable.
Most modern cordless screwdriver models have keyless chucks that fit all bits and drills. Some models have hex bit holders. The choice of a cartridge, as a rule, is motivated by individual criteria of convenience in work; it cannot be said unequivocally that one type is better and the other worse.
Shape, size and ergonomics
These characteristics may not seem to you the most important if you do not classify yourself as a home craftsman. But for professionals who constantly work with a screwdriver, they are very relevant. For example, the size of the tool. Its importance can be viewed from two sides.
Small screwdrivers are very convenient due to their relatively low weight. With such a device, you can easily get into hard-to-reach places, and your hands do not get tired at all. But small screwdrivers do not have a lot of power, and therefore it will be more difficult for them to screw a self-tapping screw into a hard material.
Cordless screwdrivers in the smallest sizes - impactless screwdrivers - lightweight and easy to use
Larger instruments, unless they are the simplest cheap models of unknown brands, tend to be heavier and more powerful. The relative inconvenience of their use is compensated by the ease of working with durable materials. If you often need to drill, then large, powerful models are your choice.
Large, powerful cordless screwdrivers suitable for professional renovation work
Before buying, consider how often you will be using the screwdriver. If you need it several times a month for small household jobs, you should not purchase an expensive, large-sized model with high power. Better to take a compact tool from a budget line.
The ergonomics of the instrument are also very important. In some cases, you may have to hold a working screwdriver in your hand for several hours, and its weight, as well as vibrations, will affect your hand fatigue. The location of the barrel relative to the handle largely determines how comfortable you will be using the tool. Before buying, hold the screwdriver in your hand, twist it to the sides, simulating work.
When choosing a cordless screwdriver, consider what duration and intensity of work you will perform with it
In some models, the angle between the handle and the barrel is sharp; after long-term work with such a screwdriver, calluses may appear on the palm of your hand. The position of the handle at a right or obtuse angle is much more convenient.
Battery type and capacity
Since we are talking specifically about cordless screwdrivers, then the heart of the tool - the battery - needs to be discussed separately. The quality of the device's operation largely depends on it. On the modern market there are tools with three types of batteries:
- nickel cadmium (NiCd),
- Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH),
- lithium-ion (Li-Ion).
Naturally, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. How significant they are in one case or another is a purely individual matter, but it is worth considering them in detail.
Table: comparison of different types of batteries
| Battery type | Dignity | disadvantages |
| Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) |
|
|
| Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) |
|
|
| Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
|
|
Of course, for home use, it is not always advisable to buy an expensive tool with a lithium-ion battery. The most objective choice would be a screwdriver with a nickel-metal-hybrid or nickel-cadmium battery. But if you are professionally engaged in repair and finishing work, it is better to pay attention to models with a lithium-ion battery: the price will pay off quickly, and you will get a convenient and most reliable tool.
Lithium-ion batteries are distinguished by long work, high capacity and lack of "memory effect"
Battery capacity is also an important parameter. Most often, inexpensive screwdriver models are equipped with a 1.3 A / h (Ampere / hour) battery. For example, if you are assembling a plasterboard ceiling at an average pace, one charge of such a battery will be enough for 3-4 hours. And since charging time is no more than an hour, you don't have to worry about downtime. Megapower impact drivers are equipped with 2 or 3 Ah batteries. Many of these models do an excellent job of drilling metal and hardwood.
In the simplest screwdrivers intended for use in everyday life, the maximum rotation speed of the chuck is about 500 rpm, while in professional powerful tools it reaches 2000 rpm.
The optimum battery voltage for a screwdriver lies in the range of 10-14.4 volts. The larger it is, the higher the maximum torque will be.
Torque - ratchet adjustable torque
Torque refers to the force exerted by the tool against the screw to be screwed in, or the force that resists the load. For domestic use, screwdrivers with a torque of 10-15 Nm (newton meters) are optimal. For professional models, this figure reaches 130 Nm, so they cope well even with very hard materials.
The higher the torque of the screwdriver, the better it will handle drilling in hard materials.
For screwing in ordinary self-tapping screws for wood up to 150 mm long, a force of 10-15 N · m is sufficient.
By the simplest logic, the higher the battery voltage, the more torque the tool has. However, this is not at all the case with professional models, for example, many 12-volt models have a high torque - from 24 Nm and more. Whereas in simple household models, in order to achieve a force of 20 Nm, a screwdriver must have an increased power supply, most often this is a level of 18-24 volts.
A clutch for adjusting the torque, with a scale printed on it, in the range, usually from 1 to 20, is called a ratchet. It works in the same way as shifting gears in a car. The smaller the number set on the ratchet, the less force the tool uses to tighten the self-tapping screw. With the ratchet, you set the torque limit, above which the engine starts to idle and the chuck stops rotating. You need to know that the scale of numbers on different screwdrivers indicates different levels of torque, that is, the position "3" in one tool does not coincide in force with the position "3" in the other.
It is worth doing several test runs before starting work, changing the ratchet indicator, and only then, having chosen the right position, get down to business.
Impact function and drill diameters
The length and diameter of the screw to be screwed in depend on the torque indicator. The more powerful the tool, the thicker and longer the screws it will be able to tighten. You can also drill into hard materials with this screwdriver. For example, a device with a torque of 36 Nm will perfectly drill wood with a drill with a diameter of up to 25 mm. A torque rating of 80 Nm indicates that the tool will cope with drilling holes with a diameter of 65 mm.
The overpayment for the impact function of a screwdriver is relatively small, so it makes sense to purchase such a tool for work at home. It will perfectly cope with drilling not only wood, but even metal in small volumes.
If you are engaged in construction and you need to drill a lot of holes in concrete, it is still better to buy a hammer drill: even the most powerful screwdrivers cannot cope with such work.
Equipment
The standard minimum kit in which the screwdrivers are supplied usually includes:
- plastic case;
- the screwdriver itself;
- accumulators in the amount of 2 pieces;
- Charger;
- bits (from 1 or more pcs.);
- instructions.
Some manufacturers can add a flashlight and an extra bit set to the kit as a bonus.
Some manufacturers offer an expanded set of screwdrivers with a convenient case, flashlight, and an additional set of attachments
Rating of cordless screwdrivers from different manufacturers
The modern power tool market offers a huge range of cordless screwdrivers from both world famous brands and less popular companies. We offer you a rating of these devices, compiled on the basis of materials from the resource "Yandex.Market".
Table: popular models of screwdrivers
| Model, manufacturer | Specifications | Maximum torque | Rpm | Battery | approximate cost | User rating |
| Makita DDF343SHE |
| 36 Nm | 1300 |
| 7700-13000 RUB | 5 out of 5 |
| DeWALT DCD730C2 |
| 57 Nm | 1900 |
| 12,500-19,000 RUB | 5 out of 5 |
| Interskol DA-10 / 14.4M2 |
| 17 Nm | 1400 |
| 4000-6000 RUB | 5 out of 5 |
| Makita TD090DWE |
| 90 Nm | 2400 |
| RUB 7500-11500 | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Bosch PSR 7,2 Li Case |
| 10 Nm | 240 |
| 4500–6500 RUB | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Hilti SFC 14-A |
| 45 Nm | 1700 |
| 17,000 RUB | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Black & Decker EPC12CA |
| 11 Nm | 750 |
| 2300-4100 RUB | 4 out of 5 |
| Hitachi DS12DVF3 |
| 26 Nm | 1200 |
| 4,800-10,000 RUB | 4 out of 5 |
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