Every man who has ever made at home has a screwdriver or wants to buy one. Surely, without having this tool, it will be difficult to carry out repairs in the house, regardless of whether it is a minor or a major repair, but it’s not worth talking about building a house at all - without it, it’s like without hands. Below we will figure out how to choose a screwdriver that will best suit your ideas. In parallel, we will analyze the golden mean in terms of price-quality, and also look at the available options on the market.
Structural elements
So, let's start the story by taking a closer look at the elements that a cordless screwdriver has in its design:
- Electric motor. It drives and rotates at a certain speed, which will be discussed below.
- Planetary type gearbox. Carries out the transfer of rotational force to the spindle on which the clamping chuck sits.
- Regulating clutch. Attached to the gearbox and adjusts the torque.
- Clamping cartridge. Serves for fixing working nozzles - the so-called bits.
- Control system. Includes tool start button and forward/reverse switch.
- The power source is a battery. cordless screwdriver is convenient to use in places where there are no outlets or the carrying cord is not reachable.
Now a few obvious, but necessary for mentioning, types of work in which it will be convenient to use this tool, influencing the choice of a screwdriver for the home:
- Screwing in and unscrewing various fasteners such as bolts, self-tapping screws, screws and screws.
- During installation work, you can tighten the anchors or dowels harder.
- Works great in wood, both soft and hard.
- You can also drill metal surfaces.
- With the appropriate nozzle (tap), it will turn out to cut the thread.
Eliminate errors during selection
When you need to choose a good screwdriver for your home, having come to the store, you do not immediately need to focus solely on the price of the tool. When deciding how to choose a good screwdriver, it is advisable to read the passports with the characteristics of the models you like. The passport must indicate all the main technical parameters of the device. So when studying, you need to pay attention to the rotation speed, torque, if this is a battery device, then with which battery it is. According to the study of these data, you need to make a decision on the acquisition.
Household or professional?
Before going to the store, or on the way to it, consider what kind of repair or construction work you need this tool for. And already based on your conclusions, you need to make a choice of a screwdriver according to the parameters. If you are not an enthusiastic home master and you only need to take out the device a few times a month, then why do you need to buy a professional model, which will cost several times more. After all, you must admit that an amateur model that runs on battery power will be enough for you. It will have all the necessary functions, and the household model will weigh much less than the professional one.
However, when you almost daily need to twist, build or assemble something, then you already need to pay attention not to cheap household models, but to more expensive, but extremely powerful models for professionals. They, most often, are powered by the mains, and also have a greater weight and size. It makes sense to buy such corded drill screwdrivers for those who have large amounts of work with increased loads on the tool. And how to choose a screwdriver of a network design also needs to be studied.
Rotation speed and torque
To understand how to choose the right screwdriver, you need to study the concept of torque. He is responsible for the force with which the screwdriver will tighten the fasteners to be screwed, or with what force it will resist the applied load. For example, for a domestic version, the torque is 10-15 Newton meters. For professional models, it can be up to 130 Nm, so they are able to drill even hard materials. With a similar torque, the motor shaft develops 1200-1300 rpm, while for household models this parameter is 400-500 rpm.
The torque determines the length of the screwed fastener and its diameter. Simply put, professional models will be able to tighten longer and thicker screws or self-tapping screws. In addition, this option can be safely used on hard materials, without thinking about its breakage.
Another point that you need to understand in order to figure out how to choose a good screwdriver is torque. It, unlike other power tools, can be adjusted. For these purposes, there is a simple device - a limiter. In fact, it is a ring that is located behind the chuck. With the setting of the limiter, you can achieve a certain force, after which the fasteners will no longer be twisted. That is, it looks like this - they twisted the hardware and the cartridge immediately stopped, with the engine spinning. With such a restriction, the sound of a ratchet is always heard. The presence of such a limiter saves the tool from many problems - disruption of the slot of self-tapping screws, wear of bits, and also from excessive recession of fasteners into the surface to be treated.
A ratchet mounted on the motor coupling protects it from overload, thereby allowing the torque shaft to rotate freely. So, for example, if you set the maximum torque, then it will be enough to unscrew the tightest screw, and not overload the engine. In order to enable the simple drilling mode, the clutch must be rotated to the minimum value. This removes all torque restrictions, and the tool starts to work in the mode of a conventional drill.
This, by the way, is another characteristic for figuring out which screwdriver to choose for homework. There are two modes of operation: the first allows you to simply drill, and the second - to tighten the fasteners.
To understand which screwdriver is better to choose, you need to consider a few more nuances. It is necessary to clarify how stable the electric motor of the device works under load, and whether the frequency of its rotation is maintained. An important point is the quality of the battery, ie. preservation of charge and residual power of the device with a dead power supply.
Mains or battery?
Naturally, it will not be a discovery that there are 2 versions - those with a battery and working from the mains. Network devices have a sensitive weight, but, of course, they can only work near sockets, or use extension cords. Devices with batteries are much lighter and have a significant advantage - autonomy. Therefore, it is also necessary to find out how to choose a cordless screwdriver for the home.
It is not always necessary to work where there are sockets for connection, which is why battery models, of course, will be preferable. You will surely agree that it will not be a great pleasure to move meters of wires with you, and even less will be unraveling these wires. At a height, working with a network model is generally problematic, because in addition to long wires, they are also heavy. That is why we will consider battery models. In this context, it will be important to select its type.
How to choose the right battery
In order to work comfortably, and not constantly run and charge it, you need to carefully consider the choice of battery. There are no particular difficulties in which screwdriver to choose for the home - you just need to take the tool as powerfully as possible. A spare battery will also be useful in further work, if it is included in the kit.
With regards to the duration of recharging, professional models are charged for about 1 hour, while household ones can be delayed up to 7 hours. Everything will depend on the charger.
All screwdrivers use three types of batteries:
- Lithium-ion;
- Nickel-cadmium;
- Nickel-metal-hybrid;
Nickel-metal hybrid batteries
Nickel-Metal-Hybrid (Ni-MH) batteries are gaining popularity. Almost all European manufacturers of screwdrivers switch to them. They are light and small with no memory effect. They have only two drawbacks:
- They do not like overcurrent and frost;
- The cost is still high.
However, despite this, they have 1500 recharges with a constant capacity. In order to properly store such batteries, they must be fully charged. Discharged storage is not permitted. They don't have as much memory effect as nickel-cadmium ones, but they are more powerful.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
These batteries are more toxic, but they have twice the number of recharges than the previous ones. That is why the devices currently on the construction market mainly have power supplies based on nickel-cadmium elements. They also do not have a high price, and they are not afraid of frost. And this is better than you can imagine for domestic climatic conditions. However, such batteries have a significant self-discharge and memory effect, which cannot add to their merits. In order to store them, they must be completely discharged. Otherwise, you may end up with a battery with a lower capacity.
Li-ion batteries
Batteries of this type are not as common as the previous ones. They are even more sensitive to low temperatures than Ni-MH, and their power is not too high. The number of recharges reaches 3000 times, they practically do not undergo self-discharge, and there is no memory effect. However, the high capacity of the battery does not make up for the excessively high cost. According to the conditions of use in everyday life, they are very convenient, but their cost will not please at all.
In order to understand how to choose a cordless screwdriver for the home, you should not spare your time spent on selecting a battery. After all, more than half of the cost of the device is the price of the battery, and to be more precise, it is 60-70%. When choosing, compare the following characteristics available in the factory passport:
- Battery capacity;
- Battery voltage;
- Whether or not self-loading is present;
- Whether or not there is a memory effect.
The battery is a removable element. Structurally, it is made of a certain number of batteries combined in one housing. All of them are fastened with plates. The output voltage of the sources is summed up and can be 10, 12, 14.4, 18 or 24 volts. It is this parameter that will determine the duration of continuous operation, as well as the power of the screwdriver.
The capacity of the battery will depend on what elements the battery consists of. It will also determine the number of recharges, as well as the duration of work. Keep in mind that capacity will decrease over time.
Now a few words about the memory effect of the charge - this is the ability of the battery to lose total capacity when it is not discharged, and then fully charged. In other words, before charging it should be completely discharged. When a charged battery is idle, it will still lose its charge. Therefore, if you plan to store a nickel-cadmium battery, it must be completely discharged.
Let's give one more piece of advice regarding batteries. Do not look only at the output voltage of the device. It is also necessary to pay attention to the ratio of current strength to operating time.
Types of cartridges
To figure out which is better to buy a screwdriver for domestic use, you need to study the clamping element. Chucks for fixing parts can be of 2 types - key and quick-clamping. The key requires a special toothed key for clamping. And if a keyless chuck is installed, then everything is simpler - the clamping occurs by simply pulling it up with your hands.
In turn, the cartridges that are clamped with a key may have either one or two clutches. When a single clutch is used, there is a mechanism to block the shaft while changing the nozzles. When there are two clutches, there is no blockage, and the cartridge is held by one of the clutches. The second will clamp the cartridge.
Reverse
The return stroke is usually called a reverse. It usually uses an electronic motor pole changer. For the greatest convenience, the button for switching the reverse stroke is installed near the start button. The switch has 2 positions, respectively, forward and backward. In the middle position, the device will be blocked. This is done in order to take the tool out of work for a while.
Design and ergonomics
Thinking about how to choose a screwdriver for the home, you do not need to limit yourself to just studying the information on the sites. After all, after all, you will need to work with the tool, so it’s worth holding it in your hands, checking how the buttons are pressed, how they switch. It is worth feeling the center of gravity, which should be located in the area of the handle. With a similar center of gravity, the hand will be less tired during operation. Behind the cartridge there must be a torque regulator, which we have already mentioned above.
A small screwdriver is useful, for example, when you need to assemble furniture
The classic model containing all the basic functions.
Complete set of screwdrivers can also be different. Choosing an inexpensive screwdriver is not difficult. The ideal option would be to have not only the tool itself, but also the necessary nozzles. This will enable you to save your time on finding the right items, and save money, because. retail they will be more expensive anyway.
Conclusion
After looking at all the necessary parameters in this article, write down the most optimal ones that will suit your needs, and feel free to go to the stores to study which company is better.
For a household tool, the optimal parameters may be the following:
- The torque is from 10 Newton meters;
- Rotation speed 400-500 rpm;
- Two modes of operation - drilling and twisting;
- Reverse device;
- The presence of a battery;
- Battery type - nickel-metal-hybrid or nickel-cadmium;
- Output voltage from 10 to 14.4 Volts;
- The value of ampere / hours will be, the more the better. So, for example, when two batteries you like have the same voltage, and one has a higher ampere / hour value, then it is better to take it.
For greater clarity, you can study the video in which you can understand which one to choose and look at a kind of rating of currently available models.
Repair is a permanent state, and a screwdriver will become a good and necessary assistant in it. There are also almost everyday things in which the help of modern technology is useful. For example, how often do you drive or remove screws? I think often. 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 exact (up to a millimeter) drawings, to assemble and fit the details of a multi-level bookcase, a folding sofa, while alternately tightening and unscrewing the screws, 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 corns.
In other words, screwdrivers are designed to drive screws and self-tapping screws without pre-drilling the hole. They allow you to save energy, quickly and easily perform labor-intensive manual work, and improve its quality. - this is one of the three important tasks of a man. And, having built it, equip it with beautiful and comfortable furniture, decorate it with paintings and enclose it with an attractive picket fence. In all this reliable assistant will be a screwdriver.
The device and principle of operation of a 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, the screwdriver has an adjusting ring that allows you to set the required torque: as soon as the screw is tightened, the chuck stops. while the engine continues to run. This prevents the slot on the screw from breaking off, its “leaving” 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”, i.e. all torque is transmitted to the drill. It depends on the limiter how accurately you wrap the screw and whether its cap remains on the surface.
This tool will help to fix a lot of small, but necessary interior details, it simply does not know fatigue
But what about the drill?
What screwdriver is needed for the home?
Like all tools, screwdrivers are professional and amateur. As has been repeatedly written, professional ones are designed for continuous, uninterrupted, constant work and have a large resource, are made from more expensive materials and, of course, are more expensive. And amateur tools involve a smaller scope of work, a smaller resource and a lower price.
Family contract - modern screwdrivers, even in graceful female hands, will be obedient and useful
Often people hunt for a serviceable motor 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 not difficult to calculate. There are corded screwdrivers, these are professional and very powerful tools. But cordless screwdrivers are more common on sale, and it is these tools that are offered for the home user.
Assembly of furniture is the main application of screwdrivers. No matter how many screws, you will tighten them quickly and efficiently
What are the advantages of a cordless screwdriver?
It is safer, more mobile (the wire does not interfere, and you can safely work, for example, on the stairs). A cordless screwdriver is indispensable in the country and just on the street. , more ergonomic, lighter, which means that when working with it, you will get much less tired.
What is the best screwdriver battery?
Theoretically, a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is better. For environmental reasons, all of Europe is switching to such batteries, since nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) contain cadmium, which is considered an allergen. But so far our choice is limited, and Ni-Cd batteries are the most common. By the way, they have their pros and cons. Ni-MH batteries are smaller, but can withstand high currents worse, and a tool with a Ni-Cd battery is better not to use in freezing 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, you charge the other. With this configuration, the difference of 0.5 Ah may not be noticed.
And the main disadvantage of household models compared to professional ones is that charging them usually takes 1-2 hours, and few models can boast a half-hour charge.
Very small household models due to their size are very convenient when working in corners and other hard-to-reach places
Screwdriver torque and speed
We have already talked about the limiter, but now we’ll clarify what numerical parameters you should look at when choosing a screwdriver. 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. The impressive numbers in front of the letters Nm (there are models up to 30 Nm) are useful when screwing screws into hard materials, such as steel, hardwoods - beech, hornbeam, oak, as well as when using a screwdriver as a drill - for drilling large diameter holes. But do not forget that the maximum drilling diameter for screwdrivers is still limited, because 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 performs under load, whether it keeps revs well and whether it produces enough power when the battery is discharging. True, this can only be found out experimentally. Another serious indicator is the maximum turnover. For tightening screws, 500 rpm is enough, but for drilling, 1200-1300 rpm is already needed. 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 models of screwdrivers will cope with a large amount of work, for example, with the installation of the roof of a house or floor details
Screwdriver selection and proper care
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 tools, the level of service and maintenance time, the price / performance ratio of power tools and spare parts should influence the decision on choosing a particular model of 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 handling, proper storage and operation conditions (dry place, without direct sunlight, temperature range from 10 to 25 ° C). Leaving a screwdriver idle for a long time, especially in a discharged state, is harmful to its battery, so periodically give it at least some work. Or, disconnect the battery for storage. And batteries with a “memory effect” will have to be “driven away” before work, that is, repeat the charge / discharge cycle several times.
When buying a screwdriver or hammer drill, you need to pay attention to many criteria. You can purchase an ordinary household tool that is suitable for minor repairs, but it is also possible to choose a professional or universal one, the power of which is greater. When choosing, attention should be paid to what maximum torque of a screwdriver or punch is provided, otherwise the tool can be broken in the first hour of fruitful work.
Screwdriver speed
The maximum torque of a screwdriver is a value indicating the load level. It is different for professional and home devices. But most often it is 5-10 Nm (Newton per m), which is quite enough for high-quality, safe operation of a screwdriver. This is enough to ensure work even with very tight self-tapping screws, when drilling such surfaces, such as concrete or steel, when creating holes with large diameters.
What should be the maximum torque of the screwdriver? If you need a universal screwdriver, then the torque must be chosen quite high, so that with the help of the device it is possible not only to screw in self-tapping screws, but also to drill holes with a different diameter from each other.
If a man is a jack of all trades and likes to independently carry out repairs in his house, then he probably has a complete set of necessary tools. Among them, a screwdriver - depending on its power, it can also be called an electric screwdriver and a drill - occupies a significant place. Those who make often or 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 so that it becomes your reliable assistant in household chores?
What is this tool and what is it for?
Whether 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 force 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 anchor bolts during installation;
- cut threads in small metal parts.
Professional builders and repairers use screwdrivers regularly. It is difficult to imagine a more convenient tool for fixing, for example, drywall sheets during 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.
Cordless screwdriver consists of the following elements:
- housing with an electric motor that provides rotation;
- clamping cartridge;
- a rotary coupling attached to the gearbox, which regulates the twisting force, with a scale applied to it, in the common people - a ratchet;
- nozzle bits (screwdrivers), which are fixed in the cartridge, as well as additional nozzles for drilling holes and threading;
- tool start button;
- rotation speed switch;
- reverse switch (reverse);
- removable battery.
With a cordless screwdriver, you can work anywhere in the apartment
Why is it worth giving preference not to the usual, but to the cordless screwdriver? Devices powered by a wall outlet are not limited in operating time, you do not have to charge them. But they have a significant disadvantage: with such a screwdriver, you will not go far from the outlet. Of course, you can use an extension cord, but you have to adjust to the constantly interfering cords. 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:
- the shape, ergonomics and size of the tool, as well as its weight;
- type of battery and its capacity;
- indicator of maximum torque (effort);
- the presence or absence of a shock function;
- the maximum possible diameters of drilling in wood and metal;
- device equipment.
In addition, of course, you should take into account the price of the product and the name of the manufacturer. But we will talk about these parameters later, and now we will consider in detail the listed criteria.
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 the presence of other working settings, the difference in the course of work is not always noticeable.
Most modern models of cordless screwdrivers have keyless chucks, which are suitable for any bits and drills. Some models have sockets for hex bits. The choice of cartridge, as a rule, is motivated by individual criteria for ease of use, it cannot be said unequivocally that one type is better and the other is worse.
Shape, size and ergonomics
These characteristics may not seem the most important to you if you do not classify yourself as a home craftsman. But for professionals who work with a screwdriver all the time, they are very relevant. For example, tool size. Its importance can be seen from two sides.
Screwdrivers of small size 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 much power, and therefore it will be more difficult for them to screw a self-tapping screw into a hard material.
Smallest cordless screwdrivers - hammerless screwdrivers - light 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 offset by the ease of working with durable materials. If you often have to drill, then large powerful models are your choice.
Large, powerful cordless screwdrivers suitable for professional construction and repair work
Before buying, think about how often you will use a screwdriver. If you need it several times a month for small household tasks, you should not purchase an expensive large-sized model with high power. It is better to take a compact tool from the budget line.
The ergonomics of the tool is 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 it will be for you to use 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 prolonged work with such a screwdriver, calluses may appear on the palm of your hand. The location 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 depends to a large extent on it. There are three types of batteries on the market today:
- 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 a particular case is a purely individual matter, but it is worth considering them in detail.
Table: comparison of batteries of different types
| Battery type | Advantages | disadvantages |
| Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) |
|
|
| Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) |
|
|
| Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
|
|
Of course, for home use, buying an expensive tool with a lithium-ion battery is not always advisable. The most objective choice would be a screwdriver on 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 characterized by long life, high capacity and no "memory effect"
Battery capacity is also an important parameter. Most often, inexpensive models of screwdrivers are equipped with a 1.3 A / h (Amp / hour) battery. For example, if you are assembling a drywall ceiling at an average pace, one charge of such a battery will be enough for 3-4 hours. And since the charging time is less than an hour, you can not be afraid of downtime in work. Mega-power impact drivers are equipped with 2 or 3 Ah batteries. Many of these models do an excellent job of drilling metal and hard wood.
For the simplest screwdrivers intended for household use, the maximum rotation speed of the chuck is about 500 rpm, while for professional powerful tools it reaches 2000 rpm.
The optimal battery voltage for a screwdriver is in the range of 10-14.4 volts. The larger it is, the higher the maximum torque will be.
Torque - adjustable ratchet force
The concept of torque defines the force applied by the tool relative to the screw being screwed, or the force of resistance to the load. For domestic use, screwdrivers with a torque of 10–15 N m (Newton meters) will be optimal. For professional models, this figure reaches 130 N m, so they do a good job even with drilling very hard materials.
The higher the torque of the screwdriver, the better it will cope with drilling in hard materials.
For screwing conventional self-tapping wood screws up to 150 mm long, a force of 10–15 N m is sufficient.
According to the simplest logic, the higher the battery voltage, the more torque the tool has. However, this is not the case with professional models, for example, many 12-volt models have high torque - from 24 Nm and above. Whereas for simple household models, in order to achieve a force of 20 N m, the screwdriver must have increased power, most often this is the level of 18–24 volts.
A clutch for adjusting torque, with a scale applied to it, usually from 1 to 20, is called a ratchet. It works on the same principle as shifting gears in a car. The smaller the number set on the ratchet, the less force the tool uses to tighten the screw. With the help of a ratchet, you set the tightening force limit, above which the engine starts to idle, and the rotation of the cartridge stops. You need to know that the scale of numbers on different screwdrivers indicates different levels of torque, that is, position “3” for one tool does not match the position “3” for another in terms of force.
It is worth making 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
Both the length and diameter of the screw being screwed depend on the torque indicator. The more powerful the tool, the thicker and longer screws they can tighten. In addition, you can drill hard materials with such a 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 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 working 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, then it is still better to buy a hammer drill: even the most powerful screwdrivers will not cope with such work.
Equipment
The standard minimum set in which screwdrivers are supplied usually includes:
- plastic case;
- the screwdriver itself;
- batteries in the amount of 2 pieces;
- Charger;
- bits (from 1 or more pieces);
- instructions.
Some manufacturers may add a flashlight and an extra set of bits as a bonus.
Some manufacturers offer an extended set of screwdrivers with a convenient case, a flashlight, an additional set of nozzles
Rating of cordless screwdrivers from different manufacturers
The modern market for power tools 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 based on the materials of the Yandex.Market resource.
Table: popular models of screwdrivers
| Model, manufacturer | Specifications | Max Torque | RPM | Battery | approximate cost | User rating |
| Makita DDF343SHE |
| 36 Nm | 1300 |
| 7700–13000 rubles | 5 out of 5 |
| DeWALT DCD730C2 |
| 57 Nm | 1900 |
| 12500–19000 rubles | 5 out of 5 |
| Interskol DA-10/14,4M2 |
| 17 Nm | 1400 |
| 4000–6000 rubles | 5 out of 5 |
| Makita TD090DWE |
| 90 Nm | 2400 |
| 7500–11500 rubles | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Bosch PSR 7.2 Li Case |
| 10 Nm | 240 |
| 4500–6500 rubles | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Hilti SFC 14-A |
| 45 Nm | 1700 |
| 17000 r. | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Black & Decker EPC12CA |
| 11 Nm | 750 |
| 2300–4100 rubles | 4 out of 5 |
| Hitachi DS12DVF3 |
| 26 Nm | 1200 |
| 4800–10000 rubles | 4 out of 5 |
For some jobs, you have to tighten a lot of screws. You can, of course, do this manually with a screwdriver, but this requires considerable effort and takes a lot of time. To speed up the process, you need to choose a screwdriver. There are very inexpensive models - household ones - which, nevertheless, greatly facilitate the installation and dismantling of screws. And some can work in drill mode.
Household or professional
As you know, professional screwdrivers are more expensive, but this is no coincidence. They are made with a large margin of safety, for which better and more expensive materials are used. In addition, they have more power, which makes it possible to drive longer self-tapping screws and / or work with harder materials.
To decide whether you need a household or professional screwdriver, estimate the amount of work that will need to be done. If you are starting a construction or major renovation, you probably need a professional or semi-professional model. If the tool will be needed periodically - unscrew / twist something from time to time, household is more than enough. With such work, the resource of a pro tool simply will not be in demand. So choosing a screwdriver according to this criterion is not very difficult.
Battery or mains
Having decided on the class, you will need to decide whether you need a cordless or cordless screwdriver. The disadvantages and advantages of both are obvious: the battery has higher mobility and the cord does not interfere with work, but it weighs more. The network does not depend on the presence of a battery charge, but not all construction sites have power supply. In general, the choice is not easy. The decisive moment may be that a cordless screwdriver with a good battery is decently more expensive than a similar model powered by the mains. The difference is formed due to the presence of a battery - good options are not cheap.
If you decide to choose a power screwdriver, pay attention to the length of the cable. The longer it is, the more convenient it will be to work - you don’t have to carry a carrier.
To choose the right screwdriver on batteries, you need to pay attention to the type of battery. This determines the duration of work on a single charge, as well as the order of storage.
- Lithium-ion (Li-lon). Holds a charge for a long time, charges quickly, has a large number of recharges, almost does not discharge during storage. In general, a good option, but expensive. Because, probably, it is more common on professional models, where the duration of work on a single charge is important. The disadvantages include the fear of cold, which is important in our country.
- Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). This type of rechargeable batteries is environmentally friendly, they are small in size and weight, and have an average price. Disadvantages - they also do not like low temperatures, they have a short service life - about 3 years. But it is easier to work with such a tool - the hand is not so tired. When storing the battery, the battery is fully charged; discharged batteries cannot be stored. During storage, they are discharged, but moderately.
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD). The main advantages are low price and a service life of 5 years (the number of charges is about 3000), it is not afraid of frost, that is, you can work outside in winter. Disadvantages - takes a long time to charge (it takes twice as long to charge batteries of other types), has a "charge memory". Charge memory is a nasty thing. If you charge a battery that is not fully discharged, then the total capacity of the battery will decrease. It will become less just by the value from which the charge began. Therefore, it is necessary to work with such a tool until the battery is completely discharged, which is far from always convenient: it cannot always “tighten” the screw, you have to help with your hands or tighten it with a “fresh” battery. Store fully discharged for storage, otherwise the capacity will decrease again.
The cheapest type of batteries are nickel-cadmium, but they have a "charge memory"
So, if you choose a cordless screwdriver for occasional work, a nickel-cadmium battery will do just fine. If used carefully, it lasts a long time. If you start large-scale work, it is better to use other batteries - there will be less downtime, the work will move faster.
Cartridge type
There are two types of screwdriver chuck: key and quick-clamping. Quick-clamping (usually has three petals) allows you to change nozzles in a matter of seconds - the cartridge is turned a little by hand, the nozzle changes, after which it is again turned a little in the opposite direction. In addition, there is another positive point: it is fashionable to install a nozzle of any thickness in such a holder. The main thing is that the shank fit into the holder.
The same operation with a key cartridge requires a special key. It is inserted into a special socket, rotated until the nozzle is released. After replacement, the key is turned in the opposite direction. The disadvantage is obvious: you need to have this key on hand.
By structure, keyless chucks can have one or two clutches. If there are two clutches, one of them fixes the cartridge, the second - the shaft. If there is only one clutch, then there is a shaft lock button on the body.
It is not difficult to choose a screwdriver according to this parameter - usually everyone converges on quick-clamping ones. They allow you to fix nozzles of large sizes, though they are, all other things being equal, a little more expensive.
Technical specifications
Once you have decided on the type of screwdriver and power, you need to focus on the technical specifications. They determine which screws and what material you can screw into.
Rotation speed and torque
The force with which a screwdriver can turn a screw is determined by the torque. It can be quite small for household models - 10-15 Nm, and can reach 130-140 Nm for professional ones. Because pro screwdrivers can easily and quickly tighten large self-tapping screws and work with hard materials.
But a large torque is not always necessary and not with all materials, therefore, screwdrivers provide the ability to adjust the applied force. There is a limiter for this. It is made in the form of a movable ring, which is located behind the chuck.
There is a mark on the ring, setting it opposite a certain number, you set the maximum force that the tool can develop. Upon reaching this value, the cartridge will scroll to idle - the screw will no longer be twisted. The achievement of this value can be clearly tracked - the ratchet is turned on.
Many models of screwdrivers can work in two modes: the actual tightening of fasteners and drilling. Such models are called a screwdriver-drill, but they are now the majority. To switch to the drill mode, the switch is set to its extreme position (having previously replaced the nozzle). This turns on the maximum speed, which allows you to drill even fairly hard materials.
Screwdriver power
Both the torque and the speed of rotation are a consequence of the power of the electric motor. Therefore, you need to look at this parameter as well. But here it is necessary to monitor three quantities at once: so that the power of the screwdriver corresponds to the speed parameters. Powerful models with good parameters can be found from many manufacturers, but such as Metabo (Metabo), Bosch (Bosch) and Makita (Makita) and other well-known prices for them are very high. There are other brands with similar characteristics, but more reasonable prices. For example, RYOBI (Ryobi). The brand is still little known, but according to reviews, it is no worse than the above-mentioned famous brands. In order to be able to compare the main characteristics and price of models of approximately the same power, but different brands, we will summarize them in a table.
| Model | Tool type | Chuck type/diameter | Maximum idle speed | Max Torque | Number of speeds | Maximum drilling diameter wood/metal | Battery type, charging time | Battery capacity/voltage | Opportunities | fixtures | The weight | Equipment | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GSR 1800-LI 1.5Ah x2 Case | hammerless drill driver | quick-clamping 0.8-10 mm | 1300 rpm | 34 Nm | 2 | 29 mm / 10 mm | Li-ion | 1.5 Ah / 18 V | power button lock | 1.4 kg | 6.7 tr - 7.5 tr | ||
| Bosch GSR 18-2-LI Plus 2.0Ah x2 Case | hammerless drill driver | quick-release 1.5-13 mm | 1900 rpm | 63 Nm | 2 | 38 mm / 13 mm | Li-ion | 2 Ah / 18 V | reverse, spindle lock, electronic overload protection, electronic speed control | 1.49 kg | case, two batteries, charger | 11 tr - 13.5 tr | |
| Makita 6347DWDE | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 1.5 - 13 mm | 1300 rpm | 80 Nm | 2 | 38 mm / 13 mm | Ni-Cd | 2.3 Ah / 18 V | 1.5 kg | 13 tr. | |||
| Makita 6347DWAE | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 1.5 - 13 mm | 1300 rpm | 80 Nm | 2 | 38 mm / 13 mm | Ni-Cd | 2 ah / 18 V | reverse, electronic reverse, electronic speed control | socket for fastening bits, blocking of the power button | 1.5 kg | two batteries, charger, bit, case | 11.3 tr. - 12 tr. |
| Hitachi DS18DVF3 | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 13 mm | 1200 rpm | 45 Nm | 2 | 21 mm / 12 mm | Ni-Cd | 1.4 Ah / 18 V | reverse, electronic speed control | bit socket, additional handle | 2 kg | case, flashlight, set of nozzles | 7.6 tr. - 9.5 tr |
| Hitachi DS18DSFL | hammerless drill driver | quick release 2mm / 13mm | 1250 rpm | 41 Nm | 2 | 38 mm / 13 mm | Li-ion | 1.5 Ah / 18 V | reverse, electronic speed control | power button lock | 1.7 kg | 8.7 tr. - 11.6 tr | |
| Metabo BS 18 10mm 1.3Ah x2 Case | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 1-10 mm | 1600 rpm | 48 Nm | 2 | 20 mm / 10 mm | Li-ion | 1.3 Ah / 18 V | reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control | bit socket, spotlight, power button lock | 1.3 kg | two batteries, charger, case | 7.7 tr. - 8.1 tr. |
| Metabo BS 18 Li 2012 13mm 2.0Ah x2 Case | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 1.5-13 mm | 1600 rpm | 48 Nm | 2 | 20 mm / 10 mm | Li-ion | 2 Ah / 18 V | reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control | bit socket, spotlight, power button lock | 1.5 kg | two batteries, charger, case | 10.3 tr. - 10.9 tr. |
| RYOBI RCD18021L | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 1.5-13 mm | 1600 rpm | 45 Nm | 2 | 38mm / 13mm | Li-Ion | 1.4 Ah / 18 V | reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control | socket for fastening bits, magnetic holder on the body, spotlight, power button lock | 1.2 kg | one battery, charger, bit, bag | 7.1 tr. - 7.8t.r. |
| RYOBI R18DDP-0 | hammerless drill driver | quick-release / 13 mm | 1600 rpm | 45 Nm | 2 | 32 mm / 13 mm | 18 V | reverse, electronic reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control | socket for fastening bits, magnetic holder on the case, blocking of the power button | 1.81 kg | bit (without battery and charger) | 2.7 tr. - 2.9 tr. |
It is worth saying a few more words about the number of speeds of work. Do not confuse with the number of rotation speeds. These are two modes of operation that are used when working with different sizes of screws or drills. When working with small screws / drills, you can select a higher speed, when screwing in large self-tapping screws or drilling large holes, a lower one.
Battery Options
To choose the right screwdriver with batteries, in addition to the type of batteries, you must select their operating parameters:
To choose a screwdriver for home or professional use and not regret it, you must look at these parameters. If you have selected several models, compare them according to these characteristics, because it depends on them how long the interval between screwdriver battery charges will be.
Additional functions
As usual, these features are optional, but they greatly improve usability. Some prices, if they raise, are not at all significant, and some are quite noticeable. To choose the most inexpensive screwdriver, you can get by with a minimum - reverse and the presence of illumination of the place of work. The rest, of course, are useful, but are more suitable for professionals.
Reverse or reverse
The presence of this option allows you to unscrew a screw or a drill stuck in the material. The direction of rotation is changed by changing the polarity of the power supply, which is carried out through a special button. It is usually installed close to the trigger lever.
Most often, the travel direction switch button has three positions: on average, the tool is blocked. This increases safety: if you accidentally hit the lever, the screwdriver will simply stop, and not immediately start to rotate in the opposite direction.
Illumination of the working area
A very convenient option that does not really affect the price of a screwdriver is the illumination of the place of work. With good lighting, it is much easier to control the instrument.
Illumination of the work area is a useful additional function of a screwdriver
An LED is built into the handle or body of the tool near the cartridge, which lights up when the start button is pressed. If you want to choose a screwdriver that is convenient to work with, make sure that there is a backlight for the place of work.
If you decide to opt for a cordless screwdriver, it would be nice to have a battery indicator. These are LEDs of different colors - green, yellow, red, which are located on the body. If it is green, the charge is full; if it is red, it is almost empty.
The location of the indicator depends on the company, but is usually located on the thickening of the handle, in the same place as the backlight LED, or in the upper part of the case.
Automatic feeding of self-tapping screws
Such screwdrivers are also called store-bought. This option is useful for professionals, especially those who work with drywall, where fasteners need to be placed in small increments. Self-tapping screws are mounted on a special tape, tucked into guides, automatically fed to the holder.
This option can be implemented in two ways: there are exactly store screwdrivers (pictured on the left) and there are nozzles for a conventional screwdriver. For home use, the second option is preferable, since the tool can work as a drill or reverse. A shop screwdriver is highly specialized equipment for professional use.