Choosing a tool is not an easy task. You need to fit into the budget, choose a copy with good characteristics and not make a mistake in choosing the manufacturer. In this article we will talk about how to choose a screwdriver, what types they are, and which one is better.
The first thing you need to decide when choosing a screwdriver is whether you need a household tool or a professional one. The difference between them is significant. First of all, the working resource differs. Professional models made of more durable and expensive materials. They can serve for several years even with constant use in production. Household models last several times less, but also cost several times less.
You need to choose the class of screwdriver - household or professional
If you need a screwdriver “to have it” - for various chores around the house or cottage, an inexpensive household model will be enough. They usually have a one-year warranty, but can last quite a long time. If serious repairs are planned or construction begins, a screwdriver will have more than enough work. Then a professional or semi-professional model will come in handy. But some owners decide that it is better to buy two household tools than one professional. In general, how to choose a screwdriver based on this parameter is up to you.
Impact wrench, screwdriver, screwdriver, drill-driver... which is better
When looking at models of screwdrivers, you are sure to come across impact wrenches, screwdrivers and drill-drivers. How they differ and which is better to choose are two questions that many people have. The main difference is in the purpose of the tool:
As is clear from the description, for construction or household work There is a choice between a screwdriver and a drill-driver. The second modification is universal tool, which has two modes of operation - drilling and tightening screws. It's good for occasional use. That is, if large-scale work is not expected, but you need (or want) a tool on your farm, this is an excellent choice. But, if you are starting a construction project, major renovation, it’s better to take a separate drill and screwdriver. As practice has shown, under prolonged loads they cope with their responsibilities better than combined devices.
If you need a drill/driver, in addition to the parameters important for a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to the parameters for the drill:
- What materials can it be used for drilling? There are universal ones that can work with wood, concrete and metal. Are different high power and high price. They are only available for working with wood and concrete.
- Maximum drilling diameter for each material. Typically, in softer materials (wood) the hole diameter is larger, in concrete and metal it is smaller. But there are also exceptions.
For household use More often they recommend a drill-driver without drilling for metal. This function is available for powerful units that have high cost. You don’t have to drill metal very often, so this power is often excessive. And for drilling metal, it’s better to still have a drill.
Mains power or batteries
There are two types of screwdrivers - mains-powered and battery-powered. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a corded screwdriver is that it works as long as there is voltage in the network. The second positive point is that it is cheaper than similar battery-powered tools. But the biggest plus corded screwdrivers- they can be inactive for as long as they want without compromising their performance. Cordless tool requires regular “training” during periods of prolonged inactivity. Batteries must be discharged and recharged periodically. Otherwise, they may not “wake up.”
There are also disadvantages - the power cord limits freedom of movement and sometimes gets in the way quite a bit. The second drawback is that 220 volts are not available everywhere, and on construction sites this is generally rare. The question of how to choose a screwdriver that operates from the mains is practically not worth it. All you need to pay attention to is the length of the power cord. The longer it is, the more convenient it is - there is no need to use a carrier. The rest of the choice lies in the selection of technical parameters.
Cordless screwdrivers also have their pros and cons. Plus - greater mobility and independence from power supply. Minus - more high price, greater weight and the need to recharge batteries. That is, dependence on power supply still exists, but not so severely.
If desired, you can have a second set batteries(many companies immediately equip their tools with two batteries). This will ensure virtually uninterrupted operation. Despite the inconvenience of charging and extra weight, most people decide to purchase a cordless screwdriver. And when they talk about how to choose a screwdriver, they mean a battery-powered tool. If you come to this opinion, you need to understand the types of power elements.
Selection by battery type
Rechargeable batteries for screwdrivers come in different types. And the cost of the tool largely depends on the type of batteries. What’s also interesting is that a new set of batteries costs almost the same as the tool with this power supply included. Therefore, you should be careful about the rules for using batteries.
Types of batteries for screwdrivers
Let us briefly consider the types of ABs, their advantages, disadvantages and features.
Most of the tools on the market are equipped with nickel-cadmium batteries. They are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Expensive professional models use lithium-ion cells. How to choose a screwdriver? Pay attention to the type of battery, since the rules for recharging and storing depend on their type.
Battery parameters
When choosing cordless screwdriver Be sure to pay attention to the power supply parameters. The duration of operation on one charge and some other points depend on them. Here's what you should look at first:
Also pay attention to whether batteries are included with the battery and their number. Usually two pieces come with the tool, but there are only screwdrivers without AB. Before choosing a screwdriver with a battery, decide on the type of battery and its parameters.
Chuck type
There are two types of screwdrivers: keyed and quick-release chucks. The second option is more convenient, since the bits are released and clamped by turning the chuck, without additional devices. In this case, the tool is held with the left hand and the chuck is rotated with the right. Keyless chucks come in two types - with one or two couplings. The second coupling serves to lock the shaft so that the nozzle can be changed. If there is only one clutch, there is a button on the housing to lock the shaft, with which the shaft is locked. In this case, before starting to replace the nozzle, press the shaft lock button, hold it, and replace it. Release the button, you can work.
There are two types of quick-release chucks - single-clutch and double-clutch
An additional advantage of the quick-release chuck is that you can install a nozzle with a shank of any diameter into it. The main thing is that it fits into the holder. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we pay attention to such a parameter as the diameter of the chuck. It determines the maximum diameter of the nozzle that can be installed.
Key cartridges require a special key. It is inserted into the hole in the chuck, turning in one direction or the other, and the bit or drill is released or clamped. This tool costs a little less, since its design is a little simpler.
Selecting parameters
To fully answer the question “how to choose a screwdriver”, you need to talk about technical specifications. The parameters of the batteries and cartridge have already been discussed, some remain specifications, which you need to pay attention to.
Torque
In the technical specifications there is a line “Maximum torque”. This is an indicator that shows how much force the tool can develop. It is measured in Nm (Newton per meter). For a household (amateur) tool or for a “clean” screwdriver, it is enough for the maximum torque to be 10-15 Nm. For a professional and universal one (with a drilling function), it should be larger - in order to quickly and confidently do the right job even on hard materials or screw in powerful screws.
Number of steps
For different materials and different screws require different torque. It is changed using a special switch, which allows you to change it from minimum (1 Nm) to maximum. The number of steps may vary. The more there are, the more accurately you can select the required force. This is not so important for corded screwdrivers, but it is important for cordless ones - with heavier loads, the batteries discharge faster. Therefore, it is important to choose the optimal mode.
To track when the drill has reached the specified torque, the moment this parameter is exceeded, the chuck rotates idle, making clicking noises. This mechanism protects the instrument from overheating and is popularly called a “ratchet”. A useful feature that extends the life of the screwdriver.
Torque selection
How to choose a screwdriver based on torque? If you buy a tool under certain type work, you can focus on the diameter of the screws that will have to be tightened. This parameter is also in the technical specifications, but there is the following dependency:
These parameters will also be useful during work - you can immediately set the required values, only slightly adjusting the value for a specific case. So, when working with drywall, you will need a lower value so as not to overtighten the screws and not pierce the cardboard. You will have to select the torque depending on the type of wood - the screws go into spruce with more force than into pine.
Spindle speed or speed
The torque must be provided by a sufficient spindle speed. To work with soft materials type of wood, normal speed is 400-500 rpm, to work with concrete or metal, faster rotation is required - 1200-1300 rpm - this is normal.
So when choosing a screwdriver, look not only at the torque, but also at the spindle speed. They must be agreed upon. Only then will it be convenient to work with the tool in different modes.
Number of speeds
There are screwdrivers that can operate at two speeds. These are mainly professional and semi-professional models. Speeds are switched depending on the density of the material being worked with. You can try different speeds and with screws of different sizes.
Having two speeds is useful for professional models
Selecting the speed allows you to save battery power. As a result, the tool lasts longer on a single charge. For household models, this is not the most necessary option, but it is nice to have.
Additional options and convenience
And the last thing people pay attention to when deciding which screwdriver to choose is ease of use. It’s definitely worth paying attention to how comfortable the instrument “fits” in your hand. You often have to work for several hours at a time, and if your hand gets tired quickly, it becomes torture. For greater comfort, rubber pads are placed on the handle. They significantly increase the comfort of use. There are other options that make your work easier.
Availability of reverse
Almost all modern screwdrivers have reverse motion or reverse. It allows you to quickly unscrew a screw or pull out a drill stuck in the material. Reverse motion is activated using a special button, which is located near the trigger.
To prevent the tool from immediately changing direction (accidental pressing of the reverse button is possible), many models, for safety reasons, have an intermediate mode. After switching, the shaft stops, and only then does it start in the opposite direction.
Belt feeding of screws
This option is only needed in production, where a screwdriver is used constantly. Fasteners are installed in special plastic tapes(that's how it's sold). This tape automatically feeds the next screw onto the attachment after the previous one has been tightened.
Screwdriver with belt feed screws
This option saves quite a lot of time, but the price of such a tool is high. For home use this “bells and whistles” are not the best The best way spend money.
When we hear the word drill, we remember our neighbor’s unkind words and his long repairs. But when faced with minor household problems, we go to him for the treasured device. Having settled our problems, each time we are going to buy a drill for the house so that indispensable assistant was always at hand. We suggest not to delay correct solution for an indefinite period and begin choosing a device. All that remains is to understand its types and decide what is better to choose: a screwdriver, a drill or a wrench?
What is a drill for?
The device is designed to perform work related to drilling various materials: wood, metal, glass, plastic. In other words, if you need to hang a picture, shelf, cornice, then an electric drill will come to your aid. In turn, it can become a more functional device, since it is divided into the following types:
1. Impact drill. Its main difference is that it has an eccentric, which adds some impact torque to the drill during operation. If you need to make a hole in concrete or brick wall, then an impact drill is your choice.
2. Drill mixer. It can be called a highly specialized device that can be useful on construction sites for cooking concrete solutions or other mixtures. As a rule, they rarely choose it; it is much better to choose impact drill with different nozzles.
3. Drill/driver. It differs from a conventional device in that it can drive screws. Due to the light weight of the device, the drill is mainly used for household work.
4. Drill with hammer. Universal device can be used not only for drilling, but also when it is necessary to chisel walls. Comparing it with an impact drill is not entirely correct, since this tool has an electro-pneumatic mechanism, which makes it a powerful and reliable device.
To choose the right drill, it is not enough to know its types. Next, we will look at the classification of tools according to their cost and functionality.
Which drill is better to choose?
When buying tools, you should know that they are divided into 3 types:
Economy class. They don't have a lot of power, but they can handle small jobs quite well. Mostly instruments from Asian companies or little-known European manufacturers are presented.
Budget models. Among the manufacturers, Interskol and Zubr stand out. The drills are characterized by good performance and reliability.
Professional models. They differ high power, practicality and will last long years. Most famous brands– this is Makita, DeWalt, AEG.
When deciding which drill company to choose, base it on your individual needs. Most best option for home tasks these are budget models. In case you need a tool for repair and construction work, then it is better to trust Makita.
What is the difference between a drill, a screwdriver and a wrench?
Knowing what a drill is, you can understand the purpose of other tools. A screwdriver and impact wrench are a tool that is similar in appearance to a “gun” that has a comfortable handle for gripping. The main task of such devices is to tighten or unscrew self-tapping screws, screws, nuts, screws. You can use them for drilling, but it is not recommended, since they do not have required power.
If you need to choose a screwdriver for your home, then you can choose a regular budget model. If you need to carry out work related to drilling, especially metal, then even a professional screwdriver will not help, so it is better to buy a drill.
There is also traditional methods use of the device. Fishermen use an ice screwdriver during winter fishing. Another use is for stirring various mixtures or paints. Choose good tool quite easy if you clearly understand why you need it.
Which tool is better, cordless or electric?
Power supply of the device is one of the important points when choosing any technology. There are the following types of tools:
1. Electric drill. In this case, it becomes clear that for the screwdriver or drill to function, it must be connected to an outlet. This tool is convenient to use at home, but for street work he doesn't fit. When choosing it, you should pay attention to the length of the wire, its insulation and attachment to the drill. It must be reliable so that the cord does not break during operation of the instrument.
2. Cordless screwdriver. They mainly pay attention to the battery capacity; the larger it is, the longer the drill can operate continuously. It should be taken into account that it is advisable to buy a screwdriver for the home that is light in weight, and a more powerful battery increases the weight of the device. The following types of batteries are distinguished:
NiCd. The advantages include low cost and frost resistance. If you need a screwdriver for work that requires immediate activation of the tool, then this type will not work. Because the battery requires discharging and then a full charge cycle.
NiMH. Such a battery also requires a full charge and discharge cycle. Among the advantages are light weight and good battery capacity.
Li-Ion. A cordless screwdriver with this battery is the most good option. The tool can be charged at any time, it does not have much weight. True, it does not withstand frost well and is not cheap.
A good option– This means purchasing a device with two batteries. While one is in use, the other is in reserve.
There are also pneumatic devices that are used less frequently, since they are necessary for professional activity. For example, a pneumatic impact wrench is indispensable tool for work at a service station or tire shop. To build a pneumatic line, you must have a separate compressor that can simultaneously service several impact wrenches through a special hose.
How to choose the right impact wrench, screwdriver and drill?
The operation of tools is determined not only by the type of power supply, but by the characteristics that influence its operation:
1. Power. For home use just buy a screwdriver electric power from 500 to 700 W. Because the higher this indicator, the higher the cost, dimensions and motor of the device.
2. Type of cartridge. The most popular is the quick-clamping one. It is clamped with a spring and tightened by hand. Next view– a key cartridge that needs to be clamped using a special key, which creates some inconvenience in operation.
3. Torque. There are two types, soft and hard. The first is responsible for the screwdriver's torque rating. On average, the rotation speed can reach up to 350 rpm. The hard torque indicates the maximum force of the drilling force. The rotation speed can reach up to 1000 rpm.
To choose a wrench or screwdriver that is easy to use, you should pay attention to the weight. Depends this characteristic on engine power. Since for its functionality a cooling system is provided, reverse, which as a result increases the weight of the drill.
Let's sum it up
The tool must be selected taking into account individual capabilities:
For household use and small repair work An impact drill with a power of up to 700 W is suitable. It can be used to drill holes on a variety of surfaces. For the preparation of building mixtures Just take the mixer attachment.
For professional construction work, a corded drill/driver is required. Its main difference from regular tool– this is the ability to adjust the torque. It is very often used when working with drywall. The corded screwdriver is characterized by good mobility and the ability to use it for complex construction tasks.
A highly specialized drill-mixer will be indispensable for a tiler. For professional work the power of the device is suitable, convenient fastenings to hold it. As a rule, this type of drill comes with a variety of attachments for preparing tile mortar.
Complex household jobs can be completed in a few minutes if you have the right tools. The most important thing is to clearly define the list of tasks that the tool must cope with. After this, you can proceed to choosing your individual assistant.
Greater twisting force with simultaneously less pressure on the tool by the operator.
Many people often wonder what are the advantages and differences between an impact screwdriver (wrench) and a regular one, and who needs this tool and why? And here it is important not to confuse an impact drill with an impact screwdriver, which is sometimes more correctly called a wrench. An impact screwdriver or impact wrench has a tangential impact (in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation), i.e. the force for tightening screws or nuts is not applied continuously, but with a high-frequency series of small blows, as if you had put an open-end wrench on the nut and started tapping it with a hammer. The total force applied is calculated as the sum of the forces of these impacts per unit time.
Based on this, we can immediately highlight the advantages and disadvantages of instruments of this class.
Advantages of impact screwdrivers (wrenches)
- High torque! For most battery-powered models, the torque range lies between 80 and 250 Nm!
- Convenient for tightening nuts. At low loads, the tool operates in a non-impact mode with continuous force (quickly tightens the nut along a loose thread), and when the resistance increases, it switches to impact mode (tightening with a high torque).
- There is no need to apply a large pressing force to the tool when tightening screws and self-tapping screws, thereby saving the caps from “licking”. You can also use it to unscrew those screws and self-tapping screws whose heads have already begun to lift up.
- Reduces torque load on the operator's wrist.
Disadvantages of impact screwdrivers (wrenches)
- Low drilling speed when switching to impact mode.
- Inapplicability of jaw chucks (hexagons only) with rare exceptions.
- The inapplicability of the torque limiting clutch, due to which the tightening process has to be controlled independently all the time, which is not always convenient at high rotation speeds of the tool shaft.
- Increased noise in shock mode.
And in order to more clearly imagine the difference between an impact screwdriver (wrench) and a regular one, let’s summarize their main technical characteristics in one table:
| Impact screwdriver (wrench) | Regular screwdriver | |
| Model | Bosch GDR 10.8-LI Professional | Bosch GSR 10.8-LI Professional |
| Photo |
|
|
| Torque (soft/hard) | n.d. / 105 Nm | 13 / 30 Nm |
| Speed | 0-2600 rpm | 0-350 rpm |
| Beat frequency | 0-3100 beats/min | — |
| Battery | 10.8 V | 10.8 V |
| Weight | 0.96 kg | 0.8 kg |
| Average price without battery as of 01/2016 | 8200 rub. | 6500 rub. |
Pneumatic tools are safer than electric ones and can work in any aggressive environment. Pneumatics have a high power output, no sparking and no need for additional cooling. Such instruments are manufactured in a closed case, can work in any weather and are applicable in large production.
Gasoline powered tools are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke. The first ones are simpler, smaller in size, but their noise level is higher. The latter make less noise, but their repair is more difficult. Any Gas engine needs periodic cleaning, lubrication, replacement of spark plugs and air filters. However, the advantages of gasoline-powered tools are autonomy, efficiency and high power- distinguish them favorably from the rest.
Other characteristics
Choosing a battery Charger It should be borne in mind that a standard charge will prepare the tool for use in 3–6 hours, which is quite acceptable for use at home. For professional equipment, a pulse charger will help restore functionality within an hour.
It is worth paying attention to the battery capacity (0.3 – 18 Ah). For example, a battery capacity of 1.3 Ah will only last for a couple of hours of operation, but a battery with a capacity of 3 Ah will be suitable for long-term work. The weight of the tool directly depends on the battery capacity: the larger the capacity, the heavier the device.
The higher the power, the larger the dimensions and weight of the motor. The cost of the device directly depends on the power indicator. If you plan to use the drill only for household work, the power
When carrying out construction or repair work, it is almost always necessary to fasten together various building materials, panels or structures.
Very often this is done using screws, bolts or screws. In this case, you cannot do without the appropriate tools - a screwdriver and a screwdriver. How do they differ from each other and what do they have in common?
Both of these tools are designed for screwing (or unscrewing) various fasteners and, in general, the principle of their operation is the same: the electric motor creates rotational movement, and the planetary gearbox transmits energy from the engine to the spindle, on which it is attached chuck screwdriver or screwdriver. Both of these tools can be powered either by mains or battery.
Differences
The main difference between them is the adapter for attaching the attachments.
If the screwdriver has keyless chuck, which allows you to fix both the cylindrical shank of the drill and the hexagon bits, then the screwdriver is designed for fastening exclusively bits and is not capable of holding drills. We can say that a screwdriver is a more specialized tool. It copes more effectively with tightening thick and long screws.
Another difference may lie in the operating principle of the screwdriver. The tool uses the principle of tangential impact. While the screw easily enters the surface, the tool rotates it quickly, and when more or less serious force is required, it switches to frequent blows.
Screwdrivers are often used when carrying out large volumes of stationary work, for example, in repair shops or service stations.
Screwdriver or screwdriver
Main advantages of the screwdriver:
- Works more effectively with long and large screws or self-tapping screws.
- High speed for driving medium screws into wood.
- More economical in terms of power consumption for the network option.
Advantages of a screwdriver:
- Versatility. Allows you to fix a drill with a cylindrical shank.
- Availability of several operating speeds.
- On average, lower cost.
The choice of these tools in retail chains is quite wide.
In general, it is quite difficult to give a definite answer to the question “which of these two tools to choose?” It all depends on the tasks that must be solved during the renovation or construction. For household purposes, a screwdriver is more suitable, and if you need to constantly carry out a large amount of work with fasteners, then it makes sense to opt for a screwdriver.