A screwdriver does the same thing as a screwdriver, but hundreds of times faster. Therefore, if you need to tighten one or two screws, use a screwdriver. But if you need to assemble a wardrobe or, say, insulate a balcony with plasterboard, then you can’t do without an electric screwdriver. It is similar to an electric drill, but it drills with bits rather than drills. A bit is a special attachment for a screw, screw or self-tapping screw. Each self-tapping screw (screw, screw) has its own bit. It can be of different sizes.
A screwdriver is similar to an electric drill, but instead of a drill, it has a bit.
How to use a screwdriver?
The screwdriver is designed specifically for driving screws, self-tapping screws, and screws. His great dignity– self-contained, that is, you don’t need an outlet and the cords won’t get in the way. It runs on a battery that is charged from the mains alternating current via an adapter (the battery charging process resembles the charging process mobile phone). After charging the battery, lightly pressing it, insert it into the handle of the tool.
The batteries are nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion. Which one should you choose? Nickel-cadmium is the cheapest, but toxic. Lithium-ion - environmentally friendly, but expensive. Nickel-metal hydride ones are intended for professionals who, as part of their duties, have to deal with repairs for a long time.
Replaceable tips, bits, are fixed in a three-jaw chuck manually no deeper than the top edge. To make it more convenient to hold the cartridge in your hands when attaching attachments, the cartridge is covered with ribbed rubber on top.
How to use a screwdriver? After the required nozzle is installed, put a self-tapping screw on the bit and place it on Right place, press the screwdriver button - the self-tapping screw is tightened.
The screwdriver can be used as a stand-alone electric drill. You cannot drill with it for a long time, as the battery discharges quickly. But it is quite possible to make several holes in the profile or drywall.
And yet, the main purpose of a screwdriver is to tighten screws without drilling a profile. With a certain force, the self-tapping screw will drill through both aluminum and even steel profiles.
On the tool, if necessary, there is a button for smoothly changing the speed and a reverse button if you need to unscrew the screw back.
Safety precautions
The instructions instruct you to use a screwdriver after all settings have been made.
When the tool is turned on, you cannot adjust the frequency and direction of rotation of the tip (bit). It is necessary to protect the tool from water entering it. The room in which production will take place renovation work, should be well lit.
Naturally, the main feature cordless screwdriver is his mobility at work. It can be used in places where there is no electricity or access to it is limited. When performing various types of installation, assembling furniture and other work, the screwdriver will become an indispensable assistant. The presence of a second battery in the package allows you to continuously work with a screwdriver, using one and charging the second. When operating any tool, you must remember to comply with safety precautions, as well as its correct use, which will be discussed further.
To start working with a screwdriver, you need to fully charge the battery, no matter if it is a Makita or an inexpensive Chinese tool. It’s good if the screwdriver has an indication of the battery charge level, which will make using the battery convenient. To start charging, you need to connect the charger to the network - the indicator light will light up Green colour. The battery has a special groove, thanks to which it can only be inserted into the charger in the correct way, which will protect the battery from reverse polarity. The battery must be installed tightly so that the contacts of the charger and battery fit securely against each other.
After installing the battery into the adapter, the red indicator will light up, indicating the charging process. When charging is complete, the indicator will change color to green. After fully charging, install the battery into the screwdriver. So, you can get to work. It is worth noting that the color of the indicators may differ depending on different manufacturers, however, the process itself is always exactly the same. Torque adjustment
A distinctive feature of the screwdriver is the presence of an adjusting ring, which is responsible for torque. This feature allows you to avoid excessive screwing in or stripping the screw slot. Thanks to special mechanism the chuck stops when the screw is tightened and the motor continues to run. You can use the adjustment ring to set the drilling mode. In other positions of the regulator, the clutch will begin to slip at a certain force. The engine speed switch (if equipped) allows you to use two speed modes with a lower or higher number of revolutions.
Reversing switch
An absolutely necessary thing in a screwdriver. This switch is used to change the direction of rotation of the chuck. In the central position, the switch blocks pressing the start key. In the other two positions, the chuck will rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, allowing screws to be screwed in and out. This key is always located above the start button in such a way that you can change the direction of rotation of the cartridge with a large and index fingers without using your other hand.
Installing the bit into the chuck
Screwdrivers can be keyless chuck plastic or metal, which greatly simplifies the process of installing the bit and removing it, however, many models have hexagon chucks, i.e. Allows you to directly insert a bit or tool without twisting. To secure a drill bit or bit into a keyless chuck, insert it into the screwdriver as far as it will go and tighten the chuck by hand. You can also hold the front of the cartridge and pull the trigger and the cartridge will unwind.
Storage, maintenance and cleaningThe drill and charger do not require any special equipment. Maintenance. It must be stored in a dry place that is not exposed to low temperatures and direct sun rays. It is necessary to regularly check the integrity of the device and ensure that the mounting bolts are tightened. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use active solvents or aggressive chemical compounds, which may damage the screwdriver. Maintain the device in proper condition, which will extend its service life, store batteries in a warm place, cooling in winter can negatively affect their quality and service life.
A screwdriver has become one of the most popular tools for interior finishing work. This is explained by the widespread use wall panels, suspended ceilings, applications wooden slats as a covering material. These works require the massive use of screws and screwing them into the surface. Therefore, the relevant question is correct operation device so that it works long and reliably. In this article we will talk about cordless screwdrivers, as the most popular form this tool.
To bring this device into working condition necessary:
1. Take it out of the case and inspect it for visible damage - cracks on the case, etc. If they are found, it is prohibited to use the tool.
2. After inspection, attach the battery to it, and then make sure that there is enough charge to start work. If the battery slowly rotates the tool spindle, you need to remove the battery and put it on charge (see how to charge it below), and connect another battery to the tool instead.
3. After making sure that the battery has gained sufficient charge, the required attachment is installed in the screwdriver depending on the nature of the work (tightening screws or drilling) and the size of the screws. We will talk in detail about installing the attachment further, but here we focus on the fact that for the safety of work during installation or replacement of the attachment, the battery must be removed so as not to accidentally turn on the screwdriver.
4. Using the controls on the instrument, select:
- operating mode - drilling, working with screws, some models also have an impact mode, for example, the .
- rotation speed of the nozzle (if the tool model has several stages of rotation, for example); direction of rotation - for drilling and tightening screws clockwise, for unscrewing screws - counterclockwise.
5. If you have to drill to a certain depth, then in screwdriver models that have limiters on the drilling depth, you need to set it.
remember, that proper preparation a tool is a guarantee of safety when working with it.
The most important part of the operation of the tool, on which the operating life of the device largely depends. How to charge a screwdriver battery depends on its type. The most common are lithium-ion batteries. Such a battery, with its compact dimensions, charges quickly and has no memory effect. The main disadvantage is the rapid discharge in the cold and the high price.
In outdated models there are nickel-cadmium batteries. They are cheap, reliable, but have a memory effect. That is, if you do not completely discharge them before charging, the battery capacity will gradually decrease.
How long you need to charge a battery depends on its type and capacity. Li-Ion batteries charge the fastest. The battery of a household screwdriver charges within an hour. The same capacity will charge for 7 hours.
How do you know that the screwdriver is charged? On charger There is an indicator, for example, for the model, it is on the right. The red light is on - the battery is charging, the green light means it can be used. You can also rely on your own experience. By the charging time and the nature of the screwdriver’s operation, you can judge whether its battery is charging.
If you have a model with a nickel-cadmium battery, then you should know how to pump up the screwdriver battery, which will inevitably reduce its capacity after several years of use. And if you use the tool incorrectly, that is, do not let the battery fully discharge before charging, then it will be faster.
In order to restore capacity, you need to know how to discharge the screwdriver battery correctly. And this means a gradual decrease in charge by connecting a twelve-volt light bulb with a power of 25-40 W to it. After complete discharge, charge the battery to capacity and then discharge it again. Repeat the procedure at least 5 times. This procedure cannot completely restore the capacity, but it will significantly increase the operating time of the screwdriver.
Equipment installation
The screwdriver can be equipped with drills or attachments for tightening and unscrewing screws. When the required attachment is selected, it is necessary to rotate the chuck sleeve counterclockwise until its jaws are separated enough to insert the shank of a drill bit or screw bit between them. Then clamping is done in reverse order. There are two types of cartridges:
- the clamp is made without a key, but only by rotating the cartridge sleeve by hand;
- requiring additional compression using a special key, which is inserted into a recess in the chuck and rotates it, resting on a toothed rim, for example, as in a gear chuck.
How to remove the chuck from a screwdriver, for example, to lubricate it or replace it if it does not hold the attachment well. IN modern models The cartridges are screwed onto the shaft and secured with a screw with a left-hand thread for reliability. This is how the cartridges are attached in screwdrivers, etc. It is necessary to unscrew the screw and unscrew the cartridge by rotating counterclockwise. detailed instructions How to do this is available in the documentation for the tool.
How to use a screwdriver correctly and safely
Working with this tool is intuitive. But you need to know certain subtleties that reduce the risk of injury and tool breakage. So, how to tighten a self-tapping screw safely with a screwdriver:
1. Read the instructions carefully BEFORE using the tool for the first time, and not after something unpleasant has happened.
2. Correctly select the maximum torque at which the protective “ratchet” will operate and no force will be transmitted to the shaft. The tool is, of course, designed for maximum effort. But first of all, Full time job at maximum reduces service life. Secondly, the likelihood that the screwdriver can be torn out of your hands increases. Thirdly, by learning to correctly determine the maximum torque, you will reduce the likelihood of damaging the surfaces into which you screw screws. This is especially true for polished and fragile surfaces. For example, in the model the maximum torque is 30 nm, but you can set it to 5 nm.
3. Select the correct operating mode. There is no need to drill in the screwdriver mode, much less tighten the screws in the drilling mode, where the speed is higher. The tool may simply be snatched from your hands.
4. Don’t forget to control the direction of rotation. We tighten the screw - the cartridge should rotate clockwise, unscrew it - counterclockwise.
5. We do not change any cutting mode settings on the fly! This threatens to break the screwdriver and is unsafe.
Above we talked about the rules safe work directly related to the screwdriver. Now about general organization work with this tool:
- Work only with safety glasses and preferably with protective gloves, especially if you are drilling materials that can crack and “shoot out” sharp fragments.
- Before drilling, make sure that there is no electrical cables and other engineering networks.
- When tightening and unscrewing screws, as well as drilling small-diameter holes, do not lean on the screwdriver. The screw or drill may break and you may be injured.
- and have different time continuous operation. In any case, it is there! And you shouldn’t bring the tool to a hot state.
- After work, you need to disconnect the battery, remove the attachment, and wipe the tool from dust.
A screwdriver is a tool with which you can quickly screw in fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws, screws); it is used to assemble furniture, hang shelves, drill holes, install suspended ceiling or sheathing. To understand how to use a screwdriver correctly, it’s worth learning more about how it works and what kind of work can be done with it.
Modern devices are divided into subtypes that differ in functionality.
Exist:
- screwdrivers, with which you can only tighten fasteners;
- wrenches used for tightening hexagons;
- cordless screwdrivers are the least powerful simple tools;
- drills and screwdrivers, also used for drilling holes.
Depending on the type of power supply, devices can be battery-powered or mains-powered. The former are considered more convenient because they allow you to work away from outlets, including on the street.
Screwdrivers can be with a key chuck for fastening the drill or with a quick-release chuck.
Tool selection
Most important indicators What you should pay attention to when purchasing is the rotation speed and power of the screwdriver.
The rotation speed affects the functionality of the device. Tools whose speed does not exceed 350 rpm are suitable for tightening or unscrewing fasteners. Drilling will require devices with a rotation speed greater than or equal to 1000 rpm.
If you plan to purchase a cordless screwdriver, you should find out its type. The most common devices with lithium-ion cells differ long term services. It is recommended to choose them if the device will be used frequently.
If work using a screwdriver is rare, a nickel-cadmium cell is more suitable - they are cheaper and are not as prone to self-discharge as lithium-ion ones. For exclusively home use Network powered devices are also suitable.
Additional parameters that will make working with a screwdriver easier and more convenient:
- work area lighting;
- a torque boost pulse used to recess fastener heads;
- impact mechanism;
- increase in rotation speed.
Design
The tool consists of a housing in which the motor and gear mechanism are located; chuck (clamp for replaceable drills); battery or cord to connect the device to the network.
Preparing for work
Before using a screwdriver, you need to select a nozzle that fits the size of the head of the fastener. For installation in a tool with keyless chuck the nozzle is pushed between the cams, and the sleeve is turned clockwise. To fix the nozzle in a device with a key cartridge, insert the key nozzle into the socket and turn it clockwise until it is secured.
A device equipped with a battery should be charged, and a device powered by the mains should be plugged into an outlet.
To make sure that the screwdriver is working properly, first turn it on idle. Check whether the direction of rotation of the nozzle corresponds to the direction of the fastener thread. 
Screwing in and tightening fasteners
The instructions for using the device are simple:
- The tip of the nozzle is inserted into the slot of the self-tapping screw or screw, and the device is turned on.
- To increase or decrease the twisting speed, increase or decrease the pressure on the start button.
- When the self-tapping screw is tightened, the force limiting mechanism will automatically work, after which the work will stop.
- To unscrew the screw, the nozzle is placed in the slot, having previously set the lever for the direction of rotation of the nozzle in the opposite direction.
Features of operation
Incorrect operation and breakdowns may occur after switching tool operating modes while the chuck is rotating. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to perform all operations only after turning off the screwdriver and stopping the engine completely.
It is also necessary to correctly select the torque of the device, taking into account the hardness of the material being worked with:
- Fiberboard and drywall. To tighten self-tapping screws into these materials, use 1–4 modes.
- Hardwood. The regulator ring is moved to the maximum value.
Important! It is better to set a lower torque value than required. If you select an overestimated value, after tightening the self-tapping screw, the screwdriver chuck will continue to rotate and will not stop as expected. The spline will be damaged.
You can only use a screwdriver as a drill for a short time. When using a tool that is not intended for drilling for a long time, the electric motor may overheat, which will lead to damage to the device.
Safety regulations
- Do not allow moisture, sand and construction dust to get inside the tool.
- The room in which work takes place must have high-quality lighting. If you are using a screwdriver powered by electricity, you should make sure that the network is stable and there are no voltage drops.
- Switching operating modes is carried out only when the tool engine is completely stopped, in the off state.
- If the tool begins to work with force, the speed of rotation is reduced or turned off for a while.
- Do not touch grounded objects with the device: the worker may receive an electric shock.
- In order for the screwdriver to work properly, the chuck is regularly lubricated and cleaned of dirt.
Knowing how to use a screwdriver correctly, you can avoid making common beginner mistakes, which significantly reduce the life of the device and sometimes lead to complete failure of the tool.
What is a screwdriver? Essentially, this is the same drill, but a screwdriver differs from it in that it has a lower rotation speed of the chuck and, at the same time, greater torque.
Another difference is that while on a drill the rotation speed can change smoothly, on a screwdriver, as a rule, “fixed” rotation speeds of the chuck are set. This is due to the “slip” function of the screwdriver chuck: when the screw is tightened, the chuck stops rotating, although the motor is still running. This function allows you not to tear off the splines and not “drive” the screw inside.
Different types of speeds are designed for specific types of work and materials, as well as the “drilling” mode. Just like a drill, a screwdriver has a reverse function. The design features of the screwdriver allow it to perform a wide range of jobs: tightening and unscrewing screws and self-tapping screws, screws and nuts, drilling soft materials.
Using a screwdriver, e.g. in production plasterboard partitions or when assembling furniture, it increases the speed of work significantly. Therefore, a screwdriver is rightfully considered one of the most common tools in any craftsman’s kit.
The designs of all screwdrivers are approximately the same. They are quite light and have a “pistol” handle, designed for working with the tool with one hand. The start key is designed in such a way as to regulate the rotation speed by pressing force.
An important element of a screwdriver is its power source. If drills are produced in both mains-powered and autonomous (battery) versions, screwdrivers, due to the nature of their application, are almost exclusively battery-powered. The battery is the heaviest and most expensive part of the screwdriver.
Household models of screwdrivers are usually equipped with nickel-cadmium batteries (designated “Ni-Cd”), while more expensive professional models are equipped with lithium-ion (“Li-Ion”) batteries. Their difference is that nickel-cadmium ones have a shorter service life (about 1000 recharges), and also have one unpleasant feature: if the battery is not completely discharged, its capacity decreases during subsequent charging.
But whatever the battery, its capacity is limited by the weight of the tool. Therefore, even the most expensive models of screwdrivers can work continuously for no more than a few hours. Some manufacturers solve this problem by introducing a second spare battery into the screwdriver kit. However, this significantly increases the cost of the tool. The battery is charged from a regular network. The charging speed again depends on the model and can range from 2-3 to 6 hours, although some models of screwdrivers provide “fast” charging in 10-15 minutes.
Operating rules
Working with a screwdriver is easy. The jaws of the chuck hold the attachment required for the job (“bit”, or wrench, or drill), and by pressing the screwdriver with some force, pressing the button rotates the chuck. If it is necessary to unscrew a screw or pull out a drill, “reverse” is activated. When working, you should follow several rules:
- Fully charge the screwdriver before using it. At the same time, strictly follow the charging time instructions - “overexposure” of the battery in the charger shortens its service life.
- When working, choose the “screwing” or “drilling” mode correctly - this way you will protect the motor and gearbox of the screwdriver from damage. Please remember that the screwdriver is not designed for drilling into stone or concrete.
- Try not to throw or drop the screwdriver - it is a rather fragile tool.
- Keep the screwdriver clean - remember that fine dust and dirt particles act as an abrasive in the rubbing parts, and the screwdriver elements fail faster.
- Now you're in general outline Do you have an idea of what a screwdriver is and how to work with a screwdriver? It's time to pick up the instrument and create!