How To Choose The Right Drill Screwdriver

Choosing a screwdriver In this article, we would like to touch on the topic of choosing a screwdriver, to take a closer look at their types and, of course, technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying this type of tool.

Choosing a screwdriver

In this article, we would like to touch on the topic of choosing a screwdriver, take a closer look at their types and, of course, technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying this type of tool in order to fully answer a question that has recently arisen more and more often, namely. How to choose a screwdriver for home, cottage or work.

Applications of the screwdriver

• Twisting / unscrewing screws, screws, bolts and other fasteners;
• Drilling holes in wood, metal and brick.

• Stirring building mixtures and paints;
• Drilling holes for winter ice fishing.

There are a huge number of screwdrivers on the market, different in parameters and manufacturers. They are divided into professional and household, depending on the nutrient, cartridge size, power, a number of additional functions, delivery set and price. This division, however, is inherent in almost any instrument.

To begin with, let’s analyze the division by nutrient. Two types can be distinguished: rechargeable (Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-Mh) and electric, we will talk more about each of them below.

The most modern and most common, today, type of rechargeable batteries, not only in screwdrivers, but also in many other tools (as well as in portable devices that we all use). Modern Li-Ion batteries are designed for three thousand charge-discharge cycles. The rechargeable battery is lightweight and fast enough to charge; moreover, it has no memory to charge.

The main disadvantages are: battery life, which is three years, the need for constant use to get the most out of it, and significant cost.

They appeared on the market for a long time, they are used in many tools, not only in screwdrivers. Designed for one and a half thousand charge-discharge cycles. The shelf life of such batteries is five years, there is also the possibility of working in the cold, at temperatures up to 15 degrees and it is very important for the average buyer, the lowest price of all types of batteries.

The negative aspects of this type of battery are the rather long charging process (at best an hour), the presence of memory for a charge and the significant weight of the battery.

At its core, it is a cross between Li-Ion and Ni-Cd batteries. Found in screwdrivers much less frequently than the types of batteries described above. The number of charge-discharge cycles varies about a thousand. It has practically no memory for a charge, and has the lowest self-discharge among all types of batteries. Of the minuses, one cannot but note the weight.

All batteries differ in capacity and battery voltage.

Capacity is measured in amperes per hour (Ah). The higher this indicator, the more the battery is capable of carrying a charge, respectively, more work will be done on a fully charged battery.

Battery voltage is measured in V (Volts). This indicator determines the power that can be obtained from a screwdriver operating on these batteries. Simply put, battery voltage directly affects the maximum possible performance of soft and hard torque, which we will discuss below.

Very similar to drills (also check out How to Choose a Drill), the main difference is the torque adjustment. Models of this type of screwdriver are represented by only a few manufacturers of household tools. Renowned manufacturers focus on professional drywall screwdrivers, the cartridge of which begins to rotate the bit only after it is drowned in the material.

Corded screwdrivers are suitable for one-time work around the house or for professional use in repair and construction. Based on the situation, the absence of the need for charging can be considered a plus. Constraints created by the need for an electrical network, low mobility and tangled wires are definitely the main disadvantages of this tool.

Chucks and reducers

Screwdrivers come with either a quick-release three-jaw chuck (clamping range of the tooling from 0.5 to 13 mm), and with a hexagonal tool seat with a 1/4 inch shank. The keyless chuck is more practical and allows you to use any tool of a suitable diameter. Of course, the larger the chuck diameter, the more versatile the screwdriver is.

The hexagonal chuck is convenient for frequent tool changes and when working in hard-to-reach places. To drill with such a screwdriver, you must use drills with a hex shank. It is possible to install a conventional chuck with a hex shank.

Rotation from the engine to the chuck is transmitted by means of a gearbox. The gears inside the gearbox can be made of metal or plastic. Metal gears are most common in powerful professional screwdriver models.

They reflect two parameters, measured in Nm (Newtonometer), these are soft and hard torques:

• Soft torque is an indicator of the maximum force of a screwdriver in terms of twisting / unscrewing, the rotational speed in this mode for most screwdrivers varies from 0 to 350 rpm.
• Hard torque, in turn, reflects the maximum force in the drilling mode, in this case the rotational speed is usually calculated from 0 to 1000 or more revolutions per minute.

The larger these parameters, the more powerful, productive and practical the screwdriver is. For example, a screwdriver with a torque of 25 to 30 Nm can easily screw a self-tapping screw up to 70 mm long into a tree. To tighten self-tapping screws from 70 to 100 mm, a torque of 40 Nm is required. Longer self-tapping screws require pre-drilling the hole.

Additional features of some screwdrivers:

• The presence of the hammer mechanism is without a doubt quite a useful feature, especially when working with socket heads or when drilling holes in brick and stone.
• The presence of an impulse, periodically increased torque, is useful for easier drowning of fasteners into the material, when unscrewing a stuck self-tapping screw or even a drill if the hammer drill fails. It is especially useful when there is no way to rest in order to firmly press the screwdriver.
• The presence of 3 speeds will make it possible to fully replace the power drill at home, since the rotation speed of the chuck in this mode can be more than 3000 rpm, and the first speed will give out a decent torque.
• The presence of backlighting is very important when working in hard-to-reach places or with poor, or even completely absent lighting. The most successful version of the location of the backlight above the battery pack, there are models with a backlight located above the start button, which is less effective in most cases.

Summing up all of the above, I would like to note that it is impossible to advise a universal screwdriver for everyone, because many components of the choice depend on your goals and tasks that you are going to carry out with this tool, but finally, I will still share my opinion about the choice, some examples.

Home / cottage screwdriver

For the most part, the network version will be enough, due to the availability, light weight and lack of the need for special mobility. If we consider rechargeable versions, then it is worth paying attention to Ni-Cd and Ni-Mh, if you do not plan to use them often, this way you will save money and get a longer battery life.

In cases where frequent use is planned requiring continuous workflow, there is no doubt that choosing a Li-Ion battery will pay off 100%. Why don’t I advise taking more modern batteries for rare jobs? Everything is very simple, they are more expensive and are designed for stable use, do not forget that their shelf life is 2 years less, and therefore, there will be much more missed opportunities in this case.

For home needs, the maximum torque of 25-35 Nm will be quite enough, of course you can take a more powerful one, it all depends on your desire and financial capabilities. Battery capacity is not so important for occasional use at home, so 1.5-2 Ah will be just right.

Professional screwdriver

When working in hard-to-reach places, it will be logical to choose a more compact model. The features of frequent and long-term continuous use in many cases justifiably lead to the purchase of a Li-Ion screwdriver with a maximum torque of 40 Nm or more, depending on the type of materials with which to work in the future.

Li-Ion batteries, in this case, are relevant because of the continuity of the workflow provided by fast charging of batteries, and they are simply lighter, which is important for your hand during prolonged use.

The choice of additional features of the screwdriver directly depends on your needs. Try to clearly define for what needs you will use it, decide on a budget. Last but not least, if you have other tools, like a drill or a hammer drill, with rare use, these points will allow you to weed out unnecessary functions and highlight those that are clearly necessary.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the screwdriver market is full of various variations and choosing exactly what suits you will not be difficult. We hope we were able to help you decide on the choice of a screwdriver. We wish you the maximum return from the instrument and more positive emotions!

Everything about battery-powered screwdrivers: pros and cons

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

The advantages of the device also include:

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

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

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

Criteria for choosing a cordless screwdriver

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

Rotation frequency

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

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

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

Additional functionality

In branded models, the manufacturer, in addition to the standard features, also offers the user auxiliary functions. They greatly facilitate the work and can become a point above i, dispelling doubts whether it is worth buying this or that model.

Most often found in tools:

• The charge indicator is a small lamp that will tell you when to put the battery on recharge;
• Reverse and unscrew the screw, and the drill can be removed from the thick board;
• The impact mechanism is indispensable if you need to work with a stone surface or brick;
• Illumination of the workplace for some screwdrivers is so powerful that there is no need for additional lighting.

There is also an impulse, various blockers, speed switches, etc. Each additional function is a plus to the price of the device, which means that you need to be 100% sure about its need in the device.

Tool chucks

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

• The key drill in it holds a device resembling cams. The two sides of the chuck are connected with the fastening side to the center and in this way clamp the tool. The chuck nut is tightened with a special key that comes with the kit. It takes some time to replace the rig, but the hold is strong and secure, ideal for working with hard material.
• Quick-clamping one- and two-clutch. The main difference is that in single-cartridge cartridges, the nozzle changes with one hand to press the cartridge, remove the equipment, put the other. For two-clutch ones, you will have to use both hands, which is already inconvenient.
• Hexagon. A special socket for bits, which are necessarily included in the tool kit with such a chuck.

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

Torque

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

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

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

Choosing a drill driver

Working conditions

The drill screwdriver has two main functions:

• Drilling;
• Twisting and unscrewing various fasteners.

Each model can have one of two dominant functions. Therefore, when choosing a tool, you must immediately decide what will be priority: drilling or unscrewing screws. The choice of a drill-driver depends on the specifics of the work to be done.

The most convenient option for a drill driver is a cordless drill. It can function where it is impossible to bring an electric cable. During work on the construction of a new house, for example, there may simply not be access to the power grid nearby. A drill with a battery will save the day.

How to determine which drill is more focused on drilling or twisting? To do this, you need to look at characteristics such as:

• Number of revolutions per minute;
• Torque.

Cordless drill When choosing a model with a battery, you should also pay great attention to the battery itself. There are many different devices of this type on the market today. Batteries are:

• Nickel-cadmium;
• Nickel metal hydride;
• Lithium-ion.

The nickel cadmium battery should be discarded immediately. It is not environmentally friendly. Because cadmium is a harmful allergen. Nickel metal hydride devices are not bad. Lithium-ion batteries are of the highest quality, but there are still few tools with such devices on the Russian market.

The battery must have sufficient capacity so that it does not have to be constantly charged. Therefore, this item should also be properly checked. You can also take a drill with replaceable batteries or one that can be recharged from the mains without removing the device from the tool.

Drill types

Two types can be divided:

• An ordinary drill with a blow (screwdriver);
• Puncher.

A hammer drill is less powerful than a hammer drill. The drilling function is the main one. It is great for working with materials such as steel and wood. Tiles are also drilled with a drill. In order to work with not very hard materials at home, a regular drill is fine.

The puncher is a professional tool. The drilling function is not the main one. Usually, during operation, the impact function is not disabled. The hammer drill is an excellent tool for working with concrete. It can be used to make large holes in concrete walls.

A simple drill can work where a small hole diameter is required. For example, it can make holes in concrete up to 13 mm in diameter, in wood up to 20 mm, and in steel up to 8-9 mm. Larger holes require a different, more powerful tool.

Specifications

Drills have three main characteristics by which they differ.

1. Drilling diameter. This indicator has already been discussed above. In order for the drilling diameter to be high, a more powerful tool must be selected.
2. Rated power.
3. The number of revolutions per minute.

How to choose a drill

• 1 Types of drills
• 2 Specifications
• 3 Choosing a drill driver
• 4 Other things to consider
• Five

The choice of a drill depends on the specifics of the work to be done. Sometimes you can get by with a hammer drill, and sometimes you need a more professional tool. To choose a drill, you need to know some of the features of the various types of this tool.

What else needs to be considered

An electric drill / driver works by pulling the trigger. The harder the master presses on it, the higher the drill speed. Working with an electric drill is tiring because the hand is overstrained. When choosing, it is better to buy a professional tool that is maximally adapted for comfortable work.

The best power tools are produced in Western countries. The fact is that there is a highly developed segment of highly skilled workers. Almost all new developments in the field of electrical devices come from there.

What is a Impulse Screwdriver? Tool features

Impact screwdriver is a compact construction tool for a wide range of tasks. Unlike classic models, it has increased power and torque. This allows to work with rusted and overtightened fastening tools, the device can easily handle soft materials.

1. What it is?
2. How does it work?
3. How do I use the mode?
4. How to choose?
5. Top 3 best models
6. Conclusion

How to choose?

When choosing a model of a screwdriver, one should take into account the specifics and regularity of work. If you plan to use the tool often and intensively, then brushless professional models with a battery should be preferred. If you need a device for rare household chores (screwing a cornice, assembling furniture or hanging a shelf), then you can choose models with low power and mains supply. What to look for when buying:

• Weight and compactness of the model;
• Maximum torque;
• Automatic or manual switching on of the pulse mode;
• Ergonomics of the handle, rubberized elements on the contact parts of the body;
• The ability to switch speeds;
• Type of battery, its capacity.

If you already have special devices for working with fasteners, for example, a conventional screwdriver, impact drill and wrench, then the models with a pulse mode are not necessary. Most often they are used in construction, automobile workshops, where it is necessary to work with stuck and rusted fasteners.

How do I use the mode?

Under impulse loading of the screwdriver, an uneven rotation of the spindle with characteristic jerks is observed. This allows you to significantly increase the torque, as well as the load power without damaging the threads and fastener splines. Unlike an impact drill, it delivers a powerful and instant impact that propels the screw or nut forward.

If during operation there is increased resistance (for example, if there is rust on the fasteners), the screwdriver automatically switches to pulse mode. The torque force increases by 3-4 times, the angular rotation speed of the coupling decreases. Depending on the specific model, the boost speed can turn on automatically or start when resistance appears.

Working with the tool does not differ from using a classic screwdriver, you should install the shank of the nozzle into the chuck, then attach it to the fasteners and start the device. Drilling or screwing in is jerky, therefore the handle of the device must be held very tightly, it is recommended to use gloves.

How does it work?

The layout of such a tool is similar to a standard electric drill device. The basis of the apparatus is an electric motor that transmits torque to a planetary gearbox. It transfers this value to the keyless chuck or hexagon socket. The device also contains all the elements traditional for drills and a screwdriver:

• Speed regulator;
• Load limiting mechanism;
• A system of gears, carriers and satellites.

The distinguishing feature of the impulse screwdriver is the brushless motor device. In it, the rotor and magnets, as well as the winding and starter, are reversed, which should be taken into account when repairing or servicing. This mechanism reduces wear on the main parts by up to 30%, and also allows you to significantly increase the load if necessary.

The power supply of the instrument depends on its configuration. Most often, the impulse screwdriver is equipped with a DC battery. For comfortable work, it is advisable to buy a device with a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 16-18 V.

What it is?

This device is small in shape and weight, which is similar in appearance to a traditional screwdriver.

The main difference is the presence of a pulse mode of operation.

Due to this, the twisting of the fastener does not occur smoothly, but intermittently with characteristic measured jerks (tangential impacts).

This makes it easier to drill straight holes, the tool is suitable for working with rusted bolts, nuts and screws with damaged slot. The advantages of the impulse screwdriver:

• Small size, light weight;
• Powerful torque;
• Durability of the device;
• Control of the screw-in depth;
• The ability to use for complex fasteners;
• The drill does not get stuck in the process.

Pulse mode is more common in professional models of screwdrivers, and is also almost always present in nutrunners.

Top 3 best models

There is a wide range of similar products on the construction tools market. We have selected 3 of the most successful models:

• Metabo BS 18 LTX. German-made screwdriver. Has a keyless chuck, powered by an 18 V battery. Maximum torque 110 Nm, suitable for working with wood and metal. Spindle lock, integrated overload protection and speed setting are available as options. There is a hook for wearing on the belt. Sold in a case without battery and charger;

• DeWALT DCF887N-XJ. Compact brushless screwdriver from a famous American brand. It is painted in the traditional yellow-black color for the manufacturer, which is convenient for searching in a cluttered object. Equipped with socket head chuck. There is a pulse mode and the possibility of shock work. The brushless motor is powered by an 18 V battery, with a maximum speed of 3250 rpm. The minimum configuration does not include a case and an additional battery;

• Makita DTP141Z. Professional tool with percussion and pulse operation. Maximum torque 150 Nm. Suitable for working with wood, metal, effectively unscrews rusted nuts. Equipped with a brushless electric motor and 18 V rechargeable battery. No battery and charger included. Hexagonal chuck. It is possible to turn on the backlight, the handle is rubberized and fits comfortably in the hand. Supplied in a box, tool weight 1 kg.

When buying a tool for household or professional tasks, you should pay attention to the cartridge. The choice of shank-type nozzles depends on this. As a rule, powerful pulse models are equipped with only a hexagonal chuck.