What Do The Numbers On The Screwdriver In Front Of The Chuck Mean

How to use a screwdriver? 5 basic rules
How to use a screwdriver correctly. Prepare it for work, install attachments, charge the battery, operate it safely and for a long time.

Preparing the screwdriver for work

To bring this device into working condition it is necessary:

1. Pull it out of the case and inspect it for visible damage. Cracks on the case, etc. If found, use the tool is prohibited.

2. After inspection, dock 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 below how to recharge the battery), and connect another battery to the tool instead.

3. After making sure that the battery has gained a sufficient charge, the required nozzle is installed in the screwdriver, depending on the nature of the work (screwing in screws or drilling) and the size of the screws. We will tell you in detail about the installation of the nozzle further, but here we focus on the fact that for the safety of work during installation or replacement of the nozzle, the battery must be removed so as not to accidentally turn on the screwdriver.

4. Using the knobs on the instrument, select:

  • Operating mode. Drilling, working with screws, in some models there is also an impact mode, for example, the Bosch GSR 180-LI.
  • Rotation speed of the nozzle (if the model of the tool has several stages of rotation, for example, Makita DF347DWE); direction of rotation. For drilling and screwing screws clockwise, for unscrewing screws. Counterclockwise.

What Do The Numbers On The Screwdriver In Front Of The Chuck Mean

5. If you are going to drill to a certain depth, then in the models of screwdrivers where there are limiters on the drilling depth, you must set it.

Remember that the correct preparation of the tool is the key to working safely with it.

Is it possible to interfere with the solution with a screwdriver

It is possible, only you need a special attachment nozzle. And of course, neatness, so as not to accidentally fill the screwdriver with a solution.

Do I need to lubricate the screwdriver

This tool has a gearbox and it requires lubrication, such as ELF MULTI MOS. The frequency depends on the model and the intensity of use. The following signs will indicate that your tool needs lubrication:

  • Unpleasant “hysterical” sound;
  • It is difficult to rotate the cartridge by hand.

You can lubricate with lithol, manol, silicone or Teflon grease.

Equipment installation

The screwdriver can be equipped with drills or nozzles for twisting and unscrewing screws. When the desired bit is selected, it is necessary to rotate the chuck sleeve counterclockwise until its jaws are separated by a distance sufficient to insert the drill shank or screw bits between them. Then the clamp is made in the reverse order. There are two types of cartridges:

  • The clamp is made without a key, but only by rotating the cartridge case by hand;
  • Requiring pressure with a special key, which is inserted into the recess in the chuck and rotates it, leaning against the toothed rim, for example, as in the Dnipro-M 1/2 ″ x20 toothed chuck.

How to remove a chuck from a screwdriver, for example, to lubricate it or replace it if it does not fix the nozzle poorly. In modern models, the chucks are screwed onto the shaft and for reliability they are locked with a screw with a left-hand thread. This is how the cartridges are attached in Makita, Bosch and other screwdrivers. It is necessary to unscrew the screw and unscrew the cartridge, turning counterclockwise. Detailed instructions on how to do this are available in the documentation for the tool.

Is it possible to drill with a screwdriver

If you have a model that has two modes of operation. Drilling and a screwdriver. Usually, professional models have such capabilities, for example, the Makita DF347DWE. It is not necessary to use a model that does not have a drilling mode, the engine may burn out, since drilling requires higher revolutions to reduce the load.

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 screw a self-tapping screw with a screwdriver safely:

1. Carefully read the instructions BEFORE using the instrument for the first time, and not after something unpleasant has happened.

2. Correctly select the maximum torque at which the safety “ratchet” will work and no force will be transmitted to the shaft. The tool is of course designed for maximum effort. But, firstly, constant work at the maximum reduces the service life. Secondly, the likelihood that the screwdriver can pull out of the hands increases. Third, by learning how to correctly determine the maximum torque, you will reduce the likelihood of damage to the surfaces where you are driving the screws. This is especially true for polished and fragile surfaces. For example, the Bosch GSR 10.8 has a maximum torque of 30 Nm, but 5 Nm can be set.

3. Choose the right operating mode. It is not necessary to drill in the screwdriver mode, and even more so to tighten the screws in the drilling mode, where the speed is higher. The tool can simply be pulled out of your hands.

4. Do not forget to control the direction of rotation. We tighten the screw. The cartridge should rotate clockwise, we unscrew it. Against.

5. 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 of safe work relating directly to the screwdriver. Now about the general organization of 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” sharp fragments.
  • Before drilling, make sure that there are no electrical cables or other utility lines in the area.
  • When tightening and loosening screws, as well as drilling small holes in diameter, do not lean on the screwdriver. The screw or drill could break and you could be injured.
  • Household and professional screwdriver models have different continuous operation times. In any case, it is! And it’s not worth bringing the tool to a hot state.
  • After work, you need to disconnect the battery, remove the attachment, wipe the tool from dust.

Preparing the screwdriver for work

To bring this device into working condition it is necessary:

1. Pull it out of the case and inspect it for visible damage. Cracks on the case, etc. If found, use the tool is prohibited.

2. After inspection, dock 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 below how to recharge the battery), and connect another battery to the tool instead.

3. After making sure that the battery has gained a sufficient charge, the required nozzle is installed in the screwdriver, depending on the nature of the work (screwing in screws or drilling) and the size of the screws. We will tell you in detail about the installation of the nozzle further, but here we focus on the fact that for the safety of work during installation or replacement of the nozzle, the battery must be removed so as not to accidentally turn on the screwdriver.

4. Using the knobs on the instrument, select:

  • Operating mode. Drilling, working with screws, in some models there is also an impact mode, for example, the Bosch GSR 180-LI.
  • Rotation speed of the nozzle (if the model of the tool has several stages of rotation, for example, Makita DF347DWE); direction of rotation. For drilling and screwing screws clockwise, for unscrewing screws. Counterclockwise.

5. If you are going to drill to a certain depth, then in the models of screwdrivers where there are limiters on the drilling depth, you must set it.

Remember that the correct preparation of the instrument is the key to safe working with it.

How to store a screwdriver

Better separate from the battery. If you have a model with a nickel-cadmium battery, then before ending work and disconnecting the battery, it must be completely discharged. After removing the battery, it must be charged. Remember that Ni-Cd has a high self-discharge current, therefore, during long-term storage, it needs to be recharged periodically.

Is it possible to drill with a screwdriver

If you have a model that has two modes of operation. Drilling and a screwdriver. Usually, professional models have such capabilities, for example, the Makita DF347DWE. It is not necessary to use a model that does not have a drilling mode, the engine may burn out, since drilling requires higher revolutions to reduce the load.

Do I need to lubricate the screwdriver

This tool has a gearbox and it requires lubrication, such as ELF MULTI MOS. The frequency depends on the model and the intensity of use. The following signs will indicate that your tool needs lubrication:

  • Unpleasant “hysterical” sound;
  • It is difficult to rotate the cartridge by hand.

You can lubricate with lithol, manol, silicone or Teflon grease.

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 screw a self-tapping screw with a screwdriver safely:

1. Carefully read the instructions BEFORE using the instrument for the first time, and not after something unpleasant has happened.

2. Correctly select the maximum torque at which the safety “ratchet” will work and no force will be transmitted to the shaft. The tool is of course designed for maximum effort. But, firstly, constant work at the maximum reduces the service life. Secondly, the likelihood that the screwdriver can pull out of the hands increases. Third, by learning how to correctly determine the maximum torque, you will reduce the likelihood of damage to the surfaces where you are driving the screws. This is especially true for polished and fragile surfaces. For example, the Bosch GSR 10.8 has a maximum torque of 30 Nm, but 5 Nm can be set.

3. Choose the right operating mode. It is not necessary to drill in the screwdriver mode, and even more so to tighten the screws in the drilling mode, where the speed is higher. The tool can simply be pulled out of your hands.

4. Do not forget to control the direction of rotation. We tighten the screw. The cartridge should rotate clockwise, we unscrew it. Against.

5. 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 of safe work relating directly to the screwdriver. Now about the general organization of 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” sharp fragments.
  • Before drilling, make sure that there are no electrical cables or other utility lines in the area.
  • When tightening and loosening screws, as well as drilling small holes in diameter, do not lean on the screwdriver. The screw or drill could break and you could be injured.
  • Household and professional screwdriver models have different continuous operation times. In any case, it is! And it’s not worth bringing the tool to a hot state.
  • After work, you need to disconnect the battery, remove the attachment, wipe the tool from dust.

Is it possible to cut a thread with a screwdriver

It is possible, but with reservations. Firstly, small diameters, up to 10 mm. You certainly won’t cut a thread on a ¾ ”pipe. Secondly, only internal. You will not install the die on the screwdriver. Third, you need skill. A slight misalignment and that’s it, either break the tap or just ruin the thread. Cutting effort is minimal!

Methods for attaching the chuck to the screwdriver

  1. Morse taper. The method is named after inventor Stephen A. Morse in 1864. The essence of the method consists in conjugation of two surfaces in the form of a shaft and a part with a hole, which have the same taper with an angle from 1 ° 25’43 ″ to 1 ° 30’26 ″, depending on the standard size. This method is quite widespread and has proven to be simple and reliable.
  2. Threaded method. A thread is cut inside the chuck of the screwdriver, exactly the same thread is made on the working shaft of the tool. To tighten the cartridge, you just need to tighten it all the way, similar to the nut and bolt.
  3. Fixing screw. Used for additional fixation of the chuck on the shaft.

Types of screwdriver chucks

How to remove a chuck from a screwdriver or drill

Even the highest quality reliable and professional screwdriver wears out over time and every time it starts to hold drills, nozzles and bits worse and worse. To return the tool to its former power, let’s look at how to remove the cartridge from the screwdriver and what nuances you should pay attention to.

How to find out which method of mounting the cartridge

To find out what type of chuck mounting on your screwdriver, you need to carefully examine the tool markings. The inscription of the form: 1-6 B10 (may differ slightly). Means that the cartridge is with a Morse taper. The numbers 1-6 indicate the diameter of the drill shank or bits, and B10 is the size of the Morse taper.

A cartridge with a threaded connection is marked with numbers: 1.0-11 M12x1.25. Symbols М12х1.25 mean the size of the metric thread, and 1.0-11. The diameter of the drill shank, similar to the Morse taper.

On imported models of screwdrivers, the thread is measured in inches, so do not be alarmed to see the marking of the form: 2-13 mm ½-20 UNF.

Both types of cartridges perform their task equally well, the only difference is in the convenience and speed of changing nozzles from a screwdriver.

Marking on the screwdriver chuck

How to disassemble a screwdriver chuck

To disassemble the screwdriver chuck, no special equipment is required, it is enough to have a few keys, a screwdriver, a hammer and, if possible, a vice on hand.

The design of the chuck is an empty metal cylinder with a special ring and sleeve for adjusting it. Inside the chuck there are jaws that fix drills or special nozzles. The chuck itself is put on the screwdriver shaft. The chuck can be threaded or tapered, depending on the type of shaft mounting. With the right guidance, disassembling the screwdriver chuck shouldn’t take long.

Screwdriver chuck diagram

Before you unscrew the chuck on the screwdriver, you need to find out what type of mount is in front of you.

How to remove the chuck from the screwdriver correctly

There are several ways to remove the cartridge from the screwdriver, let’s take the first one:

  1. Take a 10mm Allen key;
  2. Clamp the key with the short end in the chuck;
  3. We turn on the screwdriver for a couple of seconds, so that the clamped key hits the table with the second end;
  4. We rotate the key and unscrew the screwdriver chuck.

The second way that professionals recommend:

  1. First you need to fully open the chuck jaws;
  2. There should be a screw inside the cartridge, if it is not visible, it may be covered with dirt;
  3. You need to unscrew this screw clockwise;
  4. Clamp the hex key in the chuck;
  5. Turn the key sharply counterclockwise;
  6. The chuck should unscrew easily, if not, you can lightly hit the end of the key with a hammer.

If none of the above methods work, you will have to disassemble the screwdriver and remove the spindle and gearbox from it along with the chuck. To do this, you need to clamp it in the pieces and unscrew the cartridge with an adjustable wrench. On some chucks there are special turnkey recesses, which greatly simplifies this process.

To remove the chuck from a screwdriver on a Morse taper, you need to knock it out with a hammer on the body.

These methods are suitable for disassembling the chuck in all types of screwdrivers, drills and hammer drills. We also recommend looking at how to disassemble the screwdriver chuck.

How to remove a screwdriver chuck quickly and effortlessly with and without the help of an additional tool.

  • Types of cartridges
  • How can you fix the cartridge
  • How to remove a cartridge
  • Principles for choosing a new product

In our country, screwdrivers, as a household and industrial tool, appeared not so long ago. For the first time they began to be used in the space industry, and then the screwdrivers found application in ordinary human life.

Among the main parts of this equipment, one can distinguish a mechanism consisting of a hollow cylinder, an adjusting sleeve and pressure cams. This mechanism is called the cartridge.

Disassembled cartridge

Types of cartridges

Today, there are two main types of cartridges on sale:

  • Quick-clamping
  • Cam

Keyless chucks have another classification:

This kind of part can be tightened or unscrewed with both hands, because one clutch sticks and the other turns when removing the rig.

Two sleeve chuck

The operation of this product is the same, except that they are performed with one hand. This is possible due to the fact that the design of such products provides for automatic blocking of the shaft when removing the tooling.

Such cartridges are made of two types of material:

  • Metal;
  • Plastics;

The use of a plastic product is a good opportunity to reduce the weight of the equipment used, but this material is not robust enough to withstand shock loads. Keyless chucks can be used for both domestic and professional tasks.

Cam chucks have greater reliability, strength and are able to withstand a large shock load, which is not unimportant for screwdrivers with an impact function.

How to remove a cartridge

There is nothing difficult in unscrewing the chuck of a screwdriver, for this you need a 10-point hex wrench

  • The key is clamped in the chuck with the short end
  • The screwdriver turns on for a time long enough so that, turning, the key hits the table

As a result of this impact, the chuck should turn on the left-hand thread, with which it is attached to the shaft.

This is one way, but not the only one.

  1. The chuck jaws must be completely unclenched, if there is a screw at the bottom of the chuck, then this is the additional attachment to the drive shaft
  2. Turn out the screw clockwise
  3. We clamp the hexagon and try to turn it sharply counterclockwise
  4. The chuck should move, but if this does not happen, you need to strike a small blow with a hammer at the end of the key

It so happens that none of these methods helps, then the only way out is to completely disassemble the tool and pull out the spindle with the chuck and gearbox from its structure. This design is installed in a vice and only after that the cartridge is removed using a key.

Some models of screwdrivers have special grooves that help to simplify the task. Unfortunately, this is very rare for a modern instrument.
The problem with the chuck can arise if the tool is overheated, so you need to let the screwdriver rest from time to time.

How can you fix the cartridge

There are several ways to attach the cartridge. Among them stand out:

  • Thread;
  • Morse taper;
  • Locking screw in addition to the above;

One of the simplest and most reliable methods is the cone, which began to be used in the 19th century. The shaft is specially sharpened for the parameters of the cone, which is in the chuck. When two elements are connected, a strong connection is obtained.

You can see the thread on the main shaft of the screwdriver, on which the chuck is attached

If we consider a threaded connection, then its whole point is to thread the chuck and shaft. According to technology, in order to connect the parts, it is enough to simply wind the product.

It is not uncommon to use a fixing screw, which acts as an additional fastening. As a rule, his head is made in the form of a Phillips screwdriver, and the thread is cut to the left. You can see the screw only if you unscrew the chuck jaws as much as possible.

It is easy enough to determine which method of fastening is used on a screwdriver; for this you just need to inspect it. If it is a Morse taper, then the chuck will say something like this 1-6 B10.

Such an inscription stands for the diameter of the shank from 1 to 6 millimeters, and B10 is the dimension of the cone, which can be found in any manual of the machine builder.

Principles for choosing a new product

If the old cartridge needs to be replaced, it’s time to choose a new one. It is worth remembering that various types of key chucks can be used in the design, the tool in which is clamped with a key, and keyless or quick-clamping.

The advantage of the key product is that the clamping on it is performed better, however, quick-clamping ones are also not inferior in this parameter, but they have to be changed more often due to wear of the clamping mechanism.

If during the execution of the task you have to frequently change the tooling, then it is better to choose the quick-clamping option, which will significantly save time. But when using large diameter rigs, preference should be given to key cartridges.

Chucks, which are fixed in a screwdriver with a cone, can be made quick-clamping and key, the choice is always up to the consumer.

If after all the above, there are still questions, then we advise you to look, everything is the same, only a little more clearly.

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.

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 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.

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. It 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 and has 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. The maximum torque is 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.

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 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.

A distinctive 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.