What Is The Difference Between A Screwdriver And A Screwdriver

Response to tool operation at full power

When you need to drill a hole in a dense material or screw a thick and long self-tapping screw, you have to use the tool at full power. In this case, active charge consumption begins, and the ability to complete the process qualitatively without a drawdown of revolutions depends on the battery’s reaction to this phenomenon.

In view of this, modern Li-Ion batteries are significantly inferior to their earlier counterparts. The most powerful in this regard are NiCd and NiMh. When maximum energy output is required, then they are chosen.

Number of charge and discharge cycles

All batteries have one drawback. sooner or later they run out of energy and the device must be put on charge. Depending on the type of battery, there is an average statistical limit on the number of charging cycles after which the battery will no longer be able to store current and will have to be replaced.

For screwdrivers with NiCd batteries this figure is 1000 cycles, and the tool often continues to work after reaching this figure. This makes it a leader when compared in this characteristic.

A common type of Li-Ion in screwdrivers is capable of being charged and discharged over 600 times. The advanced technology of the last century NiMh is significantly inferior to the previous ones and the battery will withstand only 300-500 cycles.

Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)

One of the new generations of batteries, which first appeared in 1991. Japanese radio engineering companies began to actively use them, and subsequently they managed to increase their power and use them with power tools.

It is this type that is used in mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles. Their cathode and anode are made of aluminum and copper foil, between which a perforated separator is installed. A valve may be present to release internal pressure.

Battery selection based on application

So, having thoroughly examined all the key factors, we will discuss with which battery to choose a screwdriver for home and professional activities. This will help you not to overpay and have a reliable tool at hand.

What does the battery voltage say?

For cordless models, the power and rotation speed of the screwdriver depends on the battery voltage, which must correspond to the parameters of the tool:

• For screwdrivers, the maximum indicator is 36 V. These are the most powerful devices for working with metal and hard wood species.
• 12-18 V. average value, suitable for most processes in repair and installation.
• 3-10 V. refer to low-power, and are used only for assembling soft materials or small diameter fasteners.

Installing a battery with a higher capacity on a weaker model will sooner damage the latter. A 12 V battery on an 18 V device will, on the contrary, limit the power of the tool, so the voltage indicator of the drive must exactly match the value on the screwdriver.

Keep in mind that if you take two batteries with the same capacity, the longer operation of the tool will be provided by the one with the higher voltage.

What characteristics are important when choosing a battery for a screwdriver

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of different types of batteries, you can choose the one suitable for specific operating conditions. Now let’s look at two key characteristics that all types of batteries have that affect the choice of a screwdriver.

Pros and cons of the impact wrench

A significant advantage of the nutrunner lies in its ability to tighten fasteners with increased force and untwist rusted joints. This tool becomes an excellent assistant when working with large equipment. Unfortunately, the increased power of the instrument makes it more noisy. If you can work quietly with a screwdriver after rebound, then the wrench will quickly make itself felt.

To twist small elements with a wrench, you need to have a certain skill, otherwise there is a high risk of material damage. With a screwdriver in this regard, everything is much more convenient, albeit longer. The tuned ratchet mechanism will not allow you to twist the self-tapping screw, setting its head exactly on the surface of the material.

Summing up, we can say that the wrench is a powerful and noisy tool designed for tightening large fasteners. Suitable for domestic needs, but not everyone needs it. The screwdriver works at a lower speed. At the same time, it is very easy to use and does not require special skills and adapters.

Conclusion: The wrench is needed for those who know exactly where they will use it. The screwdriver is suitable for most household jobs.

The difference between a screwdriver and a nutrunner

Nowadays there are many tools for tightening fasteners, and one of the most popular representatives of this class is the screwdriver. Almost any housework will be easier if you have this wonderful assistant in your arsenal. But despite all its versatility, the screwdriver has a very similar competitor. The impact wrench has a narrower focus, but is much better suited for certain jobs. Let’s figure out how these tools differ and how you can make a wrench from a screwdriver with your own hands.

The difference between a wrench and a screwdriver

The electric screwdriver covers a wide range of jobs. It is used both for tightening (screws, self-tapping screws, screws) and for drilling low-density materials. The tool has a speed regulator and can be equipped with various types of chucks (keyless or cam). Suitable for home and industrial work.

With a wrench, things are different. This tool is widely used in production for quick and high-quality fastening of parts, but more and more often it begins to appear in home kits of motorists. Available with a hex chuck or square with a friction ring. Impact wrenches are considered the most effective, although impulse-type models are very common. The main thing that distinguishes a wrench from a screwdriver is the increased power of the former. A wrench can tighten self-tapping screws, but it requires a fair amount of skill for this, since, with extra effort, it can tear off the caps or drive the fasteners deep into the board. The main everyday use of the nutrunner is to unscrew the wheels of the car and fasten the overall threaded structures. For this business, he is perfect.

The next difference. This is the patron. Unlike a screwdriver’s clamping mechanism, adapters are required to use drills or bits on a wrench.

How to make a wrench from a screwdriver

For various reasons in everyday life, you may need to unscrew a couple of dozen nuts. It is rather expensive to buy a wrench for such a fleeting need, but you don’t want to turn it manually when you have a good old screwdriver at your disposal. It performs the main rotational function, it remains to remake it for unscrewing the nuts. Everything is extremely simple here.

What are they

Humanity has long been using drills and other tools for making holes in various works.

Over time, a drill appeared, which made it possible to mechanize the manual labor of drillers.

After the invention of the electric motor, a drill was invented, in which the drill rotated with the help of such a motor.

In various sectors of the national economy and in everyday life, the most different types of drills are used, making holes in materials of any hardness.

In addition, attachments attached to them began to be used, allowing them to perform grinding and cutting work. Drills began to be used for loosening and tightening screws.

Today, pneumatic, electric and even gasoline drills are common. The most popular are electric drills, which are used by both professionals and for various household tasks.

They usually differ:

• Pistol-shaped body
• An electric motor located inside it
• Impact mechanism for drilling
• The presence of a switch, power regulator
• Chuck for fixing drills and various accessories.

Outwardly similar to a drill is a screwdriver. To understand how a screwdriver differs from a drill, it is enough to determine their purpose. If the drill functionally serves to make holes, then the screwdriver is specially designed to quickly tighten or unscrew screws, screws and other screw fasteners.

Comparing screwdriver and drill

In a screwdriver, one of the most important parameters is the maximum torque.

No high rotation speed required.

Under normal conditions, two to three hundred revolutions per minute are sufficient.

Sometimes a gearbox is installed to reduce speed and increase torque.

This is done using a special regulator.

They are given the force required to tighten a specific type of screw or screw, to avoid their deformation.

The screwdriver usually has a reverse to unscrew screws or free from jamming.

It can have multiple speeds, overload protection. There are screwdrivers on sale with a drilling function. The main thing that distinguishes a screwdriver from a drill-screwdriver is the presence of a release clutch, which regulates the twisting force, it does not allow deeper than you need to tighten the self-tapping screw.

The difference is also in the holder. If the screwdriver involves the use of a bit of the desired size with a hex shank, then the drill uses a keyless chuck for a round in diameter drill.

The drill, regardless of the presence of adjustment, cannot ensure the accuracy of tightening, as a result, the head of the fastener or the screwing nozzle itself may be damaged.

Most common electric screwdrivers and drills can be powered by mains power and a battery. powerful drills use mains electricity. Especially when it comes to a tool with an impact function, where rotary and reciprocating movements are combined.

When using cordless power tools, the advantage of screwdrivers is obvious. With the same charge and voltage, they show an advantage over a drill. This is determined by their technical parameters, primarily the maximum torque.

Most often, household products have nickel-cadmium batteries. Their peculiarity is that they need to be discharged "to zero" and charged until fully charged.

Find out how a screwdriver differs from a drill

For many works in construction, in production and at home, you need to know how a screwdriver differs from a drill.

This affects the correct organization of work and its efficiency.

Sometimes, these mechanized tools perform operations that, together, ensure the strength and aesthetics of the structure.

What is the difference

Both types of tools are necessary in professional activities and everyday life.

Answering the question, what is the difference between a screwdriver and a cordless drill, it should be noted that the screwdriver has a specific purpose. to tighten and unscrew screws, screws and self-tapping screws.

It is convenient for assembling and disassembling various structures, furniture, wood products, drywall, etc.

Its design allows you to do it quickly and accurately.

The cordless drill also allows for a quick and accurate drilling function.

Both of these tools are good for the tasks for which they were created.

However, with the advent of efficient battery drills with the functions of a screwdriver and a screwdriver with the ability to drill, the difference between them decreases.

Cordless drill requires a torque of up to 20 Nm and at least 1500 rpm.

When choosing the right tool, you should take into account:

• Battery type and spare
• Infinitely variable speed adjustment for drilling and twisting
• Information about the torque that determines the purpose of the tool
• Convenient regulation of optimum torque.

If we are talking about a professional tool, the screwdrivers can work continuously for more time. They wear out less.

The comparison of impact and non-impact screwdrivers is presented on:

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What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver: 3 main criteria

In some everyday situations, it is quite difficult to get by with a wrench. Then devices come to the rescue that help to assemble and disassemble threaded devices. Some of these are a screwdriver and a wrench. They have one task. Assistance when working with fasteners. But there are also a lot of differences. We propose to consider the main differences between the devices, find out which is more convenient to use, and how you can upgrade an old screwdriver to a nutrunner.

An impact wrench is a mechanical tool for screwing in and out nuts and bolts. You cannot do without it when you need to unscrew a rusty nut in hard-to-reach places, and a simple wrench is powerless. The impact wrench can be confused with a drill. But an experienced owner will see the difference: the attachment installed in the holder. It is this nozzle that compresses the nut and holds it while the engine twists it in or unscrews it.

Tip: DeWalt DW292 is considered a convenient option. The model consumes 710 watts of power.

Screwdriver. a device for screwing and unscrewing screws, screws, self-tapping screws and other fasteners. Its peculiarity. Work at different speeds. Expands the range of possibilities. The device drives screws, drills, has an impact function.

Tip: Bosch has also established itself as a market leader in this niche. Especially popular are the models Bosch GSR 6-45 TE, Bosch GSR 14.4-2-LI Plus.

A wrench, unlike a screwdriver, is considered a more professional tool. According to the method of application, the mechanism for nuts can be: gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic and work from the network. It is designed for screwing in or out bolts or nuts. Unlike a screwdriver, a cartridge is not attached to a nutrunner. In its place, a rod with a nut head is installed.

The second difference. In terms of tightening power, the impact wrench has an advantage here. With him you can "master" any crafts.

Another difference lies in the volume and weight of the mechanisms, for example, not every person can lift some wrenches. Also, screwdrivers are able to regulate their work process, while another representative of mechanics does not have this opportunity. The nutrunner copes with complex tasks no faster than the screwdriver, which creates a lot of noise during operation. This fact is the key difference. In such a situation, equipped with a 3-speed gearbox, the DeWalt DCF895M2 screwdriver in light tasks can replace any device for tightening nuts.

In terms of operational capabilities, the nut mechanism has serious limitations. It is good to use drills when drilling. So, for soft wood, it is not necessary to use a professional mechanism, you can get by with the BlackDecker EPC12CAB screwdriving tool.

It may also be interesting: How to choose a drill

Which is better wrench or screwdriver?

Given the many functions of a screwdriver, it performs a wider range of work, which is what wins over a nutrunner. In many cases, it replaces the nut device, performs the simple work of a wrench. The screwdriver works even more accurately: the tangential impact of a professional nutrunner, although it works quickly, but the screws do not withstand the stress and can fly out of the building material.

Tip: From the outside, the nut mechanism looks like a conventional drill, and its holder is equipped with an extension attachment.

The impact wrench becomes indispensable during large construction works, when working with cars, ships, airplanes and other units. A device for screwing in self-tapping screws and screws is often used at home for furniture repair. Since such a mechanism is free from mains power, the use of the impact wrench is.

How to convert a screwdriver to a wrench?

Consider how to convert an unusable screwdriver into a new nutrunner. For such a design you will need:

• Adapter set.
• Device battery.
• Control indicator.
• Button for wrench.

Tip: Store the devices in the case, so the chance of breakage if dropped is reduced to a minimum. It is important to remember that attachments for mechanisms are very fragile and require careful maintenance.

For the device, you need to set the horn for the brakes. Then you need to connect and solder all the connectors of the indicators. If you connect the components correctly, you get a screwdriver. Watch your voltage. It is difficult for the battery to tolerate changes. Assembly of parts will take no more than 20 minutes; you can also convert the device to its original state. Such a device will be able to screw in the screws, but for this you need to put a suitable nozzle.

In summary, it is not necessary to buy new home appliances. Practical expert advice will help you build your wrench. At home, it can be easily replaced with a screwdriver. For more serious construction, the wrench is irreplaceable. We hope our material helped to understand the main differences between devices for screws and nuts.

See clearly in how to make a new nutrunner from an old screwdriver: Turning a screwdriver into a nutrunner

What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver

During work, difficult situations are often encountered when using a wrench alone becomes clearly insufficient. Then you have to pick up special tools: they help in working with parts that have a thread. Among them are a screwdriver and a wrench. These technical devices serve one purpose. to speed up work associated with a large number of nuts, bolts and screws used. At the same time, despite the similarity of the tasks being solved, they also have a number of significant differences. You can find out about this and which of the tools is better to use from the review below.

What is a screwdriver

A screwdriver is an electric tool, the main purpose of which is to work on screwing in or out of various screws, bolts and screws. You can only imagine how long it will take to screw in a few hundred screws by hand when assembling, for example, a conventional built-in cabinet for things or shelves for tools. With this device, all work will take a few minutes. In addition, this power tool has some other additional features:

• Use as a cordless drill;
• Replacement with special nozzles for conventional hex keys;
• Backlight function for poor visibility.

What is the difference between tools

A wrench is considered to be a tool for professionals, while a screwdriver is mainly used for smaller household jobs. The main differences between a nutrunner and a screwdriver are their following characteristics.

• The wrench is more cumbersome than a screwdriver and does not have a chuck. At its end there is a special rod on which the nut head is attached.
• The power of a wrench applied to an object is many times greater than that of a screwdriver. With the help of the first one can solve any "problems".
• There is a significant difference in the weight and size of these mechanisms. Wrenches are usually larger and heavier.
• Screwdrivers have several operating modes that can be adjusted. Unlike them, no other special tools have this capability.

Thus, impact wrenches are used more often for heavy mechanical work, while its competitor is more often used for simpler domestic repairs. In addition, for simple tasks, you can try to make the wrench yourself using ordinary nozzles.

Which tool should you choose? The answer to this question will depend on the type of work where these tools are needed. Considering that the impact wrench has a tangential impact during operation, it cannot be used to tighten the screws, as it will simply tear off their caps. However, if you ensure that there is no stop, then he can make such a mount that even the most powerful screwdriver cannot create. If there is a small amount of work to be done, which includes only screwing in screws, then an ordinary screwdriver is enough for this. Therefore, it is necessary to decide what to choose for work. a screwdriver or a wrench, based on the specific circumstances.

A few words about the impact wrench

An industrial or homemade wrench is used to install and remove bolts and nuts. Some may accidentally confuse it with a drill, but experienced craftsmen will immediately point to a special attachment in the holder, which a conventional drill does not have. You will definitely not be able to do without it if you need to unscrew the old nut, which is so rusted that you simply cannot unscrew it with your hands or with a key. The tool is produced in the following versions:

• Pneumatic;
• Gasoline;
• Hydraulic;
• Powered by electricity.

Is it possible to independently make a nutrunner from a screwdriver

Of course it is possible, with only one important caveat: it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain the same power as a tool made in an industrial environment. But, very often too much power is not required. For example, if you have to change tires on a car. Many people know how long the process of unscrewing wheel nuts is. Of course, there is an opportunity to contact specialists, but it will cost money. If you have a screwdriver at hand, then it can be quickly converted into a nutrunner: this requires only an adapter with a head of a certain size, which must completely match the size of the wheel wrench. It remains to fix this adapter in the chuck and install the head. Wrench from a screwdriver completely ready.

Electric screwdriver: differences from a screwdriver and selection criteria

Professionals know that the expansion of functions and the universalization of the tool impairs its capabilities when carrying out individual, highly specialized manufacturing operations. This fully applies to power tools, where universal screwdrivers and specialized electric screwdrivers are allocated to separate categories.

Screwdriver and electric screwdriver: differences

Just like a locksmith or assembly screwdriver, an electric screwdriver is designed for a narrow range of operations. She specializes in fast screwing or unscrewing of screws on finished threads, as well as assembly screwing of screws and self-tapping screws into soft materials. In industrial applications, such properties of an electric screwdriver make it possible to effectively use it when assembling furniture, in screwdriver assembly of electronic devices or in electronics repairs.

The basic functions are provided by the simplest household models of electric screwdrivers with a minimum set of interchangeable devices. screwdriver bits. In most cases, the tool does not require high power, therefore all its mechanisms (electric motor, gearbox, power source) are compact and located in a small handle.

The power of an electric screwdriver is not a key indicator and is usually not indicated in the technical specifications. The main working indicator is the number of revolutions, which rarely exceeds 200-240 revolutions per minute. For comparison, in a professional screwdriver, the maximum rotational speed can reach 400-1300 rpm. such speeds and high torque can be harmful when mounting operations on soft materials or brittle plastics.

Due to the unnecessary design of the electric screwdriver, there are no cam and collet clamps, precise centering devices, an impact mechanism, which a screwdriver needs for drilling, as well as screwing self-tapping screws into hard materials. For the same reason, electric screwdrivers are not equipped with additional power handles, which are typical for powerful screwdrivers.

Cordless screwdriver Einhell Blue BT-SD 4.8 F

The absence of the need to perform power operations and drilling with an electric screwdriver leads to a simple design for fastening replaceable tools, which uses simple spindles for a hexagonal rod, quick-release fasteners or low-power magnetic holders.

Low speed indicators make a powerful electric motor and mains supply unnecessary. Most electric screwdrivers are of a cordless design. During continuous operation, recharging of the batteries is provided by a special stand with a built-in charger, on which the electric screwdriver is placed in the intervals between operations.

Criteria for choosing an electric screwdriver

The shape of the electric screwdriver body can be different, unlike the screwdriver, for which most manufacturers prefer to choose the pistol grip configuration. However, many household electric screwdrivers have the same shape.

Cordless screwdriver Bosch IXO Medium

For domestic use, the pistol grip with elastic pads is comfortable enough. For specialized use (work in narrow and hard-to-reach mounting places), a tool with a straight or T-shaped handle is required.

The most convenient for universal use are electric screwdrivers with a variable handle shape. such models are produced by many manufacturers of power tools.

When choosing an electric screwdriver with an eye on the brand or the reputation of the manufacturer, it should be borne in mind that many reputable European companies have moved production to China and Southeast Asia. Retaining design features, the power tool has somewhat lost in the quality of assembly and durability of the plastics of the case.

An indirect indicator of quality can be called the availability of additional features that well-known manufacturers of power tools supply their products. These include:

Battery charge indicator;

Ratchet torque adjustment;

Direction of rotation indication (forward, reverse).

Cordless screwdriver Intertool DT-0301

Recently, manufacturers of inexpensive tools have also achieved good quality. Their models use durable plastics, reliable electric motors, high-quality steel for replacement bits.

When using the tool in many ways, the minimum set of bits may not be enough. For advertising purposes, many manufacturers produce attachments for household use, such as a replaceable electric screwdriver or a barbecue attachment. Such attachments are not suitable for professional use.

A quality power tool is always sold in a special case and comes with a significant number of replacement bits. The set includes bits for straight flat slots, cruciform, hexagonal configurations, "stars", "trefoils" used for furniture fittings and assembly hardware. Extra long bits included for special applications.

The choice of battery type (nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion) depends on the application of the electric screwdriver. Lithium-ion batteries have practically no memory effect of the accumulator, have a high capacity, have a low self-discharge, but do not tolerate negative temperatures, therefore, they are not suitable for outdoor work in winter.