8 best NiCad battery screwdrivers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The most popular cordless tool among Russian craftsmen has recently become a screwdriver. Many models are equipped with nickel-cadmium batteries, which have several advantages over other power sources. A wide range of screwdrivers is presented on the Russian market, they differ in both price and technical characteristics. Our experts' advice will help potential buyers choose the right model.

Selection recommendations

The advantages and disadvantages of a nickel cadmium battery. Nickel-cadmium batteries have several important advantages, although they are not without design and disadvantages.

1. Experts attribute stable operation to the strengths of the battery, both at high and low temperatures. The battery can withstand many charge / discharge cycles, which, combined with an affordable price, makes the use of nickel-cadmium models relevant.
2. The disadvantages of batteries include bulkiness, the presence of a memory effect, and the need for storage in a discharged state.

Torque. The rotational force of a screwdriver is characterized by a torque. It is expressed in Newton meters.

1. Domestic models show a torque in the range of 5-25 Nm. Such a tool is suitable for drilling small holes or screwing in self-tapping screws 5×80 mm or 6×60 mm in size.
2. Professional screwdrivers have a high thrust capacity (from 30 to 200 Nm). Some models can be used as an impact drill. And the size of the self-tapping screws without preliminary drilling reaches 22×125 mm.

Rotational speed. Depending on the operation performed and the hardness of the base, the rotation speed is selected. It is expressed in rpm.

1. To work with fasteners, a spindle rotation mode from 0 to 500 rpm is suitable. At this speed, it is convenient to screw screws into wood or drywall.
2. The drilling operation is best done at a higher speed (from 1000 rpm). This operating mode is suitable for working with wood or metal.

Battery capacity and voltage. In order for the device to produce the declared torque, manufacturers complete the tool with a battery with a certain capacity and voltage. The higher the thrust, the more capacity and voltage the battery should have. But at the same time, the weight of the device increases proportionally.

1. For household purposes, there is enough energy from batteries with a capacity of 1.0-1.4 Ah with a voltage of 12-14.4 V.
2. Professionals prefer to work with batteries with a capacity of 1.4-2.0 Ah and a voltage of 18 V.

Additional options. Convenience when working with a screwdriver is provided by modern options.

1. The reverse allows you to unscrew the self-tapping screws or safely remove the jammed drills.
2. The keyless chuck allows quick and easy tool changes.
3. In places with poor illumination, the illumination of the working area helps out.
4. The power button lock prevents the tool from starting if the trigger is accidentally pressed. This feature improves safety when children are around.

Among the wide variety of screwdrivers, we have selected 8 models with a nickel-cadmium battery in the review. You can buy them in specialized stores in the country. The distribution of seats was carried out by the editorial board of the magazine based on the conclusions of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of Russian consumers.

Rating of the best screwdrivers with a nickel-cadmium battery

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best screwdrivers with a nickel-cadmium battery	1	Hitachi DS18DVF3 45 Nm	RUB 6,999
	2	Interskol DA-13 / 18M2 218.0.2.00 34 Nm	RUB 4,880
	3	Hammer ACD142 18 Nm	RUB 3,999
	4	ZUBR ZDA-14.4-2 KIN20 Ni-Cd 2 Ah 14.4 V x2 case 36 Nm	RUB 3,068
	5	VORTEX DA-18-2K 32 Nm	RUB 3,550
	6	Bort BAB-12-D 28 Nm	RUB 2,760
	7	CALIBER DA-12/2	RUB 2,650
	8	MILITARY CD14 15 Nm	RUB 3,190

Hitachi DS18DVF3 45 Nm

Rating: 4.9

The Japanese Hitachi DS18DVF3 screwdriver has the highest torque (45 Nm) among competitors. Experts were pleasantly surprised by a 1.4 Ah Ni-Cd battery with a voltage of 18 V. It can give odds to more powerful batteries. The model is equipped with an additional handle, which adds convenience when you need to solve complex drilling tasks. The maximum hole diameter in wood is limited to 21 mm, in metal – 12 mm. Electronics is responsible for adjusting the speed, there are two speed modes (for screwing in fasteners and for drilling). The screwdriver becomes the winner of our review.

Domestic users appreciate the model for its high-quality assembly, durable battery, power, comfortable grip. Some owners find the instrument heavy (2 kg).

Advantages

• high torque;
• Japanese quality;
• additional handle;
• comfortable grip.

disadvantages

• not found.

Interskol DA-13 / 18M2 218.0.2.00 34 Nm

Rating: 4.8

The Interskol DA-13 / 18M2 screwdriver finds a wide scope of application. Using the tool, you can screw large self-tapping screws (6×60 mm) without pre-drilling. The largest hole diameter when drilling in wood reaches 28 mm, in steel – 13 mm. The 1.3 Ah (18 V) Ni-Cd battery provides a good 34 Nm of torque. The tool has two speeds of rotation, the first stage is optimal for screwing in self-tapping screws (0-350 rpm), the second – for drilling (0-1350 rpm). There are 20 positions to adjust the tightening torque. Experts note the presence of such useful features as keyless chuck and illumination.

Users praise the endurance of the screwdriver, two batteries included. Professional workers consider non-changing brushes to be a disadvantage.

Advantages

• 2 batteries;
• affordable price;
• keyless chuck;
• backlight.

disadvantages

• the brushes do not change.

Hammer ACD142 18 Nm

Rating: 4.7

The Hammer ACD142 screwdriver also has many fans in our country. Experts believe that the strengths of the model are the low price, effective lighting and low weight (1.5 kg). The tool lies comfortably in the hand, you can work with it for a long time without getting tired. The screwdriver is inferior to the leaders of the review in terms of maximum torque (18 Nm), the hole diameter in wood is limited to 18 mm, in steel – 7 mm. The device is powered by a 1.2 Ah (14.4 V) nickel-cadmium battery. The set includes 2 batteries, thanks to which the operating time can be increased. The model wins the bronze of our review.

The owners of the screwdriver consider the best combination of price and quality of the tool. It is easy to use, allowing you to perform various operations. From the weak points, they highlight the unsuccessful reverse switch.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• low price;
• 2 batteries;
• backlight.

disadvantages

• flimsy reverse switch.

ZUBR ZDA-14.4-2 KIN20 Ni-Cd 2 Ah 14.4 V x2 case 36 Nm

Rating: 4.6

The ZUBR ZDA-14.4-2 KIN20 screwdriver has all the necessary equipment for productive work. This is a high torque (36 Nm), two batteries with a capacity of 2.0 Ah (14.4 V), a spotlight lamp, and a power button lock. The experts drew attention to the possibility of fixing thin rigging (0.8 mm). The tool is able to drill holes in wood with a diameter of 25 mm, in steel – 10 mm. Among the useful options are electronic speed control, engine brake, reverse. The torque has 16 + 1 stages, the operator can choose from 2 speeds (up to 400 rpm, up to 1150 rpm).

Domestic consumers are satisfied with the low price, high torque, functional equipment. The disadvantage is the inconvenient location of the reverse button.

Advantages

• low price;
• high torque;
• 2 batteries;
• spot illumination.

disadvantages

• the reverse button is inconveniently located.

VORTEX DA-18-2K 32 Nm

Rating: 4.5

The VORTEX DA-18-2K screwdriver looks worthy against the background of competitors. The model attracts potential buyers not only with a democratic price, but also with a good torque (32 Nm). The tool is supplied with two 1.5 Ah (18 V) nickel-cadmium batteries, a charger and a case. The experts liked the socket for fastening the bits, the rubberized grip cover, and the stylish design. The tool should include a keyless chuck, electronic speed control, and a power button lock in the asset.

Many domestic consumers have managed to appreciate the capabilities of the screwdriver. They are pleased with the roomy case, affordable price, comfortable grip. As for the shortcomings, the most impatient owners complain about the long battery charging times.

Advantages

• good torque;
• comfortable handle;
• 2 batteries;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• the battery takes a long time to charge.

Bort BAB-12-D 28 Nm

Rating: 4.4

The Bort BAB-12-D screwdriver can be a good helper in everyday life. In addition to the low price, the experts found such advantages in the tool as good torque (28 Nm), 2 batteries with a capacity of 1.3 Ah (12V), built-in backlight, instant stop function. The keyless chuck reliably holds equipment with a diameter of 0.8-10 mm. The maximum hole diameter in wood is limited to 20 mm, in metal – 8 mm. The nickel-cadmium battery is not afraid of the cold, it takes 3 to 5 hours to fully charge the battery. An adapter, a bag and a double-sided bit nozzle are included with the screwdriver. The model closes the TOP-6 of our review.

Russian consumers praise the tool for its low price, rich configuration, and high torque. They are not happy with the slow charging of the batteries.

Advantages

• low price;
• rich equipment;
• pulling power;
• built-in backlight.

disadvantages

• batteries are charging slowly.

CALIBER DA-12/2

Rating: 4.3

The budgetary screwdriver CALIBER DA-12/2 is distinguished by its simplicity and reliability. It will cope with most everyday tasks. The tool has a torque of 20 Nm, the model is equipped with two nickel-cadmium batteries (1.2 Ah, 12 V). The screwdriver has two speed modes and 18 steps of tightening torque adjustment. The manufacturer has equipped its product with an LED flashlight, a keyless chuck and a reverse. In the drilling mode, it is possible to make holes in wood with a diameter of 25 mm, in metal – 10 mm. The experts liked the interesting design and high-quality assembly.

Domestic craftsmen praise the tool for its lightness and compactness, affordable price, fast battery charging. Since the gear housing is made of plastic, do not work at maximum for too long.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• affordable price;
• 2 batteries;
• interesting design.

disadvantages

• plastic gear housing.

MILITARY CD14 15 Nm

Rating: 4.2

The most popular screwdriver with a nickel-cadmium battery in our review was the MILITARY CD14 model. This conclusion can be made by analyzing numerous user reviews. Experts explain the increased interest in the instrument for a number of reasons. This is an affordable price, 2 batteries (1.2 Ah, 14.4 V), electronic speed control, engine brake, power button lock, backlight. The model is inferior to the leaders in pulling power (torque 15 Nm) and the size of holes in wood (16 mm) and steel (6 mm). The screwdriver has only one speed and 16 steps of torque adjustment.

The tool is liked by consumers for its good assembly, compactness, 2 batteries and backlight. On the downside, the owners include long battery charging and low torque.

Advantages

• comfortable grip;
• low price;
• good build;
• 2 batteries.

disadvantages

• the battery takes a long time to charge;
• small torque.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.