How to choose a screwdriver for homework – expert reviews

Currently, when performing construction and household work, a huge amount of diverse equipment and inventory is used, each unit of which is designed to perform highly specialized tasks. However, if we talk about some kind of versatility, the lion's share of all this equipment can be replaced by an ordinary screwdriver. These compact models are able to act as a drill, hammer drill and a set of screwdrivers if necessary, they can be used to mix building mixtures and perform a great variety of other manipulations. Of course, only if the device is selected correctly, and its characteristics are fully consistent with the operating conditions!

The best companies for the production of screwdrivers

Currently, a dozen different models of screwdrivers can be found in the catalog of almost every self-respecting manufacturer of construction equipment. They differ both in the quality of performance, as well as in prices – on sale you can easily find both budget unnamed models of Chinese production and time-tested devices released in Japan and Western Europe. It is the latter that should be preferred, and as an example, the products of the following brands can be cited:

1. Makita;

2. Bosch;

3. DeWatt;

4. Hitachi;

5. Metabo;

Each of the above manufacturers has a wide variety of models, each of which will certainly be the best solution for a certain range of tasks. In order to find the most suitable tool, you should study their characteristics, as well as familiarize yourself with the reviews of buyers who have had time to test specific devices on their own experience.

The principle of operation and the device of the screwdriver

The principle of operation of a screwdriver is in many ways similar to the operation of a conventional drill or hammer drill in drilling mode, and the functions performed by them, in general, are similar. The classic screwdriver consists of a comfortable and ergonomic pistol-shaped body. Inside it is an electrical circuit that includes a battery and a sufficiently powerful electric motor – the main mechanical element of the device. It is with its help that the chuck is set in motion with a drill or other nozzle fixed in it. The work of the screwdriver is carried out after pressing the trigger and, depending on the force of interaction, the device's revolutions are adjusted, and thanks to a special switch in the upper part of the body, the user has the ability to switch the direction of rotation of the chuck. Some models are additionally equipped with a flashlight that illuminates the working area, which turns on simultaneously with the start of rotation of the chuck with a drill or other attachment.

Types of screwdrivers

Network screwdrivers

The most budget solutions, which can be found in the catalogs of almost any manufacturer. Structurally, such devices are no different from their counterparts, only the power supply differs – these models operate from a conventional 220V outlet. This circumstance is both an advantage and a disadvantage of such devices. Constant voltage eliminates the need for regular battery recharging, simplifies the design and reduces the overall weight of the device, but it also 'ties' the worker to an outlet or extension cord.

Advantages

• Compact;

• Are inexpensive;

• Do not require periodic battery recharging;

• Easy to use and maintain;

• Lungs;

disadvantages

• 'Tie' to an outlet or extension cord length;

• Impossibility to work in the absence of voltage

Cordless screwdrivers

Classic models that the imagination draws when the term 'screwdriver' is mentioned. The lower part of the device handle is equipped with special clips that fix the battery. It is he who is the power source that allows you to work in almost any conditions, including far from the outlet. One battery charge is enough for 5-6 hours of operation, and in order to extend the service life, many manufacturers complete their devices with an additional battery, as well as a charging station, as a result of which the work is almost always carried out according to the principle 'one battery works, the other is charged'.

Advantages

• Compact and mobile;

• Powerful enough;

• Allows you to work in any conditions;

• Provide complete freedom of action;

disadvantages

• Considerable weight;

• The battery life is critically reduced when operating in subzero temperatures;

• Are more expensive than their network counterparts;

• One battery charge is not enough for a long time;

Screwdriver selection parameters

Torque

The main parameter that reflects the power of a particular screwdriver. The greater this indicator, the more force the device will screw the screw or self-tapping screw into the surface. The vast majority of screwdrivers have a torque of 15-20 Nm, however, when choosing a device for working with hard surfaces, it is necessary to give preference to more powerful and productive devices, whose torque can reach 35-40 Nm.

Chuck rotation speed

Another parameter that is responsible for the ability of the screwdriver to work with certain types of materials. The higher the rotation speed, the better the device will cope with the passage of thick materials – wood, brick, silicate blocks. Thus, compact devices with a rotation speed of up to 400-500 rpm are sufficient for most routine operations. If it comes to choosing a screwdriver as a potential replacement for an electric drill, you will need more high-speed models, the rotation speed of which reaches 1000-1200 rpm. Combined with decent torque, such devices will more than replace not only a drill, but also, in some cases, a hammer drill.

As for the possibility of adjusting the rotational speed of the perforator, preference should be given to devices with a stepless adjustment mechanism. Tuning them to work with specific materials and surface types is more fluid, delicate and accurate than their counterparts with several steps.

Battery used

When it comes to cordless screwdrivers, you need to pay attention to the type of battery used. Depending on this parameter, all batteries are divided into three main types:

1. Nickel metal hydride. Hardy batteries that are not afraid of exposure to low temperatures. Their disadvantage is the so-called 'memory', which can shorten the service life after 150-200 recharge cycles;

2. Nickel-cadmium. Hardy 'batteries' with increased intrinsic resistance, which acts as a kind of voltage stabilizer. They are distinguished by their high survivability – up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles, subject to the manufacturer's recommendations. Among the shortcomings, there is a significant dead weight of such batteries, which makes them very inconvenient when working on weight;

3. Lithium ion. The classic type of rechargeable battery, which is popular in all types of electronic devices today. Excellent resource, almost complete lack of memory and low weight – these are its main advantages. Not without drawbacks – lithium-ion batteries are afraid of sub-zero temperatures, under the influence of which their capacity is significantly reduced;

4. Regardless of the type of battery, pay attention to its capacity. This parameter is measured in ampere-hours and displays the parameter of the autonomous operation of one or another battery. The higher the capacity, the more 'tenacious' the battery will be. So, most of the classic battery models have a capacity of 1-1.5 ampere-hours, while professional models are equipped with larger batteries – about 2.2-2.5 ampere-hours.

Device weight

A very important parameter, which is given special attention by those who have to work with a screwdriver on weight for a long time. The more functional a screwdriver is, the more resourceful its battery is, the more such a device will weigh. So, the vast majority of classic models weigh in the region of 1-1.5 kilograms. Professional models are obviously heavier – their weight can reach 2-2.5 kilograms.

Installed cartridge parameters

When choosing a device, the diameter of the gripping unit of the chuck plays an important role. A gap of 0.8-1.2 millimeters is considered a classic; such values ​​allow the use of almost all drills and nozzles on sale. If it is necessary to work with drills of a larger diameter, a device may be required that has a chuck spacing of up to 10-15 millimeters.

Pay attention to the presence of a reverse in the device. It switches with a special button and allows reverse rotation of the cartridge. This function is necessary when it is necessary not to tighten, but to unscrew a self-tapping screw or screw.

Additional functions

This includes the presence of a removable chuck and the ability to work not only with drills or nozzles, but also with automotive tools in general and cap heads in particular. Such a screwdriver will surely become an indispensable assistant for a car mechanic and will come in handy not only in a workshop, but also in an ordinary garage.

Another feature is the presence of a built-in flashlight that allows you to highlight the work area. In the dark, this option very often helps out and allows you to work without the need to install additional local lighting.

Which screwdriver to choose

1. A cordless screwdriver with a torque of up to 25-30 Nm, stepless speed control and a weight of about 1-1.5 is suitable as a universal device that is suitable for working with both wood, silicate blocks and bricks, as well as with drywall and other types of finishing materials. kilogram;

2. If the screwdriver is planned to be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as an auto tool and a wrench, you need to pay attention to powerful models, the torque of which can reach 60 Nm, and the rotation speed, on the contrary, will be low – only 600-700 revolutions per minute;

3. If you need to buy a small universal assistant for performing routine operations, you should turn your attention to a compact inexpensive screwdriver with a torque peak of 10-15 Nm and a rotation speed of around 1000 rpm;

4. If you are a fisherman, and the selected screwdriver will certainly become one of the components of the system for drilling ice, you should give preference to high-speed models, the cartridge of which can develop a rotation speed of up to 1200-1500 rpm, and will also allow you to fix a fairly wide ice screw. The battery of such a device must be nickel-cadmium – only such 'batteries' are not afraid of sub-zero temperatures;

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Video for choosing a screwdriver

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.