How to choose a screwdriver for homework - expert reviews

At present, when performing construction and household works, a huge number of diverse equipment and inventory is used, each unit of which is designed to perform highly specialized tasks. However, if we talk about a certain universality, the lion’s share of all this equipment can be replaced by an ordinary screwdriver. These compact models are able to play the role of a drill, a perforator and a set of screwdrivers, if necessary, they can be used to knead mortar and produce a great many other manipulations. Of course, only in the case when the device is chosen correctly, and its characteristics fully correspond to the conditions of operation!

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1. The best firms for the production of screwdrivers
   
2. The principle of operation and the device screwdriver
3. Types of screwdrivers
4. Screwdriver selection options
5. Which screwdriver to choose
6. Optional screwdriver video

The best firms for the production of screwdrivers

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

1. Makita;

2. Bosch;

3. DeWatt;

4. Hitachi;

5. Metabo;

Each of the above manufacturers has a rich variety of models, each of which is likely to be the best solution for a specific range of tasks. In order to find the most suitable tool, you should study their characteristics, as well as get acquainted with the reviews of customers who had time to try out specific devices on their own experience.

The principle of operation and the device screwdriver

The principle of the screwdriver is in many ways similar to the work of a conventional drill or punch in the drilling mode, and the functions they perform are, in general, similar. The classic screwdriver consists of a comfortable and ergonomic body, having a pistol shape. Inside it is an electrical circuit including a battery and a sufficiently powerful electric motor - the main mechanical element of the device. It is with his help that the cartridge is set in motion with a drill fixed in it or another nozzle. The work of the screwdriver is carried out after pressing the trigger and, depending on the interaction force, the device turns are adjusted, and thanks to a special switch in the upper part of the case, the user can switch the direction of rotation of the cartridge. Some models are additionally equipped with a flashlight, which allows to illuminate the working area, which is turned on simultaneously with the beginning of the rotation of the cartridge with a drill or another nozzle.

Types of screwdrivers

Net 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 work from a conventional 220V outlet. This circumstance is both an advantage and a disadvantage of such devices. Constant voltage removes the need for regular recharging of the battery, simplifies the design and reduces the overall weight of the device, but it also “binds” the worker to an outlet or extension cord.

Virtues

• Compact;

• Cost inexpensive;

• Do not require periodic battery recharging;

• Easy to use and maintain;

• Lungs;

disadvantages

• "Binding" to the socket or the length of the extension;

• Impossibility to work in conditions of missing voltage

Cordless screwdrivers

The classic models that draws the imagination at the mention of the term "screwdriver." The lower part of the device handle is equipped with special clips securing the battery. It is he who is the power source, allowing to work in almost any conditions, including away from the outlet. One battery charge lasts for 5-6 hours of operation, and in order to extend the life, many manufacturers equip their devices with an additional battery as well as a charging station, as a result of which work is almost always carried out according to the principle “one battery works, the second is charged”.

Virtues

• Compact and mobile;

• Powerful enough;

• Allow to work in any conditions;

• Provide complete freedom of action;

disadvantages

• Considerable weight;

• Battery life is critically reduced when operating in freezing temperatures;

• Cost more than their network counterparts;

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

Screwdriver selection options

Torque

The main parameter reflecting the power of a screwdriver. The larger the given indicator, the more forcefully the device will screw the screw or screw into the surface. The absolute majority of screwdrivers have a torque of 15-20 N * m, 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 N * m.

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. So, compact devices with rotational speeds of up to 400-500 revolutions per minute are quite enough to perform 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 revolutions per minute. In combination with a decent torque, such devices are more than replace not only the drill, but also, in some cases, the hammer drill.

As for the possibility of adjusting the speed of the punch, preference should be given to devices that have a stepless adjustment mechanism. Adjusting them to work with specific materials and type of surface is carried out more smoothly, delicately and accurately than their counterparts with several steps.

Type of battery used

If we talk about cordless screwdrivers, attention must be paid to the type of battery used. Depending on this parameter, all batteries are divided into three main types:

1. Nickel metal hydride. Battery resistant, not afraid of exposure to low temperatures.Their disadvantage is the so-called "memory", which can reduce the service life after only 150-200 recharge cycles;

2. Nickel-cadmium. Powerful "batteries" with increased intrinsic resistance, which serves as a kind of voltage regulator. They are characterized by high survivability - up to 1000 cycles of full charge and discharge while observing the manufacturer's recommendations. Among the drawbacks, there is a significant own weight of such batteries, which makes them very inconvenient when working on weight;

3. Li-ion. The classic type of rechargeable batteries, popular in all types of electronic devices at present. Excellent resource, almost complete lack of memory and low weight - these are its main advantages. Not without its drawbacks - lithium-ion batteries are afraid of subzero temperature, under the influence of which their capacity is significantly reduced;

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

Device weight

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

Parameters of the installed cartridge

Important when choosing a device is the diameter of the gripping unit of the cartridge. The classic difference is 0.8-1.2 millimeters, such values ​​allow using almost all drills and nozzles on sale. In the case of the need to work with larger diameter drills, you may need a device that has a chuck width of up to 10-15 millimeters.

Pay attention to the presence of reverse in the device. It is switched using a special button and allows you to reverse the rotation of the cartridge. This function is necessary in the case when it is necessary not to twist, but to unscrew the screw or screw.

Additional functions

This may include the presence of a removable cartridge 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 the mechanic and will be useful not only in the workshop, but also in the usual garage.

Another feature is the presence of a built-in flashlight, which allows to highlight the working 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. As a universal device that is suitable for working with wood, silicate blocks and bricks, as well as with plasterboard and other types of finishing materials, a cordless screwdriver with a torque of up to 25-30 N * m, stepless speed adjustment and weighing about 1 -1.5 kilograms;

2. If you plan to operate the screwdriver not only for its intended purpose, but also as an autotool and wrench, you need to pay attention to powerful models, whose torque can reach 60 newtonometers, and the rotational speed, on the contrary, will be small - only 600-700 turns a minute;

3. If you need to purchase a small universal assistant to perform routine operations, you should pay attention to a compact inexpensive screwdriver with a peak torque of 10-15 N * m and a rotational speed in the region of 1000 revolutions per minute;

4. If you are a fisherman and the selected screwdriver will definitely become one of the components of the ice drilling system, you should give preference to high-speed models, whose cartridge can reach speeds of up to 1200-1500 revolutions per minute and also allow fixing a fairly wide ice drill. The battery of such a device should be Nickel-Cadmium - only such “batteries” are not afraid of freezing temperatures;

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Optional screwdriver video

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