How to choose a screwdriver to become a real house helper

First of all, a screwdriver is a tool designed for unscrewing / twisting various types of fasteners, whether they are bolts, screws or screws. The modern building materials market is filled with a variety of options, so it is sometimes not clear which screwdriver to choose in order to get a reliable assistant. Below we will consider the key characteristics and parameters that affect the quality of each model and will help in choosing.

A screwdriver is a tool with which various types of fasteners are twisted or twisted, as well as holes are made

How to choose a screwdriver based on the functions assigned to it

With the help of an electric screwdriver, you can solve a large front of tasks that often arise in the house, for example:

• assemble / disassemble a wardrobe or other furniture;
• unscrew the old self-tapping screw;
• fix the plinth.

If the screwdriver is equipped with an impact function, then it can drill holes not only in wood, but also in concrete

Few people want to do such work without using a screwdriver. Trading platforms provide a wide range of goods. To understand which screwdriver to choose for your home, you should first familiarize yourself with various types of tools and reliable manufacturers.

As already noted, the main function of the screwdriver is to screw / unscrew various types of fasteners. This is what makes it an indispensable tool when working with furniture. In addition, the device is also used to perform other functions:

• tighten the already screwed anchors firmly;
• drill holes in hard materials if the device is equipped with an impact function;
• cut threads;
• prepare the solution for use.

It is interesting! Some fishermen successfully use a cordless screwdriver as a brace to make a hole in ice for ice fishing.

Today, hardly anyone wants to assemble a cabinet or other furniture without using a screwdriver.

Before buying, many are interested in the question of what is better to buy: a screwdriver, a drill - or to give preference to a universal tool with a large number of functions. First of all, it is advised to pay attention to how you plan to operate the device.When the main area of ​​work is assembly / disassembly of furniture, a regular screwdriver will do. If you often need to make holes in various hard materials, for example, wood, concrete, metal, it is better to purchase a drill-screwdriver, in which you can change the nozzles and adjust the rotation speed.

It is worth considering that modern professional screwdrivers are endowed with such power that even without the drill function it will be possible to make holes in any material, but in this case it is not recommended to often use the device in this mode.

The design of the screwdriver as a whole has one feature - the absence of inertial moment during operation. This means that as soon as you remove your finger from the "Start" button, the torque will be decelerated, while in most inexpensive drills this option is absent, and even after turning off the devices will rotate by inertia for a few additional seconds.

The screwdriver has another advantage. As soon as the tool reaches maximum resistance during rotation (this happens when the fastener is fully screwed in), the automatic mechanism will stop the movement of the chuck. Thus, it is excluded too deep penetration of the fastener into the surface.

Professional modern screwdrivers have such power that, even without a drill function, they can easily make holes in any material

In general, we can say that a drill and a screwdriver are completely different devices, but at home it is quite permissible to use a universal drill-screwdriver, which is perfect for performing various jobs around the house.

How to choose a screwdriver for home use

To understand which parameters to choose a screwdriver, you should understand the basic criteria, which are not so many as it might seem at first glance. The more you take into account the nuances when buying, the lower the likelihood that you will have to regret the purchase.

First of all, it is worth determining exactly with what frequency and intensity the instrument will be used. If you just need to have a device on hand that needs to tighten a couple of bolts several times a month, you can pick up an inexpensive Russian-made screwdriver. But when the device is necessary for daily work, it is better to buy a reliable professional model right away.

Important! It is considered a mistake to purchase the cheapest screwdriver designed for one-time, but intensive work for several days, for example, to assemble a metal structure or install a fence: it is unlikely that an inexpensive tool will withstand such, even a short-term, load.

Before choosing a screwdriver, you need to decide with what frequency and intensity it will be used

To understand which screwdriver to choose for homework, you need to know the main types of devices. First of all, they are divided into 2 large groups:

• household;
• professional.

As the name of the first group implies, the devices are intended for occasional household chores. Professional tool - the main assistant of a specialist in furniture assembly and repair work that is carried out daily. An important difference between one group and another is the increased power and endurance of professional devices. In addition, they differ in a certain set of additional functions and cost, and household tools are most often 2-3 times cheaper than professional ones.

If you choose a screwdriver for the home, as a rule, preference is given to rechargeable devices with a low weight. Their cost, depending on the manufacturer and model, varies from 2 to 7 thousand rubles. Such devices are perfect for small household work: installing a shelf, unscrewing old fasteners, replacing a lock, etc. The torque is usually no more than 10-15 N / m, and the rotation speed does not exceed 400-500 rpm.

Due to its high power, the professional tool is designed for continuous use. In general, most universal drills are suitable for making holes in hard material, so the devices have a high rotation speed - 1300-2100 rpm, and the torque can reach 130 N / m.

When choosing a screwdriver for home, preference is given to compact cordless devices

In order to finally determine which drill to choose for the home, you need to clearly know what kind of load the tool is going to be subjected to and what kind of work will most often be done. An expensive professional device is not always required, because for the most common chores and minor repairs, a simple tool worth up to 5 thousand rubles is quite suitable.

How to choose a screwdriver based on the type of power supply: mains and cordless tools

When choosing a screwdriver, many users first of all pay attention to the type of power supply of the device. In retail outlets, 2 variants of models are most often found:

• network, designed to operate from a 220 V outlet;
• rechargeable, operating from a replaceable battery.

Sometimes there is a universal tool that can work both from the mains and from the battery. But often such devices are distinguished by their high cost, so they did not receive mass popularity.

Before choosing a cordless screwdriver for the home, you should again determine the purpose and operating conditions. It is important to understand that the power of the battery is a limited criterion, therefore, network models often have a higher engine performance.

Screwdrivers are mains, cordless and combined

On average, users note that a good new battery on a screwdriver is enough to screw in from 100 to 250 fasteners, and it all depends not only on the features of the device, but also on the size and type of fasteners. The longer the device works autonomously, the more the device's power decreases. This, in turn, affects the tightening time of the screw.

It should also be borne in mind that no matter how expensive the device is, the battery capacity will still be limited. After a certain number of charge / discharge cycles passed, the battery may become unusable, as a result, it will need to be replaced. If the device was purchased a long time ago, in this case a problem may arise, because it is not always possible to choose a battery for a specific model, which is suitable not only in terms of power, but also in the type of attachment.

Despite this, cordless screwdrivers have become widespread due to the large number of advantages, among which are:

1. Autonomous work, not dependent on the availability of power supply. It will be possible to use the device when performing work at height and in hard-to-reach places.
2. Lack of cable, which often interferes with free movement and convenient operation.

Among the advantages of a power tool are high power, no need for charging and low weight.

Expert advice! Regardless of which cordless screwdriver you choose for your home, you should immediately purchase an additional battery, especially if it is not included in the package. Firstly, it will allow not to slow down the work if the first battery runs out, and secondly, it will save you from searching for the desired model if the “native” battery fails.

A cordless screwdriver is often more powerful than a cordless screwdriver, although modern professional models boast high technical characteristics. Among the main advantages of purchasing a network tool are:

1. High power. Most models with mains supply are professional devices.
2. No need to constantly monitor the remaining charge level. There is also no need to stop work and wait for the device to recharge.
3. Low weight. This allows the instrument to be held in place for a longer period.

Before choosing a power screwdriver, you need to familiarize yourself with the shortcomings of the device, where the main thing is the connection to electricity and the presence of a cable that may not be enough or, conversely, that will interfere with work. Frequent twisting and kinking of the cable can damage the device.

As expensive as a cordless screwdriver is, battery capacity will still be limited.

Based on the above reasons, it becomes clear: in order to understand which screwdriver to choose - a cordless or networked one, it is necessary to decide how important the autonomy of the power tool is.

It is interesting! Networked devices with the same characteristics will cost less than battery ones.

Cordless screwdriver: which one to choose depending on the type of battery

Knowing about the types of removable batteries that affect the duration of tool use will help you choose a good cordless screwdriver as an indispensable home assistant.

The abbreviation "Li-Ion" on the devices indicates that the device operates on a lithium-ion battery, which is considered very popular today. Batteries of this kind are installed in many portable devices and gadgets due to the large number of advantages:

A screwdriver equipped with a Li-Ion battery is only necessary if it is planned to be used continuously

• the ability to carry out up to 3 thousand charge / discharge cycles;
• low weight;
• fast charging, which rarely takes more than 30-60 minutes;
• lack of memory effect, which allows you to remove and put the device on charge, regardless of the charge level.

Despite all the advantages, lithium-ion batteries also have negative aspects:

1. The average battery life is 3-5 years or 3 thousand cycles, although it should be noted that this is longer than with other types of devices.
2. Despite the high cost of the battery, it is not designed to operate at low temperatures, which is rather inconvenient considering the tool's portability.

Related article:

Brushless screwdriver: dedicated to lovers of the highest quality

The advantages and disadvantages of the device. How to choose the right unit. Flagships of world manufacturers. Rating of the best models.

In general, we can conclude that it is necessary to purchase cordless screwdrivers with a Li-Ion battery only if you plan to constantly and often use the device, because, even while in standby mode, the battery loses its quality.

Expert advice! The lithium-ion battery does not need to be fully charged and discharged for normal operation. It is recommended to put the device on recharge when at least 15% of the charge remains, and it is better to remove it from the charge when the battery is 90% charged. In this case, it is better to fully charge and discharge a new battery 3 times in a row.

The average lifespan of a Li-Ion battery is 3 thousand cycles or 4-5 years

Pros and cons of nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries: what capacity affects

Nickel-cadmium batteries have been installed in screwdrivers and other tools for a long time. The maximum number of charge / discharge cycles reaches 1500, the batteries are designed for at least 5 years of use. The main advantage is the ability to work at low temperatures, but not below -15 ° С. In terms of cost, Ni-Cd batteries are cheaper than all the others. When deciding which screwdriver is better to choose, you should immediately study the disadvantages of such power supplies:

1. Long-term recharging, which on average takes more than 7-8 hours.
2. The presence of the "memory effect", which does not allow to remove from charging a battery that is not 100% charged.Discharge the device completely before charging it.
3. The substances that make up the inside of a battery can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of.
4. All screwdrivers are of considerable weight.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are identified with the “NI-MH” mark. Main advantages:

• environmental Safety;
• insignificant size;
• average cost.

Nickel-cadmium batteries have a maximum number of charge / discharge cycles of up to 1500

Like lithium-ion batteries, they have not been used for more than three years and cannot be operated at low temperatures. Screwdrivers with such batteries are compact and lightweight, which is especially important for long-term work in an uncomfortable position. At the same time, you need to know that it is strictly forbidden to store nickel-metal hydride batteries in a completely discharged state. If you do not use the device temporarily, it needs to be charged up to 100%.

Which screwdriver to choose for homework? Most customer reviews claim that lithium batteries are considered to be more powerful, but even if used infrequently, they will stop working after about two years. Cadmium - less safe, they are designed for 10 years. As practice shows, many professionals opt for cadmium batteries, because they work regardless of temperature extremes, and also do not discharge even during long-term storage, which is especially important when the device is used occasionally.

In addition, before choosing a good cordless-type screwdriver, you should pay attention to the battery capacity indicator, which is measured in Ah. The larger this value, the longer the device will be able to operate without recharging. Another important parameter is the battery voltage, which is measured in Volts. It is this criterion that indicates what maximum power can be obtained from the device.

So, how to choose a home screwdriver? In this case, tools with a voltage of 12-14 V are considered the best, for a professional device this indicator should not be less than 18 V.

The best screwdrivers for household use, tools with a 12-14 V battery are considered

How to choose the right screwdriver: motor types, torque indicator

When comparing screwdrivers, it is worth considering that they are also classified by the type of motor that rotates the shaft. According to this criterion, tools are divided into the following types:

• brush (collector);
• brushless (inverter).

A distinctive feature of the brush motor is the presence of graphite brushes for transferring electrical energy from the contact wire. The main advantage of the devices is their low cost. A disadvantage is the large loss of energy at the sliding contact point, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the tool.

If you are wondering which screwdriver for the home is better, then it should be noted that in this case, most users prefer a brushless tool, which has a lot of advantages:

Screwdriver motors are brushed and brushless

• easy adjustment of the spindle speed;
• the ability to tolerate short-term overloads well;
• increased by 30% efficiency;
• long period of warranty work;
• no possibility of sparking during use;
• economical charge consumption.

A relative disadvantage is the high cost of the brushless tool.

Torque is a characteristic that determines what kind of load a screwdriver can be subjected to. In fact, this is an indicator of the force with which the device acts on the fastener. The value is measured in Newton meters (N / m). Two types of torque are distinguished:

1. Soft. The minimum speed at which the tool will tighten the fastener.
2. Hard. Maximum force used primarily for drilling mode.It is found most often in screwdrivers.

Depending on the indicator, the device can tighten the fasteners or drill holes in materials of different densities. Before using a screwdriver, you should figure out which torque indicator is suitable for a particular type of work:

In screwdrivers, 2 types of torque are distinguished: soft and hard

1. Up to 10 N / m. Such a device is intended for the repair of interior items, children's toys or household appliances. Basically, electric screwdrivers differ in this indicator.
2. 20-30. It is used for driving screws in various materials.
3. 30-40. Suitable for drilling hard wood, concrete and metal surfaces.
4. 50-130. An indicator found in a professional tool, which is enough to perform complex and voluminous work of any plan.

An adjustable torque screwdriver is considered optimal for use. In this case, the design of the device contains a limiter installed after the chuck. It is with its help that the level of effort is adjusted in the process of twisting the elements. In this case, the chuck stops automatically, although the engine continues to run.

How to choose a drill-driver: rotation speed indicators and chuck type

Conventional screwdrivers for home use accelerate up to 400-500 rpm, which is enough to tighten the fasteners. If you need to purchase a good screwdriver with a drill function, the indicator should be at least 1300 rpm, but better - more. For example, for working with wood, the optimal speed is 800-1500 revolutions, but for drilling concrete and metal - 2-3 thousand. In general, it is considered convenient when the gearshift function is available in the device.

Screwdriver chucks are divided into 2 types: keyless and hexagonal

By the type of cartridges, the tool is divided into 2 types:

1. Keyless. A versatile option that allows you to use bits, drills and a variety of accessories with equal success. The mechanism can be one- and two-clutch, but with the first option it is faster to work.
2. Hexagonal. Designed only to work with bits held by a magnet.

It is interesting! There are two-chuck screwdrivers that allow you to use 2 different bits at the same time, which can be easily alternated using a torque element. One of the most popular options is the Chinese-made WORX - WX176L model, but before buying you need to assess the need for such a design.

Which company is better: how to choose a cordless or mains screwdriver

Before choosing a mains or battery-type screwdriver for your home, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the rating of trusted manufacturers with good reviews. The most reliable manufacturers include:

Metabo presents high quality power tools for both home and professional use

1. Bosch. A German concern offering a large selection of screwdrivers with various characteristics.
2. Makita. A Japanese trading company for a reputable percussion instrument. Some Makita cordless drills are capable of accelerating up to 3200 rpm, which significantly expands the scope of work.
3. Dewalt. A German company that offers reliable equipment with an attractive and ergonomic design.
4. Metabo. Another representative of Germany, selling high quality power tools for home and professional use.
5. Black & Decker. A company that produces American screwdrivers that combine high reliability and optimal cost. Models designed to work with stone are available for purchase.

In view of the rise in price of a foreign product, Chinese and domestic models are taking the lead in sales.So, the Diold cordless and network screwdrivers from China differ in characteristics that are acceptable for a household appliance and, at the same time, at a cost, are within 5 thousand rubles.

The German concern Bosch offers a wide range of screwdrivers with different characteristics

Many are interested in the question of which inexpensive network screwdriver is best for the home. Some users will recommend Whirlwind tools. Due to the fact that the enterprises are located in China, the cost of devices is affordable for most buyers. For example, a two-speed network screwdriver Whirlwind SSh-550/2 will cost only 2,250 rubles.

How to choose a screwdriver for an ice screw: reviews, prices

Winter fishing is an avid hobby of many men, where this device can also be successfully used. To understand which screwdriver to choose for drilling ice, it should be borne in mind that at low temperatures, the device will work under increased loads. Of course, only a cordless tool is useful for such conditions.

When buying, you need to understand that a device with a torque of at least 60 N / m is suitable for working with hard ice, and there is absolutely no need to purchase a tool with an impact function. Other characteristics that determine which screwdriver to choose for an ice screw:

To work with hard ice, you need a screwdriver with a torque of at least 60 N / m

• optimal in cold conditions is a nickel-metal hydride battery, which easily tolerates sub-zero temperatures;
• the power of the device must be at least 18 V, preferably 36 V;
• battery capacity - 3-5 A / h.

It is recommended to choose the following models of screwdrivers:

1. Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls - 9,500 rubles. The device has a 4-amp battery, the torque reaches 110 N / m.
2. Bosch GSR 18 - 2 Li - a more budgetary option worth 5300 rubles. It has a voltage of 18 V, the torque is only 63 N / m, but this does not prevent the tool from coping with the thickness of ice.

It will be much easier to make the choice of a screwdriver for the home if you understand the purpose for which the device is purchased. Many expensive professional models are endowed with features that most ordinary consumers may never use. The main advice is to be guided when choosing not by cost, but by a trusted manufacturer and the necessary parameters.