In the course of any construction or repair, one of the most necessary tools is a cordless screwdriver: which one is best for you, which model to choose, which manufacturers are the most reliable on the market - you will find the answers to these and other questions in this article.
The screw gun is necessary for many finishing, repair and construction works
Content
- 1 Where and why is the screwdriver used?
- 2 Types of screwdrivers
- 3 Which battery is better for a screwdriver
- 4 Battery types. What batteries for a screwdriver exist
- 5 Breakdown and repair of cordless screwdrivers
- 6 Cordless screwdriver: which is better. Brand overview
- 7 Rating of professional cordless screwdrivers by price
Where and why is the screwdriver used?
A tool such as a screwdriver is an irreplaceable thing in any household. It is used in repair work, in construction, it is indispensable in solving many everyday issues (furniture assembly, fastening cornices, shelves, cabinets, etc.) The main functions of a screwdriver are screwing in and out of any fasteners and their parts. You can also use it to drill a wooden, metal surface or cut a thread. Today the market for power tools is quite large and diverse, so it is not surprising that more and more buyers are asking the main question: which screwdriver is better to buy?
Types of screwdrivers
Depending on the characteristics and purpose, screwdrivers can be divided into those intended for professional activity or home use, powered by a network or batteries.
The main purpose of the screwdriver is screwing in or out of fastening elements
Household or professional tool - pros and cons
Like any other tools, screwdrivers are divided into professional and household. However, not all the characteristics that a professional instrument possesses will be in demand in everyday use. But the price can differ significantly in favor of household models. For example, a torque of 15 Nm is sufficient for tightening screws, nuts and screws, while professional models are produced with a mark of 130 Nm. If you need to drill a fairly hard surface, a household tool will not be enough.
The next thing to look out for is the motor shaft. The number of revolutions at prof. tool 1200-1300 rpm, while household options are capable of only 400-500. And of course, it is important how often you plan to use the screwdriver.Powerful professional models are suitable for frequent use and large volumes of work. If you plan to use a screwdriver no more than 1 time in 2 months, you can safely opt for affordable amateur options of decent quality.
A professional tool differs from amateur models in the duration of work and increased functionality
Mains or battery? Which screwdrivers are better and more practical
Another difference that separates screwdrivers into two main types is the principle of power supply: mains or battery. The first ones are quite heavy, and they can only be operated with access to the mains. This makes it impossible to use them in the construction and repair of those objects to which electricity has not yet been supplied. The presence of a power cord causes a lot of inconvenience during use, especially when it comes to work at height. Such a tool is less mobile.
Cordless screwdrivers are much lighter, stand-alone and allow you to work with them in almost any conditions. Let's try to figure it out - how to choose a cordless screwdriver?
Self-powered screwdriver with high performance and long battery life
Which battery is better for a screwdriver
If you don't know how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home, start by choosing the type of battery. The convenience of your work, as well as savings when buying, will depend on the correct choice. The first condition is that the battery must be powerful enough. A spare battery in the kit will also do the trick. And it is very important how long it will take to recharge the instrument.
Useful advice! Please note that professional models usually take no more than an hour to recharge. While a household tool can take 3, 5 or even 7 hours to recharge. Therefore, if the intensity of work is not important for you, it is better to save money, not time, by choosing high quality amateur models.
The choice of tool depends on the application and the expected loads
Battery types. What batteries for a screwdriver exist
Currently on the market are screwdrivers equipped with three types of batteries. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Nickel cadmium battery
The main advantage of this type of battery is the lowest price in comparison with other types of batteries. They easily tolerate cold, which allows them to work at rather low temperatures, and are able to withstand up to 1000 recharges.
The main disadvantage is the content of a toxic and allergenic substance - cadmium. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a low memory effect, that is, they reduce capacity after each charge. It cannot be recharged until the previous charge has been fully used up.
Charging time for professional models is about an hour, for household ones - several times longer
Hybrid battery (nickel-metal)
The advantages of this type of battery: it is quite light in weight, has a large volume, does not discharge even if not used for a long time (the share of discharge per month without use is only 1%). Fairly low memory effect. Among the disadvantages: it can be charged no more than 500 times.
Related article:
Grinding machine for wood. Types and features of work. Device and application. Belt, vibration, eccentric models and their advantages. Safety rules for work.
Li-ion battery
The most modern and reliable battery type. Has a high specific capacity, while being quite compact and lightweight. The lithium-ion battery has virtually no memory effect and can be recharged without waiting for a complete discharge. Disadvantages:
- high price compared to other types of batteries;
- not adapted to work at low temperatures;
- there is practically no possibility of recovery.
Useful advice! When using the tool on lithium-ion batteries, please note that they must not be completely discharged and overcharge must also be avoided. This can damage the battery and is explosive!
Nowadays cordless screwdrivers are gradually replacing mains powered tools
Breakdown and repair of cordless screwdrivers
The main inconvenience in using a non-corded power tool is the wear of the charger. The main reason for the breakdown is that the battery banks of the screwdriver fail. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the battery and find a non-working bank using a volt-ohm meter. Then you can assemble the device without a failed can, or replace it with a new one.
Another common cause of tool failure is broken screwdriver bits. Which is better, more practical and more durable depends on many factors. The main one is the material from which the attachments are made. The most durable steel is R7 - R12 with titanium nitride or chrome vanadium coating. Also, the way the bits are processed affects the wear resistance. The most common are milling or forging.
Useful advice! If you are faced with the task of where to buy a charger for a screwdriver, give preference only to specialized stores in which the tool itself was purchased. In this case, you will be able to get a warranty, service and advice from qualified sellers. This also applies to all removable elements for the screwdriver's battery.
Proper battery charging will significantly extend battery life
Cordless screwdriver: which is better. Brand overview
Practical shoppers are interested in preliminary reviews before any major purchase. Which is the best cordless screwdriver to choose, which brands and models are the best sellers?
The relatively low power indicators of the cordless screwdriver are compensated by the ease of use and safety
Almost all companies that produce power tools have several shiny models of cordless screwdrivers in their arsenal. If you don't know how to choose a cordless screwdriverwhich company is better - trust trusted manufacturers.
Dewalt
On account of this German company - a patented electric motor without a housing, which significantly reduces the weight of almost all models of screwdrivers released under this brand. The most popular models (DCD 710 S2, DCD 780 C2, DCD 730 C2) have a type of Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 A * h and are equipped with a backlight. They differ in weight (from 1.1 to 1.5 kg), torque (from 24 to 60 Nm) and supply voltage (from 10.8 to 14 V).
Dewalt screwdrivers use a frameless motor to reduce the overall weight of the tool
Bosch
All power tools, including the screwdrivers produced under this brand, are distinguished by high power. Almost all models are equipped with high-speed switches, allowing you to change the operating mode from one to another in a second. In addition to models with lithium-ion batteries (GSR 1440-Li, GSR 10.8-Li), this manufacturer produces popular screwdrivers based on nickel-cadmium batteries (GSR 12-2, GSR 14.4-2, GSR 18-2). The latter have a battery capacity of 1.5 A * h, and a drill diameter from 25 to 29 mm. Almost all models are supplied with two batteries.
Cordless screwdrivers from Bosch with small dimensions are characterized by high performance
Hitachi
The developers of this company have relied on the ergonomics and reliability of the assembly of their tools. The model range is dominated by screwdrivers powered by lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5 A * h (DS 10 DFL, DS 14 DFL, DS 14 DCL, DV 18 DCL2). Additional options include a keyless chuck. The weight of any model does not exceed 1.6 kg.
Japanese Hitachi screwdrivers feature high torque, ergonomics and stylish design
Makita
This manufacturer focuses on nickel-cadmium batteries and offers mainly professional models, the torque of which reaches 160 Nm. Of the less powerful household options, the 6271DWPE, 6261DWPE, 6281DWPE and 6337DWAE are especially popular. The battery capacity of all these models is 1.3 A * h. The maximum drill diameter ranges from 21 to 32 mm.
Makita screwdrivers are represented by a large number of models on the professional electrical equipment market
AEG
In the nomination "the most stylish and comfortable", the instrument of this brand certainly wins. A feature of the product is the company's own development - Fixtec chucks, which are equipped with almost all models of screwdrivers. The most popular options are produced on the basis of lithium-ion batteries (DS 12C2 Li, DS 12C2 Li-KIT2B, BSB 14G2 Li). At the same time, the DS 12C2 Li model has a battery capacity of 3 A * h, it is distinguished by an all-metal case. All AEG brand tools are lightweight (from 1.2 to 1.65 kg).
Feature of AEG screwdrivers is the company's own development - Fixtec cartridges
Also, some models of the Interskol, Zubr, Metabo and Skil brands are very popular among buyers.
Rating of professional cordless screwdrivers by price
In addition to the technical characteristics, buyers' attention is always drawn to the price of the power tool. Oftentimes, low cost does not mean poor quality. Moreover, if you want to find a tool for home use, but do not want to overpay for functions you do not need.
Budget models (up to $ 100) of foreign production can be found under the brand of the German company "Sturm", which is produced on the domestic market under the brand name "Energomash". Particularly popular is the DSh-3112E model based on a Ni-Cd battery. The weight of such a tool is 1.4 kg, and the time for charging the battery is 3 hours.
Professional screwdrivers have a powerful motor that can withstand constant heavy loads
In this price segment, the Hammer ACD121A model is also often chosen, which is not inferior in functionality, but costs a little more.
In the middle price category (up to $ 170), among professional models, the tool of the famous Bosch brand is most often chosen. For example, the PSR 14.4 Li model, which holds a charge for a long time due to lithium ion battery, has a keyless chuck, built-in LED light and charge indicator. The competition is the Black & Decker HP12KD model, which has a maximum cartridge diameter of 10 mm, and it will take 3 hours to fully charge its Ni-Cd battery.
In the upper price segment (up to $ 250), the dominance belongs to the Japanese brand Makita. The 6317DWDE model is especially popular. The maximum drilling diameter reaches 13 mm for metal and 32 mm for wood. The maximum torque is 60 Nm. The only drawback is the heavy weight of 2.1 kg.
An amateur screwdriver will help you easily solve many everyday tasks
Of course, this is not the limit for the price when it comes to a professional tool. However, even in the $ 600 price range, there are optimal models. For example, Makita BTD146RFE. Weight - 1.3 kg, torque - 160 Nm, and the number of revolutions up to 2300 / min.
Having figured out the preference, which manufacturer and model to give your choice, you can make a purchase cordless screwdriver, which will justify itself more than once in the process of operation, whether it is repair work, assembly of furniture or other household needs.
