How to choose a screwdriver, 9-step instructions, an article from which you will learn everything about screwdrivers! Types, powers, characteristics, applications, comparisons.

We are preparing the orchestra for the working season. How to choose a screwdriver - 9-step instructions

To assemble furniture or hang a picture, today you don’t have to put in a lot of effort.

• The main thing is to choose the right tool!

This article will help you understand the variety of these tools and buy a screwdriver that is right for you.

1. Purpose of the tool

The screwdriver is only suitable for working with fasteners– an ideal assistant in assembling furniture or simple repair work.

There are also universal tool: a drill-driver that combines the first two functions - drilling and screwing.

Cordless screwdriver – performs the function of a screwdriver, and also allows you to unscrew and tighten fasteners. However, its power is lower than that of a conventional screwdriver.

2. Tool type

A classic of the genre is a hammerless drill or screwdriver. Such a tool makes only rotational movements. A hammerless drill is ideal for working with soft materials and wood.

• If you need to tighten screws or drill holes in the wall, this is a win-win option.

There are instruments with impact - in addition to rotational movements, they perform forward and backward movements. This allows you to drill into more durable materials: concrete, brick and various metals.

*Impact drills are more versatile - you can always turn off the impact function and switch to working with more fragile materials.

Angle tools are necessary for working in limited space or hard to reach places. Here the gearbox is shaped like the letter “L” and is fixed at an angle of 90 degrees – hence the name.

Some hammerless screwdrivers also have additional angle attachments. For example, this is very convenient when working under the hood of a car.

3. Chuck type

Any screwdrivers are equipped with a chuck. This is the mechanism that holds the bit or drill bit. In screwdrivers, the cartridge is installed under the bits. The bit is a small nozzle, hexagonal on one side and various shapes with another. To change the attachment, just remove one and insert the other until it clicks lightly.

Another important parameter– cartridge diameter. It determines what size drill or bit can be used when working with the tool. For non-professional instruments, a sufficient range is from 0 to 20 mm.

4. Tool power

The power of the tool is determined by the voltage supplied by the battery. It varies from 1.2 to 36 volts.

Thus, for small jobs you can buy a screwdriver with a voltage of 3-6 volts. For drilling non-solid materials, a screwdriver with a voltage of 10-15 volts is suitable.

• When choosing a screwdriver, pay attention to the battery capacity - the operating time depends on it. The average is from 1 to 3 A/h.

Often included is a second battery for continuous operation, as well as a special charging base.

5. Maximum torque

Maximum torque – determines the effectiveness of the tool.

From this indicator one can understand how large diameter and the length of the screw can be tightened by a screwdriver.

• Power, voltage and maximum torque are interrelated indicators. The higher the voltage, the higher the torque.

A screwdriver's maximum torque can be several N/m. This is quite enough to assemble a chair or bracket.

A screwdriver with a torque of 10-30 N/m - to cope with any task. Tighten the screw tightly in the metal shelving - no problem!

*A torque of 30-40 N/M will easily allow you to drill through wood.

A device with a maximum torque of 40 N/m and more - can easily cope with brick, concrete and metal surfaces

6. Number of speeds

As a rule, screwdrivers and screwdrivers have only one operating speed: from 0 to 800 rpm - this is enough to work with fasteners.

But most drills and screwdrivers have 2 speeds:

1st mode with speed from 0-400 rpm - mainly used for tightening.

2nd mode with speed from 400-1300 rpm - for drilling holes.

• Almost all screwdrivers are equipped with a “reverse” function for unscrewing fasteners.

7. Additional information

When working with such tools, reliability and safety are important.

Many models have: locking the power button; battery protection system from overload, overheating and deep discharge; backlight working area built-in LED flashlight.

When choosing a tool, pay attention to its weight - the higher the power of the screwdriver, the heavier it is.

8. Equipment

Screwdrivers usually come with: a compact plastic or metal case, Charger for a battery, but sets of drills and attachments are purchased separately, most often.

• Do not forget that when working with screwdrivers and drills, you must protect your eyes - use construction safety glasses.

9. Recipes

If you need a tool for simple work, a small and lightweight screwdriver with a voltage of 3 to 15 volts, with a built-in battery, with a quick-release chuck or a padded one will suit you.

For some types of work it makes sense to buy a screwdriver corner type– especially if you often repair your car.

If you use tools at home and occasionally: it’s worth buying a screwdriver-drill - hammerless or impact, with a voltage of 15 volts and a torque of 30 N/m, or better yet, with power support from the mains.

Are there major renovations ahead?

An impact drill with a voltage of 20 volts, with a quick-release or screw-in chuck for large drills, with a torque of 40 N/m and 2 speeds for different operating modes is ideal.

Each instrument has its own special sound! Do you have a whole orchestra?

How to choose a screwdriver - video

In some jobs you have to tighten a lot of screws. You can, of course, do this manually with a screwdriver, but this requires considerable effort and takes a lot of time. To speed up the process, you need to choose a screwdriver. There are very inexpensive models - household ones - which, nevertheless, greatly facilitate the installation and dismantling of screws. And some can also work in drill mode.

Household or professional

As you know, professional screwdrivers are more expensive, but this is no coincidence. They are made with a large margin of safety, for which higher quality and more expensive materials are used. In addition, they have more power, which makes it possible to screw in longer screws and/or work with tougher materials.

To decide whether you need a household or professional screwdriver, assess the amount of work that will need to be done. If you are starting construction or major renovation You probably need a professional or semi-professional model. If you need a tool periodically to unscrew/tighten something from time to time, a household tool is more than enough. With such work, the professional tool resource simply will not be in demand. So choosing a screwdriver based on this criterion is not very difficult.

Battery or mains

Having decided on the class, you will need to decide whether you need a corded screwdriver or a cordless one. The disadvantages and advantages of both are obvious: the battery-powered one has higher mobility and the cord does not interfere with operation, but it weighs more. The network connection does not depend on the presence of battery charge, but not all construction sites have power supply. IN overall choice difficult. The decisive point may be that a cordless screwdriver with a good battery costs significantly more than a similar model operating from the mains. The difference is due to the presence of a battery - good options are not cheap.

If you decide to choose a corded screwdriver, pay attention to the cable length. The longer it is, the more convenient it will be to work - you won’t have to carry a carrier either.

To choose the right cordless screwdriver, you need to pay attention to the type of battery. The duration of operation on one charge, as well as the order of storage, depend on this.

• Lithium-ion (Li-lon). Holds a charge for a long time, charges quickly, has a large number of recharges, and almost never discharges during storage. All in all, a good option, but expensive. Therefore, it is probably more common on professional models, where the duration of operation on a single charge is important. Disadvantages include fear of cold, which is important in our country.

  

• Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH). This type of battery is environmentally friendly, small in size and weight, average price. Disadvantages - they also do not like low temperatures, they have a short service life - about 3 years. But it’s easier to work with such a tool—the hand doesn’t get so tired. When storing the battery, the battery is fully charged; discharged batteries cannot be stored. During storage they are discharged, but moderately.

  

• Nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD). Main advantages - low price and a service life of 5 years (number of charges - about 3000), is not afraid of frost, that is, you can work outside in winter. Disadvantages - it takes a long time to charge (it takes twice as long as charging other types of batteries), has a “charge memory”. Charge memory is a nasty thing. If you charge a battery that is not completely discharged, the total capacity of the battery will decrease. It will become smaller by exactly the value from which the charge began. Therefore, you need to work with such a tool until the battery is completely discharged, which is not always convenient: it cannot always “tighten” the screw, you have to help with your hands or tighten it with a “fresh” battery. Store completely discharged, otherwise the capacity will decrease again.

  

  The cheapest type of battery is nickel-cadmium, but they have a “charge memory”

So, if you choose a cordless screwdriver for periodic work, a nickel-cadmium battery will do just fine. If you use it carefully, it will last a long time. If you are starting large-scale work, it is better to use other batteries - there will be less downtime, the work will move faster.

Chuck type

There are two types of screwdriver chuck: key and quick-release. The quick-release (usually has three blades) allows you to change attachments in a matter of seconds - the cartridge is turned a little by hand, the nozzle is changed, after which it is again turned a little in the opposite direction. In addition, there is another positive point: in such a holder it is fashionable to install a nozzle of any thickness. The main thing is that the shank fits into the holder.

The same operation with a key cartridge requires a special key. It is inserted into a special socket and turned until the nozzle is released. After replacement, the key turns in the opposite direction. The disadvantage is obvious: you need to have this key on hand.

According to their structure, quick-release chucks can have one or two couplings. If there are two couplings, one of them fixes the cartridge, the second – the shaft. If there is only one clutch, then there is a shaft lock button on the body.

Choosing a screwdriver based on this parameter is not difficult - usually everyone agrees on quick-clamping ones. They allow you to fix attachments large sizes, however, all other things being equal, they are a little more expensive.

Technical specifications

Once you have decided on the type of screwdriver and power supply, you need to focus on technical specifications. They determine what screws and what material you can screw into.

Rotation speed and torque

The force with which a screwdriver can turn a screw is determined by the torque. It can be very small for household models - 10-15 Nm, or can reach 130-140 Nm for professional ones. Therefore, professional screwdrivers can easily and quickly tighten large screws and work with hard materials.

But high torque is not always necessary and not with all materials; therefore, screwdrivers provide the ability to adjust the applied force. There is a limiter for this. It is made in the form of a movable ring, which is located behind the clamping chuck.

There is a mark on the ring; by placing it opposite a certain number, you set the maximum force that the tool can develop. Once this value is reached, the cartridge will spin idle - the screw will no longer be tightened. The achievement of this value can be clearly monitored - the ratchet turns on.

Many models of screwdrivers can operate in two modes: actually tightening the fasteners and drilling. Such models are called drill-screwdrivers, but they are now the majority. To switch to the drill mode, the switch is set to the extreme position (having first replaced the nozzle). At the same time, maximum speed is turned on, which allows you to drill even quite hard materials.

Screwdriver power

Both torque and rotation speed are a consequence of the power of the electric motor. Therefore, we must also look at this parameter. But here it is necessary to monitor three quantities at once: so that the power of the screwdriver corresponds to the speed parameters. Powerful models with good parameters can be found from many manufacturers, but such as Metabo (Metabo), Bosch (Bosch) and Makita (Makita) and other well-known prices for them are very high. There are other brands with similar characteristics, but more reasonable prices. For example, RYOBI (Ryobi). The brand is still little-known, but according to reviews it is no worse than the above-mentioned famous brands. In order to be able to compare the main characteristics and price of models of approximately the same power, but different brands, let's put them in a table.

Model	Tool type	Chuck type/diameter	Maximum idle speed	Maximum torque	Number of speeds	Maximum drilling diameter wood/metal	Battery type, charging time	Battery capacity/voltage	Possibilities	Adaptations	Weight	Equipment	Price
Bosch GSR 1800-LI 1.5Ah x2 Case	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release 0.8-10 mm	1300 rpm	34 Nm	2	29 mm / 10 mm	Li-ion	1.5 Ah / 18 V		power button lock	1.4 kg		6.7 t.r. - 7.5 t.r.
Bosch GSR 18-2-LI Plus 2.0Ah x2 Case	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release 1.5-13 mm	1900 rpm	63 Nm	2	38 mm / 13 mm	Li-ion	2 Ah / 18 V	reverse, spindle lock, electronic overload protection, electronic speed control		1.49 kg	case, two batteries, charger	11 t.r. - 13.5 t.r.
Makita 6347DWDE	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 1.5 - 13 mm	1300 rpm	80 Nm	2	38 mm / 13 mm	Ni-Cd	2.3 Ah / 18 V			1.5 kg		13 t.r.
Makita 6347DWAE	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 1.5 - 13 mm	1300 rpm	80 Nm	2	38 mm / 13 mm	Ni-Cd	2 a.h / 18 V	reverse, electronic reverse, electronic speed control	bit socket, power button lock	1.5 kg	two batteries, charger, bit, case	11.3 tr. - 12 t.r.
Hitachi DS18DVF3	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 13 mm	1200 rpm	45 Nm	2	21 mm / 12 mm	Ni-Cd	1.4 Ah / 18 V	reverse, electronic speed control	bit socket, additional handle	2 kg	case, flashlight, set of attachments	7.6 tr. - 9.5 t.r.
Hitachi DS18DSFL	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release 2mm / 13mm	1250 rpm	41 Nm	2	38 mm / 13 mm	Li-ion	1.5 Ah / 18 V	reverse, electronic speed control	power button lock	1.7 kg		8.7 tr. - 11.6 t.r.
Metabo BS 18 10mm 1.3Ah x2 Case	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 1-10 mm	1600 rpm	48 Nm	2	20 mm / 10 mm	Li-ion	1.3 Ah / 18 V	reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control	bit socket, spotlight, power button lock	1.3 kg	two batteries, charger, case	7.7 t.r. - 8.1 tr.
Metabo BS 18 Li 2012 13mm 2.0Ah x2 Case	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 1.5-13 mm	1600 rpm	48 Nm	2	20 mm / 10 mm	Li-ion	2 Ah / 18 V	reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control	bit socket, spotlight, power button lock	1.5 kg	two batteries, charger, case	10.3 tr. - 10.9 tr.
RYOBI RCD18021L	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 1.5-13 mm	1600 rpm	45 Nm	2	38mm / 13mm	Li-Ion	1.4 Ah / 18 V	reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control	bit socket, magnetic holder on the body, spotlight, power button lock	1.2 kg	one battery, charger, bit, bag	7.1 t.r. - 7.8t.r.
RYOBI R18DDP-0	hammerless drill/driver	quick-release / 13 mm	1600 rpm	45 Nm	2	32 mm / 13 mm		18 V	reverse, electronic reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control	socket for mounting bits, magnetic holder on the case, locking the power button	1.81 kg	bit (without battery and charger)	2.7 t.r. - 2.9 tr.

It’s worth saying a few more words about the number of operating speeds. Do not confuse with the number of rotation speeds. These are two operating modes that are used when working with different sizes screws or drills. When working with small screws/drills, you can select a higher speed; when screwing in large screws or drilling large holes, you can select a lower speed.

Battery options

To choose the right screwdriver with batteries, in addition to the type of batteries, you need to select their operating parameters:

To choose a screwdriver for home or professional use and not regret it, you must review these parameters. If you have selected several models, compare them according to these characteristics, because it depends on them how long the interval between charges of the screwdriver batteries will be.

Additional functions

As usual, these functions are not mandatory, but they significantly increase ease of use. Some, if they raise the price, do not raise it significantly, while others raise it quite significantly. To choose the most inexpensive screwdriver, you can get by with the minimum - reverse and the presence of illumination of the work area. The rest, of course, are useful, but are more suitable for professionals.

Reverse or reverse

The presence of this option allows you to unscrew a screw or drill stuck in the material. The direction of rotation changes when the polarity of the power supply changes, which is done through a special button. It is usually installed near the trigger lever.

Most often, the button for switching the direction of travel has three positions: on average, the tool is blocked. This increases safety: if you accidentally touch the lever, the screwdriver will simply stop, rather than immediately start rotating in the opposite direction.

Work area lighting

A very convenient option that does not greatly affect the price of the screwdriver is illumination of the work area. With good lighting it is much easier to control the instrument.

Lighting of the work area - useful additional function screwdriver

An LED is built into the handle or body of the tool near the chuck, which lights up when the start button is pressed. If you want to choose a screwdriver that is convenient to work with, make sure that the work area is illuminated.

If you decide to choose a cordless screwdriver, it would be a good idea to have a battery charge indicator. These are LEDs different colors- green, yellow, red, which are located on the body. If the light is green, the charge is full; if it is red, the charge is almost empty.

The location of the indicator depends on the company, but is usually located on the thickening of the handle, in the same place as the backlight LED, or in the upper part of the case.

Automatic feeding of screws

Such screwdrivers are also called shop screwdrivers. This option is useful for professionals, especially those who work with drywall, where fasteners must be installed in small increments. Self-tapping screws are attached to a special tape, tucked into guides, and automatically fed into the holder.

This option can be implemented in two ways: there are store-bought screwdrivers (pictured on the left) and there are attachments for a regular screwdriver. For home use the second option is preferable, since the tool can work as a drill or in reverse. A shop screwdriver is highly specialized equipment for professional use.

Choosing a screwdriver (cordless screwdriver) is a completely solvable task. To do this, you need to know what characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing. First, we decide whether a household or professional model is needed. If you are buying a screwdriver for small jobs around the house, for work in the country, etc., then your choice is a household screwdriver. If the screwdriver is expected to be used intensively for a long time, then you need a professional screwdriver. This material will tell you how to choose a screwdriver.

Let's return to the main characteristics that you need to know when choosing a cordless screwdriver:

Motor voltage screwdriver. Modern models screwdrivers have motor voltages from 7.2V to 24V (Volts). The higher the voltage, the less current is needed to obtain required power. Accordingly, it is easier to obtain more power in a screwdriver with an 18V motor rather than a 12V or 7.2V motor. It is worth clarifying that the most popular screwdrivers have 12V, 14V and 18V motors.

Torque screwdriver. Torque is measured in Nm (Newton per meter). In simple words Torque is the force with which your screwdriver screws in the screws. The greater the torque, the more possibilities appears at the screwdriver. In modern household screwdrivers, the torque is usually 10-28 Nm. This is quite enough for housework. With a torque of 28-30 Nm, the screwdriver can screw in 100 mm self-tapping screws and drill wood and metal. Speaking of drilling in wood and metal, modern household models are capable of drilling holes up to 20mm in wood and up to 13mm in metal. In professional screwdrivers, the torque reaches 70-140 Nm.

Most screwdrivers have a function torque adjustment. It is used where greater control is required when performing certain jobs. Adjustment occurs by switching the ring located on the screwdriver body, at the base of the chuck. On the ring there are numbers indicating modes in setting the torque. The "drill" icon after the maximum number on the ring indicates the drilling mode.

Using the example of tightening screws, the function is used like this:

When tightening screws of different lengths, you don’t need one torque. For smaller screws, a lower tightening force is sufficient, and for longer screws, a correspondingly higher tightening force is sufficient. Most likely, everyone who screwed a self-tapping screw into wood at least once, but buried it in the material. And where it is necessary for the surface to be flat and smooth, dents are not allowed. When the so-called “ratchet” is triggered, and this happens when the set torque is too high, the screwdriver stops tightening the screw. Thus allowing more precise control of the work process. This function also protects the motor from overload.

Accumulator battery screwdriver. It is the battery that allows you to work mobile and not depend on the length of the cord. Screwdrivers use three types of batteries:

NiCd(nickel-cadmium) - these batteries are the most affordable, but the characteristics are simpler than those presented below. The capacity of such batteries is from 1.2 or 1.5 A/h (Ampere hour). A screwdriver with a capacity of 2.0A/h, under the same conditions, can work longer than a screwdriver with a battery capacity of 1.2A/h. A capacity of 1.2-1.5A/h is sufficient for home use. And given the current battery charging time of 1 hour, you will always have a “fresh” battery at hand. Of the minuses: they require complete discharge.

NiMh(nickel-metal hydride) - these batteries are more expensive, but their capacity is also higher, from 1.5 to 2.6 A/h. Suitable for both home use and more complex and long-term use. Does not require complete discharge.

Li-Ion(lithium-ion) batteries are the most expensive and have a high capacity, which can be above 3.0A/h. Another advantage of Li-Ion batteries is their light weight. The difference in weight can reach 40%. Li-Ion batteries do not have a memory effect, which means you don’t have to wait until the battery is completely discharged.

It is worth saying that the warranty does not cover batteries, since they often fail due to the fault of the buyer. If you leave the battery at a low temperature even overnight, such batteries may no longer be usable. Store batteries in a warm place.

Speed screwdriver. Different types of work require different speeds. For drilling, higher speeds of 1000-1300 rpm are needed. To tighten screws, 400-550 rpm is enough. Screwdrivers come in single-speed, two-speed and three-speed types. Switching speeds allows you to work with the speed you need to solve various problems.

So. If you are choosing a screwdriver for your home, then a 12-14V screwdriver with a battery capacity of 1.2-1.5A/h and a torque of 15-26Nm is suitable. This screwdriver can handle almost any job around the house. Household screwdrivers with these characteristics cost from 1300 to 3000 rubles. You should not chase a low price; as a rule, the price tag for a screwdriver below 900 rubles indicates that such a screwdriver will not work for a long time. When choosing, pay attention to the recognition of the manufacturer, the terms of the warranty, and the number of service centers. Well, the screwdriver itself should be held in your hand, turned, pressed, etc.

Every man who has ever tinkered at home has a screwdriver or wants to buy one. Surely, without having this tool, it will be difficult to carry out work when repairing a house, regardless of whether it is a minor or major repair, and it’s not even worth talking about building a house - without it, it’s like having no hands. Below we will figure out how to choose a screwdriver that the best way will suit your ideas. Let's look at it at the same time golden mean according to the price-quality criterion, and also look at available options On the market.

Design elements

So, let's start the story by taking a closer look at the elements that a cordless screwdriver has in its design:

• Electric motor. It activates and rotates at a certain speed, which we will discuss below.
• Planetary type gearbox. Transfers rotating force to the spindle on which the clamping chuck sits.
• Regulating coupling. Attached to the gearbox and adjusts the torque.
• Clamping chuck. Serves for fixing working attachments - the so-called bits.
• Control system. Includes tool start button and forward/reverse switch.
• Power source – battery. The cordless screwdriver is convenient to use in places where there are no outlets or where the carrying cord cannot be reached.

Now a few obvious, but necessary to mention, types of work for which it will be convenient to use this tool, influencing the choice of a screwdriver for the home:

• Screwing in and unscrewing various fasteners such as bolts, screws, screws and self-tapping screws.
• During installation work You can tighten the anchors or dowels further.
• Excellent drilling in wood, both soft and hard.
• You can also drill metal surfaces.
• If you have the appropriate attachment (tap), you will be able to cut the thread.

Avoiding errors during selection

When you need to choose a good screwdriver for your home, when you come to the store, you don’t need to immediately focus solely on the price of the tool. When deciding how to choose a good screwdriver, it is advisable to read the data sheets with the characteristics of the models you like. The passport must indicate all the main technical specifications devices. So, when studying, you need to pay attention to the rotation speed, torque, if it is a battery-powered device, then what battery it has. Based on the study of this data, you need to make a purchasing decision.

Household or professional?

Before going to the store, or on the way to it, think about what repair or construction work you need this tool. And based on your conclusions, you need to make a choice of a screwdriver according to the parameters. If you're not keen House master and you will need to take out the device only a few times a month, then why should you buy a professional model, which will cost several times more. After all, you must admit that an amateur model that runs on battery will be enough for you. It will have all the necessary functions, and the household model will weigh significantly less than the professional one.

However, when you need to twist, build or assemble something almost every day, then you need to pay attention not to cheap household models, but to more expensive, but extremely powerful models for professionals. They are most often powered from the mains, and also have greater weight and size. It makes sense to buy such corded drill and screwdrivers for those who have large volumes of work with increased loads on the tool. And how to choose a network design screwdriver also needs to be studied.

Rotation speed and torque

To understand how to choose the right screwdriver, you need to study the concept of torque. It is responsible for the force with which the screwdriver will tighten the screwed fastener, or with what force it will resist the applied load. For example, the domestic version has a torque of 10-15 Newton meters. For professional models it can be up to 130 Nm, thanks to which they are able to drill even hard materials. With a similar torque, the engine shaft develops 1200-1300 rpm, and for household models this parameter is 400-500 rpm.

The torque determines the length of the fastener being screwed in and its diameter. Simply put, professional models will be able to tighten longer and thicker screws or self-tapping screws. In addition, this option can be safely used on hard materials, without thinking about its breakdown.

Another point that needs to be understood in order to figure out how to choose a good screwdriver is torque. It, unlike other power tools, can be adjusted. For these purposes, there is a simple device - a limiter. It is actually a ring that sits behind the chuck. By adjusting the limiter, you can achieve a certain force, after which the fastener will no longer tighten. That is, it looks like this - they tightened the hardware and the cartridge immediately stopped, with the engine rotating. With such a restriction, the sound of a ratchet is always heard. The presence of such a limiter saves the tool from many problems - breakdown of the slot of the screws, wear of the bits, as well as from excessive recessing of the fasteners into the surface being processed.

The ratchet installed on the motor coupling protects it from overload, thereby allowing the torque shaft to rotate freely. So, for example, if you set the maximum torque, it will be enough to unscrew the tightest screw without overloading the engine. In order to turn on the simple drilling mode, the coupling must be turned to the minimum value. This removes all torque restrictions, and the tool begins to work in normal drill mode.

This, by the way, is another characteristic for figuring out which screwdriver to choose for home work. There are two operating modes: the first allows you to simply drill, and the second allows you to tighten the fasteners.

To understand which screwdriver is best to choose, you need to take into account a few more nuances. It is necessary to clarify how stably the device’s electric motor operates under load, and whether its rotation speed is maintained. An important point is also the quality of the battery, i.e. preservation of charge and residual power of the device when the power supply is dead.

Mains or battery?

Naturally, it will not be a discovery that there are 2 versions - those with a battery and those powered by the network. Network devices have a sensitive weight, but, of course, you can only work with them near sockets or use extension cords. Devices with batteries are much lighter and have a significant advantage - autonomy. Therefore, you also need to figure out how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home.

You don’t always have to work where there are sockets for connection, which is why battery-powered models will naturally be preferable. You will probably agree that moving meters of wires behind you will not be much fun, and untangling these wires will be even less fun. Working with a network model at altitude is generally problematic, because in addition to long wires, they are also heavy. That is why we will consider battery models. In this context, it will be important to select its type.

How to choose the right battery

In order to work comfortably, and not constantly run and charge it, you need to be careful when choosing a battery. There is no particular difficulty in choosing which screwdriver for your home - you just need to take the tool as powerful as possible. A spare battery will also be useful in future work if it is included in the kit.

As for the charging time, professional models charge in about 1 hour, while household ones can last up to 7 hours. Everything will depend on the charger.

All screwdrivers use three types of batteries:

• Lithium-ion;
• Nickel-cadmium;
• Nickel-metal hybrid;

Nickel-metal hybrid batteries

Nickel-metal hybrid (Ni-MH) batteries are now gaining popularity. Almost everyone switches to them European manufacturers screwdrivers. They are light and small and do not have a memory effect. They have only two drawbacks:

• They do not like overcurrent and frost;
• The cost is still high.

However, despite this, they have 1500 recharges with a constant capacity. In order to properly store these batteries, they must be fully charged. Discharged storage is not permitted. They do not have a large memory effect, like nickel-cadmium, but are more powerful.

Nickel-cadmium batteries

These batteries are more toxic, but the number of recharges is twice as large as the previous ones. That is why the devices currently presented on construction market, mainly have power supplies based on nickel-cadmium elements. They also do not have a high price, and they are not afraid of frost. And for domestic climatic conditions, you can’t imagine anything better. However, such batteries have significant self-discharge and memory effect, which cannot add to their advantages. In order to store them, they must be completely discharged. Otherwise, you may end up with a battery with a lower capacity.

Lithium-ion batteries

Batteries of this type are not as common as the previous ones. They are even more sensitive to low temperatures, than Ni-MH, and their power is not too high. The number of recharges reaches 3000 times, they are practically not subject to self-discharge, and there is no memory effect. However, the high battery capacity is not compensated by the excessively high cost. In terms of everyday use, they are very convenient, but their cost will not please you at all.

In order to understand how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home, you should not regret your time spent selecting a battery. After all, more than half the cost of the device is the price of the battery, and to be more precise, it is 60-70%. When choosing, compare the following characteristics available in the manufacturer’s data sheet:

• Battery capacity;
• Battery voltage;
• Whether there is self-charging or not;
• Whether there is a memory effect or not.

The battery is a removable element. Structurally, it is made of a certain number of batteries combined in one housing. All of them are held together using plates. The voltage of the output sources is summed and can be 10, 12, 14.4, 18 or 24 volts. It is this parameter that will determine the duration of continuous operation, as well as the power of the screwdriver.

The capacity will depend on what elements the battery consists of. It will also determine the number of recharges, as well as the duration of operation. It must be borne in mind that over time the capacity will decrease.

Now a few words about the charge memory effect - this is the battery’s ability to lose total capacity when it is not discharged, and then fully charged. In other words, it should be completely discharged before charging. When a charged battery sits idle, it will still lose its charge. Therefore, if you plan to store a nickel-cadmium battery, it must be completely discharged.

Let's give one more tip regarding batteries. Don't just look at the device's output voltage. You also need to pay attention to the ratio of current strength to operating time.

Types of cartridges

To figure out which is better to buy a screwdriver for household use needs to be studied clamping element. Chucks for fixing parts can be of 2 types - key and quick-release. The key type requires a special toothed key for clamping. And if a quick-release chuck is installed, then everything is simpler - the clamping occurs simply by pulling it by hand.

In turn, cartridges that are clamped with a key can have either one or two clutches. When one clutch is used, there is a mechanism to lock the shaft while changing attachments. When there are two clutches, there is no locking, and the cartridge is held by one of the clutches. The second one will clamp the cartridge.

Reverse stroke

The reverse stroke is usually called reverse. Typically, it uses an electronic motor pole switch. For greatest convenience The reverse switch button is installed near the start button. The switch has 2 positions, forward and backward, respectively. In the middle position the device will be locked. This is done in order to temporarily take the tool out of operation.

Design and ergonomics

When thinking about how to choose a screwdriver for your home, you don’t need to limit yourself to just studying information on websites. After all, after all, you will need to work with the tool, so you should hold it in your hands, check how the buttons are pressed, how they switch. It is worth feeling the center of gravity, which should be located in the area of ​​the handle. With a similar center of gravity, the hand will get less tired during work. Behind the chuck there must be a torque regulator, which we already discussed above.

A small screwdriver is useful, for example, when you need to assemble furniture

A classic model containing all the basic functions.

Screwdriver configurations can also vary. Choosing an inexpensive screwdriver is not difficult. Ideal option There will be availability of not only the tool itself, but also the necessary attachments. This will allow you to save your time on searching necessary elements, and save your money, because... In any case, they will be more expensive at retail.

Conclusion

After looking at all the necessary parameters in this article, write down the most optimal ones that will suit your needs, and feel free to go to the stores to find out which company is better.

For household tools optimal parameters may be the following:

• Torque is from 10 Newton meters;
• Rotation speed 400-500 rpm;
• Two modes of operation – drilling and screwing;
• Reverse the device;
• Availability of battery;
• Battery type – nickel-metal hybrid or nickel-cadmium;
• Output voltage from 10 to 14.4 Volts;
• The amp/hour value will be, the higher the better. So, for example, when two batteries you like have the same voltage, and one has a higher ampere/hour value, then it is better to take it.

For greater clarity, you can study videos in which you can understand which one to choose and look at a kind of rating of currently available models.

For quite some time now, screwdrivers have replaced screwdrivers. If previously these devices had a fairly high price, today almost everyone can afford to buy such a tool for home or work. But since choosing a cordless screwdriver is not as simple as it might seem at first glance, you need to contact professionals for advice.

What should every consumer know?

This power tool is simply irreplaceable when performing repair and construction work. The question arises: “What about screwdrivers?” If modern construction organizations used such equipment, the construction or repair of the facility would be delayed for a long time. As for everyday use, to make screwing or unscrewing screws more comfortable, you need to use just such equipment. As you have already understood, a screwdriver works in a narrow direction, or more precisely, with fasteners such as screws, self-tapping screws and dowels. But this was the case before; today, for an additional fee, you can purchase several attachments, and the tool can partially replace a drill. Let's take a closer look at how to choose a cordless screwdriver, and what you need to pay attention to first.

Corded and cordless tool

A mains powered screwdriver can be used where there is an outlet. If it is missing, you are unlikely to be able to tighten or unscrew anything. This is where the battery comes to the rescue. It is safe to say that such a solution gives more opportunities to its owner. For example, there is no point in buying a battery-powered hammer drill, but with screwdrivers the situation is different. Of course, the battery needs to be charged periodically, but most often you get two batteries in the kit, so this shouldn't be any problem. Whether there is an outlet or not, it will not matter to you, since you simply do not need it. Of course, over time the battery will hold its charge worse and worse, but, most likely, by this time you will already have time to change the tool to a similar, but more powerful and functional one.

How to choose a drill/driver? Step-by-step instruction

There are a number of parameters that you should pay attention to first. The main one is power. It is worth noting that for domestic use 500-700 W is quite enough, but for construction work you will need approximately 1,300 W. There are special drills for working in hard-to-reach places; their power is slightly less, approximately 400 W. The number of revolutions is another important indicator. If 3,000 rpm is enough for work at home, then 4,000-4,500 rpm is needed for construction work. Regardless of the goals, it is advisable to give preference to a model with the ability to adjust the speed, so you can adapt to the specifics of the work, because for various materials different speeds are needed. Do not forget that a powerful tool rotates the drill faster, but the price increases in direct proportion. However, this is not all that can be said about how to choose a drill/driver, so let’s understand the question to the end.

More about making the right choice

When purchasing, you should always check the diameter of the holes that the tool can make. But here you need to understand that this indicator will be different for each hole, so focus more on what you will be working with. If you want to get a hole of a diameter that the drill is not designed to work with, you risk damaging the unit. Depending on your preferences, choose the type of cartridge. Nowadays, serrated (secured with a key) and quick-release (secured by hand) chucks are produced. There are practically no fundamental differences here. Now you know what a cordless drill/driver is. We figured out how to choose a device, so let's go further and talk about the batteries used.

About Li-ion batteries

It's safe to say that the type of battery plays a huge role. Currently this type battery is one of the most popular and widespread. The lithium-ion battery is used not only in screwdrivers or drills, but also in other construction tools, as well as in portable devices(laptop, mobile phone etc.) From this we can easily conclude that there are many advantages. One of them is durability. At correct operation The lithium-ion battery is designed for 3,000 charges/discharges. The maximum shelf life is approximately 3 years. It is difficult to say whether this is good or bad, but as practice shows, this is quite enough. How to choose the right cordless screwdriver? It's simple: buy good battery with a large capacity - and you will be happy. But do not forget that normal operation requires constant use of the device, so periodically you need to use a screwdriver, at least for prevention. But there are other types of batteries, which we will talk about now.

How to choose a battery for a screwdriver? Ni-Cd

A nickel-cadmium battery is the most budget-friendly solution you can have. The number of charges/discharges is half that of a lithium-ion battery, and is approximately 1.5 thousand, but the service life is slightly longer - approximately 5 years. The main advantage of the Ni-Cd battery is that it works great when sub-zero temperatures, so you can safely operate the device until the mark on the thermometer drops below -15 degrees Celsius. But there are also many negative aspects. For example, long charging times. Although in some cases this cannot be called a disadvantage. This is due to the fact that when you buy a screwdriver with such a battery included, you will receive 2 batteries. Therefore, while one is charging, the second can be used. But even despite the low cost, it is necessary to follow some rules: keep the battery only charged, and also fully charge and discharge it. This is due to the fact that nickel-cadmium batteries have a memory effect.

Ni-Mh: advantages and disadvantages

Ni-Mh (nickel metal hydride) batteries are quite rare in modern screwdrivers. At its core, this is something in between the two batteries described above. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the large weight and a small number of charge/discharge cycles (1,000). The average duration of work is 4 years. As for the advantages, this is the absence of a memory effect and minimal self-discharge during storage. However, despite this, it is recommended to fully charge and then discharge the battery before first use. Do not forget to pay attention to the capacity, which is measured in Ah (Ampere-hours). The higher the indicator, the longer the battery will perform its immediate task. In order to understand how to choose the right drill/driver, you need to decide on the type of battery. If you do everything correctly, you will not experience any problems.

What to choose for industrial purposes?

Now let's talk a little about how to choose a professional screwdriver. The fact is that it is important to pay attention not only to the power and type of battery, but also to the presence of useful additional features, and modern models have plenty of them. Often this should be a lightweight model that will be suitable for working in hard-to-reach places without any problems, while the worker will not get tired too quickly due to heavy weight tool. By the way, as for the type of battery, it is definitely lithium-ion. The impact mechanism will be very useful in construction. This function is extremely important when drilling stone or brick. Professional builders or repairmen are often faced with the fact that there is no way to rest properly to make a hole. What’s even worse is that the self-tapping screw gets stuck in place and is neither here nor there. We have to start all over again. In order not to experience this kind of inconvenience, impulse is needed. This function temporarily increases torque, which allows you to get out of a difficult situation. Work at poor lighting- This bad job and low accuracy. To solve this issue, buy a backlit tool. Well, that’s all that can be said about how to choose a cordless screwdriver for professional use.

About chucks and gearboxes

Today, screwdrivers with the following types of chucks are available on the market:

• Quick-release (three-jaw with a clamping range of no more than 1.3 centimeters).
• Hexagonal. In this case, it is possible to work with a larger ¼-inch shank.

Quick release chucks are more common due to their practicality. Without any problems, you can use any equipment of suitable diameter. If you buy a chuck with a larger diameter, then the screwdriver will have more capabilities. As for the hexagonal options, these are good decision for professional tools where frequent replacement of equipment is required and there is a need to work in hard-to-reach places. In principle, from all of the above we can draw a completely logical conclusion: a quick-release chuck is suitable for home use, and a hex chuck is suitable for professional use. As for the gearbox, everything is quite simple here too. Gears come in two varieties: plastic and metal. Today, plastic alloys are quite durable and not so expensive. The question may arise about how to choose a screwdriver for your home based on this parameter. Plastic is perfect for household purposes, and you won’t have to overpay. A metal gear can withstand a much greater load, so it is better for a professional. tool.

Soft and hard torque

This article has already said a little about the power of a screwdriver. I would like to supplement this information. The point is that there is soft torque. It affects the tightening/unscrewing forces. Often this parameter is not paid attention to. special attention, but in vain. Insufficient force can lead to the fact that the self-tapping screw will not be screwed in completely, and you will have to remove it by hand at the final stage. Modern models have a fairly large spread in the range of 0-350 Nm. For domestic purposes, 30-150 Nm is quite enough, for professional purposes - whatever is higher. Hard torque is responsible for the speed of rotation during drilling. As a rule, this indicator fluctuates in the range of 1,000-4,000 rpm. Let's look at everything with an example. A screwdriver with a torque of 35 Nm is capable of screwing a self-tapping screw 70 mm long into wood, and a self-tapping screw 100 mm long will require a force of 50 Nm. After this, it should be very clear to you how to choose a cordless screwdriver.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is nothing complicated here. The most important thing is to highlight the main parameters for yourself, such as power, torque, battery type, capacity, etc. Having carefully analyzed all this, you can easily make a thoughtful and, most importantly, right choice. Do not forget that tools for home and professional use differ in many ways, so experts often prefer more powerful and functional models. From this article you learned about what a cordless drill/driver is, how to choose a tool and not make a mistake. Currently the best manufacturers the following companies are considered: Bosch, Skil, DeWALT, etc. A screwdriver with the inscription of one of these companies on the body will cost a lot, but in return you will receive high quality, excellent ergonomics and just a good tool. That's probably all that can be said about how to choose a good screwdriver.