In the course of any construction or repair, one of the most essential 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.
Where and for what use a screwdriver
Such a tool as a screwdriver is an indispensable thing in any economy. It is used in repair work, in construction, it is indispensable in solving many household issues (furniture assembly, fastening eaves, shelves, cabinets, etc.). The main functions of the screwdriver are to screw in and out any fasteners and their parts. Also with the help of it you can drill a wooden, metal surface or cut threads. To date, the market of power tools is quite large and diverse, so it is not surprising that more and more buyers are asking the main question: what kind of screwdriver is better to buy?
Depending on the characteristics and purpose, the screwdrivers can be divided into mains or accumulators designed for professional activity or home use.
Like any other tools, screwdrivers are divided into professional and household. However, not all the characteristics that a professional tool possesses will be in demand in everyday use. But the price may differ significantly in favor of household models. For example, for tightening screws, nuts and screws, a torque of 15 Nm is quite enough, while professional models are produced with a mark of 130 Nm. If you need to drill a fairly hard surface – household tools will not be enough.
The next thing you need to pay attention to is the motor shaft. The number of revolutions of prof. tool 1200-1300 revolutions per minute, while household options are capable of only 400-500. And of course, it is important how often you plan to use a screwdriver. Powerful professional models are suitable for frequent use and large amounts of work. If in the plans the use of a screwdriver is not more than 1 time in 2 months – you can safely choose the affordable amateur quality options available.
Another difference that divides screwdrivers into two basic types is the principle of power: mains or battery. The first ones are quite heavy, and they can work only with access to the power grid. This makes it impossible to use them in the construction and repair of those facilities to which electricity has not yet been supplied. The presence of the power cord delivers a lot of inconvenience in the process of use, especially when it comes to work at height. Such a tool is less mobile.
Cordless screwdrivers are much easier, they are autonomous and allow you to work with them in almost any conditions. Let’s try to figure out how to choose a cordless screwdriver?
If you do not know how to choose a cordless screwdriver for your home, start by choosing the type of battery. From the correct choice will depend on the convenience of your work, as well as savings when buying. The first condition is that the battery should be powerful enough. Also, do not interfere with a spare battery included. And it is very important – how much time it will take to recharge the tool.
Helpful advice! Please note that professional models, as a rule, are recharged for no more than an hour. While at the household tool recharging can take 3, 5 or even 7 hours. Therefore, if the intensity of the work for you is not a matter of principle – it is better to save money, and not time, by choosing high quality amateur models.
Currently on the market there are screwdrivers equipped with three types of batteries. Consider each of them in more detail.
The main advantage of this type of battery is the lowest price compared to other types of batteries. They easily tolerate cold, which allows you to work with them at fairly low temperatures, and can withstand up to 1000 recharges.
The main disadvantage is the content of toxic and allergenic substances – cadmium. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a low memory effect, that is, they reduce capacity after each charge. It can not be fed until the previous charge is fully used.
The advantages of this type of battery: it is fairly light in weight, has a large volume, does not discharge even if it is not used for a long time (the percentage of discharge per month without use is only 1%). Pretty low memory effect. Among the shortcomings: it can charge no more than 500 times.
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The most modern and reliable type of battery. It has a high specific capacity, while being fairly compact and light. The lithium-ion battery has practically no memory effect, it can be recharged without waiting for a full discharge. Of the disadvantages:
- high price in comparison with other types of batteries;
- not adapted to work at low temperatures;
- virtually no possibility of recovery.
Helpful advice! When using the instrument on lithium-ion batteries, be aware of the fact that they should not be completely discharged and overcharging should also be avoided. This may cause the battery to break down and is explosive!
The main disadvantage in the use of non-wired power tools is the wear of the charger. The main reason for the failure is that the banks for the battery of the screwdriver fail. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the battery and detect the broken jar using a voltmeter. Then you can assemble the device without a failed jar, or replace it with a new one.
Another common cause of tool failure is breakage bits for the screwdriver. Which is better, more practical and durable – depends on many factors. The main one is the material from which the nozzles are made. The strongest is steel R7 – R12 with titanium-nitride or chrome-vanadium coating. Also on the wear resistance affects the way of processing bits. The most common are milling or forging.
Helpful advice! If you are faced with a task – where to buy a charger for a screwdriver, give preference only to specialty stores where the tool itself was purchased. In this case, you can get a guarantee, service and advice of qualified sellers. This also applies to all removable elements for the battery screwdriver.
Practical buyers are interested in preliminary reviews before any serious purchase. Which is better to choose a cordless screwdriver, which brands and models are bestsellers?
Almost all firms that produce power tools, have in their arsenal several brilliant models of cordless screwdrivers. If you do not know how to choose a cordless screwdriver, which company is better – trust trusted manufacturers.
On the account of this German company is a patented electric motor without a casing, which significantly reduces the weight of almost all screwdriver models manufactured under this brand. The most popular models (DCD 710 S2, DCD 780 C2, DCD 730 C2) are of the Li-Ion type battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah, 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).
All power tools, including screwdrivers, manufactured under this brand, are distinguished by high power. Almost all models are equipped with high-speed switches that allow changing the operation 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 Ah, and the drill diameter is from 25 to 29 mm. Almost all models are equipped with two batteries.
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 on lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5 A * h (DS 10 DFL, DS 14 DFL, DS 14 DCL, DV 18 DCL2). Of the additional options – the presence of keyless chuck. The weight of any model does not exceed 1.6 kg.
This manufacturer focuses on nickel-cadmium batteries and offers mainly professional models with a torque of 160 Nm. Of the less powerful household options, 6271DWPE, 6261DWPE, 6281DWPE, and 6337DWAE are particularly popular. The battery capacity of all these models is 1.3 A * h. The maximum drill diameter varies from 21 to 32 mm.
In the nomination “the most stylish and comfortable”, undoubtedly, the instrument of this brand wins. A special feature of the product is the company’s own development, Fixtec chucks, with which almost all models of screwdrivers are equipped. The most popular options are based on 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 Ah, it is distinguished by an all-metal case. The entire AEG brand tool is distinguished by its low weight (from 1.2 to 1.65 kg).
Also, some Interskol, Bison, Metabo and Skil brands are widely popular among buyers.
In addition to technical characteristics, the attention of buyers is always drawn to the price of the power tool. Often low cost does not mean low quality. Especially if you want to choose 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 in the domestic market is produced under the brand name “Energomash”. Especially popular is the model DSh-3112E based on Ni-Cd battery. The weight of such a tool is 1.4 kg, and the time for charging the battery will be 3 hours.
In this price segment, the Hammer ACD121A 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, most often choose a tool from the famous brand Bosch. For example, the PSR 14.4 Li model, which holds the charge for a long time due to the lithium-ion battery, has a keyless chuck, a built-in LED backlight and a charge indicator. Competition is the model Black&Decker HP12KD, in which the maximum diameter of the cartridge is 10 mm, and it will take 3 hours to fully charge its Ni-Cd battery.
In the upper price segment (up to $ 250), excellence belongs to the Japanese brand Makita. Particularly popular model 6317DWDE. The maximum drilling diameter reaches 13 mm for metal, and 32 mm for wood. Maximum torque – 60 Nm. The only drawback is a large weight of 2.1 kg.
Of course, this is not the limit for the price, if we are talking about a professional tool. However, even in the price range up to $ 600 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 understood the preference of which manufacturer and model to give your choice, you can make a purchase of a cordless screwdriver that will justify itself more than once during the operation, whether it be repairs, furniture assembly or other household needs.
