Cordless screwdriver: which one is better to buy
Cordless screwdriver: which one is better to buy. Varieties and characteristics of models
During 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 answers to these and other questions in this article.
The screw driver is necessary for many finishing and repair and construction works
Where and for what is a screwdriver used
Such a tool as a screwdriver is an indispensable thing in any household. It is used in repair work, in construction, it is indispensable in solving many household issues (furniture assembly, fixing cornices, shelves, cabinets, etc.) The main functions of the screwdriver are screwing and unscrewing any fasteners and their parts. You can also use it to drill a wooden, metal surface or cut a thread. To date, the power tool market 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 mains or batteries.
The main purpose of the screwdriver is screwing in or unscrewing the 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 tool has 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 it is necessary to drill a fairly hard surface, a household tool will not be enough.
The next thing you need to pay attention to is the engine shaft. The number of revolutions of Prof. the tool is 1200-1300 revolutions per minute, while household versions 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 volumes of work. If you plan to use a screwdriver no more than once every 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 divides screwdrivers into two main types is the principle of power supply: mains or battery. The first ones have a fairly large weight, and it is possible to work with them only if there is 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 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, 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?
The self-powered screwdriver is characterized by high performance and a significant 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 correctness of the choice. The first condition is that the battery must be powerful enough. Also, a spare battery in the kit will not hurt. And it is very important – how long it will take to recharge the instrument.
Useful advice! Please note that professional models, as a rule, are recharged for no more than an hour. While a household instrument 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 amateur models of high quality.
The choice of the tool depends on the scope of application and the expected loads
Types of batteries. What kind of batteries for a screwdriver exist
Currently, screwdrivers equipped with three types of batteries are on the market. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Nickel-cadmium battery
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 are able to withstand up to 1000 recharges.
The main drawback is the content of a toxic and allergenic substance – cadmium. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a low memory effect, that is, they reduce the capacity after each charge. It is impossible to recharge it until the previous charge is fully used.
The charging time of professional models is about an hour, household – several times more
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 it is not used for a long time (the percentage of discharge for a month without use is only 1%). Pretty low memory effect. Among the disadvantages: it can be charged no more than 500 times.
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Lithium-ion battery
The most modern and reliable type of battery. It has a high specific capacity, while being quite compact and lightweight. The lithium-ion battery has almost no memory effect, it can be recharged without waiting for a full discharge. Of the disadvantages:
- high price compared to other types of batteries;
- it is not adapted to work at low temperatures;
- there is practically no possibility of recovery.
Useful advice! When using the tool on lithium-ion batteries, take into account the fact that they cannot be fully discharged, and excessive charging should also be avoided. This can lead to battery failure and is explosive!
Currently, cordless screwdrivers are gradually replacing tools that work from the network
Breakdown and repair of cordless screwdrivers
The main disadvantage in using a non-wired power tool is the wear of the charger. The main reason for the breakdown is that the banks for the screwdriver battery fail. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the battery and detect a non-working jar using a voltmeter. Next, you can assemble the device without a failed jar, or replace it with a new one.
Another common cause of tool failure is a broken screwdriver bit. Which are better, more practical and wear–resistant – depends on many factors. The main one is the material from which the nozzles are made. The most durable is steel R7 – R12 with titanium-nitride or chrome vanadium coating. Also, the wear resistance is affected by the way the bits are processed. 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 where 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 battery.
Proper charging of the battery will help to significantly extend its service life
Cordless screwdriver: which is better. Overview of trademarks
Before any serious purchase, practical buyers are interested in preliminary reviews. Which is the best cordless screwdriver to choose, which brands and models are the sales leaders?
Relatively low power indicators of the cordless screwdriver are compensated by ease of use and safety
Almost all companies 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.
Dewalt
This German company has a patented electric motor without a housing, which significantly reduces the weight of almost all models of screwdrivers produced under this brand. The most popular models (DCD 710 S2, DCD 780 C2, DCD 730 C2) have a Li-Ion battery type with a capacity of 1.5 Ah, equipped with 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 bodyless motor, which reduces the overall weight of the tool
Bosch
All power tools, including screwdrivers produced under this brand, are distinguished by high power. Almost all models are equipped with speed switches that allow 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 Ah, and a drill diameter from 25 to 29 mm. Almost all models are equipped with two batteries.
Bosch cordless screwdrivers with small dimensions are characterized by high power indicators
Hitachi
The developers of this company have relied on ergonomics and reliability of the assembly of their tool. The model range is dominated by screwdrivers on lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5 Ah (DS 10 DFL, DS 14 DFL, DS 14 DCL, DV 18 DCL2). Of the additional options — the presence of a quick-release cartridge. The weight of any model does not exceed 1.6 kg.
Japanese Hitachi screwdrivers are distinguished by high torque, ergonomics and stylish design
Makita
This manufacturer focuses on nickel-cadmium batteries and offers mainly professional models with a torque of up to 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 Ah. The maximum diameter of the drill varies from 21 to 32 mm.
In the market of professional electrical equipment, Makita screwdrivers are represented by a large number of models
AEG
In the nomination “the most stylish and comfortable”, of course, the instrument of this brand wins. A feature of the products is the company’s own development – Fixtec cartridges, which are equipped with almost all models of screwdrivers. The most popular variants 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 Ah, it is distinguished by an all-metal housing. The whole AEG brand instrument is distinguished by its low weight (from 1.2 to 1.65 kg).
A feature of AEG screwdrivers is the company’s own development – Fixtec cartridges
Also, some models of the Interskol, Zubr, Metabo and Skil brands are widely popular among buyers.
Rating of professional cordless screwdrivers by price
In addition to the technical characteristics, the attention of buyers is always drawn to the price of the power tool. Often low cost does not mean low quality at all. Especially if you want to pick up a tool for home use, but do not want to overpay for unnecessary functions.
Budget models (up to $ 100) of foreign production can be found under the brand of the German firm “Sturm”, which is produced on the domestic market under the brand name “Energomash”. The DSH-3112E model based on a Ni-Cd battery is particularly popular. The weight of such a tool is 1.4 kg, and the time to charge the battery will be 3 hours.
Professional screwdrivers have a powerful engine capable of withstanding constant significant 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 average price category (up to $ 170), among professional models, a tool of the well-known Bosch brand is most often chosen. For example, the PSR 14.4 Li model, which holds a charge for a long time due to a lithium-ion battery, has a quick-release cartridge, built-in LED backlight and a 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 superiority belongs to the Japanese brand Makita. The 6317DWDE model is particularly 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 large weight of 2.1 kg.
An amateur screwdriver will help to easily solve many everyday tasks
Of course, this is not the limit for the price, if we are talking about a professional tool. However, even in the price category up to $ 600 there are optimal models. For example, Makita BTD146RFE. Weight — 1.3 kg, torque – 160 Nm, and the number of revolutions is up to 2300/min.
Having sorted out the preference, which manufacturer and model to give your choice, you can make a purchase of a cordless screwdriver, which will justify itself more than once during operation, whether it is repair work, furniture assembly or other household needs.
