How to choose a screwdriver for homework - expert advice

Thanks to power tools, you can quickly perform most construction processes that used to take a long time. One of these indispensable "helpers" is a screwdriver. Some of its types are used in small repairs, furniture manufacturing, car services, and other professional models are constantly involved in construction. The market offers a large assortment of screws, so you need to know their key parameters and the range of values ​​in order not to overpay for unnecessary power and functionality, but at the same time not to get a device that will be inconvenient to use or that will not cope with specific tasks.

The best firms for the production of screwdrivers

Choosing a screwdriver should focus only on proven manufacturers who have gained a positive reputation among experienced users of this category of products. If you study all the features of the choice of screwdrivers laziness or no time, then you can pay attention to the products of companies recognized as the best in the manufacture of this power tool:

1. Hitachi

2. Bosch

3. Metabo

4. Makita

5. Dewalt

The cost of products from the leaders in the construction market of power tools may differ from the products of lesser-known firms, but there is complete confidence in the quality. For those who want to not only understand the distinctive features of screwdrivers, but also consider specific models, it is worth reading the article. the best home screwdrivers.

The principle of operation and the device screwdriver

Screwdriver consists of a handle and a cylindrical body. In the latter there is an electric motor that is driven from the mains or battery power. The motor may be different in power, which determines the possibility of using the device. On the handle there is a button to start the motor, from which the tool starts working. The main moving part is a cartridge capable of expanding the internal size of the socket to a certain diameter and clamping the drills and other devices. If the model is rechargeable, the battery is attached to the end of the handle with special locks.

The principle of operation of the device is to install bits in the chuck with edges and blades to the corresponding cuts at the self-tapping screws or screws. The tool is taken in one hand, and the self-tapping screw is installed to the fixing point with a second hand. A little pressing the screwdriver to the cap, the button is pressed and a quick twist occurs. The torque is transmitted from the motor to the chuck using a number of gears located inside. In addition to the bits under the screws in the cartridge, you can clamp: drills, nozzles for loosening nuts, beaters for mixing building mixtures, drills for ice.

In contrast to the drill in the screwdriver, you can adjust the rotational speed to very small revolutions, which is convenient for accurate work with wood and drywall. The latter material is very fragile and can damage the top layer from a tight fastener pens. The soft work of the screwdriver allows you to quickly but carefully tighten the screws in such surfaces.

Types of screwdrivers

On sale there are a large number of screwdrivers of various companies. These can be models for minor repairs or professional use. The breadth of their application determines a lot of parameters, but they all differ on the network and battery.

Net screwdrivers

They are produced by all well-known manufacturers.Due to the absence of a battery, such models look very neat. As a rule, they are much cheaper in price. In terms of functionality, they are able to cope with all types of work for such a tool. Because of the receipt of direct power from the network, screwdrivers can work continuously (no need to waste time recharging and you can work as long as necessary). Often in such a series there are very powerful devices.

Another feature is their lower weight, which is important for professional activity throughout the day. The hand does not overwork, and the force is spent only on the clamping device at the time of tightening. But there must be a 220 V socket on the work site. Continuously dragging the wire can lead to accidental breakage or insulation cuts, therefore careful monitoring of the winding condition is required so that an electric shock does not occur. But the maintenance of such models is cheaper - over time, you will not have to buy a new battery or buy more spare for a shift. All care is reduced only to grease the gear with grease.

Advantages:

• compact size;
• low weight;
• high power;
• continuous work;
• cheap service;
• low cost compared to battery versions.

Disadvantages:

• electrical attachment;
• limited work length of the cord.

Due to the high power of the apparatuses, but attachment to the outlet, such screwdrivers are well suited for assembling furniture in the workshop, installing plasterboard sheets on partitions in small rooms, and home repairs. They can be used as mixers for mixing solutions at a construction site where there is power supply. They are useful in the case of replacement or tie-in an additional lock.

It is especially convenient to mount the slats on the ceiling due to the light weight, after having tied the wire on the ladder so that it does not pull the tool down. More network screwdrivers are not afraid of frost, because only lubricant can freeze inside. But it quickly warms up, and the constant use of the tool does not allow it to harden. This makes it suitable for operation at low temperatures on construction sites in the winter.

Cordless screwdrivers

In models with batteries, there is a clear advantage - freedom of action. They can work on the street, the construction site without electrification, in the garage and on the road. In these screwdrivers, the cost is usually higher, and the weight is greater because of the battery, which is attached to the end of the handle. Such models increase the load on the arm, especially when working at heights (ceiling mount, Armstrong, laying drywall over internal doors).

A large role is played by the battery capacity and the type of substance in its structure. This determines the temperature mode of use of the tool and the duration of work. Often experienced builders purchase two batteries and use them alternately - while one is mounted on a screwdriver, the second is in a recharging device. So you can change them throughout the day. If there is no outlet nearby, the operating time will be limited to the capacity of two batteries.

Advantages:

• independent of the outlet;
• there are powerful models;
• Some batteries have a long supply of energy and allow you to work in the cold;
• removable battery allows you to install another one and use them alternately;
• can be operated far from home or shop.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• limited work time;
• heavy and overload hands when working at height;
• The battery deteriorates when it is freezing.

The clear advantages allow using accumulator views in large-scale construction projects, where constant specialist movement is required. Such screwdrivers and field crews who do not know the working conditions on site are useful. This tool will prove useful in the workshop to move freely around the vehicle and not follow the wire. They are used in winter fishing for drilling holes.

Additional functions

In addition to working with screws and self-tapping screws, this tool may have additional features that will be useful in the construction and repair sector. For example, some screwdrivers are able to clamp not only the bits, but also the drill. The high maximum rotational speed makes it possible to use them for making holes in wooden products when making furniture, or to use them as a single device for tapping locks into metal doors.

Other models of screwdrivers may have the possibility of replacing the cartridge with a four-sided axis for nozzles for tightening the nuts. The socket of fastening of the heads has a standard size, and the size of the nut circumference varies from 10 to 24 mm and has a clear designation on the body. This tool is convenient to use for quick installation of scaffolding or other assembly work with a large number of nuts. These devices are also used at tire service, where it is required to unwind and tighten a lot of wheel mounts in a day.

Additional functions may have both network and battery versions, so the advantages and disadvantages of them are similar. Due to the presence of the reverse, the tool is suitable not only for assembling, but also for dismantling the nut attachment points.

Screwdriver selection options

To navigate among a wide variety when buying a screwdriver, you need to know its main parameters and their range for specific types of work:

Torque

The main characteristic that many buyers are interested in is torque. This value is measured in N * m and transmits an indicator of the force with which the fastener will be twisted. The simplest models can have a value of 10-15 N * m and this will be enough for fast work with self-tapping screws 30-50 mm in length for fixing into wood or drywall and profile. If you have to tighten longer screws of 70-100 mm, then it is better to buy a tool with an indicator of 35-40 N * m.

Speed ​​of rotation and steps of adjustment

The second important factor is related to engine speed. It is measured in revolutions of the axis in one minute. For work with small screws of 30-50 mm will be enough 300-500 rev / min. This will provide an opportunity to fix sheets of drywall and collect the details of the structures. But in the case of dual use, as a screwdriver and a drill, it is worth looking for a model with 1200-1300 rev / min, to ensure the rapid passage of holes. Such models are suitable for working with wood in a furniture factory or inset locks in iron doors.

But the maximum rate of rotation must be complemented by a stepwise adjustment of the speed, on which the tuning accuracy for working with different materials and fasteners depends. The number of stages is designated 1+ and then the maximum number follows. If you have to work with the same screws and wood, you can purchase a screwdriver with a 10-step adjustment. But in the case of a large variety of materials and the length of the screws it is better to buy 1 + 25. This will allow you to set up a soft twist on brittle surfaces and faster productive work with long screws.

Battery parameters

Another key parameter in the case of battery versions is the type of batteries, which can be:

1. Ni-Mh

This battery is capable of operating at sub-zero temperatures and is suitable for outdoor conditions or premises without heating. But it has a “memory effect”, which reduces the use of charge.

2. Ni-Cd

It supports work on the street and has internal resistance, which prevents damage from power surges in the charger. It is an average option for the price and is designed for 1000 charge cycles. Suitable for a private workshop for working with wood or at a construction site. Great weight makes the hand heavier, so for ceiling work it is suitable only for a short time.

3. Li-on

It has no “memory” and it can be charged without waiting for full discharge. Designed for 3000 cycles. Low weight allows you to use a screwdriver at a height without overloading the brush.But such a battery is afraid of frost, which makes it unsuitable for use in unheated rooms.

Choosing a battery is worth paying attention to its capacity, which is indicated in A / h. This directly affects the duration of work without recharging. In the case of small actions (tie-in of the castle, drilling of the hole), 1.2-1.5 A / h is sufficient, and for professional activities a capacity of 1.6-3.0 A / h is required.

Body size and weight

The smaller the handle, the more inconvenient it will work with the device. The screwdriver must “sink” in his hand, merging with it into a single whole without any discomfort. If, taking the tool, it feels like a toy in size, then they will not be able to do much. Ergonomics can be checked only by personally holding the screwdriver in the hand, which each has its own.

But the weight of the device affects fatigue at certain jobs. When you have to keep the instrument constantly in your hands and above your head, you need lightweight models of 0.8-1.2 kg. For desktop work, where the weight is unimportant, or in the case of drilling, suitable screwdrivers with a weight of 1.5-1.7 kg.

Chuck and reverse

The diameter of the capture cartridge determines the additional possibilities for drilling. If the tool is purchased only for tightening the screws, a value of 0.5-10 mm is sufficient for setting the bits. And if there is a need to replace the bit with the drill, especially when inserting locks, then it is better to find a model with a chuck divorce of up to 13 mm or more.

Reverse allows you to start the rotation of the axis in the opposite direction. With this function, you can not only build and assemble, but also dismantle: unscrew screws, nuts, and other fasteners. This is useful only in the case of frequent need, and in rare situations, you can get by with a screwdriver.

Availability of additional functions

In the case of working with scaffolding (installation / disassembly) or repair shops for cars, you should buy a model with the possibility of replacing the rod with a clamp for heads. In other situations, this is a useless option. In expensive screwdrivers build lighting, which is useful when working in poorly lit rooms or on the street in the dark. The brightness of such flashlights is the same for all devices. But if the actions are performed exclusively during the day or in the shop in bright light, then you can choose a tool without lighting.

Which screwdriver to choose

Due to the large diversity, it is worthwhile to streamline all existing models and make it easier for future buyers to choose by dividing screwdrivers into the following categories of work:

1. For furniture production and tie locks into metal doors, it is better to purchase tools with 20 N * m and 1200 rpm, which will allow drilling and twisting without obstacles. Be sure to choose a model with a reverse. When assembling in the shop fit the power supply option.

2. When working with drywall, you need to buy a screwdriver with a torque of 30-40 N * m and 25 speed speed adjustment. Often this material is mounted on the ceiling, so it is better to take a lightweight device at 1.2 kg. If the repair is carried out in a small area, then you can purchase a network model, otherwise a battery is needed.

3. In the case of a wrench attachment, powerful 40-60 N * m and 500 rpm devices are needed that are able to firmly fix an element that is much heavier than a self-tapping screw.

4. At sites away from electrification, it is worth using batteries with a Li-on substance with a large margin. Often these are beginners in construction or forest houses, so a power of 20 N * m and a rotation speed of more than 1000 turns is useful. In winter, it's best to focus on the Ni-Cd battery.

5. For small jobs in the country will fit a model with 10-15 N * m and any speed of rotation. But it is better to take the cartridge on 13 mm and more for wide functionality.

6. For drilling holes in winter fishing, you should look for a screwdriver with a high rotational speed of 800-1200 rpm and a wide grip of the cartridge up to 13 mm. The battery is preferably Ni-Cd with a capacity of 3 A / h.

How much does a screwdriver

The cost of the instrument depends not only on the manufacturer’s firm, but also on the capabilities of the apparatus itself and the areas of its use. You can navigate to the following price range:

1. For small works in the country, the network version of the screwdriver will cost from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles.

2. In furniture production and mobile door repair teams it will be necessary to spend from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles. Such devices are supplied with a battery.

3. For installation of scaffolding and assembly of automotive structures, the tool costs 2700-6000 rubles.

4. Construction screwdrivers for drywall and mixing mixtures, battery powered, will cost from 3000 to 6500 rubles.

5. Models for winter fishing will cost from 2500 to 3500 rubles.