A screwdriver or impact wrench is better. How to choose the right quality screwdriver? Additional options and convenience

Pneumatic tools are safer than electric ones and can work in any aggressive environment. Pneumatics have a high power output, no sparking and no need for additional cooling. Such tools are manufactured in a closed case, can work in any weather and are applicable in large-scale production.

Gasoline powered tools are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke. The first ones are simpler, smaller in size, but their noise level is higher. The latter make less noise, but their repair is more difficult. Any gasoline engine needs periodic cleaning, lubrication, replacement of spark plugs and air filters. However, the advantages of gasoline-powered tools - autonomy, efficiency and high power - distinguish them from the rest.

Other characteristics

Choosing a battery charger It should be borne in mind that a standard charge will prepare the tool for use in 3–6 hours, which is quite acceptable for use at home. For professional equipment, a pulse charger will help restore functionality within an hour.

It is worth paying attention to the battery capacity (0.3 – 18 Ah). For example, a battery capacity of 1.3 Ah will only last for a couple of hours of operation, but a battery with a capacity of 3 Ah will be suitable for long-term work. The weight of the tool directly depends on the battery capacity: the larger the capacity, the heavier the device.

The higher the power, the larger the dimensions and weight of the motor. The cost of the device directly depends on the power indicator. If you plan to use the drill only for household work, the power

When carrying out construction or repair work Almost always you have to fasten together various building materials, panels or structures.

Very often this is done using screws, bolts or screws. In this case, you cannot do without the appropriate tools - a screwdriver and a screwdriver. How do they differ from each other and what do they have in common?

Both of these tools are designed for screwing (or unscrewing) various fasteners and, in general, the principle of their operation is the same: the electric motor creates rotational motion, and the planetary gearbox transmits energy from the motor to the spindle on which it is fixed chuck screwdriver or screwdriver. Both of these tools can be powered either by mains or battery.

Differences

The main difference between them is the adapter for attaching the attachments.

If the screwdriver has a quick-release chuck that allows you to fix both the cylindrical shank of the drill and the hexagon bits, then the screwdriver is designed for attaching bits only and is not capable of holding drills. We can say that a screwdriver is a more specialized tool. It copes more effectively with tightening thick and long screws.

Another difference may lie in the operating principle of the screwdriver. The tool uses the principle of tangential impact. While the screw easily enters the surface, the tool rotates it quickly, and when more or less serious force is required, it switches to frequent blows.
Screwdrivers are often used when carrying out large volumes of stationary work, for example, in repair shops or service stations.

Screwdriver or screwdriver

Main advantages of the screwdriver:

Works more effectively with long and large screws or self-tapping screws.
High speed for driving medium screws into wood.
More economical in terms of power consumption for the network option.

Advantages of a screwdriver:

Versatility. Allows you to fix a drill with a cylindrical shank.
Availability of several operating speeds.
On average, lower cost.

The choice of these tools in retail chains is quite wide.

In general, it is quite difficult to give a definite answer to the question “which of these two tools to choose?” It all depends on the tasks that must be solved during the renovation or construction. For household purposes, a screwdriver is more suitable, and if you need to constantly carry out a large amount of work with fasteners, then it makes sense to opt for a screwdriver.

Greater twisting force with simultaneously less pressure on the tool by the operator.

Many people often wonder what are the advantages and differences between an impact screwdriver (wrench) and a regular one, and who needs this tool and why? And here it is important not to confuse impact drill with an impact driver, which is sometimes more correctly called a wrench. An impact screwdriver or impact wrench has a tangential impact (in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation), i.e. the force for tightening screws or nuts is not applied continuously, but in a high-frequency series of small blows, as if you had put an open-end wrench on the nut and started tapping it with a hammer. The total force applied is calculated as the sum of the forces of these blows per unit time.

Based on this, we can immediately highlight the advantages and disadvantages of instruments of this class.

Advantages of impact screwdrivers (wrenches)

High torque! For most battery-powered models, the torque range lies between 80 and 250 Nm!
Convenient for tightening nuts. At low loads, the tool operates in a non-impact mode with continuous force (quickly tightens the nut along a loose thread), and when the resistance increases, it switches to impact mode (tightening with a high torque).
There is no need to apply a large pressing force to the tool when tightening screws and self-tapping screws, thereby saving the caps from “licking”. You can also use it to unscrew those screws and self-tapping screws whose heads have already begun to lift up.
Reduces torque load on the operator's wrist.

Disadvantages of impact screwdrivers (wrenches)

Low drilling speed when switching to impact mode.
Inapplicability of jaw chucks (hexagons only) with rare exceptions.
The inapplicability of the torque limiting clutch, due to which the tightening process has to be controlled independently all the time, which is not always convenient at high rotation speeds of the tool shaft.
Increased noise in shock mode.

And in order to more clearly imagine the difference between an impact screwdriver (wrench) and a regular one, let’s summarize their main technical characteristics in one table:

	Impact screwdriver (wrench)	Regular screwdriver
Model	Bosch GDR 10.8-LI Professional	Bosch GSR 10.8-LI Professional
Photo
Torque (soft/hard)	n.d. / 105 Nm	13 / 30 Nm
Speed	0-2600 rpm	0-350 rpm
Beat frequency	0-3100 beats/min	—
Battery	10.8 V	10.8 V
Weight	0.96 kg	0.8 kg
Average price without battery as of 01/2016	8200 rub.	6500 rub.

Today, a screwdriver (screwdriver) is one of those tools without which it is impossible to imagine not only a professional builder, but also an ordinary man planning to make repairs in his house or put together purchased furniture himself.

Before purchasing a screwdriver, you need to decide for what purpose it will be used.

Since the construction equipment market is represented a large number models with different characteristics to purchase good screwdriver, you need to understand this equipment. Therefore, we will discuss below how to choose a screwdriver for your home.

A screwdriver is a hand-held power tool that is used for tightening bolts, screws and self-tapping screws, as well as for drilling small holes in wooden products. The main difference between such a device and a drill is the presence of a special mechanism that protects the screw slots from excessive load, which can lead to destruction of the product.

Screwdriver design: 1. Mounting unit. 2. Force regulator. 3. Direction change lever. 4. Battery. 5. Charger.

U different manufacturers the layout of this equipment may differ slightly, but the operating principle and main components are the same for all models:

power unit;
electric motor;
control system;
gearbox;
safety mechanism;
chuck;
frame.

To perform the same tasks that a screwdriver faces, you can use a regular drill. However, as practice shows, it is much easier and safer to use not universal tool, but special.

It is very convenient to use a screwdriver for tiling work, assembling furniture, installing windows, doors, etc. As soon as the screw is tightened all the way, the protective mechanism will work and the chuck will no longer receive rotational movements. In this case, specific clicks will be heard in the protective mechanism. This device allows you to preserve the screw slots and prevent wear of the nozzle. IN different models The tool uses from 5 to 22 stages of the safety mechanism.

Professional or household tool?

Before choosing a good screwdriver, you need to decide on the amount of work that it will perform. For small and short-term work, a household option is perfect, which will have less power and, accordingly, lower cost than their professional counterparts. A household screwdriver is well suited for simple construction and repair operations:

removing and screwing fasteners;
screwing in dowels and anchors;
drilling wood, metal and other surfaces.

Professional models are used for capacitive and complex construction and repair work. They are designed for long-term and continuous use, have relatively more power, and in their manufacture only high quality materials. Therefore, the price of such equipment will be much higher.

In everyday life, screwdrivers with a torque of 10-15 Nm perform well. A professional tool is equipped with a torque of up to 120-130 Nm. In this case, the rotation speed can reach 1200-1300 rpm, while in household appliances 350-450 rpm is quite enough. If you need to carry out small-scale and complex work, then a home screwdriver is quite suitable.

Cordless or corded screwdriver?

Screwdrivers can be powered either from a source AC(stationary network) and from a battery. The 1st type tool has 2 disadvantages: it is heavy and has a limited area of use. Battery-powered equipment has less weight and significantly greater mobility. They are convenient to work both outdoors and in buildings. There is no wire in such a tool that would constantly interfere with work.

If a screwdriver is needed for daily work, then your choice should be a professional tool.

There are several types of batteries, so choosing a good cordless screwdriver is not so easy. Batteries for mobile screwdrivers are divided into 3 types:

lithium-ion (Li-Ion);
nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd);
nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH).

Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. The batteries of the last 2 types are somewhat similar to each other. On average, they can withstand about 1000 and 500 charge-discharge cycles, respectively. They're not afraid low temperatures, but have a memory effect when the battery capacity decreases due to the fact that it was not fully discharged or charged. Therefore, they must be completely discharged before charging.

Lithium-ion batteries do not have this drawback, and they are also considered more environmentally friendly. But it is prohibited to operate them in low temperature conditions, as this will lead to their failure. When choosing a screwdriver, you should pay attention to the presence of a replaceable battery.

The choice of a device with 2 batteries is good and the right decision, since an additional battery eliminates downtime.

If you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of screwdriver and it is difficult for you to make a choice in favor of one or another option, then you can purchase combined type, which can operate both from the mains and from a battery.

Main characteristics of screwdrivers

If the work with a screwdriver will be carried out at a stationary workplace, then it is better to purchase an electric tool, since it does not require recharging and its power is higher than that of a cordless screwdriver.

If you contact a consultant in a hardware store with the words “help me choose a screwdriver,” then you should understand that they are more interested in selling a more expensive product than in helping the buyer. If you don't know much about screwdrivers, be prepared to pay a lot of money for such a purchase.

To prevent this situation from happening, you first need to decide for what work you are using this equipment:

for removing and tightening screws, self-tapping screws and other fasteners;
for drilling soft or hard wood;
for drilling or cutting threads in metal;
for tightening or removing dowels and anchors during installation work.

Having decided on the purpose, you can proceed. In this case, its main parameters should be taken into account:

maximum torque;
number of revolutions;
operating modes;
cartridge type.

Maximum torque is one of the main characteristics of any screwdriver. It determines the maximum diameter of a screw that can be screwed into wood, metal and other building materials.

If you are engaged, for example, in assembling furniture, then in this case it is better to buy a cordless screwdriver.

In most cases for home use 10-12 Nm of torque is quite enough. With this power, you can easily tighten most self-tapping screws with a diameter of up to 4 mm to a depth of up to 90 mm for both wood and metal. With this tool you can also drill holes in wood with a diameter of about 12 mm, and in metal - up to 8 mm.

If the screwdriver is used to cover the roof of your house, then in this case it will be necessary to work with roofing screws, for which it is advisable to use a tool with a power of at least 20 Nm.

The maximum number of revolutions determines the quality of work. For example, for screwing in screws, 500 rpm is quite enough, but for drilling, this value should be increased to 1200 rpm.

Different operating modes of the tool allow it to perform different functions. Very often a screwdriver is used as a drill. To do this, it must be able to operate in simple or impact drilling mode. To carry out chiselling work, the device must be equipped with a perforation function. Home screwdrivers can have up to 5 operating modes, while professional ones have more than 20.

There are 2 types of chucks for screwdrivers: quick-release and key. For the 2nd option you need a special gear wrench. If a quick-clamping mechanism is used, then in this case everything is much simpler: you can easily insert a drill into it and a bit holder.

The key chuck can have 1 or 2 clutches. In the first case, the product is additionally equipped with a shaft locking mechanism when replacing one attachment with another. If there are 2 clutches, then instead of blocking the cartridge holds 1 clutch, and the 2nd clamps it.

Additional functions of screwdrivers

Modern equipment has a number additional functions, allowing to significantly simplify its operation. These functions include:

The rotation speed is very important for the operation of a screwdriver, since the more revolutions per minute the tool performs, the less the load on the engine.

The impact mechanism is a rather useful feature that allows you to drill holes in stone and brick.
A pulsed increase in torque is useful for easier sinking of fasteners into the material when unscrewing a stuck screw or drill.
Backlighting is a relevant addition when working in hard to reach places or in places with poor lighting. The most successful option is to place the light source above the battery pack.
An important function of the device is the ability to regulate the rotation speed. Almost everything modern models equipped with this function. With its help, you can independently set the required rotation speed of the drill, which allows you to perform your tasks more efficiently.

Tool ergonomics

An important point when choosing hand tools is the shape, location of the handle and controls. The most common are screwdrivers with pistol-type handles. In this case, it is very important to determine the center of gravity. Therefore, before buying, you need to pick up the instrument and understand how quickly the feeling of fatigue occurs. If after a few minutes you feel discomfort, it is better to choose another model.

There are models with 2 handles. They are more convenient when you need to drill a hole. In many construction stores There are special test benches. If you have them, you can take several types of tools you like and perform test drilling, which will help you choose the best option for you.

Selecting a tool by manufacturer

The quality of any construction equipment directly depends on the manufacturer. Each company occupies 1-2 market segments construction tools both in cost and characteristics.

To work at home, you can pay attention to tools from well-known manufacturers such as Hitashi, Hummer or Bosch. The equipment of these companies is characterized by good performance, high reliability, modern design and a large number of additional functions. Trademarks Dewait and Makita specialize more in professional equipment, although they also produce screwdrivers for household use.

But buying a screwdriver only because of the brand means overpaying up to ¼ of the stated price, since in this case, except functional features devices, you will still pay for the name. Most models from well-known global brands also have many additional functions built in that you may never even use at home.

By comparing all the characteristics of the screwdriver with your needs, evaluating its design and ergonomics, you can make right choice and not be disappointed in it when carrying out work.

Choosing a tool is not an easy task. You need to fit into the budget, choose a copy with good characteristics and not make a mistake in choosing the manufacturer. In this article we will talk about how to choose a screwdriver, what types they are, and which one is better.

The first thing you need to decide when choosing a screwdriver is whether you need a household tool or a professional one. The difference between them is significant. First of all, the working resource differs. Professional models are made of more durable and expensive materials. They can serve for several years even with constant use in production. Household models last several times less, but also cost several times less.

You need to choose the class of screwdriver - household or professional

If you need a screwdriver “to have it” - for various chores around the house or cottage, an inexpensive household model will be enough. They usually have a one-year warranty, but can last quite a long time. If serious repairs are planned or construction begins, a screwdriver will have more than enough work. Then a professional or semi-professional model will come in handy. But some owners decide that it is better to purchase two household tools than one professional one. In general, how to choose a screwdriver based on this parameter is up to you.

Impact wrench, screwdriver, screwdriver, drill-driver... which is better

When looking at models of screwdrivers, you are sure to come across impact wrenches, screwdrivers and drill-drivers. How they differ and which is better to choose are two questions that many people have. The main difference is in the purpose of the tool:

As is clear from the description, for construction or household work there is a choice between a screwdriver and a drill-driver. The second modification is a universal tool that has two modes of operation - drilling and tightening screws. It's good for occasional use. That is, if large-scale work is not expected, but you need (or want) a tool on your farm, this is an excellent choice. But, if you are starting a construction project, major renovation, it’s better to take a separate drill and screwdriver. As practice has shown, under prolonged loads they cope with their responsibilities better than combined devices.

If you need a drill/driver, in addition to the parameters important for a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to the parameters for the drill:

What materials can it be used for drilling? There are universal ones that can work with wood, concrete and metal. They are distinguished by high power and high price. They are only available for working with wood and concrete.
Maximum drilling diameter for each material. Typically, in softer materials (wood) the hole diameter is larger, in concrete and metal it is smaller. But there are also exceptions.

For household use More often they recommend a drill-driver without drilling for metal. This function is available in powerful units that are expensive. You don’t have to drill metal very often, so this power is often excessive. And for drilling metal, it’s better to still have a drill.

Mains power or batteries

There are two types of screwdrivers - mains-powered and battery-powered. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a corded screwdriver is that it works as long as there is voltage in the network. The second positive point is that it is cheaper than similar battery-powered tools. But the biggest plus corded screwdrivers- they can be inactive for as long as they want without compromising their performance. Cordless tool requires regular “training” during periods of prolonged inactivity. Batteries must be discharged and recharged periodically. Otherwise, they may not “wake up.”

There are also disadvantages - the power cord limits freedom of movement and sometimes gets in the way quite a bit. The second drawback is that 220 volts are not available everywhere, and on construction sites this is generally rare. The question of how to choose a screwdriver that operates from the mains is practically not worth it. All you need to pay attention to is the length of the power cord. The longer it is, the more convenient it is - there is no need to use a carrier. The rest of the choice lies in the selection of technical parameters.

Cordless screwdrivers also have their pros and cons. Plus - greater mobility and independence from power supply. The downside is a higher price, more weight and the need to recharge the batteries. That is, dependence on power supply still exists, but not so severely.

If desired, you can have a second set batteries(many companies immediately equip their tools with two batteries). This will ensure virtually uninterrupted operation. Despite the inconvenience of charging and extra weight, most people decide to purchase a cordless screwdriver. And when they talk about how to choose a screwdriver, they mean a battery-powered tool. If you come to this opinion, you need to understand the types of power elements.

Selection by battery type

Rechargeable batteries for screwdrivers come in different types. And the cost of the tool largely depends on the type of batteries. What’s also interesting is that a new set of batteries costs almost the same as the tool with this power supply included. Therefore, you should be careful about the rules for using batteries.

Types of batteries for screwdrivers

Let us briefly consider the types of ABs, their advantages, disadvantages and features.

Most of the tools on the market are equipped with nickel-cadmium batteries. They are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Expensive professional models use lithium-ion cells. How to choose a screwdriver? Pay attention to the type of battery, since the rules for recharging and storing depend on their type.

Battery parameters

When choosing a cordless screwdriver, be sure to pay attention to the power source parameters. The duration of operation on one charge and some other points depend on them. Here's what you should look at first:

Also pay attention to whether batteries are included with the battery and their number. Usually two pieces come with the tool, but there are only screwdrivers without AB. Before choosing a screwdriver with a battery, decide on the type of battery and its parameters.

Chuck type

There are two types of screwdrivers: keyed and quick-release chucks. The second option is more convenient, since the bits are released and clamped by turning the chuck, without additional devices. In this case, the tool is held with the left hand and the chuck is rotated with the right. Keyless chucks come in two types - with one or two couplings. The second coupling serves to lock the shaft so that the nozzle can be changed. If there is only one clutch, there is a button on the body to lock the shaft, with which the shaft is locked. In this case, before starting to replace the nozzle, press the shaft lock button, hold it, and replace it. Release the button, you can work.

There are two types of quick-release chucks - single-clutch and double-clutch

An additional advantage of the quick-release chuck is that you can install a nozzle with a shank of any diameter into it. The main thing is that it fits into the holder. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we pay attention to such a parameter as the diameter of the chuck. It determines the maximum diameter of the nozzle that can be installed.

Key cartridges require a special key. It is inserted into the hole in the chuck, turning in one direction or the other, and the bit or drill is released or clamped. This tool costs a little less, since its design is a little simpler.

Selecting parameters

To fully answer the question “how to choose a screwdriver”, you need to talk about technical parameters. The parameters of the batteries and cartridge have already been discussed, there are still some technical characteristics that need to be paid attention to.

Torque

IN technical specifications there is a line “Maximum torque”. This is an indicator that shows how much force the tool can develop. It is measured in Nm (Newton per meter). For a household (amateur) tool or for a “clean” screwdriver, it is enough for the maximum torque to be 10-15 Nm. For a professional and universal one (with a drilling function), it should be larger - in order to quickly and confidently do the right job even on hard materials or screw in powerful screws.

Number of steps

For different materials and different screws require different torque. It is changed using a special switch, which allows you to change it from minimum (1 Nm) to maximum. The number of steps may vary. The more there are, the more accurately you can select the required force. This is not so important for corded screwdrivers, but it is important for cordless ones - with heavier loads, the batteries discharge faster. Therefore, it is important to choose the optimal mode.

To track when the drill has reached the specified torque, the moment this parameter is exceeded, the chuck rotates idle, making clicking noises. This mechanism protects the instrument from overheating and is popularly called a “ratchet”. Useful feature, which prolongs the life of the screwdriver.

Torque selection

How to choose a screwdriver based on torque? If you buy a tool for a specific type of work, you can focus on the diameter of the screws that will have to be tightened. This parameter is also in the technical specifications, but there is the following dependency:

These parameters will also be useful during work - you can immediately set the required values, only slightly adjusting the value for a specific case. So, when working with drywall, you will need a lower value so as not to overtighten the screws and not pierce the cardboard. You will have to select the torque depending on the type of wood - screws go into spruce with more force than into pine.

Spindle speed or speed

The torque must be provided by a sufficient spindle speed. To work with soft materials type of wood, normal speed 400-500 rpm; to work with concrete or metal, faster rotation is required - 1200-1300 rpm is normal.

So when choosing a screwdriver, look not only at the torque, but also at the spindle speed. They must be agreed upon. Only then will it be convenient to work with the tool in different modes.

Number of speeds

There are screwdrivers that can operate at two speeds. These are mainly professional and semi-professional models. Speeds are switched depending on the density of the material being worked with. You can try different speed and with screws of different sizes.

Having two speeds is useful for professional models

Selecting the speed allows you to save battery power. As a result, the tool lasts longer on a single charge. For household models, this is not the most necessary option, but it is nice to have.

Additional options and convenience

And the last thing people pay attention to when deciding which screwdriver to choose is ease of use. It’s definitely worth paying attention to how comfortable the instrument “fits” in your hand. You often have to work for several hours at a time, and if your hand gets tired quickly, it becomes torture. For greater comfort, rubber pads are placed on the handle. They significantly increase the comfort of use. There are other options that make your work easier.

Availability of reverse

Almost all modern screwdrivers have reverse motion or reverse. It allows you to quickly unscrew a screw or pull out a drill stuck in the material. Reverse motion is activated using a special button, which is located near the trigger.

To prevent the tool from immediately changing direction (accidental pressing of the reverse button is possible), many models, for safety reasons, have an intermediate mode. After switching, the shaft stops, and only then does it start in the opposite direction.

Belt feeding of screws

This option is only needed in production, where a screwdriver is used constantly. Fasteners are installed in special plastic tapes(that's how it's sold). This tape automatically feeds the next screw onto the attachment after the previous one has been tightened.

Screwdriver with belt feed screws

This option saves quite a lot of time, but the price of such a tool is high. For home use this “bells and whistles” are not the best best way spend money.