Principle of operation
For screwdrivers, regardless of their type, the principle of operation remains the same. The incoming electricity (in this case, from the battery) drives the motor installed inside. From it, passing through the shaft and the gearbox, it is transformed and increased. The rig, fixed in the chuck, receives the necessary force and picks up the speed with which it drives or removes the screw. The only difference is that the battery equipment operates on a constant voltage, and the one powered by the mains - on an alternating one. If it is necessary to change the nozzle, the user should not have any problems.
In both cases, the principle is the same:
- first, take the necessary drill or bit, which is suitable in size to the head of the screw that you plan to screw in;
- the cartridge is removed (counterclockwise);
- the cams are spread and the rig is installed in the center;
- clamp the nozzle by screwing in the cartridge case (clockwise).
Subtleties of choice
A cordless screwdriver can save you an incredible amount of time and effort. For the home, it is enough to choose equipment for 18 volts. Based on power, it is worth thinking about where exactly the equipment is planned to be used, since its cost varies greatly from the availability of additional functions and technical characteristics.
It is important to pay special attention to the type and capacity of the battery, as you can be disappointed in the purchase when the tool starts to lose power after just 15 minutes of operation. As for the dimensions and weight, everything is more or less clear here.
If the design has the ability to move the handle, then this is just fine, since this function allows you to work in hard-to-reach places. There are a number of other functions that may be useful to the user. Things like LED lights, rubber grip on the handle, and battery indicator can make your work more convenient.
Of course, price is always the determining factor. There is a wide range of prices for these devices. If there is no task to perform complex work, then it is worth choosing an inexpensive screwdriver.
Which cordless screwdriver is the best of the inexpensive ones. Ranking 2020/2019
1. Vitals Master AUmo 12 / 2dn
The brainchild of Latvian engineers, which has proven itself well among domestic (and not only) craftsmen. The company became known from the end of the last century, it was then that their products began to disperse throughout the European part of the continent. Among the positive qualities of this screwdriver, one can single out: good torque, it reaches 26 Nm, excellent battery charging time (up to 1 hour), excellent battery capacity (2000 mAh), rubberized handle;
2. INTERTOOL WT-0318
The Russian company presented a competitive and inexpensive screwdriver, which gained popularity due to its optimal price-quality ratio. Advantages: speed switch (2 modes), the battery can be charged in 1 hour, reasonable price, the ability to "take in" a drill with a diameter of up to 20 mm. It is impossible to remain silent about some of the shortcomings, among them are weak batteries, which, if desired, can be replaced with improved ones;
3. Sturm CD31181
The German company, which moved part of the production to the Celestial Empire (for the sake of reducing the cost of production), and the Germans, as you know, have long been famous for their quality. Therefore, although the price of their products is not too high, this in no way affects the quality. The optimal combination of price-quality parameters has made this screwdriver very popular with many craftsmen.
Of the shortcomings, only the increased battery charging time can be called, it is equal to three hours;
4. Energomash CD3014C
"Russified" version of the firm "Stern", and that says it all. The quality is guaranteed by the German "parents", and the price is adapted to the usual average buyer;
5. Bison ZDA-18-KN
An excellent "budget employee", created by Russian engineers, which has a good weight distribution, a hand strap, lights, a brake. Dissatisfaction can be expressed about the low-revving engine, and the nickel-cadmium battery. Whichever device you choose, routine work with it will start to bring pleasure.
6. Bort BAB-12-P
Rating 4.75 / 5
- Drill driver
- Battery powered, 12V
- 1 speed
- Maximum torque - 9 N * m
7. Hitachi DS10DFL
Rating 4.77 / 5
- drill driver
- Li-Ion, 1.5 Ah, 10.8 B
- 2 speeds
- Max. torque - 22 N * m
- keyless chuck type
8. SPARKY BR2 10,8Li HD
Rating 4.75 / 5
- drill driver
- Li-Ion, 1.3 Ah, 10.8 V
- 2 speeds
- Max. torque - 32 N * m
- Keyless chuck type Read reviews of the SPARKY BR2 10,8Li HD screwdriver
9. Bort BAB-18Ux2-DK
Rating 4.88 / 5
- drill driver
- Power supply: 18 V
- 2 speeds
- Maximum torque - 19 N * m
- keyless chuck type
10. Interskol OA-3.6
Rating 4.57 / 5
Interskol is a Russian company that made itself known at the end of the last century. The hammerless two-speed drill-screwdriver is very much appreciated by domestic and foreign craftsmen. Fast battery charging, charger with indicator, low weight - these are the main advantages of this mechanism. Disadvantages: the set includes poor-quality bits, there is no spindle lock, the wrong center of gravity does not allow to put it vertically;
- hammerless screwdriver,
- battery - 1.3 Ah, 3.6 V,
- weight - 0.35 kg,
- Max. torque - 3.5 Nm,
- there is a cartridge for bits
11. Hyundai A 1220Li
Rating 4.60 / 5
- drill driver
- Li-Ion, 12V
- 2 speeds
- Maximum torque - 28 N * m
- keyless chuck type
Which battery for a screwdriver is better
The battery life and functionality largely depend on the battery for the screwdriver
For this reason, when buying a tool, you need to pay attention to the type, voltage and capacity of the battery. Three types of batteries are used for screwdrivers:
- nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd);
- nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH);
- lithium-ion (Li-I).
The battery type largely determines the battery life of the screwdriver
Nickel cadmium battery
This type of battery is usually used in household screwdrivers. Such batteries are inexpensive, reliable, energy-intensive and, if properly used, can withstand up to 1000 charge / discharge cycles. In addition, nickel-cadmium batteries have the longest shelf life (up to 5 years). However, Ni-Cd batteries have a rather unpleasant drawback, which is that if the battery is not fully charged or discharged, the battery quickly loses its capacity and discharges itself (20% of the charge per month of inactivity). This must be taken into account when deciding to buy a battery for a screwdriver.
Nickel-cadmium battery
Nickel metal hydride batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are lightweight, have a high capacity (30% more than the batteries described above) and are shock-resistant. The disadvantage is the same as that of a nickel-cadmium battery, as well as a low level of charging / discharging cycles (400-500 units), charging duration - up to 3 hours and high self-discharge (about 30% per month). In addition, batteries of this type do not tolerate low temperatures, which makes it impossible to use them outdoors in the cold season.
Nickel-metal hydride battery for Bosch screwdriver
Lithium-ion batteries for screwdrivers
Lithium-ion batteries for screwdrivers have a large capacity, short charging time and no self-discharge. Batteries of this type do not have the disadvantages inherent in the above types of batteries, but they still have their weak points. Lithium screwdriver batteries do not tolerate overcharging or full discharge, as this can destroy the batteries or cause them to explode.This feature of the lithium-ion battery increases the requirements for the charger and, accordingly, makes them much more expensive than their nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hybrid counterparts.
Li-ion battery is the best choice and long lasting performance
What else you need to know about batteries
There is another type of battery - lithium iron phosphate, which is already used as a battery, but not in a power tool. This is due to the high price tag. The peculiarity of batteries of this type is a long service life (up to 2000 charge / discharge cycles) and a large discharge current - up to 30 A. Therefore, for a household screwdriver, the best option would be to use a nickel-metal hydride battery, and for a professional tool - a lithium-ion battery.
In order for the battery to last for a long time, you must follow the storage rules, which differ depending on the type of battery. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be stored fully discharged, while nickel-metal hydride batteries need to be fully charged. Lithium-ion batteries can be stored both charged and discharged.
The capacity of the battery determines how long the battery will work without recharging.
Another battery parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing is capacity, which is measured in ampere-hours (A / h). For household power tools, you can buy a battery with a capacity of 1.2-2.4 A / h
The origin of the screwdriver
In order to understand how beneficial and useful a particular device can be for you, it is important to know what led to its appearance and what purpose was pursued by its inventor. Times are rapidly changing, and progress inexorably erases from the memory of mankind the names of those who once made life easier for people by inventing a previously unthinkable invention
It is for this reason that it is difficult to remember who exactly deserves to bear the laurels of the discoverer of the cordless screwdriver. Obviously, the first battery was invented, but in those distant times, no one imagined how this very battery would change people's lives. And then there could be no question of connecting it with a screwdriver.
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That is why, even when batteries were already successfully used in mechanical engineering, nothing was known about home cordless screwdrivers. People successfully hammered in nails with a hammer, beating off their fingers and complaining about the unbearably dense walls. Engineering concerns needed to speed up the process of building cars. Engineers all over the world have puzzled over how to improve the reliability metrics for fasteners. This is how the first screws and screws came into being. And to speed up production, large machines were invented that helped people screw in and fix screws correctly. These machines were the forefathers of modern screwdrivers and drills. Over time, devices of this kind went beyond factory production and went straight to store shelves. Now the screwdrivers have decreased in size, but the most interesting thing is that they got a battery in their device, which greatly simplified the process of working with the device and gave freedom of action. Now powerful, stable fasteners can be created in just a couple of seconds, without much effort. Thus, the main task for the inventors of the drill, or the screwdriver, was to simplify the work of not only professionals, but also home craftsmen.
Comparison of cordless and cordless screwdrivers
Criterias of choice
Network screwdrivers are selected by power, by the type of chuck and by the speed of rotation of the nozzle. In the first case, it is necessary to select models with a minimum power of 600 W, as indicated above.
It is also necessary to take into account the parameter of the rotation speed of the nozzle. The higher it is, the smoother and more stable the drill or screwdriver will enter wood or metal.Low RPM makes it difficult to work on thick wood and metal, and the risk of motor overheating increases. The chuck diameter in most models is 10 millimeters, which is the standard.
In the list of characteristics, there is an item on the type of cartridge. Today, keyless or hexagonal chucks are distinguished. The first option is more practical in everyday use, since you do not need to use a separate hex wrench to change the bit.
The single sleeve or double sleeve chuck is hand tightened. The first option requires less effort - this design is more often installed on expensive screwdrivers.
The hex chuck requires the bits to be clamped with a separate key, which is included with the device. Additionally, these screwdrivers are always equipped with bits with different tips, which can be changed with one hand, and then tighten the connector with a small wrench.
When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the total weight of the tool. Battery models weigh 0.5-1 kilograms more than network options, which can lead to inconvenience during long-term operation
If the screwdriver weighs up to two kilograms, it will reduce the accuracy of its use and accelerate the onset of physical operator fatigue.
Few people notice such a detail as the position of the handle. Some power tool models have a standard "pistol" shape, while others have an off-center handle to stabilize the center of gravity. The second option is more convenient for frequent use - the load is distributed and centered in the handle itself, which requires less effort.
A large number of models of screwdrivers for every taste and wallet are presented on today's market. In order to accurately select a tool for your purposes, you need to familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of specific options and characteristics by which the division into types is carried out.
Professional or household model
First of all, when choosing a power tool, it is necessary to clearly define the scope of its use. Often, the household power tool segment has a much lower cost than the professional one.
The second distinctive feature of home appliances is their characteristics: such a tool may not have all the functions of high-end models, not have increased power, performance and a rugged case, but nevertheless, it is brilliantly suited for everyday work in the home or in the workshop.
Professional models are designed for long-term work in conditions of increased stress. Such large and heavy tools, as a rule, operate from the mains, which ensures uninterrupted and long-term operation, provided there is stable access to the mains.
Additional functions of screwdrivers
Manufacturers may add additional features to the power tool. They do not affect the power or efficiency of the work, but when they are available, the use of the screwdriver becomes more comfortable.
Among these functions, one can highlight the presence of a backlight near the handle to illuminate the working area (simplifies the use of a power tool in a dark place). Also noteworthy is the pulse mode of operation, in which it is easier to work with soured screws, self-tapping screws.
Design features
The cordless screwdriver is quite complex, its main part is the rechargeable battery, since it is through it that the unit is powered. Sometimes the battery is integrated into the handle, and in some cases it sits lower. It is not always removable - this feature is present in more expensive models.
The construction can be represented as follows:
- hexagon;
- reducer;
- spindle;
- engine;
- reverse;
- lever;
- battery;
- buttons for activating different modes.
Some models have a speed selector and a receiver that allow you to remove the screws, not just screw them in.All relevant switches are located on the housing. The housing contains the gearbox and motor, and also contains the wiring and other important components.
It is made of shockproof plastic. The engine is in the form of a cylinder with magnets arranged in a circle. The anchor is mounted on supports made of a metal such as brass. The winding is in the slots of the armature
It is very important that it is made of a material with high magnetic conductivity.
An equally important mechanism is the gearbox, which is installed in a separate compartment.
In its construction:
- two gears - sun and annular;
- drove;
- satellites.
Any of these components can fail - then repairs will be required. In inexpensive models, these parts are made of plastic (hence the fragility of the tool. A special regulator is responsible for changing the number of revolutions, in which a key and a controller are involved.
Which cordless screwdriver is the best in performance?
Screwdrivers are classified into professional and household. The professional tool is distinguished by great power, performance and price. Therefore, the purposes for which the tool is purchased are one of the key factors when choosing. After all, if the characteristics of a household tool meet the requirements of the tasks set, there is no need for overpayment.
General characteristics
When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention to the main technical parameters:
Power - the performance of the tool depends on this parameter;
Torque is the force that is applied to a rotating element;
The number of revolutions (rotation speed) - a high indicator allows you to perform complex work;
Weight - comfort in work depends on it.
Power screwdriver
A tool with a high power is equipped with a large motor, which affects the external characteristics of the screwdriver - its weight and dimensions. Such equipment is equipped with an additional cooling system for smooth operation.
For domestic purposes, there is no need for such a powerful copy. To screw a self-tapping screw into a thin metal, a power of 450-500 watts is enough.
Tasks to be performed and their corresponding capacity:
Small household tasks - 150-300 W;
Labor-intensive work - 400-500 W;
Construction and repair work with a multi-hour load - from 600 W.
Torque
The torque determines the characteristics of the working material with which the tool is able to work - the diameter of the screw and the depth of its tightening, the hardness of the working surface (wood, metal, concrete). It depends on the engine power of the equipment.
For household models, the range is from 10 to 12 Nm (Newton per meter), semi-professional models have an indicator of 20-25 Nm. The indicator of a professional tool is 50-60 Nm, there is a particularly powerful tool with an indicator of 140 Nm.
For work where it is necessary to screw self-tapping screws into a tree to a depth of at least 100 mm, you will need a tool with a torque of at least 28-30 Nm.
In the technical data sheet for the product, most manufacturers indicate not only the torque, but also the diameter of the self-tapping screw and the depth to which it can be screwed in. It should also be taken into account that the depth depends on the hardness of the wood.
The dependence of the required torque on the diameter of a small screw:
At Ø 6 mm - 10 Nm for soft materials, 25 Nm for hard materials;
At Ø 7 mm - 11 Nm and 27 Nm, respectively, for soft and hard materials;
At Ø 8 mm - 12-13 Nm for soft materials and 30 Nm for hard materials.
Number of revolutions
The indicator determines the ability to perform certain jobs. For example, to screw in self-tapping screws and screws, you need 500 rpm, drilling is performed at a speed of 1000-1200 rpm.Switching ability depends on the gearbox, there are two-speed models, three- and even four-speed screwdrivers for certain professional activities.
How to choose a network screwdriver: basic parameters
When choosing a tool, it is recommended to rely on the listed characteristics:
Power;
Torque;
The number of revolutions.
For a cordless screwdriver, the value of the torque indicator is not as important as for a battery model, more attention should be paid to the number of revolutions and power of the tool. In addition, you should pay attention to the design features of the screwdriver:
In addition, you should pay attention to the design features of the screwdriver:
The presence of a speed controller (speed switch).
The presence of the reverse function will allow not only screwing in, but also unscrewing the fasteners, as well as removing the drill that is jammed during drilling.
The presence of the vibration mode will make it possible to prepare holes in concrete and perform some functions of a hammer drill.
Chuck type - keyless or cam, for which you need a special key. If a tool with an impact function is purchased, the chuck must be of the cam type.
The chuck size (10 to 13 mm) affects the ability to use a larger drill diameter.
Ergonomics and weight are important. Lightweight tool with a comfortable rubberized handle improves the quality of work performed
Practical magnetic holder located on the body of the tool.
A small LED torch will allow you to work in poorly lit and hard-to-reach places.
When choosing a tool for household needs, preference should be given to a two-speed tool with the ability to switch speeds. Then the range of work performed will expand.
The advantages of such a tool
Devices for screwing in self-tapping screws and other fastening hardware are divided into network and battery. The first ones are structurally simpler and lighter due to the absence of a battery. However, working with them is not as convenient as with battery-powered devices.
The thing is that you may need to screw in a self-tapping screw in different places of the room or construction site. Sometimes such work is generally performed away from electrical networks. Yes, and standing on the stairs, screwing drywall or stretch ceiling guides, is much more convenient with a device without a cord.
Modern batteries are characterized by high capacity and fast charging. With a pair of good batteries, you can work almost without interruption: while one is feeding the device, the other is charging.
How to choose an inexpensive cordless screwdriver for your home
Which screwdriver is best for the home? After providing an overview of the top 10 rating, such a question is quite logical. We'll talk about which screwdriver to choose below.
By design
In addition to the criteria for price and reviews about the screwdriver, there are other important ones. Any professional will tell you that the type of construction of the screwdriver plays one of the main roles when choosing. When it has good ergonomics, fits comfortably in the hand, does not slip, all this has a beneficial effect on the quality of work.
It is also important that it is not too bulky. Preferably up to 1.2 kg
If you use a power tool infrequently, then this criterion may not be critical. However, when you need to work for them at least half a day, it will immediately become clear that it is very difficult to operate a one and a half kilogram device. Therefore, it all depends on your personal preferences and the degree of stress on the instrument.
By way of food
Another criterion for how to choose a cordless screwdriver for the home lies in the way of powering. In addition to the battery, there is also a network one. However, their use is very limited due to the obvious reason - the presence of cables. Power tool mobility is immediately lost.In addition, a network device, as a rule, has a non-removable cartridge for an internal hexagon for installing a bit there. In general, this is a fairly highly specialized tool that is used, for example, by drywall installers in order to fasten sheets to a metal profile.
The cordless screwdriver compares favorably in this regard due to its ease of use. However, the emphasis should be placed on the "voltage" of the selected device. The higher this indicator, the better its technical characteristics, such as maximum torque. It depends on what diameter the screw you can tighten. That is, it characterizes the action of a rotational force on a rigid body.
For additional functions
There are a number of additional indicators that should be considered when choosing a screwdriver:
- Battery capacity indicator. This indicator characterizes the operating time of the screwdriver in autonomous mode. It should be remembered that the higher the supply voltage in the instrument, the greater the capacity of the battery must be.
- Setting the torque power indicator. A very useful function that adjusts the tightening force of the self-tapping screw.
- Engine brake. This option is to instantly stop the engine when the power button is released.
- Battery charge indicator. All modern professional screwdrivers are equipped with this option. It helps to monitor the battery level.
- Pulse mode of operation. By choosing this mode, you can easily unscrew the heavily tightened self-tapping screws.
- Brushless motor. Installed on modern models to extend their service life.
Additional options are not a must when choosing the best inexpensive screwdriver for your home use. The basic options described above will be enough. The choice must be made based on personal preferences, budget and needs for which the instrument is purchased. We hope that our rating will help you in answering the question of which screwdriver to buy. Happy shopping!