How to use a screwdriver: care and preparation of the tool

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Very often on forums people wonder what power they should choose a screwdriver in order to easily drive self-tapping screws or screws of such and such a diameter and length?
Or, in other words, what torque should a screwdriver have in Nm for certain tasks? People get different answers to these questions. Most often, there are offers from “all-knowing specialists” to buy expensive semi-professional 18-volt models. Like, they can definitely do anything. But is it worth paying twice as much if it suddenly turns out that younger 10-14 volt models are also good? And if there is a difference, what is it?

We will try to briefly talk about the theory and move on to practice.

Planetary reductor

Regardless of the equipment of the model, it is always located in a separate case, made of plastic or metal. Main elements of the screwdriver gearbox:

• sun gear;
• ring gear;
• satellites;
• 1-2 drivers.

The main part is a ring gear, which has a cylindrical shape. Along its circumference there are small teeth along which the satellites move. They are typically mounted on strong carrier pins, with the sun gear in the center of the first row.

The moving shaft is inserted into the gearbox using magnetic contacts and performs rotational movements during operation. A two-stage gearbox always contains a second carrier. Given the complexity of the job, it may move faster or slower than the torque of the tool's motor shaft.

Important! A high-quality screwdriver should be equipped with a double-sided gearbox. This design allows you to adjust the power and speed of work without increasing the load on the engine of the tool.

Theory

In our article on “choosing the best screwdriver,” we already touched on this topic, but now we’ll tell you in a little more detail, but so that no one gets a headache from the formulas.

The main indicator of a screwdriver's power is torque (torque), which is measured in Nm. Figuratively speaking, 10 Nm would be equivalent to the rotational force created by a one-kilogram weight mounted on a one-meter lever, the other end of which is rigidly attached to the rotating shaft.

For semi-professional models of screwdrivers, as well as those intended for home craftsmen, the typical torque value is from 10 to 60 Nm. If we take the “average temperature in a hospital,” then we can carefully assume that a certain average screwdriver has a torque characteristic of 25 Nm.

However, not everything is so simple here, since in practice the output torque value of electric motors is not constant and depends, first of all, on the speed - the higher the speed, the lower the torque on the shaft. Ideally, the graph is linear with a slight slope - the lowest torque will be at maximum speed, the highest - with a stationary shaft. But in the latter case, a situation will arise, in fact, of a short circuit of the electric motor windings. How many seconds the motor will burn out depends on what its windings are made of. But rest assured, you will be provided with smoke and a burning smell.

In order not to lead to “sin”, expensive models have an automatic shutdown system in case of overload, when the ratio of the number of revolutions per second in relation to the consumed current suddenly exceeds a dangerous threshold. However, our question here is completely different - what is the line that cannot be crossed, that is, what is the minimum engine speed, and, consequently, the torque at which it will operate without overheating and further damage to itself?

In other words, we already operate with two torque values. Which one do you think is indicated by the manufacturer in the technical specifications of the screwdriver? No, you didn't guess. Each manufacturer has its own measurement method and its own concept of this characteristic. No one reveals the details, and there is no general standard. Therefore, very often you can observe a situation where a screwdriver with weaker characteristics turns out to be noticeably more powerful than a stronger one.

The only way out of this situation can be practical tests under the same conditions.

Changing attachments

Changing the attachment on a screwdriver is not difficult. The tool can be equipped with a quick-release chuck or a key-type chuck. Replace the equipment in both cases in a similar way. To remove a drill from a screwdriver with a keyless chuck and insert a new one or another type of equipment, proceed as follows:

• first, select a bit according to the size of the head and the type of slot on it (cross, straight or other) or a drill of the required diameter corresponding to the material in which the hole is to be created;
• spin the cartridge counterclockwise;
• in the center, between the spread cams, install the selected type of equipment;
• Rotating the cartridge case in the direction of the clock hand, clamp the nozzle.

You can remove the drill bit from the screwdriver (or another attachment) by holding the moving part of the chuck with one hand and pressing the start button with the other. Just first switch the direction of rotation to unwinding.

When a drill-driver is equipped with a key chuck, then to change the equipment do this:

• inserting the key into the recess for it, unscrew the cartridge;
• I install the nozzle;
• clamp it by turning the key clockwise.

There are models in which you can remove one type of cartridge, for example, a quick-detachable one, and replace it with a turnkey analogue . When choosing any option, you need to focus not only on ease of use, but you should also consider the pros and cons of each of them. Thus, the key chuck securely clamps the equipment, which is important when drilling, and the quick-release chuck allows you to quickly replace it, even with one hand (the other holds the handle, pressing the start button as necessary).

Screwdriver torque

When choosing a screwdriver, you should understand several important features. You can buy a tool for household use, perform simple work from time to time, or set the goal of purchasing a tool of a professional category in order to perform commercial tasks with its help. In any case, pay attention to the torque characteristic to prevent overload and damage to the product during intensive use.

Non-traditional use cases

In addition to its direct purpose, an electric screwdriver is used to perform various non-traditional operations. These include the following types of work:

• polishing the car and its headlights;
• mixing small volumes of various building mixtures and paints;
• drilling holes in ice (for this purpose the tool is equipped with a special attachment - a drill);
• binding of reinforcement;
• thread cutting;
• mowing the grass (for this purpose, convert the device into a trimmer or lawn mower, or simply insert an attachment with blades into the cartridge);
• chopping soft grass or thin branches (for this, a garden shredder is created based on a drill-driver);
• surface grinding;
• cutting materials;
• twisting of wires.

This is far from a complete list of non-traditional work performed using battery-powered or corded models of electric screwdrivers. Inventive thought does not stand still. Almost every specialist has options for work that is atypical for this power tool.

Using a screwdriver, you can return your car to its original color and shine. To polish a car, use the following types of attachments:

• leather or fabric circles, with their help they perform initial cleaning of surfaces;
• felt - they are used for initial processing and final polishing (nozzles made from sheepskin are suitable);
• foam rubber.

Polishing pastes and polishes are also used along with the equipment. They come in these types:

• silicone;
• abrasive;
• non-abrasive.

Using similar means, headlights are polished.

The quality of the achieved result is determined by the correct combination of attachments with polishing agents, as well as the accuracy and skill of performing the work.

Knitting reinforcing bars using steel wire is very common in the construction industry during the construction of reinforced concrete (monolithic) structures, for example, foundations and houses. Even if there is only a small amount of work to be done, working with a hand hook or pliers is quite unproductive. A cordless or corded electric screwdriver equipped with a hook attachment will help you knit reinforcement much faster. In this case, the power indicator of the tool is not particularly important.

Twisting the cut ends of wires, for example in junction boxes, is also a fairly routine job. You can speed up the process by using a screwdriver with a special attachment. How twisting is done is shown in the video below:

Moment of power

Torque is defined as the force exerted on a rigid body during rotation. For example, you need to tighten a hex bolt. For this task, there is a key that requires force. The product of this force and the length of the key is that very torque. More leverage provides more torque. This indicator is measured in newtons per meter.

A traction torque of 10 Nm for a screwdriver can be represented as a load with a mass of 100 grams at the end of a meter-long lever, or you can reduce the length of the lever to 10 cm, increasing the weight of the load to 10 kg.

If the technical specifications of a tool indicate a maximum torque of 25 Nm, this means that the motor will transmit, through a gearbox, to the chuck a force equal to the impact of a 2.5 kg load through a meter-long lever.

The importance of increased torque when working with fasteners of large diameters and lengths is due to the high friction force that occurs at the moment of screwing. The deeper the fastener is immersed in the material, the higher this force will be.

For reference

When buying a screwdriver, if you already have a cordless drill in your arsenal, you may prefer the option with the same batteries. This will allow you to become the owner of a convenient and versatile tool, and also get the opportunity to use the usual power for working with screws. By choosing an impulse screwdriver without a battery, you will pay less. But what model to buy will be discussed below.

Maximum revolutions per minute

Not less important. The parameter indicates at what frequency the spindle will rotate. For most modern tools, electronics are responsible for adjusting the rotation speed. The rotational speed of the chuck, as well as the torque, affects the capabilities of the drill-driver when driving screws or drilling in a hard surface.

There is an inverse relationship between torque and speed. As the speed increases, the torque decreases and vice versa.

To give the tool the ability to change the ratio of these quantities, the design has a mechanical gearbox, and to further increase functionality, the product is equipped with multi-stage or two-speed adjustment.

It turns out that at low speed with high torque it is optimal to tighten the screws, and at the second, at high speed, drill in materials. If there is a third speed, then it is used for drilling small-diameter holes at high speeds.

Maximum torque can be achieved by fully pressing the start button. With two-speed drills/drivers, the first speed will have a higher torque rating than the second.

The adjustment ring next to the chuck, marked from 1 to 15, determines the amount of torque. Sometimes there are more divisions on the scale, and as a rule, there is a position indicating the drilling mode. By setting one of the numerical marks on the regulator, we limit the moment at which the tool stops turning and characteristic clicks begin. In drilling mode there are no such restrictions; the machine will try to tighten the fasteners to the maximum of its capabilities. It is important to remember that the numbers do not indicate the specific value of the moment, but only help to increase or decrease it.

It is generally accepted that screwdrivers with a high torque of 40-60 Nm are obviously professional, and on the contrary, those with a torque of up to 20 Nm are only suitable for amateur craftsmen.

There are production tasks in which high torque is not required, but in which special requirements are placed on the tool in terms of wear resistance and maintainability. Only a tool designed for intensive work can cope with work on a conveyor line or in a furniture assembly shop on an ongoing basis. Such machines are generally considered professional, regardless of the amount of torque.

To simplify the choice of tool, we will conditionally designate what torque is required for different types of tasks:

• For household use and occasional use, models up to 10-15 Nm are suitable; these are cordless screwdrivers and DIY-class screwdrivers - for home craftsmen.

• For use for commercial purposes: furniture assembly, frame-panel construction, finishing work, installation of metal structures - tools with the largest torque range from 10 to 35 Nm are suitable.
• Separately, it can be noted that for mixing dry mixtures, a reserve of torque is required and, at a minimum, it should be 65 Nm.

• Amateur and professional fishermen should note that a fishing screwdriver capable of drilling holes using an ice drill attachment must have a torque of at least 80 Nm.

A universal specimen must have a high enough torque to not only be limited to tightening screws, but also to drill holes of various diameters in almost all materials.

Reviews about the model

Considering the features of the screwdriver described above, consumers quite often highlight a number of advantages, among them:

• easy replacement of drills and bits;
• 5 modes to choose from; reverse;
• engine cooling;
• Belt mount.

As for the first feature, it is provided by a hexagon chuck, which provides the ability to replace the equipment with just one hand. Thanks to this, the tool is lighter in weight and has a shorter length. This pulse screwdriver, reviews of which should help you make the right choice, has five operating modes to choose from. They were discussed above. According to consumers, you can switch between them quite easily using the wheel next to the battery.

Among other things, there is a reverse button on the case, with the help of which the operator can unscrew the fasteners and remove the stuck drill. The housing has ventilation holes that provide effective cooling of the engine. The motor can run much longer without overheating.

Before choosing a good cordless screwdriver, you should pay attention to additional characteristics; among them, consumers especially highlight the ability to mount it on a belt. The described model is equipped with a mount with which you can hang the tool in between uses. Buyers consider LED illumination of the working area, clutch control mode, convenient storage and transportation, compact size and low weight, and a lithium-ion battery that can be charged without waiting for complete discharge as additional advantages. Not to mention the efficient engine.

Types of screwdriver chucks

A screwdriver is a hand-held electric or pneumatic tool that is designed to automatically loosen and screw in screws. Such a device must have torque adjustment, and the screwing depth is also indicated.

You can use a screwdriver to screw in:

• screws;
• self-tapping screws;
• screws;
• dowels;
• other fasteners.

In addition, using a cam-type device or using special drills with a hex shank, you can drill various holes.

As a rule, such tools do not operate from the mains power supply, but from a rechargeable battery. The main advantage is mobility. However, there is a pneumatic type of device that operates either from a compressor or from a reservoir of compressed air or gas.

Electric motor

In every mechanism, the main function is performed by the motor. The screwdriver is no exception. It is the DC motor that is used in the hand screwdriver. It converts DC electrical energy into mechanical energy.

The screwdriver motor is a hollow cylindrical object, inside of which there are magnets and a rotor mounted on special brass supports. It is a steel cylinder with longitudinal grooves around its circumference. A wire with a high magnetic permeability coefficient is laid in these grooves. The armature winding is a closed system of conductors. After an equal number of turns, the rotor winding goes to the collector, which is a cylindrical structure made of copper segments insulated with layered mineral.

The brushes of the screwdriver motor are made of carbon and graphite, which ensures sliding contact with the rotating commutator. The purpose of the brushes is to transmit electric current from the stator to the rotor. Voltage is supplied exclusively to the brushes, and the direction of rotation of the motor directly depends on its polarity.

To securely fix the brushes on the commutator, use a clamping device in the form of spring-loaded plates. This mechanism ensures that the structural elements clearly correspond to their place, but at the same time leaves freedom of movement vertically. It maximizes the life of the motor as a whole.

This knowledge will be needed when performing maintenance and repair of the screwdriver. As a rule, the weak point in the motor is the windings, so you need to monitor the operation of the tool, especially when using it at extreme loads.

Chucks for screwdrivers

Using a screwdriver or drill for work, probably everyone, even a novice and inexperienced craftsman, has encountered a problem when some spare part from the device fails.

The factory markings applied to it will help the average user to select the necessary new spare part. When choosing, you should consider:

• The maximum and minimum size of the drill shank.
• His type.
• Type of connection – threaded or conical.

Of course, after time of use, the markings may wear off. In this case, the required type can only be determined visually. Cartridges can be of various types, their purpose depends on this. The most basic of them are quick-clamping, self-clamping, and also with a hex shank.

Spindle speed adjustment

Another very important device of a screwdriver is the speed controller. The device circuit consists of a pulse-width controller and a switch based on a field-effect transistor. Control is carried out by a variable resistor. Depending on the force of pressure on the button, its resistance changes and, as a result, the spindle rotation speed increases or decreases. Thanks to the presence of changeover contacts, reverse rotation of the cartridge is carried out. It depends only on the direction of application of voltage to the screwdriver motor. All shifts are automated, so manual mode is excluded.

What do the numbers on a screwdriver mean?

The torque of a screwdriver is an important parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing. It is certainly taken into account whether the tool will be used for home work or a professional one. Of course, there are now various models on sale that differ in their features.

The construction market offers a huge number of models of screwdrivers from different manufacturers, which differ depending on the power source, parts and functions.

Screwdriver models

A screwdriver is a commonly used tool that is indispensable for construction and repair activities. Now domestic manufacturers offer various models, which can be used for different criteria. This tool is convenient for manual production; it is needed for tightening/unscrewing screws, self-tapping screws, screws, for drilling and, in addition, for stirring mixtures.

According to the power source, the tool is classified into:

The cordless screwdriver is powered by the battery included in the kit.

1. Rechargeable models powered by special batteries. They increase the weight of the tool, but make work more convenient in inaccessible places.
2. Network devices that require connection to an electronic network. They have a limited range of operation due to the length of the cord, although extension cords can be used.

According to their intended purpose, equipment is divided into:

• models for construction/repair;
• for workshops, workshops, auto repair shops;
• for industrial companies;
• for household use.

Features of proper storage to increase service life

Knowing how corded and cordless screwdrivers work, it remains to figure out how to care for them in order to extend their service life. Everything is as simple as the principle of operation of a screwdriver. When storing, the following recommendations are taken into account:

1. Prevent water from entering the instrument
2. Do not miss or drop the device, as in addition to damaging the housing, internal devices may fail.
3. Ensure that the chuck is regularly lubricated to increase its service life
4. If various contaminants get inside, then before using the device again, you should disassemble and clean it.
5. Do not store the tool with completely discharged batteries.
6. The device should be stored and operated in a temperature range not lower than -5 and not higher than +30 degrees
7. Cool the bit when drilling

Only by following all of the above recommendations can you ensure long-term use of the tool without breakdowns. The service life of the device also depends on the quality, since a cheap Chinese screwdriver cannot serve for a long time a priori, because only low-quality components are used in its production.

To summarize, it is worth noting that not only the master whose work is related to the operation of the device, but also beginners who use the tool for the first time should know how a screwdriver works. This will extend the life of the screwdriver, and will also eliminate the need to take the device to a service center if malfunctions occur.

Corded and cordless tool

A mains powered screwdriver can be used where there is an outlet. If it is missing, you are unlikely to be able to tighten or unscrew anything. This is where the battery comes to the rescue. It is safe to say that such a solution gives more opportunities to its owner. For example, there is no point in buying a battery-powered hammer drill, but with screwdrivers the situation is different. Of course, the battery needs to be charged periodically, but most often you get two batteries in the kit, so this shouldn't be any problem. Whether there is an outlet or not, it will not matter to you, since you simply do not need it. Of course, over time the battery will hold its charge worse and worse, but, most likely, by this time you will already have time to change the tool to a similar, but more powerful and functional one.

Converter of Church Slavonic, Greek, Hebrew and Roman numbers

Numbers in Church Slavonic (also in Greek, Hebrew and Latin) books are indicated by letters. The Church Slavonic letter- number has a simple title above it and a dot after it. In two-digit and multi-digit numbers, the title is placed on the 2nd letter from the end.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Thousands are written with the same letters as units, 10s and hundreds, but with the addition of the symbol ҂ in front of the letter. Numbers are composed in the same way as in modern Arabic notation: thousands are written first, then hundreds, then 10s and ones, with the exception of numbers ending in 11...19, where the last two characters are rearranged according to the Slavic reading (for example, one-by-twenty, in other words, first “one” and later “twenty” = 10).

g҃. — 3D҃і. — 14 tmє. — 345 ҂иѿп҃и. — 8888 ҂р҂к҂г҃ѕ. — 123456

If in a multi-digit number the number of hundreds, tens or ones is zero, then no symbol like zero is substituted in their place, and the number becomes shorter.

Large numbers (tens and hundreds of thousands, millions and billions) in various sources can be expressed not through the symbol ҂, but by a specially outlined letter used to denote units. However, for large numbers these notations were quite unstable.

10,000 — ҂і҃. (tma)

100,000 - ҂р҃. (legeon, ignoramus)

1,000,000 - ҂҂а. (leodr)

10,000,000 — (corvid)

100,000,000 — (deck)

1000 000 000 - (tma topics)

The Church Slavonic number system is an absolute tracing of the Greek number system.

The Greek (Ionian, Modern Greek) number system is an alphabetical recording of numbers in which the letters of the classical Greek alphabet and some letters of the pre-classical era, such as ϝ (digamma), ϟ (coppa) and ϡ (sampi), are used as symbols for counting.

γʹ - 3 ιδʹ - 14 τμεʹ - 345 ͵ηωπηʹ - 8888 ͵ρ͵κ͵γυνϛʹ - 123456

The Hebrew number system uses the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet as numbers. Alphabetical notations for numbers were borrowed by the Jews from the ancient Greeks. Hebrew numbers are written from right to left; Before the last (left) letter there is a double quotation mark - gershaim (״). If there is only one letter, then a single quotation mark is placed after it - geresh (׳). To designate 1–9 thousand, the first nine letters are used, after which an apostrophe is placed. The exceptions are numbers ending in 15 and 16, which are represented as 96 and 97 respectively (for “Thou shalt not take the Name of God in vain”).

READ How to Cut Gvl Sheets At Home

Unlike the first 3, in the Roman number system, to represent any number, only 7 letters of the Latin alphabet are used I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D ( 500) and M (1000). Subsequently, 4 more SIMvols were added to them (from 5,000 to 100,000). To correctly write large numbers in Roman numerals, you must first write down the number of thousands, then hundreds, then tens and, finally, units. Numbers are written by repeating these numbers. With all this, if a larger number is in front of a smaller one, then they are added, but if a smaller one is in front of a larger one, then the smaller one is subtracted from the larger one.

III - 3 XIV - 14 CCCXLV - 345 ↁMMMDCCCLXXXVIII - 8888 ↈↂↂMMMCDLVI - 123456

Kolner KCD 18/2L

• Supply voltage – 18 V.
• Max Diameter:
• Holes in wood – 20 mm.
• Holes in metal – 14 mm.
• No-load speed:
• 1 speed – from 0 to 400 rpm.
• 2 speed – from 0 to 1450 rpm.
• Maximum torque:
• Soft tightening – 20 N*m.
• Firm tightening – 29 N*m.
• Weight with battery – 1.3 kg.

Kolner KCD 18/2L is a simple and reliable domestic screwdriver, which is powered by removable batteries with a capacity of 1.5 Ah, made using lithium-ion technology. Such batteries compare favorably with analogues in their low level of self-discharge, light weight and lack of memory effect. For user convenience, the battery is equipped with a charge level indicator light.

The screwdriver is equipped with a double-clutch quick-release chuck, which allows you to quickly change attachments manually, without using auxiliary devices. There is a built-in 18-step torque control, not counting the drilling mode. This allows you to select the optimal operating mode based on the density of the material. The advantages of the model include a bright LED backlight, which allows you to work even in complete darkness, as well as an ergonomic handle with a rubberized coating. It eliminates the possibility of the tool slipping out of your hands during work. The design allows for the device to be attached to a belt using a special clip. The delivery set includes one battery, a charger, and two double-sided bits, for which separate holders are provided on the screwdriver body. According to information from the manufacturer, the time to fully charge the battery is 2-3 hours.

Good to know

How to store a screwdriver

Better separately from the battery. If you have a model with a nickel-cadmium battery, then before finishing work and disconnecting the battery, it must be completely discharged. After removing the battery, it must be charged. Remember that Ni-Cd has a high self-discharge current, therefore, during long-term storage, it needs repeated recharging.

Is it possible to drill with a screwdriver?

If you have a model that has two operating modes - drilling and screwdriver. Typically, professional models have such abilities, for example the Makita DF347DWE. It is not necessary to use a model that does not have a drilling mode; the engine may burn out, because drilling requires higher speeds to reduce the load.

READ How to Cut Corners of Ceiling Skirting Boards

Principles of operation of a screwdriver

The screwdriver has a housing in the place where the electric motor is located; in short, it does not have a quick-release chuck. Structurally, the power is less and it is simpler compared to a screwdriver. But they differ in that it is easier for them to tighten fasteners. The question arises, why with low power and smaller size it has such strength. If you compare a disassembled screwdriver and a brushless screwdriver, you will notice differences.

The screwdriver has a brushless electric motor. It is similar to the one used in quadcopters and is almost 2 times shorter. In a power tool, after the planetary mechanism, there is an additional device that significantly increases the power of the device. It's called the impact mechanism. In a simple screwdriver, a force adjustment device is installed after the planetary device (if there is strong resistance, the chuck begins to rotate).

A simple impact mechanism is installed that creates an impact action in the direction of rotation of the shaft. In fact, microshocks are produced - frequent impacts of small amplitude. This feature makes it possible to easily wrap hardware even in places where it is difficult to work with a conventional tool.

A screwdriver can be used to tighten screws and bolts with ease.

A pneumatic screwdriver used in tire shops and car service centers operates in a similar way, but its frequency is lower and the impact amplitude is higher. Having such abilities, a screwdriver can unscrew rusty bolts and nuts and is capable of tightening nuts on wheel hubs with great force.

The main inconvenience of the screwdriver is that it does not have a quick-release chuck. The drill rotates in the installed fixture. You have to use drills with hexagonal ends. Bits for tightening self-tapping screws are universal. It is interesting that the screwdriver hardly grinds down the splines, because the bits do not rotate in the edges of the screw during operation.

In addition, an impact screwdriver is good because even with low power, it is able to screw a fastener in a place where a conventional powerful screwdriver cannot handle it.

Large-scale production uses pneumatic screwdrivers