What is a brushless screwdriver
A brushless screwdriver (or brushless) is a tool whose electric motor does not have a commutator assembly with brushes. This unit consists of brushes rubbing against the rotor, through which current is supplied to it. They switch the windings, which create a magnetic field and set the motor rotor in motion. In a brushless motor, this unit is replaced by an electronic unit that performs switching using transistors and other components.
Collector assembly on rotor © DiyHobby
Getting rid of the mechanical commutator unit made it possible to eliminate some of the shortcomings of electric motors, thereby increasing their operating efficiency. Therefore, in absolute terms, a brushless screwdriver is better than a brushed screwdriver in almost every way. But in specific application conditions there are nuances that leave the right to life for tools with a commutator motor. What exactly they are - now we’ll figure it out.
Resource
Brushes are, in fact, consumables, because during use they can wear out or burn out. Changing them is not difficult, especially since it is rarely necessary to do this. However, a brushless tool is completely devoid of this. Since there are no rubbing units in this tool, nothing will be erased. It turns out that a brushless screwdriver is not only safer, but also lasts longer.
Dimensions
Commutator assembly Assembly Tool House
The trump card of brushless motors is the absence of a commutator assembly that takes up space. This unit constitutes up to 30–50% of the rotor length, which means that a motor without brushes can be just as compact with comparable power. This is especially true for professional tools, whose task is not just to screw three screws under a shelf or assemble a new cabinet, but to tighten hundreds of screws a day.
Reducing the motor affects the overall dimensions of the screwdriver. For example, the budget model BLACK+DECKER BCD001BA10S is 150 grams lighter than its “brother” BLACK+DECKER CD121, which has a more powerful engine, and is a little more compact. And when you need to work for several hours in a row, then every hundred grams matters.
How does a brushless motor work?
Screwdrivers with brushless motors appeared in the 1970s. The latter, like their brush counterparts, are also equipped with a rotor and stator. The brushes and commutators in them are replaced by a controller and a Hall sensor. Due to electromagnetic induction ( change in polarity ), electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. The Hall sensor calculates the angle of rotation of the rotor.
In brushless motors there are no sliding contacts, as a result, friction is reduced and the motor does not wear out. Its internal structure is completely closed, which prevents water and dirt from getting inside. Voltage directly affects rotation speed.
Efficiency
Replacing the brush assembly with an electronic unit made it possible to increase the engine efficiency by up to 1.5 times. In brushless models it reaches 90%, so energy is used much more efficiently. This is especially important for cordless tools, which is why brushless motors are more common in cordless tools.
Increasing energy efficiency by 1.5 times allows for a corresponding increase in autonomy. That is, if a regular brushed tool can tighten 200 screws on one charge, then a brushless tool with the same power and battery capacity will tighten all 300.
Device, pros and cons
Until recently, screwdrivers were classified only by mechanism (impact and non-impact) and by type of power supply (mains and battery). However, over the past decade, we have seen the emergence of tools equipped with brushless motors. Having analyzed these two types in detail, you can decide for yourself which screwdriver is better: brushed or brushless.
Brush screwdrivers
The first type works using a commutator motor. Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy through the rotor. The rotor is wrapped in copper wires that carry electricity, creating a magnetic field that causes the armature to rotate.
Also in the commutator there are brushes responsible for transmitting voltage. They come into contact with the commutator, which changes the direction of rotation.
Pros of brush tools:
Brushless screwdrivers
Brushless tools have more advantages compared to their traditional counterparts:
The only disadvantage of a brushless screwdriver is its expensive cost.
Reliability
An electric motor is a relatively simple device, but under optimal load conditions its resource is enormous. It is the control element (collector or inverter) that is its weakest link, subject to wear. The brush assembly is simple and cheap, so it is difficult to fail it prematurely, while transistors can be damaged when used in an aggressive environment. But, on the other hand, “sticking” of the rotor under excessive load (when there is not enough power to turn it, and the ratchet does not work or is blocked) can lead to winding burnout. In such a situation, a high-quality electronic unit can stop the flow of current. Therefore, it is definitely impossible to say which is better in terms of reliability.
Top best brushless and brushed models
Do you need to buy a suitable screwdriver for installation or construction and you don’t know which one to choose? The rating of screwdrivers, compiled based on customer reviews, will help you find the answer to this question and choose the best option among those presented.
Cordless drill/driver Makita DDF481RF Li-Ion 3.0 Ah 18 V x 1 case
reliable 2-mode gearbox with metal gears;
an additional handle is provided;
21 torque positions;
capacious battery (3 Ah), batteries with a capacity of up to 4 Ah are also supported;
Cordless impact drill/driver BOSCH GSB 18V-60 C 5.0Ah x2 L-BOXX
engine brake function;
KickBack Control function for shutdown when jammed;
Precision Clutch for precise machining;
overload protection system;
capacious battery (5 Ah);
spare battery included;
Cordless impact drill/driver STANLEY SBH20D2K
spot illumination function;
Price
In most respects, a brushless screwdriver is better than a brushed one: it is more compact, more efficient, safer and more durable. But the high price makes the purchase of such a tool for domestic use not always justified. If you don’t need a stand-alone tool, then a budget corded model with a commutator motor like the SPEC BSHE-400M will be enough for all tasks. It makes no sense to overpay for an improved engine, and a lack of power when powered from an outlet certainly won’t bother you.
When choosing a stand-alone screwdriver for rare home use, savings also make sense. If you don’t need to twist hundreds of screws, it’s enough to limit yourself to a battery model with a traditional commutator motor, such as the PIT PSR 24-D1. After all, the cost of such a device is approximately half that of its brushless counterpart.
For semi-professional and professional use, the choice is whether it is better to take a brushed or brushless screwdriver, you can remove it. It’s definitely worth overpaying and getting a model with a modern engine like the DeWALT DCD777S2T. You will pay more, but you will get a more convenient and autonomous tool that will better cope with the tasks, thereby allowing you to earn more.
Which tool should you choose?
Looking at the table above, you can come to an unambiguous conclusion: brushless screwdrivers win, as they say, head-to-head. Almost all the characteristics are in their favor, and only in a few parameters does the collector tool look preferable.
However, this is on paper. Brushless equipment is better, more modern, but you have to pay a lot for this superiority. Before shelling out a substantial amount of money, you should ask yourself a few questions:
- Does your budget allow you to purchase a brushless unit?
- For what purpose is the tool needed?
- how often will it be used?
There is no point in spending a lot of money on a brushless screwdriver that will only be needed a couple of times, and the rest of the time it will gather dust in the closet.
A brush tool is enough for home work
One of the main points with which you should choose the type of tool is the possibility of repair. Even if we exclude the mandatory replacement of brushes every couple of years, the collector unit will most likely go out of tune only when the money paid has been fully spent. It’s not a pity to throw away your old device and buy a new one for the same money.
Conclusion! If a screwdriver is needed only for periodic local work in the house, a collector tool will suffice. But replacing one part in a brushless screwdriver will entail the purchase of several more (otherwise, no way), which will amount to from half to 75% of the price of a new device. It will probably last longer than a brush one, but if it breaks, there's no point in repairing it.
The three main criteria when choosing the type of screwdriver are budget, purpose and planned frequency of use. You can see the difference in operation between commutator and brush tools here:
Equipment
If you are thinking about which screwdriver to buy, which company will be better and what qualities you need, look at the equipment included with the device. If you understand that the device includes everything you need or even more, and you are satisfied with the price, then, of course, without a doubt, purchase this tool. Please note that the screwdriver must:
• stored in a small suitcase that will protect it from shock and contamination;
• have a special strap that can be easily attached to your hand for safe operation;
• have several replaceable attachments for different types of surfaces;
• have a replaceable battery that can be charged. This way, work will not be interrupted due to a suddenly discharged battery.
So, as you understand, choosing a screwdriver is not an easy and rather delicate matter. You need to clearly understand for what purpose you are purchasing a tool in order to choose the optimal set of device characteristics for yourself. Then the repair will bring only joy and will go very quickly.
DEKO DKCD16FU-Li
light weight;
the battery holds a charge for a long time;
strong fixation of bits;
there is a charge level indicator;
build quality.
The plastic container is of low quality.
[product-like]
Makita DF333DWAE
build quality;
ergonomic design;
anti-slip pads on the handles;
capacious battery;
There is a drilling mode.
illumination is inconveniently located;
There is no attachment for an additional bit.
Metabo PowerMaxx BS 2014
https://market.yandex.ru/product—akkumuliatornaia-drel-shurupovert-metabo-powermaxx-bs-2014-12-v-2-0a-ch-kh2-keis/11709832
A compact screwdriver with a shortened design, with which the device can be used in confined spaces. Metabo PowerMaxx BS 2014 is used for furniture assembly, as well as for construction work.
The product is powered by a compact 2 Ah lithium-ion battery. The Metabo PowerMaxx BS 2014 comes with 2 12 V batteries and a charger. While one battery is in operation, the other can be charged at this time. The screwdriver has a quick-release chuck; for comfortable bit attachment, a spindle with a hexagon is provided, which eliminates the need to use a drill chuck.
Metabo PowerMaxx BS 2014 has a bright spot light that perfectly illuminates the work surface and allows you to work even at night. There is a hook on the body for hanging the screwdriver on your belt, and the device comes with a convenient case.
Convenient case
What is the value of the device
Screwdrivers are sold with a set of additional accessories. These are various attachments and cartridges. And the devices themselves have several modes.
Thanks to this functionality, it is possible to perform a variety of operations:
- tighten screws and bolts, connect wooden and metal structures;
- disassemble structures, unscrewing screws and removing fastenings;
- effectively secure dowels and anchors;
- Using special nozzles, drill holes or form threads.
Portable and lightweight, the tool allows you to quickly carry out these operations without applying significant effort and without the risk of injury.
BOSCH GSR 180-LI
build quality;
high power;
lightweight body;
there is a convenient case;
affordable price.
The included batteries quickly fail.
Makita DF333DWYE4
https://market.yandex.ru/product—akkumuliatornaia-drel-shurupovert-makita-df333dwye4-12-v-1-5-a-ch-kh2-keis-nabor-bit/578384011
A simple, inexpensive, but reliable device that will become an assistant during repairs or when assembling furniture yourself. The universal diameter (0.8-10 mm) of the chuck will allow you to use the screwdriver when working with various fasteners, and a torque of 30 Nm will ensure their quick fixation.
Additionally, the Makita DF333DWYE4 has a drilling mode, through which the operator quickly makes holes of the required diameter in wood or metal. The developer has equipped the screwdriver with a reverse option, so you can quickly remove a stuck bit or screw. On the case, in addition to the start key, there is a button that regulates the rotation speed.
A comfortable rubberized handle will ensure proper grip, which will improve control of the Makita DF333DWYE4 and reduce fatigue. The screwdriver also boasts a built-in backlight for comfortable operation in low light conditions and a metal clip for carrying the device on a belt.
Nice design
Types of cartridges
Corded screwdrivers use a hex chuck. It is designed only for bit holders for tightening and unscrewing fasteners. The most common size is 10 millimeters and will fit standard bits.
In turn, corded drills and screwdrivers, as well as cordless screwdrivers, have a keyless keyless chuck that compresses drills and bits of all sizes in a matter of seconds. This significantly speeds up and simplifies the work process.
They are:
• with two couplings - designed to be held with both hands when installing the drill;
• with one coupling - perhaps the most convenient type, since changing equipment is done almost instantly. Models with a single-socket chuck also include a spindle lock function. It locks when the drill is replaced, which means you don’t have to use a second hand at all.
pixabay.com/fabiol
