Choosing an electric screwdriver: mini screwdriver for housework

Carefully! Electric current | 06.12.2015

Many home craftsmen use cordless screwdrivers and consider them the most convenient way to screw in or unscrew various fasteners. But before purchasing this or that model, you need to consider the features of such a tool. To choose the best option, it is worth considering the most popular cordless screwdrivers, reviews of which indicate their reliability and convenience.

Why do you need a cordless screwdriver?

Many men use a standard set of tools and do not experience any difficulties, so why do you need a cordless screwdriver? The difficulties of using conventional screwdrivers are due to the fact that working with them is very energy-consuming; you cannot work with a standard screwdriver for several hours a day, and if you conduct such an experiment, then the next day you can say goodbye to your brush.

A cordless screwdriver saves a lot of time and allows you to perform all operations with ease. Moreover, the tool has a large number of bits for working with different fasteners. Another advantage is its compactness. Where a regular screwdriver can't handle it, a screwdriver can go almost anywhere.

Screwdriver characteristics

Before deciding to purchase a particular model, you should carefully consider the main characteristics:

• type of tool handle;
• power;
• the material from which the screwdriver shaft is made;
• battery type;
• presence of reverse;
• battery charging time.

The handle of a cordless screwdriver can be of two shapes - L-shaped and T-shaped. Devices of the first type are excellent for many jobs and are distinguished by their compactness and lightness. Their shape allows you to work for a long time without worrying about hand fatigue.

If we talk about power, it is worth mentioning that the higher it is, the higher the cost of the screwdriver. If you need to tighten a lot of fasteners every day, then it is best to choose an expensive model whose service life is extended.

The power of cordless screwdrivers is expressed in torque. If you need to tighten screws on electronics, then devices that produce a value of 2-2.5 Nm are suitable. The best option for working at home is to buy a screwdriver with a torque of 4-6 Nm . There are also devices with an indicator of 15-18 Nm. But their cost is high, and their weight contributes to rapid fatigue during work.

Also, by the cost of the tool, you can judge the quality of the rod used in it (the main part of the mechanism that ensures the rotation of the bits). It should be made of high-alloy steel that does not break with prolonged use. The rod is a cylindrical piece onto which the bits are installed.

Typically, these screwdrivers use either lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries. According to reviews, the first type discharges slowly, is unpretentious, but its lifespan is about 3 years. The second one has a “memory effect”.

How do electric screwdrivers work?

The design of electric screwdrivers is a little simpler than that of screwdrivers.

A standard power tool consists of:

• Housings;
• Battery;
• Power buttons;
• Reverse switch;
• Power control systems;
• Spindle with chuck;
• Electric motor;
• Charge indicator;
• Gearbox.

Rotational power determines torque. Under high loads, the battery quickly discharges and the screwdriver elements wear out.

The maximum number of revolutions per minute ensures rotation of the shaft.

The difference between a cordless screwdriver and a screwdriver

If you compare a cordless screwdriver and a screwdriver, the second device is more functional and allows you to perform many operations. In addition, it can work with both wood and metal. The screwdriver is suitable only for household needs. But then why buy it?

Purchasing a screwdriver can be beneficial if it is used, for example, for assembling furniture. Using a heavy screwdriver to perform many simple tasks is completely ineffective. Moreover, such products are in demand not only among ordinary users, but also in the construction industry, so they can be safely chosen for work at home.

Also, special attention should be paid to the type of handle. The choice depends on what kind of work will be done with a screwdriver. T-shaped tools have greater maneuverability and allow you to work even in hard-to-reach places.

The main distinguishing features of cordless screwdrivers:

1. They are not designed to be used with a drill. The cordless screwdriver is designed for hex bits only. However, you can also find special drills, but their number is limited and does not allow you to replace a screwdriver.
2. Screwdrivers can have different shapes. The screwdriver is presented only in the form of a pistol.
3. Screwdrivers have a battery located inside the handle, which is one of the main features. In a screwdriver, this part is located lower and is removable
4. Screwdrivers rotate at only one speed (most often).
5. Have less weight

Types of screwdrivers

There are cordless, corded and hybrid electric screwdrivers.

• A tool with removable batteries is convenient to use if there is a replaceable battery. This screwdriver is easy to move around with. The main thing is to choose a sufficient battery capacity. Depending on the type of battery, the charge lasts from 1 to 10 hours.
• The non-removable battery is located in the case. This screwdriver is inexpensive, lightweight and small in size. It is also convenient to use, but the capacity is small and therefore needs to be charged frequently, interrupting work. Used where you can connect to the mains.
• Hybrid screwdrivers work both from mains and battery.

Different manufacturers of electric screwdrivers have different types and sizes.

• A straight screwdriver is not convenient to use when screwing in fasteners on the side surface. This means you can carry the tool in your pocket.
• The L-shaped screwdriver has the shape of a pistol. It won't fit into your pocket, but it's very convenient to use.
• There is a T-shaped electric screwdriver. This tool is easy to operate even with a low battery.
• Universal form. Can be changed from an L-shaped to a straight version. The downside is the rapid wear of the rotating mechanism.

Electric screwdrivers are available for household and professional use.

For simple household work, low-power tools are suitable. For professional use, you need to choose a higher power.

MAKITA cordless screwdrivers

MAKITA screwdrivers are powerful and compact devices for working with fasteners. Some models allow you to use the tool with both an L-shaped handle and a straight handle. This happens due to the ability to rotate the handle. The device has a rubber coating, which makes it easier to hold in your hand even during long-term use.

According to reviews, the tools of this company are convenient and functional, and their build quality allows them to compete with other manufacturers.

Typically, such tools operate on nickel-cadmium batteries, which are lightweight and provide about 5 hours of continuous operation. The devices of this company are intended for household and semi-professional use. This suggests that MAKITA screwdrivers are perfect for housework.

The battery is fully charged, according to customer reviews and the presented technical specifications, in just 3 hours. However, this can happen while the device is operating.

What you need to know when choosing an electric screwdriver

Before choosing a good electric screwdriver, you need to understand what kind of work you will need the tool for and study the technical specifications.

Screwdrivers with a pistol grip are suitable for work in free access. It is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the gearbox.

For large volumes of work, it is best to purchase a tool with a replaceable battery. If we consider an electric screwdriver with a built-in battery, then by far the best option is one with a USB port. Such a device can be charged via a power bank and even recharged at a bus stop.

It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the ratings of tool manufacturers.

The best manufacturers and models of electric screwdrivers according to customer reviews.

• Hitachi DB3DL2
• Makita TD022DSE
• Bosch GSR Mx2Drive 06019A2101
• Military SD3.6Li
• Hammer Flex ACD3.6LE

Cordless screwdrivers Interskol

The company's devices are powered by a lithium-ion battery and are designed with a practical design and a comfortable grip. Like many other similar tools, they have a large number of bits and the ability to rotate in different directions. The low weight of the structure facilitates the process of installing or removing screws and promotes comfortable work.

They especially often talk about the OA-3.6 model. Compared to other similar devices, this screwdriver charges much faster, and after a long period of inactivity it starts working without loss of efficiency. This became possible thanks to the low self-discharge of batteries. For convenience, the battery parameters are displayed on the body of the screwdriver, which makes it easy to find out the time after which it will stop working.

One of the advantages of this device is the presence of an adapter for bits, which makes the device more convenient. There is also a light indicator on the case, which facilitates comfortable work in the dark. For convenient carrying there is a special plastic case.

The best screwdriver manufacturers

One of the criteria by which a tool should be selected is the manufacturer. The best companies producing screwdrivers:

• Makita is one of the leaders in the ranking. It is distinguished by product quality and reliability.
• Bosch is also a market leader in power tools. The products are of high quality.
• "AEG" is not a cheap product, but it is of high quality.
• "DeWALT" - equipment is distinguished by the introduction of the latest developments.
• "Metabo" - the company's products are of high quality and equipped with additional electrical functions.
• “Hitachi”, “Sparky”, “Ski” produce products at an affordable price. The company is in demand among consumers.
• Interskol, Kalibr and Zubr are domestic manufacturers. They are not quite up to par with foreign ones, but the quality and reliability are quite acceptable, and the price is affordable.

Screwdrivers from the best manufacturers

Screwdrivers Bison

Devices of this brand are compact screwdrivers for everyday use. They can also be used for simple drilling. Ease of use lies in the ability to fix the handle at different angles. Reviews say that Zubr screwdrivers are simple and effective devices.

Also, many mechanisms have backlighting, which helps when working in hard-to-reach places.

BOSCH devices

BOSCH is a well-known company that produces cordless screwdrivers and other household appliances. All brand products are known to almost everyone due to their quality and reliability. Most often, devices from this company use lithium-ion batteries that do not have a “memory effect”. For convenience, many BOSCH screwdrivers have a special indicator on the body that shows the remaining charge. Thanks to this, the person doing the repairs does not have to worry that the mechanism will fail him at the most inopportune moment.

The charger of such screwdrivers is equipped with a compartment for storing bits, which also increases the level of comfort of use. BOSCH products, according to customer reviews, are one of the highest quality products on the market today. The batteries of such devices do not self-discharge, which allows them to be used at any time.

The body of BOSCH screwdrivers displays not only the degree of discharge of the device, but also the direction of rotation. At the same time, the handle is made of materials that do not allow the hand to slip.

Possible malfunctions and their elimination

The cordless screwdriver is easy to disassemble. Unscrew the case and remove all components from the grooves. The motor is easily disconnected from the gearbox.

Screwdriver won't turn on

To find a fault, you need to check the entire electrical circuit in the following order:

1. Power cord, if available.
2. Battery charge level.
3. Wires going from the battery to the button.
4. Power button.
5. Wires from the button to the motor.

Use a multimeter for diagnostics. Check the wires and the button in the ringing mode, and the battery in the constant voltage measuring mode. Charge the battery first. If the capacity is less than declared, check the voltage of each bank separately. Replace faulty ones.

Doesn't turn

It is necessary to diagnose the button and motor.

1. Check all button contacts with a multimeter. If it is faulty, replace it.
2. Proceed to check the engine. To do this, disconnect it from the gearbox.
3. Click on the button. If the motor does not turn, turn the shaft several times. The brushes may have oxidized. Click the button again. If the problem persists, change the engine.

It rustles and crunches

Often, it is enough to change the gearbox lubricant to resolve the problem. But this does not always help if there are faulty parts.

1. Disassemble the tool.
2. Disconnect the motor from the gearbox.
3. Remove all gears and satellites. Put everything in order.

   Gearbox disassembled before cleaning and lubrication

4. Clean out old grease. Inspect all elements carefully. A tooth on the satellite could break off. This place is pressed onto the large gear. This is where the crunch comes from. Replace faulty parts with new ones.
5. Clean the gear housing too. There may be fragments of teeth in it.
6. Apply new grease.

Screwdrivers STAYER

Cheaper and more common are devices from STAYER, which have:

• large set of bits;
• built-in illumination of the working area;
• movement of the working element in different directions.

Reviews say that such screwdrivers are intended only for household use and are not suitable for a professional builder, as they are less reliable than other devices.