By Once upon a time, the advent of cellular communications forever changed the concept of telephony, freeing subscribers from cables and bulky devices. Approximately the same revolution in the world of power tools was caused by the appearance of lithium-ion batteries. The ability to use repair and installation equipment that is not connected to the network via a cable and also has a sufficiently capacious power source has greatly simplified the performance of many types of work and allowed us to forget about such not very convenient devices as extension cords and electric generators.
The most popular power tool
If you ask a person who is not directly related to repair, construction or the sale of equipment, the name of which tool comes to mind first in combination with the adjective “cordless”, then you will probably hear the word “screwdriver”. In fact, cordless screwdrivers powered by renewable batteries are the most common power tool in the world that works autonomously. The secret of the high demand for these devices is simple – screwdrivers of this type are compact, lightweight, cope well with the tasks set, and also have a certain versatility. Many models of these tools, equipped with a powerful battery and a durable electric motor, are designed for use as an impact wrench and an electric drill.
Цена винтоверт, as well as technical characteristics, can vary significantly. The most affordable models, household versions, manufactured by little-known Asian companies, cost 60-80lv, and powerful and functional devices from world leaders Makita, Bosch, Metabo and DeWalt, professional series, can cost ten or more times more. How to choose a cordless screwdriver so that it does not deceive expectations and at the same time is not too expensive?
Characteristics of modern cordless screwdrivers
One of the most important parameters of a modern cordless screwdriver is the battery voltage. The most common power sources today provide the tool with a current of 7.2 to 20 volts. As a rule, professional tools with a powerful motor and designed for long and intensive work have a higher voltage. When choosing a model based on this characteristic, you should take into account the scope of the device – if the product is purchased for tightening screws and bolts, then a 12-volt battery is quite enough. If the screwdriver is also planned to be used as a portable drill, then it is better to give preference to models equipped with a power source of 18-20 volts.
The type of battery is also very important when choosing a tool. Today, screwdrivers with the following batteries are offered on the market:
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
These power sources are gradually becoming a thing of the past, but they are still sometimes found in inexpensive household models. The low price of these batteries is their only advantage, since they do not have a high capacity, are demanding on environmental conditions and have a short service life.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
More modern, but also outdated batteries, are not often found. Everything that has been said about NiCd power sources can also be applied to these products.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Today, these batteries are most common in both budget devices and professional equipment. Compared to the above-mentioned batteries, they have smaller dimensions and weight, higher capacity, charge faster and are less prone to self-discharge. Of the disadvantages, we can only mention the high price, but it is fully justified, especially when performing long and hard work.
How to choose a screwdriver
Weight and balancing
Many amateurs and even some professionals are sure that when choosing power tools, their weight plays an important role. We do not argue that it is much easier to work with a lightweight device, but a more important condition for comfortable work is the quality balancing of the tool. Even the lightest screwdriver will quickly cause fatigue and discomfort if the manufacturer has not taken care of the correct balance of its components. On the other hand, there are very heavy devices from well-known brands, which, thanks to the excellent ergonomics of the body and handle and well-thought-out balancing, seem light in use and are very convenient to operate.
It is not difficult to determine whether the balance is distributed correctly. To do this, you need to take the tool with the attached battery and installed equipment in your working hand and point it at the wall so that the axis of the chuck is strictly perpendicular to the surface. If you do not have to make any effort to hold the screwdriver in this position, then you can confidently say that you have a device with a well-calculated balance.
Functions and accessories
With a set of functions, as well as in different configurations. Depending on the types of work for which the tool is purchased, its functionality is selected. All modern devices have speed control..
and, as well as reverse. Some expensive models can also offer users a pulse mode, allowing you to “tear off” rusty or too tightly fastened screws. Also, recently, screwdrivers are often equipped with LED backlighting. This option can be very useful if you have to work in poor lighting. Models with a special removable chuck are especially in demand, which allows you to use the device with conventional drills.
The complete set of screwdrivers presented on the market today is rarely rich. As a rule, dubious manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom offer their products with a large amount of equipment, and well-known companies expect the user to purchase additional equipment separately. This approach is fully justified, since good equipment is not cheap and can significantly increase the cost of an already expensive device. The standard set for a cordless screwdriver usually includes:
- Screwdriver;
- 2 batteries;
- Charger;
- User manual;
- Warranty card;
- Packaging.
Sometimes manufacturers add some accessories and devices to the kit, such as a set of bits, a branded tape measure or a car charger, but this is more of an exception or a gesture associated with a certain promotion.
We have not considered all the parameters that play a role in choosing a screwdriver, but even this modest information can be useful when choosing a tool for home or semi-professional use. When choosing equipment for solving production problems, it is necessary to approach the choice more seriously.
