What is a screwdriver? In fact, this is the same drill, but the screwdriver differs from it in that it has a lower chuck rotation speed and, at the same time, more torque.
Another difference is that if the rotation speed on a drill can change smoothly, then on a screwdriver, as a rule, “fixed” chuck rotation speeds are set. This is due to the “slip” function of the screwdriver chuck: when the screw is tightened, the chuck stops rotating, although the engine is still running. This feature allows you not to break the slots and not to “drive” the screw inside.
Different types of speeds are designed for specific types of work and materials, as well as the “drilling” mode. Just like a drill, a screwdriver has a reverse function. The design features of the screwdriver allow them to perform a wide range of work: tightening and loosening screws and self-tapping screws, screws and nuts, drilling soft materials.
Using a screwdriver, e.g. in production drywall partitions or when assembling furniture, increases the speed of work at times. Therefore, a screwdriver is rightfully considered one of the most common tools in the set of any master.
The designs of all screwdrivers are approximately the same. They are quite light and have a "pistol" handle, designed to work with the tool with one hand. The start key is designed in such a way as to control the rotation speed by pressing it.
An important element of a screwdriver is its power source. If drills are available in versions both with mains power and in an autonomous (battery) version, then screwdrivers, due to the nature of the application, are almost exclusively battery-powered. The battery is the heaviest and most expensive part of the screwdriver.
Household models of screwdrivers are usually equipped with nickel-cadmium (they are designated "Ni-Cd"), and more expensive professional models are equipped with lithium-ion ("Li-Ion") batteries. Their difference lies in the fact that nickel-cadmium ones have a shorter service life (about 1000 recharges), and also have one unpleasant feature: if the battery is not completely discharged, its capacity decreases during subsequent charging.
But whatever the battery, its capacity is limited by the weight of the tool. Therefore, even the most expensive models of screwdrivers are able to work continuously for no more than a few hours. Some manufacturers solve this problem by adding a second spare battery to the screwdriver kit. However, this significantly increases the cost of the instrument. The battery is charged from a regular network. The charging speed again depends on the model and can range from 2-3 to 6 hours, although some models of screwdrivers provide for a “fast” charge in 10-15 minutes.
Work rules
Working with a screwdriver is easy. The nozzle necessary for work (“bit”, or wrench, or drill) is clamped in the jaws of the cartridge, and, pressing the screwdriver with some force, pressing the button rotates the cartridge. If you need to unscrew the screw or pull out the drill, the “reverse” is turned on. When working, you should follow a few rules:
- Before using the screwdriver, fully charge it. At the same time, strictly follow the instructions for charging time - "overexposure" of the battery in the charger reduces its service life.
- When working, choose the “screwing” or “drilling” mode correctly - this way you will protect the engine and screwdriver gear from damage. Remember that the screwdriver is not designed for drilling stone or concrete.
- Try not to throw or drop the screwdriver - it is a rather fragile tool.
- Keep the screwdriver clean - remember that fine dust and dirt particles act as an abrasive in the rubbing parts, and the elements of the screwdriver fail faster.
- Now you have a general idea of what a screwdriver is and how to work with a screwdriver. It's time to take the tool in hand and create!
Types of drills are a hammer drill and a screwdriver. If you need to tighten the fasteners, then you should learn how to use a screwdriver. All these devices are very similar to each other, but differ in purpose and have their own specific features.
The main purpose of a screwdriver is to drive screws.
This type of drill is designed for fastening screws. IN Lately many people recognized the convenience and usefulness of the apparatus. Those who have not yet had time to get to know him are wondering how to use a screwdriver correctly.
Correct use screwdriver can be divided into a number of stages:
- device selection;
- familiarity with its design;
- operation and maintenance of the device.
The choice of screwdrivers
Modern designs of screwdrivers have several modifications determined by the purpose. The following main types of devices can be distinguished:
- screwdriver:
- drill driver;
- wrench;
- battery screwdriver.
If a conventional device is intended only for tightening fasteners, then a drill/driver combines the functions of drilling and tightening fasteners by expanding the speed range. Most low power apparatus It's a cordless screwdriver. The wrench is equipped with a nozzle for tightening nuts and other hexagons.
According to the type of power supply, screwdrivers can be divided into batteries and mains-operated. Battery devices have great advantage in terms of mobility. Nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion cells are usually installed on them. According to the mechanism of fastening the drill, it is possible to distinguish screwdrivers with a keyless chuck, and screwdrivers with key cartridges.
Important parameters of the device are power and speed of rotation. Power can be expressed in functional parameters - soft and hard torque. Soft torque determines the maximum permissible load in twisting mode, and hard torque in drilling mode. For ordinary screwdrivers, the first parameter is the most important. So, at a moment equal to 30 Nm, the length of the screw to be screwed is limited to 70 mm, and at 40 Nm it increases to 100 mm, etc.
The rotation speed determines the purpose of the apparatus. When it is used only in the mode of tightening or loosening screws, the speed is set to 350 rpm. If the machine is used in drill mode, then the speed must be at least 1000 rpm.
When choosing cordless screwdrivers, there are some battery features to consider. Modern imported devices are most often equipped with lithium-ion cells. Such batteries have a number of advantages, incl. sufficiently high service life. However, they tend to self-discharge, i.e. disintegrate during storage. Screwdrivers with these batteries are good when used frequently. If they are rarely used, then it is advisable to use devices with nickel-cadmium cells, which are less susceptible to self-discharge and are noticeably cheaper. Any batteries must be selected according to their capacity. The higher this indicator, the better the element. If screwdrivers will be used at home, where there is access to outlets, then it is better to choose a machine powered by the mains.
When choosing expensive quality screwdriver attention should be paid to additional functions, which will expand the capabilities of the device. These include:
- introduction to the design of the impact mechanism, which will help when unscrewing the socket heads;
- providing an impulse to increase the torque, which is useful when drowning the screw head;
- the possibility of increasing the rotation speed up to 1000 rpm;
- illumination of the working area.
When choosing a cheap but sufficient screwdriver for home use, you can choose a device with a torque of 30-35 Nm and mains power or a nickel-cadmium battery with a capacity of about 2 Ah.
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Screwdriver design
All types of drills have the same type of design, including:
- detachable housing;
- drill chuck;
- electrical and mechanical parts.
The chuck is used to install the drill and connect it to the rotating shaft. It contains 3-4 cams, between which a drill is placed. The cams are moved by the rotation of the adjusting sleeve. Fixing, i.e. bringing the cams together is done by turning the sleeve by hand or using a special key.
The electrical part is made up of an electric motor, starting systems, reverse direction of rotation and engine speed control, as well as a power cord or battery. As a source of movement, a collector single-phase electric motor is used. A start capacitor is installed to start the engine. Power is supplied to the motor through contact brushes fixed in holders.
The switch is usually made in the form of a start button. It is combined with the engine speed controller. The control circuit based on the transistor is designed so that when the start button is pressed more strongly, the speed of rotation of the motor armature increases.
The direction of armature rotation is reversed by changing the polarity at the input terminals. The reverse lever is brought to the body of the device.
The mechanical part of the screwdriver includes a gearbox, bearings and a force limiting mechanism. The gearbox provides the transmission of the rotational movement of the armature shaft to the main shaft, on which the chuck with a drill is mounted. The planetary gearbox contains a system of gears, pinion gears and carriers. The number of speed control steps depends on the number of satellites.
The force limiting mechanism is designed to optimize the load on the screw during tightening. When the screw is fully tightened, the resistance to the rotation of the drill increases and the mechanism stops its movement. In total, the mechanism can have up to 16 positions of force adjustment.
The use of mechanized power tools in the household greatly facilitates the life of home craftsmen and allows you to do many jobs with high quality and in the shortest possible time. However, the guarantee of the long-term functioning of electrical equipment, as well as the safety of the user, largely depend on the correct operation of mechanized equipment, which is why it is desirable to know how to use its main types. Well, today we would like to reveal the features of using a common construction tool - a screwdriver.
How to use a screwdriver? It would seem that it could be easier - installed a replacement tool in chuck and forward, however, even when performing such tasks, certain requirements and recommendations should be observed.
Tasks for a screwdriver
Modern screwdrivers are universal construction tool and due to their design features, they are able to solve a wide range of both industrial and domestic tasks. Assembly of furniture and other structural elements, drilling various materials and even surface grinding (when using specialized equipment) can be performed using such a simple device. An additional bonus of a screwdriver is its autonomy, due to which many technological operations can be performed even on non-electrified objects. Nevertheless, the most important function of a screwdriver, judging by its name, is screwing in / unscrewing screws, self-tapping screws, all kinds of hardware.
Preparing to work with a screwdriver
Depending on the manufacturer and price characteristics, modern screwdrivers can be equipped with various sets of special equipment. Therefore, before choosing a screwdriver, it is advisable to consider the range of intended tasks and the frequency of use of the equipment. Whereas to solve everyday problems, it is enough to have a standard set:
- Screwdriver with a case;
- Charger;
- Removable battery;
- Bit with a set of interchangeable nozzles.
Charging a screwdriver
Modern screwdrivers can be supplied with rechargeable batteries made on a nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion basis. In view of which, before charging the battery, it is advisable to determine specifications existing battery. This circumstance is connected with the fact that nickel-cadmium batteries have a “memory effect” and must be discharged to almost zero for full-fledged work. If you ignore this requirement and charge such a battery chaotically, then the battery capacity will constantly decrease, and hence the time of the tool without recharging.
Considering the features of recharging batteries for a screwdriver, it should be noted that the charger must be located in the working position on a flat base (operating the charger “on its side” is fraught with poor contact with the battery) and connected to a working electrical network. Whereas the battery is recharged by the device in automatic mode, and the end of the process is indicated using LED indicators.
An excellent configuration option is the presence of two batteries, which allows you to simultaneously recharge the second when the screwdriver is working on one (infected battery).
Equipment installation
After charging, the battery should be installed in seat. Why is it inserted into the screwdriver handle (before it snaps into place). After that, you can test the tool at idle.
Next, the required equipment (bit, drill, whisk) is installed in the screwdriver chuck, for which the chuck first rotates counterclockwise (to spread the jaws), and after installing the required tool, the mechanism is tightened by rotating the chuck in the opposite direction. For the convenience of changing the tool, the chuck has a rubberized base and, if experienced, can be mechanically clamped when the chuck body is held by hand, and the tool is fixed by starting the screwdriver to work until it stops.
How to use a screwdriver correctly
The technology of using a screwdriver does not cause any particular difficulties and in most cases comes down to following basic recommendations. And the first thing you should pay attention to is the torque adjustment (usually set on the rear washer of the cartridge in the range from 6 to 22). In fact, this adjustment makes it possible to limit the rotation of the chuck when a predetermined moment is reached (a ratchet is triggered) and is determined empirically, for example, as the screw is fully screwed in.
The second most important tip is to set the switches correctly. That is, when performing drilling, you should not switch the tool to the screwdriver mode and vice versa. It should also be borne in mind that any switching of operating modes on the go (during operation) is strictly prohibited, as they can cause damage to the tool.
If we talk about the features of the operation of the Shurik, then it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Carry out work in strict observance of safety regulations (safety glasses, gloves, etc.);
- In case of prolonged use (for example, when drilling), take periodic breaks in work in order to allow the tool to cool;
- In order to prevent getting into electrical communications (when working on building envelopes),
The screwdriver has successfully replaced not only various types of screwdrivers, but also wrenches, hex keys. Also, this tool is used instead of a drill. For builders with furniture makers, the electric screwdriver has become indispensable assistant. For him, and at home, there is always an application. The range on the market is represented by a wide variety of models. Despite the prevalence of screwdrivers in various fields of activity, not all users, especially beginners, know how to operate it. Proper use, maintenance and storage of your power tool will maximize its life.
According to the method of feeding, screwdrivers are divided into two types:
- network, connected to networks with a voltage of 220 V;
- rechargeable batteries that use the energy of the accumulated charge.
Recently, instruments with a combined power supply have also appeared. They combine all the advantages of both varieties.
The external and internal structure of network and battery models is almost the same. IN general case The power tool consists of the following structural elements:
- corps;
- cartridge;
- power buttons;
- switch for the direction of rotation of the electric motor (reverse);
- speed controller (number of revolutions);
- power lock buttons;
- tightening force regulator (torque switch).
A number of models optional equipped with backlight, which is constructively implemented different ways. Not every product has a speed controller and a power-on lock button. Cordless electric screwdrivers have a power cord, while cordless electric screwdrivers have a charge accumulator installed instead.
Power tool housing most often made of plastic, much less often - from alloys of different metals. For convenience, it usually consists of 2 halves. Inside the case are the following main parts:
- electric motor (direct or alternating current);
- pay;
- capacitor;
- reducer;
- clutch.
Scheme electrical connections depends on the model.
Electric screwdriver can be equipped with chucks different types. The most widespread quick-clamping three-jaw version of this item. The cartridge also consists of separate parts, which are shown in the photo below.
It should be taken into account that if the appointment of a screwdriver is highly specialized, then this may introduce some design changes.
Poperating principle both corded and cordless screwdrivers are the same. It lies in the fact that Electric Energy drives the electric motor. Through the gearbox and the shaft, force and speed are transmitted from the motor to the nozzle fixed in the cartridge. She is already drilling a hole or screwing or unscrewing fasteners. A feature of the process is that the electric motor for network models works on AC voltage 220 V, and for batteries - on a constant, the value of which can be in the range from 3.5 V to 36 V.
Performing a nozzle change
Changing the nozzle on a screwdriver is not difficult. The tool can be equipped with a keyless or turnkey chuck. Replace the snap in both cases in a similar way. To remove the drill bit from the screwdriver with quick chuck and insert a new or different kind of snap, proceed as follows:
- first, a bit is selected for the size of the cap and the type of slot on it (cross, straight or other) or a drill of the desired diameter corresponding to the material in which the hole is to be created;
- unwind the cartridge counterclockwise;
- in the center, between the divorced cams, the selected type of equipment is installed;
- rotating the cartridge case in the direction of the clock hand, clamp the nozzle.
You can pull the drill out of the screwdriver (or other nozzle) by holding the movable part of the chuck with one hand and pressing the start button with the other. Only first you need to switch the direction of rotation to unwinding.
When the drill driver is equipped with a chuck Full construction, then, to change the equipment, proceed as follows:
- inserting the key into the recess for it, unwind the cartridge;
- I install the nozzle;
- clamp it by turning the key clockwise.
There are models where it is possible to remove one type of chuck, such as a quick release, and replace it with a turnkey equivalent. When choosing any option, it is necessary to focus not only on ease of use, but also consider the pros and cons of each of them. So, the turnkey chuck securely clamps the tooling, which is important when drilling, and the keyless chuck allows you to quickly replace it, even with one hand (while holding the handle while pressing the start button if necessary).
Scope of the screwdriver
To use a screwdriver correctly means to perform with it only those operations that are indicated in operating instructions manufacturer of this product. The main (as intended) for this tool are the following types of work:
- screwing or unscrewing fasteners various kinds, including tightening and untwisting bolts with nuts;
- drilling holes in materials of different hardness.
The use of a screwdriver for its intended purpose is the most common way to use this device, both at home and in construction, furniture production, electrical installation, assembly and repair of vehicles. The scope of the product is not limited to these areas: a drill driver is useful wherever you need to work with fasteners (assemble, disassemble different designs, equipment, machines) and drill relatively small holes.
Area of possible application specific model It is determined by what category it belongs to: domestic or professional. Tool designed for home use, is relatively cheap, has low power and torque. At household models poor performance and limited functionality.
Drill driver made of professional category has extended functionality and high technical performance. Such a tool is designed for continuous, effective use for its intended purpose. It also has much wider possibilities for non-traditional exploitation.
Unconventional 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, the tool is equipped with a special nozzle - a drill);
- reinforcement knitting;
- thread cutting;
- mowing the grass cover (for this purpose, they remake the device into a trimmer or lawn mower, or simply insert a nozzle with blades into the cartridge);
- grinding soft grass or thin branches (for this, a garden chopper is created on the basis of a drill-driver);
- surface grinding;
- cutting materials;
- twisting wires.
This is a far from complete list of non-traditional work performed using cordless or corded models of electric screwdrivers. Inventive thought does not stand still. Almost every specialist has options for atypical work for this power tool.
Using a screwdriver, you can return the car to its original color and shine. To polish the car, use the following types of nozzles:
- leather or fabric circles, with their help, perform the initial cleaning of surfaces;
- felt - they are used for initial processing and finishing polishing (nozzles made of sheepskin are suitable);
- foam.
Together with the equipment, polishing pastes and polishes are also used. They are of the following types:
- silicone;
- abrasive;
- non-abrasive.
With the help of similar tools, headlight polishing is also carried out.
The quality of the result achieved is determined by the right combination of nozzles with polishing agents, as well as the accuracy and skill of 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, houses. Even if you have to do a small amount of work, then working with a hand crochet or pliers is not quite productive. A cordless or corded electric screwdriver equipped with a hook-shaped nozzle will help to knit reinforcement much faster. In this case, the power indicator of the tool is not particularly important.
Twisting stranded wire ends, for example, in junction boxes It's also pretty routine work. You can speed up the process with a screwdriver with a special nozzle. How twisting is done is shown in the video below:
Features of drilling concrete, metal, brick with a screwdriver
Electric screwdrivers are used to drill wood, metal, concrete and other materials. At the same time, the functionality of the model used depends on its technical indicators: power, magnitude, torque, the presence of an impact mode of operation, and rotational speed. The instruction manual contains precise instructions on whether it is possible to drill one or another material with a screwdriver. It also lists the maximum diameter of holes that can be created and, in some cases, depth limits.
brick or concrete wall only a sufficiently powerful drill-driver can drill. In most cases, such devices can operate in shock mode. But drilling a concrete wall with a screwdriver, even an impact type, is quite problematic. This tool is only suitable for one-time operations. This time-consuming work is best done with a hammer drill.
In soft woods even battery products from the household category are capable of creating holes with a cross section of up to 20 mm. With the help of budget models from the ranking of the best electric screwdrivers in 2017, they drill various metals, including steel. In this case, the holes in diameter can reach 10 mm.
For drilling each material, drills of a certain type are used. Nozzles differ not only in the material from which they are made, but also in design, sharpening.
When working with a tool, a rotating drill should enter the surface of the material perpendicular to it - this allows you to evenly distribute the load on the tooling, create more accurate holes.
When drilling metal it is recommended to first make a small depression in the center of the future hole using a core. This will prevent the drill from slipping on smooth metal surface. If you need to make a hole enough large diameter, then you should pre-drill the smaller one. Also, while working with metal, the nozzle is recommended to be regularly lubricated with a special compound.
When using a drill driver, it should be borne in mind that strong pressure cannot be exerted on it, because this will not only not speed up the work, but can also damage the drill, as well as the power tool itself. Effort must be maintained constantly at the same level. To avoid jamming or breakage of the nozzle, you need to get it out of drilled hole only when rotating. If, nevertheless, the drill is stuck, then you can get it by performing the reverse.
Drilling small parts it is recommended to carry out, having previously fixed them in a vise. If you have to do through hole V thin sheet metal or in a thin wooden blank, then under them you need to adjust even pieces plywood or boards.
Both battery and mains models require periodic Maintenance And permanent care. Together with proper storage and the absence of operational overloads, these factors allow you to extend the life of the screwdriver.
Quality care is:
- Do not allow water to get on the instrument. Therefore, you should store the product in a specially designated, dry place.
- It is forbidden to throw an electric screwdriver.
- Do not overload the power tool: in this case, you can partially focus on the heating of the case. Use only sharp drills.
- Must be done periodically cartridge lubrication: the regularity of the event is indicated in the operating instructions.
- If dirt, dust, chips and other contaminants stick, they should be removed with a dry cloth (especially fuels and lubricants). You also need to wipe the used device at the end of the working day. Equipment must also be kept clean at all times.
- Batteries should be stored so that there is no short circuit between their terminals. Drives must not be deformed or left under direct sunlight.
- Lithium-ion batteries are recommended to be stored half charged from the maximum capacity, nickel-metal hydride batteries are fully charged, nickel-cadmium batteries are partially discharged (but slightly).
- Nickel-cadmium drives after storage (or new ones) should be subjected to 3 full charge / discharge cycles before use, so that they retain their capacity, and nickel-metal hydride - 4-5.
- Manufacturers recommend storing and operating electric screwdrivers at temperatures from -5 to +30 degrees.
- Charger from battery models after charging the batteries must be disconnected to avoid overheating.
- Before and after work, it is recommended to check the integrity of the operated product, especially its moving part.
- When drilling, it is recommended periodically cool the nozzle different ways.
Before you start using a new screwdriver, it is recommended that you first read the operating instructions for it from the manufacturer. It already indicates design features models, its specifications, suitable application, service intervals, recommendations for transportation and storage. There are also safety rules that must be followed.
If during the performance of the tool there is a smell of melting plastic or insulation, smoke, uncharacteristic noise, excessive vibration, then you should immediately stop using it.
When the product is under warranty service, it is better to take it to the after-sales service. Otherwise, you can try to repair it yourself.
The most common household drill or cordless screwdriver can be used in very unusual ways. household And Everyday life. Sometimes they can even work miracles, especially if ... "I'm an engineer with my mom")
Screwdrivers are used by home craftsmen, in addition to their direct purpose (screwing screws, self-tapping screws and other fasteners, drilling various holes) quite in non-standard cases. For example, using a screwdriver, you can clean clogged drain holes and sewer pipes. To do this, a wire bent in half or a small cable for cleaning must be fixed in the chuck. sewer pipes, carefully insert into the drain hole and at low speeds clean the clogged pipe.
Also, a screwdriver will help to compactly wind up for storage. large segments ropes, wires or wire. Using a self-tapping screw, attach to the cartridge wooden block, on which a wire or something else will be wound at low speeds. By the same principle, you can twist the wire when making a spring at home.
By attaching a brush to the cartridge, you can quickly polish shoes to a shine)
If you don’t have a screwdriver yet, then you can buy an inexpensive model, for example, something from the Zenit brand, on the website http://ek.ua/list/344/zenit/.e-catalogue will help you choose the equipment with the specified parameters at the best price.
Cordless screwdriver can be useful when cleaning bathrooms and cleaning plumbing.
Such a device will greatly facilitate your manual work.
But real "mother's engineer" manifested if a man is allowed into the kitchen! Here laziness and engineering fantasy get a huge scope for creativity)))
The most common use of a screwdriver in the kitchen is to use it as a mixer. After all, it is enough to fix a whisk, a fork or even scissors in the cartridge and you can easily beat the cream or knead the dough.
It is also quite unusual to use a screwdriver as a blender.
More craftsmen adapt a screwdriver to a manual coffee grinder, pepper grinder and even a meat grinder. And when cleaning a large number potatoes or apples, this gadget generally becomes indispensable!
Here is a video instruction on how to use a screwdriver in the kitchen:
Such useful tool. Is it true?)
And here is a very unusual use of a screwdriver for fishing enthusiasts!
Fishing with a screwdriver
And cuts sharply and pulls quickly 😉
If you have rubber boat, but there is no motor, then you can build a portable electric motor from cordless screwdriver. Charging one battery is enough for 7-10 minutes)
Boat electric motor
