One of the most popular tools among DIYers for several years now has been the cordless screwdriver. Along with grinders and impact drills, they have taken a firm place in the arsenal of tools that are needed almost every day.
Naturally, the choice of screwdriver models offered by specialized stores is quite large. However, even a novice craftsman will find it not so difficult to choose cordless screwdrivers if you follow a few simple tips.
- Decide how the screwdriver will be used - only as a screwdriver itself, or also as a drill. The screwdriver is able to drill a hole in soft material - drywall, soft wood, plastic. If the drilling function is important, then a drill driver should be chosen. Such a tool will be able to make a hole in metal or concrete. However, a screwdriver is heavier, so work such as assembling furniture (tightening a large number of screws in various, often inaccessible places) will be more difficult to perform with it.
- Supply voltage. Standard values are 9, 6, 12, 14, 18 V. The higher the voltage, the more power, dimensions, weight and price. Again, you should choose based on the goals and objectives that will be solved with the help of the tool. An important factor in choosing a mill is torque. 5-10 Nm is sufficient for screwing in screws. The values above may be needed only for drilling, and not always. Of course, the torque of a professional screwdriver can be as high as 130 Nm, allowing you to screw large self-tapping screws without drilling holes. If you really need such an opportunity, and you are ready to overpay several times for its availability, choose a professional model.
- The most important element of a cordless screwdriver is the battery. The resource of the tool without recharging depends on its capacity. The most modern batteries are lithium-ion, they are lighter and more compact, do not have an unpleasant "memory" effect. However, they are more expensive, in addition, they are very sensitive to negative temperatures. For domestic use, it is better to choose cordless screwdrivers with a nickel-cadmium battery, which remains popular in our country, despite the toxicity of cadmium.
