How to choose a screwdriver, tips and criteria for a good choice based on what you have to do
In this article we will try to give you useful tips on how to choose a screwdriver. We will see what are the criteria for a good choice based on the use you want to make. If you have bought a piece of furniture and need to assemble it, or build a wooden house for your children, mount a shelf or something else, of course, you will need a screwdriver. It should be noted, however, that with only a screwdriver it is certainly not possible to build a house but to buy a tool that is able not only to screw but also to drill wood and other metals, even concrete in some cases, is the best choice. you can do. Whether you are a DIY lover or a professional, the screwdriver is able to satisfy your every need by improving work performance and making everything less tiring.
So if you intend to buy a screwdriver or you need to have detailed information on the models and technical-functional characteristics of the various screwdrivers, you can follow this practical and useful guide. Here, you will certainly find useful information, advice and suggestions that will allow you to make a careful and thorough evaluation before concluding the purchase.
The Design:
The first feature to observe when buying a screwdriver is certainly the design. In fact, if you intend to purchase a product to be used very often for prolonged times, it is good to make sure that the screwdriver you have chosen is resistant and compact. This means that the weight must not be excessive, it is always recommended under 2 kg, and with an ergonomic grip and covered with non-slip material. If you opt for the most recent models, you will notice that they also have an LED light to illuminate the poorly lit areas, for this reason the big brands also design small screwdrivers that allow you to work comfortably even in uncomfortable and confined spaces. The chuck must be self-locking to avoid changing the inserts with the key. Also remember to check that there is always a spare battery in the kit, and based on the price it is also good to consider how many tips and inserts are provided and if there is a carrying case to contain everything. Some models are specifically indicated for some work needs such as angle screwdrivers which are designed to allow the worker to add cramped areas and complete the job without any effort.
Power:
Another feature of mere importance for a good screwdriver is power. The advantage of a screwdriver, compared to the classic drill, is to have battery power and not cable power. This implies greater ease of movement even if the strength is less. To measure the power of a screwdriver motor, the Volts and their amperage are used. It should be noted that a more powerful engine can be very useful and guarantees a better job in those cases where always a certain power. For this reason, a quality screwdriver must have 12 to 14 volts. When, on the other hand, we note 9 or less on the technical data sheet, it is obvious that that device is not able to offer excellent performance. A good screwdriver usually has the possibility to choose between several speeds. However, it is advisable to always check the top speed of the rpm. The optimal level screwdrivers are around 1000. The tightening torque indicated with the initials Nm is another parameter to indicate the power and must be at least 10 Nm. there are also 36 Volt screwdrivers.
Drilling:
Another important feature to consider when purchasing is the drilling. On the technical sheet it is possible to find indicated both the material that can work and the size of the diameter. All screwdrivers, in general, are able to drill metal and wood. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a screwdriver that can also make holes in concrete, you will need a hammer drill. In this case it will be essential to check the number of strokes per minute which must be at least above 15000. As regards standard drilling, the values are 25 mm in diameter for wood and 10 mm for metals. However, another important function that not all screwdrivers have is that called “autolock” which allows you to change accessories with just one hand. Finally, another important feature is that which allows us to reverse the direction of rotation of the spindle, in this way it is possible to both screw and unscrew. It should be added that some models have a friction mechanism to adjust the force with which the screw is screwed.
Supply:
There are three categories of screwdrivers: cordless screwdrivers, cordless screwdrivers, and air drills. Cordless screwdrivers have greater power but their use is constrained by the necessary presence of an electrical outlet. The cordless screwdrivers are much more comfortable, as they are easily transportable, moreover the continuous innovations of the batteries have led these screwdrivers to provide performance with high standards, thus giving practicality and flexibility.
Unlike the two categories mentioned, pneumatic drills are much lighter as the force is generated by compressed air. Thanks to compressed air, screwing or drilling will no longer be a problem.
Batteries:
Previously we talked about the voltage that generates the power of a screwdriver. Voltage, in simple terms, is nothing more than the force that generates a battery. It should be added that this is divided into different technologies and depending on the quality, the cost of the device varies but above all the strength. There are, in fact, different types of batteries: nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) which are able to generate a usually low voltage; nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh) which can offer good performance and a medium-high voltage; lithium batteries that can guarantee maximum performance or even 36 volts of power.
So in summary, we recommend that you take into account the use you will make of your screwdriver and consequently orient your choice on a corded or battery-powered model. Having decided this, move on to the important features such as:
Weight and size (Less than 2Kg);
Comfortable grip;
Power.