What is the best battery to buy for a screwdriver?

Screwdrivers can operate not only from the mains, but also from batteries. This is both good and bad. The advantages are clear: mobility, the ability to work in places without access to the power grid, etc. However, it is known that the battery is one of the weakest parts of any power tool in general and a screwdriver in particular. Therefore, it is very important to know which battery is best for a screwdriver and approach the process of choosing it with maximum responsibility.

Diagram of a cordless screwdriver.

Kinds

Before you figure out which battery is best suited for use with a screwdriver, you need to figure out whether you need such a tool, and if you do, then what type of batteries it can be equipped with.

The battery eliminates many inconveniences:

1. No need to connect to the mains.
2. There is no need to use power cables and all kinds of extension cords, which often interfere with normal operation.

Battery diagram.

However, in order for the battery to actually make work more convenient, it is necessary to understand the operational and technical properties of such products.

The screwdriver can be equipped with different batteries. This:

1. Nickel-cadmium battery.
2. Nickel metal hydride battery.
3. Lithium-ion battery.
4. Lithium polymer battery. It is used quite rarely in power tools due to its relatively high cost, but manufacturers are actively working on the introduction of this type of battery.

When choosing a specific type of battery, you must focus, first of all, on the expected frequency of use of the tool and the available budget. The most common screwdrivers have three types of batteries. Tools with a lithium-polymer battery are practically not represented on the market, but information about such batteries will obviously not be superfluous, because their widespread popularization may occur in the near future.

Nickel-cadmium is considered an obsolete option. However, this does not prevent them from still competing with their more modern counterparts. The main advantage of such batteries is their low price. Such a battery will cost 2-3 times less than the metal hydride version. And even cheaper than lithium-based batteries. However, users are often stopped from purchasing such a battery by its inherent “memory effect”. If you do not follow the rules for charging and discharging a battery, its capacity is greatly reduced, up to complete depletion. This type of battery is characterized by a high level of self-discharge.

A nickel-cadmium battery discharges quickly, but is several times cheaper than other batteries.

The next type of battery is nickel metal hydride. In them, the disadvantages of the previous type are seriously worked out and reduced to a minimum. The “memory effect”, although not completely removed, is much less pronounced. Battery capacity has been increased and self-discharge has been reduced. They are somewhat more expensive than their nickel-cadmium counterparts.

Lithium-ion batteries do not have the disadvantages of previous types. However, they are not without weak qualities. Thus, it is highly recommended not to completely discharge them, nor to overcharge them. This can lead to battery failure, which is most often accompanied by an explosion. However, modern chargers allow you to avoid such troubles. They are noticeably more expensive than the 2 analogues discussed earlier.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are recommended for domestic use. They are cheap, and in the event of a breakdown, the battery assembly can be re-soldered with your own hands if desired. In addition, you can buy a modern smart charger that will get rid of almost all the shortcomings of such a battery.

To finally decide on the choice of battery, it is necessary to consider in detail their operating features, strengths and weaknesses.

What is the best battery for a screwdriver?

Since this material is specifically about cordless screwdrivers, before we begin comparing and reviewing the tool, it is necessary to clarify what types of batteries there are, what positive and negative aspects they have, and which one is preferable.

Bosch GSR 120-Li

• Cartridge type. quick-release;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). thirty;
• Battery capacity, (Ah). 2;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. A drill-driver of this brand, due to its small dimensions and the use of structural plastic, weighs only 950 g. It has a comfortable handle with a textured surface for better contact. The battery inserted into the handle does not interfere with work in cramped conditions. The LED backlight illuminates the drilling area well even at night. There is a slot for attaching a strap, which makes it easier to move with the tool at height.

Engine, gearbox, battery. The power of the brush motor is sufficient to screw in self-tapping screws with a diameter of 7 mm. The quick-release chuck is suitable for bits with a thickness of 1 to 10 mm. The gearbox operates in two modes with a maximum speed of 380 and 1300 rpm. A pair of compact 1.5 Ah lithium-ion batteries, when used alternately, minimizes downtime.

Functional. The model is designed for drilling holes and working with fasteners. The torque reaches 30 Nm and is smoothly adjusted using a rotary drum. You can change the direction of rotation by simply moving the corresponding switch. The tool is sold with a plastic case, charger and two batteries.

• Compact size and light weight.
• Good ergonomics.
• Quick replacement of equipment.
• Illumination of the working area.
• Reasonable price.
• Cannot be placed vertically on the base of the handle.
• Over time, the cartridge loses grip reliability.

Metabo BS 14.4

• Cartridge type. quick-release;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). 40;
• Battery capacity, (Ah). 2;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. The plastic surfaces of the side elements of the body and the handle of this model are rubberized, which not only promotes comfortable grip, but also prevents the tool from sliding off inclined surfaces. There is also a metal clip for use when carrying the screwdriver on a belt, and a pair of slots for storing spare bits or drill bits.

The ergonomic shape with a weight of 1.2 kg does not cause fatigue for the master throughout the entire working day. The LED flashlight eliminates all problems associated with insufficient lighting.

Engine, gearbox, battery . A reliable brush motor is combined with a two-speed gearbox, allowing you to smoothly increase the spindle speed to 400 or 1500 cycles per minute. To speed up tool replacement, a traditional hand-tightened chuck is used here. It can accommodate cylindrical or hexagonal shanks with a diameter of up to 10 mm.

By turning the ratchet, you select the drilling mode or any of 20 torque options, which in the extreme position reaches 40 Nm. Two 2 Ah slide-type lithium-ion batteries charge in just 1 hour each. The charge level can be monitored using the indicator.

Functional. The reverse option allows you to unscrew fasteners. The spindle lock makes it easy to change bits. The special technology of the charger prevents the battery from overheating during charging, which increases the service life of the batteries.

• Wide speed capabilities.
• High torque.
• Universal batteries for most Metabo tools.
• Gentle battery charging.
• Convenient lighting.
• Relatively high cost.
• Noticeable noise.

Makita DF333DWAE 30 Nm

• Cartridge type. quick-release;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). thirty;
• Battery capacity, (Ah). 2;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. All elements of the outer shell of this screwdriver are made of durable plastic, which allowed the developers to keep the weight to 1.1 kg. Rubber pads on the handle and protruding parts of the body not only contribute to a secure grip, but also soften impacts in the event of a fall. There is a spring clip for wearing on a belt. The built-in LED lamp provides good illumination of the work area at night.

Engine, gearbox, battery . The screwdriver is equipped with a reliable electric motor with a good air cooling system. The power is enough to work with screws with a diameter of up to 5 mm. The model has two rotation speeds with a maximum frequency of 450 and 1700 rpm for operations with fasteners and drills. The quick-release chuck holds equipment with cylindrical shanks with a diameter of 0.8-10 mm.

Includes a pair of universal 1.5 Ah lithium-ion batteries with charge level indicator, which can be used with other tools of the same brand. It takes less than an hour to charge each of them in a standard device.

Functional. The maximum torque is 30 Nm. It can be lowered by rotating the drum. There is a reverse option and electronic speed control.

• High performance.
• Great torque.
• Convenient shape.
• Universal batteries.
• A voluminous case made of durable plastic with compartments for tools and consumables.
• Reasonable price.
• When working in reverse, the cartridge is weakened.
• The flashlight is located close to the body, so it does not illuminate the entire working area.

Bosch GSR 12V-15 FC

• Cartridge type. under the bits;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). thirty;
• capacity , (Ah). 2;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. A universal tool for working with drills and bits for various purposes. It has a prefabricated structure consisting of a body with a handle weighing 0.6 kg and a set of attachments. All external elements are covered with embossed plastic and rubber, which improves the grip, eliminating slipping. In case of poor lighting there is an LED backlight.

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Engine, gearbox, battery. The power of the brush electric motor is enough to drill holes up to 30 mm in wood and screw screws with a diameter of up to 7 mm into it. It has two speed modes at 400 and 1300 rpm. Maximum torque 30 Nm. During operation, you can alternately use two 2 Ah batteries.

Functional. Depending on the working conditions, you can use a quick-release chuck, a socket for standard bits, an angular and eccentric attachment. The battery charge level is monitored by an indicator on the handle.

An example of the Bosch GSR 12V-15 FC with an angle attachment.

• Excellent equipment for professional work.
• Lightweight case made of durable plastic with individual compartments for accessories.
• Comfortable handle.
• Great torque.
• Nice build.
• Backlight.
• High price.
• You cannot manually turn off the backlight.

DeWALT DCD710D2 24 Nm

• Cartridge type. quick-release;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). 24;
• capacity , (Ah). 2;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. This screwdriver has a balanced design and weighs only 1.1 kg, which is important for long-term professional work. Its body is made of impact-resistant plastic. The handle, thanks to its rubberized surface and comfortable shape, fits confidently into the hand. At the bottom there is a slot for attaching a strap, which frees up your hands when moving at height. In low light conditions, you can turn on the built-in flashlight.

Engine, gearbox, battery . The 180 W brush motor output power is enough to drill holes up to 20 mm in diameter in wood and up to 10 mm in metal. The gearbox has two gears with smooth acceleration to 400 and 1500 rpm. The quick-release chuck allows you to work with shanks with a diameter from 1.5 to 10 mm, spending a minimum of time on replacement.

The model is sold complete with a charger and two slider-type lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 2 Ah each. Replacing them alternately during a shift reduces downtime.

Functional. By smoothly turning the knob with 16 standard positions, you can set the torque to 24 Nm. The reverse key allows you to change the direction of spindle rotation with one movement. The motor brake prevents excessive pressing of the screw heads when working with soft substrates.

Control buttons DeWALT DCD710D2 24 Nm.

• Reliable engine.
• High performance.
• High quality build.
• Comfortable shape and light weight.
• Backlight.
• Two batteries included.
• Sold with a durable case.
• There is no battery charge level indicator.
• You have to control the tightening of the cartridge.
• High price.

Makita DF333DWYE4

• Cartridge type. quick-release;
• Maximum torque, (Nm). thirty;
• Battery capacity, (Ah). 1.5;
• Battery type. Li-Ion;
• Number of batteries included. 2.

Housing and ergonomics. This screwdriver has a classic shape with a fairly large and comfortable handle. The body is made of technical plastic with soft inserts on the handle and elements protruding outward. The product weighs 1.1 kg. It can be worn on a belt, hooked onto a metal clip. The built-in flashlight makes it possible to work even in the dark.

Engine, gearbox, battery . The model is equipped with a brush motor with a two-speed gearbox, allowing you to screw screws with a diameter of up to 10 mm into wood. Depending on the selected mode, the spindle accelerates to 450 or 1700 rpm. The keyless chuck grips bits and drills with shank diameters ranging from 0.8 to 10 mm.

A set of two 1.5 Ah lithium-ion batteries with a slider connection type allows you to perform a large volume of work without interruptions for recharging.

Functional. The ratchet for selecting the torque value and the engine brake contribute to the high precision of the operations performed. There is a button to lock the start key and reverse.

• Convenient shape.
• High performance.
• Engine brake.
• Nice build.
• Sold with a case, charging station and a set of bits in a case.
• Affordable price.
• Batteries without charge indication.

How to choose a screwdriver for your home

Which screwdriver to choose for your home: electric (mains) or battery. It all depends on the work that will be done. A battery-powered screwdriver is more mobile, not tied to a location, and can work anywhere. To choose the right cordless screwdriver for home work, you must first pay attention to the technical characteristics of the tool. It is not necessary to overpay for a high power rating or rotation speed.

If you are going to often use a screwdriver to drill holes, choose a model that is more expensive and more reliable. If your activity will be outdoors, pay attention to the type of battery. Nickel-cadmium will be more reliable than lithium-ion. Keep in mind that lithium is lighter, which means your hand will get less tired. It also charges faster. The continuity and efficiency of work depends on this indicator.

Nickel-cadmium

The nickel metal hydride battery has high battery capacity and low self-discharge rate.

Such batteries were invented more than a century ago. Despite such an impressive history, in a number of operational characteristics they are ahead of modern analogues.

Among the disadvantages of such batteries it should be noted:

1. Relatively large size and weight.
2. Pronounced memory effect.

In this case, the memory effect should be understood as a phenomenon in which the charging capacity of a battery is reduced due to the fact that it was not allowed to completely discharge during operation. To make it more clear, we can draw an analogy with a glass of water. You can pour some water into an empty glass. And this volume will be greater than what you can pour into another glass, but already filled with some substance. That is, if you do not discharge the battery sufficiently, over time the active substance will change its structure and the battery capacity will decrease. Therefore, it is very important to follow the operating instructions.

However, the main problem due to which the era of nickel-cadmium batteries may soon end is the toxicity of cadmium and the special procedure for disposing of such batteries, which is very expensive. However, in all other respects, the nickel-cadmium battery for a screwdriver has no competitors. It will provide effective operation in cases where:

Schematic diagram of a lithium-ion battery.

1. Reliability and unpretentiousness are required.
2. I would like to purchase a durable battery that can withstand more than 1000 charge and discharge cycles.
3. The battery needs to be able to be stored for a long time.
4. Operation requires the use of large charging currents.
5. You will have to work in difficult operating conditions.
6. It is necessary to work at low air temperatures.
7. You need a battery that can maintain voltage at a stable level throughout the entire operating cycle.
8. The maximum rate of complete battery discharge is required.

Thus, the nickel-cadmium battery is well suited for screwdrivers and other power tools.

Battery capacity – what does it affect?

If the indicator is higher, then you can work with a screwdriver longer. The number of hours during which the battery will provide the maximum discharge current depends on it. The unit of measurement is mAh.

Note! If a battery is being repaired, then when replacing individual elements, you should maintain the same capacity. It is not possible to connect batteries with different capacities in series.

The lowest capacity indicator is inherent in nickel-cadmium products. The highest indicator is lithium-based batteries. You should not think that the battery charge of the first ones will not be enough to satisfy household needs, unless, of course, this is the construction of a house.

Nickel metal hydride

This battery was developed to solve the main problems inherent in nickel-cadmium batteries. Compared to its predecessor, this type of battery is characterized by:

1. Less weight and dimensions.
2. Low toxicity.
3. Less pronounced memory effect.
4. Higher specific capacity.
5. Greater resistance to mechanical damage.

The lithium-polymer battery has the highest price among batteries, but it justifies it with its long charge life.

However, there are a number of disadvantages:

1. The battery drains quite quickly.
2. It cannot be used at air temperatures below -10 degrees.
3. Restoring capacity can be accomplished in no more than half of the cases.
4. A more modest service life compared to its nickel-cadmium counterpart.
5. Higher cost.
6. Sensitivity to deep discharge.
7. Charges much longer.

Thus, nickel-metal hydride batteries are noticeably inferior in their performance properties to nickel-cadmium batteries. And although they are used in conjunction with screwdrivers, from a purely user point of view this is not the best option.

Lithium-ion

Manufacturers are actively promoting lithium-ion batteries. This option has both many advantages and an impressive list of weak qualities.

Among the strengths of the lithium-ion battery are:

1. High specific capacity, almost 2 times higher than the same parameter for nickel-cadmium analogues.
2. Compact size and light weight.
3. The highest electrical density.
4. No memory effect.

The disadvantages include:

Table of comparative characteristics of batteries.

1. Poor tolerance to low temperatures.
2. Limited and rather short, compared to nickel analogues, service life.
3. Ease of use.
4. Relative explosion hazard.
5. No possibility of recovery.
6. High price.
7. The need to use “native” charging.

However, despite a fairly extensive list of disadvantages, lithium-ion batteries are very actively used in a variety of power tools, including screwdrivers. The main reason for the popularity of this type of battery is its very high capacity. However, before purchasing such a battery, you need to think about how often and intensively the screwdriver will be used and whether it makes sense to overpay for a battery that will not be used to its full potential.

What you need to consider when purchasing a cordless screwdriver. Review of the best models

Using a tool such as a screwdriver has become the norm. A cordless screwdriver is more practical to use than a mains-powered one. The durability and reliability of a cordless screwdriver depends on the load placed on the tool.

You should pay attention to what type of battery is used for the screwdriver of the selected model.

What to look for when buying a cordless screwdriver

First of all, on the technical characteristics:

• Battery capacity. Ability to work without recharging. Household appliances have a capacity of approximately 1.3 A/h (amps per hour), professional ones have a capacity of 2 A/h and higher.
• Voltage. Determines the size of the rotating element, in other words, the higher the voltage, the easier it is for the screwdriver to drill. For home use, a voltage of 8-14 Volts is suitable. A professional screwdriver needs a higher rating.
• Charging speed. For domestic needs, the charging speed may be low. This is an important indicator for a professional instrument. Household appliances have speeds from 2 hours to 12 hours. For professionals from half an hour. Modern lithium batteries charge in 30-40 minutes.
• Motor torque shows the rotational force on a solid surface, measured in Newtons per meter.
• Rotation speed of the screwdriver motor. To tighten/screw in fasteners, a speed of 500 rpm is sufficient. For drilling, at least 1000 revolutions are important.

It is also worth paying attention to the presence of reverse (the ability to change the direction of rotation, how to screw it in with one click and unscrew the fasteners), the presence of backlight, and additional functions of the hammer drill. The weight of the tool is also important, especially for long-term work, tolerance of high and low temperatures, and the convenience of the case for storing the tool and charger.

Types of batteries

Batteries for screwdrivers are divided into three types:

• Lithium-ion is the most modern type of battery. Compact, lightweight battery. Developed by Sony (Japan). Due to the absence of a memory effect, the battery can be charged with any amount of energy consumed and removed from charging not fully charged. Withstands up to 700 recharges. Suitable for professional use. Which determines the higher price compared to other batteries. Does not function in cold weather.
• Nickel-metal hydride is more modern, lightweight, environmentally friendly, and holds a charge for a long time. You can even store it with an unused battery. There is a low memory effect. Wear-resistant. Doesn't work well in the cold. Convenient for indoor work. The battery can be charged up to 500 times when used correctly. The battery must be fully charged.
• Nickel-cadmium is a time-tested battery. Quite heavy and bulky. At the same time, it is the longest-lasting, withstands up to 1000 recharges. It has a high memory effect, so it is impossible to recharge until the entire previous charge has been completely used up. Otherwise, the battery loses its energy capacity. Weighs more compared to other batteries. Such a battery must be stored completely discharged to zero so that it does not fail. The advantage is that it can work at low temperatures.

The memory effect is the ability of a device to remember that it was not fully used when charging.

Does battery capacity affect power? Metabo PowerMaxx BS test / TEST

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In the future, the battery releases only the amount of energy that it had before being recharged.

Pros and cons of screwdrivers up to 12 volts

Pros: ease of use, light weight for lithium-ion batteries, for nickel-cadmium batteries - resistance when working in cold weather, low price, can be used at home as a screwdriver and as a drill.

Cons: not always convenient for long-term use, power is not suitable for heavy loads.

Hitachi DS10 DFL has proven itself in home use. Battery type: lithium. Weight - 1 kg, torque 22 Nm, capacity 1.5 Ah, battery charging time 45 minutes, rotation speed 300-1300 rpm, power 10.8 V, electronic speed control, reverse. It fits comfortably in the hand, and the quick chuck clamp makes it possible to quickly change attachments. Warranty 36 months. Price about 6500 thousand rubles. Disadvantages: only one spare battery, low power, inconvenient backlight, no protective surface for the battery, spindle without locking, no bit holder.

MakitaDF030DWE is intended for household use, lithium-ion battery, capacity 1.3A/h, power 10.8V, torque 24 Nm, rotation speed reaches 1300 rpm, electronic speed control system, has reverse. Weight only 880g. Fast battery charging, convenient and easy to use even for non-professionals, 2 sets of lithium batteries included.

Makita 6271DWAE: battery , charges quickly, torque 30Nm, rotation speed 350-1200 rpm. Charger with indicator, two speed levels. An economical and ergonomic tool for home and professional use. Includes a double-sided high-quality bit.

Hitachi DS12DVF3: flashlight included, torque 26 Nm, energy capacity 1.4 Ah, power 12V. The unusual design with rubberized parts has several advantages: it cannot be faked, it will act as body protection if it falls, and your hand will not get tired or sweat during long periods of work. Charging time is 1 hour, battery type is nickel-cadmium. Able to work at low temperatures. Two-speed mode, rotation speed 300-1100 rpm, reliable keyless chuck. Weight 1.7 kg. There is a special holder for nozzles. The price segment is low: 5500-6000 rubles.

Bosch 10.8-LI L-BOXX: two speeds, electronic speed control, rotation speed 1300 rpm, easy to use, power 10.8 V, lithium-ion battery, Battery advantages: durable protection system, no memory effect and power loss. Weight-800g, light, the hand lies flat, reverse, there is a backlight. But when working with short bits, it is not enough; fast battery charging; 30 Nm torque; strong tool for drilling wood; good for assembling furniture. A special feature - the presence of a brushless motor - saves battery energy consumption by 15-20%. There is a quick-release chuck. Relatively silent, continuous operation up to 8 hours

AEG BS 12G2 LI-152C: lithium battery. The gearbox is metal, the torque is 24 Nm, minor drawbacks: inconvenient case, lack of backlight, the price is quite affordable, about 6500-7000 rubles.

Interskol ША 6/10, 8M3: lithium battery. High speed, convenient case, light weight. The clutch regulates torque. Optimal price-quality ratio. It is in great demand among consumers. Price about 4000 rubles.

Pros: additional functions expand the capabilities of the screwdriver, a convenient tool storage system, power and torque make it possible to perform a wide range of work, both for domestic and professional needs, the price category is average.

Hitachi DS14DCL is convenient for home use with a power of 14 Volts, a belt hook, a set of 2 batteries with a capacity of 1.4 Ah, and a convenient case. Reverse, electronic speed control, long charge retention, fast charging, step-by-step power control. High quality bits included. The best in its price niche in terms of technical characteristics. Disadvantages: no power indicator, does not slow down when discharging, so stops unexpectedly.

Bison ZDA-14.4-2 Kin 20 Nickel-cadmium battery. Electric brake, 5-year warranty, budget price only 3500-4000 rubles. Holds charge for a long time in the cold, which foreign analogues cannot boast of. 2 batteries included, capacity 2 Ah. There is a backlight and even a special hand strap for convenience. Average price 4000 rub.

Screwdrivers with a power of 18V are intended for professional work. Technical characteristics are higher than those of less powerful brothers. Used for prolonged and heavy loads.

The price is high, due to the range of work performed.

Makita 6347DWDE: battery type nickel-metal hydride, power 18V, torque 80 Nm, rotation speed 400-1300 rpm, convenient case, 2 batteries included, manufacturer's warranty 12 months. Price about 11 thousand rubles.

DeWALT DCD 780 C2: professional device, lithium battery capacity 1.5 Ah, quick-release chuck, charger has a pulse indicator, torque 60 Nm, weight 1.5 kg, rotation speed up to 2000 rpm. There is spindle lock and reverse. It holds a charge for a long time, the battery is charged in a maximum of 30 minutes. Convenient storage case. Disadvantage: the backlight is not corrected, the light does not reach the drilling site.

RYOBI RID1801M: professional tool, weight 1.2 kg, torque 220 Nm. The uniqueness is that two types of batteries are suitable, lithium and nickel-cadmium. Rotation speed up to 3200 rpm, bright backlight, no backlash, reverse, reliable spindle fixation, bit is easy to replace. Disadvantage: the kit does not include a battery or charger. You'll have to buy it separately.

Bort BAB-12-P: easy to use, convenient tool with low power, but durable for household chores. The low price makes it very popular among buyers.

Review of the best manufacturers

Manufacturers of well-known brands such as Metabo, Makita, Hitachi, Bosch, AEG, DeWALT produce screwdrivers with different types of batteries. The devices are intended for both household and professional use.

Russian manufacturers Zubr and Interskol. For the price category in which these cordless screwdrivers are located, the technical characteristics are quite high.

Rating of screwdrivers for professionals

Professional activities often require not one screwdriver, but several with different functions and loads that replace and complement each other. 14V tools are suitable even for such work.

The universal Metabo BS 14.4 or Bosch GSR1440-Li performed well. Fast recharging, high power and rotation speed at a price of only 7000-8000 rubles.

Cordless screwdrivers are indispensable for repairs and construction work. Tools with a power of 18V are considered professional. Representatives of global manufacturers, such as DeWALT DCD 780 C2 with a lithium-ion battery or RYOBI RID1801, have proven themselves to be durable, reliable professionals.

Lithium polymer

Modern development based on lithium-ion technology. They are quite expensive, so so far they are very rarely used in conjunction with household power tools. The main difference from lithium-ion batteries is that they use a gel-like polymer instead of an electrolyte. This allowed battery manufacturers to provide even higher capacity and eliminate any restrictions regarding the shape of the product case. In addition, such batteries are characterized by a much lower explosion hazard.

Among the obvious disadvantages of lithium-polymer batteries, the following should be highlighted:

Scheme of accumulation and consumption of electrical energy in a battery.

1. Modest service life - usually it does not exceed 2 years or 300-500 charge-discharge cycles.
2. High ease of use. The user will need to strictly follow the operating mode, otherwise the battery will fail even faster.

As already noted, they are used quite rarely, but when assessing the active implementation of their immediate predecessors, this process is hampered solely by their high cost.

It is precisely this that prevents lithium technology from completely displacing nickel-cadmium batteries from the market of electrical appliances for home and professional use.

Scope of use

When choosing a battery, you need to consider not only its type, but also under what conditions and with what frequency the power tool will be used. The scope of its future application is as important a parameter as the type.

So, if a screwdriver will be used in production or, for example, by a person who regularly provides repair services, it is necessary to ensure trouble-free operation of the tool for a long time, the ability to work in any temperature and other weather conditions, the ability to charge as quickly as possible, ease of use and etc.

If such requirements exist, the best option is a nickel-cadmium battery. In addition, this type of battery allows you to work with powerful professional-level screwdrivers. To completely rid yourself of problems with the autonomy of the screwdriver, you can purchase additional or even several spare batteries. This will allow you to not be interrupted while working to charge the battery.

If the screwdriver is used exclusively at home to periodically perform some tasks, there are 2 possible scenarios. So, if you need a battery that will serve faithfully for 5-6 years and will not fail at the most inopportune time, buy a nickel-cadmium battery. If you don’t want to comply with the conditions for discharging and charging the battery and periodically “train” it when there is no such need, the lithium-ion option is suitable for you. This battery is well suited for low and medium power screwdrivers; it has a large capacity and can be charged no matter how discharged it is. An additional advantage of lithium-ion batteries is their light weight and size, which makes operation even more convenient.

How to choose a screwdriver?

A screwdriver is now one of the most popular tools that not only professional builders, but also any home craftsman should have. The huge number of models that are now on sale makes choosing a good screwdriver quite difficult. What should you pay attention to first when purchasing? Let's look at all the main selection criteria in order.

Mains or battery?

Screwdrivers come in corded and cordless versions. Corded screwdrivers are not very popular now, as they have a limited scope of application. They usually have a non-removable hexagon holder installed (mainly for installing bits) and are used, for example, by drywall installers to fasten sheets to a metal profile. The biggest disadvantage of networked screwdrivers is, of course, the presence of a cable. Mobility and ease of use are immediately lost. Another thing is cordless screwdrivers, which, in addition to operating autonomously from a battery, can also be used as a drill if equipped with a quick-release chuck.

Battery capacity

The battery capacity characterizes the battery life of your screwdriver . Please note that the higher the power supply voltage of your screwdriver , the larger the batteries needed to make the tool work longer. This is why, for example, powerful 18-volt Metabo screwdrivers are equipped with batteries with a capacity of up to 5.2 Ah.

READ How to Charge the Interskol Screwdriver Battery

Torque

Torque characteristic rotational action of the force on a rigid body. Imagine that you have a nut that needs to be tightened with a wrench. To do this, you apply force to the key. So the torque is the product of this same force and the length of the key. From a physics perspective, the key is a lever. The larger the lever, the greater the torque that is created at the point where the force is applied. For example, a torque of 30 Nm, which a Bosch GSR 10.8-2-LI screwdriver is capable of creating, could be represented as a three-meter lever from which a weight weighing 100 grams is suspended. But if the lever were only 30 cm, then a load weighing 10 kg would have to be suspended from it!

Why is torque so important for driving screws of large length and diameter? It's simple! The longer the screw, the greater the frictional force that will act when turning it. It will become stronger and stronger as the screw is wrapped into the material.

Lightness and ergonomics

In fact, one of the most important qualities of a good screwdriver is lightness and ergonomics. Professional builders put these advantages in first place, because with a lightweight screwdriver you get much less tired when installing various degrees of complexity. This allows you to get a lot more work done in less time. It is very important! For example, the Bosch GSR 10.8-2-LI screwdriver weighs just under a kilogram! They will be comfortable not only assembling furniture, but also working at heights.

Supply voltage

Next, you should pay attention to the supply voltage of the screwdriver, or, more simply, “voltage”. The higher the voltage of the battery from which the screwdriver is powered, the better its technical characteristics. First of all, it is torque. The greater the torque, the larger the diameter of the screw that you can drive with this screwdriver.

Additional options

also influence the choice of a particular screwdriver . For example, the presence of several torque setting modes, which allows you to adjust the tightening force of the screw.

A useful option is the motor brake, thanks to which the screwdriver instantly stops immediately after you release the power button.

Modern professional screwdrivers have a battery charge indicator. Using this function, you can easily control the operating time of this battery.

Some Metabo screwdriver models have an additional pulse operating mode. It allows you to easily unscrew tightly tightened screws, as well as drill into hard materials.

Also now there are screwdrivers with brushless motors. This technology allows you to significantly increase the service life of the screwdriver.

If you need to use a screwdriver for drilling, for example, concrete, then you should pay attention to screwdrivers with an impact function.