A hand-held electric tool has formed the most demanded segment in the construction equipment market. This is largely due to improved performance and expansion of the functionality of this equipment. A striking example of the performance of a multifunctional tool of this type is a drill / driver. Reviews characterize such devices as convenient, high-performance and reliable. However, these properties do not apply to all models, so you should approach the choice of this unit with knowledge of the intricacies of its device, operation and maintenance.
Screwdriver construction
The technical filling is hidden under a body made of high-strength plastic - sometimes with elements of rubberized linings and metal inserts. The power base is formed by an electric motor, gearbox and communication units that drive the equipment with a chuck. It should be noted right away that models equipped with carbon brushes are still produced today. This is a consumable item, but it is required to maintain optimal motor performance. Nevertheless, the design of the latest modifications is eliminated from brushes, which simplifies the operation of the device. At the same time, the device of a drill / driver cannot do without a gearbox. A detailed examination of the designs of different models shows that this element is made of plastic or metal. Preference for one or another material should be based on the nature of the use of the tool. For heavy, regular and high-performance work, you will need a model with a metal gearbox, however, for domestic infrequent use, it is quite possible to limit yourself to plastic wear-resistant components at the base of the tool.
Power System - Which to Prefer?
Almost all major manufacturers of multifunctional drills contain at least several cordless models in the line. Moreover, there is already a clear tendency towards the complete crowding out of network devices. But immediately ignore this class is still not worth it. The traditional network concept of power supply is advantageous in that it minimizes the weight of the tool by eliminating the battery pack, and also involves higher power. In turn, modern batteries for a drill / driver provide the opportunity to operate the tool away from the outlet for several hours. The kits often provide for the presence of two battery packs, so you can count on the alternate operation of energy sources in a continuous mode, if in principle there will be access to the network at the facility. Actually, regardless of the direct connection to the outlet, the main advantage of such models lies.
How to choose a battery for the tool?
The choice between batteries includes nickel-cadmium Ni-Cd, nickel-metal hydride Ni-MH and lithium-ion Li-Ion batteries. All three elements in different models and modifications are supplied with a drill / driver. Reviews on Ni-Cd batteries indicate stable operation in extreme temperatures, a large number of energy replenishment cycles and low cost. But such batteries are also distinguished by their large size and memory effect, which does not allow charging the device until its energy is completely exhausted.
Ni-MH batteries are beneficial in light weight and environmental friendliness. They work for a long time without recharging and have no memory effect. However, they cannot be used for operation at sub-zero temperatures - the charge is exhausted regardless of the workload. The best option is considered a lithium-ion battery. It can be charged without waiting for a complete discharge, and not be afraid of self-discharge during long-term storage. The working qualities provided by the combination of Li-Ion and a drill / driver are also emphasized. Reviews indicate high performance with a small mass. Manufacturers produce a compact tool with such batteries, which in this case can compete with network analogues in terms of power. Among the shortcomings of this power source, one can distinguish sensitivity to cold and high cost.
Choice of Key Features
The power of the power tool is the main operating parameter. In the case of cordless models, this indicator is expressed by voltage - the general range represents devices from 5 to 36 V. The middle segment offers models of 14-18 V. At a level of 24 V, a cordless hammer drill / driver already has a higher rotation speed and providing for the possibility of providing destructive jerky action. The possibilities of working with materials of various types are also determined by the torque. For household models, it is 15-20 Nm, and professional devices have a size of 130 Nm. The middle class of semi-professional devices has a torque of 50-70 Nm. What do all these quantities mean? The lower this characteristic, the softer the target material will be. The same 15 Nm will allow drilling wood, and 80 Nm will open the possibilities for working with solid metals.
What to consider in additional functionality?
The operations of drilling surfaces and twisting hardware can be carried out in different conditions, sometimes requiring the connection of auxiliary accessories and devices. Manufacturers are trying to save users from unnecessary manipulations with individual add-ons and provide assisting options directly in the model. So, among the common add-ons, one can distinguish the presence of LED backlighting, integration of the second handle, a laser beam for positioning work tools, a quick-clamping chuck, etc. In addition, it is worth considering functional additions - especially for home use, the soft start option, reverse stroke, indicators are useful battery charge, etc. Of course, it is unlikely that it will be possible to provide the entire option in one device, but it is still worthwhile to get an idea of the most suitable functions in advance. This will allow you to choose the best drill / driver. A review of the manufacturers below will also allow you to come closer to choosing the right unit.
Bosch Model Reviews
One of the largest manufacturers of power tools, in the family of which you can always find a suitable version of a drill / driver. Among the fans of this brand there are many professional masters and home users. Both categories of owners of the German tool note its structural reliability, wide functionality and performance. A variety of models is also noted. In the Bosch assortment you can find a cordless hammer drill with a voltage of 36 V, and a low-power device like the IXO V basic, whose voltage is only 3.6 V. As for the option, the company's developers consistently provide products with built-in LED-backlight , automatic spindle lock and other functions.
Makita Model Reviews
A direct competitor to Bosch, which also set the bar high in a number of technical and operational parameters. Experienced users of Japanese-made models emphasize the developers' special approach. On the one hand, the tool is praised for its commitment to the traditional concept of an optimized design, and on the other, many note the steady pursuit of fashion for new technologies. But the main advantage nevertheless lies in the structural innovations that the Japanese drill / driver is acquiring. Reviews, for example, are particularly distinguished by a large number of speed modes, more than 10 steps for setting the torque and continuous improvement of the clamping mechanism of the working equipment.
Metabo Model Reviews
Another German brand that, although not widely known as Bosch, is well known in the power tool segment. Drills with the Metabo screwdriver function are renowned for their modest size, wear-resistant technical base, durable consumables and flexibility in use. The company mainly focuses on the household segment, but with the capture of the professional sphere. For example, a typical 18 Volt drill / driver, according to owners, copes with almost all types of hardware and has no restrictions on the drilling material.
Patriot Model Reviews
In the market of construction tools, there is a whole layer of so-called secondary manufacturers, which are basically inferior to companies of the level of Makita or Bosch in quality. However, there are exceptions, which include Patriot, which offers high-quality, functional and reliable devices. The practice of using the tools of this company fully confirms the above characteristics, and some owners point to affordable cost - also a logical advantage over first-tier brands. Nevertheless, the Patriot drill screwdriver is still recommended rather for domestic use. The degree of endurance and performance that is required in professional construction is still unavailable to the bulk of Patriot models.
Rating of the best models
Based on feedback on specific models and the general practice of using drill drivers from leading manufacturers, you can make the following rating:
- GSR 14.4-2-LI from Bosch. According to the criteria of functionality, power and cost, this device has no equal. At a voltage of 14.4 V, it is also provided with two ranges of high-speed modes, an Auto-Lock nozzle change system, electronic controllers and another option.
- BS 12 NiCd from Metabo. The model deserves a high position for reliability, versatility and balanced design with the addition of LED backlighting. A significant plus is the price tag with which this drill / driver is sold on the domestic market. The rating is focused on an average cost of 6 thousand, but Metabo offers the device for only 5 thousand rubles.
- Model 6281 DWPE by Makita. This variation of a drill / driver is ideal for practical home craftsmen who need to quickly, efficiently and without much difficulty perform simple drilling and tightening operations. The model is provided with a two-speed engine and several torque modes, which expands the possibilities of its application.
- ONE BR 181Li by Patriot. Due to the combination of functionality and power of 18 V, this device could claim the first place, but the quality of the element base does not yet cause such confidence as in the case with Bosch, for example.
Recommendations for working with a drill / driver
Before using the tool, it is recommended to check its integrity, the quality of the fixtures, the reliability of the installation of equipment and wiring. If you are using a battery pack, you need to check its charge level. Next, the device is configured for a specific format of work. The selection of specific parameters is determined by the material with which a particular drill / driver will deal. The instruction for most models of this type recommends using drills with a guiding end for working with wood, which will allow the cutter to be held in the workpiece at the right angle. As for the metal, the main problem in working with it is the sliding of the drill in the first approach. To facilitate this step will help punching the point at which the hole will be located.
Tool maintenance
After each working session, the tool should be cleaned of chips and sawdust. It is advisable to purge all niches and openings, eliminating the risk of clogging of critical parts of the structure. Without fail, the device must be lubricated with special solutions. If you plan to use a drill screwdriver for the house not in a constant mode, but from repair to repair, then you can limit yourself to a typical antifriction grease. In other cases, it is advisable to purchase specialized formulations for gearboxes and a bearing group.
Conclusion
The presence of a screwdriver has long become a necessity in the household, and in the field of professional construction, not a single full-scale project can do without it. Another thing is that different areas present their operational requirements for the tool. For everyday tasks, for example, the capabilities available at the Patriot drill-screwdriver or the machines of domestic firms Interskol and Zubr are quite enough. However, for complex and demanding professional-level operations, one cannot do without powerful shock models Metabo, Makita, Bosch, etc. Although the representatives of the two categories may be similar in nominal characteristics, long-term operation reveals significant differences between them in terms of technical endurance, wear resistance and stability maintenance workflow.