The Russian brand "Whirlwind" is well known in the areas of production and construction. Very good engineering equipment, compressors, pumping stations and processing machines are produced under it. However, ordinary home users will be able to find decent models of household tools in the assortment of this manufacturer. In the most popular segment of cordless hand-held power tools for drilling and twisting hardware, a screwdriver "Whirlwind DA-12-2K." Reviews about this model are diverse and ambiguous, but a number of positive qualities make the device worthy of attention. How much this option is suitable for solving specific problems is better to find out from a detailed review.
Model Overview
The tool is a multifunctional drill / driver, the power of which is provided from the battery pack. Using this machine, the user can make holes and tighten screws of various sizes in wood, plastic and metal. The external description of the “Whirlwind DA-12-2K” screwdriver can be represented through a standard form factor made in a standard design with a rubberized handle and basic controls. In particular, the operator gets quick access to the speed switch, the on / off button, the torque setting ring and the device for disconnecting the battery. The tool is provided with a reversible switch to change (in the opposite direction) the direction of rotation of the working tool, which helps to cope with the problem situations of the drill entering the wedge.
Characteristics of the screwdriver "Whirlwind DA-12-2K"
The model can not be called fully fit into a number of standard drill-drivers of the household class, as it has several fundamental differences from similar versions from other manufacturers. However, the technical characteristics of this unit are quite typical:
- The diameter of the shank of the processing tool is from 0.8 to 10 mm.
- The volume of the battery pack is 1.3 A * h.
- The battery voltage is 12 V.
- Torque up to 26 Nm.
- The diameter of drilling in wood and plastic is up to 18 mm.
- Diameter of drilling in metal is up to 8 mm.
- The speed range is from 0 to 1250 rpm.
- The number of torque switching levels is 22 + 1.
- The number of speed modes - 2.
- Weight - 2.8 kg.
The power potential of the Whirlwind cordless drill / driver of this version is low, as evidenced by the modest tightening torque of 26 Nm. This will be enough to tighten small hardware when performing a simple electrical installation, however, serial operations for the introduction of large-format screws with such a device will be difficult to perform.
Battery Features
While the vast majority of manual models of power tools are equipped with lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, this version received a morally outdated nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, which predetermined a number of operational features. Firstly, such batteries are valued for a large number of charge / discharge cycles. Nevertheless, the Ni-Cd concept does not stand still and is being improved, allowing compact blocks with a capacity of 1.3 A * h to provide about 1000 working sessions. In domestic conditions of use, this means about 20 years of operation. Secondly, unlike the same Li-Ion, this battery works confidently at low temperatures, so it can be freely used outdoors in freezing conditions.
Obviously, the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries with the replacement of nickel-cadmium had its own justification. This trend is due to the fact that the Ni-Cd battery weighs more and has a negative memory effect, which is expressed in a reversible loss of capacity. That is, one should prepare for certain ergonomic problems, but also remember the advantages, which, depending on the nature of the operation, may outweigh the disadvantages of this power supply system.
Functional support
Regarding additional features, there is also no clear assessment of the tool. The model turned out optimized, despite its large size and moderate performance. However, a wide range of options has not received. Although reviews of the Vortex DA-12-2K screwdriver emphasize the adequately disclosed capabilities of torque control and a high-quality two-speed gearbox with reverse travel function, many modern "chips" developers ignored. For example, even some entry-level screwdrivers today are provided with backlight and shock mode, not to mention the installation of tape stores for serial twisting of hardware. But in this model, these additions are absent.
Positive tool reviews
Everything related to the technical and structural implementation, down to the smallest layout of consumables, causes a positive impression on users. It is worth noting the presence of a modern brush motor, which indicates a quality study of the internal filling. In terms of performance, reviews about the Vortex DA-12-2K screwdriver are mixed. On the one hand, at low voltage the device gives decent traction, allowing you to perform complex operations from time to time. By the way, a high-quality result can also be obtained with the help of the proprietary equipment “Whirlwind” without overpaying for expensive imported drills and bits. On the other hand, the problem with the working configuration is precisely the instability of the tool.
Negative reviews
The main subject of criticism of the model is the implementation of the battery. The bet on the positive properties of the nickel-cadmium block in order to save did not work for a number of reasons. As the owners of the “Whirlwind DA-12-2K” screwdriver indicate in the reviews, the battery weakly holds a charge, does not always give out enough power support, takes a long time to charge and incorrectly displays an indication of status. Moreover, these shortcomings relate not only to the battery itself, but to a large extent to the charger.
Conclusion
The model is difficult to evaluate by standard characteristics, which are template for models of different classes. The difficulty is due to the fact that the device does not fit into a clear niche format for a budget drill screwdriver for home use and does not reach the middle segment close to semi-professional models. At the same time, the price tag for the Vortex DA-12-2K screwdriver in a case with two batteries and a charger is by no means small and amounts to about 3,000 rubles. For this money, it is quite possible to purchase a more functional version with the same nominal power indicators from competitive Russian firms. Another thing is that the Whirlwind has provided several “non-standard” operational advantages that can be useful on remote work sites in harsh conditions.