The construction mixer along with screwdrivers, rotary hammers and grinders is a good assistant in the implementation of projects requiring the preparation of binder mortars and mixtures. This does not have to be a professional field, in which the foundation or pouring screeds is ordinary work steps. Easy repair at home is also not always without preparing grouts, mastics, paints or plaster for walls. In these and other operations, an electric drill mixer will come to the rescue. This is not to say that this is an indispensable tool, but its function will improve the quality of the target solution and accelerate the entire installation or cladding process.
What are the features of drill-based mixers?
For several years now, a fashion for wide functionality, versatility and multitasking has dominated the construction tool market. In one model, several diverse operating modes can be combined - for example, drilling and tightening screws are available. An electric motor drill mixer also belongs to this multitasking tool. By changing the nozzles, the same device can be used as a screwdriver for working with fixing material. Technically, this possibility is realized thanks to a high-speed gearbox, a pistol grip and a chuck, into which the desired nozzle is integrated. If we compare such a drill with conventional models without a mixer function, the main working difference will be high power with low revs. Such a tool is more suitable for household use, since mixing large volumes of mortar requires higher structural reliability and productivity. The device of specialized mixers is not combined with the characteristics of the drill as such - this is an irrational combination.
Key Features
The working potential is directly determined by the power of the electric motor. This parameter determines which solutions the drill mixer can handle in principle. The characteristics of the power filling in the middle range can be expressed as follows: 700-1000 watts with a torque of 50-70 Nm. Actually, 500 watts will be enough to work with light paint and varnish solutions. Normal painting, grouting or finishing with putty require a simple kneading within 5-10 minutes. and the indicated power for this will be enough. If it is planned to work with viscous solutions and in large volumes, then 1000 W will be the minimum indicator of high-torque. For example, the creation of mixtures of bituminous mastics or concrete mortars for the foundation is qualitatively implemented with mixers of 1500 W or more.
Special attention deserves the torque. It is determined by the features of the engine, and the characteristics of the gearbox. Slow speed naturally increases the frequency of the spindle, which minimizes the heating of the power base and increases traction. High revolutions are optimally suited for varnishes and paints. But, of course, in a comprehensive assessment other operational qualities will also be important, which will make it possible to more accurately select a drill mixer. The overview of the models presented below reflects the best offers from major manufacturers of this tool to date.
Model DeWalt DW 152
Balanced in terms of performance and generally quite powerful, suitable for professional and domestic work. The design of the mixer is based on an all-metal body, which adds strength and resistance to physical influences. As for the engine, the DW 152 is equipped with a two-speed 1050 W powerplant with a torque of 118 Nm. Although the drill mixer of this version does not have wide functionality, high performance and a well-thought-out design more than compensate for this shortcoming. Firstly, the weight of 7.5 kg ensures the stability of the device during various operations, although, of course, working alone with such a weight is also not easy for a long time. Secondly, the design is provided with two multi-position handles that allow you to fix the tool in the process. Also, a shoulder rest is provided from the back of the case.
Model Metabo RWE 1100
An optimized version of a multifunctional drill with the possibility of mixing mortars. With a standard power of 1100 W, the model is designed for universal typical tasks for servicing cement and gypsum mortars in small volumes. For the domestic sphere, this version is often used in the work with putties, varnishes and compositions for insulators. Unlike the previous model, the RWE 1100 construction mixer has an aluminum gear housing, which makes it possible to support efficient heat dissipation. In terms of functionality, this device is also not surprising at all - unless a soft start and electronic speed adjustment can seriously facilitate work for beginners. But there is no useful mode of reverse stroke, which is often used when mixing the solution, and when working with fasteners.
Model Makita 6013 BR
The Japanese manufacturer Makita is known for its high-quality structural quality tools, which are distinguished by their durability, reliability and endurance. In this case, it’s worth turning to an unusual combined version of the mixer with a D-shaped handle that rotates 360 degrees. That is, you can work with this tool in any position. The device also has double-sided isolation, a key cartridge and supports reverse movement. But it is important to consider that the power of 620 W significantly reduces the range of tasks that the 6013 BR drill mixer can solve. In any case, it is definitely not suitable for daily intensive work with heavy mixtures. But thanks to the weight of 2.8 kg, this model can be fully used in painting work, requiring delicate preparation of high-quality putties and sealants with self-leveling floors.
How to choose a drill mixer suitable model?
By and large, the mixing of liquid building materials requires the connection of identical units capable of driving the mass in motion at a sufficient speed and with the support of optimal revolutions for a long time. The difference in approaches to choosing a tool will be determined by the characteristics of the mixture. Accordingly, the heavier the solution, the higher the power should be. At the same time, do not forget about the drilling function. For this task, a drill mixer with a pistol type design would be preferable. Braid-like models with handles in a D- or U-shape are more often used in works with dense mixtures. This is a more ergonomic design in physical handling.
The nuances of choosing a nozzle
Not always drills are sold complete with a mixer nozzle. The mixer itself is a separate functional part, which has its own characteristics, characteristics and operational orientation. So, when choosing it, the first thing to consider is the format of the thread and the fastener - M14 is considered the standard, but M12 can also be suitable for a light tool. It is also recommended to give preference to mixers optionally provided with locks with a movable coupling. This device allows you to control the length of the departure and the strength of the fixation. Of course, the arrangement of the working part is of great importance. The mixer frame nozzle for a drill should be selected if it is planned to mix adhesive mixtures and self-leveling fillers for floor screed. Such mixers exclude air from entering the solution, which is a necessary condition for grouting. Screw models are also in demand, mixing the lower and upper layers of the solution, changing their places. The spiral-shaped design pushes light components to the bottom, while heavy ones lift them up.
User's manual
Before use, the tool should be checked for technical integrity, to assess the quality of wiring and the reliability of fixing of fasteners. At the first stage of stirring, low revolutions should be used - this will eliminate the risk of nozzle failure and will allow you to evaluate the optimal rotation force for a particular composition. After a while (5-15 minutes), the drill mixer should be stopped. The instructions require taking small breaks to allow the engine to cool naturally. After the end of the working process, not only the nozzle, but also the tool body should be cleaned - special attention is paid to cleaning the ventilation holes from the solution, dirt and dust.
Conclusion
Modern mixers for working with mortars are radically different from the first wave models. It's not even about power with the number of revolutions that provide sufficient traction. Today it will not be difficult to choose the right apparatus for stirring solutions with different degrees of viscosity. The principal features of the new generations of the construction mixer are more likely due to functionality. It would seem that mixing the mixture is the simplest task, but it is implemented by a complex tool with an electric drive. Therefore, to increase safety, ergonomics and performance, manufacturers provide such mixers with speed switches, a speed control system, electronic overload protection, etc.