How to choose the right electric screwdriver
Choosing the right electric screwdriver depends on what you want to use. For example, is it often used for construction work? Is it a new building or a renovation?
Is it in the mechanical workshop? Is it used for furniture? Is it on the assembly station?
The second important point is to define how often the screwdriver is used. If you need to use it all day, it is best to choose a model with a cord.
However, if you only need to use it for 2 to 3 hours a day, you can use the wireless model, perhaps leaving a spare battery and a charger nearby. Pay special attention to the efficiency of the screwdriver, especially when you need to use it frequently.
Tightening torque is another important consideration. A high tightening torque means a strong tightening force. Even in hard materials, the greater the tightening torque, the easier it is to tighten the screws.
The tightening torque is directly related to the power of the screwdriver. For a corded electric screwdriver powered by a power source, its power directly depends on the power of the motor. It varies from 450 to 705 watts.
If the electric screwdriver is powered by an external transformer, the higher the power supply voltage, the greater the power of the screwdriver. For cordless electric screwdrivers, the power source is connected to the battery voltage.
The maximum voltage can be from 3.6 volts (V) to 18 volts. For cordless electric screwdrivers, high voltage can extend battery life and avoid frequent battery charging. Some electric screwdrivers are called impact electric screwdrivers: they are used for force tightening/unscrewing.
Rotation speed is also an essential factor, especially if you need to use an electric screwdriver frequently: wired electric screwdrivers usually have a higher speed than wireless screwdrivers.
Generally speaking, electric screwdrivers have only one speed. For wired electric screwdrivers, the speed is between 3000 and 6000 rpm (revolutions per minute), for wired electric screwdrivers, the speed is between 180 and 450 rpm.
For impact electric screwdrivers, the speed is expressed in counts per minute: between 3000 and 50000cps/min.
Which type of electric screwdriver should I choose: wired or wireless?
There are two main types of electric screwdrivers: usually more powerful wired screwdrivers and wireless screwdrivers that use batteries.
The weight of an electric screwdriver is an important factor to consider. Under the same power, the wired electric screwdriver is lighter than the wireless electric screwdriver. This is because the battery will increase the weight of the wireless screwdriver.
Why choose a wired electric screwdriver?
Wired electric screwdrivers can be used frequently. They can usually provide a significant tightening torque. Wired screwdrivers also have the advantage of being lighter because they have no battery weight. If there is an available power source near the area where an electric screwdriver is used, a wired model can be selected.
Wired electric screwdrivers are especially suitable for use in industrial assembly stations, mechanical workshops or in restricted areas. The advantage is that it can be used intensively. In other words, the wire connected to the power source is a limitation in its length (access to all parts to be tightened or loosened), and it may cause accidents even when passing through the passage area.
Wired portable electric screwdrivers are generally designed for single-phase power supply. The electric screwdriver used in the assembly station is usually supplied with 32 or 40 volt DC from the control box.
Why choose a cordless electric screwdriver?
The cordless electric screwdriver can be used in various environments. The battery-powered electric screwdriver is easy to operate and can be used where there is no power source. It is limited by the autonomy and power of the battery.
The cordless electric screwdriver is particularly suitable for furniture assembly because it can move between various elements without restriction. It is widely used for fixing gypsum board, disassembly and assembly of auto body parts. However, the battery power must be sufficient to ensure the torque required for tightening. It is recommended to have at least one backup battery to avoid restrictions on autonomy.
For a portable electric screwdriver, the weight of the device with a battery needs to be considered. For a powerful electric screwdriver, the weight of the battery is about 2kg.
Generally speaking, wireless screwdrivers are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This battery offers the best characteristics so far: it is lighter than other types of batteries and has better charging performance. The larger the battery capacity, the stronger its autonomy. Generally speaking, there are three types of batteries for electric screwdrivers: less than 1.5Ah (amper hour), between 1.5 and 2Ah, and greater than 2Ah.
Features of wireless electric screwdriver:
Its power is expressed in volt-amperes (VA). The greater the battery power, the greater the autonomy and the greater the tightening torque.
The battery voltage indicates the tightening torque: the higher the voltage, the greater the torque.
The capacity of a battery can show autonomy: the greater the capacity, the greater the autonomy of the battery.
Which electric screwdriver model should I choose?
You can choose between three main models of electric screwdrivers:
The main body of the straight electric screwdriver is located on the screw shaft. This electric screwdriver is very suitable for workstations, where they can be hung from the winding system, and the tightening direction is from top to bottom. Some straight electric screwdrivers are designed for digital control on automated workstations.
The pistol electric screwdriver has a main body with an inclined angle for better grip.
Right-angle electric screwdrivers allow you to tighten screws in narrow areas.
What are the available options?
Some electric screwdrivers are equipped with a torque adjustment system. Once the pre-specified torque is reached, it can be disengaged. This is because the tightening is completed or the screw is jammed, so as to avoid torque transmission to the operator. This system can be mechanical or electronic.
The most advanced electric screwdrivers include electronic settings connected to external systems, allowing very fine adjustments. On the other hand, the lowest cost electric screwdriver only provides mechanical adjustment of the tightening torque and adaptation speed. Some cheap electric screwdrivers do not have any adjustment options.
You can also equip a Bit Magnetizer Ring to your screwdriver to improve the efficiency of your work. A Screwdriver Magnetic Ring can hold the screw better and prevent it from slipping.
Some electric screwdrivers include an LED light that allows users to accurately place the tip on the screw head in poorly lit work areas.
