Drill or screwdriver, which is better? What is the difference between a drill and a screwdriver? A cordless drill is different from a cordless screwdriver.

During construction work screwdriver and drill - indispensable tools. They are the most popular among mechanized devices. Thanks to these devices, work efficiency is significantly increased. They are used mainly for tightening fasteners and making holes. Such devices can be powered by mains or battery. There are also models that run on gasoline. Rotation in such devices can be supplemented by impact actions. A fairly common option is a drill-driver. These tools are universal. However, it is worth understanding in more detail the features of their operation.

What is a drill

The drill as a tool appeared a very long time ago. Thanks to this tool, it was much easier to make holes in wood and stone. After the invention of the electric motor, the capabilities of such devices expanded significantly. The metallurgical industry also played a significant role in their development. Special drills appeared. This made it possible to create precise holes in various types of stones and types of metals.

Over time, in addition to production, such power tools began to be used for household purposes. Special attachments have been developed that allow grinding of different surfaces.

When were they invented abrasive wheels, the drill began to be used for cutting work. Typically this tool function is used for cutting pipes and metal rods. The latest models of drills have fairly high power and drill rotation speed. The compactness of the devices is also important.

With a wide variety of drill bits and attachments, drills can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, when using special attachments, you can stir different mixtures. Some drills are equipped with an impact mechanism. They are usually switched to this mode when working with concrete products or stone.

Over time, such tools were divided into professional and household. The former are characterized by high reliability and long service life. They use rolling bearings. The parts of such devices are made of alloy steels, which were processed using high temperatures. To provide reliable protection the insides of such instruments, their body is made of high-quality plastic, which is highly durable. Drills often have a hammer drill function.

High-quality drills are made in a convenient shape, which allows you to work with them as efficiently as possible. When using such devices, the worker’s hand does not get tired, and all actions are performed as accurately as possible. Drills also have another purpose - unscrewing self-tapping screws. This versatility often attracts home craftsmen. To understand the difference between a drill and a screwdriver, you need to take a closer look at the features of each of these tools.

Why do you need a screwdriver?

When drills began to be equipped with batteries, they were often used as screwdrivers. The ability to autonomously use devices of this type is very useful when performing work in limited space. You may also need a screwdriver for work on assembling metal and wooden structures.

Such a tool has few external differences from a drill. However, its design is developed specifically for the effective tightening and unscrewing of screws, screws and self-tapping screws. There are models of screwdrivers that can also be used for drilling. various holes. Screwdrivers are designed in a way that allows for lighter torque. When working with screw connections, high rotation speeds are not required.

For this purpose, a special device is placed in the device - a gearbox. It allows you to reduce the speed to 300 per minute. In this case, the torque is simultaneously increased. The screw does not become deformed.

To prevent the device from jamming, a special system with several speeds is installed in it, which eliminates overloads. A screwdriver can be equipped with special attachments that allow you to tighten and unscrew various fasteners. An impact driver is capable of tightening nuts and screws using strong blows.

Important! The presence of a special release coupling allows you to create a screwing force. Thanks to this part, the cartridge stops automatically during overload.

When using batteries that are combined with the handle, the screwdriver is much more convenient to use. Such tools have become quite common in the construction industry. Similar devices are also used for assembly work, when repairing cars.

Difference between a screwdriver and a drill

Drills and screwdrivers are excellent at performing the functions for which they were specifically designed. When using a drill, you can carefully and quickly make a hole in certain material. When using a screwdriver, you can quickly tighten or unscrew nuts, self-tapping screws, and screws.

The differences between these tools are obvious:

All these differences indicate the need to use certain devices exclusively for the tasks for which they were created. A drill-driver is the most common device among ordinary users. Its versatility and simplicity attract home craftsmen.

conclusions

Screwdrivers, like drills with screwdriver functions, can be powered from the mains or a built-in battery. The advantages and disadvantages of devices depend on the tasks that need to be performed. Corded tools do not require charging time, and battery-powered ones can work anywhere.

If you need to choose a high-quality construction tool, you should understand the operating features of specific models. There is a wide variety of both drills and screwdrivers available on the market. If the device is needed for household work, it may not have much power or additional functions. You can purchase a universal device, but it will not work for a long time continuously and will be limited in capabilities.

Professional devices are equipped with a capacious battery and have many functions. If specific construction tasks need to be performed frequently, it is better to pay attention to a device with certain technical data.

Honey, we urgently need an impact drill! And also an impact drill/driver!

Honey, don't you have a drill?

Yes, but these are completely different things, and I can’t live without them!

In this article we will prepare you for such a dialogue, so that during the discussion family budget you were able to prove to your beloved the need to buy a new power tool.

It used to be so simple! When a son flew out of the nest, his father would take him to the local hardware store and say, “Boy, you need a drill!” Now, when we go to a construction hypermarket, we see dozens of power tools designed for drilling holes and tightening screws, which even have different names.

What is the difference between a regular drill, an impact drill and an impact drill? What does each of these tools do best, and what can you use them for? Let's finally sort this issue out!

DRILL SCREWDRIVERS

You know it, you love it, almost everyone has it. Over the years, the drills have lost their cords and lost a couple of pounds, acquired a keyless chuck and a flashlight. In general, the usability has improved, but the functions remain the same. Drills are affordable, reliable, and great for both drilling holes and driving screws and bolts.

Drills are valued for their versatility: they can be used to make a grinder, hole saw, mixer, etc. But no matter how versatile they are, a cordless drill is a tool general purpose. For specialized tasks, you may need a more optimal power tool (see below).

When to use a regular drill/driver

• drilling holes in wood, drywall and others soft materials
• driving screws into wood, drywall and other soft materials
• tightening and unscrewing bolts and nuts if they are not stuck and rotate well (that is, no additional force is required)

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Example from life

Let's say you need to put up a fence at your dacha, build a wooden stage, platform or even a ramp for wheelchair access. To drill holes and screw screws into wood, enough regular drill.

There are drills different forms and sizes, differ in power and battery capacity. Small tools of 12-18 volts are suitable for home craftsmen - lightweight, convenient, which can solve most tasks around the house. For a household tool, a 1.5-2.0 A/h battery is enough, since work usually does not take much time, and there is always access to recharging. A large and powerful 20-24 volt drill/driver will be more useful on construction site. The battery capacity of a professional tool is usually higher than 2.0 Ah, so that it can work for several hours without recharging.

HAMMER DRILL

An impact drill is very similar to a regular drill, so this often creates confusion. So what's the difference?

Imagine that while drilling, someone hits the back of the drill with a hammer to help push the drill deeper. Only these blows are fast and furious. It may feel like you are holding a small jackhammer in your hands. People who are using an impact drill for the first time may even think that it is some kind of broken drill.

Impact drills are excellent for drilling concrete, cement and brickwork. Therefore, if you work a lot with these materials, such a drill is a must-have in your collection. If you do more carpentry or carpentry, then you don't need an impact drill. On the contrary, it can damage soft materials such as wood and drywall. True, it is usually equipped with a switch for drilling and hammer drilling modes.

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When to Use an Impact Drill

• driving screws into wood, drywall and other soft materials (drill mode only)
• tightening or loosening bolts (drill mode only)
• drilling holes in wood, drywall and other soft materials (drill mode only)
• drilling holes in concrete, cement, masonry (in impact drill mode)

Example from life

Let's go back to our wheelchair ramp. You will build it using a drill, but to mount it to concrete wall You will need an impact drill or even a hammer drill.

An impact drill is also useful when installing plumbing fixtures or when you need to attach a TV to a concrete wall or hang a wall light.

IMPACT DRILL SCREWDRIVERS

This is something new on the market: neither a simple screwdriver nor an impact drill. It even looks different - a short body and a hexagonal cartridge. So what is this thing?

Imagine wrench, securely fastened to the bolt or nut, and a hammer tapping this wrench at a rate of 50 blows per second. This is the operating principle of an impact drill/driver. That is, in the case of an impact drill, the direction of the impact is longitudinal (as if on the back of the tool body), in the case of an impact drill-driver, the direction of the impact is perpendicular (as if on a wrench).

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Impact drill/driver BOSCH EasyImpact 12 0 (without battery)

4699 ₽

When to use an impact drill

• tightening and unscrewing bolts and nuts that are stuck or need to be tightened especially well
• tightening bolts large diameter or with square head
• driving screws into wood or metal (can also be used for drywall if you can work at a reduced speed)
• drilling holes in wood, drywall or metal

Example from life

Mechanics often use impact drills to tighten or loosen bolts on engines. It will be required when repairing almost any equipment with a gasoline engine (lawn mowers, cultivators, snow blowers, generators). Every time you tighten the bolts in metal product, you will need an impact drill/driver.

This tool will also be useful to you if you need to hang shelves in a wall cabinet or sheathe a wall plasterboard sheets, when assembling wooden structures, where it is necessary to screw a large number of ten centimeter screws

WHAT TO CHOOSE: A REGULAR DRILL, IMPACT DRILL OR IMPACT DRILL-DRIVEVER

If you are only going to buy one thing, it is better to choose an impact drill/driver. The new bits allow them to do everything that can be done with a regular drill. As a result, you only miss out on the special function of the impact drill - the ability to work with concrete and brick.

If you can afford to buy two tools and you plan to work with concrete and masonry, pay attention to sets consisting of an impact drill and an impact drill/driver. With an impact drill you can drill in the mode of a regular drill, and you will also have an impact drill-driver when you need to properly tighten bolts and nuts or unscrew stuck ones.

If you are not going to work with concrete and brick, buy a set of a drill and an impact drill/driver.

Most important parameters tool - torque and rotation speed. For household use A screwdriver with a maximum torque of 10-15 Nm is perfect. This makes it easy to tighten even the tightest screws. High torque tools are versatile because they can also drill into hard materials.

For professional expensive screwdrivers, the maximum torque can reach up to 130 Nm.

The choice of rotation speed depends on the tasks that the tool will solve. To tighten screws, a setting of 400-500 rpm will be sufficient. For drilling, you will need a rotation speed of at least 1200-1300 rpm. Higher frequencies are only necessary in exceptional cases.

Also, when choosing a screwdriver, you should pay attention to the gearbox, which ensures rotation of its working shaft at a given angular speed. For tightening, 50 rpm is enough, for drilling - from 1200 to 1500 rpm. Cordless screwdrivers are most often equipped with a planetary gearbox with plastic satellite gears.

Professional or household

If you are in doubt about which screwdriver to choose - household or professional, pay attention to the power and time of continuous operation before recharging. Both indicators for a household screwdriver are much lower, but in everyday life such a tool will cope with all tasks. A household battery is usually equipped with a nickel-cadmium battery, which lasts for 1000 charges.

The cost of household screwdrivers also differs significantly from expensive professional tools, which are advisable to buy exclusively for heavy loads.

It is advisable to choose professional cordless screwdrivers with lithium-ion batteries that do not suffer from the “memory effect” and do not contain cadmium, which is harmful to health. Their only disadvantage is poor resistance to sub-zero temperature. You can also purchase a household or professional screwdriver that operates on mains power. Such tools weigh more and are limited by the length of the cord. It is advisable to choose them for large volumes of work associated with processing hard materials. In addition, when purchasing a screwdriver, give preference not to a pistol-type handle, but to a handle located at its center of gravity. Better yet, read

Hand-held power tools have formed the most popular segment in the construction equipment market. This is largely due to the increase performance qualities and expanding the functionality of this equipment. A striking example 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 device with knowledge of the intricacies of its design, operation and maintenance.

Drill-driver design

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 the clamping chuck. It should be noted right away that today models are still produced that are equipped with carbon brushes. It's wearable consumables, but it is required to maintain optimal performance of the electric motor. Nevertheless, the design of the latest modifications is free of brushes, which simplifies the operation of the device. At the same time, the device of a drill-driver cannot do without a gearbox. Upon closer examination of the designs of different models, you will notice that this element is made of plastic or metal. Preference should be given to one material or another based on the nature of the tool’s use. For heavy, regular and high-performance work, you will need a model with a metal gearbox, however, for infrequent household use, it is quite possible to limit yourself to plastic wear-resistant components at the base of the tool.

Power system - which one to prefer?

Almost all major manufacturers of multifunctional drills contain at least several cordless models in their line. Moreover, there is already a clear trend towards the complete displacement of network devices. But you shouldn’t ignore this class right away. The traditional networked power supply concept has the advantage of minimizing the weight of the tool by eliminating the battery pack, and also offers higher power. In turn, modern batteries for drills and screwdrivers provide the ability to operate the tool away from an outlet for several hours. Kits often provide for the presence of two battery packs, so you can count on alternating operation of energy sources in a continuous mode if, in principle, there is access to the network at the site. Actually, the main advantage of such models lies in independence from direct connection to an outlet.

How to choose a battery for a tool?

The choice between rechargeable devices covers 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 about Ni-Cd batteries They note stable operation in conditions of 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 the device to be recharged until its energy is completely exhausted.

Ni-MH batteries are advantageous due to their low 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 to be a lithium-ion battery. It can be charged without waiting for complete discharge, and without fear of self-discharge during long-term storage. The performance qualities provided by the combination of Li-Ion and drill/driver are also emphasized. Reviews indicate high performance with low weight. Manufacturers produce compact tools with such batteries, which can compete with network analogues in terms of power. The disadvantages of this power source include sensitivity to cold and high cost.

Selection by main characteristics

The power of a 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 for 14-18 V. At the level from 24 V, a cordless impact drill-driver is already found, which has a higher rotation speed and providing the possibility of providing a destructive thrust action. Possibilities for working with materials different types are also determined by torque. For household models it is 15-20 Nm, and professional devices have a value of 130 Nm. Middle class semi-professional devices have 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 you to drill wood, and 80 Nm will open up opportunities for working with solid metals.

What to consider in additional functionality?

Operations of drilling surfaces and tightening 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 assistive options directly in the model. So, among the common additions we can highlight the presence LED backlight, integration of a second handle, laser beam for positioning work equipment, quick-release chuck, etc. In addition, it is worth considering functional additions - especially for home use the option will come in handy soft start, reverse motion, battery charge indicators, etc. Of course, it is unlikely that it will be possible to provide all the options in one device, but it is still worth getting an idea of ​​the most suitable functions in advance. This will allow you to choose the optimal drill/driver. A review of the manufacturers presented below will also allow you to get closer to choosing a suitable unit.

Reviews of Bosch models

One of largest manufacturers power tools, in the family of which you can always find a suitable version of a drill-driver. Among fans of this brand there are many professional craftsmen and home users. Both categories of owners of the German tool note its structural reliability, wide functionality and performance. There is also a variety of models. In the Bosch assortment you can find both an impact device with a voltage of 36 V, and a low-power device like the IXO V basic, the voltage of which is only 3.6 V. As for the options, the company’s developers consistently provide products with built-in LED backlighting, reverse motion, and automatic spindle locking and other functions.

Reviews of Makita models

A direct competitor of Bosch, which also set a high bar for a number of technical and operational parameters. Experienced users of Japanese-made models emphasize the special approach of the developers. On the one hand, the instrument is praised for its adherence to the traditional concept of an optimized design, and on the other hand, many note the steady adherence to the fashion for new technologies. But the main advantage still lies in the design innovations that the Japanese drill-driver has. Reviews, for example, especially highlight the large number of speed modes, more than 10 steps for setting torque, and the constant improvement of the clamping mechanism for working equipment.

Reviews of Metabo models

Another one that, although not widely known like Bosch, is well known in the power tool segment. Drills with this function are famous 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 professional sphere. For example, a standard 18-volt drill/screwdriver, according to owner reviews, copes with almost all types of hardware and has no restrictions on the drilling material.

Reviews of Patriot models

In the construction tools market, there is a whole layer of so-called secondary manufacturers, which are fundamentally inferior to companies like Makita or Bosch in quality. However, there are exceptions, which include the Patriot company, which offers high-quality, functional and reliable devices. The practice of using tools from this company fully confirms the listed characteristics, and some owners also point to the affordable cost - also a logical advantage over first-line brands. Nevertheless, the Patriot drill-driver is still recommended for household use. The level of endurance and performance required in professional construction is still not available to most Patriot models.

Rating of the best models

Based on reviews of specific models and, in general, the practice of using drills and screwdrivers from leading manufacturers, the following rating can be compiled:

1. GSR 14.4-2-LI from Bosch. In terms of functionality, power and cost, this device has no equal. With a voltage of 14.4 V, it is also provided with two speed ranges, an Auto-Lock nozzle changing system, electronic regulators and other options.
2. BS 12 NiCd from Metabo. The model deserves a high position for its reliability, versatility and balanced design with the addition of LED backlighting. A significant advantage 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.
3. Model 6281 DWPE from 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 equipped with a two-speed engine and several torque modes, which expands the possibilities of its application.
4. ONE BR 181Li from Patriot. Thanks to the combination of functionality and 18 V power, this device could claim first place, but the quality of the element base does not yet inspire such confidence as in the case of Bosch, for example.

Before using the tool, it is recommended to check its integrity, quality of fastenings, reliability of installation of equipment and electrical wiring. If you are using a battery pack, you need to check its charge level. Next, the device is configured for a specific operating format. The selection of specific parameters is determined by the material with which a particular drill-driver will deal. The instructions for most models of this type recommend using drills with a guide end when working with wood, which will allow you to hold the cutter in the workpiece under the right angle. As for metal, the main problem when working with it is the drill slipping during the first approach. To facilitate this stage, punching the point where the hole should be located will help.

Tool Maintenance

After each working session, the tool should be cleaned of shavings and sawdust. It is advisable to ventilate all niches and openings, eliminating the risk of clogging critical parts of the structure. The device must be lubricated with special solutions. If you plan to use a drill/driver for your home not on a regular basis, but from repair to repair, then you can limit yourself to standard anti-friction lubricant. In other cases, it is advisable to purchase specialized compounds for gearboxes and bearing groups.

Conclusion

The presence of a drill-driver has long become a necessity in the household, and in the field professional construction Not a single full-scale project can do without it. Another thing is that different areas impose their operational requirements on the tool. For everyday tasks, for example, the capabilities offered by the Patriot drill-driver or devices from domestic companies Interskol and Zubr are quite sufficient. However, complex and responsible professional-level operations cannot do without powerful drum models Metabo, Makita, Bosch, etc. Although the representatives of the two categories may be similar in terms of nominal characteristics, long-term operation reveals significant differences between them in terms of technical endurance, wear resistance and stability in maintaining the work process.

Among hand-held power tools, the drill and screwdriver are among the most common. They significantly improve efficiency where you need to drill holes or handle screw fasteners. The power source for such electrically powered tools can be an ordinary electrical network, compact batteries, compressed air and even gasoline. Rotation in them can be combined with impact functions.

What is a drill

The first drills appeared in ancient times and made it easier to make holes in stone, wood and other materials. When the electric motor was invented, their capabilities expanded significantly. And with the development of metallurgy and the advent of special drills, they began to make holes in metals and stone using an electric drill. Over time, in addition to production, these tools began to be widely used in the household. Their functions gradually expanded. Were invented special devices, allowing grinding various surfaces and polish them.

The invention of abrasive cutting wheels made it possible to use the drill for small cutting jobs, primarily on pipes and metal rods. Modern drills are distinguished by high power, high rotation speed and ergonomics. Made for them various options drills, replaceable chucks, special attachments and devices that allow you to expand the scope of use. For example, with the help of special attachments, various construction mixtures and paints are mixed with a drill. Drills can have regular and impact modes of operation when you need to drill through stone or concrete.

There has been a division into a professional tool and one that can be used at home. Professional is different reliable design and durability, widespread use of rolling bearings. Its parts are made of alloy steels that have undergone heat treatment. The body is made of high-strength plastic, the lubrication system is closed.

The drills have acquired a convenient body shape that houses the electric motor and control devices. They now have switches, power regulators, mechanisms that provide an impact effect, and others useful devices. It has become possible to use drills for tightening and unscrewing screws, screws, and self-tapping screws.

Why do you need a screwdriver?

Equipping drills with compact rechargeable batteries contributed to the creation of screwdrivers, which opened up new possibilities for carpentry, installation and other work. They turned out to be especially convenient in confined spaces, when dismantling and assembling wooden and metal structures, installation of drywall parts.

Externally, this tool differs little from a drill. However, it was specially designed for quick work with screw connections, screws and self-tapping screws. There are models that can also perform drilling operations. The screwdrivers are designed to provide powerful torque. Here high speed rotation is contraindicated. This is ensured primarily by a special gearbox that reduces the speed up to 200-300 per minute with a simultaneous increase in torque. Such a gearbox is controlled by a special regulator that sets the force required for tightening without deforming the screw, screw or self-tapping screw.

To counteract jamming, a reversing device with several speeds is installed, as well as a system that prevents overloads. The screwdriver can be equipped with attachments that allow you to unscrew and tighten nuts. An impact driver tightens screws or nuts using a series of low-power, high-frequency impacts.

Special The release clutch sets the screwing force. It also stops the chuck in case of overload. The use of batteries combined with a screwdriver handle has made it extremely popular in construction, assembly production, and repair of machines and mechanisms. If there is a replaceable power supply, the screwdriver can operate for a long time, which can increase when using the most advanced batteries.

feel the difference

A drill and a screwdriver are good for performing the functions for which they were created. . A drill allows you to quickly and accurately drill a hole. Using a screwdriver, self-tapping screws, nuts, screws and screws can also be quickly tightened and unscrewed. At the same time, both instruments have certain differences.

1. The drill holder in the drill is keyless chuck, for a round drill bit. The screwdriver uses special holders designed for the hexagonal tail of the working bit.
2. A drill, even with adjustment, does not ensure accurate tightening of fasteners, which can lead to damage to the screw head or the attachment that tightens it.

The screwdriver has a special clutch that allows you to adjust the force. As a result, the screw or self-tapping screw is tightened to the required depth.

1. Drills require torque to drill 20 Nm and speed over 1500 rpm. A screwdriver needs 10 Nm and 500 rpm for tightening.
2. Professional drills work less in continuous mode than similar screwdrivers, which wear out less.
3. In an electric drill, it is possible to change the rotation speed. This cannot be done with a screwdriver.
4. The electric drill has inertia after it is turned off, which requires increased attention at work. The screwdriver stops instantly.