Let's understand the question: what is the difference between a drill and a screwdriver and which is better? What is better to choose a drill or a screwdriver for the home? What does a drill/screwdriver mean?

Externally, a drill and a screwdriver are not much different. But this is at first glance. When does the need arise for a tool that can tighten screws, drill holes, cut metal, grind different surfaces, then the question arises: should I buy a screwdriver or a drill?

Description of the screwdriver

Screwdriver - pistol-shaped hand power tool for tightening/unscrewing screws, self-tapping screws, screws and other threaded hardware with slotted and hexagonal heads. It is used in everyday life and in production for installation/dismantling of furniture, fences, roofs. If special equipment is available, surfaces are ground and holes are drilled. Powered by mains electricity or battery - some versions (pneumatic) operate on compressed air. The device as a whole consists of a housing, a mounting unit, mechanical and electrical parts, as well as adjustment and protection systems. Main structural elements:

• plastic or metal body with rubberized handle;
• an electric (pneumatic) motor performing rotation;
• planetary gearbox: creates a transmission from the motor to the spindle with a chuck;
• an adjusting coupling adjacent to the gearbox;
• clamp cartridge for fixing attachments;
• electronic control unit with start button and reverse switch;
• battery: present only in models of the same name.

First, a bit with a 6-sided shank is inserted and fixed into the chuck; the clutch sets the tightening torque (there are from 8 to 25 positions); A corded screwdriver, unlike a cordless screwdriver, is connected to an outlet. When you press the start button, the engine starts, which, through a planetary gearbox, begins to rotate the spindle with the chuck and bit - the stronger the force, the higher the speed. After tightening the screw, the resistance to rotation increases, as a result the ratchet slips and the transmission stops. When unscrewing the hardware, the reverse is activated - the equipment begins to work counterclockwise.

Description of the drill

Drill - manual electric car in the shape of a pistol. Designed for making holes in products made of wood, metal (steel), plastic, brick and (reinforced concrete) concrete. Used in construction and repair - at the industrial and domestic level as preliminary installation work. Modern devices, in addition to performing direct functions, “perform” work grinder, grinder, mixer, network or cordless screwdriver. Unit design:

• plastic (or aluminum) case with a rubberized handle and an additional handle;
• commutator motor with stator, rotor, armature and brushes;
• quick-release chuck that fixes the attachment (drill);
• start button: latches into place during long-term operation;
• speed controller: adjustable depending on the processing material;
• cord with plug for connecting to the mains;
• metal stop rod: controls drilling depth;
• LED illumination of the work area.

Drilling begins with setting the depth limiter and setting the speed: the harder the product, the lower the speed should be. The handle is grabbed and the “start” button is pressed: the direction of the equipment must be along the axis of the hole in perspective. Through the spindle, rotation is transmitted to the gearbox; as a result, the drill plunges into a beam, corner, or reinforced concrete foundation. The work is carried out with technical care, since, for example, a Bosch drill or an Interskol drill develops a speed of ≈ 1300 rpm - plus / minus depending on the model.

Types of drills and screwdrivers

Variety of screwdrivers

Tools for installing / dismantling self-tapping screws are different - depending on various criteria are divided into types.

• The corded screwdriver has a cord with a plug, connects to a socket (220 V), and does not depend on the operating time. It weighs little, is relatively inexpensive and can be used for a long time. But it is useless when the electrical network is not available.
• The cordless screwdriver runs on batteries, is easy to use, and is not “tied” to mains electricity. But it weighs more and is more expensive compared to its previous analogue. Requires periodic charging.
• Household models are relatively cheap, but have low power and meager equipment. Rarely used; When working you need long breaks.
• Professional versions are more powerful - they can work an entire shift without stopping. They are equipped with wear-resistant parts and are more expensive.

The devices are also divided according to the features of use. You can buy a screwdriver along with a cable and a battery. Available in versions for hex shank drills and grinding attachments. Modifications with impact function and pneumatic drive are available.

Variety of drills

Modern drills are equipped not only with standard drills: pobedit tips, diamond bits and other types of equipment are used as cutting edges. Any bits are fixed in 2 ways: self-clamping and using a key.

• Self-clamping tools are equipped with a chuck that locks the drill in a few movements. For most jobs, this design simplifies operation and speeds up the task.
• The second option for fastening the drill is carried out using a key: on one end there is a disk with teeth, on the other there is a T-shaped handle. This version of the design is rarely used - only in outdated large-sized models for processing material with high hardness.

Modern drills use additional options. Shock and pulse are used for deep “drilling” of concrete. When working in mines, models with a pneumatic operating principle are used. The following versions are also used: drills, diamond drills, angle drills, mixers.

Options for selecting screwdrivers and drills

Technical characteristics of the screwdriver

The screwdriver is selected according to its type and technical characteristics. U household appliances torque is up to 16 Nm, for professional devices – up to 130 Nm; the rotation speed, respectively, reaches 600 rpm and 1300 rpm. The screwdriver battery is characterized by the following parameters: nickel-cadmium – resource up to 1 thousand “charge/discharge” cycles; lithium-ion does not have a memory factor - it is recharged at any time; Nickel-metal hybrid has 5 hundred charges - does not function in cold weather. When choosing, pay attention to the type of chuck: it can be cam (key) and quick-clamping - 1- and 2-clutch.

Technical characteristics of the drill

A classic example of a drill is the Bosch GSB 13 RE model. Has a power of 0.6 kW, speed control. Equipped with a quick-release chuck, a wheel for adjusting speed, and a switch for operating modes. In stock electronic system control, there is a holder for standard equipment. To avoid damage to the mechanics and to unscrew the screws, reverse is provided - the switch is conveniently located at the distance of a finger of the “working” hand. Drills metal (diameter 1 cm), brick (Ø 1.3 cm), wood (Ø 2.5 cm).

Differences between a drill and a screwdriver

Conclusions from the above information.

• Direct purpose of the screwdriver: installation / dismantling of threaded hardware: screws, self-tapping screws, screws, as well as bolts and nuts small sizes. Related functions available to modern devices are grinding and making holes. The efficiency of work for indirect purposes is inferior to specialized tools. Distinctive characteristic: accentuated ability to adjust the torque force. Thanks to this option, the tool tightens the hardware until it stops without compromising quality: the screw in its head only deepens to the level of the working surface.
• The drill is designed for making holes: in wood, metal, concrete, plastic. Unlike a screwdriver, the main indicator is the rotation speed, the optimal value of which determines the effectiveness of the result. The drill can also perform additional functions(with certain equipment): grind different surfaces and cut metal, wood, plastic. The tool can also tighten screws, but doing this work requires skill and experience. Otherwise, you cannot avoid pushing through the hardware, breaking off the splines, or jamming the tip.

The conclusion is obvious. Professionals need to buy different instruments. At the household level, for periodic use, you can do the same or, more appropriately, purchase a drill-driver.

Reading time: 7 minutes. Published 11/18/2018

In the construction tool store you can find a huge number of various devices, facilitating Finishing work. For example, a screwdriver and a drill look similar enough in appearance that many people believe that they are designed to perform the same functions. Many craftsmen even deliberately use a screwdriver to drill holes. But in fact, these two tools have significant differences.

Definition

To find the differences between a drill and a screwdriver, it is necessary to consider them in detail. These instruments have external similarities, but also have a huge number of structural and functional differences. The operating principle is also different. In this article we will look at the difference between a screwdriver and a drill.

Drill

A drill is a hand-held electrical device, made in the shape of a pistol.

It is used for drilling holes in workpieces made of wood, metal, brick, plastic or concrete (reinforced concrete structures).

Most often, a drill is used during construction work or renovation of premises in industrial or domestic conditions.

Modern models of instruments have additional functionality. For example, you can use them to grind a surface, use them as an angle grinder or a construction mixer.

The drill design consists of the following elements:

1. Body made of plastic or aluminum with a rubberized handle and an additional handle;
2. Brushed motor with rotor, starter, armature and brushes;
3. Keyless chuck (used to hold the attachment);
4. Start button, fixed in a certain position during long-term work;
5. Knob for adjusting speeds (it should be adjusted according to the material being processed);
6. Power cord for connecting to an outlet;
7. Metal stop (made in the form of a rod, necessary to control the depth of the holes);
8. LED backlight for precision.

Before starting tasks, you should set the depth stop to the desired position and also adjust the speed. This is done depending on the structure of the material (the harder the workpiece, the fewer revolutions are required).

Then you need to take the tool by the handle and press the start button. Be sure to direct the nozzle along the same axis that should be at the hole in the material. Changing the angle is prohibited. From the spindle, torsion is transmitted to the gearbox, which allows the drill to enter the prepared surface. Most drills develop quite high speeds, so all work should be done carefully.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is hand tool, made in the form of a pistol.

It is designed for unscrewing or tightening screws, screws, self-tapping screws, as well as other threaded hardware with hexagonal or slotted heads.

It is often used at home and in production. Using a screwdriver, it is convenient to mount or dismantle furniture, roofing, and fences.

If the tool comes with a special attachment, it is also used for grinding surfaces and drilling holes, thereby the manufacturer has combined a drill and a screwdriver in one tool. The screwdriver can be powered by a power outlet or battery. Some models operate on compressed air (pneumatics). The design of the tool consists of a body, a fastening unit, electrical and mechanical parts, as well as a protection and adjustment system.

Components of the screwdriver design:

1. Body made of metal or plastic with a rubberized handle;
2. An electric (or gas) motor that turns the nozzles;
3. Planetary gearbox (performs transmission from the motor to the spindle with clamp);
4. Clutch for adjustment, which is connected to the chuck;
5. Clamp cartridge (holds the nozzle in place);
6. Electronic control unit (it contains a reverse switch and a start button);
7. Battery or power cord.

For the tool to function, a bit with a hex shank must be inserted and secured into the chuck. Also, using the coupling, the tightening torque is set (depending on the model, there may be 8-5 positions). When you press the start button, the engine turns on, which, using a planetary gearbox, begins to rotate the spindle and the chuck with the bat. The more force is applied, the higher the speed rises.

Once the self-tapping screw is completely screwed into the surface, the resistance increases significantly. This causes the ratchet to slip and stop the transmission. If it is necessary to unscrew the self-tapping screw, then reverse comes into play. It launches the nozzles in the opposite direction.

To work with a screwdriver, you do not need to follow any special safety rules. You just need to be careful and careful when working with nozzles.

Comparison

To find differences between tools, you should conduct comparative analysis. You can evaluate the characteristics of devices and the types of work that can be performed using them. Only after this the master will be able to determine which tool will be best for him.

According to technical characteristics

Each device has individual characteristics. More expensive models have high power, and budget options often unable to drill holes of sufficient depth. But the tools also have General characteristics, inherent in most popular models.

Device specifications:

• Screwdriver. Models for private use most often have a torque of 16 Nm and a rotation speed of 600 rpm. Professional tools boast 130 Nm and 1300 rpm. There are several types of batteries. Nickel-cadmium can be fully charged and discharged up to a thousand times. Lithium-ion does not have a memory factor, so it can easily be recharged at any time. There is also a nickel-metal hybrid battery. Its capacity is enough for 500 full charges, but use the tool when low temperatures will not work. Also, a screwdriver can have two types of chuck: key (or cam) and quick-clamping, with one or two clutches.
• Drill. Classic tools have a power of 0.6 kW, as well as the ability to regulate speed. The device has a clamping chuck, as well as a wheel for setting the number of revolutions and a mode switch. Also often present electronic control and a holder for attachments. To protect the mechanism from damage and loosening of screws, there is a reverse mechanism. Its location allows you to use the function with your finger working hand.

This information suggests that the speed of the drill is much higher than that of a screwdriver. Therefore, with its help, large amounts of work can be completed faster.

By type of work and purpose

Tasks are performed using a drill and screwdriver different plans. Their differences are as follows:

Important! To perform some types of work, it is enough to use one of the tools. However, if you have no experience in the construction industry, it is better to stock up on all the devices, otherwise the end result will be disappointing.

A drill and a screwdriver have external similarities, but their design and functionality vary. If the main task that a person plans to perform after purchasing a tool is tightening screws, then you should simply choose a screwdriver. If he needs the tool as a device for drilling holes, then it would be better to opt for a drill.

Choosing a tool is not an easy task. You need to fit into the budget, choose a copy with good characteristics and not make a mistake in choosing the manufacturer. In this article we will talk about how to choose a screwdriver, what types they are, and which one is better.

The first thing you need to decide when choosing a screwdriver is whether you need a household tool or a professional one. The difference between them is significant. First of all, the working resource differs. Professional models are made of more durable and expensive materials. They can serve for several years even with constant use in production. Household models last several times less, but also cost several times less.

You need to choose the class of screwdriver - household or professional

If you need a screwdriver “to have it” - for various chores around the house or cottage, an inexpensive household model will be enough. They usually have a one-year warranty, but can last quite a long time. If serious repairs are planned or construction begins, a screwdriver will have more than enough work. Then a professional or semi-professional model will come in handy. But some owners decide that it is better to purchase two household tools than one professional one. In general, how to choose a screwdriver based on this parameter is up to you.

Impact wrench, screwdriver, screwdriver, drill-driver... which is better

When looking at models of screwdrivers, you are sure to come across impact wrenches, screwdrivers and drill-drivers. How they differ and which is better to choose are two questions that many people have. The main difference is in the purpose of the tool:

As is clear from the description, for construction or household work There is a choice between a screwdriver and a drill-driver. The second modification is a universal tool that has two modes of operation - drilling and tightening screws. It's good for occasional use. That is, if large-scale work is not expected, but you need (or want) a tool on the farm, this is great choice. But, if you are starting a construction project, major renovation, it’s better to take a separate drill and screwdriver. As practice has shown, under prolonged loads they cope with their responsibilities better than combined devices.

If you need a drill/driver, in addition to the parameters important for a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to the parameters for the drill:

• What materials can it be used for drilling? There are universal ones that can work with wood, concrete and metal. They are distinguished by high power and high price. They are only available for working with wood and concrete.
• Maximum drilling diameter for each material. Typically, in softer materials (wood) the hole diameter is larger, in concrete and metal it is smaller. But there are also exceptions.

For domestic use, a drill-driver without metal drilling is often recommended. This function is available in powerful units that are expensive. You don’t have to drill metal very often, so this power is often excessive. And for drilling metal, it’s better to still have a drill.

Mains power or batteries

There are two types of screwdrivers - mains-powered and battery-powered. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a corded screwdriver is that it works as long as there is voltage in the network. Second positive point— it costs less than similar battery-powered tools. But the biggest advantage of corded screwdrivers is that they can remain idle for as long as desired without compromising performance. Cordless tools require regular “training” during periods of long periods of inactivity. Batteries must be discharged and recharged periodically. Otherwise, they may not “wake up.”

There are also disadvantages - the power cord limits freedom of movement and sometimes gets in the way quite a bit. The second drawback is that 220 volts are not available everywhere, and on construction sites this is generally rare. The question of how to choose a screwdriver that operates from the mains is practically not worth it. All you need to pay attention to is the length power cord. The longer it is, the more convenient it is - there is no need to use a carrier. The rest of the choice lies in the selection of technical parameters.

Cordless screwdrivers also have their pros and cons. Plus - greater mobility and independence from power supply. The downside is a higher price, more weight and the need to recharge the batteries. That is, dependence on power supply still exists, but not so severely.

If desired, you can have a second set of batteries (many companies immediately equip their tools with two batteries). This will ensure virtually uninterrupted operation. Despite the inconvenience of charging and extra weight, most people decide to purchase a cordless screwdriver. And when they talk about how to choose a screwdriver, they mean a battery-powered tool. If you come to this opinion, you need to understand the types of power elements.

Selection by battery type

Batteries for screwdrivers come in different types. And the cost of the tool largely depends on the type of batteries. What’s also interesting is that a new set of batteries costs almost the same as the tool with this power supply included. Therefore, you should be careful about the rules for using batteries.

Types of batteries for screwdrivers

Let us briefly consider the types of ABs, their advantages, disadvantages and features.

Most of the tools on the market are equipped nickel-cadmium batteries. They are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Expensive professional models use lithium-ion cells. How to choose a screwdriver? Pay attention to the type of battery, since the rules for recharging and storing depend on their type.

Battery parameters

When choosing a cordless screwdriver, be sure to pay attention to the parameters of the power source. The duration of operation on one charge and some other points depend on them. Here's what you should look at first:

Also pay attention to whether batteries are included with the battery and their number. Usually two pieces come with the tool, but there are only screwdrivers without AB. Before choosing a screwdriver with a battery, decide on the type of battery and its parameters.

Chuck type

There are two types of screwdrivers: keyed and quick-release chucks. The second option is more convenient, since the bits are released and clamped by turning the chuck, without additional devices. In this case, the tool is held with the left hand and the chuck is rotated with the right. Keyless chucks come in two types - with one or two couplings. The second coupling serves to lock the shaft so that the nozzle can be changed. If there is only one clutch, there is a button on the housing to lock the shaft, with which the shaft is locked. In this case, before starting to replace the nozzle, press the shaft lock button, hold it, and replace it. Release the button, you can work.

There are two types of quick-release chucks - single-clutch and double-clutch

An additional advantage of the quick-release chuck is that you can install a nozzle with a shank of any diameter into it. The main thing is that it fits into the holder. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we pay attention to such a parameter as the diameter of the chuck. It determines the maximum diameter of the nozzle that can be installed.

Key ammo required special key. It is inserted into the hole in the chuck, turning in one direction or the other, and the bit or drill is released or clamped. This tool costs a little less, since its design is a little simpler.

Selecting parameters

To fully answer the question “how to choose a screwdriver”, you need to talk about technical specifications. The parameters of the batteries and cartridge have already been discussed, there are still some technical characteristics that need to be paid attention to.

Torque

IN technical specifications there is a line “Maximum torque”. This is an indicator that shows how much force the tool can develop. It is measured in Nm (Newton per meter). For a household (amateur) tool or for a “clean” screwdriver, it is enough for the maximum torque to be 10-15 Nm. For a professional and universal one (with a drilling function), it should be larger - in order to quickly and confidently do the necessary work even on hard materials or screw in powerful screws.

Number of steps

For different materials and different screws require different torque. It is changed using a special switch, which allows you to change it from minimum (1 Nm) to maximum. The number of steps may vary. The more there are, the more accurately you can select the required force. This is not so important for corded screwdrivers, but it is important for cordless ones - with heavier loads, the batteries discharge faster. Therefore, it is important to choose the optimal mode.

To track when the drill has reached the specified torque, the moment this parameter is exceeded, the chuck rotates idle, making clicking noises. This mechanism protects the instrument from overheating and is popularly called a “ratchet”. Useful feature, which prolongs the life of the screwdriver.

Torque selection

How to choose a screwdriver based on torque? If you buy a tool for a specific type of work, you can focus on the diameter of the screws that will have to be tightened. This parameter is also in the technical specifications, but there is the following dependency:

These parameters will also be useful during work - you can immediately set the required values, only slightly adjusting the value for a specific case. So, when working with drywall, you will need a lower value so as not to overtighten the screws and not pierce the cardboard. You will have to select the torque depending on the type of wood - the screws go into spruce with more force than into pine.

Spindle speed or speed

The torque must be provided by a sufficient spindle speed. To work with soft materials type of wood, normal speed is 400-500 rpm, to work with concrete or metal, faster rotation is required - 1200-1300 rpm - this is normal.

So when choosing a screwdriver, look not only at the torque, but also at the spindle speed. They must be agreed upon. Only then will it be convenient to work with the tool in different modes.

Number of speeds

There are screwdrivers that can operate at two speeds. These are mainly professional and semi-professional models. Speeds are switched depending on the density of the material being worked with. You can try different speeds and with screws of different sizes.

Having two speeds is useful for professional models

Selecting the speed allows you to save battery power. As a result, the tool lasts longer on a single charge. For household models, this is not the most necessary option, but it is nice to have.

Additional options and convenience

And the last thing people pay attention to when deciding which screwdriver to choose is ease of use. It’s definitely worth paying attention to how comfortable the instrument “fits” in your hand. You often have to work for several hours at a time, and if your hand gets tired quickly, it becomes torture. For greater comfort on the handle they do rubber pads. They significantly increase the comfort of use. There are other options that make your work easier.

Availability of reverse

Almost all modern screwdrivers have reverse motion or reverse. It allows you to quickly unscrew a screw or pull out a drill stuck in the material. Reverse motion is activated using a special button, which is located near the trigger.

To prevent the tool from immediately changing direction (accidental pressing of the reverse button is possible), many models, for safety reasons, have an intermediate mode. After switching, the shaft stops, and only then does it start in the opposite direction.

Belt feeding of screws

This option is only needed in production, where a screwdriver is used constantly. Fasteners are installed in special plastic tapes(that's how it's sold). This tape automatically feeds the next screw onto the attachment after the previous one has been tightened.

Screwdriver with belt feed screws

This option saves quite a lot of time, but the price of such a tool is high. For home use this “bells and whistles” are not the best The best way spend money.

Installation work both on a construction site and at home is inextricably linked with the operations of tightening hardware and drilling. Such measures are required when installing equipment, finishing materials, laying communications, etc. To solve such problems, special power tools are used - a screwdriver and a drill. What is the difference between them? Despite working with different attachments, there are not that many differences, but they do exist. The difference is largely due to design features and functional content.

General information about the screwdriver

This is designed for unscrewing and tightening screws, bolts and self-tapping screws. Home operational feature A screwdriver can be called an automatic stop of rotation at the moment when maximum resistance is reached. That is, when the hardware is twisted to the limit. What is the difference between a screwdriver and a drill in terms of the attachment design? IN in this case a bit is used with which the tool interacts with the screw by gripping its groove like a screwdriver. For efficient work With such a tool, it is necessary to initially select the correct rotation speed. Standard models of screwdrivers offer 2-3 speeds to choose from. The first maintains a low number of revolutions, but with high torque. This is the optimal mode for working with fasteners. Higher rotation speeds are intended for additional tasks or work with non-standard screws.

General information about the drill

This is also a popular and in demand type of power tool on the construction market, the main task of which is to drill holes. In this case, drills of different formats are used as attachments. Just like they are provided with means of automatic control of the work process with the ability to stop it, but with a different principle of operation. For example, even models at the lowest price level have a travel blocker in their design. Drilling often goes into a “wedge” when working with solid bases. If there are such risks, then it is advisable to use a drill with reverse (reverse stroke), which, if necessary, will allow you to remove the drill with minimal labor costs. By the way, multi-position models, thanks to regulators, allow you to configure the device specifically to work with a particular material. The same torque is adjusted specifically for drilling metal, wood, plastic and even concrete.

Characteristics of screwdrivers

The power of the electric motor is the main indicator of the operating potential of a given tool. Household models have a power of 300-400 W, and for professional devices this figure exceeds 1200 W. In cordless versions, power is expressed in volts - for example, the Hammer screwdriver modification ACD141B is equipped with a 14.4 V power unit, and the maximum value for a high-performance tool of this type reaches 42 V.

Torque is also important in terms of fastener handling capabilities. It is expressed in rotational speed (Nm) and can reach 1235 Nm (Makita 6980 FDWAE model). It is worth emphasizing how a screwdriver differs from a drill in this regard? In this case, the number of revolutions represents the maximum tightening torque. It can also be adjusted depending on the size of the screw. For drills, the emphasis is on hole diameter, although the frequency ranges are on average equal.

Drill characteristics

In relation to drills, it is important to take into account the rotation speed of the chuck. This is the number of revolutions the spindle makes around its axis. In the middle segment, most models provide a speed of 4600 rpm - this value allows you to make standard holes for laying communications in everyday life. However, to create large-format holes, you cannot do without the impact function with a vibration pulse. For example, if a hammerless corded drill allows you to make holes up to 11-13 mm in solid bases, then the vibration effect increases the diameter to 16-18 mm even in a domestic class. The power potential generally corresponds to the performance of screwdrivers - 250-350 W. In choosing, the emphasis is placed directly on the size of the planned hole. The higher the power, the more possibilities for installation operations.

Functional support

Modern screwdrivers are equipped with the ability to adjust torque, backlight, pulse mode and engine brake. What is the difference between a screwdriver and a drill in terms of functionality? Many of their protective options and design mechanisms are similar due to general principle creating torque, but for drills the presence of reverse motion is more important, since the likelihood of the nozzle getting stuck increases. Premium versions also support continuous drilling mode, which may be required when working with problematic materials. In this case, you will not need to constantly hold your finger on the start button.

Tool power system

Both screwdrivers and electric drills today are represented by models with different types energy supply. Traditionally, instruments of both categories operate from a regular outlet - these are lightweight and compact devices, but they are dependent on access to a power source. Moreover, for unstressed corded drill Compactness and lightness are fundamentally important, since the degree of pressure from the user is required to be small.

The presence of a battery pack eliminates the need to connect the device to an outlet, but increases the weight and dimensions of the tool. As a rule, rechargeable batteries with lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium cells are used as a source. Average cordless drills and screwdrivers can work autonomously for 45-60 minutes. For ease of use, many manufacturers include a spare power supply in the kit, which can be used while charging the main battery.

Features of the drill-driver

The popularity of multifunctional devices that combine the functions of drilling and screwing hardware is also increasing. If the tools in question with one of these functions are designed for serial operation in one mode, then a drill-driver is optimally suited for a universal master whose activities are related to various technical operations. It is important to keep in mind that the design of a multifunctional device is heavier, more complex and almost always involves battery powered, which ultimately affects the reduction in maneuverability. As for expanding functionality, for example, the Makita DF457DWE drill-driver is equipped with a two-speed gearbox, thanks to which you can fine-tune the torque for different drilling and tightening operations (choice of 16 steps). To this it is worth adding the presence of a quick-release chuck, which allows you to quickly change attachments.

Equipment and consumables

For a full-fledged work process, you will need bits for hardware of a suitable format and drills for holes. As a rule, the instrument of both groups is already in basic configuration Comes with accessories kits. What is the difference between a screwdriver and a drill in terms of additional support? It is important to consider the means personal protection and possibilities for dust removal, if we're talking about about using a drill. The fact is that drilling in concrete structures is accompanied by the release of large volumes of construction dirt. In this case percussion models have a special connection pipe industrial vacuum cleaner, which sucks up the escaping dust directly during drilling. It will also be a good idea to prepare protective equipment - goggles, construction headphones, gloves and a respirator.

Conclusion

Drills and screwdrivers - irreplaceable helpers in the households of those who periodically carry out construction or renovation work. Moreover, these can be not only operations related to drilling and fastening. Thanks to the attachments, both tools are also capable of cleaning and polishing surfaces. In terms of price, the difference between them is small. The average Hammer ACD142 14.4 V screwdriver with two batteries is available for 4 thousand rubles. A drill of equivalent power costs about the same. Once again, it is worth emphasizing that the differences between the two categories of power tools are increasingly blurred by the emergence of multifunctional models. They perform extended range tasks, supporting and impact function with chiseling solid structures. This feature brings drills and screwdrivers closer to the rotary hammer segment.

Hi all! In today’s article I’ll tell you how a drill differs from a screwdriver, since not everyone understands the difference between them and, in the end, doesn’t know what to choose.

To begin with, I propose to define the terms. Based on the manufacturers' terminology, they call a screwdriver the device shown in Figure 1. This is a corded screwdriver with adjustable rotation speed, reverse, and also has a device that makes it possible to avoid breaking the slots of the nozzle (bit).

Manufacturers call drills both the machine shown in Figure 2 and the devices shown in Figures 3 and 4, which are popularly called drill-drivers (mains-powered or battery-powered) or simply screwdrivers.

In order not to get confused, in this article we will assign the following names to each unit:

• I will call the tool from Figure 1 a screwdriver
• from Figure 2 - drill
• from Figures 3 and 4 - drill-driver.

At the same time, I note that difficulties in choosing arise precisely between the last two types, since with a conventional screwdriver everything seems to be so clear. But it’s too early to describe all three devices.

Screwdriver

The screwdriver can only be used for tightening screws, since it only has a hexagonal seat exactly for the beats. Although it should be said that there are also drills with a hexagonal fit, like bits, but usually they only come in small diameters, and they are not on sale everywhere.

Thus, based on this tool, we conclude that it can only be purchased for tightening self-tapping screws. At the same time, we remember that it is tied to the network, which means you won’t be able to work with it autonomously.

It is most convenient to use this unit in any assembly shop, where work on screwing in self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws is carried out at one specific workplace.

Drill

The main function of a drill is drilling. However, if there is speed and reverse adjustment (and most models now have them), it can also be used as a screwdriver.

However, they lack any mechanism to automatically prevent the bat from falling off.

Often, when tightening a self-tapping screw with a drill, its head may be excessively sunk into the material, or the slots of the bit will rotate in the head, which can cause them to be torn off.

Therefore, here you have to rely only on your hands and head.

According to the drill, the verdict will be as follows. Buy it if you plan to mainly drill. But keep in mind that sometimes it can also be used as a screwdriver - after all, this is in any case more convenient than turning with a screwdriver.

Drill/driver

This tool is universal. They can be used to drill and tighten a self-tapping screw without fear of ruining the bit or unnecessarily sinking the head into the material.

There is an adjustable mechanism (popularly called a ratchet) through which the rotation passes. When the specific resistance you set is reached, it simply turns with a click, and the bit remains in place intact.

In addition, a drill-driver differs from a conventional electric drill in that it is equipped with a gearbox with a larger gear ratio. Therefore, with the same engine power, the drill-driver has higher value torque. This means that, for example, a corded drill/driver with a 400 W motor power will have the same torque as a 700-800 W drill. However, the dimensions will be smaller.

The price for this is a lower number of maximum spindle revolutions. If on drills it reaches a value of 3000 rpm, then on drills-screwdrivers their number is no more than 600-800. And if it is two-speed, then the revolutions will still not exceed 1500 per minute.

Thus, we conclude that the drill-driver is a good universal option, since it can perform most of both drilling and screwdriver work.

However, such a tool will not replace a drill in jobs where it is required high speed rotation of the cartridge. This is, for example, drilling bricks, when the work takes place in shock mode. And although some models of drill-drivers have an impact mechanism, due to the low speed it is not very effective.

It is also worth remembering that drills not only drill, but also, for example, knead mortars using a mixing attachment. And here, too, high turnover is required. Therefore, a drill-driver is also not suitable for such work.

It’s worth mentioning separately about cordless drills and screwdrivers. Firstly, drills and screwdrivers are made with a battery, but there are no classic drills with a rotation speed of up to 3000 rpm with a battery.

Secondly, using battery technology has both its pros and cons.

The advantages include the following:

• autonomy of work - that is, the ability to work for a certain amount of time away from power grids with pre-charged batteries;
• no wires, which can be convenient, for example, when working on the roof.

The disadvantages are the following:

• aging of batteries - with frequent use, they usually last no more than 3 years, and if used rarely, they still age and in any case become unusable after 5-8 years, even if they just lie idle;
• inability to immediately begin work if it suddenly turns out that the batteries are discharged.

These are my thoughts on this issue. I hope that after reading the article you understand for yourself what tool you need. Let me finish here - see you next time!