There is hardly anything more important than a well and sensibly put-together toolbox in the house. Small repairs always come up, but it is much more important to have the most essential items at hand in emergencies. Of course, you should also know how to use them. A cordless screwdriver is definitely one of the elementary tools. While it is very easy to operate, not all cordless screwdrivers are the same. The technical differences in application come into play here as well. As far as quality differences are concerned, it is worth taking a look at current test reports on corresponding products and including them in your assessment.
These are the fundamental differences
Before purchasing such a tool, every DIY enthusiast should be clear about the differences between the various versions. Each product has different properties, so in case of doubt, it is important to at least roughly estimate the areas in which the screwdriver will be used. The simple cordless screwdriver, for example, is actually only intended for screwing. The screw bits are held in place by a magnetic bit holder. Clear advantages here are the low weight and small size, which also allow you to screw in hard-to-reach places.
The cordless drill/driver is probably the most popular version. Here, a cordless screwdriver and a drill are combined. There is a slow gear for screwing and a fast one for drilling. Drill bits of various sizes are clamped into the drill chuck here. To also be convincing with the drilling function, the power should be at least 10-15 volts.
The cordless impact driver is basically a cordless screwdriver with increased power. The built-in impact mechanism generates a regular vibration movement in the axial direction. A higher torque is achieved than with a cordless screwdriver, so that screws can be tightened more firmly and loosened more easily.
Finally, the cordless impact drill/driver combines all capabilities. It screws and drills with increased power. The increased pressure allows for drilling and screwing into a wide variety of materials, including concrete or stone.
While a cordless screwdriver is certainly sufficient for the essentials for a layperson who has never worked with tools before, a professional DIY enthusiast and, of course, a tradesperson should already have the latter version.
What counts in the end is the battery
The battery is ultimately always the most important part of this tool, because nothing works without it. A distinction is made between the following types:
- Nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd)
- Nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH)
- Lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion)
The corresponding designation can usually be found on the battery itself or in the data sheet of the operating manual.
Lithium-ion batteries offer the best performance because they are smaller and lighter with the same capacity, making them easier to handle and use for longer periods.
This is what you should pay attention to when buying
Of course, there are regularly very cheap offers at discount stores that sound quite tempting. However, there is usually a problem at the latest when something breaks or is missing: spare parts for such models are only available in the rarest of cases. If they are, they are excessively expensive. It is therefore worth not just looking at the price, but buying a quality model that is slightly more expensive to purchase, but will last longer and do its job. In addition, brand manufacturers offer a much more extensive range of different models and the corresponding advice. A clear example of a large variety is the Makita cordless screwdriver, which is available for almost every DIY requirement.
To be absolutely sure that you don't make a bad purchase, the following 10 tips should be considered when buying a cordless screwdriver:
- first consider what the tool is needed for
- find out what performance such a device should offer
- find out about different manufacturers
- “try it out” in a hardware store to see how it feels in your hand
- look at quality comparisons
- compare prices
- check warranty services
- determine how long spare parts will be available
- question how long the battery lasts
- ask what a replacement battery costs
