Impact or non-impact screwdriver: what to choose and in what case

The main feature that distinguishes a screwdriver from a drill is its compactness and the ability to operate autonomously. Just a few years ago, the operating time of the device without recharging was relatively short, but today, after the advent of more capacious and energy-efficient batteries, manufacturers were able to significantly increase the mobility of screwdrivers and provide them with new functions. One of them is the impact mechanism. What is better - an impact or non-impact screwdriver, and what criteria should you use to choose this tool?

Rating of the best impact and non-impact screwdrivers

Description of the drill

Unlike a screwdriver, it evolved from a drill, so it is best at drilling holes. The material can be almost anything, from plastic to concrete, so it is actively used in construction work. With specialized attachments it can replace a grinder, mixer, or grinder.

Drill device

The main components are similar, but there are differences:

• instead of the force at which the mechanism slips, a separate regulator changes the rotation speed;
• often equipped with a rod that allows you to limit the drilling depth;
• The impact drill also has a switch between main drilling and alternative impact mode (impacts go along the axis of the nozzle, enhancing the penetrating effect);
• There is an additional handle for a two-handed grip so that you can confidently hold the tool at high rotation speeds.

Model with an additional handle
To work, you need to adjust the position of the limiter rod, select the speed (on hard materials it needs to be lowered). At the same time, the number of revolutions is significantly higher – up to 1500 per minute. There is also a function to lock the power button so that you don’t have to hold it while punching a long hole. Additionally, the average cordless drill differs from a typical screwdriver in its shorter operating time, since it requires more power.

Differences between an impact screwdriver and a non-impact screwdriver, advantages and disadvantages

An impact screwdriver has advantageous advantages over its non-impact counterpart:

1. Such a screwdriver makes not only circular, but also reciprocating movements, thanks to which it can drill in brickwork, concrete and hard wood.
2. Increased load resistance thanks to the robust spindle.
3. The tool is capable of pulling out even screws with worn edges or a damaged cross.

However, the impact screwdriver also has flaws:

• rapid wear of the pusher mechanism (especially in budget models);
• shock mode affects the speed of operation and increases the noise level during use;
• The use of jaw chucks and torque limiting clutches is excluded.

What to choose and in what case?

For professional work, the best choice would be powerful impact screwdrivers from Bosch, Makita, Einhell, DWT and other well-known brands. They will not let you down in construction and repair, and will help cope with damaged or outdated threaded connections. It is better to give preference to models with a high spindle speed and a capacious battery.

At the same time, for home use you should pay attention to cheaper models. The same companies offer entry-level non-impact tools; in addition, good impact and non-impact screwdrivers can be found from domestic manufacturers and Chinese brands, for example, Zenit, Vityaz, Intertool, Sigma.

Ultimately, the only thing you need to know for sure before choosing any tool is where, for what and under what conditions it will be used. Based on this, it is easy to choose a model that will fully satisfy all your requirements.

Kinds

The classification of impact screwdrivers is not so extensive, but is still capable of driving many inexperienced consumers into a dead end. What is most confusing is the logic in dividing tools into drills, screwdrivers and screwdrivers, but in reality everything here is extremely simple: the mechanism is generally the same for all, and the exact name depends on the attachment.

Thus, a drill is usually equipped with a drill for making holes, and a screwdriver and screwdriver can also screw in fasteners. Some models require simple replacement of attachments, so they may have complex compound names like “screwdriver-drill,” but if such multifunctionality is not provided, the unit is called the most accurate term.

Often, when choosing, beginners are also confused by the fact that the device is supposedly electric and pneumatic. Electric models are the most common, especially at home, but pneumatic ones are perhaps very rare models that will definitely not be in demand at home; their main places of use are various service stations and tire shops.

Since the screwdriver runs on electricity, it should be noted that it can be either mains or battery-powered. The first is good for minor home repairs or daily work in a well-equipped workshop, because it is lighter and the technician does not need to constantly remember to charge the battery.

However, it is the battery version that is the only solution during the construction process or for outdoor use, when the work site does not require the presence of functioning outlets.

Operating rules

The use of an impact screwdriver will be safe and most effective only if it is done correctly. Obviously the first tip is to read the instructions before use, but there are other sensible tips for use.

For example, if possible, do not set the equipment to maximum torque, because this can simply tear many fragile materials with a treated surface, and you will ruin the workpiece. In addition, working at maximum speeds up the wear of the tool, not to mention the fact that in this mode it must be held more tightly, otherwise there may even be a risk of injury.

The operating modes, by the way, are described in the instructions for a reason - each of them assumes optimal settings for performing this particular task, but may not be suitable for another. So, drilling is needed to make holes, and the screwdriver mode is needed to screw in fasteners; when used, on the contrary, efficiency decreases, but the risk of injury increases.

It is absolutely unacceptable to change the settings on the go, with the chuck rotating - this can break the unit.

Always wear safety glasses and gloves, especially when working with fragile materials. When drilling into walls, make sure there are no electrical wires there in advance. Remember that the continuous operation time of the device is limited - if the nozzle or any other component gets noticeably hot, let it cool down.

By the way, if a particular model of screwdriver does not provide a drilling mode, then it is better not to try to drill anything with its help - such experiments often end with a burnt out motor.

When using a cordless screwdriver in cold weather, be prepared for the fact that any type of battery, especially lithium-ion, will discharge much faster, so you need to charge it more often.

What criteria should you pay attention to when choosing a screwdriver?

If you are wondering which cordless screwdriver to choose for your home, then you should pay attention to the main characteristics and additional functions, because they may be useful in one or another job.

Design

The battery device may have the following design:

• Pistol . Standard perpendicular position of the handle in relation to the body. Pistol-type devices are comfortable to hold and apply pressure during drilling/unscrewing. If you don't often have to work in cramped conditions, then a pistol screwdriver is your option. We also note that units of this type, with other indicators, are more powerful than corner “Shuras”.
• Corner. In these models, the cartridge is located at an angle, thanks to which you can get into hard-to-reach places, for example, when you need to screw in screws somewhere under the ceiling. Also, corner devices are very convenient when assembling furniture. However, if you are engaged in serial assembly of furniture, then most likely a pistol device will be enough for you.

Distinctive features

When deciding whether to choose an impact or non-impact screwdriver model, you should first understand how they differ.

Many consumers who have managed to evaluate the work of the impact mechanism will say that this particular unit is better, and this is how they are ready to justify their point of view.

• Due to targeted impacts, the torque of the impact tool increases to a range of 80-250 N/m, making it possible to break through the most difficult obstacles. It is significant that during the process there is not even a need to press the body tightly against the wall - the tool bites into it even without significant pressure.
• Without the need for constant physical effort applied to the tool, the master's wrist and hand get tired much less, which allows for increased productivity.
• Considering that even a strong wall is not able to successfully withstand the pressure of such a tool, it usually does not deform the fastener, which will allow it to be removed in the future without additional effort. Moreover, many models also provide a reverse function for removing old fasteners from the walls, even those that have experienced severe deformation due to long-term use.
• The screwdriver works not only with bolts, but also with nuts, in each case achieving the tightest possible tightening. A “smart” machine usually automatically switches from non-impact mode to impact mode when it senses that the nut has become tighter at a certain moment.

Unfortunately, this solution also has certain disadvantages, which may never allow it to completely displace shockless models. Thus, an impressive twisting speed is observed only in the non-impact mode; when switching to impacts, it decreases significantly.

Not just any chucks are suitable for such a tool—you need strictly hex chucks. Most models do not have a limit coupling, so the degree of tightening must be carefully monitored by the operator, otherwise there will be damage to the wall or parts. Finally, at high speeds such a unit is capable of producing deafening construction noise, so constant work with it requires the mandatory use of protective equipment.

General characteristics of the tool

Impact screwdrivers are designed to perform a number of functions that were beyond the capabilities of the usual variety of such equipment. This power tool is designed to screw in and unscrew screws, drill holes of various diameters, tighten, etc. It significantly speeds up the work process, improving the quality of the final result.

There is a wide selection of models of such equipment on sale. First of all, there is a distinction between professional and household screwdrivers. Their characteristics meet the requirements of different categories of masters.

There is also a corded and cordless impact driver. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The specifics of the wizard’s work allow you to select the optimal type of device.

Today, the power tool market offers customers a large selection of domestic and foreign devices. Depending on the technical characteristics, the price of the presented equipment is determined. When choosing an impact screwdriver, you need to have knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. This will allow you to make the right choice.

Specifications

Looking at the impact screwdrivers on sale today. You should familiarize yourself with the basic technical characteristics of household and professional models.

The power of network devices for home use ranges from 200 to 500 W. The same figure for professional equipment is over 500 W. If the master purchases a battery device for household purposes. A device with an operating voltage of 9.6 to 14.4 V is suitable. This figure for a screwdriver that works frequently and for a long time is from 14.4 to 18 V.

The battery capacity of a household appliance is 2 Ah, and that of a professional one is 4 Ah. Conventional screwdrivers usually do not have the ability to change speed. Professional equipment has a wider range of functions. Therefore, in such devices there are 2-3 speeds. Their torque is 20 Nm or even more. Household screwdrivers have this indicator at 15 Nm.

In addition, specialists purchase a tool that is not afraid of loads, mechanical shocks and even falls from a height. The cost of such devices is quite high. Therefore, more fragile but cheaper power tools are used for home use.

READ How to Convert a Screwdriver to Mains Power

Care Tips

If you purchased a battery-powered model, remember that the battery should always be in the disconnected position except during direct operation. In this case, the nickel-cadmium battery must be completely discharged before turning off the device, and then immediately put on charge. Among other things, it is also not capable of storing a charge for a long time even when idle, so sometimes it needs to be recharged, even if you have not used it.

In the next video you will find an overview of impact and non-impact screwdrivers: AEG BS12CS vs BSB12C2.