How to use a screwdriver correctly?
Many craftsmen prefer to use a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver. It allows you to save time and get the job done quickly and efficiently. Let's get acquainted with the principles of operation and the device of this tool, find out the scope of its application and operation rules, and also give some useful tips.
Device and principle of operation
The screwdriver can be used in various fields of activity and for various actions, for example, in everyday life, during construction, assembling and disassembling furniture, in various workshops and where many fasteners are used. They can drill, thread, twist and unscrew fasteners. Let's get acquainted with the device and the principle of operation of such a mechanism.
All screwdrivers are divided into three types:
- working from a regular network and called network;
- powered by a charged battery and called rechargeable batteries;
- operating both from the mains and from the battery - a combined option.
All screwdrivers are very similar in both external and internal structure. They consist of elements such as:
- frame;
- cartridge;
- power button;
- rotation switch;
- speed regulator;
- power-on lock button;
- tightening force regulator.
Some models additionally have backlighting, and some lack one or another element. So, for models powered by the network, there is a power cord, while for rechargeable models there is a charge accumulator.
The body of a power tool consists of two parts and can be made of plastic or an alloy of various metals, but this is much less common.
Inside it are:
- electric motor;
- pay;
- capacitor;
- reducer;
- clutch.
The principle of operation of all screwdrivers is similar to each other - the electric motor is set in rotary motion with the help of consumed electricity, which transfers the force by means of the gearbox and the shaft from the motor to the existing nozzle installed in the chuck, and the nozzle already performs the process of drilling, screwing in or unscrewing the fasteners. For corded screwdrivers, the motor uses an alternating voltage of 200 V, and in cordless ones, a constant voltage of 3.5 V to 36 V.
Replacing the nozzle is also fairly easy and straightforward. In this case, the screwdriver can have a quick-release chuck or a turnkey.
Changing the nozzle with a quick-release chuck:
- first you need to choose a drill for the work that you plan to perform, or a bit, taking into account the size of the head, the type of slot;
- the cartridge is unscrewed counterclockwise;
- install the selected nozzle;
- rotating the cartridge case in the clockwise direction, the nozzle is clamped.
Changing the nozzle with a turnkey chuck:
- take a key and insert it into a special recess;
- untwist the cartridge;
- insert a new nozzle;
- rotate the key in the clockwise direction, securing the nozzle.
How to prepare for work?
The first thing you will need to do in order to get started is to remove the screwdriver from the case or suitcase and check for visible damage, chips or cracks. If you notice that something is wrong with the tool, then in no case should you use it, as it may be unsafe.Be sure to make sure that the battery of the screwdriver is charged, or the screwdriver itself is connected to the mains. When these conditions are met, the screwdriver is turned on to idle and check the correspondence of the rotation of the nozzle and the thread on the fastener. If all the conditions are met, then you can safely start work.
Be sure to select and properly fix the bit or drill depending on where and how you are going to work. How to fix them, we mentioned above when we talked about changing the nozzle.
When using the device directly, you must also follow a number of simple rules and requirements.
Pay close attention to the screwdriver itself. There is a special scale on it, rotating which it is possible to regulate the power of the instrument. When you turn the dial, set the mode you need, focusing on what kind of work you are currently doing.
Modes:
- twisting;
- unscrewing;
- blocking.
Switching between these tool capabilities is fairly easy and straightforward. It is only necessary to hold the screwdriver by the handle located above the battery. Most often, the handle is covered with a material that is rubberized. That is why such a machined handle is safe to work with and guarantees that the screwdriver will not fall out of your hand while working. For greater reliability, the tool is fastened to the hand with a strap.
Use cases
The correct use of a screwdriver is its use according to the instructions or the established documentation. According to these documents, the main area of use is directly the ability to screw in and out various fasteners, as well as for drilling various holes.
Depending on the capabilities, one or another model can be used both in everyday life and in the professional sphere. Household screwdrivers are cheaper and have low power, while professional models have increased power, high performance and wider functionality for use.
But some users use a screwdriver, for example, for such non-standard things as polishing a car, to stir mixtures or paints, for sanding various surfaces, for twisting wires, tying fittings, and even for drilling holes in ice.
Twisting wires
A screwdriver with a specific nozzle is excellent for twisting the separated ends of the wires. Usually, twisting is done with pliers, but those who wish can use a screwdriver, using it for this purpose. The main thing is to correctly perform this tricky procedure.
Rebar tying
The screwdriver can be used to knit reinforcement using steel wire. This is widespread in construction, when various reinforced concrete structures of houses and foundations are being erected. In order to knit, take a cordless or mains tool that has a hook attachment.
Features of drilling concrete
As noted above, the screwdriver can be used in different fields and in different ways. Electric screwdrivers can drill wood, concrete and many other materials. Carefully read the instructions for using a particular model, since it is there that it is spelled out which materials it can be used for drilling.
Very powerful drills are used for drilling concrete. Most often, such tools work in shock mode, but even with such a device, drilling a concrete wall is quite problematic. Therefore, for such cases, it is better to use a special diamond drill.
Can be used as a drill?
As mentioned above, basically a screwdriver is used for such things to unscrew or twist something. When using a screwdriver as a drill, carefully read the instructions - whether such a possibility is provided in the instructions from the manufacturer.
If, nevertheless, it is possible to use a screwdriver as a drill in order to drill and make a hole, for example, in a wooden or plastic product, then it is recommended to put a small and even piece of wood under this or that object. This will make your hole better and will prevent cracks and chips from appearing.
If you use metal in your work, then here you need to adhere to some simple rules. Before you start drilling, the hole must be tilted to prevent the drill from slipping on the metal. Select the drilling mode and get to work. But here we must not forget that when drilling for metal, the drill may break. To prevent this, it is not recommended to press hard on the tool. If it happens that the drill gets stuck, then switch the screwdriver to the unscrewing mode, and calmly unscrew the drill.
But nevertheless, it is recommended to purchase a special model of drill-driver for these purposes, which can also be both mains and battery.
Useful tips for use
Let's get acquainted with some useful tips for operating both conventional screwdrivers and tools such as a drill-screwdriver, using which you can use your tools for a long time and efficiently:
- if you are going to connect or remove the battery, be sure to turn off the screwdriver;
- during work, do not allow the tool to overheat, and at the slightest sign, take breaks from work;
- if you use a screwdriver at high speeds, then after that it is recommended to rotate it at idle until it cools down;
- if the network is lost, it is necessary to replace the wire or cord of the charger;
- cannot be used in rain, snow or any other humid environment.
When using a drill / driver:
- make sure that all parts of the device are in good working order;
- if you have not used the tool for a long time, it is recommended to charge the battery, since the battery is discharged even when it is not working;
- during the drilling procedure itself, be sure that an electric cable, various pipes and so on do not pass anywhere;
- just as when using a conventional screwdriver, try to avoid getting moisture on the body of the device;
- when using for the first time, the battery must be charged for at least 12 hours;
- during direct use, avoid often slowing down the operation of the device, otherwise you can damage the battery.
Do not forget about some of the features of storing the screwdriver. Disconnect the battery from the device during storage, it is recommended to store these components separately. After the battery is removed, it must be charged. Keep in mind that the battery may discharge when not in use for a long time, so it is recommended to charge it periodically.
The screwdriver has a gearbox that requires it to be lubricated. The frequency of this procedure depends on what model is used and how often you use it. A warning that the device needs to be lubricated will be the appearance of a characteristic unpleasant tearing sound, or heavy rotation of the cartridge. Silicone or Teflon grease, Litol or Mannol are well suited for lubrication.
Do not forget to read the instruction manual before using the screwdriver. It usually contains the technical characteristics of the operating model, various design features, recommended areas of application, as well as advice on how to care for, maintain and transport.
For information on how to properly work with a screwdriver, see the video below.
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