Drill Or Screwdriver Which Is Better

Repairs require the use of a specific power tool. Need to make a hole in wood or metal, or screw in a screw? To accomplish this quickly and efficiently, a universal device will help the best network drill-screwdriver, which combines the functions of both these devices and electric screwdrivers. Such products do not require battery replacement and are cheaper than their counterparts. But given that there are a lot of them on the market, it is quite easy to make the wrong choice. Our rating will help prevent this.

Drill Or Screwdriver Which Is Better

Better mid-range cordless drills

Here 3 models stand out, although their power is not the highest. Products from the brands Interskol, Hitachi and Makita became the leaders. Devices of this value are distinguished by greater freedom of speed adjustment and ergonomics.

Diold ESh-0.26N

Not the most powerful tool, it consumes a maximum of 260 watts, but this is enough for working with wood and metal. Just one speed is not impressive, so the process takes a lot of time. Drilling diameters range from 0.1 to 2.5 cm, depending on the type of material. With this in mind, the speed control is provided, which at maximum idle cannot exceed 800 rpm. She is not afraid of the clamping in the drill material due to the presence of a reverse. Suitable for screws up to 6 mm in diameter. The product is protected from accidental activation by a lock button.

Advantages

  • Long cord;
  • Low price;
  • Lightweight and small;
  • Takes both wood and steel.

Disadvantages

  • The factory wire needs to be changed over time;
  • After a certain period of time, the replacement of the power plug is often required;
  • Heats up quickly and cools down for a long time;
  • Not suitable for difficult jobs.

The best cordless drills which company to choose

The leaders are mainly manufacturers from Russia, operating in the budget, medium and expensive price ranges. Of the foreign firms, only two Japanese representatives competed with them.

The list of trusted brands includes:

Rating of the best cordless drill drivers

  • Warranty duration;
  • Availability of service centers for product maintenance;
  • Build quality;
  • The convenience of use;
  • Noise level during operation;
  • Tool and chuck type;
  • Drilling diameter;
  • Power;
  • Functions and capabilities (presence of a mixer, dust collector, reverse, etc.);
  • Weight and dimensions;
  • Number of work speeds.

Makita DP 4001

It is the heaviest model in the ranking, weighing 2.4 kg, which makes it difficult to maneuver. The standard keyless chuck allows you to securely and quickly lock screws. It is inconvenient to use it in poor lighting, since there is no backlight. The cable is also not very long, but this overshadows the high power of 750 W and the large drilling diameter, both in wood (up to 3.8 cm) and in metal (1.3 cm). The spindle speed is low to 950 per minute. Double insulated cord for safe operation.

Advantages

  • Additional handle;
  • Powerful;
  • Large drilling diameter;
  • Wide range of fixtures clamped by the chuck;
  • Mounting bracket.

Disadvantages

  • It is uncomfortable in the hand;
  • High noise level during operation;
  • Not a very long cord;
  • Heavy;
  • Heats up with prolonged use.

Price 12 900 rubles.

Score on a 5-point scale: 4.8

The parameters stated by the Makita manufacturer correspond to reality, see this:

Other best drills can be found in our other ranking. Here are collected angle, diamond, shockless and percussion models from well-known manufacturers.

Differences in striking mechanisms

The question is not which is more practical, but for what purpose the device is needed. The impact mechanism of the apparatus determines the main distinctive features. The drills are distinguished by their simpler design. The body includes two ratchets, where one connects to the body and the other connects to the rotating chuck. When the shock option is disabled, these elements stop contacting each other, due to the presence of a special stopper.

When turned on, they interact with each other. This is due to the fact that the stopper is removed, and when the drill is pressed against the material, contact occurs. At the same time, the working element and the clamp for it are in motion, which is an axial reciprocating.

Rotary hammers are distinguished by a more complex design, which is made in the form of a knot. The mechanism exists in two variations: electromechanical and electro-pneumatic. The second is used more often than the first, due to the best performance.

The bottom line is that the engine rotates, which is due to the KShM (crank-connecting rod) converter mechanism. A special swinging assembly in the form of a sphere is also used. This leads to the fact that the cylindrical rod acquires a reciprocating motion. A space is formed between this element and the ram, in which a certain force acts, which leads to an increase in the movement of the latter. As a result, the element gives off energy to the working tool.

In other words, the mechanism of hammer drills is mechanics, and hammer drills are pneumatics. Due to this, the amplitude and force indicators differ, respectively. With equal power, the functionality of the former will be lower compared to the latter.

Functionality of devices

The first difference is the functionality of the devices. This directly determines the operation of the tools. Drills have a wide range of applications, in particular:

  1. Drilling holes in thin coatings including wood and plastic surfaces. Using the switch uses the beat option.
  2. Punching holes on hard surfaces. This is where the impact option comes to the rescue, allowing you to work even on brick surfaces.
  3. Driving and loosening screws, screws and screws. But such actions must be performed subject to the disabling of the shock function.

Rotary hammers also perform the above tasks. In addition, these tools cope with punching holes in materials with high hardness. For example, reinforced concrete. In the process of work, various types of chisels are used, but subject to the need to make breaks or gutters in walls of concrete or stone. Such tools operate in three modes:

  • Turns with blows;
  • Like a jackhammer;
  • Execution of turns without impact function.

Drills have only two modes. This is drilling with and without blows.

Difference in working conditions

Especially significant differences are seen in the operating conditions of the tools. With the same parameters as a hammer drill, drilling and hammer drilling is easier, for example, with the DeWalt D25501K model. To provide optimum power, a drill force of 9-16 kg is required, and a drill force of 5 kg is required. A lower pressure value also reduces hand vibration, which is convenient for the user.

The hammer drill is more convenient because the structure of the tool contains an air cushion with a softening characteristic. Due to this element, the tip of the striker and the piston does not dock with each other. This feature makes the hammer drill more practical in comparison with the drill.

Working attachments used and type of fixation

Another parameter that distinguishes the devices from each other is the working tool and the type of fixation of the element. Most often exploited:

  • Crowns;
  • Borax;
  • Chisels;
  • Strobers.

In drills, as a rule, a working element in the form of a drill is used, on which a soldering from an alloy is applied. This option is relevant for concrete surfaces. It should be noted that the element is attached to a special clamp in both versions. But their design is different in the devices. Rotary hammers involve the use of a number of systems that allow you to quickly change the working element. These are, in particular, SDS:

  • Plus;
  • Max;
  • Top.

For fixing, special grooves with a special configuration are used. It should also be said about the degree of freedom in relation to the clamp in the direction of the axis. This approach helps to reduce the workload during work.

A standard drill is used only if the device is equipped with a special adapter or a chuck with a cam mechanism is installed instead of the traditional one. The latch facilitates quick and easy clamp changes. The standard model is included with the machine. When a cam variation is used, a structure is formed, which consists of two clamps, connected in series with each other, and one auxiliary. But in this case, beating occurs during the operation of the device, and the mount is not sufficiently rigid.

From the above, it follows that rotary hammers are used to solve a wide range of tasks compared to impact drills. In addition, they benefit from power and performance. This means that this option is more relevant for performing complex operations. Drills are rational to use for solving small tasks.

Apparatus performance

If you plan to drill holes in stone surfaces, then it is more advisable to choose a hammer drill. The productivity of these devices is higher than that of drills, which is explained by the impact force indicator. For light models, the value is 1.4-1.7 J, and for heavy models, 19-26 J. Working with drills, the impact is determined by the force of pressing the device to the surface. But even if the exponent is high, the value will be small, because the amplitude of the axial element is low. As a rule, the parameter is equal to the height of the gear tooth. The efficiency of the punch is also higher due to the mass of the device. Weight contributes to an increase in this parameter.

The hole made with a drill will be 1.5 times smaller than that made with a punch. When using a crown, the difference becomes even greater. In addition, professional rotary hammers help to solve the problem much faster. The result also depends on the version of the used working element, the power of the apparatus. But the hole made by the punch will always be bigger.

How an impact drill differs from a hammer drill: 7 main criteria

When it is necessary to carry out a series of repairs, it is recommended to use a hammer drill or hammer drill. The principle of operation of the devices is similar, but the number of differences is the same as the general characteristics. Therefore, before proceeding with the solution of the task, you need to decide which is better: a drill or a hammer drill.

Behind the external similarity lies a number of differences that determine the capabilities of each of these tools. The design of the devices does not allow them to be interchangeable. As a result, operational restrictions are imposed. Therefore, about the difference between these two instruments, below.

Universal drills

In order not to think about the choice for a long time, make a “knight’s move”. The versatile tool combines the functionality of both assistants, expanding the range and increasing the efficiency of work. In appearance, it looks more like a screwdriver, but on the ratchet, turn on the jamming mode of the drill connection. And a drill appears in front of you. If you buy an impact attachment, it can do even more tasks.

Drill-screwdrivers by power source are divided into mains-powered and battery-powered.

The difference between a drill and a screwdriver

Tools with equal success drill, screw in screws, punch holes in concrete, stone, brick surfaces. But the existing differences in their mechanisms do not allow us to close our eyes to the features of the first and second home helper. Take at least the screwdriver ratchet, which the drill lacks. The add-on allows you to adjust the force with which screws, screws and screws are screwed in. Conveniently? And how!

Understanding which is better, a drill or a screwdriver, is not easy. It is worth starting from what this or that tool is needed for. Corded drills and screwdrivers are faster, have more power, weight and drill diameter in different materials. Yes, they are more efficient at work, but definitely not more convenient than a light tool weighing 1.2 kg.

For more practical work offline, use cordless tools. If you take cordless screwdrivers and compare them to drills, they are more popular, cheaper and more common. Their “weak point”. Power. The power drill, judging by the impressive indicator of this parameter, works much more efficiently.

: How to choose a drill

So choose: drill or screwdriver?

1. How often do you plan to use the instrument? Lightweight electric screwdrivers have much less powerful, lower voltage motors than most cordless drills. Therefore, they may not be able to cope with the task if they screw long screws with a gap into hard woods. 18- and 20-volt cordless drills handle almost any screwdriving task. Even a cheap drill is more powerful and more durable than a cordless screwdriver. Therefore, this toolkit is suitable for working with the hardest building materials. Drilling in walls, installing complex structures in places with electricity, all this can be done by a drill.

Advice: A screwdriver with less RPM is much better controlled. Therefore, if we are talking about irregular small works, then it is better to choose a screwdriver. It is also more suitable if the work consists solely in screwing screws, screws and screws.

2. Work in places without electricity. To make a couple of holes, it is better to use a cordless screwdriver than a drill of the same type. For example, the Bort BAB-10 screwdriver, which is powered by a battery, is more convenient and cheaper. It makes no sense to buy an expensive cordless drill for household use.

3. The level of comfort at work. The power of cordless drills is increased by the added weight. Some professional cordless drills weigh up to 3 kg, making them tedious to use for a long time. Less powerful household drills are lighter, but even they can’t compete in lightness with electric screwdrivers, which weigh less than a pound. If the heavy weight and the presence of a wire from the drill interfere with work, then it is better to purchase a cordless screwdriver. He works productively with wood, plastic, metal, precisely tightens fasteners.

Which is better to choose. Drill or screwdriver for home: 3 selection criteria

Minor home repairs, nailing shelves and installing pictures, this requires drilling, twisting or unwinding. To do this job yourself and quickly, you need the right tool. For everyday needs, it is impractical to have a lot of different tools, but there should definitely be one thing. It remains to make a purchase decision: drill or screwdriver?

Price difference

Cost also plays a big role in choosing the perfect home tool. Drills are not only practical and powerful, but also quite budgetary. A particularly optimal option can be chosen from the household range. Their initial cost is quite within the power of every owner.

Advice: Mains powered tools are not so easy to use (more weight, presence of wires), but they quickly cope with work on wood, metal and concrete.

Feature of screwdrivers. Work with self-tapping screws, screws and screws. They are not very suitable for drilling. The rechargeable models are convenient to use, but their power will be enough for short and simple work. The price of such a tool is three times cheaper than its decent quality network counterpart.

For small volumes of work, it is better to purchase a screwdriver. If the house is being renovated and often you need to make holes in different materials, along the way to work with fasteners, then a drill is better. This tool is supported by its low cost with normal characteristics, everything that is needed for domestic purposes.

Advice: Any tool can be made better with special drills.

To decide what to buy a drill or screwdriver, answer the questions:

1. What kind of work are you going to perform (you need a hammer drill or you can do something simpler). The more difficult the task, the more powerful the tool is needed: a screwdriver is suitable for screwing in, and for drilling in concrete. Drill.

2. How often you plan to use the tool (often or from time to time). For minor, rare work with screws and holes, you can use a screwdriver, but for regular work you need a more powerful tool. Long-term work with hard materials with the power of an impact drill and universal drill-driver.

3. What will be the working conditions (will there be access to power sources). Drills and screwdrivers are battery and mains. If the work on the site is without electricity, then a cordless tool is needed. It is important to remember that power drills and screwdrivers are much more powerful.

As you can see, the choice was not so difficult. The main thing is to ask the right questions and give clear answers! This overview will help you assess the situation even more.

Definition

To find the differences between a drill and a screwdriver, you need to consider them in detail. These tools have external similarities, but they also have a huge number of structural and functional differences. The working principle is also different. In the article we will figure out what is the difference between a screwdriver and a drill.

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

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

Modern instrument models have additional functionality. For example, they can be used for surface grinding, use as an angle grinder or construction mixer.

The drill design consists of the following elements:

  1. Body made of plastic or aluminum with rubberized handle and additional handle;
  2. Collector motor with rotor, starter, armature and brushes;
  3. Keyless chuck (used to hold the bit);
  4. Start button that locks in a certain position during long-term work;
  5. Speed ​​control knob (it should be adjusted according to the material being processed);
  6. Power cord for plugging into an outlet;
  7. Metal stop (made in the form of a rod, required to control the depth of the holes);
  8. LED lighting for precision.

Before starting a task, set the depth gauge to the desired position and adjust the speed. This is done depending on the structure of the material (the harder the workpiece, the less revolutions are required).

Characteristics of screwdrivers

Drywall screwdrivers are used for mounting drywall sheets to a metal profile during finishing work. They are characterized by low weight, high rpm and low torque. Usually equipped with a hex bit chuck with depth gauge. The torque on such screwdrivers is often not regulated (or is regulated by a small number of steps).

Household screwdrivers are designed to solve a wide range of tasks. They have several stages of torque adjustment, the presence of a keyless chuck allows using not only bits, but also small drills. The rotation speed is average, there is often a speed switch. Optimal for home use.

Professional universal screwdrivers can also be used for different tasks and look like household ones. They are distinguished by their high maximum torque, several stages of speed regulation, long battery life and high price. Used for finishing and construction work, for the installation of profiled sheets, assembly of metal structures.

Drill drivers are capable of varying the speed of rotation in a wide range from hundreds of rpm for working with self-tapping screws on wood to several thousand rpm for drilling hard materials. They have a keyless chuck and several stages of torque adjustment; large maximum torque allows drilling holes in metal. Some screwdrivers have an impact function that allows them to drill in brick and concrete.

At the same time, a cordless screwdriver with a similar power is lighter, more compact and cheaper than a cordless one. In addition, the power (maximum torque) of a cordless screwdriver decreases as the battery is discharged, so a cordless screwdriver may be preferable for continuous work with high loads.

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are notable for their low price and cold resistance. A screwdriver with a Ni-Cd battery can work safely outside in sub-zero temperatures. But the popularity of these batteries is already low and continues to fall, they require a long charge and have a memory effect, reducing the capacity when charging an incompletely discharged battery.

Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries outperform nickel-cadmium batteries in terms of charging speed, capacity and number of charge-discharge cycles. They have practically no memory effect, they can be put on charge without waiting for a full discharge.

There are also drawbacks to lithium-ion batteries: they do not like low temperatures and deep discharges. In addition, they are much more expensive than nickel-cadmium. But for use in screwdrivers today, this type of battery is optimal.

Battery voltage indirectly measures the power of the tool. High-torque screwdrivers are usually equipped with batteries with a voltage of 18 volts or more, and 10-12-volt batteries are more often found on low-power models. But there is no clear pattern here, so the battery voltage should be considered rather as additional information, and the choice should be made according to other parameters.

The maximum torque determines the force with which the screwdriver chuck rotates. This parameter determines what diameter the self-tapping screw can be and to what depth it can be screwed. For different types of screwdrivers, different values ​​of the maximum torque are relevant.

For drywall screwdrivers, high torque is not needed, 10 Nm will be enough.

For a household screwdriver, a value in the range of 10-25 Nm will be sufficient for most tasks.

For confident work with self-tapping screws for metal and with large diameter drills, more torque is required up to 100 Nm.

The highest torque is provided by screwdrivers with tangential impact, which allows them to break off rusted bolts.

For example, most drywall screwdrivers only have one level of torque. Therefore, sometimes such a screwdriver cannot unscrew a newly tightened self-tapping screw due to the actuation of the release clutch.

Impact screwdrivers with tangential impact usually have neither torque adjustment nor release clutch, tightening is carried out to the stop.

Tool type.

Screwdrivers, like drills, can be impact-free and percussion. However, the blow can have a different direction.

In impact drills-screwdrivers there is a drilling mode with a blow, in which the chuck, in addition to the rotational movement, also gives the drill reciprocating impulses for drilling brick and concrete. But do not rely on high performance to replace the hammer drill with an impact screwdriver. In addition, with frequent use of the hammer drilling mode, the ratchet gears of the hammer mechanism will wear out and the force of impacts will decrease.

The maximum idle speed is also different for different types of screwdrivers. For tightening fasteners and screwing large-diameter self-tapping screws, high speed is not required. 400-800 rpm will be quite enough. Drywall screwdrivers, on the other hand, have a high rotation speed of 3500 rpm to increase productivity.

Universal screwdrivers are equipped with a speed switch at a low speed, the tool gives out maximum torque, and a high one is convenient for drilling. The largest number of speeds and the range of adjustment of the rotation speed of the chuck have drills.

Which is better a drill or screwdriver

Screwdriver

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

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

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

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

Components of the screwdriver design:

  1. Housing made of metal or plastic with a rubberized handle;
  2. Electric (or gas) engine that turns the nozzles;
  3. Planetary gearbox (transfers from motor to spindle with clamp);
  4. Adjustment clutch, which is connected to the chuck;
  5. Clamp cartridge (holds in place of the attachment);
  6. Electronic control unit (there is a reverse switch and a start button on it);
  7. Battery or power cord.

For the tool to function, a bit with a hex shank must be inserted and fixed into the chuck. Also, using the coupling, the tightening torque is set (depending on the model, there may be 8-5 positions). When the start button is pressed, the motor is turned on, which, with the help of a planetary gear, starts to rotate the spindle and the chuck with the bit. The more force is applied, the higher the speed rises.

Comparison

A comparative analysis should be carried out to find the differences between the instruments. You can evaluate the characteristics of devices and the types of work that can be performed using them. Only after that the master will be able to determine which tool will be best for him.

Each device has individual characteristics. expensive models have high power, and budget options are often unable to drill holes of sufficient depth. But the tools also have common 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 charged and discharged completely up to a thousand times. Lithium-ion does not have a memory factor, so it can be easily recharged at any time. There is also a nickel metal hybrid battery. Its capacity is enough for 500 full charges, but using the tool at low temperatures will not work. Also, the screwdriver can have two types of chuck: key (or cam) and keyless, with one or two couplings.
  • Drill. Classic instruments have a power of 0.6 kW, as well as the ability to adjust the speed. The device has a chuck, as well as a wheel for setting the number of revolutions and a mode switch. Electronic controls and an accessory holder are also often present. There is a reverse to protect the mechanism from breakage and unscrewing the screws. Its location allows the function to be operated with the finger of the operating hand.

The specified information indicates that the speed of the drill is much higher than that of a screwdriver. Therefore, with its help, you can quickly complete large volumes of work.

With the help of a drill and a screwdriver, tasks of a different plan are performed. Their differences are as follows:

  • The screwdriver is designed for mounting or dismounting bolts, screws, nuts and other threaded hardware. The main distinguishing feature of the tool is the ability to adjust the torque. This helps to deepen the screws to the desired position in the work surface. The screw head will not go into the wall, but will remain flush with it. In addition, some modern models provide the function of grinding and drilling holes when using additional equipment. Of course, performing side tasks with a screwdriver will be less effective than with specialized equipment.
  • The drill was invented for making holes in various surfaces (wood, metal, plastic, concrete). It differs from a screwdriver in that the main indicator of performance is the speed of rotation. This tool is also capable of performing additional functions: sanding, cutting metal or wood parts. It can be used as a drill, but it should be done carefully. There is no screwing depth limiter in the design of the device, so it is easy to rip off the splines or push the hardware too deep into the surface.

A drill and a screwdriver have physical similarities, but their design and functionality are different. If the main task that a person plans to perform after purchasing a tool is tightening self-tapping screws, then you just need to choose a screwdriver. If he needs a tool as a tool for drilling holes, then it would be better to opt for a drill.