Unlike a conventional screwdriver, the tape modification is equipped with an automatic fastener feed mechanism directly into the working area. This allows you to work with the tool with one hand and significantly speeds up the work when you need to tighten not five screws, but, say, fifty. How to choose a tape screwdriver for your needs and budget, we will tell you in this material.
Table of Content
- 1 How to choose a tape screwdriver and what characteristics to look at when buying
- 2 Top best tape screwdrivers
- 3 conclusions
How to choose a tape screwdriver and what characteristics to look at when buying
Power. As a rule, we are talking about power consumption, that is, how actively the tool eats electricity. This parameter allows you to indirectly judge the performance, weight and dimensions of the device. The more powerful the screwdriver, the longer it can work without overheating. In addition, the more powerful model usually has higher torque, which means it can handle harder materials and larger fasteners. But at the same time, powerful electric motors are proportionally larger and heavier than their less powerful counterparts, so it can be simply inconvenient to wield a productive professional screwdriver.
The power of the simplest electric screwdrivers can start from 100 watts, but with such a screwdriver you can not count on much. Usually a 500 watt device is sufficient for domestic use. Screwdrivers with drill function can be equipped with motors of 1000 watts or more.
Maximum speed. Shows how fast the screwdriver can spin the rig. For working with fasteners, this parameter is not of fundamental importance: the difference between 3000 and 5000 rpm is difficult to notice by eye, and such values are not needed when screwing in screws.
For a drill-driver, on the contrary, the number of revolutions can be, if not critical, then a very important indicator. The larger it is, the faster the tool will be able to drill soft materials and the more accurately it will work with hard materials.
In practice, the ability to adjust the speed during operation is much more interesting than their maximum frequency.
Maximum torque. It is measured in Newton-meters and shows how hard the screwdriver tightens the fasteners. Allows you to judge how large the screws are on the shoulder.
A parameter such as the maximum diameter of a screw or hole in concrete, steel and wood can be called a derivative of the maximum torque.
Food. A screwdriver is a power tool that can operate from the mains or a built-in battery. The first option, as a rule, differs in performance. The second is mobility, because such a screwdriver is not tied to an outlet and can be used even in places where there is no electricity. The best option here is a device with the ability to work both on battery power and from the mains.
Battery type. Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) are sometimes found in nature. batteries, however, almost all modern manufacturers use predominantly lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. They are somewhat more expensive than their counterparts, but they have a high capacity with small dimensions and weight, low self-discharge, but most importantly, there is no memory effect. If you have a smartphone or laptop, then you know what to expect from a lithium-ion battery.
Battery capacity. Measured in ampere-hours. The higher it is, the longer the tool can work without recharging. However, the weight and dimensions of a more capacious battery will also be larger.
Battery voltage. In a power tool, batteries with a voltage of 12 volts or more are most often used. The higher it is, the usually more productive the device is - this parameter can be considered an analogue of the power of network models. An 18 volt screwdriver is sufficient for most applications.
Cartridge. The accessories can be attached to the screwdriver in various ways. Key chucks in screwdrivers are rare - they are too inconvenient. Most often, two options are used: a keyless chuck, which must be untwisted and twisted by hand, and a magnetic holder, which holds the bit using a magnetic field. The first type is more versatile and is found in screwdrivers. The second one is easier and more convenient to use, but, say, clamping a regular drill there without a special adapter will not work.
Reverse. This feature is in every screwdriver, which distinguishes them from conventional drills. The reverse allows the rig to be rotated in both directions, which means that the fasteners can be tightened and unscrewed, and at the same time the stuck drill can be released if necessary.
Dimensions and weight. This is often forgotten when choosing, but holding an instrument that is too large or too heavy is corny inconveniently. When making a purchase, be sure to hold the screwdriver in your hands and imagine if you can comfortably wield it for a long time.
Additional functions. A modern screwdriver is not just electrical, but a complex electronic device, often equipped with a large number of additional functions. Among the most useful options: illumination of the working area, electronic speed control, blocking power buttons, soft start, as well as electronic protection against overheating, overloads and short closures.
Top best tape screwdrivers
Best cordless tape screwdriver
1. Makita DFR750Z
Professional cordless screwdriver. Powered by a proprietary 4Ah 18-volt lithium-ion battery. At idle, it produces up to 4000 rpm. The device is equipped with a reverse and a lock on the power button. It weighs a bit too much - about 2.3 kg - but this is normal for battery models. A convenient and productive tool, the price of which at 15,000 rubles does not seem excessive. Unfortunately, the battery and charger are not included.
Price: ₽ 15 000
Makita DFR750Z
Best Network Tape Screwdriver
2. Metabo SE 4000 600 W 9 Nm
Lightweight and compact yet powerful network tape screwdriver. The 600 watt engine produces 9 Nm of torque and delivers 4400 rpm at idle. There are options such as reverse, electronic speed control, the ability to work with bits without additional devices and lock the power button. Weighing in the region of 1100 grams and a network cable length of 5 meters, the tool is highly mobile and easy to handle. The price of the issue is about 13,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 13 499
Metabo SE 4000 600
Best Budget Tape Screwdriver
3. Makita FS6300 570 W
The most affordable tape screwdriver in our selection. By the standards of Makita, it can even be called inexpensive - this unit costs about 6,000 rubles. For this money, you will receive a 570-watt power tool equipped with a magnetic chuck. The maximum idle speed reaches 6,000 per minute. Reverse, electronic speed control, spotlight lamp and power button lock are provided. The weight of the tool is about 1400 grams, so you can use it for a long time and with comfort. An excellent and not too expensive tool for working with wood and drywall.
Price: ₽ 6 979
Makita FS6300
conclusions
The tape screwdriver is an excellent choice for professional use when you need to tighten several dozen or even hundreds of screws in a row. When choosing such a tool, you should pay attention to the power, the maximum number of revolutions, the type of cartridge, the type of power supply and additional functionality. We hope our independent Top 3 Tape Screwdrivers have helped you choose this useful and handy tool. Happy shopping!