DeWalt Screwdriver: Characteristics Of Cordless, Tape, Brushless And Impact Screwdrivers For 12 And 18 Volts, Repair Features, Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

A screwdriver is a very valuable tool for any home craftsman. But when choosing a certain brand of such a device, it is necessary to pay attention not only to general technical points, its particular specifics are no less important.

Pros and cons

Screwdrivers under the DeWalt brand are manufactured in American factories, so they are head and shoulders above the mass products supplied from Asian countries.

Both in consumer reviews and in the assessments of professionals, the following features are invariably mentioned:

• stable quality;
• reliability in a variety of situations;
• excellent functional characteristics.

Some of the screwdrivers of this brand are capable of working in drill mode. Consumers can choose the right tool for construction and renovation work, furniture assembly and other tasks. It has a good balance of weight, size and operating power. Alignment is not a problem.

Newest DeWalt models are equipped with brushless motors … Compared to more traditional solutions, they are distinguished by both increased service life and lower energy consumption.

The battery can be charged in a short time, while all important parts of the screwdriver are hidden in a sturdy case and reliably protected. The gearbox, which switches the rotation speed of the working part, is also quite reliable, since it is made of metal … The gearshift process does not take much time. And for any of them, the mechanism works for a rather long time, since the battery stores a lot of current … Users note that the tool is easy to use.

The developers managed to come up with an effective lighting system. If an impact model is purchased, it is guaranteed to drive fasteners into bricks and other sturdy materials.

However, DeWalt screwdrivers also have the following weaknesses:

• it is not possible to buy a branded battery cheaply;
• occasionally there is a backlash along the axis;
• applying a lateral load can damage the cartridge;
• prolonged operation at high speeds can quickly deplete the battery;
• when performing individual manipulations, there is a little lack of power;
• not all modifications are equipped with charging indicators.

Complete set and principle of operation

Under the DeWalt brand, both network and battery devices are supplied. In the second case, in addition to a motor, a working cartridge and a gearbox for speed control, the device is usually equipped with a lithium battery in production. To replenish the energy lost during operation, a charger is provided.

It is worth noting that some of the devices are equipped with nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride current sources.

Nickel-cadmium battery, despite the presence of the memory effect and toxic properties, is attractive for its relatively low price and high resistance to cold.

Ease of use directly depends on the performance of the chuck (using key or quick-clamping technology).

If you use a keyless chuck, you can save a little time, but the key type is more reliable.

However, for domestic use, this does not play a special role. Among the quick-clamping parts, there are one- and two-coupling options. The second type is put mainly on budget modifications and is considered an insufficiently convenient solution.

A ratchet is always included with DeWalt impact screwdrivers. The role of this component is to prevent the negative effect of overloads.

If the torque is not regulated, then the following consequences are possible:

• reduced tool life;
• the likelihood of disrupting the spline increases;
• it is impossible to control the depth of the fastener insertion into the surface.

Some models are equipped with an impact mechanism. Thanks to him, even rusted, hard-to-remove screws and self-tapping screws can be pulled out without problems. And also such an addition will allow you to successfully work with brick and concrete surfaces.

Regardless of the features of a particular model, screwdrivers are always equipped with the following elements:

• engine;
• speed switch (gear);
• fastener screwing depth lock;
• magnetic holder;
• bracket (with its help the apparatus is suspended on a trouser belt);
• half-coupling;
• body made of sturdy plastic.

The half-coupling is designed so that the torque can be automatically reduced as soon as the insertion depth of the fasteners reaches the set level.

Just by the features of the coupling half and the magnetic holder, the professional can easily determine whether these elements are intended for a drill or for a screwdriver. The use of half-couplings reduces the likelihood of sudden jerks and throws … If they do not happen, the set of bits will last for a longer period. After all, stability during operation reduces wear and tear.

If you open the gearboxes of the power screwdrivers, you will find a large gear. There is a rigid mount between it and the spindle of the electric motor. The shaft of the magnetic retainer, inserted into the gear, rotates when the device is used. As soon as the screw reaches the intended point, the sensor detects that the force to advance it is maximum. On command, the half-coupling is started. Its purpose is to break the electrical circuit and reduce the load on the motor to zero.

Things are a little different with cordless screwdrivers. In addition to the electric motor and the start button, there are details such as:

• clamping type chuck;
• gear unit;
• battery.

The main working unit of a DC motor is a cylinder that hides the permanent magnets. In addition to them, there will definitely be an anchor in the cylinder. Brass supports hold it. In the manufacture of the armature, special grades of electrical steel are used. Thanks to its excellent magnetic permeability, the structure performs its task as efficiently as possible.

The slots made on the armature body serve to enter the windings covered with a dielectric layer. In addition to these parts, the electric motor necessarily contains a collector block and brush holders, on which graphite electric brushes are installed. But too fast torsion of the electric motor shaft makes it impossible to directly transfer its movement to mechanical elements. The mediator in this case is the planetary gearbox.

This mechanism includes such elements as:

• drove;
• ring gear;
• satellites.

Despite the difference in materials (metal, plastic), in the number of stages - from 1 to 3, the general principles of operation are almost unchanged. An anchored sun gear drives the entire apparatus. The teeth of the ring gear cylinder engage with the carrier satellites when the device is in operation. There are slight differences in two- and three-stage designs.

To control the effort with which the screws are wrapped, a mechanism is used that combines a PWM controller and a key multichannel field-effect transistor

When using a resistor, the current strength changes. Accordingly, the motor shaft begins to rotate at different speeds, so the screwdriver becomes more convenient to use.

Screwdriver batteries are assembled from series-connected parts. The difference between them lies not only in the strength of the generated current, but also in its voltage. All these spare parts during repair must be supplied only under the brand name of the device manufacturer .… In extreme cases, the use of compatible parts is allowed.

To expand the capabilities of the device, an angle nozzle is used. It allows you to twist and "get" the hardware where the tool itself cannot reach them. The nozzle can be flexible, then it is possible to take out even screws so tightly screwed that rigid elements do not help.

Popular models and their characteristics

Whatever the technical nuances, DeWalt cordless and corded screwdrivers are equally convenient and useful in work. The American company has been producing them for almost 100 years. The vast experience gained during this time allowed us to create brilliant designs. Their quality makes high prices fully justified. But that is why it is necessary to carefully choose the best options.

DeWalt DW263K is a relatively lightweight and high-power device with an output of 540 watts. These parameters allow you to confidently use screws and self-tapping screws of all existing sizes. By precisely adjusting the torque, adjusting the depth of the hardware insertion with the help of a nozzle, you can safely work even with drywall. This fragile material will not be damaged.

In principle, you can use the device as a replacement for a drill. But let us immediately note that such a function is not described in the instruction manual. You can use it only at your own peril and risk ..

The highest rotation speed reaches 2500 rpm.

If you increase the torque to the maximum, you can even assemble cabinet furniture from sturdy wood species. However, it must be remembered that it is impossible to change the gear ratio of the gearbox. Only the speed can be adjusted.

Another weakness of this model is the unusually high cost.

If you need an economical cordless electric screwdriver, useful to pay attention to DeWalt DW907K2 … The cost of the device is about 2 times lower than in the previous case.

To save money, it is made as simple as possible, namely:

• with nickel-cadmium battery;
• no impacting mechanism;
• with a very simple body.

Nevertheless, the American manufacturer is true to itself. Its products fully cope with the task.

Surprisingly, they even provided electronic braking of the motor. The battery is just such that you can use the device in the conditions of the Russian winter.

But you also need to remember about the lack of backlighting.

For work on drywall, it is advisable to use a 12 volt screwdriver model DW979K2 … The head of the device allows you to set the screwing depth. The nickel-cadmium battery is resistant even to extreme cold.

Positive feedback is steadily received on DeWalt DCD710D2 … The scope of delivery includes extra high capacity lithium-ion batteries. They allow the device to operate for an unprecedented long time, even under high load. The developers have been able to optimize the case to work in confined spaces. Since all main parts are made of cast metal, the service life is significantly increased.

But along with these advantages, as well as the lightness of the equipment, one cannot fail to indicate its weak positions. So, if the motor is suddenly turned off, the tightening of the chuck may loosen … The light beam from the built-in lamp is directed slightly to the side.

If there is a desire to try the most new and advanced device, you need to opt for DeWalt DCD732D2 … The unique brushless motor is guaranteed to be protected from dust particles and moisture. The innovative engine, in principle, does not require repair and maintenance. Thanks to its high revs, the machine can drill both metal and ceramics.

The powerful chuck holds 13 mm drills. Torque up to 57 Nm is supported with optimum current consumption. The screwdriver case is convenient, but the device itself does not know how to work in shock mode.

Among the battery systems that can work in shock mode, stands out XR Li-Ion … The device is designed for 18 volts and is compact. Consumers praised the screwdriver's lightness and ergonomics.

The developers have equipped the unit with electronics, giving the consumer full control over the work. Changing nozzles takes place without unnecessary problems, even if you operate with only one hand. A quality LED system allows it to work very well even in the dark. The gearbox is made of 100% metal. This simultaneously improves energy transfer and extends the life of the device.

The package includes a pair of batteries, a charger and a carrying case.

Deserves special attention tape type screwdrivers … They are used in cases where you need to tighten a large number of such fasteners. The performance of the belt system is consistently higher than that of the traditional sample. Various manufacturers have long chosen the same type of workflow automation.

Everywhere a machine-gun-like belt is used (hence the name).

The capacity of the tape can be different, but it is most convenient if it contains 50 "charges" or more. What is important, the draw frame is also more reliable than the classic one, and creates less noise.

Subtleties of choice

When determining the power, it must be remembered that in battery models it is expressed differently than in those working from the mains. It is measured by the voltage supplied by the battery. It can vary from 10, 8 to 36 V. Torque determines how large the tooling can be used.

For home use, systems with lithium-ion batteries are preferred, for outdoor use with nickel-cadmium batteries. The capacity of the current storage is of great importance.

When buying, you must carefully check the following features:

• is the grip of the handle comfortable;
• whether the dimensions of the device suit;
• is its mass optimal;
• whether the placement of the governing bodies is comfortable.

User manual

To ensure that the generated vibration does not exceed the values specified by the manufacturer, you need to use the tool only in a regular way and keep it in order. It is forbidden to connect the screwdriver to the network if it is not secured by fuses of at least 230 V and 10 amperes. It is unacceptable to carry the device by the cable, hold on to it when disconnecting from the network. Also, contact of the cable with water, lubricating oils, sharp objects is prohibited. Do not twist the wire.

Outdoors, you can use only cordless or connected via a screwdriver adapted for the street. In all wet places, it is prohibited to connect without an RCD.

You also need to remember about such points as:

• inadmissibility of using a screwdriver in an explosive, fire hazardous environment;
• inadmissibility of work without glasses and gloves;
• obligatory headphones or earplugs for prolonged work;
• the need to avoid when working contacts with grounded conductive surfaces.

Repair features

To repair the screwdriver, you must remove the cartridge from it. First, unscrew the thread with an L-shaped wrench. If necessary, unscrew the screw additionally. In case of failure, the device is disassembled completely. In the case of a Morse taper, the shank is knocked out of the socket with a hammer, but this should be done carefully.

In case of failure, they immediately turn to professionals.

Reviews

Consumers note that DeWalt screwdrivers are very well built, with a neat fit to the edges and mountings. Protruding cast elements are excluded. Even when working at heights, fatigue is kept to a minimum. But it should be noted that the most powerful devices do not allow performing delicate work. In general, the devices of this brand are rated rather positively.