12 reasons why you should choose a brushless screwdriver

Rating of the best brushed and brushless screwdrivers

Design and principle of operation

The brushless tool has taken its place in the set of necessary tools. When purchasing equipment for a home, the owner must become familiar with the principles of its operation.

You can consider the features of how a brushless motor works in a screwdriver:

• The current here is switched in the stator windings. There is no coil on the armature, and the magnetic field is created using magnets installed inside the housing.
• The time when you need to connect electricity is regulated using built-in sensors. The Hall effect is used. Short electrical pulses and speed signals that regulate operation are sent to the built-in processor. This action is usually called a PWM signal.
• Alternately, the generated pulses are sent to amplifiers, which amplify the current. Inverters (amplifiers) are connected to a winding on the stator. These elements accumulate the current generated by the coils and transmit it from the internal processor using pulses.

As a result, a magnetic field arises, which causes the armature to rotate and the tool begins to work.

Brushless tool

Device, pros and cons

Until recently, screwdrivers were classified only by mechanism (impact and non-impact) and by type of power supply (mains and battery). However, over the past decade, we have seen the emergence of tools equipped with brushless motors. Having analyzed these two types in detail, you can decide for yourself which screwdriver is better: brushed or brushless.

Brush screwdrivers

The first type works using a commutator motor. Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy through the rotor. The rotor is wrapped in copper wires that carry electricity, creating a magnetic field that causes the armature to rotate.

Also in the commutator there are brushes responsible for transmitting voltage. They come into contact with the commutator, which changes the direction of rotation.

Pros of brush tools:

1. Less weight and size of the screwdriver.
2. Simplicity of design;
3. The price is cheaper than its brushless counterpart.

Minuses:

1. The efficiency is up to 60% - much lower than that of a brushless unit, which affects performance.
2. Brushes wear out over time. The reason for this is, in particular, increased friction resulting from operation at higher speeds.
3. The third point follows from the second point: friction wears off the brushes, creating dust, which leads to clogging of the commutator.

Brushless screwdrivers

Brushless tools have more advantages compared to their traditional counterparts:

• control of rotation speed and torque, selection of indicators for a specific surface and task;
• wear resistance due to the absence of brushes and commutator;
• high efficiency (90%), increased torque;
• economical battery consumption;
• the engine does not spark, therefore, the tool can be used near flammable substances;
• increasing the load does not reduce the rotation speed;
• reduced noise level.

The only disadvantage of a brushless screwdriver is its expensive cost.

Reliability

The design of the electric motor is quite simple, and if used in normal mode, it will last a very long time. the vulnerable point is the control unit, which is subject to the greatest wear. The collector unit is simple to implement and is not expensive, so you still need to try to disable it. But transistors can be damaged, for example, when working in an aggressive environment. At the same time, the rotor can “stick”, as a result of which there is a possibility that the winding will burn out. In this case, a good electronic unit will stop the supply of electricity, thereby protecting the tool. It is quite difficult to make an unambiguous conclusion which screwdriver is more reliable.

How does a brushless motor work?

Screwdrivers with brushless motors appeared in the 1970s. The latter, like their brush counterparts, are also equipped with a rotor and stator. The brushes and commutators in them are replaced by a controller and a Hall sensor. Due to electromagnetic induction ( change in polarity ), electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. The Hall sensor calculates the angle of rotation of the rotor.

In brushless motors there are no sliding contacts, as a result, friction is reduced and the motor does not wear out. Its internal structure is completely closed, which prevents water and dirt from getting inside. Voltage directly affects rotation speed.

Price

A brushless screwdriver wins in most respects:

• Weight;
• Size;
• Efficiency;
• Autonomy;
• Safety;
• Durability.

However, many household users are put off by its price. If a person rarely uses a tool, then a collector budget model of the tool will be enough for him.

If we talk about professional equipment, then without a doubt we can say that a brushless screwdriver is worth the money. By paying more, a person gets a more convenient and autonomous tool that performs its functions better.

A more detailed answer to the question which screwdriver is better, brushed or brushless, can be found at the link: https://myinstrumenty.ru/elektroinstrument/kakoy-shurupovert-luchshe-schetochnyy-ili-bezschetochnyy/

Questions and answers

Do you need to buy different attachments for different screwdriver models or are they standard?

It all depends on the specific model. There are those that can be used by anyone, and there are those for which you will only have to buy special drills.

Is it better to take a brushless screwdriver or a brushless drill driver?

At their core, these items are practically no different. Attention should be paid to the power of the device and the tasks that you are going to perform. A thick concrete wall will still only be taken properly by a hammer drill.

Is it worth buying a cordless screwdriver model?

It all depends on the preferences of the buyer. Such models are much more convenient to use, but if the charger fails, replacing it is quite expensive.

If you plan to use a screwdriver from time to time, do you need a motor overheat protection sensor?

In this case, it is not necessary to buy such a tool. But if your budget allows you to purchase a higher-quality model, an overheating indicator will definitely not be superfluous.

Is a keyless chuck safe if it makes changing bits so easy?

Absolutely safe. If you have doubts about the correct fixation, you can make several idle presses of the screwdriver.

When choosing a screwdriver, pay attention to its power and design. Taking these indicators into account, you will be able to choose the equipment to suit your needs and not overpay for the brand or unnecessary functions.

Brushless motors: a few words about modern technology

First of all, speaking about what a screwdriver is, it should be noted that this device is a reliable assistant in various situations. Thanks to its versatility, time is significantly saved and effort is reduced to perform such work as:

In a brushless motor, the electronic amplifier perfectly replaces mechanical contacts

• disassembly and assembly of furniture structures;
• screwing in fasteners;
• installation work;
• drilling;
• organization of carving.

In addition, the tool can be used as a construction mixer for mixing paint, various putties or glue. Absolutely any minor repairs that involve the use of screws or nuts can be completed in a matter of seconds using the presented device.

Along with the development of semiconductor electrical devices, came the understanding that commutators and brushes should be eradicated from the screwdriver motor. In such a motor, the electronic amplifier acts as an excellent replacement for mechanical switching contacts. An electronic sensor determines the angle of rotation of the rotor and monitors the semiconductor switches. By eliminating sliding contacts, friction was significantly reduced and at the same time the service life of the units was increased.

Brushless motors ensure maximum operating efficiency of devices and minimal exposure to mechanical wear. Compared to commutator options, engines of the presented type are endowed with the following advantages:

Brushless motors are extremely efficient and have minimal mechanical wear

• higher torque;
• increased degree of reliability;
• reduced noise level;
• long service life.

This is interesting! The power of a screwdriver equipped with a similar motor often does not exceed 5 kW. It is simply irrational to use it in equipment with higher power. In addition, the magnets in their design are sensitive to magnetic fields and high temperatures.

A very important characteristic is that the insides of the brushless motor for a screwdriver can be completely closed, thus protecting it from dust and moisture. Thanks to this, not only the safety during operation of the device significantly increases, but also its service life increases.

When using the presented type of motor, there is no need to use a commutator and winding. The magnet in this design is compact and light weight.

Brushless motors for screwdrivers can be completely enclosed, thus protecting them from dust and moisture

In this case, the speed level depends on the voltage, and not on the centrifugal force. In this case, the motor operates in the selected mode. Even in the event of current leakage or magnetization, such a unit does not reduce performance, and the rotation speed corresponds to the torque. By converting electricity into mechanical force, brushless motor screwdrivers are characterized by excellent efficiency.

What's better

A brushless motor has more advantages. The first is efficiency. It is 90%, while the analogue is only 60%. To put it simply, with the same battery capacity, inverter screwdrivers will last longer without recharging. This is an important characteristic if you have to work away from a power source.

The brushless model weighs less. This reduces hand strain and makes operation easier. Comparing the characteristics, we can say that an inverter screwdriver is more useful, efficient and reliable. The only problem is the cost.

Any tool will break sooner or later. If there is no need for precision, and the model is needed for infrequent household use, then many choose cheap brushed motors. However, when you need to buy a device that can last for a long time, it is recommended to spare no expense and buy a brushless screwdriver.

The screwdriver is selected based on preference. A brushless model is more useful and will be a better purchase if the user can afford to invest in the tool.

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How to choose and what to pay attention to?

Before purchasing the screwdriver you like, you should take several parameters into account.

Torque

For small household work, you can buy a screwdriver with a torque of 10 to 20 Nm. For serious work, for example, with roofing material, you will need an indicator from 20 to 60 Nm . Professional use requires values ​​up to 140 Nm .

Rotational speed

Household tools can operate at rotation speeds from 200 to 500 rpm . For large production volumes, the speed can be from 1000 rpm and higher.

Chuck type

Screwdriver chucks are divided into several types :

1. Keyless chuck.
2. Self-clamping.
3. Bit cartridge.

There are rare types of cartridges that are used in a certain industry. For example, in engraving machines.

Battery capacity (for cordless models)

Which screwdriver is better – cordless or brushless, it all depends on the user’s requirements. The fact is that two models 14 and 18 V may have one torque - 60 Nm . But the battery of an 18-volt screwdriver contains more elements than a 14-volt unit. It turns out that it costs more. How decisive this characteristic will be is up to the owner to decide.

It is advisable to purchase a full set with a case and accessories

Impact function

This function will be needed if you have to deal with concrete or brick. In simple words, use a screwdriver as a hammer drill. If there is no such work to be done, it is better not to overpay for an option that is not needed.

Equipment

Some people don’t care, but others consider this moment to be the main one. It’s good if the kit comes with a case or bag. Includes charger, extra battery, drills and bits. All this, of course, costs money, but a fully equipped screwdriver looks more solid.

Why is this tool better?

Such models of equipment are much better than standard ones. They are equipped with a brushless electric motor that allows for easy speed adjustment. In addition, the brushless electric motor allows you to change this indicator in the widest possible range provided for this type of device.

Brushless screwdrivers are less prone to malfunctions and do not cost much more than standard models. Unlike classic models, the improved version of the devices is not afraid of short-term torque overloads and at the same time consumes a small amount of electricity.

Expert opinion

Mezentsev Sergey Petrovich

Residential renovation and finishing specialist

If you have a choice of buying a classic model of a screwdriver or a brushless one, you should give preference to the latter. Such models are several times more reliable than conventional ones.

Tips for choosing

First, the tasks that will be performed using the instrument are assessed. Particular attention is paid to the autonomy of the device. For example:

• Li-ion batteries are preferable for professional work. The service life of such a battery is 5 years. This parameter is indicated by the manufacturer.
• Nickel-cadmium batteries are more efficient for everyday tasks. This type of battery holds a charge for 4-5 hours. This is enough time to tighten several screws. Over the years, nickel-cadmium batteries lose autonomy. However, they are frost resistant.

Important! It is better to remove the battery if the device is not used for a long time. It should be stored at room temperature. It is not recommended to expose the screwdriver to sunlight.

Thus, this article has provided basic information regarding brushless screwdrivers. Based on the data presented, it is easy to make a choice.

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