The cordless power tool greatly facilitates the workflow, making it more mobile and comfortable. In order for the units to function for a long time, you need not only to know how to charge a screwdriver, and the features of different types of batteries. The properties of the batteries differ from each other, depending on the configuration. Consider the features of the modifications used, as well as several leading manufacturers popular in the domestic market.
Lithium batteries for screwdriver
This group of batteries for tools is divided into two types: ionic and polymeric. These modifications have a number of advantages over competitors, however, they have a higher cost.
Among the benefits:
- Twice the specific capacity of Ni-Cd batteries;
- light weight and compact size;
- increased electrical density;
- design does not include toxic elements.
Since there is no memory effect, these models do not lose capacity during longstorage, recharging is carried out regardless of the binding to the duration in time.
Along with all the advantages, Li-Ion batteries for a screwdriver have some disadvantages. Among them:
- small work resource;
- there is a chance of an element exploding;
- not restored;
- they are susceptible to freezing temperatures.
The main disadvantage is the high cost, and popularity is due to the high degree of charge and the lightest possible weight.
Lithium polymer modifications
Lithium batteries for a screwdriver in this configuration are considered the most modern types of batteries in their segment. The technological feature is that the liquid electrolyte is replaced by a gel-like composition based on polymers. Such changes allowed to reduce the weight of the batteries, increasing their safety while increasing the capacitive parameters.
Such batteries are not very common due to their high cost. However, leading manufacturers are in no hurry to exclude them from their lineup. Among the disadvantages are a short operating period (up to three years) and a limited charge cycle (about 500 operations). At the same time, there are high requirements for working conditions.
Nickel-metal hydride variations
Ni-Cd batteries are banned in some countries due to the toxicity of cadmium. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have become an alternative to them. Among the advantages of these batteries, the following points are distinguished:
- reduced memory effect;
- item recovery option;
- reduction in weight and size, along with an increase in capacitive characteristics;
- resistance to mechanical stress;
- no toxic elements.
Like all versions, these batteries have a number of disadvantages, including:
- susceptibility to negative temperatures;
- not designed to fully discharge, resulting in rapid loss of charge;
- in charging mode, it takes a long time to reach the maximum capacity.
If we talk about the operational resource, it can be noted that for these modifications it does not exceed 600 operating cycles. Despite this, the models are in demand in the market.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Ni-Cd batteries have proved their practicality and reliability, they were equipped with the first cordless screwdrivers. The advantages of such modifications include:
- the number of charging cycles exceeds one thousand;
- there is an increased current strength with a stable voltage parameter;
- withstands low temperature operation;
- retains functionality after long breaks in use.
The above characteristics are still relevant today, so many users are turning their attention to nickel-cadmium batteries.
Negative points include the following:
- it is not recommended to connect a drive with a residual charge to the charger;
- it is also impossible to suspend charging, due toreducing the set of maximum power;
- large size and weight;
- toxic component in construction (cadmium).
The decrease in the positions of the indicated batteries is due precisely to the last moment, although they did not completely go out of sales.
Interskol screwdriver (18 volts)
Next, we will consider several manufacturers leading the domestic market in this segment of power tools. Let's start the review with a Russian brand. Models are equipped with a nickel-cadmium battery. They do not require special maintenance, unpretentious in operation. The working capacity varies within 1.3-2.0 A/h. With proper charging and discharging, they function reliably for a long time.
Charger for a screwdriver (18 volts) "Interskol" is supplied. Buyers note decent build quality, affordable cost and practicality. In the category of budget modifications, power tools from this manufacturer are the most popular among domestic buyers.
Dew alt
The main difference between the battery and this brand is the absence of ventilation holes on the body of the drive. Maximum tightness minimizes the settling of dust and other contaminants on the connecting contacts. This reduces the possibility of a short circuit due to ingress of liquid. Such a design feature of the “Default” screwdriver batteryis due to the material of the body of the tool, which is made of a special plastic created using nanotechnology.
The company offers products with different battery configurations. In the produced line there are heavy-duty modifications, the capacity of which is 6 A / h. Drives are designed to withstand a significant operational load, have a factory warranty period of 36 months, which is pretty solid for a construction tool.
Bosch
Unlike the Interskol screwdriver (18 volts), the German counterparts are made using lithium-ion technology. They have proven themselves exclusively on the positive side, thanks to high-quality components and high technological performance. The tool is easy to use, has an effective Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) system, which does not allow the battery to be completely discharged, and also protects the model from critical loads with automatic shutdown at a minimum charge.
All modifications of Bosch have a shock-resistant body, low weight, which is important for professional builders. These products are presented in a wide range with a capacity of 1.3 to 5.0 A / h (up to 36 volts), which allows any consumer to choose the best option. Temperature positions are adjusted using a special resistor. Ventilation slots ensure efficient cooling of the unit.
Makita
Before we consider how to charge a screwdriver correctly, let's study the parameters of another model from the popular Makita brand. The Japanese tool on the market is represented by various varieties (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Li-Ion batteries), which allows you to choose a modification with the required characteristics and capabilities.
Among the advantages, the following high-tech solutions are noted:
- displaying residual capacity readings on a special indicator;
- no drop in operating power even in extreme cold;
- the battery is connected to its socket using a 16-pin bus, which prevents the element from falling out during strong vibrations;
- the presence of an internal protective liner and a case that is resistant to shock and moisture;
- battery has no self-discharge after long storage.
In addition, the security system adjusts the degree of charge, temperature, current strength, which helps to extend the life of the battery. Among the models offered, there are versions with a capacity of up to 5 Ah, without increasing the dimensions and weight.
Recommendations for charging
Next, consider how to charge a screwdriver so that it lasts as long as possible. It is recommended to charge the battery before first use as it loses some of its charge during storage. To increase the capacity of the NiCad drive, it is recommended to charge it three times and then completely discharge it.
This trick allows you to bring the battery capacity tomaximum score. Lithium-ion analogs are easier to operate, do not have a memory effect, which makes it possible not to bring them to maximum discharge, to charge as needed. During charging, you need to take into account the temperature regime. Batteries may become hot during the process, requiring cooling to prevent degradation of their performance. It is not recommended to leave the battery in the memory, but it is desirable to store it in a disconnected state from the tool. If the drive is not used for a long time, it still needs to be recharged once a month. It is better to purchase batteries in specialized stores, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. A decrease in performance indicates the need for charging.
How long should charging last?
Usually, how to charge a screwdriver correctly is described in the attached instructions. You must follow these tips. Some chargers are equipped with special indicators that determine the degree of charge. This makes it easy to determine the duration of the process. After charging is completed, it must be stopped in a timely manner in order to avoid drive failure.
The average period of connecting the battery to the charger lasts about 0.5 to 7 hours. As practice shows, a 1.2 A / h Ni-Cd battery receives a charge for 6-7 hours, receiving a current of 250 mA. The required indicator is supported by a network adapter. It must be remembered that there are two types of memory on the market: standard and pulse action. The first option is more used in amateur modifications.power tool, charges the drive for 3-7 hours. Pulse analogs are focused on professional devices, restore the device's performance in 30-60 minutes.
What to do if the battery is not charging?
Above we figured out how to charge the battery of a screwdriver correctly. Now let's consider cases when charging may not be supplied to the drive or not accepted by it. If this problem occurs, you should pay attention to the deterioration of the device or check the he alth of the charger. A malfunction may be expressed in the absence of contacts between the battery and charger terminals, since over time they can unbend. To fix the problem, the charger is disassembled and the terminals are bent.
Also contacts are often oxidized and dirty. Even a slight plaque will interfere with the normal charging of the drive. This results in a significant reduction in capacity and charge time. To avoid this, you should regularly wipe the contacts. Unfortunately, the parameters of the power tool decrease over time, the batteries lose their properties. Experts recommend "overclocking" such modifications. To do this, disassemble the block, determine the problematic elements. After the malfunction is eliminated, the battery is charged again.
