The Russian brand "Vikhr" is well known in the fields of production and construction. Under it, very high-quality engineering equipment, compressors, pumping stations and processing machines are produced. However, ordinary home users will also be able to find worthy models of household tools in the assortment of this manufacturer. The Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver is presented in the most popular segment of cordless hand-held power tools for drilling and screwing hardware. Reviews about this model are diverse and ambiguous, but a number of positive qualities make the device worthy of attention. It is better to find out how this option is suitable for solving specific problems from a detailed review.
General information about the model
The tool is a multifunctional drill/driver powered by a battery pack. With this machinethe user can make holes and drive screws of various sizes in wood, plastic and metal. The external description of the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver can be represented through a typical form factor, made in a standard design with a rubberized handle and basic controls. In particular, the operator has quick access to the speed selector, on/off button, torque setting ring and battery disconnect device. The tool is provided with a reversing switch to change (in the opposite direction) the direction of rotation of the working equipment, which helps to cope with problematic situations when the drill enters the wedge.
Characteristics of the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver
The model cannot be called a full fit into a range of standard household-class drills, as it has several fundamental differences from similar versions from other manufacturers. However, the technical characteristics of this device are quite typical:
- Machining tool shank diameter - from 0.8 to 10 mm.
- The volume of the battery pack is 1.3 Ah.
- Battery voltage is 12 V.
- Torque up to 26 Nm.
- Diameter of drilling in wood and plastic - up to 18 mm.
- Diameter of drilling in metal – up to 8 mm.
- Rate range - 0 to 1250 rpm.
- Number of torque switching levels - 22+1.
- Number of speed modes - 2.
- Weight - 2.8 kg.
The power potential of the Whirlwind cordless drill/driver of this version is low, as evidenced by the modest tightening torque of 26 Nm. This will be enough to tighten small hardware when performing a simple electrical installation, however, it will not be easy to perform serial operations for the introduction of large-format screws with such a device.
Battery Features
While the vast majority of handheld power tool models are equipped with lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, this version received an obsolete nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, which predetermined a number of operational features. Firstly, such batteries are valued for a large number of charge / discharge cycles. Still, the Ni-Cd concept does not stand still and is being improved, allowing compact units with a capacity of 1.3 Ah to provide about 1000 working sessions. In domestic conditions of use, this means about 20 years of operation. Secondly, unlike the same Li-Ion, this battery works confidently at negative temperatures, so it can be freely used outdoors in frosty conditions.
Obviously, the distribution of lithium-ion batteries with the replacement of nickel-cadmium had its justification. This trend is due to the fact that the Ni-Cd battery weighs more and has a negative memory effect, which is expressed in a reversible loss of capacity. That is, one should prepare for certain problems of an ergonomic nature, butalso be aware of the benefits, which, depending on the nature of the operation, may outweigh the disadvantages of this power supply system.
Functional support
Regarding additional features, there is also no clear assessment of the tool. The model turned out to be optimized, despite the large size and moderate performance. However, it did not receive a wide range of options. Although reviews of the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver emphasize the adequately disclosed possibilities of torque regulation and a well-executed two-speed gearbox with a reverse stroke function, many modern "chips" developers have ignored. For example, even some entry-level screwdrivers today are provided with backlight and shock mode, not to mention the installation of tape magazines for serial tightening of hardware. But in this model, these additions are missing.
Positive feedback about the tool
Everything related to the technical and structural implementation, down to the smallest arrangement of consumables, gives users a positive impression. It is worth noting the presence of a modern brushed motor, which also indicates a high-quality study of the internal filling. In terms of performance, reviews of the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver are ambiguous. On the one hand, at low voltage, the device gives decent traction, allowing you to perform complex operations from time to time. ToIn a word, a high-quality result can also be obtained using the Whirlwind branded equipment without overpaying for expensive imported drills and bits. On the other hand, the problem with the working configuration lies precisely in the instability of the instrument.
Negative reviews
The main subject of criticism of the model is the implementation of the battery. The bet on the positive properties of the nickel-cadmium block in order to save money did not work for a number of reasons. As the owners of the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver indicate in the reviews, the battery holds a charge weakly, does not always provide sufficient power support, takes a long time to charge and incorrectly shows the status indication. Moreover, these shortcomings concern not just the battery as such, but to a large extent the charger.
Conclusion
It is difficult to evaluate a model by standard characteristics, which are template for models of different classes. The complexity is due to the fact that the device does not fit into a clear niche format of a budget drill-driver for home use and does not reach the middle segment, close to semi-professional models. At the same time, the price tag for the Whirlwind DA-12-2K screwdriver in a case with two batteries and a charger is by no means small and amounts to about 3,000 rubles. For this money, it is quite possible to purchase a more functional version with the same nominal power ratings from competitive Russian companies. Another thing is that the Whirlwind also provided several “non-standard” operational advantages that can be useful onremote job sites in harsh environments.
