For more than fifteen years now I have been engaged in the renovation of premises and the construction of cottages. Long ago I decided for myself that having a reliable and convenient tool is a very important factor of success, perhaps more important, perhaps, only people (“Human resources decide everything!”) And adequate customers. During this time, I had at my disposal many units of power tools for various purposes. I had to get to know some of them very closely, I managed to hold something in my hands, test it. Through trial and error, more precisely through “natural selection”, I have formed my own army of fighters, where one of the dominant places is occupied by screwdrivers.
When we were just learning to make European-quality repairs, in the arsenal of our brigade there were only Soviet-made drills. The first cordless screwdriver that fell into my hands made a lasting impression. On that day, my assistants and I were just sheathed the ceiling frame with plasterboard – I was tightening the second thousand screws. The foreman solemnly handed me a small blue case and said: “Only for plaster. Under personal responsibility. Don’t give it to anyone. ” It was Bosch – space technology on earth.
It took a little time, I became independent. A Chinese unit Wintech WCD-18/2 was purchased for operation. This, so to speak, is a typical model for several brands from the PRC (they only made different stickers), then there was no money for a more serious thing. I didn’t count on anything special, but this screwdriver is still in service..
Wintech WCD-18/2
For a couple of years I used it very tightly for 5-10 hours per shift, including for roofing works, then as a backup option, then “for the house, for the family.” Now this “pensioner” is occasionally issued to novice finishers for training purposes. The torque was enough for screwing in up to 75 wood screws, 25 for drywall and 9 mm LN without question at all. The battery is charged quite quickly, of course, not 1 hour, as indicated by the manufacturer, but while one “dies” – the second is always ready.
Button, reverse switch, charger, safety clutch regulator – everything works. There were no serious backlashes in the cartridge. For 9 years, one battery has failed, I had to buy a new one, the second is also clearly old. Of course, it is not very convenient because of its size, it is heavy (1.7 kg), but in general it is a pretty good copy for its money. The model is still on sale, at a price of just over $ 50 per carcass.
I have seen many disposable screwdrivers from the Middle Kingdom, which do not stand up to criticism, where everything that is possible breaks in two or three weeks. Fresh Chinese devices with seemingly “our” brand names look especially deplorable. Wintech WCD-18/2 is a decent option for home and not very intensive use at a construction site. I don’t think that this is such a special specimen I came across, but rather just a successful model.
Bosch is the first love, how could I not buy myself the same? Now I knew exactly what I needed. It should be a relatively inexpensive, compact, lightweight device, primarily focused on working with plasterboard systems, of course, a professional series and with two batteries. I don’t need overly capacious batteries, impressive torque – all this adds weight and dimensions. The choice fell on BOSCH GSR 12-2 Professional.
BOSCH GSR 12-2 Professional
This is the most budgetary option of the professional Bosch screwdrivers (about $ 150-180), but its characteristics (27 Nm, 1.5 Ah, 12 V) are enough for finishing work and not only. There have not yet been situations when he “did not pull”. Of course, I’m not trying to twist the nineties self-tapping screws into wood with them, and we don’t have such a need, even when making a roof, we use perforated fasteners and short screws. And everything else is easy, including “Ranilovskie” self-tapping screws in a square metal profile, feather drills and small crowns. The battery is charged for an hour, so by the time of replacement the spare unit is always in good shape. The handle is very ergonomic – rather thin (for my hand, that’s it), it is located at an angle relative to the body, like in a pistol.
There is a feeling that the balance is slightly shifted, standing on the block the screwdriver “bites” a little forward, but it fits perfectly in the hand. The reverse thru switch is conveniently located and can be easily shifted with the thumb and forefinger of the holding hand. During transportation, it can be fixed in a neutral position, which will protect the screwdriver from accidental activation and discharge. The button is very sensitive. The case is reliable, there were a couple of falls from about one and a half meters – the plastic is in order, no damage. A nice bonus is a high-quality case, which seems to have a lifespan no less than the screwdriver itself. Seven years old, normal flight, now I have two.
This is a thing that is a pleasure to work with. Reliable, functional, highly specialized, inexpensive – what more could you ask for from a professional tool! Many of my colleagues operate BOSCH GSR 12-2 and are very satisfied.
Not so long ago, our team carried out an order in an area that was quite remote from “civilization”. There was a need to urgently replenish one screwdriver, but the garage with the tool is far away, and the construction supermarket too. As a result, in a neighboring settlement we came across a BOSCH PSR 12 for $ 100, there is not much choice, let’s see what the Bosch household series is worth.
BOSCH PSR 12
This is an analogue of the GSR 12-2 model with all constructive advantages (small, lightweight, convenient). The screwdriver is completed with a 12-volt NiCd battery of a slightly smaller capacity – 1.2 Ah, which, however, produces a solid 26 Nm of torque. It is charged with a standard device for up to 3 hours, but even this time is enough to continuously twist the frames and sheathe them with sheets of gypsum board.
This obvious drawback has its advantages, this machine is as much as 200 grams lighter – 1.4 kg, which is very important for me for intensive plasterboard work, especially on the ceiling. There is an interesting nuance – the built-in illumination of the working area, which is triggered when a button is pressed. I didn’t think it would come in handy, but it helped a lot a couple of times.
Of the unpleasant, it is worth noting the lack of a functional case, the provided suitcase is rather “noodle”, it is extremely difficult to put everything in its place and close it.
As for the reliability: for more than two years they worked with it without much ceremony, so far everything is fine. Now this kid always rides in my car as a spare, then it will come in handy at home, then in order to examine a new object, you have to open some kind of lining, etc..
The forced experiment was successful. It seems that the BOSCH household series is also suitable for everyday use at the facility. For me, it’s not about the price, the low weight is the main advantage. I’ll tell you a secret, I started to assemble the Ultralight kit – I bought a hammer drill and a jigsaw in green cases, I will unsubscribe in the following articles.
There are two Metabo BZ 12 SP screwdrivers in my arsenal, which, instead of the standard four, have three batteries.
Metabo BZ 12 SP
It was necessary to help out fellow guys who sell power tools, pick up one incomplete set. In terms of technical characteristics, this professional device is close to BOSCH GSR 12-2 Professional. Battery capacity 1.4 Ah, hourly charging. However, it is noticeably more powerful and faster, which provides additional capabilities. Its maximum torque is 35 Nm versus 27, the maximum speed is 1450 rpm versus 1200. In a word, I have this screwdriver for “strong” places, I no longer bring a power drill to objects. Some inconvenience is delivered by the weight of 1.7 kg and not very modest dimensions.
I just can’t master the dovetail reversing switch, it’s also too tight. I don’t know, maybe it’s just a habit of Bosch? His case is spacious – a screwdriver with a five-centimeter bit installed fits in, but the materials are not so hot, one latch broke, an insert with bulkheads breaks.
In general, the screwdriver is good, reliable, its price is quite affordable – $ 160-180.
Metabo BZ 12 SP is an SUV among lightweight screwdrivers, moderately versatile and practical, without glamor and unnecessary frills. If you do not specialize only in plasterboard work, then for the average builder-finisher this is ideal..
This is how all positions are closed without serious financial investments, I’m not going to experiment. Fortunately, I did not come across a frankly bad tool, everything that is, works properly, the main thing is not to overload the equipment and use it for its intended purpose. I have worked out a few rules for myself regarding screwdrivers, I can share:
- Take it in a case.
- Do not leave for a long time in the cold (in the trunk of a car, in a cold garage).
- Don’t overload.
- Heated up – let it cool.
- After running at low revs, spin for a minute at maximum speed.
- Do not screw in “persistent” self-tapping screws in drilling mode – the safety ratchet clutch is disabled.
- Do not put on the battery, it is better to put it on its side.
- To avoid dropping while working, put on a safety loop on your hand. If it is not provided, it is better to do.
- First insert the battery into the charger, then plug the power plug. Removing the unit from charging, proceed in the reverse order..
- Do not charge for too long, do not leave overnight, etc..
- Discharge and fully charge.
- Arm yourself with multiple copies of the same model. In which case, you can insure yourself with expensive interchangeable components – charger, battery, spare parts.
- Budget series from reputable manufacturers – better than fancy models without a name.
What factors should be considered when selecting a screwdriver? Are there specific features or qualities recommended by professionals that aid in choosing the right tool for various tasks?