We are used to the fact that with a screwdriver, drill and electric screwdriver you can only drill holes or tighten/unscrew screws. However, there are attachments that allow you to turn a regular screwdriver into a multi-tool. Such attachments include metal scissors, various brushes, a hedge trimmer and even a corkscrew. We present to your attention 10 attachments that will upgrade your screwdriver to the “god” level.
The main types of screwdriver attachments
On sale you can find a lot of devices that expand the functionality of power tools. The user can get, thanks to attachments for a screwdriver, pump, mixer, saw, polishing brush and other types of specialized equipment.
All removable devices are divided into three main groups:
- Combination type nozzles.
- Tips for special purposes.
- Basic nozzles.
The working element of the tips belonging to the main group has the form of a cross-shaped or hexagonal head. These screwdriver attachments are suitable for any type of self-tapping screws. They provide excellent adhesion to the fastener. Some attachments have magnetized heads, which greatly facilitates the screwing process. In terms of technical characteristics and capabilities, such tips are similar to screwdrivers.
Existing types of screwdriver bits differ in the shape of their working part
Combined type devices belong to the category of universal-purpose attachments. Unlike the main tips, their working body is located on both sides. Each end of the combination bit has its own size and its own fastening system. For convenience during operation, the unnecessary part of the tip is simply dismantled.
Special-purpose bits are mainly presented in the form of attachments for screwdrivers for twisting wires. With their help, you can also control the depth of unscrewing and screwing in fasteners located at an acute angle.
Helpful advice! To decrease or increase the rotational speed of the nozzle, it is enough to weaken or, conversely, increase the pressure on the start button.
Characteristics of rivet attachments for screwdrivers
Traditional rivets, which have a one-piece design, are used extremely rarely. Many specialists prefer to use a welding machine. However, not every master has such equipment in his arsenal, or has the necessary skills to work with it. In this case, the best option would be a rivet attachment, which is installed on a screwdriver.
The screwdriver attachments for rivets can only be used on those models with a reversible drive.
Such devices can be used on electric and battery-powered tools for installing nut-type rivets and other fasteners that have a core.
It is worth noting that screwdriver attachments for rivets can only be used on those tool models that have a reversible drive. These devices are designed for mounting aluminum or steel fasteners, the diameter of which is in the range of 2.4-5 mm. With their help, you can also install sleeves made of non-ferrous metals, the diameter of which does not exceed 25 mm.
If a battery-powered screwdriver is used to install rivets, you need to make sure that the battery voltage does not exceed 12 V. The installation process itself is not particularly difficult, and the attachments are compact enough that they can be stored together with the screwdriver in one case.
Main types of angle adapters for screwdrivers
Adapters with an angular design allow you to unscrew and tighten fasteners in hard-to-reach places. Such attachments greatly simplify the work, because the tool can be held perpendicular to the surface, and the screws can be screwed in at an angle, both on the left and on the right.
Angle adapters make it easier to work in hard-to-reach places
Taking into account the technical characteristics, as well as the functional purpose, two types of angular attachments for screwdrivers are distinguished:
- flexible;
- hard.
Nozzles with a flexible design use a flexible connection to change the direction of the torque axis. Externally, the device looks like a drill used in dental clinics for dental treatment. The removable tip consists of a flexible shaft that connects the working bit to the screwdriver chuck. This type of attachment makes it easier and faster to work in hard-to-reach places where you need to unscrew screws.
Note! Flexible angle bits for screwdrivers are not suitable for fasteners that are made of durable alloys.
Adapters with a rigid design are a short attachment that changes the direction of the rotation axis mechanically. Unlike the previous version, the cartridge of this device is much stronger. Rigid adapters allow installation and removal of fasteners from any side. Such attachments are usually used in professional screwdrivers, the motor of which is designed for high loads and strong vibrations.
There are two types of angle bits for screwdrivers: flexible and rigid
What happens if you choose the wrong bat?
The choice of this seemingly simple device should be approached carefully and carefully. An incorrectly selected device can cause a lot of trouble for the master. In addition to the unsuitable stopper material, you can make a mistake with the shape of the nozzle splines, which will cause the following problems:
- failure of the screw splines, the replacement of which takes time;
- damage or unreasonably rapid wear of the bit itself;
- lack of centering and fixation of the self-tapping screw on the nozzle;
- damage to the screwdriver itself.
Metal scissors
The tip will help you cut a piece of aluminum or galvanized steel in one or two minutes. It is useful for constructing frames of plasterboard structures, cutting corrugated sheets for roofing work, installing ventilation ducts, and making gutters. The attachment is equipped with an ergonomic rubberized handle, so the screwdriver will be comfortable to use.
The main types of polishing and grinding attachments for a screwdriver
Polishing and grinding attachments for screwdrivers are a large group of removable devices, including many varieties. In this category you can select tips to perform various tasks:
- polishing metal, wood and glass surfaces, as well as varnished products;
- cleaning products made of metal from corrosion and remnants of old paintwork;
- sanding wood and metal surfaces.
Thanks to the huge variety of attachments for a grinding screwdriver, you can choose tips for performing operations that cannot be carried out using standard methods.
Types of screwdriver attachments for grinding
There are more than ten types of screwdriver tips that can be used to grind a surface. Removable devices of this type consist of a rod on which an abrasive material is fixed:
- sandpaper;
Grinding screwdriver attachments consist of a rod on which an abrasive material is attached
- hard abrasive;
- hard fabric, such as felt;
- brushes.
The most popular among craftsmen are the following types of removable tips:
- Plates - these products can be rubber or plastic. Equipped with fixed and adjustable pins.
- End - made of hard and soft materials, can have different shapes (drum, washer, cone).
- Cup - brush attachments for a screwdriver with fibers made of brass or metal, as well as tips with soft filling made of foam rubber or felt.
- Disc - removable devices with soft padding or bristles made of brass or steel wire.
- Drum - sanding tape is used as an abrasive, suitable for processing holes and end zones of glass products.
- Fan - consist of several elements covered with sandpaper. Used for processing surfaces with complex geometry.
There are many varieties of grinding tips for screwdrivers.
Note! If desired, you can use a compact screwdriver with a socket attachment for processing jewelry. The tip is so precise that it allows you to grind fine details on precious metal jewelry.
Features of polishing attachments for screwdrivers
After processing the product with a polishing attachment, its surface becomes perfectly smooth. To do this, an end disk is used to remove the microscopic top layer of material. Thanks to this, the thickness of the product does not change.
Related article:
Drill attachments for various purposes for work in the home workshop
The main types of components for cutting, grinding, polishing and other tasks. Nozzles for working with metal, plastic, wood.
Screwdriver attachments for polishing various surfaces have a thrust circle with fasteners for fixing the polishing material. This element is held in place by a threaded end. Since the tool shaft can rotate both to the left and to the right, devices with connections of the appropriate type can be found on sale.
During operation, the polishing disc on the nozzle wears out, so it should be periodically replaced with a new one. Replacement products are thin (only a few millimeters). They are usually made from polyurethane. Although there are other options - made from felt or wool of natural or artificial origin.
There are options for polishing attachments for screwdrivers made of felt or wool
Some types of tips can be used for polishing car bodies and glass, as well as products made of polycarbonate. During operation, such attachments must be kept parallel to the surface being treated.
The main types of screwdriver attachments for cutting metal and wood
To perform many construction and repair work, a jigsaw is required; screwdriver attachments in the form of special scissors or a reciprocating saw can become an almost complete replacement for this tool.
Removable tips in the form of scissors for cutting metal come in several types:
- disk;
- turbo;
- die cutting;
- sectoral.
Each of them has its own operating principle and is designed for cutting sheets of a certain thickness.
The main purpose of a screwdriver when working with wood is to drill holes.
Review of screwdriver attachments for cutting sheet metal and plastic
Disc shears are equipped with two steel discs. One of them rotates due to the rotational movement transmitted from the chuck on the tool. The design of the cutting disc for a screwdriver is designed so that the metal is cut in a straight line, even without markings.
Disc shears are used in sheathing and roofing works using:
- metal tiles;
- galvanizing;
- siding;
- metal profile.
Note! Disc shears are maneuverable enough to create shaped pieces, but they cannot cope with the manufacture of complex metal parts.
Nibblers for a metal screwdriver are an attachment that is highly maneuverable and allows you to get a very precise cut. The edge turns out to be as smooth and neat as possible, so the possibility of cutting your hands when working with metal is almost completely eliminated.
Disc shears are used in sheathing and roofing work
Turbo scissors are an attachment for a screwdriver that works on the same principle as regular scissors, but cutting is much faster. This device is suitable for cutting metal sheets, plastic and other materials with a high degree of rigidity. The advantage of this attachment is that there is no vibration during operation. Thanks to this, the back of the claw does not damage the surface it touches.
This concludes the list of screwdriver attachments for cutting metal. Sector-type scissors are used when installing communication systems. They are suitable for cutting plastic pipes as well as power cables.
Scope of application and features of the saw attachment for a screwdriver
Even if you have a jigsaw in the house, some types of work simply cannot be performed using this tool. In such cases, the capabilities of a reciprocating saw will be useful. This type of screwdriver attachment is typically used for cutting wood, although it can be used to cut plastic and thin sheet metal. The reciprocating saw can also be used to care for the garden at your summer cottage. This type of device is suitable for pruning young trees.
The saw attachment on a screwdriver is used for cutting wood
Typically, the nozzle comes with three interchangeable blades of different lengths - 10, 15 and 23 cm (only an approximate value is indicated, which may vary depending on the manufacturer). Purchasing such a tip will cost several times less than purchasing an electric saw. The nozzle is capable of operating at a speed of about 2000 rpm.
The body of the removable device is made of very durable plastic. The blades are made from the same material. Despite this, they are capable of cutting durable wood.
Note! When cutting material, you need to firmly press the bracket against it, which will act as a stop. This will reduce vibration and maintain the effectiveness of the reciprocating saw.
Characteristics of screwdriver attachments for drywall
Drywall is widely used in repair work as a rough finish, as well as for the construction of decorative structures and partitions. The sheets are fixed to the ceiling and walls using self-tapping screws. For their installation, a conventional screwdriver is used, which allows you to control the installation of each fastener. This method is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. To speed up and simplify it, you can use a special drywall attachment and a belt screwdriver.
A belt screwdriver is most often used for installing drywall.
For drywall, bits marked PZ and PH are used, which have different slot shapes. In PZ nozzles, the edges are located parallel to each other. Thanks to this, the head of the screw is firmly fixed and centered.
In nozzles marked PH, the slots diverge slightly. This is necessary so that the tool can independently align the center even when it is at an angle. If the pressure is excessive, the edges of the nozzle will simply pop out of the fastener head without damaging it.
Varieties of screwdriver attachments for self-tapping screws in tape
To fix self-tapping screws with a screwdriver, not only bits, but also tapes can be used. They are part of devices that provide automatic feeding of fasteners. Such attachments allow you to speed up installation work by about 2-3 times. The advantage of using them is that the master does not need to take a new screw each time and install it on the bit.
To fix self-tapping screws, not only bits, but also tapes can be used
Manufacturers produce two types of drives with a tape feed mechanism for self-tapping screws:
- Removable tape attachments for a screwdriver - if necessary, such a tip can be removed and an additional screw can be tightened. This option is in high demand among consumers, although it is not without its drawbacks. The point is that you need to buy the attachment together with the screwdriver.
- Stationary type mechanisms - in this case, the attachment together with the screwdriver constitutes a one-piece structure. Such a tool belongs to the category of highly targeted and can only be used with tapes.
Band screwdrivers come in cordless and corded versions. Devices that plug into an outlet cost half as much. However, they are completely dependent on the electrical network and are not so convenient to use, since the hanging cord creates some inconvenience. This is especially true in cases where installation work is carried out on the ceiling.
Helpful advice! To increase the effectiveness of polishing, the nozzle disk must be lubricated with a special polishing paste.
They produce two types of drives with a belt feed mechanism for self-tapping screws: stationary and removable type
Drill
Cutting attachments intended for drilling vary in design.
The choice of tips depends on the material you will have to work with:
- For metal. Typically made from HSS or HS alloy steel. They have a spiral design with an angle of inclination from 118 to 135 degrees. Used for working with high-speed steel, non-ferrous metals, cast iron.
- For the tree. Structurally different from metal drills. They have a sharp conical tip that prevents slipping. The tip reduces the load on the guide part and centers the screwdriver.
- For glass and concrete. The cutting tools have carbide tipped made from diamond-containing chips.
What are the names of screwdriver attachments and what features do they have?
Removable attachments that are installed on a screwdriver are called bits. These devices are inserted into the chuck. Bits are cruciform, square, slotted, hexagonal, star-shaped, etc. The buyer can purchase an attachment for any type of screw.
In order for the fastener to hold tightly on the bit, you need to choose the right size and shape. The nozzle must exactly match the notches on the screw. Otherwise, you can not only damage the bits and break the instrument, but also get injured. Using a special holder completely solves this problem. With its help, you can install any type of bit on a screwdriver, regardless of its length and size.
There are several types of holders:
- On a magnetic base - equipped with a built-in magnet. It attracts the bit along with the screw, so there is no chance that the bit and fasteners will be poorly secured.
- For long self-tapping screws - it has the form of a tube that fixes the self-tapping screw while tightening it, preventing it from loosening.
- For hex bits.
The classification of products by size and type will help you navigate the extensive range.
These are not all existing types of holders; the list contains only the main ones and the most popular ones.
