Just a decade ago, a reversible screwdriver was considered a specialized tool.
Only rare masters could afford such a purchase.
Today on the market you can find a reversible tool of any type, and its cost is pleasantly surprising.
Screwdrivers for all kinds of bits deserve special attention - they are truly a universal tool.
Recently, they have become so popular due to their versatility that they are used both in car repairs and when working with watch mechanisms.
Purpose of reversible screwdrivers
A reversible screwdriver is designed for unscrewing and tightening fasteners in hard-to-reach places.
As a rule, it is included in a kit, the simplest of which consists of a special handle and a set of various bits (tips).
A reverse screwdriver consists of the following parts:
• Rubber-coated handle with 3-mode switch
• Metal rod with built-in ratchet mechanism
• Bit attachment
The ratchet mechanism is a gear that can only rotate in one selected direction.
Movement in the opposite direction is limited by a special pawl.
Pressing against the wheel with a spring, it blocks its reverse movement.
The more common name for this mechanism is ratchet (due to the sound it makes).
When working with the tool, the switch is set to one of three positions:
1) For twisting
The working stroke is clockwise.
If you turn the handle in the opposite direction, the ratchet will work and the speed will be idle.
In other words, if you turn the tool counterclockwise, its tip will remain stationary, but the handle will rotate freely
2) To twist
The working stroke is counterclockwise.
The ratchet is activated when turned in the opposite direction.
3) Lock
In this mode, the screwdriver turns into an ordinary one.
Any direction of movement will work.
Among the advantages of using reversible screwdrivers are:
• Ability to work without hand interception. This way the brush will get less tired.
• Ability to work without removing the tip from the slot of the fastener. Due to this, work goes faster and more efficiently
The best cordless screwdrivers
Such a tool is used for large volumes of work to relieve the operator from repeated mechanical rotation.
The equipment is battery-powered and has torque and rigidity indicators, which are important to consider when choosing.
AEG SE 3.6 Li 413165 - suitable even for furniture assembly
This is the best compact battery-powered screwdriver that is convenient to take with you for disassembling and assembling furniture at the place of work.
Power is supplied from a 1.5 Ah battery, which is equivalent to some screwdrivers, but the device weighs only 2 kg. On the front part there is a regulator for the rigidity of twisting of the equipment. The reverse function is convenient during dismantling.
Pros:
- economical charge consumption with a voltage of 3.6 V, which allows you to use the screwdriver for 30 minutes;
- metal housing around the gearbox;
- narrow design makes it easy to access tight spaces under shelves and inside cabinets;
- charges in 30 minutes;
- torque rigidity is 6.5 Nm;
- there is a reverse function;
- The battery is removable, so it can be replaced during operation or after the end of its service life;
- spacious case;
- 2 speeds.
Minuses:
- cost from 4500 rubles;
- rough handle with a minimum of rubber pads;
- large dimensions 378x261x117 mm are more difficult to carry on a belt or in a pocket.
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SPEC-BAO-3.6LI - with body rotation
This is the best cordless screwdriver for getting into difficult places because its body can rotate and change its shape from pistol-shaped to straight. For this purpose, there is a locking button that unfolds half of the part with the gearbox.
The wide start key is easy to press in both positions. The front part is metal. To prevent falls, there is a lanyard on the wrist.
Pros:
- cost from 1100 rubles;
- backlight with diode on the body;
- light weight 900 grams;
- 4 bits included;
- 2 drills in a set;
- compact dimensions 210x160x65 mm;
- revolutions up to 180 per minute;
- battery capacity 1.3 A/h;
- economical charge consumption due to consumption of 3.6 V.
Minuses:
- the battery is not removable;
- there is no speed control;
- torque is limited to 2.5 Nm;
- only 1 speed;
- Comes in a metal box, not a case.
Main characteristics
The handles are made of injection molded or powder plastic.
The first option has a soft base and is characterized by elasticity, making the tool comfortable to hold in your hand.
Powdered plastic is fragile, but at the same time hard.
A good tool usually has a rubberized handle.
In addition to being ergonomic, it has water-repellent properties.
This tool hardly gets dirty, and to clean it, just wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
In addition, the rubber layer has dielectric properties, which means that such a screwdriver is very convenient for working with live elements of electrical networks.
Another condition for a high-quality handle is its resistance to aggressive chemical compounds.
For this, again, special rubber is used that can withstand contact with chemical components.
However, with prolonged contact with solvents or gasoline, the coating will be destroyed.
In this case, a plastic handle would be a suitable option.
The most common types of reversible screwdrivers are:
• With reversible rotary handle.
As a rule, they are equipped with an adapter extension for socket heads.
Such handles are often used to work with heads sizes 5 - 13 and profile bits SL - SL6, PH0 - PH2, PZ2, T6 - T30, SP4, TW2, TW3, HEX4 - HEX6.
• With reversible handle for precision work.
The dimensions of the tool are much smaller; most kits are equipped with a flexible extension.
Often, such screwdrivers are used to work in tandem with heads of sizes 2.5 - 5.5 and profile bits SL1 - SL4, PH000 - PH1, T4 - T10, HEX0.9 - HEX2, SP2.6, A0.8 - A1.2.
Screwdrivers with a set of bits and heads have a hardness of 45 - 50 units (Rockwell scale).
Made from chrome vanadium alloy.
The handle is covered with plastic and/or thermoplastic rubber.
Operating mode switches can be ring-type (part of the handle rotates relative to the longitudinal axis), flag-type (a small lever is installed on the body) or slider-type.
Types of reversible screwdrivers
For ease of operation, reversible screwdrivers with interchangeable bits of several types are used.
Rotary
A screwdriver with a rotating head is a handle connected to the head by a hinge.
This design allows you to work with fasteners in hard-to-reach places, changing the angle of the handle relative to the axis of the tip or removable bit if necessary.
Pistol type
Screwdrivers with a handle shaped like the letter “G” or “T” are called pistol screwdrivers.
Such a tool fits comfortably in the hand, and the lever formed by the special shape of the handle allows you to apply less force.
Various reviews and testing of pistol-type screwdrivers are often carried out using the example of car repairs, since they are excellent for such work.
Lever
The design of the lever screwdriver allows you to bend the handle relative to the working head at various angles, up to 90 degrees.
In other words, a straight screwdriver can be turned into an L-shaped one with one movement of the hand.
Allows you to pull fasteners well, or “tear” them out of place when unscrewing.
For precision work
Reversible screwdrivers for precision work are lightweight and small tools.
Designed for repairing watch mechanisms, various electronics and any devices that use miniature fasteners.
As a rule, ratchet switches have a ring switch. Equipped with an extension cord (the most common length is 120mm), a set of “small-caliber” bits and socket heads.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of reversible screwdrivers is the ease of working with them.
To unscrew or screw the fastener, there is no need to grab the tool handle with your hands.
In addition, the reversible mechanism allows you to work with one hand.
This is convenient, since you can hold the fastening element with your second hand.
Various bits and attachments, heads and extensions included in the kit are usually sold in special cases, where places for each element are marked.
As a result, by purchasing one set, the buyer actually acquires a whole set of tools.
The use of swivel adapters or flexible extensions allows the tool to be used to work with fasteners in hard-to-reach places that are not directly accessible.
Another advantage is the standardization of the slots of bits, socket heads and screwdriver heads, which allows you to purchase the required sizes as needed if they were not included in the set.
Among the disadvantages of reversible screwdrivers, it is worth noting the possibility of breaking the ratchet. In this case, the instrument becomes completely unusable.
In addition, you cannot hit the handle of such screwdrivers if, say, the screw is “frozen.”
This may cause it to malfunction.
Of course, there are impact models, however, they are quite expensive for domestic use and are only suitable for the initial stage of unscrewing.
Dimensions
The main dimensions of the Gross reversible screwdriver are shown in the illustration below.
The length is shown in the range from 200 to 280 mm because the screwdriver is with a secret. We will talk about this in detail in the section on design.
The screwdriver is large and massive without any discounts. 260 grams is a significant figure among tools for working with internal profiles. Even their power shock counterparts, stuffed to the brim with metal, show much more modest results on the scales.
Gross can be safely ranked among the league of screwdriver heavyweights.
The thick handle has a round profile in diameter.
Therefore, the screwdriver is intended for work where it is not necessary to tighten screws and bolts to death.
Tools in the set
A good set of reversible screwdrivers with removable bits includes the following items:
• Screwdriver (can be of several options, different sizes and with different types of handles)
• Bit holder (ordinary screwdriver, can be either with a straight or a T-shaped handle)
• Extensions (allow you to reach fasteners in deep holes or narrow, hard-to-reach places)
• Set of bits with slots for various fasteners
• Socket heads of different sizes, up to 13mm
• Adapters for socket heads
There are ratcheting screwdriver sets available for precision work.
They are easily recognized by the small size of the tools included.
An important element here is a flexible extension cord, without which it will be difficult to disassemble some connections in modern electronics.
The best indicator screwdrivers
The tool is used as a device to determine the presence of current in contacts and wiring. The slots at the end allow you to unscrew or tighten small diameter screws that are under tension. Light weight is convenient to carry. When choosing, the length of the device and the quality of insulation are important.
HAUPA 100700 VDE/GS 125-250V - in the form of a ballpoint pen
This is the best indicator screwdriver to carry with you at all times because it is the size and shape of a ballpoint pen that fits in the top pocket of a shirt or work jacket. The German brand has a clip for hanging on clothes, and a ring for attaching to the wall.
Pros:
- cost from 200 rubles;
- cone-shaped design makes it easier to access tight spaces;
- a stopper in the middle to prevent fingers from accidentally slipping onto live parts;
- a wide window with an indicator is clearly visible from different angles;
- weight only 40 grams;
- there are no glare edges, which can be falsely detected as a trigger;
- bright diode;
- The black color of the insulation contrasts well with the glow of the diode.
Minuses:
- only recognizes voltages from 125 to 250 V (it won’t show 110 V, but such a current can cause harm to a person if touched);
- In order for the device to work, you must constantly keep your finger on the contact panel next to the indicator.
Stanley 100-500V PRO 200MM 66-120 - with a wide sensitivity range
This is the best indicator screwdriver that has a wide voltage sensing range. The device will show the presence of current from 100 to 500 V, and will not burn out from overload. The screwdriver is well suited for an electrician working with both single-phase and three-phase networks.
Pros:
- weight 30 grams, convenient to carry in your pocket;
- capable of displaying high voltages up to 500 V without providing contact on the plate;
- cost from 125 rubles;
- metal clip;
- contact plate at the back, which is optimal for touching in all positions;
- blade made of chrome steel;
- insulation to the very end of the shank.
Minuses:
- length 230 mm may be awkward to fit in a chest pocket;
- due to the completely transparent body there may be glare;
- pale diode.
Bits and sockets
Let's talk directly about the working elements of sets with reversible screwdrivers - socket heads and bits.
In fact, they are removable tips of ordinary screwdrivers.
Device and purpose of bits
Bits are replaceable tips (nozzles) for screwdrivers.
They are intended for screwing and unscrewing fasteners. One side has a slot for a specific type of fastener, and the part that is inserted into the screwdriver is a hexagon in cross section.
This shape allows the bits to be used when working with a power tool, for example, a screwdriver.
These nozzles are shaped like a solid cylinder.
Bits with a common slot type are usually sold as part of a set.
Special ones or with a rarer slot can be purchased individually.
The most popular bits can be found by the following markings:
• PH (Phillips) standard – cross-shaped slot with four types of sizes, from PH0 to PH3. The most common size is PH2.
• Standard PZ (Pozidriv) – a cross-shaped slot, reminiscent of PH, but with additional smaller “blades” (at an angle of 45 degrees to the main ones).
• Standard SL (Slot) – Flat slot. Next to the letters there are usually numbers corresponding to its size.
• Torx standard (hex star). Next to the letter marking “T” are numbers corresponding to the size in millimeters, for example, T30.
Bits for precision work
When repairing watch movements or compact electronics such as mobile phones, bits are used for precision work.
They are significantly smaller than the usual options, but they are standardized in the same way.
On the marking next to the letter designation of the spline type, its size is indicated.
Socket heads
The socket heads for screwdrivers look exactly the same as the options for ratchet wrenches.
They are made in the shape of a “barrel” (sometimes they are called that), where on one side there is a hole - a slot of the appropriate size, and on the other - a square hole for the tool adapter.
As a rule, the size of the head for screwdrivers is limited to No. 13.
This is due to the fact that larger bolts and nuts require a force that:
• can damage the screwdriver • can only be applied with a wrench due to the larger lever
The most common types of socket heads:
• Hexagonal – working profile in the shape of a hexagon. The most popular option.
• Dodecahedron – have a working profile in the form of a dodecahedron. Suitable for use with hex and twelve-point fasteners.
• SuperLock (SL) – the working profile is similar to a hexagon, but with an increased contact area with the fastener.
Designed to work with torn (licked) edges of the fastener head.
• Universal – the working profile is made in the shape of a dodecahedron with cut off (blunt) vertices. Suitable for working with various profiles (both metric and inch) of fastener heads.
Adapter for socket heads
Since the socket heads have a hole for fastening, and not a protruding hexagon, a special adapter is needed to work with them with a reversible screwdriver.
It can be either monolithic or hinged, which allows you to work with bolts and nuts at an angle.
How to choose a ratchet screwdriver
What do you need to know to buy a good quality product? Initially, you need to decide for what purpose the tool will be used. If you plan to use it in rare cases, then inexpensive models of Chinese origin are suitable for such purposes. When choosing the devices in question, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Rod design. The rod must be made of good steel alloys. The characteristics of the tool must be indicated, so strength indicators must be in the range from 47 to 52 units. If the strength value is lower, then there is a high probability that the rod will simply break off during operation. A strength value above 52 units is unjustified and increases the cost of the tool
- Material of manufacture. Rods and bits (if included) should be made from an alloy such as Chrome-Vanadium. It is from this material that many modern wrenches are made, providing them with strength and reliability.
- Lever. The ease of use of the tool depends on the quality of the handle. If the manufacturer wants to save on the production of the product, then the handle is not covered with an additional layer. The best option is a handle coated with polyurethane and rubberized inserts.
- Equipment. The tool is sold both in a set with a certain number of bits and without them. It is recommended to buy a screwdriver separately only if you have replacement bits in your arsenal
Another important indicator is the manufacturing company. Buying branded products indicates quality, but the buyer overpays for the company. There are about 15 companies known that produce good quality reverse screwdrivers. Most products from Chinese companies are supplied in unsatisfactory quality, so after the first use of the product, the reverse mechanism fails.
Reversible tool brand SIBRTECH
Some of the popular manufacturers producing the products in question are:
- Intertool
- BISON
- Mastertool
- TopTul
- Makita
- Einhell
- Stanley
Although a reversible type product is not a mandatory tool in a home craftsman’s kit, it will never be superfluous. With its help, it not only simplifies the work of the master, but also increases the possibilities. The average cost of a set is from 2000 rubles. There are also cheaper products, but it is not recommended to buy them as a set. In a separate form, the cost of an average quality instrument is from 1000 rubles.
Selecting a reversible screwdriver
When choosing a screwdriver with a ratcheting mechanism, the buyer counts on its durability and the reliability of the ratchet.
Before paying for a product, even if you choose the cheapest model from an unverified manufacturer, you must make sure of the following:
• The reversing mechanism must operate without jamming, distortion or twisting.
Moving elements should not play.
• The reverse material must have good strength characteristics, the switching mechanism must not jam or slip, and must be clearly fixed in a given position.
• All handle mechanisms must be either protected or hidden in the housing. The pen itself should fit well in the hand and not scratch the skin.
• The kit must include an extension cord and a minimum set of attachments
• Bits must be made of durable material, as indicated by the markings.
If there are no corresponding signs, you can safely pass by.
• The place where the bits fit should be well magnetic, which will prevent them from jumping out.
Of course, preference is given to German instruments, although some domestic manufacturers are worthy of attention.
