What to Look For in a Screwdriver
There are a variety of tools and supplies that every homeowner should have on hand at their house, and one of those essentials is a screwdriver. Because this tool is such an essential in every day home improvement projects, it is important that you know the different features to look for in screwdrivers and what needs you have for this particular household tool.
Before purchasing a screwdriver, it is a good idea to assess what your needs are for this tool. If you do a variety of different projects within a home, a small cordless model that works with small screws about an inch long will work best for you. If you tend to use longer screws within your home, a subcompact screwdriver would work well. Compact models will help when working in small spaces, such as cabinets, where you may get fatigued or strained trying to fit a large screwdriver into the area.
There are four basic styles of screwdrivers to research before making a final decision on which of these tools is the right one for you. The first style is called an articulating cordless screwdriver. This tool has a special hinge, which allows it to be held both as a manual, standard screwdriver and then fold into an L-shape, so that it can fit into tight spaces. The second type is called a right angle driver. This tool is shaped like a right-angle drill, and sometimes draws criticism for the fact that there is not a lot of leverage built into the shape of the driver. However, it consistently gets positive reviews on the amount of power that it has. The third type of screwdriver is called a palm driver. This is a lightweight, compact option that is designed to take on a variety of jobs all while fitting right into the palm of your hands. The fourth and final type of screwdriver is subcompact drivers. These also are L-shaped, but are bigger and heavier than the articulating cordless models. They have a higher power capacity and might sometimes be referred to as pocket drivers.
Once you have decided on the style of screwdriver you need for your home improvement projects, there are then a variety of customizable features that each tool might or might not come equipped with. After reading up on these features, you should be able to narrow down which are important to have in a screwdriver, and will help you the most as you complete a variety of home improvement projects.
One of the main features to consider is whether you would like to purchase a manual screwdriver, which requires no batteries but significantly more man power, or if you would prefer a cordless model, which requires batteries to operate but might make the job a little easier. If you decide to go with a battery operated screwdriver, you should then evaluate the projects you will need to get done, the climate you live in and the types of batteries the screwdriver requires. For larger projects and more flexibility, you might want to consider choosing a screwdriver with two batteries. This will allow you to complete larger projects without having to worry about recharging or replacing the batteries. If you live in a cold climate, and have some outdoor projects to complete, it is important to evaluate what batteries still operate well despite exposure to extreme temperatures. In addition, make sure these batteries will recharge well and continue to work despite working in the cold. Li-ion batteries are the ideal battery choice when it comes to power tools, because they last a long time without using a lot of energy. At the same time, alkaline batteries that are rechargeable can be used as well. If you are buying a screwdriver with rechargeable batteries, you will want to note how long a charge takes on the tool so you know how efficiently you will be able to work.
As with any tool, it is always beneficial to shop in-person for a screwdriver. This will allow you to try out the tool and see what feels best and will work best for the task at hand. It is important to do thorough research when purchasing a screwdriver, as it is an essential tool that you will be using in your home for many years and many projects in the coming years. Come to Sears.com for professional guidance and help in choosing the right option for your needs.
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