A cordless screwdriver is always at hand in timber construction, interior finishing and dry mortarless construction and is often carried right on the belt on a clip. But which screwdriver is best suited to different tasks and applications? Festool gives its tips for choosing the right solution ...
The torque setting and selection of the right speed are the two most important factors for achieving a perfect screwdriving result, according to Festool, since they precisely adjust the screwdriving process to the screw properties, screw diameter and, most importantly, the material.
Cordless impact screwdrivers are taking tradespeople by storm
Those seeking a solution only for screwdriving – with optimum performance and endurance and no strength-sapping back torque – will benefit most from the TID 18 impact screwdriver. This tool enables screwdriving over long periods without tiring. Cordless impact screwdrivers are significantly lighter, more compact and enable working more comfortably – especially for repetitive screwdriving tasks.
The essential feature here is the extremely low back torque, made possible by the tangential hammer mechanism which minimises impact on the wrist during screwdriving.
Georg von dem Bussche, Festool trainer and master carpenter, explains: “The smart T-mode is an especially practical feature of the TID 18 cordless impact screwdriver. When fitting sheet metal to wood with self-tapping screws, the tool detects the transition between the different materials and automatically adapts the speed.
“To drill into the sheet metal as effectively as possible, the tool starts off driving in the screw with a high speed, low torque and without impact loading. Once the torque increases due to the commencing screwdriving process in the wood, the machine independently reduces the speed and only then begins impact loading.”
Several speeds for greater variety
The range of applications possible with the QUADRIVE TDC cordless drill and QUADRIVE TPC 18/4 cordless percussion drill with four-speed gearbox is extremely versatile. The four-speed powerhouses are ideal both for screwdriving tasks involving high torques and large diameters, as well as quick and powerful drilling.
As a rule of thumb, the larger the drilling diameter is, the lower speed needs to be. Festool has developed a clever solution for switching between speeds, with both tools allowing users to switch from one gear straight to any other. Fixed stops ensure clear engaging, saving you time and guaranteeing full control while screwdriving.
KickbackStop protects the wrist
Both the QUADRIVE TDC and TPC ensure that your hand twisting dangerously if the tool suddenly jams is a thing of the past. The intelligent KickbackStop minimises the risk of this happening via a sensor, which detects a tool jam and stops the drive within a fraction of a second.
Drilling or screwdriving?
That is not a question you have to ask with cordless drills, which is why the all-rounder tools in the 18 V class are so popular. The T 18+3 cordless drill and the C 18 cordless drill in the ergonomic C-shape are also equipped with fully electronic torque setting, the Centrotec quick-change system and special attachments, a brushless motor and high-performance battery packs.
Many tradespeople often use maximum torque for screwdriving. With the T 18+3 and C 18 cordless drills, you can switch from maximum torque to a lower torque setting simply by pressing a button.
Quick-change system for bits, drills and tool chucks
“Precise screwdriving requires an ideal torque, a high-quality bit and a tool chuck that can be changed quickly,” says Georg. “That is why we have combined chuck and bit holder in one with our unique Centrotec tool chuck, ensuring it is half the size and 80% lighter than comparable chucks. It fits all cordless drills from Festool with FastFix interface and enables users to change tools in a matter of seconds, which has proven to be a very popular feature in practice.”
Special attachments for efficient work
The EX-UNI eccentric attachment is recommended for screwdriving close to the edge. The angle can be adjusted simply by turning the ring. The same principle is used for adjusting the angle on the AN-UNI angle attachment. You no longer need to remove the attachment from the tool first.
The DC UNI FF depth stop is perfect for achieving reproducible screw fittings in façade cladding or patio flooring. The rubberised protective ring prevents undesirable, visible impressions in the surface. The DD-DC depth stop is perfect for fitting drywall panels, since it allows many screws to be placed with a uniform screwdriving depth and offers an optimal view of the screwdriving site thanks to its narrow design.
