Comparison Bosch GSB 14.4-2-LI Plus Professional 06019E7020 vs Makita HP1640

General type of instrument.

Nowadays, several other types of hand tools are also combined into one category with traditional drills, with a similar design and principle of operation: drill drivers, classic screwdrivers, wrenches and electric screwdrivers. Here is a detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Drill. Traditional drills are power tools for drilling holes in various materials. By specialization and “weight category”, such tools range from miniature cordless models to heavy professional diamond drilling units (see “Intended Use”). Anyway, drills are equipped with chucks for installing drills, as well as engines designed for significant resistance during operation. Also note that many of these units have an impact mode, but the drill is still not able to replace a full-fledged rotary hammer (for more details, see "Functions").

— Screwdriver. In fact, it is an electric (or pneumatic) analogue of a manual screwdriver. It is used primarily for tightening and loosening screws, screws and other similar fasteners using bits — interchangeable nozzles, the shape of which imitates various screwdriver tips (straight, cross-shaped, etc.). Accordingly, the standard type of retainer for the nozzle in such a tool is for a bit (see "Chuck Type"). Screwdrivers diffe...r from electric screwdrivers (see below) in higher power, better suitability for long-term work and high loads, as well as larger dimensions and rather significant (in comparison, of course) weight.

— Drill driver. Tools (mainly cordless, see "Power source") that combine the functionality of a drill and a screwdriver. See above for more on both, and these "hybrid" devices are extremely popular these days due to their versatility. Switching between drilling and twisting modes in them is carried out by changing the cartridge, and also, in most models, by adjusting the torque (see below). At the same time, it should be noted that compared to traditional drills, the efficiency of such units when drilling is rather low, they are not intended for high loads, hard materials and large drilling diameters. This is due to the fact that in order to achieve high power, it would be necessary to increase the dimensions and weight, which would significantly complicate the use in the format of a screwdriver.

— Screwdriver. A kind of electric and pneumatic analogues of socket wrenches: tools designed to work with nuts and other similar fasteners (for example, bolts with heads without a slot). Nutrunners are in many ways similar to the screwdrivers described above and differ mainly in the type of cartridge — usually it is a square for sockets of different sizes.

— Screwdriver. An electrical analogue of a conventional manual screwdriver (pneumatic drive is not used in such devices for a number of reasons). Some of these models have a straight body shape (see "Construction") and are very similar in appearance to hand tools; others resemble smaller and lighter screwdrivers (see below). Anyway, electric screwdrivers are intended mainly for work where accuracy and accuracy are more important than high efforts (or where these efforts are simply not required). Thus, the low power of such devices is not so much a disadvantage as a feature. In addition, this feature allows you to use battery power without much difficulty, making the tool as autonomous as possible; in fact, electric screwdrivers with mains operation nowadays are almost never found. And the small size and weight, in turn, contribute to the mentioned accuracy and accuracy.

The total power consumed by a mains-powered electric tool (see "Power Source"). It is considered the main criterion for assessing the overall capabilities of a particular model: more power allows you to achieve more speed and/or torque. However a more correct parameter for such an assessment is useful (working) power, but it is far from always indicated, and tools of the same type with similar power consumption usually do not differ much in terms of working power. In addition, data on power consumption also allows you to estimate the load on the power grid or other power source; in some cases this is unnecessary.

As for specific figures, for different types of tools, the characteristic power values will be different. For example, from 750 to 1000 W is considered a very solid indicator for a screwdriver, while for classic drills this is an average value, among such devices there are options even for 1.5 kW or more. Detailed recommendations on choosing a tool for this parameter can be found in special sources. We only note that it does not always make sense to chase the maximum values high power noticeably affects the dimensions, weight and price of the unit, despite the fact that it is far from always required.

The speed of rotation of the working nozzle provided by the tool.

If a single number is indicated in this paragraph (for example, 1800), it can be either a standard, constant, or maximum rotation speed. This refers to the maximum speed if the tool has more than one speed (see "Number of speeds") and/or a speed controller (see "Functions"). In turn, two or three numbers through an oblique line (for example, 1100/2300/3400) are indicated only for models that have the corresponding number of individual speeds. Each of these numbers indicates the standard (and in the presence of a speed controller — the maximum) number of revolutions at one of the speeds.

Anyway, when choosing a tool by the number of revolutions, it is worth considering both its general type (see "Device") and the specifics of the intended work. Detailed recommendations on this matter are quite extensive, it makes no sense to give them in full here — it is better to turn to special sources. We note only a few general points. So, high -speed drills nowadays are considered to be drills capable of delivering more than 3000 rpm. In general, high speed contributes to productivity, but there is also a downside: increasing the speed (for the same power) reduces torque — accordingly, the efficiency of working with stubborn materials and large diameter nozzles decreases. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for a "high-speed" tool only if speed is of key im...portance; it doesn’t hurt to make sure that the model you choose can provide the required efficiency and torque.

The number of beats per minute provided by a tool that supports the corresponding mode.

For more information about this mode, see "Functions", here we note that it can be provided both in drills and in screwdrivers and wrenches (see "Device"), and the meaning of the impact mode in these varieties is somewhat different. Therefore, the speeds differ: many drills are capable of delivering about 48,000 beats / min, or even 64,000 beats / min, while in screwdrivers and wrenches, 3200 beats / min are considered “classics of the genre”, and values above 3500 beats / min are practically do not meet.

The general meaning of this indicator is also directly related to the type. So, among drills, the difference in chiseling speed can be quite large. With these tools, more strokes improve overall productivity and efficiency, while fewer strokes improve accuracy and reduce the risk of damaging delicate materials. In screwdrivers and nutrunners, high speed also contributes to overall efficiency, but for most of these tools, the differences in this indicator are not significant enough to be noticeable in practice.

Torque is the maximum force with which this model is capable of turning the working nozzle.

Higher torque gives more options, it allows you to cope with complex tasks such as drilling in hard materials, unscrewing stuck screws and nuts, etc. On the other hand, a lot of force requires corresponding power — and this, in turn, affects the dimensions , weight and cost of the tool itself, and also puts forward increased power requirements (mains power, battery capacity or pressure / compressor performance). And for some tasks, excessive torque is basically unacceptable, so for maximum versatility, it is desirable to have torque control — and this affects the cost even more. And the more steps, the more optimally you can configure the tool to perform a particular type of work. So the general rule is this: when choosing, it is worth considering the specifics of the planned work, and not chasing the greatest working effort.

Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal torque for different types of tools (see "Device") can be found in special sources. Here we note that it is of key importance primarily for screwdrivers, although it is also given for other types of tools. At the same time, in the “weakest” models, the maximum working force does not exceed 15 Nm, in the most powerful ones it is more than 150 Nm.

The type of gearbox provided in the design of the tool.

A gearbox can be simply described as a mechanism that transmits rotation from an electric motor to a chuck. In this case, usually, the rotation speed decreases, due to which the torque increases. Different types of gearboxes differ just in the number of speeds that can be obtained at the output. The simplest variety of such mechanisms is single-speed, they are as simple as possible, compact and reliable. At the same time, in a tool with a 1-speed gearbox, speed control may well be provided — due to electronic circuits that allow you to adjust the engine speed. On the other hand, reducing the actual speed by means of electronic control does not lead to an increase, but to a decrease in torque.

More advanced are multi-speed gearboxes, usually having 2 to 4 speeds. Such mechanisms are analogous to a gearbox in a car: the speed in them is regulated by changing the gear ratio, so that a decrease in speed leads to an increase in torque, and vice versa. Such an adjustment is considered more practical than the electronic one described above; the downside is the complexity and high cost of multi-speed gearboxes.

The number of speeds provided in the design of the tool.

First of all, let's clarify that "speed" in this case means high-speed mode. The number of revolutions at each "speed" can be either fixed or adjustable (if there is an appropriate regulator — see "Functions"). Thus, the presence of several speeds can have different meanings. In some models, changing the speed mode is the only option for adjusting the speed; in others (if there is a separate speed controller), changing the mode sets only the maximum speed of rotation of the nozzle, and its actual speed is smoothly changed by the controller (which may also have its own, additional speed limiter).

As for the specific number of speed modes, in many models it is only one. Accordingly, the revolutions in such a tool either do not change at all, or are controlled only by the mentioned regulator; this is often sufficient for simple tasks. However, 2-speed tools are also very widespread — this design provides additional tuning options and at the same time remains relatively simple and inexpensive. And in fairly advanced models, you can find three, or even four or more speed modes; in some cases, this number reaches 8 or even more, which allows you to use speed switching as a full-fledged speed controller.

When choosing according to this characteristic,...it should be taken into account that, other things being equal, a larger number of speeds gives more features for setting operating parameters, but complicates the design and increases its cost.

Type of reverse provided in the design of the tool.

The reverse allows you to switch the direction of rotation of the nozzle; see "Functions" for details. It also indicates the type of switch responsible for this function. The varieties of such switches nowadays are very diverse: slider, flag, brush on the engine, on the start button, gyroscopic, on the keyboard toggle switch, and also combined with a flow switch or ratchet mechanism. Here is a detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Crawler. Switch in the form of a slider with two opposite positions. Usually, it moves in the direction "back and forth" relative to the tool chuck — this format is considered the most practical. The sliders are quite simple and at the same time convenient and visual, especially when used in screwdrivers and wrenches: by moving forward (away from you), the direction of rotation is set to twisting, by moving backward (toward yourself), respectively, to unscrewing. However, such devices are widely used in other types of instruments (see "Device") and are generally the most popular option nowadays.

— Combined with the flow switch. Th...e most popular type of reverse in pneumatic tools (see "Power Source"); not found in other models. The flow switch itself is actually a speed controller, most often in the form of a distinctive rotary knob or lever. And if this regulator is combined with a reverse, this means that it can deviate from the neutral position in two directions, and the direction of rotation will depend on which direction the flow switch is shifted.

— Flag. A switch in the form of a flag, usually installed above the start button and thrown to the right and left. One of the advantages of a checkbox is that it is right at your fingertips and can be toggled with almost no unnecessary movement (which is not always available for a slider). On the other hand, this option is mainly suitable for drills, and in screwdrivers and wrenches, the checkbox is not as intuitive as the same slider. And in general, this type of reverse for a number of reasons is much less common.

— Brush (on the engine). Reverse switch installed directly in the tool motor and based on the use of a special movable brush holder. By changing the position of the brushes in the motor with the help of such a mechanism, it is possible to change the direction of its rotation. One of the key advantages of this method is that it allows you to achieve maximum power in any direction of rotation without any special tricks. In addition, such an adjustment has a positive effect on the engine resource. On the other hand, brush switches are quite complex and expensive, and therefore are installed mainly in a powerful professional tool.

— On the start button. Reverse switch combined with start button. Such a combination button is usually made in the form of a "rocker", and the direction of rotation depends on which side of the rocker the user pressed; pressing the same button immediately starts the engine. This design allows you to easily and quickly change the direction of rotation — for this you do not need to be distracted by individual switches, just move your finger slightly and press the other half of the start button. This is especially convenient for screw and wrench drivers, as well as screwdrivers; in fact, most of the models with this type of reverse belong to these types.

— On a keyboard switch. The control method, in many respects similar to the reverse on the start button described above, also uses a rocker switch. The key difference is that in this case the direction switch is made separately from the start button — that is, the user must first select the direction of movement, and then press "start". This option does not have any particular drawbacks, but it also does not differ in convenience, and therefore it is extremely rare.

— Gyroscopic. A rather rare and specific type of reverse, found exclusively in screwdrivers (see "Type"). In fact, there are no external switches in such a tool — instead, a built-in gyroscope is used to track body rotations. Accordingly, to select the direction of movement, you need to rather sharply turn the tool around the longitudinal axis in the appropriate direction and smoothly return it to its original position (speed can be adjusted in the same way — for example, the farther the turn, the higher the speed will be). This control method is very simple and intuitive, but it is rather complicated in technical implementation and requires increased accuracy in handling the tool. That is why gyroscopic reverse is extremely rare nowadays.

— Combined with a ratchet mechanism. Another rather rare option, found exclusively in wrenches — mostly pneumatic, less often battery-powered (see "Power"). The ratchet mechanism, we recall, is responsible for ensuring that the working part of the tool rotates in only one direction. And the reverse is controlled through a mechanical switch, which is directly connected to this mechanism and changes its settings, setting one or another direction of rotation.

The length of the cord attached to the mains powered tool (see "Power Source").

The longer the wire - the farther from the outlet you can use the tool without switching it, the more freedom the user has. On the other hand, an overly long cable creates inconvenience during storage and transportation, and even during operation it can get under your feet (or even your hands). Given this, in most cases, manufacturers equip their products with network cables from 2 to 4 m long. This gives a sufficient degree of freedom without creating inconvenience, and for situations where the length of the wire is not enough, there are extension cords. Of course, even in this range, you can choose a cable for a specific situation: for example, for a city apartment 2 - 2.5 m will be quite enough, but for a construction site it is desirable to have a longer wire.