Advantages of using an electric screwdriver!

January 17, 2024

Electric screwdrivers are portable electrical devices used to drive (and remove) screws effortlessly. Like a conventional hand-operated screwdriver, an electric screwdriver has a handle and a shaft with a flat (or cross-shaped) end that fits over the top of the screw.

However, because electric screwdrivers are powered by an electrical source, they are faster, more efficient, and more versatile than conventional screwdrivers . For example, electric screwdrivers offer a wide range of speeds and torques, making them ideal for several industrial applications.

The electric motor and gearbox are two essential components that play a crucial role in the impressive performance of this screwdriver.

Electric motor

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (in the form of shaft rotation). A direct current (DC) motor is commonly used in electric screwdrivers. It works on the principle that when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a magnetic force.

DC motors have two main components: a stator (or the stationary part of the motor) and a rotor (or the rotating part of the motor). The stator typically contains permanent magnets, while the rotor contains coil windings. A magnetic field is created in the stator when a DC source powers the motor. This magnetic field attracts and repels the magnet, causing the rotor to rotate and produce torque (or torque).

However, the torque produced by these motors is usually small, especially at high torque speeds. A gear reduction system is one of the essential mechanical components that solves this torque challenge and makes electric screwdrivers in demand in several industrial assembly applications.

Gear reduction system

The gearbox is the heart of an electric screwdriver: it allows the device to have enough power (and torque) to drive screws without any problems. The gear system of an electric screwdriver is essentially a planetary gear, consisting of a centralized sun gear, a ring gear, and three planet gears that rotate around them.

Corded and cordless electric screwdriver

A corded electric screwdriver requires the device to be plugged into an electrical outlet while it is in use. In contrast, a cordless (or portable) electric screwdriver is battery-powered and can be used even without an electrical outlet.

Cordless electric screwdrivers come in a variety of voltage ratings, from 3 V to 11 V, with higher voltage ratings meaning higher tightening torque. Portable electric screwdrivers with voltage ratings of less than 4 V are ideal for light work, such as driving small screws into plastic and soft wood. In contrast, higher voltage electric screwdrivers are ideal for heavy-duty work, such as assembling wood and ceramic parts.

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