Believe it or not a cordless screwdriver and a cordless drill are different. Don’t get me wrong they have a lot of similarities, but they also have some key differences. The tools can be used interchangeably, but only for certain projects. Each tool has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and pros and cons. The tool you’ll want to use depends highly on the project that you need to get done. A lot of people like to have them both on hand so that they can do a variety of things, but some people only have a need for one or the other. This article will go over some of those key differences and when it might be appropriate to use each power tool.
Main Differences Between a Cordless Screwdriver and a Cordless Drill
Cordless Screwdriver
Small and Lightweight
A cordless screwdriver is a lot smaller and more compact compared to a cordless drill. They fit more easily in your hand and are not heavy to lift. These smaller power tools make them great for children to learn how to use.
Perfect for Small Projects
Since the cordless screwdriver is small, it is better for small projects like assembling furniture. It makes screwing and unscrewing a snap. That dresser from Ikea that you’ve been afraid to assemble will be done in no time. They’re also great for taking off cabinets, crafts, putting on an outlet cover, or removing the cover to replace batteries.
Lower Power
A smaller power tool means it has less power. The cordless screwdriver is not meant for jobs with a lot of torque or that require a lot of power. They’re simply meant to make screwing and unscrewing easier for you. They can efficiently screw in screws without stripping any of them.
Replaces Other Screwdrivers
You will no longer need to have hundreds of screwdrivers overflowing in your tool box. This handy dandy little tool will allow you to use it for anything. You’ll only need one tool and you’ll be able to screw in any screws that you come across.
Easy to Control
A cordless screwdriver is not meant for large heavy duty projects, therefore it does not have much power. The lower power of a cordless screwdriver makes it a lot easier to control. Drills might get out of hand, literally, if you aren’t prepared for their power. Cordless screwdrivers are gentle, easy, and great to learn on.
Screws Into Existing Holes
Cordless screwdrivers make an assembling job much faster because you won’t need to screw everything in by hand. They’re great for assembling things that already have holes and spots for the screws. Cordless screwdrivers cannot cut or drill into material that does not already have a place for a screw.
Low Cost
A cordless screwdriver is going to cost less than a cordless drill. This is because it is smaller and has less power. Therefore, you can expect to spend a lot less money on a cordless screwdriver. However, you might want to buy a cordless drill if a cordless screwdriver won’t get the job done.
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Cordless Drill
Big and Heavy
Drills are meant for big, tough jobs. That means they’re a lot bigger and heavy so that they can handle big jobs. You will probably find yourself taking more breaks because your arm might get tired holding the drill up.
Intended for Large Projects
Drills are great for jobs that a cordless screwdriver cannot do. This means they can be used to cut holes into a lot of different materials, sand down materials, or drive screws through materials. These are all projects that a cordless screwdriver couldn’t do.
High Powered
This is a high powered tool so it’s important that you know how to use it before you start your project. That also means that it can strip screws or break them if you aren’t careful. The high powered nature of the drill makes it easy to drill something in quick, but it also makes screws easy to break if you go too fast.
Harder to Control
Drills can be hard to control if you’ve never used one before. They’re extremely fast so you’ll need to pay extra close attention to the speed in which you’re using the drill. These high powered tools require more caution and safety. Cordless drill projects usually involve a lot of torque so it’s important that you’re following safety guidelines and know what you’re doing.
Creates Holes
A cordless drill can create new holes for a screw to be screwed into. There does not have to be an existing hole for the screw. This might give you more freedom on a project because you can put a screw wherever you want instead of only where there are existing holes.
More Expensive
More power, more material, and bigger project capability equals more money. A cordless drill can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Sometimes they can even be more than that. Of course it depends on what you’re looking for in a cordless drill. Each drill will have its own set of capabilities. Some drills have even more attachments for further projects. Others are simple and can only screw in screws or create holes.
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Which Tool Do You Need?
Hopefully you now understand the main differences between a cordless screwdriver and a cordless drill. So which tool do you need? Think about all the different factors. How much are you willing to spend? What kind of projects will you use it for? How heavy duty are the projects? These are all questions that you need to answer. A cordless screwdriver would be great for small projects around the house, while a cordless drill would make large projects easier to complete. Both tools are very useful and make projects much easier for you to do. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Summing Up
A cordless screwdriver makes screwing in screws a breeze. Your hand won’t be tired from trying to screw in all the screws by hand. Assembling pieces of furniture will take no time at all! Pesky and daunting cribs, dressers, and entertainment centers don’t stand a chance against you and your cordless screwdriver. A cordless drill makes large projects easier by using its power and torque to create new holes and drill through materials. You’ll be able to hang towel rods, drill new holes for pipes, or have fun with a DIY project. You’ll love what you can accomplish with your new tools. Choose one of these tools for a specific purpose or have them both for an unstoppable team. They complement each other very nicely.
Image Source: The Tool Guyd
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