How to choose the right voltage?

29th February 2020


	How to choose the right voltage


	Shop for Cordless Screwdrivers





			The power of your cordless screwdriver largely depends on the voltage of its battery. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the tool will be, and generally, the more expensive. For power tools, voltage ranges from around 3 to 48 volts.

			The voltage of a cordless power tool is often printed on the side of the tool itself…

			…or on the tool’s battery.

			Generally, cordless screwdrivers range from 3 to 10.8 volts. Consider the following when selecting your tool to ensure you choose a voltage that’s right for you:

			What will you be using the cordless screwdriver for?
			Light duty jobs only Driving small screws into softer materials such as softwood (e.g. pine, cedar), plastic and plasterboard is considered light duty and will not require much power

			For light duty work only, select a cordless screwdriver with a lower voltage: 4v or less

			Light and heavy duty jobs Drilling small holes and driving small screws into; softwood, plastics, and plasterboard…. …as well as… …hardwoods (e.g. oak, walnut) and ceramics is considered heavy duty and will require more power.

			For heavy duty work, select a cordless screwdriver with a higher voltage: 7v or more

			How important is the tool’s weight?
			Typically, higher voltage cordless screwdrivers weigh more than lower voltage ones.

			If you’re only going to use the tool occasionally, then its weight may not be an issue. However, if you’re planning on working for long periods of time, a heavier tool can put excess strain on your arm and wrist.

			You should also consider the kind of work you are going to be doing with the tool. Driving screws in awkward spaces such as in the rafters of a roof, where the tool will most likely be held above your head, will also become extremely tiring if working with a heavy tool.

			How much are you looking to spend?
			Keep in mind that the higher the battery’s voltage, the more expensive it is likely to be.

			Think about how you may wish to use the tool in the future. If you buy a low-voltage tool just to save money, you may have problems in the long run when trying to complete more heavy-duty tasks.

			Voltage summary
			A higher voltage tool will be more powerful and will allow you to work with a larger variety of screws and materials.

			However, a higher voltage tool will typically be larger, heavier and more expensive than a lower voltage one.