A dielectric screwdriver is a special tool for working with objects under electric current.
Various fasteners that are used in any technology, electrical appliances, power tools and even toys have led to the creation of special screwdrivers.
Each of them has its own characteristics, and they are designed to work effectively in specific conditions, to achieve specific goals.
To unscrew an ordinary self-tapping screw from a wooden product, a structurally simple tool with a cross-shaped slot in the tip is used.
It can be easily replaced with a knife with a suitable tip shape.
But when working with live power equipment, dielectric screwdrivers become necessary.
This specialized tool cannot be replaced with improvised means, because... it has its own technical features.
Purpose and characteristics
The dielectric screwdriver is designed to work with electrical networks and power equipment that are currently energized.
This tool was created not to facilitate work with fasteners, but to guarantee the safety of the master.
It is important to note that any dielectric screwdriver can work with electrical networks under voltage that does not exceed 1 kV.
Higher performance requires the use of a tool of a different level.
Dielectric screwdrivers are designed to work with common slots of fasteners - Phillips and straight, which is a consequence of standardization.
For this reason, tools for working with voltages up to 1 kV must comply with the VDE DIN EN 60900 standard.
However, sometimes you have to work with other fastener splines.
Any standardized dielectric slotted screwdriver must be tested with a voltage that reaches 10 kV.
This huge tenfold reserve allows you to verify the high-quality performance of the product and confirm its safety.
In this case, there must be markings (“1000V” or special symbols) on the handle or rod.
The best foreign screwdriver sets
Among foreign sets, several sets from a number of popular manufacturers stand out. Each option has its own list of characteristics, which allows the buyer to make a choice based on all the advantages.
Gross 12164 (6 pieces)
The German brand Gross has already earned a good reputation in the instrument market. Set 12164 includes 3 Phillips and slotted screwdrivers.
The main features that distinguish the screwdriver from its analogues are the three-component handle. Some of the handles have a hexagonal protrusion that allows you to work with a 10mm wrench. This allows you to rotate tight connections.
The entire set has a laminated packaging option. The chrome rods have magnetized tips for easy use.
The main purpose of the kit is to solve everyday problems.
The kit includes:
- Package.
- 3 flat-type screwdrivers.
- 3 cross-shaped options with different overall dimensions.
Pros of a screwdriver set:
- Long-term use without damaging the tips.
- High quality handles.
- Use of high-strength materials, which eliminates rapid wear.
Disadvantages of a screwdriver set:
- Lack of a special case and the packaging quickly becomes unusable.
- Limited kit.
- A small number of standard sizes, which makes it impossible to use the set as a professional or special one.
JONNESWAY D04PP16S (16 pcs.)
The JONNESWAY tool set consists of 16 elements of different types and sizes. All screwdrivers are rod-type and have ergonomic handles.
It is worth considering that all screwdrivers comply with the DIN 5262 standard, as well as TU GOST 17199-88. Each product has a high quality steel rod and a magnetized tip.
The intended use of the set is to work with various types of fasteners at home and in professional settings.
The kit includes:
- Case made of durable plastic.
- 16 screwdrivers with different tip options and sizes.
Pros of a screwdriver set:
- High-quality materials, combined with reinforced handles.
- Duration of operation.
- Convenient case with durable walls.
- The set is classified as semi-professional, as it has all the necessary common standard sizes and is distinguished by its quality.
Disadvantages of a screwdriver set:
- When working with hard compounds, the coating on Phillips screwdrivers will wear off.
- The price segment is higher than that of analogues.
Ombra 975008 (8 pcs.)
Set 975008 includes 8 different screwdrivers with enlarged handles. The set is intended for long-term use. This is possible thanks to the use of alloy steel and a number of anti-corrosion technologies in the manufacture.
The main difference of the set is the durability and reliability of the screwdrivers.
The kit includes:
- Packaging with transparent front.
- Screwdrivers of various sizes, 8 pieces.
Pros of a screwdriver set:
- Possibility of long-term use without damage to the tip.
- The handle fits comfortably in the hand.
- The cost correlates well with the quality.
Disadvantages of a screwdriver set:
- No special bag.
- Not suitable for precision work.
Screwdriver size
As a rule, the required screwdrivers for each electrician are limited to the following sizes:
• PZ1 • PZ2 • Flat spline 3mm • Flat spline 5.5mm
These sizes will be sufficient to work with household electrical appliances.
To expand the scope of work, flat splines (2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm), PZ3, PH1, PH2 are sometimes used.
However, they may not be enough if you have to periodically deal with power equipment of a special design.
In this case, electricians are advised to purchase a dielectric tool kit with removable bits.
Handle
The handle is the most important part.
She bears full responsibility for the safety of the master.
Its dielectric properties must be guaranteed to protect against “breakdown” even at a voltage of 1 kV.
Additional safety for the master during work is ensured by a special material – polyformaldehyde.
The handle itself can be made of polycarbonate or polyethylene, while the surface is coated with a layer of the same polyformaldehyde.
It has interesting properties, including moisture and wear resistance, high mechanical strength and resistance to the aggressive effects of neutral alkalis and solvents.
Polyformaldehyde is a good dielectric, which allows it to be used as a coating for screwdriver handles.
This material retains its properties within temperature limits from -40 to +120 degrees Celsius.
Its dielectric properties are practically independent of temperature.
The shape of the handle can be completely round in cross section, or hexagonal, pentagonal, or square.
Sometimes there are also triangular options.
In principle, when choosing, you need to focus not on the specific shape, but on whether the instrument fits comfortably in your hand.
Which cordless screwdriver is best to buy?
The cordless screwdriver allows you to perform installation or repair work involving the use of a variety of fasteners at high speed. The battery's energy reserve is usually enough for tens and sometimes hundreds of simple operations. Let's look at the main points that you should pay attention to when purchasing such a tool.
What should the maximum torque be?
To tighten a medium-sized screw into dense wood, a force of about 4-4.5 Nm is required. This is exactly what the lower torque level should be for most universal electric screwdrivers. Modern models are often equipped with an adjustment mechanism that allows you to adjust the torque for each type of fastener.
What you need to know about the number of revolutions
Working with self-tapping screws and self-tapping screws does not require high rotation speed. Most of these operations are performed at a speed of 200-500 rpm. Sometimes you need to give a screwdriver a drilling function. Only in this case does it need a faster speed limit.
How to decide on the type and power of batteries
The battery is the most important element of electric screwdrivers. It must be compact, powerful and capable of retaining the accumulated charge for a long time. In modern household appliances, two types of batteries are most widespread: Ni-Cd and Li-Ion.
Ni-Cd batteries
Nickel-cadmium batteries can withstand a large number of charge-discharge cycles, operate stably even at sub-zero temperatures, can be stored for a long time in a discharged state and are very inexpensive. Their main disadvantages are their tendency to gradually self-discharge and the need for complete discharge before the next charge due to a pronounced “memory effect”.
Li-Ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries with equal capacity have the most compact dimensions and minimal weight. They can be charged at any convenient time without fear of reducing the charging range. They stably retain the accumulated energy. The disadvantages of such devices include reduced performance at low temperatures and higher cost.
What does battery voltage affect?
The operating voltage of a battery is directly related to its power. The lightest tool is equipped with 2.4 batteries; 3.6; 4 or 4.8 volts. The most productive screwdrivers require at least 7.2 volts.
What does battery capacity affect?
The battery capacity corresponds to the maximum amount of energy stored and the amount of work performed in one cycle. For most screwdrivers, this figure lies in the range from 0.6 to 1.5 Ah. A battery with a larger capacity is able to provide the electric motor with energy for a longer period of time without reducing the voltage and, accordingly, without reducing power. It must be remembered that as the capacity increases, it takes longer to fully charge. This problem is usually solved by using a pair of replacement batteries.
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Properties and shapes of the rod
Electricians often have to work with live power equipment.
To ensure safety, one dielectric screwdriver with a handle that is not capable of conducting current will not be enough.
Sometimes your hand slips off the handle, sometimes you have to hold the tool by the shaft.
If the latter has conductive properties, electric shock is guaranteed.
Even simple inattention can lead to dire consequences.
Another bastion of protection for the master from the effects of electricity is the dielectric rod.
As a rule, it has a standard cylindrical shape, but there are also faceted options (octagon, hexagon).
To manufacture the rod, tool steel is used, which has increased strength.
The most common brands are 8ХФ and У7.
A special galvanic coating is applied on top of the metal.
This rod design is designed for safe installation and dismantling of fasteners under voltage.
The same material as on the handles is sometimes used as a coating - polyformaldehyde.
This way the rod becomes completely insulated and safe. The screwdriver blade itself remains uncovered with dielectric material.
Product Features
How to choose dielectric screwdrivers? In the electronics department, the range is constantly being improved. For its production, special metal alloys are used, and improved models of structures are regularly developed.
What to look for when choosing an electrical installation tool? Experts identify a number of important criteria that help you purchase a high-quality model.
They include:
- Handle structure. The future safety of the electrician will depend on it. For its manufacture, polyethylene or polycarbonate alloy is used. The surface of the part is covered with a layer of formaldehyde. Externally, this handle is similar to a regular screwdriver. It can be T-shaped or L-shaped. The photo of a dielectric screwdriver shows a model with an L-shape;
- The structure of the rod. This part is made from special tool steel. The tip surface can be standard or faceted. The metal base is galvanized. Polyformaldehyde is used for this. This material does not conduct electric current;
- Tool tip. It is considered the main working part of the entire screwdriver. This element is not covered with a protective layer. Manufacturers sell two types of products that differ in the shape of the dielectric tip. They are divided into slotted and cross. In the store you can find a different tip shape. This model of screwdriver will have a hexagonal base.
Shape of the tip
The tip is the working part of the tool, the shape of which corresponds to the slot of a specific fastener.
In accordance with the standards, the most common tip shapes for dielectric screwdrivers are:
• SL (flat spline) • PH (cross spline) • PZ – a spline that resembles the shape of the PH standard, but has additional guides.
Allows you to achieve greater adhesion to the fastener and give it more torque:
• HEX (Hex Head) – Not very common in electrical applications, but having a tool with this type of tip is useful.
• TORX (star slot) - rare, but nothing can replace it.
BOSCH IXO 5 set
Main characteristics:
- Maximum torque 4.5 Nm
- Bit chuck type
- Number of operating speeds 1
- Max. idle speed 215 rpm
Housing and ergonomics. This screwdriver has a pistol shape with a comfortable handle and a wide trigger button. Durable plastic is used for the outer shell. At the working end there is a backlight that can be spot or panoramic. The product weighs only 300 g.
Functions and capabilities. This tool uses ¼" hex bits. The brush type electric motor provides a rotation speed of 215 rpm. The torque is not adjustable and is 4.5 Nm, which is enough to tighten self-tapping screws with a diameter of up to 5 mm. The speed switch has three positions: forward, reverse and transport.
Battery. This model is equipped with a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be recharged at any convenient time without fear of memory effect. Its capacity is 1.5 Ah, which is not inferior to most competitors. It takes 3 hours to fully charge. A universal Micro-USB connector is used. There is an indicator on the screwdriver body that promptly reports a decrease in energy reserves.
Equipment. The tool comes in a compact bag with a charger, a set of 10 of the most popular bits in a rubber clip, a pair of eccentric and angled bits for working in tight spaces.
Pros of BOSCH IXO 5 set
- Light weight.
- Comfortable handle.
- Backlight.
- Good equipment.
Cons of BOSCH IXO 5 set
- Built-in battery.
- No torque adjustment.
Kinds
Dielectric screwdrivers are practically no different from conventional tools, with the exception of the presence of special insulation on the shaft and handle.
They can have both ordinary cylindrical handles and L-shaped, T-shaped options (pistol shape), equipped with a monolithic metal rod with a tip for a certain type of slot, or a seat for removable bits.
The latter option is preferable, as it allows you to purchase additional screwdriver tips as needed.
Although the standard tools for an electrician are flat-head and Phillips-head insulated slotted screwdrivers, sometimes it is necessary to use hex and torx slots when repairing electrical equipment and power units.
A dielectric tool can also be used for other purposes than its intended purpose.
Thus, a dielectric hex screwdriver can easily replace a wrench when assembling furniture, where fasteners with a hex slot are most common.
Remember!
An insulating screwdriver cannot be used when working with equipment connected to an electrical network whose voltage exceeds 1 kV.
Otherwise, the instrument insulation may break through.
In order to be sure of your own safety when using a dielectric screwdriver, before starting work, you need to inspect the tool for damage.
Drums
This type of tool is necessary when dismantling old structures whose fasteners are “welded” or covered with a layer of rust. This quality rating of screwdrivers includes three of the best examples with straight and Phillips bits that can withstand the toughest loads.
matrix SL8x150 19117
pros
- solid high quality steel rod
- handle with steel butt plate
- life time
- phosphated tip
Minuses
- rustic design
From 149 ₽
A reliable impact screwdriver, the main advantages of which are a comfortable two-component handle with a steel plate on the back side (can be struck with a hammer), a solid rod with a high safety margin and reinforced protection of the magnetized head (SL8). Such a tool will last a long time even when working in the most difficult conditions.
JONNESWAY D04P138
pros
- working part made of chrome-molybdenum steel
- magnetized rod
Minuses
- decent price
- plastic handle
From 242 ₽
A convenient Phillips screwdriver with a solid shaft and an ergonomic handle that can withstand hammer blows. The magnetized working part is highly durable and allows you to work in hard-to-reach places.
BERGER BG1035
pros
- rod diameter
- ergonomic handle
- blackened working part
- metal back of the head
Minuses
- quite high price
From 271 ₽
The straight slot impact driver is suitable for use on hard-to-cut fasteners. Can be used together with an impact tool and a wrench.
Marking
Any dielectric screwdriver must have a marking that confirms the safety of using the tool for working with electrical networks and equipment whose voltage does not exceed 1 kV.
These can be either special icons printed on the handle or the inscription “1000V”.
A high-quality dielectric screwdriver must comply with the technical standards of GOST 21010-75, which regulates the permissible parameters for this tool.
According to GOST, the marking must contain the manufacturer's trademark, tool length, Phillips recess number, and maximum operating voltage.
If the tip is made in the shape of a blade, its thickness is indicated.
Selection of dielectric screwdrivers
Dielectric screwdrivers must be comfortable during use.
But this is not the main rule that you should focus on when choosing a tool.
When choosing a dielectric screwdriver for any conditions of use, the first thing to do is check the tool for markings.
Otherwise, the product will not comply with safety standards, which may lead to adverse consequences during operation.
The GOST mark of conformity is usually applied by domestic manufacturers.
Foreign ones use the VDE marking (German standard of the Institute for Testing and Certification, located in the city of Offenbach).
The next step is a visual check for damage and reliability of the connection of individual parts.
The rod should not dangle, rotate or play in the handle.
If chips, burrs or unevenness are found on the handle, this indicates insufficient quality control of production.
Conclusion: it is not safe to use such a tool.
The best dielectric screwdrivers not only fit perfectly in the hand, but also meet safety requirements and perform their direct functions.
Manufacturer is another selection criterion.
The main difference between a good manufacturer is a wide range of products.
Large companies are engaged in the development and manufacture of almost any construction tool, including specialized ones.
