An electrician's screwdriver is an indispensable tool for electrical installations.

TOP 10 best screwdriver sets

As expected, the first places are taken by products from long-recognized and respected brands. You won’t be able to save money on their purchase, but they are worthwhile tools that can withstand increased loads over a long service life. Screwdriver sets from Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers are much more affordable, and they are optimal for infrequent use in the home. At the end of the rating are the cheapest options, the quality of which is in no way comparable to the leaders, but they are quite suitable for solving one-time tasks.

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.

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.

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.

Classification

There are many classifications of screwdrivers, however, the most common are the following: 1. A three-way screwdriver has a ratcheting mechanism built into the coupling, which allows you to screw bolts at an angle from 45° to 90°.

2. The pistol device model has a special hand in its design that imitates this device. Typically, a set of such screwdrivers has up to 20 replaceable elements.

3. A drill screwdriver screws in parts using a mechanized method, by pressing on a special handle. Works by recharging with batteries. The set includes five elements.

4. Electric screwdriver, cordless.

5. The following design has multi-functional action, the cylinder lowers and returns to the reverse position, designed for professional use. The set consists of an extension cord and five spare attachments.

6. The indicator screwdriver, which has an ergonomic handle, has a standard appearance. A distinctive feature is the ability to conduct current through itself, while a neon light bulb or LED lights up, indicating the presence of voltage. Some copies are equipped with an indicator with a display showing the voltage value.

What types and number of screwdrivers are needed to complete the job? This largely depends on the type of fastening, the complexity of the equipment and the current strength in the electrical wire. You can choose each tool you like separately or one with interchangeable attachments, or you can order a professional set. Both in everyday life and in the workplace, one screwdriver is not enough. It’s better to take care of purchasing such irreplaceable equipment in advance! You can make a good choice right now and order the desired product on our website!

Makita DF012DSE

Main characteristics:

• Maximum torque 5.6 Nm
• Bit chuck type
• Number of operating speeds 2
• Max. idle speed 650 rpm

Housing and ergonomics. The body of this model is made of durable plastic with rubber pads, which provides reliable contact with the hand and allows it to weigh no more than 550 grams. Depending on the availability of free space, the handle can be in a straight or bent position. The length of the tool is only 273 mm.

Functions and capabilities. For quick replacement of bits, the screwdriver is equipped with a chuck for a ¼” hex shank. Direct and reverse rotation. There are two speeds at 200 and 650 rpm. In drilling mode, the power of the brush motor is enough to make holes in wood with a diameter of up to 6 mm, and in metal - up to 5 mm. There are 21 torque values ​​available, which reaches a maximum of 5.6 Nm. In poor visibility conditions, you can use LED backlighting.

Battery. The tool is powered by a 7.2 V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. It charges within half an hour, which, if there is a reserve, allows you to work without long breaks. The electrical equipment of the device protects the battery from overloads and unwanted discharge levels.

Equipment. The factory kit includes a screwdriver, two batteries, a charger, a pair of double-sided bits, a case, a small container for small accessories and instructions.

Watch the product video

Pros of Makita DF012DSE

1. Convenient shape with small size and weight.
2. Quality materials.
3. Nice build.
4. Adjustable speed and torque.
5. Two batteries.
6. Built-in flashlight.

Cons of Makita DF012DSE

1. Plastic gear reducer.
2. High price.

BLACK+DECKER BD40K27

Main characteristics:

• Maximum torque 5 Nm
• Bit chuck type
• Number of operating speeds 1
• Max. idle speed 320 rpm

Housing and ergonomics. This screwdriver has the shape of a plastic rod with a diameter of 37 mm with a relief surface to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. With a length of 183 mm, it weighs only 280 g, which is convenient for long-term work.

Functions and capabilities. The tool is designed to accept quick-change ¼-inch hex bits. It has 5 torque settings ranging from 2.5 to 5.0 Nm for best adaptation to the fasteners used. The engine starts when the tip is pressed onto the screw. When the force is removed it stops. There is a reverse option and spindle lock for manual mode. If there is insufficient lighting, you can turn on a couple of LED lamps.

Battery. The autonomous power source is an internal 36-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. It can be recharged from a power bank or any adapter with a USB connector. There is automatic protection against overheating. LED indication helps to monitor the availability of energy.

Equipment. The set is sold in a plastic container with a transparent lid, which contains 18 standard bits, 8 bits for precision work with a hand screwdriver for them, and a charger with a detachable cable.

Pros of BLACK+DECKER BD40K27

1. Convenient shape.
2. Ease.
3. Good equipment.
4. Illumination of the working area.
5. Electronic torque control.
6. A stripper is attached to the body for stripping wire insulation.

Cons of BLACK+DECKER BD40K27

1. There is a slight inertia of the shaft movement.
2. Inconvenient position of the reverse button.
3. Starting the engine by pressing the bit on the screw and unscrewing it from the material is a bad combination.

AEG SE 3.6 Li

Main characteristics:

• Maximum torque 6.5 Nm
• Bit chuck type
• Number of operating speeds 2
• Max. idle speed 600 rpm

Housing and ergonomics. This screwdriver weighs only 580 grams, thanks to the maximum use of aluminum and impact-resistant plastic. The handle has an anti-slip coating and can be in any position relative to the axis of the tool. When straightened, its length does not exceed 28 cm.

Functions and capabilities. The product is equipped with a convenient chuck for a ¼-inch hex shank, allowing you to quickly change attachments. It is capable of operating in drilling mode at two speeds of 200 and 600 rpm, adapting to the properties of the material. Rotation is possible in both directions. The motor has enough power to make a hole in wood with a diameter of up to 6 mm. When tightening bolts and screws, you can choose any of 10 torque options, which reaches a maximum of 6.5 Nm. If more force is required, you need to lock the spindle and finish the job manually.

Battery. The device is powered by a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah that is inserted into the handle. and a voltage of 3.6 volts, capable of functioning reliably at temperatures from -18 to +50°C. It is equipped with overload and deep discharge protection. It only takes 0.5 hours to fully charge it.

Equipment. The product is stored and transported in a convenient plastic case, which also contains a charger and a spare battery.

Watch the product video

Pros of AEG SE 3.6 Li

1. High power.
2. Adjustable handle position.
3. Torque setting.
4. Two batteries for continuous operation.
5. Light weight and compact dimensions.
6. Bright color.

Cons of AEG SE 3.6 Li

1. The gear selector gears do not always engage immediately.
2. A lot of force is generated even with the torque control at its minimum position.
3. Chinese assembly.

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.

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.

Dimensions

The most necessary screwdrivers in an electrician's arsenal are:

• PZ1 (PZ is a cross slot with additional guides);
• PZ2;
• flat spline models 3 mm and 5.5 mm.

Using screwdrivers of the specified size, you can safely take on disassembling household electrical appliances.

More complex (power) equipment may require a different tool. In this case, it is wiser to purchase a set with all kinds of removable bits.

Nuances of choice

Summarizing the above, we can make a list of requirements that dielectric screwdrivers must satisfy:

• Ease of use;
• reliability (the marking indicates the permissible network voltage);
• integrity of the protective layer;
• the rod is firmly seated in the handle (there should be no play).

Domestic or foreign manufacturer is another important criterion that allows you to make the right choice. User reviews can help you navigate among the models on the market.

In reviews of dielectric screwdrivers, two models often appear - Anchor and SHTOK (PH2*125 mm). This is explained by quality and reasonable price (from 80 to 145 rubles).

The only disadvantage of both brands (perhaps of all dielectric screwdrivers) is that you cannot knock on the end of their handle. Violation of the protective layer will make further operation unsafe.

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.