Buying an electric screwdriver
- Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
- Avoid buying second-hand electric screwdrivers as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
- Safety features to look for include torque control to automatically stop the motor when a certain tightness is reached, a kickback sensor to stop the motor instantly if there is a jam, insulation to protect against electric shocks, speed controls for fragile materials, a brushless motor which eliminates electrical sparks, and voltage protection.
- Register your electric screwdriver so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.
Using an electric screwdriver safely
- Check your cabled appliance has a UK 3-pin plug. If it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor as it may not meet UK safety standards. Get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice.
- Before you start, for cabled screwdrivers make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
- Check the screwdriver or charger for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
- Select the right size bit for the screw being used. The screwdriver bit should be firmly seated in the screw head before you start screwing.
- If drilling into soft wood, hold the screw in place until it starts to bite. For hard wood, it’s best to pre-drill a pilot hole.
- If using a cabled screwdriver, be aware of the trailing lead as this can be a trip hazard or may get tangled around furniture.
- Apply firm, steady pressure when using the electric screwdriver, and press the trigger smoothly and gently. When removing screws, it’s best to select the highest torque setting.
- Unplug cabled screwdrivers before removing or inserting a new screw bit. In a cordless model, select ‘off’ mode (if there is one) and keep your fingers well away from the trigger.
- Don’t pick up the screwdriver by the cable, screw bit, or trigger.
- Unplug a cabled screwdriver or charger at the socket when not in use.
- Store in a cool, dry indoor place such as a shed or garage.
- If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the screwdriver off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
- Unplug the screwdriver before doing any maintenance on it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the screwdriver or charger. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where it’s plugged in.
- For a cordless screwdriver, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.
- Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.
- If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.
- If you need a replacement or additional charger, buy directly from the original manufacturer. Don’t use chargers from other manufacturers or tools, as these may pose safety risks.
