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Drill-driver – which one to choose and what to consider when choosing?
A professional drill for every material, often equipped with an impact function, is an essential piece of equipment not only for the handyman but also for professional installers and specialists. Like a screwdriver, it speeds up work and makes tightening screws and bolts easier. So is it worth investing in both tools, or should you opt for a universal drill-driver? In many cases the latter solution will work better. But what should you pay attention to so that the purchased model meets all requirements? Key parameters of a drill-driver – what to look for when choosing? Which drill-driver will be best? To find the answer to this question, you should familiarize yourself with the basic parameters of the device. What should you pay particular attention to? Type of motor. A brushed electric motor, although cheaper to produce, wears out faster, which involves the costly replacement of brushes. If you use power tools frequently, it's better to opt for brushless motors, which provide longer, more reliable operation and greater comfort (lower weight). Voltage. A drill-driver can run on 12, 14 or 18 V batteries. The higher the voltage, the greater the torque and power of the device. Battery capacity is another important parameter. A drill-driver can only be used for a limited time. A large battery capacity will provide energy for long hours of work, while small batteries require constant charging. Torque determines the capabilities of the device. There are two types of torque: soft and hard. The former describes drilling in soft materials, when force increases with depth. Hard torque increases gradually and determines the ability to drill in hard materials. The rotational speed of mid-range drill-drivers is from 1.5 to 2 thousand revolutions per minute. Higher speeds provide greater comfort and speed up the work. Don't forget to check what materials the individual components of the device are made of. Plastic components wear out faster and are not able to carry heavy loads. Additional functions are useful in special cases. The ability to set the available power will protect you from damaging a thread. Meanwhile, the impact function facilitates drilling in hard materials such as masonry, concrete or brick. Additional equipment also matters. A suitable charger for the batteries, durable bits or a bag that makes it easier to carry the device to the workplace. Before purchasing a drill-driver you should carefully consider what parameters the chosen model should have. They will affect not only the comfort of working but also the durability and reliability of the tool. Drill-driver with impact or without? A small model for home use will cope with simple tasks. It is usually used occasionally, so work efficiency is not of great importance. People who use power tools more often have higher requirements. They drill into hard walls or concrete much more often, and work efficiency is very important. In their case a hammer/impact drill-driver will be a good idea. Why? The drill bit or screwdriver bit rotates during operation. The impact provides additional reciprocating movement of the tip. Thanks to this a drill-driver with an impact function handles medium-hard and hard surfaces (drilling in concrete) better. Mechanical impact is based on the operation of two gears that cause the additional movement of the tip. This is a cheaper solution but also less effective. It will work in the case of medium-hard materials. Not all drill-driver accessories will work well with a given type of impact. An electropneumatic model requires the use of an SDS-type chuck, which enables the additional reciprocating movement. Such drill bits can also work with a drill-driver with mechanical impact, but their effectiveness will not be greater than that of universal tips. If you care about the reliability of the tools, a brushless impact drill-driver is a good idea. A modern motor design provides maximum performance. Why is a cordless drill-driver the best? Mobility is usually the most important factor. A cordless drill-driver is light and does not require a power source at the workplace. For this reason it is easier to reach hard-to-access places. Such a model will also be useful in the garden or at the initial stage of construction where there is no power connection yet. When buying, pay attention to the voltage provided by a given battery. Batteries of 12 V, 14 V and 18 V are available on the market. Power tools at 12 V are intended for household applications. A professional brushless drill-driver is most often designed for 18 V power. The drawback of batteries is their limited capacity. With eight hours of work there is a high risk that the battery will be completely drained. What then? The answer is drill-driver sets with two batteries. Such an energy reserve usually lasts a full day of intensive work. Additionally, you don't have to interrupt your work to charge a depleted battery. It is also possible to add to the set yourself. A battery for a drill-driver can be purchased separately, after first checking whether it fits your line of power tools. Often the same battery can power not only the drill-driver but also other devices, such as an impact wrench, angle grinder, etc. Importantly, screwdriver bits and drill bits fit all models of drill-drivers. Therefore one set of bits will work for many years, provided the tips are made of durable material.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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What is PU material?
PU material, i.e. polyurethane, is a polymer formed by the polymerization of multifunctional isocyanates with polyols. It is derived from crude oil. It is used, among other things, in the production of elastic fibers such as elastane, which are then used to manufacture outdoor, trekking and workwear, as well as any other clothing where comfort of use and freedom of movement are important. The main advantages of PU include: comfort of use (skin-friendly, pleasant to the touch); moisture permeability while remaining resistant to water; high stretchability; durability. Polyurethanes are easier to process than polyamides due to their lower melting point, which is why they are much more widely used. Commonly used PU-coated materials are very popular, e.g. in upholstery. PU coating is a material that imitates leather - the so-called "eco leather". PU material offers a wide range of elasticity adjustments to suit our needs, and also allows us to influence which external factors it should be resistant to. PU-based outerwear performs well in all weather conditions by adjusting its properties to provide moisture protection and cold resistance.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
Read moreWhat you should know about steel before buying hand tools
On the packaging of hand tools, abbreviations are very often placed: CrV, CrNI, Cr-Mo or the short description "tool steel". These descriptions inform the consumer about the type of steel from which the product was made. Before purchasing tools, it is worth paying attention to these markings and familiarizing yourself with their meaning. To properly interpret the above abbreviations, one should be aware that steel classification is carried out according to various criteria. One of these is the chemical composition, where a distinction is made between alloy steels and non-alloy (carbon) steels. Alloy steel – an alloy of iron with carbon and deliberately introduced alloying elements. These additives occur in varying amounts – from trace values up to several tens of percent. As components they are very important because they significantly influence and change the properties of the steel. The most common alloying elements are: molybdenum, vanadium, aluminum, tungsten, nickel, chromium, manganese, silicon, titanium, niobium and cobalt. To increase strength and reduce brittleness, the following are used in the production of hand tools: chromium-vanadium steel (CrV) – characterized by increased resistance to corrosion and rust formation. The alloying addition "chromium" significantly improves the steel's hardenability. The alloying addition "vanadium" increases the steel's ductility during heat treatment, which positively affects resistance to high temperatures and resistance to deformation. chromium-nickel steel (CrNI) – characterized by very high resistance to corrosive agents such as seawater or sulfuric acid. In addition to acid resistance, this steel is distinguished by heat resistance and high-temperature strength. chromium-molybdenum steel (Cr-Mo) – decidedly the lightest, which means that products made from this steel are more durable while having a lower own weight. The alloying addition "molybdenum" increases the ductility of the steel at high temperature and prevents deformation. It also increases the overall corrosion resistance of the steel in humid and acidic environments. Non-alloy (carbon) steel – an alloy of iron with carbon that does not contain specially introduced elements. The content of elements other than carbon is small – they are admixtures and impurities. Due to costs, their removal is not economical. It is the percentage of carbon and the heat treatment of the alloy that affect the properties and characteristics of non-alloy steel. Essentially, non-alloy steel is used for the production of components with simple construction and those that require high tensile strength (e.g. pressure vessels). Some hand tools are made from non-alloy tool steel with a carbon content in the range of 0.6–1.5%. The working surface of such tools is hard, and the steel hardens well.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
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Choosing the right protective mask – protect your respiratory system
Working in a highly dusty environment can lead to many occupational diseases. Therefore, in some positions it is necessary to use protective workwear (PPE) that protects the respiratory tract. These are most often masks and dust half masks. Depending on the filters used, they provide protection against specific hazards in the workplace. How do you properly select dust personal protective equipment and how do you use it? Choosing a mask for different types of work If an employee's health is at risk during work, they must be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment. Most often this is protective workwear (PPE). This applies not only to the risk of bodily injury from sharp edges, but also to high levels of dust. In such situations it is necessary to put on protective half masks that protect the respiratory tract from excessive levels of dust, fine particles, as well as harmful microorganisms or hazardous mists. What is the basic use of protective masks? They are used, among others, in food production and the wood industry. They are indispensable in mining, agriculture, construction and the chemical industry. A painting mask protects against oil mist (spray painting), fine particles (powder coating) and organic vapors from solvents used. A grinding mask has a different design, as it must protect against metal shavings and dust generated when working with an angle grinder. As you can see, the application of protective half masks is very wide. So how do you choose the right model? Protective half masks: selection and use To begin with, it is worth considering whether to choose a reusable mask with a replaceable filter or a half mask with a valve and built-in filter. For most jobs, when difficult working conditions occur periodically, a disposable dust mask works better. Why? It adapts to the face very easily, providing a proper seal. A well-designed envelope or dome shape allows the mask to be folded flat, which significantly facilitates storage. It provides a high level of personal hygiene – a used half mask should be discarded without the need for disinfection. An activated carbon filter effectively protects against microorganisms and also neutralizes unpleasant odors. An additional valve facilitates exhalation. For the reasons listed above, they are much better for occasional use. Therefore protective half masks can also be found in workshops. Reusable masks, on the other hand, are intended for continuous work in a harsh environment. Mask filters: how to increase respiratory protection Browsing the available range in our store, you will quickly notice that protective masks have different markings. So how does an FFP2 half mask differ from FFP1? This is the designation of the filter installed in a given model. According to the EN 149 standard, which specifies respiratory protective equipment, we distinguish three classes of protection for PPE masks: The first class, marked with the code FFP1, provides protection efficiency of 80%. It is used for nuisance dusts, provided their toxicity is low. This can be, for example, a protective grinding mask or masks used in quarries. It is also suitable for the construction industry. A filtering half mask FFP2 already protects 94% against solid particles down to 0.6 μm found in the air. It can be used as protection against dusts and aerosols with high harmfulness (causing irritation even with short-term contact). It performs well in the metal industry and mining. It is also used in sawmills. FFP3 protective masks provide filtration at the 99% level and are used in the chemical industry or when sorting waste. They also provide appropriate protection for pharmacists. For everyday use, FFP2 protective half masks are most often used, which provide significantly better protection than class 1, giving them greater versatility. Especially in home applications, when it is difficult to determine the harmfulness of dust to health. How to choose the best protective mask? Selection of a protective half mask should begin by determining the level of hazard. When seeking advice, it is worth asking, which mask for spray painting will be best? Such a product will respond to different hazards than masks for powder coating due to the different conditions in both cases. A universal solution that will work in most cases are FFP2-class models. They will be suitable during a home renovation and painting rooms. However, a dust mask for grinding does not need to provide such high protection: in that case it is sufficient to choose a model marked FFP1. Additional aspects when choosing PPE half masks are their size and wearing comfort. They should allow full freedom of movement and also the ability to communicate with other workers. Proper use of protective masks We have already discussed selecting the appropriate protective half mask. Equally important is the correct use of personal protective equipment. Dust masks are often used together with additional eye and face protection. In such cases, goggles should not interfere with the correct fitting of the protective mask. After putting on the protective mask you should make sure it fits closely all the way around. It is best to do this with the help of a mirror. It is not advisable to touch the external side of the half mask, especially the filtering areas, because in this way you can contaminate the mask and thus reduce its effectiveness. Usage time is also important. For FFP2 PPE half masks it most often ranges from 3 to 8 hours of continuous wear. This means that you can take it off and put it back on during that time (for example after a lunch break). The usage time depends on the level of air contamination and the user’s breathing rate. Dust masks should be stored in a dry and clean place, away from sunlight. This will ensure the highest effectiveness during use.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Rotary hammer vs hammer drill – basic differences
Properly selected power tools make even the heaviest renovation or construction tasks easier and faster to carry out. However, it is easy to get lost among the numerous models offered by stores. An example can be the rotary hammer and the impact drill. Choosing between them can be difficult for someone who does not know their construction and applications. Therefore, below we present the strengths of the rotary hammer and the impact drill. Check which tool will work better for your case. Rotary hammer: what is it used for? Electric rotary hammer is a tool for heavy construction work such as drilling and chiselling. The first of these can also be carried out using electro-pneumatic impact. It is performed with the help of a small compressor placed in the device. It also requires the use of drills with an SDS shank. This method of mounting is responsible not only for the rotational movement but also for a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. Thanks to this, the rotary hammer requires less force during operation. So is a rotary hammer suitable for every drilling task? What is it generally used for? It is a less precise tool, which is why it excels mainly at working on hard materials, particularly concrete. Professional rotary hammers are also used for chiselling and grooving walls for installations, e.g. electrical. What characterizes impact drills? Another drilling tool with impact is the impact drill. What is this power tool used for? Due to its greater precision it will be suitable for working on softer masonry made of brick. It is most often equipped with a mechanical impact based on the operation of a gear. This is a less efficient solution, requiring the operator to apply more force. Better results are provided by rotary hammer with pneumatic impact, which also uses a small compressor. Such a model is also available as rotary hammer for concrete, since it will perform well when working on harder materials. Differences between an impact drill and a rotary hammer Pneumatic impact drills are intended for soft materials such as brick masonry. On the other hand, rotary hammers will cope even with the hardest concrete. The difference is also visible in work comfort. A small impact drill works with simple, universal chucks or hex-type chucks. However, during work it is necessary to press the tool against the material. Meanwhile, drill bits and chisels for rotary hammers can perform a reciprocating movement, thanks to which rotary hammers do not need to be pressed against the wall surface. This is mainly due to a different construction of the impact itself. In addition, impact drills also work well when drilling metal or plastics, whereas rotary hammers are used only when drilling or chiselling masonry and walls. Parameters of the impact drill and rotary hammer to pay attention to When buying power tools, it is worth comparing their specifications. Not every rotary hammer will cope with the hardest building materials. What should you pay most attention to? Device power. For professional applications it is worth choosing rotary hammer models above 1 kW. For impact drills, 800 W is sufficient. Impact energy, which is specified for pneumatic impacts, usually ranges between 5-10 J. The higher this parameter, the harder materials you will be able to chisel or drill. Impact frequency is a characteristic typical for electro-pneumatic impact. In models for home use it usually amounts to 48,000 impacts per minute. A battery-powered drill for specialists can operate at an even higher frequency. Type of chuck. With rotary hammers, an SDS chuck is standard. For impact drills, drill bits for a universal chuck are generally used. In professional applications, when using pneumatic impact, even drills are fitted with SDS-shank drill bits. Power supply method. Cordless rotary hammers are definitely more convenient and mobile, however operating time is limited by the battery capacity. Before purchasing power tools, it is worth taking them in hand and checking how they feel. Not only the handle contour matters, but also the weight distribution. When is it better to use a rotary hammer, and when an impact drill? Battery-powered impact drill is an excellent addition to a home workshop. A versatile tool with high mobility will handle most challenges in such cases. A pneumatic rotary hammer will be suitable for professionals for whom work efficiency is a high priority. Frequent work in the field without access to mains power? A battery-powered rotary hammer, on the other hand, will allow work in any location. For hard-to-reach places, which are common when, for example, installing wooden structures, an angle impact drill will work well. Impact drill or rotary hammer – what to choose in the end? Are you wondering whether a small cordless impact drill will be enough for you, or whether it's better to invest in a modern tool like a rotary hammer with dust extraction? The choice depends on the type of work you most frequently do. A professional rotary hammer allows chiselling and drilling in the hardest concrete. Of course, you will also need appropriate concrete drill bits, preferably with an SDS shank. On the other hand, battery-powered impact drills will perform best in a home workshop. If you want more advanced equipment but do not plan major renovations, an interesting option may be a two-speed impact drill, providing better adjustment of working parameters to your needs.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.