Tool: Drill driver with re-clamping function
The series includes cordless and impact drill drivers that also fulfil the necessary requirements for metal work. A 3-speed gearstick ensures a wide range of speeds. These range up to 450 rpm in first gear, 2,000 rpm in second gear and up to 4,000 rpm in third gear. The brushless 18-volt motors develop an enormous torque of up to 130 Newton metres. Even with the additional handle, this cannot always be countered, the anti-kickback function is designed to protect against injuries. There is no kickback if the drill bit jams in the material. The QuickPlus quick-change system makes it easy to change the tool holder. The new drill chuck tightens automatically: The clamping force is increased in proportion to the cutting force, preventing the drill bit from slipping.
There are three battery sizes to choose from, depending on requirements and application. Price from 368 euros.
Useful attachments for cordless drill drivers
Blind rivet attachment: turn instead of push
A blind rivet adapter can be very helpful for rigging work. Only small rivet diameters can be used with simple pop rivet pliers from the DIY store, especially as the Monel rivets required for seawater use require significantly more pulling force than simple aluminium versions. Models with lever or scissor action are therefore required. When working with 6.4 millimetre rivets, however, a lot of force is required even with such rather unwieldy professional tools. For this reason, we tried out the professional rivet adapter from Projahn - it should also be able to handle thick rivets. The tool, which is made entirely of metal, makes a very solid impression. However, according to the instruction leaflet, it is not suitable for steel or stainless steel rivets with a diameter of more than five millimetres. As the Monel alloy is not listed in the instructions, we asked Projahn and received approval for testing.
The adapter is simply clamped into the chuck of the cordless screwdriver, then the machine is slowly rotated anti-clockwise until a soft click is heard. This opens the jaws inside the adapter and the rivet can be inserted. Riveting itself is carried out in clockwise rotation and requires hardly any force. For larger rivets, only the enclosed handle needs to be used to counteract the torque of the cordless screwdriver. The attachment is available from specialist retailers or online for around 100 euros. We have tested the product and awarded it five out of five stars.
iWinch bit: How to make the winch electric
The special attachment turns the cordless screwdriver into an electric winch crank and is designed to make setting or reefing sails easier. The idea is actually quite obvious: with a drill and the octagonal star-shaped iWinch bit, which fits into the crank holder of standard winches, you can effortlessly set sails and take sheets or electrify manual anchor winches. Power and speed define the drill and the user's ability to hold it. The practical test showed that the hoisting speeds can indeed be very high, faster than a person can crank. Under load, however, at least the medium-strength battery-powered machine we used quickly reached its limits with 45 Newton metres of torque. And hardware manufacturers such as Harken point out that their products are not designed for electric operation via the crank holder and that the high speeds can cause winches to overheat. This would invalidate the warranty.
So if you have a drill with a 13-millimetre chuck on board, you can make sail handling a little easier with the iWinch bit, but you should choose low speeds. Price: 59 euros. Proof of delivery via Lindemann. We tried out the iWinch-Bit and awarded it three out of five stars.
A very similar product from Sprenger is offered by the specialist retailer A. W. Niemeyer. We have not tried this model.
Impeller pump: Suction or decanting made easy
This impeller pump from Wolfcraft could be useful for pumping out or decanting tanks. It is powered by a drill or screwdriver. Delivery rate 1,300 litres per hour, suction height 3 metres, half-inch connections. Not suitable for pumping fuel. Price: 11 euros.
