Best Power Screwdrivers

Electric screwdrivers bridge the gap between traditional manual screwdrivers and more powerful power drills.

These handy cordless tools are extremely useful when you need to drive a lot of screws when building furniture, hanging artwork, tightening loose fasteners, or doing other activities similar to these around your house since they are lightweight, easy to use, and very convenient.

You may use them to drive screws when you are producing furniture, hanging artwork, tightening loose fasteners, or doing other chores similar to these around your house. This is especially true when you need to drive a lot of screws when you need to tighten loose fasteners.

On the other hand, licensed contractor and carpenter Deane Biermeier, who also serves as a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Editorial Board, offers the following word of caution: “Remember that an electric screwdriver is not a drill.

Electric screwdrivers are great for reaching into tight spots, putting or removing screws that require just a moderate amount of torque, and for general purpose use.

Although there are electric screwdrivers designed for heavier-duty work, these particular instruments are often reserved for less strenuous endeavors. It is better to use a drill than a screwdriver for jobs that need more force, such as driving lengthy screws into wood without first drilling a pilot hole.

After conducting extensive research on a broad variety of cordless screwdrivers, we examined each model in terms of its ergonomics, power, simplicity of use, battery life, and overall value.

Review

DEWALT DCF680N2 8-Volt Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit – Best Overall

What We Like

• Gyroscopic action
• Adjustable grip
• Variable speed
• Adjustable torque

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t come with any bits
• Gyroscopic action can be tricky in very tight spots

If you just need a screwdriver on occasion to tighten or loosen a single screw, then you do not require this instrument. However, if using a screwdriver is a regular part of your day, week, or even month, then you will discover that the DEWALT DCF680N2 is well worth the price due to the many functions that come standard on the tool. This is an electric screwdriver that operates on 8 volts and is powered by a DEWALT MAX battery pack. The battery pack can be charged in a little under an hour and maintains its charge for many days, depending on how often the tool is used. However, because the battery charge status is displayed on the indicator, you won’t ever have to guess when it’s time to charge the device again.

However, it is by no means all that comes with this highly effective cordless screwdriver. It is a gyroscopic screwdriver, which is a fancy way of saying that the tool automatically increases speed and direction with the motions of your hand. For example, if you turn your hand to the right, the screwdriver will move the screw in the opposite direction. If you move your hand to the left, the screwdriver will turn around and help you remove the screw from its hole. The greater the amount of rotation you apply to your hand, the quicker the bit will spin. The movement of your hand can cause the tool’s variable speed to fluctuate anywhere from 0 to 430 revolutions per minute (rpm). You won’t find a feature like this in cordless screwdrivers that have less power or worse quality since it is used to modify the degree of torque up to a maximum of 40 inch-pounds using an adjustable clutch that has 15 separate settings. This is why you won’t find a function like this in cordless screwdrivers.

Because the screwdriver’s handle can be configured in either a pistol grip or an inline grip, you have the flexibility to select the configuration that is most advantageous for the task at hand. Use the inline grip if you are working in a confined space, and switch to the pistol grip if you require a more secure hold. The device also comes equipped with an integrated LED light and a quick-change chuck measuring 1/4 inches in diameter that can accommodate bits measuring up to 1 inches in length. The screwdriver kit comes with two batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag; however, the bits themselves are not included and must be purchased separately. The package does, however, contain a carrying bag.

• Grip Type: Adjustable
• Power: 8 volts
• Max.Speed: 430 rpm
• Max. Torque: 40 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Included Bits: 0
• Speed Settings: Variable

BLACK+DECKER AS6NG Cordless Screwdriver – Best Budget

What We Like

• Reasonable price
• Lightweight
• Narrow nose for tight spots

What We Don’t Like

• Not a lot of power
• No work light
• No speed adjustment

This reasonably cost cordless screwdriver is pretty simple, but if you just need a tool for sometimes tightening loose screws around the home, hanging blinds, or other jobs similar to these, this is a fantastic alternative that is also easy to store owing to the pegboard hole at the end of the handle. It is also a good choice if you need a tool for occasionally tightening loose screws around the house, hanging blinds, or other tasks similar to these. If you so choose, the tool can be deactivated and put to use as a conventional screwdriver instead. This screwdriver’s handle features an ergonomic inline grip, making it easy and pleasant to use. You are not receiving a lot of power from this tool because it operates on four AA batteries and has a voltage of just 6 volts, but the kinds of tasks for which this device is best suited do not require an excessive amount of force.

There are no adjustments for the speed; it is either on or off. When it is turned on, this electric screwdriver can reach speeds of up to 130 revolutions per minute and has a torque of 20 inch-pounds. It also has a capacity for 20 inch-pounds of torque. Because of its relatively slim profile, it may be maneuvered with relative ease even in confined spaces. The screwdriver comes with one bit with a Philips head and one bit with a flat head; however, additional bits of varying sizes can be purchased separately as long as they have a 1/4-inch shank to fit this screwdriver. It does not come with a case, but it may be readily stored in a tool box or even a kitchen drawer thanks to its compact size.

• Grip Type: Inline
• Power: 6 volts
• Max.Speed: 130 rpm
• Max. Torque: 20 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 0.5 pounds
• Included Bits: 2
• Speed Settings: None

Bosch PS21-2A 12-Volt Pocket Driver – Best Heavy-Duty

What We Like

• High speed and high torque
• Two speed settings
• Compact shape for accessing tight spots

What We Don’t Like

• Not variable speed
• Few complaints about charger

This electric screwdriver has a little size, but despite the fact that it runs on 12 volts, do not let its diminutive stature fool you into thinking that it lacks power. This cordless screwdriver has a greater maximum torque of up to 265 inch-pounds, making it superior to the vast majority of others on the market, in addition to having two distinct speed options. On the high setting, the number of revolutions per minute may reach up to 1,300, while on the low level, it can only reach up to 350. Along with a built-in work light, it features a switch that allows you to go either forward or backward. The shank is 1/4 inch, which means that you may use any 1/4-inch, hex-based bits with the tool; however, it does come with both a flat-head and a Philips-head bit already connected to it. This is because the tool comes with both a flat-head and a Philips-head bit already linked to it. This is because the tool comes with both a flat-head and a Philips-head bit already attached to it.

You may simply use the screwdriver to reach screws that are deeply set, in odd positions, or even over your head because of the screwdriver’s tiny size, which measures just 5.6 inches in length and weighs 1.4 pounds. And because of its force, the screwdriver makes short work of driving screws not only into wood of any hardness, but also into metal with a body ranging from soft to medium-bodied. In addition to the screwdriver and the two bits, you will also receive two batteries with a voltage of 12 volts, a charger, and a convenient carrying bag for the entire kit.

• Grip Type: Pistol
• Power: 12 volts
• Max.Speed: 1,300 rpm
• Max. Torque: 265 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Included Bits: 2
• Speed Settings: Two

AMIR 28-in-1 Precision Electric Screwdriver – Best for Electronics

What We Like

• Includes large set of precision bits
• Very lightweight and compact
• Tip can be magnetized or demagnetized

What We Don’t Like

• Poor battery life
• Doesn’t include good case

This is not a cordless screwdriver designed for use in home duties; rather, it is a precision screwdriver designed for use in fixing electronics, jewelry, eyeglasses, or other objects with extremely small screws. Its primary application is in repair work. The screwdriver itself is just a little bit longer than an ink pen, measuring just a little bit more than 7 inches, and its diameter is only a little bit more than half an inch. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 350 mAh, and it comes with a USB connector that can be used to charge the battery whenever it is depleted. When the screwdriver’s battery is completely charged, an indicator light will light up to let you know. When performing sensitive work, the button that allows you to go forward or backward and the three built-in LED lights that it has are really helpful.

The screwdriver has a maximum speed of 180 revolutions per minute and can provide up to 3 inch-pounds of torque when the motor is turned on. However, it can deliver up to 26 inch-pounds of torque when it is handled manually. In addition to that, it comes with a prying tool that can be used to unlock computers and other electronic devices, a magnetizer/demagnetizer that can either add magnetic charge to the tip of the tool or remove it, a set of 24 precision bits that come in a range of sizes and shapes, and a USB charging cord. The magnetizer/demagnetizer can make the tip of the tool magnetic or remove magnetic charge.

• Grip Type: Inline
• Power: 350 mAh
• Max.Speed: 180 rpm
• Max. Torque: 3 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 8 ounces
• Included Bits: 24
• Speed Settings: None

BLACK+DECKER BCRTA601I Hexdriver Furniture Assembly Tool – Best for Assembling Furniture

What We Like

• Indispensable for assembling furniture
• Includes five screwdriver bits as well as a hex wrench
• Built-in work light

What We Don’t Like

• No carrying case
• Not very powerful

Once you find out how many screws are necessary to put the item together, shopping for the ideal bookshelf, dresser, or cabinet that you have to put together yourself may go from being thrilling to being irritating. In addition, the Allen wrenches that are normally given with flat-packed furniture are awkward to handle and difficult to rotate. The BLACK+DECKER BCRTA601I Hexdriver is the answer to the problem. It features a chuck that has a patent pending on it and is meant to accommodate the Allen wrench that was included with the piece of furniture. This tool allows you to drive screws three times quicker than if you did it by hand alone. Additionally, it is far more pleasant to grasp and gentler on the fingers than other options. This tool may also be used to drive ordinary screws, and it comes with five various types of screwdriver bits, including slotted, square, and Philips varieties. A hex wrench with a 4-mm opening is also included.

The screwdriver comes with a USB cord that may be used to charge the screwdriver’s internal battery, which has a voltage of 4 volts. You are unable to modify the speed, which reaches a maximum of 180 revolutions per minute. The torque may reach a maximum of 45 inch-pounds at its peak. When working in cabinets or in other low-light areas, you may take use of the built-in work light that is included. The Hexdriver, on the other hand, does not come with its own carrying case.

• Grip Type: Pistol
• Power: 4 volts
• Max.Speed: 180 rpm
• Max. Torque: 45 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Included Bits: 5
• Speed Settings: None

Milwaukee M12 2401-22 Electric Screwdriver Kit – Best Variable Speed

What We Like

• Very powerful torque
• Variable speed
• Includes two batteries

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t include any bits
• Somewhat heavy

The vast majority of electric screwdrivers with a lower powered motor either do not have any speed options at all or have merely a switch that can toggle between low and high speed. The more heavy-duty tools, on the other hand, typically include a variable speed option, which enables the user to customize the speed according to their requirements. For example, the user can increase the speed while driving smaller screws, but decrease the speed when driving larger screws that require more power. The Milwaukee 2401-22 is a tool designed for professional use; it has a 12-volt battery that is interchangeable with batteries used in other Milwaukee tools, and it can reach speeds of up to 500 revolutions per minute. There are sixteen different clutch settings, with the most powerful one delivering 175 inch-pounds of torque; very few screws are going to be able to endure that level of pressure.

This high-powered cordless screwdriver comes with a built-in LED work light, a fuel indicator that indicates the exact amount of battery power that is still available, and a quick-change 1/4-inch hex chuck that permits simple bit changes with just one hand. All of these features are included in the package. And despite the fact that it was developed for use as a driver, you could also use this tool for lightweight drilling if you had the suitable bit. It weighs 2 pounds, which is on the heavier side for this kind of equipment, but because it is just 6.5 inches long, it is simple to maneuver even in confined areas. There are two batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag included with the drill purchase. It does not come with any parts, but you may buy them separately if you so like.

• Grip Type: Pistol
• Power: 12 volts
• Max.Speed: 500 rpm
• Max. Torque: 175 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 2 pounds
• Included Bits: 0
• Speed Settings: Variable

Worx WX240L Cordless Screwdriver – Best Inline Grip

What We Like

• Includes 12 bits
• Three torque settings
• Comfortable grip

What We Don’t Like

• Not very powerful

This cordless screwdriver from Worx features a comfortable inline grip that allows it to be held in a variety of positions and maneuvered in a variety of tight areas. This electric screwdriver, unlike many others like it, has three different torque levels. The lowest setting, which is 22 inch-pounds, should be used for reversing screws or driving tiny fasteners; the medium setting should be used for driving average-sized screws; and the highest setting should be used for driving bigger fasteners, which is 44 inch-pounds. The drill has a maximum speed of 300 revolutions per minute, and the quicker it travels, the more pressure you put on the trigger.

Even though there is a battery life indication, you won’t have to be too concerned about it because the screwdriver can hold a charge for up to 45 minutes of actual working time even after it has been used. This means that you won’t have to worry about it as much as you might otherwise. It comes with a USB cord that may be used to recharge it. Additionally, there is a built-in work light. This tool comes with a wide variety of bits, including one power bit that is 2 inches long, a magnetic bit holder, three bits with Philips heads, three bits with slotted heads, two bits with square heads, and two bits with torque heads. This enables you to work with a diverse spectrum of screws, from the extremely minute fasteners used in electronics to the screws used in everyday home goods like furniture. The package also comes with a container for you to keep everything in.

• Grip Type: Inline
• Power: 4 volts
• Max.Speed: 300 rpm
• Max. Torque: 44 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Included Bits: 12
• Speed Settings: None

Makita DF001DW Electric Screwdriver Kit – Best Adjustable Grip

What We Like

• Includes a set of 81 bits
• Adjustable handle for inline or pistol grip configurations

What We Don’t Like

• No battery life indicator
• Slow battery recharging time

Why choose between an inline grip and a pistol grip when you can have both in a single tool? Because the handle of the Makita DF001DW can be adjusted to either an inline or pistol position, it is an excellent choice for use on a variety of different kinds of jobs. The micro USB cable that is supplied in the package may be used to charge the built-in battery, which has 3.6 volts. The device does not have speeds or torque that can be changed; nonetheless, it has a maximum speed of 220 revolutions per minute (rpm), a maximum torque of 40 inch-pounds when it is powered on, and a maximum torque of 53 inch-pounds when it is used as a manual screwdriver. These figures are based on the device’s peak performance when it is switched on. The gadget’s highest speed is 220 rpm, and its peak torque is 40 inch-pounds when it is powered on.

The LED light on this cordless screwdriver may be turned on or off, in contrast to the majority of similar tools, which have lights that remain permanently lit while the tool is in use. In addition, it weighs only 0.8 pounds and is incredibly lightweight, despite the fact that its size is not very condensed. A collection of 81 bits in a variety of styles and sizes is provided for your use, making it extremely convenient and assuring that you will never be without the appropriate bit for the task at hand. The screwdriver has a lengthy battery run time, but unfortunately, it does not have an indication that shows how much longer the battery has left. Despite this, the screwdriver does have a long battery life. A carrying case is included with the purchase.

• Grip Type: Adjustable
• Power: 3.6 volts
• Max.Speed: 220 rpm
• Max. Torque: 40 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 0.8 pounds
• Included Bits: 81
• Speed Settings: None

Skil SD561801 4-Volt Cordless Screwdriver – Best for Household Use

What We Like

• Lightweight and compact
• Includes nine bits
• Reasonable price

What We Don’t Like

• No carrying case
• Not a lot of power

This electric screwdriver is great for a broad variety of do-it-yourself jobs as well as maintenance around the house because it is both small and lightweight. It has a USB connector that can be used to replenish its 4-volt battery, and once it is fully charged, the device may function for a considerable amount of time without needing another charge. Because to the ergonomic design of the handle, it is simple to grasp, and the two-finger trigger allows for excellent control, making it simple to do even the most delicate of jobs. The screwdriver does not have an adjustable speed or torque setting, however it has a maximum speed of 220 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 36 inch-pounds.

There is a built-in LED light that will illuminate the area you are working in, and the screwdriver includes two magnetic locations for keeping additional bits. This allows you to have different sized bits close at hand even if you are working with a variety of bit sizes. Because the controls to reverse direction are located on both sides, it may be used comfortably with either the left or right hand. The device comes with a set of nine bits in typical sizes, including Philips, slotted, Torx, and square bits; however, you are free to use any other bits with a 1/4-inch shank if you so choose. The set of bits is included in the purchase price of the tool. The set of bits is included with the tool. One drawback is that there is no carrying case provided with the purchase.

• Grip Type: Pistol
• Power: 4 volts
• Max.Speed: 220 rpm
• Max. Torque: 36 inch-pounds
• Tool Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Included Bits: 9
• Speed Settings: None

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation, the DEWALT DCF680N2, features gyroscopic control, which means that it responds to the movements of your hand and increases or decreases speed accordingly. In addition to that, it possesses a powerful motor and a handle that can be adjusted accordingly. If, on the other hand, you want a screwdriver that is actually designed for heavy-duty applications, a fantastic choice would be the Bosch PS21-2A, which features a 12-volt battery and 265 inch-pounds of torque.

What To Look For In An Electric Screwdriver

Type of Battery

Electric screwdrivers are often cordless tools that are powered by batteries instead of an electrical cable. There are corded screw guns available for more powerful uses; however, these screw guns are often used for putting drywall or other similar construction chores, and they are not frequently utilized by do-it-yourselfers or home handymen.

The majority of electric screwdrivers have batteries that can be recharged, and they also come with a charging wire so that the tool may be powered up by simply being plugged into an electrical outlet. More and more versions are being produced with a USB cord included, which allows you to charge your tool using a USB charger. However, there are certain cordless screwdrivers that are so lightweight and have such a low power output that they rely on disposable batteries, often AAs.

In most cases, more powerful electric screwdrivers include batteries that must be removed and brought to a separate charging station in order to be recharged. Because batteries are often interchangeable amongst power tools so long as they operate at the same voltage, this feature is especially helpful if the screwdriver comes from the same manufacturer as other power tools that you currently own and use.

Power

A do-it-yourselfer who is performing duties around the house, such as assembling furniture, tightening loose screws on doors or cabinets, or hanging artwork or holiday lights, does not require an electric screwdriver that has the greatest in strength. These jobs may be accomplished with a standard screwdriver. A device with power ranging from 3 to 7 volts is adequate for these applications. If, on the other hand, you want to use the cordless screwdriver for more strenuous jobs, such as driving screws into denser wood or metal, then you will discover that a cordless screwdriver that has 8 to 15 volts of power is the best option to go with in this situation.

Speed

The number of rotations that a bit completes in one minute may be used to determine how quickly a cordless screwdriver works. The typical do-it-yourselfer has no need for a speed even remotely near to that of heavy-duty electric screwdrivers, which may reach rates of up to 600 revolutions per minute (rpm). In general, a tool with speeds ranging from 130 to 200 revolutions per minute is more than adequate for common residential purposes. The majority of cordless screwdrivers have only a single speed setting, however some of them also feature high/low speed options. However, some of the higher–end electric screwdrivers have variable speed settings, which allow you to alter the speed more accurately.

Torque

The turning force of a tool is referred to as its torque. The torque of the tool may be stated in inch-pounds or in Newton meters, depending on the manufacturer. (Nm). When the torque is increased, the amount of force that can be generated by the tool also increases. However, you shouldn’t automatically assume that you need to have the maximum potential torque. In many situations, applying an excessive amount of torque will result in the screw being stripped or snapped.

The torque that is provided by the majority of cordless screwdrivers ranges anywhere from 25 to 85 inch-pounds, which is more than adequate for the majority of chores that are performed around the house. Cordless screwdrivers that are meant for use in heavy-duty applications such as construction can have as much as 225 inch-pounds of torque. These screwdrivers are available on the market. Torque adjustments may be made on cordless screwdrivers that have them by twisting the clutch on the front of the tool to the appropriate position. Torque adjustments are not standard on all cordless screwdrivers.

Shape

There are three basic shapes of cordless screwdrivers.

• As its name implies, pistol-grip cordless screwdrivers have the form of drill/drivers and have a handle that is fashioned like a pistol. People who are accustomed to performing a lot of work with power drills will find them particularly pleasant to grip and manage because of how easy they are to grasp and manipulate.
• Inline-grip The form of a standard screwdriver is most similar to that of a cordless screwdriver, which is a straight tool. Options with a pistol grip are more comfortable to handle, but these are more difficult to manipulate in confined areas because of their uncomfortable grip.
• Cordless screwdrivers with adjustable grips provide the best of both worlds: portability and power. The handle may be rotated to assume a pistol configuration, an inline configuration, or a configuration that is halfway in between the two. Because of this, the tool may be used for a very wide variety of different kinds of tasks.

Weight

The vast majority of cordless screwdrivers have a manageable weight. The typical weight range is between one and two pounds, however there are some extremely lightweight variants that weigh even less than a pound. However, instruments designed for heavier-duty applications might weigh more than 3 pounds.

Other Features

Other useful features to look for in a cordless screwdriver include a magnetic tip for keeping screws in place, which frees up your hand, and an automatic stop, which halts the tool instantly after the screw is fully installed or if the screw jams. These characteristics are especially important to look for if you want to use your cordless screwdriver on a regular basis. If you want to use your cordless screwdriver on a regular basis, looking for a model that includes these functions is extremely crucial. And despite the fact that the vast majority of cordless screwdrivers only come with a small selection of bits, there are certain models that can be purchased with more comprehensive kits that provide a large choice of bits in a number of different dimensions.

FAQ

Are electric screwdrivers worth the money?

A power screwdriver, which is much quicker and easier than your own exertions, is well worth the relatively little investment if you use a screwdriver regularly for work or for tasks around the house. If this is the case, then the investment is well worth it. If you have weak or hurting hands, which makes it tough to spin a manual screwdriver, investing in an electric screwdriver is absolutely something you should consider doing.

If you just sometimes use a screwdriver, on the other hand, it is unlikely that you will use an electric type frequently enough to justify the expense of purchasing one.

What’s the difference between a power screwdriver and a power drill?

Electric screwdrivers and drills have a common visual similarity, and their tasks also frequently overlap with one another. But an electric screwdriver is a tool that can only be used for driving screws in or taking them out again. This is the sole purpose it serves. On the other hand, a power drill can not only drive or unscrew screws, but it can also drill holes and carry out a broad variety of other jobs as well. It is not limited to just one function. In addition, it can drive or unscrew screws. It is not limited to only these two capabilities.

Can I use my electric drill as a screwdriver?

Absolutely! Using an electric drill that is equipped with the right bit, you will have no trouble working with screws of varying sizes. However, these drills are often heavier than electric screwdrivers, making it more difficult to maneuver them into spaces that are limited in space. Many people who do their own home repairs find that investing in both a power drill and an electric screwdriver is money well spent.

Are electric screwdrivers safe?

It is possible to damage yourself if you do not use the electric screwdriver appropriately, as is the case with any power tool; nevertheless, in general, cordless screwdrivers do not pose a significant risk to users. It is important to keep the point of the instrument away from your fingers in order to prevent harm. When working with the instrument, remove any jewelry that hangs down and dress in short sleeves. Additionally, it goes without saying that you should never use an electric screwdriver in damp environments.