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The best screwdriver sets for DIY and basic car care

  • A good set of screwdrivers is a DIY must-have
  • Find the right set for you with help from Parkers
  • The best standard, ratcheting and more screwdrivers

Written by Ryan Gilmore Updated: 5 March 2024

If you’re after the best tools possible, a screwdriver set is a staple to get right, and a good set will prove itself to be a valuable ally when the need arises. It may be something as simple as tightening the screws holding up the number plate or even changing the batteries in a child’s toy.

Naturally, there are many screw types that demand the use of several different screwdrivers. But in addition to that there are different screwdrivers too. The standard analogue stick of metal with a handle you’ll be familiar with, but there are specialist examples like precision screwdrivers these days too worth considering.

You don’t need to go crazy and buy a £400 mechanic’s trade set. Just a basic set with the common sizes and head types will do. You can always add specialist pieces later if you require them. That being said, look for the best example you can afford so you’re working with the best quality and most ergonomic set possible. After all, nobody wants RSI from DIY.

The best screwdrivers at a glance:

The best screwdriver set: Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 Bit-Holding screwdriver & Bit Set Buy from Amazon
The best budget screwdriver set: Denali 20-Piece Phillips/Torx/Slotted Screwdriver SetBuy from Amazon
The best ratcheting screwdriver set: Bosch 26pc. Screwdriver Bit and Ratchet SetBuy from Amazon

The best screwdriver sets

The best screwdriver set

Price: $53.59
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$12.00
If you're after the best simple screwdriver in the world, looking at quality, ergonomics and durability, you'll probably arrive at Wera's Kraftfrom range. Renowned for quality, this German toolmaker offers an excellent range of tools, so long as you're willing to pay the price premium.

Its Kraftform range is not only a top-tier construction, it's filled with loads of clever design touches to make working with these tools as simple as possible. For example, the handles are specifically designed to prevent blisters while still allowing the delivery of optimal torque. This set includes one handle with 16 interchangeable chucks that are quick to swap over thanks to Wera's Rapidaptor.

Pros

  • Well-made
  • Ergonomic handles

Cons

  • Not every type of screwhead is included

Best screwdriver set for organisation

Price: $71.87
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$111.43
Featuring sand-blasted screwdriver bits for better grip and an impressive 17 different screwdrivers in a neat storage rack, this Draper set of screwdrivers is excellent value for money. These screwdrivers work with slotted, Torx, Pozidriv and cross slot (Phillips) screws, while the included hex sets and bit driver make it even more versatile. While not as refined as the Wera set, this set will still be ergonomic and of excellent quality.

Pros

  • Includes loads of screwdrivers
  • Smart storage system

Cons

  • Not as ergonomic as the Wera

The best budget screwdriver set

Sometimes, you just need a big box of screwdrivers to cover all bases, to cover as many tasks as possible without having to shell out. Denali, an Amazon brand, offers an exceptionally good value 20 set screwdrivers that proved to be solid performers. It may not be the most comprehensive screwdriver set on earth, but it’ll certainly cover most DIY chores and offer some useful variety.

Tested Ryan Gilmore: "I have been having a blast with these screwdrivers from Denali. Screwdrivers don’t come more run-of-the-mill and that’s not a bad thing in any way. This 20-piece set covers pretty much all the normal screws you’d come across in an average DIY/car repair task. There’s excellent variety too, with precision and stubby options offered. The handles were comfortable enough to use, and the solid construction meant they survived whatever we could chuck at them. They’re no frills but very competent hand tools."

Pros

  • Wide variety of sizes and uses
  • Robustly made

Cons

  • No proper storage is offered
  • Value for money
    5.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Build
    4.5
  • Overall
    4.5

The best multibit screwdriver

Tested
Price: $27.00
Boasting a huge 34 different screwdriver possibilities in one small screwdriver, Stanley really has you covered if you're short on space but need to get busy with your DIY. Stanley is a renowned toolmaker, renowned for tough and chunky designs on a budget and this set is no different. While the fit and finish won't be as precise as more expensive options, for a serviceable tool, the Stanley is a top performer.

Tested Ryan Gilmore: “This may well be my favourite screwdriver for keeping in the car ready for any task needed. The single handle does make working with multiple screws at once a bit of a chore, but the sheer number of screw bits means that whatever job that needs tackling can be done with ease. Put to the ultimate test of a house move, the Stanley was never stumped by the million-or-so different screws flat-pack furniture is held together with. The case keeps everything neatly stored together, and the handle proved to be sturdy enough to double as a hammer. It’s a great do-all screwdriver."

Pros

  • 34 screwdrivers in one
  • Clever storage system

Cons

  • Maybe too much choice
  • Value for money
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Build
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.5

The best premium multi-bit screwdriver set

Tested

Rrp: $41.27

Price: $30.75
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$41.06
The ultimate space saver, a multi-bit screwdriver will hold multiple bit heads in the base of the tool and use a magnet to hold the required head in place. This example from Wera is part of the Kraftform range, which means it features a clever ergonomic handle to keep your hands pain-free during use. It includes flathead, Phillips and Posidriv heads and also features an extending bayonet for reaching deeper screws. . 

Tested Ryan Gilmore: “The jewel of my toolbox, the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 28 Screwdriver Bit Set is the one I reach most for when some screws need turning. Beautifully crafted and tough enough for all my tasks, it’s a great treat tool. The extendable stainless steel bayonet gives the screwdriver extra strength when retracted into the body, something multi-bit screwdrivers often struggle with. It’s undoubtedly a premium product, but teh ergonomics are next level. My favourite is the cushioning effect of the Kraftform handle that ensures my hands are never sore afterwards. If only the bits were nestled more securely within the handle.”

Pros

  • Comfortable even during prolonged use
  • Excellent quality

Cons

  • Bit heads can fall out of the housing
  • Value for money
    4.0
  • Features
    4.5
  • Performance
    4.5
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Overall
    4.5

The best ratcheting screwdriver set

A ratcheting screwdriver takes some of the faff out of working with screws, using a ratchet to ensure you're not tiring your hands out as you work. We're particular fans of this option from Bosch thanks to its quality feel and inclusion of four sockets to make this a really versatile tool. The ratchet is a quality tool that's easy to use, has a nice backswing and takes most of the effort out of DIY. While it won't be a replacement for a full-size ratchet wrench, it is great for basic tasks.

Tested Ryan Gilmore: “Small but perfectly formed, this mini-ratcheting screwdriver set is a solid piece of kit. Designed for lighter duties than other screwdriver sets, my testing saw it speed up screwdriving and reduce pressure on my hands. I found the sockets to be a novel addition but was pleasantly surprised by how they performed. Anything substantial will quickly outclass the Bosch, but for simple tasks (like removing the bolt for a wiper mechanism), it was surprisingly effective. It’s no replacement for a proper socket set, but will prove handy in a pinch.”

Pros

  • Includes loads of screwdrivers
  • Also covers basic socket sizes

Cons

  • It's smaller than you think
  • Value for money
    4.5
  • Features
    4.5
  • Performance
    3.5
  • Build
    5.0
  • Overall
    4.0

Screwdrivers, what you need to know?

What does a screwdriver do?

A screwdriver is a tool designed to turn a screw by slotting its tip into a matching screw head and using torque to drive the screw either in or out of something.

Why do you need a screwdriver?

We guarantee even the most DIY-averse individual will have a couple of screwdrivers rattling around in a drawer. They’re integral for pretty much any DIY task, from assembling flat-pack furniture to changing batteries in the bottom of toys. We’d recommend investing in the best screwdriver set possible because there are so many screws you’ll come across in the average house and you’ll need a selection of screwdriver bits (the bit on the end) to properly turn the screws without causing damage.

You’ll also find plenty of bits in a car that are held together by screws. Trim pieces and interior fixtures are often held on by screws (including hex screws) and a fair amount of car maintenance tasks will require you to remove these for access.

The best hand tool brands for screwdrivers

Our money-no-object pick for screwdrivers is Wera. It’s a German brand renowned for exceptional precision and quality as well as genuinely innovative ergonomic touches. Electricians will probably favour a set of Wiha screwdrivers for their slimline insulation, worth the extra cost if you’re dealing with live currents.

Facom is another interesting and exceptionally crafted screwdriver maker at the really pricy end of the market. Its wooden range of screwdrivers look fantastic and offer exceptional reliability, designed to accept additional torque from a spanner.

Looking to the more affordable end of the market, we’d heartily recommend Draper, Sealey and Stanley screwdrivers for their robust design without breaking the bank.

How we assessed these tools

We looked at versatility as our first assessment, looking at the variety of screwdrivers included. Then we looks at ergonomics and any clever features like colour coding or included storage. Each screwdriver set we tested was first inspected against the above criteria before being tested on a car, removing a piece of interior trim and then removing a piece of trim in the engine bay. For more general DIY testing, we used each one to loosen and then fasten from flat-pack furniture.

Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.

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