A good quality electric screwdriver may seem like a frivolous purchase when a good set of screwdrivers can cost less than £20, but in reality, they’ll save you so much time and effort that you’ll curse yourself for not buying one sooner. Think of them as impact drivers but for screwing things together.
Sometimes known as cordless screwdrivers, these small power tools take the effort out of screwing, effortlessly tightening and untightening screws with nothing more than the squeeze of a trigger. They also feature swappable screwdriver heads (called bits), which means you’ll only need one tool for tackling Phillip, flathead and even Hex screws.
Powered screwdrivers have more use than just keeping a car roadworthy and in one piece, think of any DIY task that requires a screwdriver, and 99 times out of 100, an electric screwdriver will make the task quicker, less strenuous and easier overall. And unlike angle grinders, you don’t have to be a professional to use one properly.
The best electric screwdrivers at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Bosch Cordless Screwdriver IXO 6 – Buy from Amazon.
Best electric screwdriver pen: WORX WX240 3.6V (4V MAX) Screwdriver Pen – Buy from Amazon.
Best electric screwdriver set: Makita DF001DW 81-Piece Set – Buy from ManoMano.
Even the most tool-adverse will own a handful of screwdrivers and a single cordless option with a selection of heads will be a welcome upgrade, so long as they remember to charge it up. An issue also worth bearing in mind when dealing with cordless power drills.
The best electric screwdriver
Editor's pick
This is largely down to its ergonomic design, direction is controlled with a thumb switch and the trigger is progressive, squeeze it harder and you'll get more power. It also features an LED light for low light vision and three additional LED lights for checking the battery status. Even the chunky handle is wrapped in a grippy green coating for additional comfort.
The IXO is a versatile choice too as it can be fitted out with a number of attachments that are genuinely useful. It can, for example, be fitted out with drilling and cutting heads making it a great multi-use tool. For those who want the IXO to do even more, Bosch even offers a spice mill, barbeque blower and corkscrew attachment (no, we're not kidding).
Read our full Bosch IXO 6 review
Pros
- Perfect for DIYers
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Only 10 screwdriver attachments
| Battery voltage: | 3.6V |
| Charging time: | Two hours |
| Weight: | 0.34kg |
| Drill bits included: | 10 screwdriver bits |
| Extras: | Storage box, variable speed control, LED light |
Best electric screwdriver pen
Whether you want a pistol grip (the Bosch unit above) or a pencil style seen here largely depends on preference, but it's easy to argue that this tool can be used as a normal screwdriver for more precise screwing and can be easily stored in a pocket.
Like the Bosch, it's well-made and has a solid focus on ergonomics. The screwdriver features a soft rubber handle, dual LED lights and a handy battery indicator. It's also slightly better value for money than the Bosch, thanks in part to the generous 24 included screwdriver bits. Although this tool can't be modified to work as a drill or cutting tool.
The biggest issue, however, is that it's quite a hefty unit in terms of weight and size. Those Tonka-truck looks are good for grip but do limit the screwdriver's ability to work in small spaces.
Pros
- Top-quality
- Includes torque adjuster
Cons
- Too chunky for small spaces
| Battery voltage: | 4V |
| Charging time: | 1.5 hours |
| Weight: | 0.66kg |
| Drill bits included: | 24 screwdriver bits |
| Extras: | Storage box, torque adjustment, LED light |
Best electric screwdriver set
There are two main issues with this screwdriver, however, battery and power. The battery issue is that there's no knowing when it's actually charged, a small bank of LEDs would come in really handy for dealing with this. The second and arguably more annoying issue is that there's no power control. This means you'll be going full force no matter what, not ideal for dealing with more delicate surfaces like MDF.
Pros
- A conclusive kit
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- No power adjustability
| Battery voltage: | 3.6V |
| Charging time: | Varies |
| Weight: | 0.36kg |
| Drill bits included: | 81 screwdriver bits |
| Extras: | Storage box, adjustable handle, LED light |
Best electric screwdriver for serious use
This electric screwdriver is also designed with longevity in mind, ensuring the internals remain protected even if you're using it repeatedly. It features an electronic brake, for example, reducing wear on the bit and screw head. It also has five torque settings with a mechanical clutch for better precision.
Pros
- Built to last
- Great adjustability
Cons
- Not as comprehensive as some others
| Battery voltage: | 3.6V |
| Charging time: | N/A |
| Weight: | 0.31kg |
| Drill bits included: | 25 screwdriver bits |
| Extras: | Storage box, five torque settings, electronic brake |
Best value screwdriver kit
It spins at 200rpm from its 4V motor, which generates 5Nm of torque. The charging cable is led by a USB cable, so you don't have much luck if you wish it with a USB-C port.
Pros
- Great value set
- Comes with useful carry case
Cons
- Only comes with ten screws
Things to remember with an electric screwdriver
In a similar sense to heat guns, electric screwdrivers are designed to save time. They speed up the process of screwing and unscrewing items – attached to your vehicle or otherwise. It’s a good idea to consider whether you really need such an item if your D.I.Y jobs consist of dealing with a few screws at a time. If you have a series of dismantling jobs, then it may be a nice addition for the job.
Secondly, you should consider battery life. If your diagnostic tool picks up an issue that requires continuous unscrewing, you’ll probably want your tool to last for longer on a charge. A screwdriver with a higher Ampere per-hour rating (Ah) will last longer on a single charge. Do bear in mind that simultaneously, this also means it will take longer to charge to a full battery. This will undoubtedly be important during a job you have lined up and how you use the tool overtime.
Lastly, the number of screws may be important to you. If you have a set that fits your machine already, great. But remember that different screws will be of all kinds of shapes and sizes, and your electric tool will only be useful if the screwdriver slots in place properly. Some sets come with anything from 10 screws, like the Bosch IXO 7, to around 50. So, it’s a good idea to evaluate what you have already before purchasing.
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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