Best Electric Screwdrivers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Screwdrivers are up there with hammers when it comes to hand tools that every household has, even in homes that do not have their own resident handyman. They’re simply made and easy to use, but it turns out that there is a better way.
Electric screwdrivers have multiple advantages over their manual counterparts. They make a simple tool even easier to use. Gone are the days of keeping the screw aligned while slowly twisting your wrist. An electric or cordless screwdriver will make you realize how much of a hassle those boring old styles actually were.
Featured Recommendations
- Metabo HPT
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Our rating - Feature-Packed
- Price: See Here
- Bosch PS32
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Our rating - Portable
- Price: See Here
- Black+Decker 6V Max
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Our rating - Convenient
- Price: See Here
However, it turns out that there is a wide range of screwdrivers that you can choose from. They all make it much easier to place screws, but many of them have tons of other features that are worth looking for. This list has ten of the best that you can find on the market. Have a look and find the one that is right for you.
10 Best Electric Screwdrivers
Metabo HPT DB3DL2
The DB3DL2 gives you tons of options for how you want to use your tool. It makes it much simpler to choose how you are going to approach every job. It comes with 21 different clutch settings, so you can choose how strong you want your screwdriver to behave. It also comes with a drill setting, so you know it has a good deal of power.
Another setting that you get to control is how you grip the screwdriver. It can be held like a manual screwdriver, or it can be moved into a power drill shape. This takes some of the strain off your wrist after a long day of work.
Ready for Anything
The Metabo HPT DB3DL2 also gives you lots of tools to prepare you for any kind of situation. This includes things like the LED light that is attached to the head. This means you can better see what you are doing in confined spaces.
Another handy feature is the ability to change the rotation of the bit. This makes the Metabo as good at screwing in as it is at screwing out.
Cost and Value
The Metabo HPT DB3DL2 is a great deal for anyone looking for something that they can reliably use in any situation. The many power settings make it easy to have the right amount of power for the job, while the adjustable handle and LED light make it easy to change your posture as necessary. Finally, it comes with a kit of bits and two battery packs so you can work as long as you want. It is even a good deal.
Can change speeds
Great features
Has a light
Good value
Little heavier
Bosch PS32-02
The Bosch PS32-02 is small but dense. This is the perfect option for those who want to be able to keep their screwdrivers in their pockets while you work. It is easy to always keep it within reach. It weighs two pounds, which makes it easy to hold it in an awkward position, like above your head, for long periods. That, coupled with the cordless design, makes this a great option for those who want something that they can easily bring around with them on a job site, or just in the garage.
Precise Design
Another great thing about this tool is that it is designed to last for a long time. This can be seen with the great design that has been worked into the motor. The interior is completely made of metal, which means it will take years of work before it becomes worn down.
Another great piece of design is the exterior of the cordless screwdriver. It lacks the mobility of the positioning handle that appears on many other options on this list, but it makes up for it with the composite nylon material that houses the drill. It can easily survive long drops onto the ground without worry.
Cost and Value
The Bosch costs a good deal more than the Metabo, but it covers a slightly different niche. This is a good drill is you want something durable and professional. The added focus on durability and simplicity means that you will have a reliable tool that can hang from your toolbelt for years to come. The Bosch PS32-02 comes with multiple battery packs and a case for carrying.
Small size
Easy to charge
Comfortable grip
Durable design
Can't change position
BLACK+DECKER 6V
The 6V is great for its ability to make you comfortable while you work. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy for you to feel comfortable while you are drilling. Besides that, it also allows for three different positions to hold the drill. This means you can always have your wrist in just the way that you want. It really takes the pressure off your joints after a long day at work.
Other Features
The BLACK+DECKER 6V is also impressively decked out in other useful features. It comes with an LED light that you can take advantage of when you are working. This makes it much easier to see what you are doing while you are stuck behind a wall or cupboard. The other clever feature of the Black + Decker is the 5’ tape measure that is attached to the drill. That means you don't need to fumble with tools when you need to take a quick measurement.
Cost and Value
The Black + Decker is a great piece of equipment. This is especially true when you look at the price. It is a little lighter in terms of durability and design, but it does a great job for any homeowner that just needs a convenient all-in-one tool. It drills and screws. It even measures. This tool comes with some extra drill bits and a charger for the battery.
Great value
Comfortable grip
Durable design
Has three positions
Feels bulky
Dewalt 8V Max
The Dewalt is a great choice for those who have trouble getting access to tight places. This is one of the biggest advantages of using these tools, and the Dewalt takes advantage of this. It has a small frame that makes it easy to fit it into any place.
Coupled with the automatic screwing, the 9” length of the Dewalt makes it perfect for fitting in anywhere. The multiple positions of the handle make it even easier to sneak it into where you need to get it.
Versatile Use
The other cool feature of the 8V Max is the simple way that it can be switched from one mode to another. The head can screw in both directions, which makes it just as useful at getting screws out. All you need to do is twist the front of the screwdriver.
Another easy feature to get a handle on is the ability to change the speed of the cordless screwdriver. It is controlled completely through how tightly you squeeze. It makes it a breeze to use it.
Cost and Value
The Dewalt is also a winner in another important category. It is a great deal. It comes with a bag to carry all your gear from workplace to workplace. It also comes with a rechargeable battery so you are never without a charge. This is a really versatile and useful tool that you will easily find a use for in your home. The easy functions of it make it a real joy to take out whenever you need to make a quick fix around the house.
Comes with accessories
Great deal
Versatile uses
Very powerful
Not a long charge
Makita TD022DSE
The 7.2V motor makes it easy to use this as a drill in some situations. The best Besides that, there are tons of other great features here that will make your life much more convenient, also don't forget to check the other " target="_blank">power tools from Makita.
The 7.2V motor on the Makita means you get a slim cordless drill that can be used in tons of places. The mobility works really well at making it easy for you to get into hard to reach spots with your tool.
It has a positioning handle that means you can hold it however you want to feel comfortable. The motor goes up to 450 RPM, which makes it one of the stronger options on this list.
Other Features
The Makita TD022DSE is also great for all the extra features that go along with it. It weighs very little for how strong it is. This cordless screwdriver comes in at 1.2 lbs, which makes it an easy option to use for a long time. Another cool thing about it is the LED light at the end. It is easy to see in dark spaces when you are using the Makita.
Cost and Value
The Makita is one of the pricier options on this list. It comes with tons of features and quality of life improvements that aren’t necessary, but they feel nice to have. It has a soft rubber grip that makes it a very comfortable ride when you are using it.
The Makita kit comes with a bag to carry all your things from place to place. It also comes with a battery pack and a set of bits that you can use.
Multiple positions
Comes with accessories
Strong batteries
Convenient size
Feels heavy
Skil iXO
The Skil iXO is built so you have an easy time using it. This can be seen in many ways. It is very small and mobile at only 4.6” tall. It makes it very easy to store it wherever you want, and it makes it easy to use wherever you want, too. The iXO runs on a 4V motor that can be charged with a small USB plug-in. It makes it very easy to bring the charger along.
Other Features
The Skil iXO has a few useful features that make it even more convenient than it already is. The battery gauge on the side of the screwdriver means that you can easily see when your screwdriver needs to be plugged in somewhere.
It also comes with a small light at the end that will help you see what you are doing in places with less visibility.
Cost and Value
The Skil follows the pedigree of its brand and is great for those who want the simplest of the simple Skil tools. It is also a great deal.
It comes with a charger and a set of drill bits, which are all the necessities. This tool works with any charger that can plug into it, which means you can charge it with your phone charger if that would be more convenient.
Easy to use
Convenient charger
Lightweight design
Comes with bits
Not as powerful
Black+Decker LI4000
The LI4000’s extra tool makes it a really convenient option for those who want their tool use to be very simple. The guide uses a magnet to hold a screw in place for you. This makes it very easy to line things up just right, which means that basic repair and DIY will be incredibly simple for you. The guide is on a slide that makes it easy to store when you are done.
Convenient Design
There are some other clever features that you will be able to take advantage of when you are using the Black+Decker LI4000. It comes with a section for the storage of bits. This makes it easy to have everything in one place.
It is very convenient to switch up the tool that you need on the fly. It also can be adjusted for a few different speeds, which means you will also have the right screwdriver for the job.
Cost and Value
The LI4000 is perfect for the convenient design that it has. If you just want something small and simple, it is hard to do much better than this. Another thing that it has going for it is the great price. It has some features that make it perfect for the not-so-handyman, and the price makes it perfect for any household.
Has a guide for precision
Lightweight profile
Easy to use
Comfortable
Not very powerful
WORX WX255L
There are a few pieces of technology on display here that will make it much easier for you to do any DIY that needs to be done around the house. The first is the screw holder attachment. It keeps your screws lined up so you can use the screwdriver while still having a hand free.
Another great thing about this is that it will catch screws that you take out of the wall, too.
The final great feature is the section of the screwdriver that holds all your bits. It makes it easy to switch on the fly.
Good Build
All the other pieces of the WORX are really well thought out, too. It has a 4V battery that is designed with long-lasting use in mind. The screwdriver should last for around a year and a half without the need for charging. It also comes with an LED light that you can use for extra visibility. The one-handed operation of the WORX makes it perfect for being used in hard to reach places.
Cost and Value
The WORX WX255L is also a good option for those who don't want to spend too much more on their tools. It is a great deal for those who want something that does it all in the most convenient way possible. It comes with the drill bits that can be stored inside the screwdriver and a charger for the battery.
Lots of storage
Screw holder
Comfortable
Easy to use
Too small for some
Dremel GO-01
The Dremel is great for those who want something that they can easily put right into their toolbox. This is a very small screwdriver, especially when compared to the other electric versions on this list. It is the same size as a medium-sized screwdriver but with tons more functionality. It comes in at 9.25”, which is great for storage purposes.
Bonus Features
Although it is simple, that doesn't mean the Dremel doesn't have tons of extras to enjoy. It has a 3.6V motor, which makes it perfect for you to make quick work of any screws. It also comes with a battery indicator light that lets you know just how much of a charge you have left. The charger itself is a simple USB connector, which makes it easy to charge it wherever.
Cost and Value
The Dremel GO-01 is on the cheaper end of options on this list, but it does cost more than you would think for something so simple. Simplicity is the real advantage here. It has a lot of the most important features of other electric screwdrivers that you would see on this list, but in a package that makes it easy to leave it in the toolbox. It comes with a set of drill bits and a charger that you can use.
Simple
Lightweight design
Easy to store
Easy to charge
Pricey for what you get
Ryobi HP54L
The Ryobi HP54L is perfect for those who want a tool that is easy to use. It has a comfortable handle that has been covered in a soft rubber grip. It helps you keep a good hold on your electric screwdriver, no matter how fast you have it spinning. It also comes with a light that makes it easy to see what you are doing when you are working in places with bad visibility.
Useful Feature
The Ryobi is perfect for those who want a tool that they can rely on for a long time. This can be seen in a few ways. It has multiple speeds that it can be used at. It can be operated at 200 RPM or 600 RPM. It makes Ryobi a good option for multiple kinds of jobs. It also comes with storage space for all your drill bits.
Cost and Value
The Ryobi is a small and convenient tool that makes it much less of a hassle to get work done around the house. It only has one position for the handle, but it still feels great to use. It also comes with a battery and a charger. It makes it easy to store the tool in a charger when it is not in use. This is a good option for a mid-range tool.
Long-lasting battery
Comfortable grip
Simple design
Good value
Not as durable
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Electric Screwdrivers
Electric screwdrivers really need to excel in all kinds of factors before they can be considered worth the purchase. They cost more than traditional screwdrivers, so they need to offer much more before they can be considered. This list was ranked using some of the most important things that you should look for in a quality tool.
Power
The power of the electric screwdriver is important because it can really change what you can do with it. Some of the options here work as a power drill and a cordless screwdriver. This makes for a big difference in the kinds of uses you will be able to get from your new tool. The best thing that will determine the power that you will get out of the screwdriver is the motor. The higher the voltage, the more power it probably has.
Durability
These tools are going to be put into a lot of situations that can cause some damage. They are going to fall from heights, be left on for too long, and get left out in the rain from time to time. Durability is an important thing to look for in an electric screwdriver. The outer shell needs to do a good job of keeping the inside motor protected. It also needs to have a well-built motor that can withstand long hours of use.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest advantages of an electric or a cordless screwdriver is that it makes it much easier for you to get into all those hard to reach places. Needing the room to manually turn it means that it takes up more room to get basic tasks done. The lack of outside motion makes it much easier with the screwdriver’s electric cousin. The profile is important to make it easier to get into hard to reach places.
Adjustability
Another thing that makes an electric screwdriver a good investment is all the time it will save you. They often come with an assortment of drill bits that you can replace at the head. It makes it much simpler to change the tool you need to use on the fly. Another thing that feels great is the ability to change the position of the screwdriver. It makes it easy to hold it in a way that feels most comfortable.
Value
There are tons of different prices that you can find when you are looking for an electric screwdriver. Many cheaper options are somewhat smaller and weaker in the motor. What you are looking for is going to affect what price range you should be considering. With this in mind, there are better options at different price points. This was kept in consideration when ranking these tools.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides these most important things to look at before you make your decision, it is also important to look at other interesting features. There are more than a few extras that you can look at with electric screwdrivers that might be more important to you than to someone else.
Batteries
A corded screwdriver would be a constant strain on what you can do with it. Every option on this list has some kind of cordless option to make it easier for you. How the batteries for these tools are handled changes from screwdriver to screwdriver. Many of the larger ones have removable battery packs that make it much easier for you to charge the battery separately from your work. Some even come with multiple batteries that you can switch out. Another option is the ability to plug the screwdriver into a USB. Which option works best is up to you, and will largely depend on how strong of a screwdriver you would like.
Features
Besides features having to do with the battery, there are tons of different features that you can find with your cordless screwdriver. All will make it more convenient to use your tool, but you often can’t get them all in one place unless you are willing to spend a bit extra. One thing that feels great is the guide that you can get with some of the screwdrivers. It means that you can use the tool one-handed, which makes it even easier to do minor repairs around the house. Other great features to look out for include a light at the end of the tool, and the ability to leave your bits inside the screwdriver itself.
Comfort
It can be tiring leaving your hands up for long periods when you are placing screws. There are a few different things that these screwdrivers can do to make it more comfortable for you. The automatic setting makes it much easier than manually placing screws, but what about the comfortable rubber grip that many of these options have? Another thing that will make it easier to engage in long sessions of DIY is the weight of the screwdriver. Some of these are around a pound, while others can go up to three pounds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an electric screwdriver be used as a power drill?
A: In some cases, you can, but you will need something more heavy-duty for some applications. Some screwdrivers are designed to work as both screwdrivers and impact drivers, which makes it much simpler for you to get all the jobs that you need to be done with one tool. The strength of the motor is a good place to look if you want to know if it can be used to drill holes in walls. Another thing to consider is the different speeds that the tool can be set to. It makes a big difference in how it can be used. The max RPM should be over around 450 if you want to use it for drilling.
Q: Can an electric screwdriver be used manually?
A: Sometimes the battery dies, sometimes you just want to do it the old fashioned way. There’s no real reason that you can use it as a manual screwdriver. This is especially true with the options that can be set in two positions. The horizontal position makes it look just like a traditional screwdriver. The options that can’t be switched are going to be very difficult to use in that way.
Q: Can you use any bit with an electric screwdriver?
A: There are tons of different bits that you might want to use. There are lots of different options that usually come with the tool, but you might want to use something else. In most cases, it should be totally fine. The screwdrivers use a twistable clasp for the most part. If it needs to be tightened in this way it is very easy to put any kind of bit inside.
Sources
- , Electric Screwdriver Vs. Drill , Article
- , Toolmanship: How to Use a Screwdriver, Article
- , How to Change a Drill Bit, How To
