In most cases, fastening or removing screws manually isn’t a lot of fun. For inexperienced DIYers, the screwdriver bit is hard to align and often slips out of place. For veteran builders and pros, the amount of time it takes (and wear and tear on the wrist) associated with multiple screws is a workflow crusher. But don’t worry, you’re not completely screwed: an electric screwdriver could be just the answer.
These tools use battery power and electric motors to drive fasteners into place (or remove them) without the twisting and turning of a manual screwdriver. They’re fast and relatively affordable, and in this guide, we’ll go over how to choose the best electric screwdriver for your needs.
Our Top Picks
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How We Picked the Best Electric Screwdriver
Full disclosure here: We’re electric screwdriver nerds. We’ve been using them for decades, both professionally and at home. We’ve handled dozens of these tools over the years, so we drew upon all of our experience to come up with some of the most important features that an electric screwdriver could offer, and that we thought the average Pro Tool Reviews reader would want.
And that was a good start.
Once we knew what to look for, we rounded up models that could get the job done. We then started to compare these electric screwdrivers based on their power, adjustability, design, and value they offered to determine which were the best models and which needed to go. Those that didn’t fare well during comparison were removed, while those that did do well were given awards based on their strengths and capabilities, and how we felt they were best used.
Best Overall Electric Screwdriver
Bosch Go Gen-2.0 Smart Screwdriver 06019H21L1
Our choice for the best overall electric screwdriver is the Bosch Go Gen 2.0 Smart Screwdriver. This model features a compact, lightweight design that carries well in a tool belt and stores away in a durable carrying case. It has two activation modes: a pressure-sensitive mode that operates when the user applies pressure to the fastener or a button-activated mode controlled by the power button. And, if the auto-brake detects slipping, it stops the bit from spinning immediately.
This electric screwdriver from Bosch features five adjustable torque settings and a maximum performance mode controlled by the collar. It features rubber-lined grips and an ergonomic design for comfortable use, even if the project takes all day. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have swappable batteries (though it comes with a cord to recharge the built-in batteries) or an LED light, so there are some concessions. However, this compact driver is a great choice for pros and DIYers alike.
Features
- Volts: 3.6
- Adjustments: Torque settings
- Additional Features: Two activation modes, durable carrying case, automatic brake
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design yet durable construction
- Dual activation mode operates by applying pressure to the fastener or pressing the power button
- Comfortable ergonomic design is easy to control and ideal for all-day use
Cons
- Doesn’t have a built-in LED light
- Batteries are built-in rather than swappable
Price: ~ $80
Best Electric Screwdriver for Home Use
Skil Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver SD561201
Skil’s rechargeable 4V screwdriver is a great fit for most DIY toolkits or junk drawers. This model features a compact design and has some features that many homeowners will find handy, including a live circuit detector that alerts the user to power from electrical hazards and built-in LED work lights for convenience.
This model has a full set of driver bits that accomplish most household tasks, including Phillips, flat, and even a 3/32 twist bit for drilling. Users activate the motor by twisting the collar on the handle. It doesn’t have adjustable settings or swappable batteries, but it does charge with the included USB cord for convenience.
Features
- Volts: 4
- Adjustments: None
- Additional Features: LED light, circuit detector, full set of bits
Pros
- Built-in circuit detector alerts users to active electrical hazards
- Compact design fits in a junk drawer or toolbox easily
- Comes with a full set of bits for most household tasks
Cons
- No adjustable settings
- Batteries are built-in, not swappable
Price: $29.99
Best Electric Screwdriver For Professionals
DeWalt 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver DCF682N1
Pros looking to add the best rechargeable screwdriver to their toolbox should consider the DeWalt DCF682N1 8V Max Cordless Screwdriver. It features variable speed adjustments as well as gyroscopic activation, the latter of which activates when the user turns their wrist. There are no buttons or switches to deal with (though the gyroscopic motion does take some getting used to at first).
This model runs on the brand’s 8-volt battery system, allowing users to quickly swap out a dead battery for a fresh one and get back to work. It has a built-in battery indicator, as well. There are built-in LEDs around the bit to illuminate the workspace, which could be a big benefit for pros working in darker areas. It also features heavy-duty construction for durability while also offering a comfortable rubber grip for long durations of use.
Features
- Volts: 8
- Adjustments: Speed
- Additional Features: Gyroscopic activation, built-in work lights, battery indicator, swappable batteries
Pros
- No buttons to press—activates with the twist of the wrist
- Heavy-duty construction for durability
- Swappable batteries so users can get back to work as soon as possible
Cons
- Gyroscopic motion does take some getting used to
Price: $89
Best Electric Screwdriver for the Money
Worx WX240L 4V Screwdriver
There are a lot of decent electric screwdrivers available at value price points, but our favorite is the Worx Wx240L 4V Cordless Screwdriver. Unlike other budget models, the Worx features a compact design that rivals more expensive models and runs on a rechargeable built-in battery rather than disposables. It provides users with three speed levels, allowing them to select the spin rate for the task at hand.
This model’s compact design makes it a great fit for DIY use. It can fit in a toolbox, drawer, or even a tool pouch. The WX240L has built-in LED work lights to make sure the user can see, as well as a battery indicator light that the user can check throughout the day. Furthermore, it comes with a full set of bits, as well. Just keep in mind that it’s not as overbuilt as some of its more expensive competitors, so it might not be ideal for professionals, but it offers a lot of value for its price point.
Features
- Volts: 4
- Adjustments: Speed
- Additional Features: Battery indicator, LED work lights, full kit of bits
Pros
- Offering three levels of speed adjustments
- Excellent compact design won’t take up much space or weigh down a toolbox
- Offers a lot of value for its price point
Cons
- It’s not as overbuilt as some of its competitors
Price: $49.99
Best Electric Screwdriver for Electronics
Amir Electric Screwdriver
When it comes to precision repairs, whether it be fixing glasses or repairing electronics, this model from Amir is the best electric precision screwdriver. This electric screwdriver features a slim, low-profile design that allows it to reach into tighter areas for reaching fasteners. It also has built-in LED lights to illuminate those dark spaces, and adjustable torque settings for fastening a variety of components.
This model comes with 24 bits, most of which are common for precision and electronics repairs. It also comes with a magnetizer that can charge the bit so screws stay on the tip for frustration-free fastening. It also comes with a handy carrying case to keep things organized, keeping all of the bits secure and making it the best electric screwdriver for PC building and other electronics repairs.
Features
- Volts: Unknown
- Adjustments: Torque settings
- Additional Features: LED work light, magnetizer/demagnetizer, full kit of precision bits
Pros
- Slim, low-profile design for reaching into tight areas during electronics repairs
- Comes with 24 precision drill bits for repairing a wide range of electronic and precision items
- Comes with a magnetizer for frustration-free fastening
Cons
- Not powerful enough for use around the home
Price: $26.99
Best Electric Screwdriver Kit
Makita Screwdriver Kit DF001DW
Makita’s DF001DW Screwdriver Kit is a one-stop solution for driving or removing small fasteners. This cordless electric screwdriver comes with an 81-piece bit set, including a wide range of Phillips, flat, hex, Torx, and other bits, ensuring that users have the correct bit for whichever fasteners they might be working with. It all stores in the hard carrying case which not only keeps things organized but also protects the screw gun.
This cordless screwdriver features an adjustable handle that swivels from a straight grip to a pistol grip, allowing the user to choose the most comfortable position for the job. It also features built-in LED lights for working in dark spaces. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any speed or torque adjustments.
Features
- Volts: 3.6
- Adjustments: None
- Additional Features: 81-piece accessory kit, hard protective case, adjustable pistol grip
Pros
- Comes with 81 pieces, including dozens of driver and hex bits
- Screw gun has an adjustable handle for improved ergonomics
- Built-in work light for working in darker spaces
Cons
- No torque or speed adjustment settings
Price: $99
Best Heavy-Duty Electric Screwdriver
Bosch 12V Pocket Driver PS21-2A
A cordless screwdriver doesn’t have to be a small, underpowered tool. The Bosch PS21-2A Pocket Driver is a burly machine with plenty of power and speed, yet it’s much smaller than a standard power drill. It features an ergonomic pistol-grip design, built-in LED lights, and other features, but where it really stands out is its power and adjustability.
This screwdriver features a powerful 12-volt motor, yet it can be controlled with the 21 clutch settings, two-speed transmission, and variable speed trigger. While it has the power to strip fasteners or over-tighten them, users can rely on these settings to keep it dialed in. It comes with a carrying case, a charger, and two batteries, as well.
Features
- Volts: 12
- Adjustments: Torque and speed
- Additional Features: Built-in work light, two-speed transmission, variable speed trigger, pistol-grip design with compact head, 20 clutch settings plus maximum power
Pros
- Burly yet compact design makes it handy for pros and DIYers alike
- Plenty of power from such a small screw gun
- Lots of adjustments, including transmission, clutch settings, and variable speed triggers
Cons
- Can over-torque or strip fasteners if the user isn’t careful
Price: $119
Best Electric Screwdriver Buying Guide
Cordless screwdrivers are extremely handy tools, but they’re hardly all equal in value and capability. For that reason, there are a few things you should know about these tools to make sure you pick out the right one for your needs.
Voltage and Battery Life
Electric screwdriver battery systems are rated in terms of volts. Lighter-duty models might produce anywhere from 3.6 volts to 9 volts, depending on the model. Larger models might use swappable rechargeable batteries made by the manufacturer, and they typically offer power in the 12-volt range.
Battery life depends on several factors, including the battery’s amp-hour (aH) rating, how the screwdriver will be used, and how often it’s running. High-torque settings and driving screws through wood will use more battery life than tightening door handles and cabinet hardware.
Torque Control and Speed Settings
Many cordless screwdrivers have adjustable torque settings. Users can dial up the setting when driving a screw through dense material like wood, or turn it back when working with delicate hardware with machine threads. The more settings there are, the finer the adjustments and customizability.
Speed settings are also a factor. These settings allow users to control how fast the screwdriver tip drives the fastener, allowing them to make more precise adjustments at lower speeds or work faster by cranking them up. Some screwdrivers might have pressure-sensitive triggers that control speed according to how much the user squeezes the trigger. Other models might have actual transmissions that users can set into different gear ratios to control speed (often increasing torque, similar to an actual drill driver).
Ergonomic Design for Comfort
Electric screwdrivers are often used for assembling multiple fasteners because they’re easier to handle and control than a full-size screw gun. But because they’re used for long periods, they need ergonomic features. The best handheld electric screwdriver for a given user might even feature a positionable handle and rubber anti-slip grip that make it easier to use for longer periods.
Portability and Ease of Use
The best cordless screwdrivers’ shining feature is their portability. These tools are much smaller than a full-size screw gun, allowing users to transport them in a tool bag or box, and keep them at the ready whenever they’re needed.
The best compact cordless screwdrivers are also easier to use than a full-size power drill. They’re lighter, smaller, and better for working in tight areas or with precision. If the job doesn’t call for the power of a cordless drill, an electric screwdriver is almost always the better option.
Compatibility with Various Screws
Electric screwdrivers don’t have adjustable collets like traditional screwdrivers because they’re not meant to clamp down on round drill bits. Instead, they use ¼-inch hex driver bits. These bits typically have a groove around their base that allows the screwdrivers to snap them into place, also known as a “quick-change” bit.
Quarter-inch hex bits come in every variety. DIYers and pros can find Phillips, flat, star, hex, square, Torx, and a wide variety of other bits. And, despite electric screwdrivers not being designed for drill, there are ¼-inch quick-change twist bits available that can be handy and are useful with more powerful models.
It should be noted that 4mm tips are also available, and they have hex shanks as well. These are typical for smaller drivers, such as those used for precision work and electronics repairs.
Magnetic Bit Holder Feature
Beyond the quick-change function, many electric screwdrivers have a magnetic base inside the driver bit holder. This allows the user to securely install smaller bits or bits without quick-change compatibility in the screwdriver. Removal is easy, but the bit won’t come out on its own while driving fasteners.
Built-in LED Lights
Despite our best efforts, we’re not always working in the best-lit environments. A built-in LED light, which many electric screwdrivers feature, allows the user to light up the space they’re working in or see the fastener they’re after. This makes fastening a screw under a sink cabinet, tightening a bolt under the hood of a car, or even looking for a screw that might’ve fallen easier. And since they’re LEDs, they don’t impact the battery life much.
Battery Indicator Lights
No one wants to crawl under a car or climb a ladder to tighten a fastener only to realize when they get there that their screwdriver’s battery is dead. To avoid this, most top-quality electric screwdrivers have battery life indicator lights that easily display how much juice the battery has left. Typically, these indicator lights have three or four LEDs that light up to display a percentage of how much power is left, though some might simply flash as the screwdriver nears dying.
Manufacturer’s Reputation
The manufacturer’s reputation is one of the most important factors when choosing the best power screwdriver. These tools aren’t incredibly expensive, but DIYers and pros do typically invest in the battery system or accessories that a manufacturer offers. They should only invest in manufacturers they believe in.
This is especially true when it comes to swappable batteries. Folks should consider purchasing tools and accessories that allow them to make the most of the batteries they already own and believe in. However, if they’re just breaking into cordless tools, they should purchase from a good brand with a wide variety of compatible tools.
Warranty
Power tool warranties aren’t quite what they used to be, but they’re still important to consider. Most well-known brands will offer warranties for up to 1 year after purchase, while the most pro-level brands might offer 3 or 5-year warranties. If anything breaks or stops working (outside of the batteries, typically), the manufacturer will replace or repair the screwdriver.
Uses of Electric Screwdriver
There are a lot of projects or repairs that are perfect for a good electric screwdriver. Once they get one, some DIYers and pros might wonder how they survived without one for so long. Here are some of the best uses for these convenient drivers.
Furniture Assembly
RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets and furniture can be a pain to assemble with a manual screwdriver, and a power drill might be too powerful. But these are perfect projects for an electric screwdriver. They’re able to speed up the assembly process without being too heavy for repeat use and they fit in tight spaces.
Workshop Repairs
Tinkering in the workshop, whether it’s working on a project car or repairing a child’s bike, is an ideal setting for an electric screwdriver. Rather than manipulating a manual screwdriver in awkward angles or spaces, the user can rely on the electric screwdriver to thread the fastener into place with limited effort. And, since many of these tools have magnetic tips, there can be less of a chance of accidentally dropping a screw.
Construction Projects
Even pros can find plenty of uses for the best battery screwdriver. Finish carpenters might use them for hanging doors, installing cabinet hardware, or other light-duty tasks. Plumbers might use an electric screwdriver for installing a shower mixing valve, working under a sink, or assembling HVAC or pump manifolds. Almost anyone on a project can benefit from owning one.
Electrical and Network Installations
Electricians and data network engineers use electric screwdrivers regularly. These pros often work in tight areas with machine-thread screws and bolts that take a long time to tighten by hand. But instead of manually twisting a screw into place, the electric screwdriver makes short work of securing the outlet to the junction box or attaching brackets inside a network tower.
Electronics Repair
Electronics are often too delicate to have a manual screwdriver poking around, scratching boards and components. Electric screwdrivers are much more handy, as they’re easier to control with precision. They even come in precision models that are slimmer and use finer-tipped bits made for smaller fasteners.
The best mini electric screwdrivers come with kits full of bits but also many of the same features as larger screwdrivers. They have torque settings, built-in LED lights, and more. So just because they’re smaller and have less power doesn’t make them any less feature-rich.
Model Building
Whether it’s model cars, planes, or even entire train sets, an electric screwdriver can be a big help. These small screws these items require often come in droves, and manual screwdrivers can take a while to fasten them all in place. A battery-powered screwdriver with adjustable settings can tighten the fasteners quickly while still being safe enough for delicate parts.
Safety Considerations When Using an Electric Screwdriver
Generally speaking, electric screwdrivers are some of the safest power tools to use. However, if you don’t know how to use them properly, you can easily injure yourself, even with a light-duty model. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using an electric screwdriver.
Safety Glasses
Electric screwdrivers don’t typically run at very high speeds, but there can still be the potential for eye injury. If a wood chip or metal shaving accidentally kicks up and becomes airborne, safety glasses can prevent them from landing in the user’s eyes.
Reading the Manual Before Use
Make sure to read the manual before using the electric screwdriver for the first time. These tools are fairly basic, but some might have features or settings that you should know about before cranking down on fasteners. Also, any necessary safety precautions will be outlined in the manual so if you get hurt, the manufacturer can say they told you so.
Keeping the Tool Clean and Maintained
One of the best ways to avoid an accidental injury is to ensure the tool is clean and well-maintained. A greasy, slippery handle can cause the user’s hand to slip off and strike the fastener, causing a cut. Similarly, a screwdriver with a broken housing could cut or pinch skin, so it’s a good idea to inspect it.
One of the best ways to ensure the tool is always ready to go is to keep it in the included pouch, or at least in a toolbox. While in these safe places, it’s less likely to get damaged or dirty, making it safer to use in the long run.
Working in a Well-Lit, Safe Area
If possible, make sure the area is lit well enough to see what you’re doing to prevent accidents. Electric screwdrivers with built-in LEDs are handy for these scenarios, but a portable work light is also a good idea.
Also, if you’re working on a project site or in a garage, be careful when working around hoses and electrical cords. These can be trip hazards, so keep an eye out for them.
Interested in more than just electric models? Check out our list of the Best Screwdriver Sets!
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Screwdriver
What are the key features to look for in the best electric screwdriver?
The best features to look for in an electric screwdriver are adjustable speed and torque settings, ergonomic design, quick-change or magnetic bit holders, and a built-in LED light.
Can electric screwdrivers be used for drilling purposes?
You can use an electric screwdriver to drill with hex-base twist bits. But, electric screwdrivers might not have the power output or speed required to drill through dense materials, so keep that in mind.
How do I maintain my electric screwdriver?
The best idea is to keep the electric screwdriver clean and dry. Otherwise, simply store it in its case or in a toolbox where it’s safe until you need it next.
Are there any electric screwdrivers specifically designed for precision tasks?
There are small electronics-oriented electric screwdrivers that are helpful and safer to use around precision components. These screwdrivers are typically underpowered for other users but can be perfect for electronics.
How important is the battery type in electric screwdrivers?
Battery type can be very important for some folks. Some DIYers or pros might want to purchase a screwdriver that is compatible with a set of swappable batteries they already own. Others might want to make sure they have lithium-ion batteries that are more efficient and more powerful than older batteries. However, some folks might just want an electric screwdriver for the occasional, basic task, in which case battery type doesn’t matter at all—even cheap disposable batteries might be fine.
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