While a cordless screwdriver may not be as essential as a cordless drill, or even an impact driver, they still have their place in a well-stocked workshop. These power versions of screwdrivers are ideal for jobs where finesse is valued over raw power. Cordless screwdrivers’ comparably lower speed and torque make them ideal for lighter-duty jobs, such as assembling furniture, changing out switchplates, or repairing electronics. They’re also more compact than their larger drill and impact driver cousins, making them a good choice for working inside smaller spaces, such as a car engine or electrical box. Ahead, we’ll cover what you should consider when shopping for one of these power tools while reviewing the 10 best cordless screwdrivers.
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How We Picked the Best Cordless Screwdrivers
We believe a cordless screwdriver should be a good companion to your cordless drill and a worthy replacement for a set of screwdrivers. We used our own experience with these power tools and hours researching some two dozen different models to make our selections of the top 10 screwdrivers. Understanding that cordless screwdrivers vary in the types of jobs they’re used for, our list includes small compact models for delicate electronics work, mid-tier models for furniture assembly and other lighter-duty jobs, and high-end cordless screwdrivers that are capable of driving in larger screws into soft wood.
Best Overall Cordless Screwdriver
Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver Kit 2401-22
It should come as little surprise that the tool brand that makes some of the best cordless drills and impact drivers also makes the best all-around cordless screwdriver. This 12-volt screwdriver weighs just 2 lbs. and measures a short 6-1/2 inches from collet to back yet puts out 175 inch lbs. of torque and can reach speeds of up to 500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful cordless screwdrivers out there. While it certainly won’t replace your 18-volt drill, it is capable of taking over some of its duties, such as driving longer screws into softwood.
We also like the fact that it comes with 15 clutch settings, so you can reduce that speed and power to suit more delicate screws. There’s also the attention to detail we expect from Milwaukee, including a battery that charges in just 30 minutes, two batteries, an LED battery gauge, multiple belt clips, and a storage bag.
Pros
- High torque and speed output
- 15 clutch settings
- Recharges quickly
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 12-volt
- Speed: 500 RPM
- Torque: 175 inch lbs.
Price: $99
Most Compact Cordless Screwdriver
Dewalt 8-volt 1/4-in Cordless Screwdriver DCF682N1
Not only is this cordless screwdriver compact enough to fit into tight confines, but it also packs a punch. With its 8-volt battery, it can produce max speeds of 430 rpm and, we assume, a fair amount of driving power (Dewalt doesn’t provide torque specs for its cordless power tools). That’s impressive, given that it only weighs a pound. The Dewalt cordless screwdriver is also equipped with gyroscopic sensors inside that sense your wrist movement. The sensors cause it to automatically kick on when you rotate the screwdriver to the right to tighten or left to loosen, adjusting speed based on your wrist movement. We also like the versatility. You can use it as a barrel-style screwdriver or rotate the handle to convert it into a pistol grip. Other highlights include an ergonomic rubberized grip with a large trigger button, bright work lights, and an LED battery gauge.
Pros
- Compact barrel-style design
- Equipped with motion-activated variable speed
- Ergonomic handle and grip
Cons
- Pricey for an 8-volt cordless screwdriver
Key Specs
- Battery: 8-volt
- Speed: 430 RPM
- Torque: N/A
Price: $89
Best Cordless Screwdriver For PC Building
AMIR Electric Screwdriver for PC Building
If you’re working inside the cozy confines of a computer, then you need a compact precision tool like this electric screwdriver from AMIR to drive those tiny screws. This screwdriver is about the size of a ballpoint pen, making it easy to manipulate with one hand. It comes with 24 different precision bits sized to handle the small screws you’ll find inside a PC. It also has three built-in LED work lights for visibility as you work and a charge status indicator. While its low torque output means you may have to break free stuck screws manually, you also won’t run the risk of overtightening and causing damage when you’re driving them in. The AMIR cordless screwdriver will drive in about 300 screws on a single charge, and you can recharge it directly from your computer via the included USB cable.
Pros
- Comes with 24 precision bits
- Compact size
- Built-in LED work lights
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 8-volt
- Speed: 180 RPM
- Torque: 26 inch lbs.
Price: $29.99
Most Affordable Cordless Screwdriver
Black+Decker 4V Max Cordless Screwdriver BDCSFL20C
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to upgrade from screwdriver to power screwdriver. You can get this versatile model from Black+Decker on the cheap. With its 4-volt rechargeable battery, it can reach speeds up to 180 rpm, making it suitable for easy jobs, such as hanging a floating shelf, building prefab furniture, or driving smaller screws into soft wood. Its power is limited compared to some of the higher-priced cordless screwdrivers out there, but we love its versatility. The handle can pivot to three positions, allowing you to use it as a pistol grip or barrel-style screwdriver. We like the large trigger button that makes it easy to control speed, and there’s a handy built-in flashlight to boot.
Pros
- Handle pivots to three different positions
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Ergonomic handle with large trigger button
Cons
- Low torque output and max speed
Key Specs
- Battery: 8-volt
- Speed: 180 RPM
- Torque: 26 inch lbs.
Price: $24.99
Best Precision Cordless Screwdriver
Worx WX240L 4V 3-Speed Cordless Screwdriver
We like the power and control that Worx puts inside this compact barrel-style screwdriver. It fits easily in your hand and weighs about half a pound, giving it as close a feel as a conventional screwdriver as you’ll find with a cordless model. And despite its small size, it’s surprisingly powerful with a max speed of 300 rpm. And since Worx also equips this cordless screwdriver with three speed settings, you can use it for a fairly broad range of screwdriver applications. Button controls on the handle make it easy to adjust speed or change direction. The WX240L comes with a bit holder and a broad collection of Phillips, Torx, and slotted screw bits, all of which fit neatly into a storage box.
Pros
- High max speed of 300 rpm
- Three speed settings
- Compact size and lightweight
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 4-volt
- Speed: 300 RPM
- Torque: 44 inch lbs.
Price: $35.27
Best Adjustable Cordless Screwdriver
SKIL 4-volt 1/4-in Cordless Screwdriver SD5619-01
The simple yet smart design of Skil’s 4-volt cordless screwdriver makes it a great screwdriver to keep in hand for a variety of small jobs around the house. At just 7 inches long with a diameter of 2 inches, it’s one of the more compact cordless screwdrivers out there. It features a pivoting head you can set to three different positions for working screws from different angles, a big advantage when working in a cramped quarter. While it’s not the most powerful cordless screwdriver, it still produces enough power to handle furniture assembly and off jobs around the house, thanks to a 4-volt battery that gives it a 240 RPM speed and max torque of 22 inch lbs. Three torque settings add versatility by allowing you to dial back the speed for smaller screws.
Pros
- Head pivots to three different positions
- Can fit into tight spaces
- Compact size and lightweight
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 4-volt
- Speed: 240 RPM
- Torque: 22 inch lbs.
Price: $19
Best Screwdriver for Professional Electricians
SKIL Rechargeable 4V Cordless Screwdriver SD561201
This cordless screwdriver from SKIL is specially designed for those who work with electrical wiring. That’s because it doubles as a circuit sensor that can detect live electrical current in outlets, switches, and light fixtures. A button located on the top of the handle allows you to quickly test for live current before you start removing screws. Along with this safety feature, its small size also makes it ideal for working inside small spaces, such as an electrical box or air conditioning unit. While this cordless drill doesn’t offer the torque and speed of other models, it does provide just the right amount of power for working on HVAC systems or in electrical boxes. Plus, it comes with a full set of screwdriver bits and a handy carrying case.
Pros
- Built-in circuit sensor
- Compact size
- Comes with bits and carrying case
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 4-volt
- Speed: 230 RPM
- Torque: N/A
Price: $29.99
Most Powerful Cordless Screwdriver
Makita XSF03T 18V LXT Screwdriver Kit
Thanks to an 18-volt battery and brushless motor, the XSF03T is one of the most powerful cordless screwdrivers out there, capable of putting out a whopping 4,000 rpm. It’s also significantly bigger and heavier than other cordless screwdrivers. While that large size and high rpm output make the XSF03T overkill for lighter-duty jobs that require more finesse, it’s a great option for bigger jobs that require driving in a lot of screws, such as installing drywall. Other notable features on this cordless drill include Makita’s Push Drive technology, which only starts the motor when the drill is engaged with a fastener to save battery life. While this kit is pricey, it does come with two 18-volt batteries, a charger, and a hard carrying case.
Pros
- 18-volt brushless motor power
- Comes with two batteries and a charger
- Durable build quality
Cons
Key Specs
- Battery: 18-volt
- Speed: 4,000 RPM
- Torque: N/A
Price: $349
Best For Assembling Furniture
Bosch Go Smart Screwdriver 06019H21L1
The Bosch Go smart screwdriver’s compact size coupled with settings that allow you to modulate speed and power make it a great option for those looking to speed up the process of assembling prefab furniture. It comes with five clutch settings that adjust torque from 2 to 44 inch lbs., so you can crank it up to assemble solid wood furniture or dial the power down to avoid damaging fragile pressboard. Bosch also equips this screwdriver with a smart stop feature that automatically shuts down the tool if it detects jumping, helping to prevent the bit from stripping the screw as well as damage from cross-threaded screws. There’s also an electronic brake that stops the screwdriver immediately after cutting it off to prevent oversinking screws.
Pros
- Five clutch settings control torque and speed
- Smart stop feature prevents stripping and cross-threading
- Electronic brake prevents over screwing
Cons
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs
Key Specs
- Battery: 3.6-volt
- Speed: 360 RPM
- Torque: 2 to 44 inch lbs.
Price: $84.99
Best Cordless DIY Screwdriver
Ryobi USB Screwdriver Kit FVD50K-FVB02
Ryobi’s cordless screwdriver is versatile, packs enough of a punch to take on most odd jobs around the house, and comes with a reasonable price tag. While it isn’t as powerful as some pricier models, its 4-volt battery allows it to reach speeds of up to 200 rpm with a max torque of 55 inch lbs., which is enough to handle most odd jobs. We also like its versatility. You can use the tool as a pistol grip screwdriver or twist the handle to convert it to a barrel-style model to fit it into tighter spots. There are also two built-in LED work lights, and the kit comes with a battery and charging cable.
Pros
- Works as a pistol grip or barrel-style screwdriver
- Affordably priced
- Ergonomic grip with large trigger
Cons
- Only powerful enough for light-duty jobs
Key Specs
- Battery: 4-volt
- Speed: 200 RPM
- Torque: 55 inch lbs.
Price: $39.97
Best Cordless Screwdriver Buying Guide
Types of Cordless Screwdrivers
Cordless screwdrivers come in straight barrel models that more closely resemble their hand tool counterparts and pistol grip designs that look similar to their cordless power drill cousins. Straight barrel models are more compact and nimble, making them ideal for working in tighter spots or with smaller fasteners. Pistol grip models allow you to get a better grip on the tool for driving in larger screws.
Power and Voltage
There’s a broad range of power output to consider when shopping for a cordless screwdriver. Cordless screwdrivers range from light-duty 4-volt models to the more common 8-volt and 12-volt variety up to those that match the power output of cordless drill drivers with 18-volt output. Generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the more speed and torque the cordless screwdriver can produce. There is a compromise for greater voltage in the form of a bulkier size and heavier weight.
Torque and Speed
Cordless screwdrivers vary in how much speed and torque they produce. Speed can range significantly, from less than 40 rpm for small precision cordless screwdrivers up to 400 rpm or more for the most powerful models. The faster the speed of a cordless screwdriver, the more quickly you can drive in or remove screws.
Cordless screwdrivers also vary in torque output. Cordless screwdrivers with higher torque are capable of freeing stuck screws and driving larger fasteners into dense materials such as masonry or hardwood. Torque for cordless screwdrivers ranges from a miniscule 26 inch lbs. to 175 inch lbs.
While we often value cordless drills and impact drivers based on the amount of torque and speed they can produce, that’s not necessarily the case with cordless screwdrivers. Since these tools are designed to handle smaller screws, they need to operate at a speed and torque that won’t damage the fastener. With that in mind, look for a cordless screwdriver that produces the right amount of speed and power for the job. The most versatile cordless screwdrivers have settings that will allow you to adjust speed and/or torque to suit the job.
Battery Life and Capacity
The battery capacity on a cordless screwdriver, which is given in amp hours (Ah), determines how many screws you can drive in or remove before you need to stop for a recharge. Most cordless screwdrivers give you around 2 hours of continuous use and take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to recharge.
Chuck Size and Compatibility
Cordless screwdrivers use 1/4-inch hexagonal-shaped chucks, which fit standard sizes for most types of screwdriver bits, including Phillips, Torx, slotted, and square head screws. In some cases, you can also use a cordless screwdriver to drill small pilot holes by using a drill bit with a hex shank. Since cordless screwdrivers use toolless chucks, switching between different bit sizes can usually be done in seconds.
Ergonomics and Grip
A cordless screwdriver should be easy to hold and operate. The best models have molded ergonomic rubberized grips that fit comfortably in your hand with large trigger buttons that are easy to operate. Cordless screwdrivers are significantly smaller and lighter than their cordless drills cousins. Whereas a cordless drill may weigh around 3 to 4 lbs. with a battery, most cordless screwdrivers only weigh around a pound. This small size and light weight make them nimble to use while allowing for greater precision.
Additional Features
Many cordless drills come with additional features that make them easier to use. Most have LED work lights that illuminate the work area, making the screws you’re driving or removing easier to see when working in dark places, such as a car engine or inside cabinetry. Some also have sensors that automatically adjust speed or cut off the motor to prevent over-sinking fasteners or stripping screw heads. Other common additional features include built-in belt hooks, sets of screwdriver bits, and carrying cases.
Uses of Cordless Screwdrivers
DIY Home Projects
Cordless screwdrivers are a common tool for handling mainly light-duty projects around the house. Since they produce less power and speed than a cordless drill, they’re a good tool for changing out switch plates or a lightswitch, driving smaller screws into soft wood, assembling a gas grill, and other projects in which using a cordless drill would be overkill.
Furniture Assembly
Cordless screwdrivers are an ideal power tool for professional furniture builders or homeowners assembling prefab furniture. Their small size makes them easy to work with the smaller fasteners such furniture typically uses. And since they don’t produce the high speed and torque of cordless drills or impact drivers, you don’t have to worry about over-sinking screws into expensive wood, damaging the fragile pressboard on IKEA furniture, or stripping out screws with a cordless screwdriver.
Automotive Repairs
While cordless drills are too bulky to fit in the tight confines of a car’s engine or underbelly, a cordless drill is compact enough to use in these small spaces. And while cordless screwdrivers may not pack enough torque to handle larger fasteners, their lower power and speed make them ideal for working with smaller fasteners that the speed and power of a cordless drill or impact driver might damage.
Electronics and Gadgets
Smaller cordless screwdrivers are good options for working on electronics, whether you’re assembling a computer, repairing a dishwasher, or merely changing the batteries in a child’s toy. Their small size and light weight allow for more precision while the lower power and speed output prevents damage to smaller screws.
Professional Use
The best cordless drills and impact drivers see the most duty on the professional worksite when it comes to drilling holes and driving in screws. That said, there is a place for the cordless screwdriver in the pro’s tool arsenal. The precision and lower speed and torque output these tools offer make them an ideal choice for furniture builders, cabinet installers, HVAC technicians, drywall contractors, electricians, and others for whom a cordless drill would be overkill.
Safety Considerations When Using a Cordless Screwdriver
Though cordless screwdrivers may lack the power and speed produced by a cordless drill, they still have the potential to cause injury. As with any other power tool in your workshop, always wear eye protection when using a cordless screwdriver. If you’re using a cordless drill to work in an electrical box or HVAC unit, always make sure the power to that circuit is cut off at the breaker before getting started. You can use a voltage detector to confirm there are no live wires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Screwdrivers
What is the difference between corded and cordless screwdrivers?
The difference between the two is the power source. Whereas a corded screwdriver has a power cord that you plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, a cordless screwdriver uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for power. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. While a corded screwdriver provides you with an unlimited supply of power, the cord limits its portability and can make it more awkward to use. Though you’ll eventually need to recharge the battery in a cordless screwdriver, its cordless design makes it far easier to use and gives you the ability to use it anywhere without having to worry about finding an outlet.
How do I choose the right battery voltage for my needs?
Consider how you plan to use your cordless screwdriver. If you plan on using it to handle light-duty jobs around the house, such as removing switch plates or assembling furniture assembly, then 3 to 4 volts is probably enough power. If you want a cordless screwdriver that can handle larger duty jobs, such as driving screws into bare wood or installing cabinetry, then go with an 8-volt or 12-volt model that can produce greater speeds and torque.
Can cordless screwdrivers handle heavy-duty tasks?
Cordless screwdrivers generally aren’t designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, such as driving larger screws into solid wood, drilling large holes, or driving in larger structural screws or lag bolts. For those jobs, you’ll need a cordless drill or an impact driver.
What are the best brands for cordless screwdrivers?
The top brands for cordless screwdrivers are the same manufacturers that make the best cordless drills and impact drivers. Milwaukee is generally considered to be the top-of-the-line brand for cordless screwdrivers followed by Dewalt and Makita. Bosch is also well-regarded for its line of cordless screwdrivers. Brands such as Worx and Ryobi are good options for budget-conscious homeowners.
What’s the difference between a cordless screwdriver and a cordless drill?
The biggest difference between the two is power. Cordless drills produce more speed and torque than a cordless screwdriver, which gives them the ability to drive larger screws into denser materials. They also are more versatile, as they can function as both a driver and a drill, while a cordless screwdriver is mainly limited to driving in screws, though you can use one for drilling small pilot holes in a pinch.
Interested in more than just cordless models? Check out our list of the Best Screwdriver Sets!
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