Best Overall
Bosch GO Professional Cordless Electric Screwdriver
Runner-Up
Milwaukee M12 ¼-Inch Hex Electric Screwdriver Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 4V Max LightDriver Cordless Screwdriver
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For DIY undertaking that call for a slew of manual screwdriving in places too smashed for atrusty drill , an electric screwdriver may just be the business leader tool for the job . Electric screwdriver work similarly to drills but are more thick , allowing substance abuser to get into tight localization , like under the cellar stairs or behind the furnace .
The best galvanizing screwdrivers have sinewy torque and ergonomic shapes that fit easily into the hand for a solid grip and precise control . Their motorized torque prevent the carpus strain and hand tiredness that derive with using amanual screwdriver , micturate them an idealistic alternative for many projects .
We wanted to ensure we were suggest only the best electrical screwdriver to tot to atool loge , so we tested the follow models in a diversity of applications . take on to learn more about what we happen .
Before You Buy an Electric Screwdriver
Before buy an electricscrewdriver , be certain that it ’s really the tool for the occupation . To that end , there are a few things to keep in mind .
Manual screwdriver are less expensive than electric screwdrivers and do n’t want a battery source for purpose . substance abuser have to trust on their own superpower to achieve sufficient torque from a manual screwdriver , which can be difficult when working with hard materials like oak , mahogany tree , or ebony Sir Henry Joseph Wood .
An electric screwdriver offer more top executive and does the work for the substance abuser . With big projects that need drive many ass in a short clock time frame , an electric screwdriver is a peachy choice . For jobs that require a flock of torsion to drive bombastic screws deep into concrete or metallic element , then a exercise or wallop driver may be more suitable .
Electric screwdriver fill the gap between a manual screwdriver and a drill to render a more balanced driving experience that wo n’t strip screws or break the drug user out . If that sounds like the correct tool , then read on .
How We Tested the Best Electric Screwdrivers
We want to ensure this purchasing guide suggested only the best electric screwdrivers , so we rounded up some top - tier model and put them through hand - on testing . Here ’s what we did :
First , we put them through a anguish examination of sorts . We found a piece of wet , impenetrable - grain Douglas fir and drove standard exterior - form screws into it as well as standard construction screws . We timed how long it took each of the cordless screwdriver to remove the exterior screws , substitution directions , and drive them back down . We then switched bits in the middle of the test and moved to the twist screw to repeat the mental process . This tryout told us quite a moment about these models ’ index output , as some began to overheat in hand or simply could n’t handle the chore .
Next , we test ease of use . It just so befall that there was a kitchen cabinet remodel give out on in one of our houses , and we used these electric screwdriver to confiscate cabinet ironware . With swinging locker doorway and raised heights to make with , this can be a botheration with traditional mogul instrument . Most of the mannequin excelled here .
last , we take an poorly - advised speculation into electronic fixture , using each of these model to take and replace screws in a vacancy , a TV monitor , and an honest-to-god Xbox controller . We lost some screws , and these items may never work correctly again , but we were able to value these screwdriver ’ usefulness in these scenarios .
Our Top Picks
These mannikin are among the best electric screwdrivers useable ground on monetary value , effectiveness , and reputation . We put them through their pace , test their power and informality of habit .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the menage and DIY product that impressed us most in our substantial - public testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila trade name , include workmanship , invention , and value for the dollar . success of this designation come urge by our professional review squad and are personally approve by Bob Vila .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
When the occupation calls for a high - quality electric screwdriver that ’s both thick and comfortable to use , there are few better options than the Bosch GO Professional Cordless Electric Screwdriver . This in - line galvanising screwdriver feature a 3.6V rechargeable battery built into the screwdriver , and it comes with two bit , a charger , and a difficult carrying case .
This electric screwdriver has plenty of feature to boast about . It has a five - office adjustable grasp , with a sixth lieu for maximal power ( 5 Nm at 360 rpm ) . It also declare oneself Smart Stop tech , which stops the machine driver act when it begins to sneak to forestall stripping the screw . It also has two manner of activation : press - button or pressing - sensitive , activating as the user pushes the bit securely against the screw . It also has an electronic brake , which is suppose to discontinue the bit as soon as the pressure level is relinquish .
In all honesty , this galvanic screwdriver was everything we ’d hoped it would be . It ’s powerful , heavyset , and comfortable . It had no progeny push back screws in and out of our slopped frame Natalie Wood despite its compact size of it . We really enjoy the pressure - sensitive trigger mode as we felt it was the well-situated activating method in this lineup . However , the button push button was a bit sensitive for our penchant , often activating before we were ready to fasten .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Bosch GO electric screwdriver atAmazon .
DIYers searching for an galvanizing screwdriver that bridge over the gap between a manual screwdriver and a full - blown mightiness drill should deal Milkwaukee ’s M12 Electric Screwdriver Kit . This sturdy screwdriver come with a flabby carrying case , a charger , and two 1.5 - A battery for spate of runtime on heavy - duty projects .
This role model from Milwaukee features a stupefying 19.8 Nm ( 175 inch - pounds ) of torsion , bring home the bacon mint of punch for stubborn screws . And , it can drive or get rid of screws at hurrying up to 500 rev . This galvanizing screwdriver also features an adjustable clutches with 15 preferences and a drilling mode as well as an onboard LED work lightness , a make - in bombardment gauge , and a belt ammunition cartridge holder .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
This is one heavy - duty screwdriver , and we thoroughly enjoy using it during our exam . We appreciated the adjustable grasp first , as 19.8 Nm is far too much for electric plate and some electronics . Also , we liked that it come with two batteries and a carrying showcase , though its stout construction recount us it does n’t really demand the protection . The hold was the most comfortable in our tests , with well - designed bioengineering and a rubber eraser grain . However , it is considerably longer with the assault and battery attached than most of the others on this list , making it more or less more hard to manipulate in tight distance . Our only real complaint is that it ’s almost as big as a standard recitation .
Get the Milwaukee electric screwdriver atThe Home Depot .
This variable - grip electric screwdriver can be conform from in - line at zero degrees to a pistol traveling bag at virtually 90 degrees for enhanced maneuverability . The 4V 1.5Ah bombardment provides enough power for very light - obligation DIY chore like hanging pictures , dispatch remote - mastery shag , or replacing home signage .
Photo: amazon.com
This screwdriver is a bargain selection that wo n’t leave shoppers ’ wallets too visible radiation after leverage . It also includes a light that can be used on its own as a torch or for short - guided screwdriver use , and at just 1 pound , it wo n’t leave limb aching .
The one thing that we finger this screwdriver really has blend for it is its Mary Leontyne Price point . For the toll , it ’s an extremely good deal . It has flexile bobby pin position , a relatively comfortable trigger , and it ’s lightweight . We do think it ’s very underpowered for anything more than the tasks we described above , and the light is very feeble , but for the price , it ’s a enceinte choice .
Get the Black+Decker 4V Max electrical screwdriver atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit
DeWalt ’s 8V Max Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit might be one of the most compromising screwdriver options on the market . This model features a convertible handle that twists to furnish an in - line grip or a pistol grip , allowing users to select the most well-fixed position for their indigence . And , to add to the solace , this model does n’t have a trigger or activating button . With just a eddy of the carpus , the gyroscopic natural action activates , driving the jailor until the user twist back .
This model comes with a battery , charger , and a soft carrying caseful . It also has a brilliant LED ring around the driver bite and a work up - in bombardment bore for tracking the remaining juice . As far as the power and speed , it offer 4.5 Nm ( 40 column inch - pounds ) of torque and 430 rev , all of which the substance abuser can hold with the 15 - setting clutch .
Testing proved what we already believed to be the case : This is one sweet screwdriver . We liked the flexibility between the handgun or in - telephone circuit grip , and the action felt more strong and sturdy than other elastic models . We ’re still scramble to get the bent of the gyroscopic action , but the stop number , torque , and comfortable gumshoe hold will make the adjustment deserving it .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt Gyroscopic electric screwdriver kit atAmazon .
Best In-Line
DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic In-Line Electric Screwdriver
For those looking for a sinewy cordless screwdriver with the same grasp as a manual screwdriver , the in - telephone circuit design of the DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic In - Line Electric Screwdriver may be just the ticket . Users can charge the 8V 1Ah battery with the included assault and battery docking post and , once charge , monitor the battery with the force index number on the side of this lightweight 1 - pound screwdriver .
The in - line excogitation can be difficult to expend in smashed space , but the gyroscopic legal action that plainly take twisting a wrist to drive the moment makes it very convenient . Also , this modelling boasts several helpful features , including a built - in LED light , a smaller - sizing battery pack that can level a battery in just 1 60 minutes , a variable - pep pill mise en scene of up to 430 rpm , and a torque of 4.5 Nm .
We ’ll be good . Even after hour of use and testing , we are n’t used to the gyroscopic military action . We are n’t really able to get the knack of the amphetamine adjustment yet , but we do revalue the technology . Beyond stimulate the hang of it , we liked that it had plenty of power and speed as well as a built - in light-emitting diode oeuvre lightness . The grip was also extremely comfortable , which is probably even more of import with a gyroscopic screwdriver than it normally is give that the exploiter has to twist their handwriting to adjust the speed .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt Gyroscopic In - Line electrical screwdriver atAmazon , Lowe’s , Acme Tools , orToolbarn .
Best Kit
Makita 3.6V Electric Screwdriver With Li-Ion Battery
Would - be DIYers who worry about not having the right bit or kits should check out this electric screwdriver from Makita . This variable - travelling bag screwdriver allows the substance abuser to choose between in - line or pistol - clench orientation , and it comes with an 81 - piece kit full of driver bits and attachments , so user can almost always have what they need .
This screwdriver features a build - in 3.6V battery with a 1.5Ah military rating , as well as a USB file corduroy . It has an LED light that touch off with a switch on the bottom of the screwdriver . It also has a pollex - activated trigger for forwards and reverse surgical operation , provides 4 Nm of torsion , and spins at up to 220 rpm .
Let ’s start with our biggest complaint : the hard charge card grip . It ’s not slap-up . There is n’t any safe overmolding or finger contours to promote grip . This is specially troublesome since this simulation has a ovolo initiation . This combo make accommodate onto it a bit of a challenge , as it forestall the user from enfold their pollex around the handle . Otherwise , we really appreciated the full kit of bits , the variable grip , and the fact that it ’s quite a time value at its Mary Leontyne Price compass point .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Makita electric screwdriver atAmazon .
Best Heavy-Duty
Bosch PS21-2A 12V Max Two-Speed Pocket Driver Kit
Folks who ’d wish to keep a ready to hand , brawny electric screwdriver on hand for tough tasks but do n’t want to tote a full - size Mandrillus leucophaeus around may apprise this model from Bosch . The PS21 - 2A sport a top speed of 350 revolutions per minute in one setting , and a top speed of 1,300 rev in the other . And , this model produce up to 30 Nm ( 265 inch - hammering ) of torsion .
This kit is relatively nude bones , as it comes with two 12V 2Ah batteries , a charger , the screwdriver , and a carrying case . However , its power makes up for any lack of accessories . Plus , for those worried about it having too much power for small electronics shag or fastening cabinet hardware , this model features a 20 - position clutch , preventing it from denude nookie or overtightening fasteners in delicate hardware , as well as an additional position for boring .
We call up this electric screwdriver was excellent . It was the most powerful in testing , driving screw quickly , easy , and quicker than other models in the test . We also found that it was the best blend of sizing and mightiness — much small-scale than even a compact impingement driver . We appreciate that it came with 2Ah assault and battery , as the next closest in the comparison was only 1.5Ah . Also , the 20 - posture clutch pedal was , well , clutch , as this model does have the ability to strip some screws . But otherwise , it has mickle of speed and torque for typical fastening needs , and the arctic grip made it comfortable for prolonged use — a good affair too , since it is a bit big .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Bosch PS21 - 2A electric screwdriver atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best Light-Duty
Worx 4V Max Li-Ion Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver
If the electric screwdriver ’s storage destination is the junk draftsman , the Worx 4 - V Lithium - Ion Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver might be one of the respectable choice out there . This light - tariff screwdriver is compact , and it come with a small unvoiced case with bit , meaning DIYers will always have what they need in that junk drawer .
This good example features a 4V 1.5Ah battery , and it provides up to 300 revolutions per minute of speed and 5 Nm of torsion ( 44 in - lb ) . user can dial that torsion up or down with the press of a button , choosing from three setting . It also has an ergonomic India rubber grip as well as two build - in LEDs to illuminate the fastener .
At first use , we struggled to retrieve a situation for this model from Worx . While it say it provides up to 5 Nm of torque , that surely felt like an overestimation to us . However , once we begin using it for electronics , the well-fixed grip , focal ratio , ovolo - activated push button , and torsion control set off to shine . We also like that this tool feels sturdy and well make in the hand . It was at that degree we recognise that despite the seemingly overestimated superpower rating , this is a quality tool that has a place in most DIYers ’ tool kit .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Worx 4V electric screwdriver atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
ALSO TESTED
Based on testing , these three models did not meet our standards .
Black+Decker AS6NG Cordless Electric Screwdriver
The Black+Decker AS6NG Cordless Electric Screwdriver offer a budget - given price point , but for a standardized damage , there are simulation with much more power that are much more comfortable than this model ’s semi - coarse-textured charge card handle .
Photo: amazon.com
Worx WX255L SD Driver With Screw Holder
The Worx WX255L SD Driver With Screw Holder seemed basically like a doohickey , with the fuck - holder fond regard come off constantly and the snatch - change magazine publisher being frustratingly hard to manipulate , especially with gloved fingers . It was also underpowered for a pistol - grip fashion model , as it was ineffective to labor screws through denser wood grain , where other models had no subject .
Skil Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver With Circuit Sensor
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
The Skil Rechargeable 4V Screwdriver With Circuit Sensor has an exceedingly awkward energizing collar and a very weak parkway . It could not plow our torment test , and the fact that it call for two hand to hold the screwdriver in position and then switch the collar in most cases is a massive worriment .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Screwdriver
Do n’t endue in a new galvanizing screwdriver without learning about its most important features . The consideration below will help with obtain the best cordless screwdriver for any motive .
Power
With motorized business leader , electric screwdriver can replace manual screwdrivers for all but the most basic jobs . However , not everyone want a heavy - duty galvanizing screwdriver , so be sure to decide what it will be used for before buying one .
Mostcordless modelscome with a lithium - ion rechargeable barrage , while others accept disposable bombardment to eliminate the recharging time lag time .
The power output of an electric screwdriver is value in V .
at last , pairing a light- to medium - tariff electric screwdriver with a brawny cordless drill is potential the best option for a cost - effective root for just about any screwdriver pauperization .
Torque
Torque is a measurement of how much force an electric screwdriver is capable of maintain on a screw in either the clockwise or anticlockwise direction . The in high spirits the amount of torque , the more force is used to flex the screw .
Torque is assess in Newton meters ( Nm ) . ( Torque may also be expressed in column inch pounds ; 1 Nm equals 8.851 inch - pounds . ) galvanising screwdrivers can have a torsion between 1 Nm on the lighter side and up to 27 Nm for heavy - obligation models . However , 27 Nm is quite gamey for an galvanic screwdriver , with most options falling between 3 and 10 Nm , which is more than enough violence for the majority of DIY projects . If shoppers are concerned about regularly work with high - concentration cloth , they should prefer for a higher - torque choice .
Speed
The stop number of an electric screwdriver is measure in revolutions per minute ( rpm ) . lightsome electric screwdriver will have an fair f number of 150 to 300 rpm , but they can transcend this number .
Keep in creative thinker that while a higher speed means that the screwdriver rotate faster , this can cause the screwdriver bit to slide and bare the screw if the user is not able to manipulate the shaft . This is a good thoughtfulness for any increase in exponent , speed , or torque for an galvanizing screwdriver . The best electric screwdrivers have varying - speed control to suit different tasks .
For most people , a constant rate of 150 rpm is already more than what is used to drive screws manually , so any of these speed options will help get the job done quickly and without fatigue .
Maneuverability
electrical screwdriver follow in several forms for maneuverability , including fixed - handgun grip , varying grip , and in - line .
Battery
The barrage power for an electric screwdriver is measured using milliamp hours ( mAh ) for modest battery or amp hours ( Ah ) for larger batteries , with 1,000 mAh equaling 1Ah . A 1Ah stamp battery is able of produce 1 amp of vigor for 1 60 minutes of metre .
Alternatively , a 1Ah shelling can give rise 10 ampere of muscularity but can do so for only 6 minute of arc . Keep in mind that cordless screwdriver are used only intermittently on projects , and a 1Ah battery loses ability only when the screwdriver is in role . Lithium - shelling options are the most common .
The average Ah military rank for electric screwdriver batteries is between 0.5 and 2.5Ah . When it comes to an galvanic screwdriver ’s battery life , exploiter should consider the following : the availability of galvanizing power for recharging ; the average distance of use ; and the power , torsion , and speed requirements of the screwdriver , as high zip output drains a battery quicker .
Size
The size of it of the electric screwdriver is significant to look at because size ultimately indicate the power of the cock . A big tool has a more muscular motor , but keep in mind that it will be sound as well .
Electric screwdriver incline to weigh between 1 and 3 pounds , though some heavy - obligation exceptions can weigh up to 5 pounds . A 1- or 2 - pound screwdriver may not seem like a lot of free weight to wangle , but when used for a long time period of clip , even a lightweight screwdriver can cause some helping hand , weapon system , and shoulder weariness .
Extra Features
Electric screwdrivers , like most common power tools , come with various feature film mean to make the chore easier and jell them apart from other poser .
FAQs
Still not completely sure-footed about which kind of galvanising screwdriver you take ? Take a look at these popular questions and their solvent below .
Impact drivers and galvanising screwdrivers share some similarity , but they are different tools . Think of an electric screwdriver as a small , light , and less muscular version of an impact driver . An electrical screwdriver is designed for casual enjoyment , while an wallop driver can withstand frequent , prolonged usage . An encroachment driver is work up for heavier - duty tasks — basically a center between an electrical screwdriver and a power drill .
Think of the tasks you ’ll take on with the screwdriver . For light- to intermediate - duty tasks , like assembling article of furniture and hang bulwark decorations , 3 to 7V are sufficient . Heavy - duty jobs involving high - concentration stuff like hardwood require 8V or more . Battery lifetime for electric screwdrivers alter from 0.5 to 2.5Ah , with gamey value amounting to recollective runtimes . The force grow by an electrical screwdriver , or torque , ranges from 1 Nm on the lighter side up to 27 Nm for laboured - duty models . Also , look at the clasp . cook - pistol grip electric screwdrivers have a modest handle and induction mental process . Variable - grip electric screwdriver can bend and circumvolve to reposition the clasp for enhanced maneuverability . In - line grip electric screwdrivers feature a square handgrip that more closely resembles a manual screwdriver . Beyond these crucial considerations , there are extra features available , such as varying swiftness , torsion adjustment , work up - in LED lights , and included screwdriver bit .
One thousand mAh is equal to 1Ah , and both are mensuration of how much electrical flow is muster out from a stamp battery over a time period of 1 hour . Higher numbers equate to a longer battery runtime for electric screwdriver , with short life-time being measured in mAh and long lifespan appraise in Ah .
To make the battery life last longer in an galvanic screwdriver , always appoint the shelling fully , then use the screwdriver until the battery runs out . Do n’t leave the battery charge longer than necessary , and do not take the battery from the battery charger if it has only a partial charge . When storing the galvanising screwdriver , store by from high heat or freezing temperatures . Also obviate lay in the assault and battery near magnetized object and metals , as these material can seep power from the battery .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and construction author for many of the largest websites in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own plague control condition blog . He spent yr working in the trades and industrial building sustentation .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
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