The Best Electric Screwdrivers
Home improvement projects can quickly take a turn for the worse without the proper tools at your disposal. While some manual tools will always be necessary, electrifying some of the standards is the best way to make large-scale projects doable for a homeowner. Electric screwdrivers are particularly efficient compact upgrades to time-honored classics that slash your workload and don't require constant charging. Regardless of whether you tinker with hardware, remodel homes, or have just cultivated a healthy woodworking hobby, our favorite electric screwdrivers are sure to cut down on tedious time-wasting tasks.
Black+Decker Rechargeable Screwdriver
A Dependable Drill
While not as brawny as their power-drill cousins, electric screwdrivers make up for any deficits with convenience, portability, and maneuverability. Black+Decker’s Rechargeable Screwdriver boasts a powerful lithium-ion battery that allows you to start and finish almost any project without fear of a dead tool. You can position this screwdriver’s handle at 45, 90, and 180 degrees, giving you the length and control to handle any project. With nine purchasing options spanning various specialized bits and ancillary tools, this Black+Decker is the premier choice for every home project.
Pros:
- Can be purchased with three options of drill bit
- Can operate in forward and reverse
- Manual mode for removing more tightly secured screws
- Ergonomic grip for ultimate control
Cons:
- Power switch placement can feel awkward
SKIL Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver
Drive the Point Home
If you’re looking for a simple power tool to speed up mundane home maintenance tasks, SKIL’s Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver is the perfect compact companion. Easily change out your drill bits with one pull on the collet, and ensure your drilling will always land true with two handy, front-facing LEDs. The one feature that really impresses us is SKILs circuit sensor technology. When you’re drilling into a wall near fixtures or wiring, the Cordless Screwdriver will preemptively alert you to potential electrocutions with a red warning light, making SKIL our top safety-conscious tool.
Pros:
- Easily charged with micro USB port
- Fits entirely in the palm of your hand
- Foward-reverse collar smartly placed above the grip
- Available with standard size or extended drill bits
Cons:
- No USB charging block included
ENERTWIST Cordless Electric Screwdriver
Torque for Every Task
ENERTWIST’s Cordless Electric Screwdriver may look like something out of an elementary art school class, but rest assured that this miniature drill packs a powerful punch. Achieve a full charge in just four hours, and the 1300 mAh battery will retain it for months on end with or without use. ENERTWIST’s masterful LED placement is another significant advantage for their Electric Screwdriver, since it illuminates a surprisingly wide surface area. While the pistol-grip style of the screwdriver may have you questioning its maneuverability, ENERTWIST’s product is only five inches in length, giving you total control regardless of how sharp of an angle you’re working with.
Pros:
- Non-slip grip
- Hard-shell carrying case included
- Package includes standard, hex, and star bits
- Superior strength with 200 RPMs and 40 inch-pounds of torque
Cons:
- Bits and chuck are not magnetized
DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver Kit
Doesn't Screw Around
Larger projects call for more robust tools, and DEWALT is the king of electronic appliances for the workshop. This 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver kit is an excellent choice for the contractor working in tight places or the homeowner looking to go it alone on some long-overdue renovations. With maximum revolutions per minute placed slightly over 400 and an astonishing charging speed that hits full power in only an hour, no other tool tackles all-day tasks like this DEWALT. In addition to power, the DEWALT MAX is unique in its variable speed settings. Drilling through hardwood is usually outside the electric screwdriver’s wheelhouse, but DEWALT’s eight volts ensure a controlled fastening without calling on bulky power drills.
Pros:
- Extremely quiet motor
- Two trigger positions
- Hard plastic drill bit case and tool bag included with purchase
- Holds up to one-inch drill bit tips
Cons:
- The gyroscopic setting is not particularly helpful in most scenarios
WORX WX255L SD Power Screwdriver
A Bit of This, A Bit of That
If you find yourself taking more time changing drill bit heads than actually securing fasteners, the WORX WX225L SD Power Screwdriver is for you. The WX255L SD is one of the only compact electric screwdrivers that features a revolver-style drill bit holster. Plus, if you need to switch bits on the fly, just flip the convenient switch right by your thumb, and you’re in business. In addition to revolutionary storage, WORX also excels at screw stabilization. This model has a rail beneath the drill head that acts as a screw starter, so once you’ve placed the screw in its hole and given it a twist, you can unlock the attachment and finish the job with confidence.
Pros:
- Can hold charges for up to 1.5 years
- The revolver holster holds up to six bits
- Lightweight build prevents fatigue
- Incredible value for the price
Cons:
- Only single-speed functionality
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose a power drill over an electric screwdriver?
Electric screwdrivers are handy tools for repairs around the home or assembling furniture, but their small stature does come with some limitations. While not all electric screwdrivers are made equally, most do not possess a motor that has a higher than 8-volt capacity, which can limit their ability to drive screws through hardwoods. The other primary use for electric drilling tools is creating pilot holes. Some higher-end electric screwdrivers do have the requisite hardware, but drilling holes will drain your most batteries very quickly and could burn out the motor.
What should I consider when choosing an electric screwdriver?
Electric screwdrivers are primarily used by woodworkers or as a convenient tool for homeowners. The two most important factors to consider before purchase should be battery capacity and power. It’s always prudent to check that your battery has a rating of around 1500 milliamp hours or mAh. In regards to motor strength, drills use the motor’s torque to drive screws, which is a measure of rotational force. The bare minimum power for an electric screwdriver should be around 40 inch-pounds, while the 125 inch-pound range is suitable for driving screws through harder woods or drilling pilot holes.
