When you finally find a screwdriver set that fits your hand perfectly, it’s a special moment. But even the perfect design has limited productivity compared to one of the best electric screwdriver models. Since they’re relatively affordable, cordless screwdrivers can be a smart purchase for both Pros and DIYers. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite models, break down the different types, and shine a light on what to look for while you’re shopping.
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Looking at Pro-grade models side by side, Bosch’s 12V Max GSR12V-300 was an easy choice as the best pistol grip electric screwdriver. It quite simply nailed it in every category. Which is odd for a tool that’s supposed to drive screws, don’t you think?
All joking aside, it has top-tier performance, besting both Makita’s FD10 and Milwaukee’s top speed by 50 RPM, and giving up just 25 in-lbs to Milwaukee’s class-leading torque.
All this performance is packed into the lightest package with the only working weight under 2 pounds among Pro brands. It also has the second most compact head—just 0.2 inches longer than DeWalt’s DCF601.
Then there’s the price. At $159 for the kit, it’s less expensive to get started than Makita and Milwaukee, and it includes two batteries.
I am a fan of DeWalt’s gyroscopic cordless screwdrivers, and we still have a couple in our shop. While those are no longer being made, DeWalt’s FlexDrive screwdriver got my attention. The deeper I dug, the more I liked it, and it earned our pick as the best inline electric screwdriver.
The big deal is the FlexDrive collar. From the locked (manual) position, twist it clockwise for forward operation or counterclockwise for reverse. Push the collar forward to activate the motor. Unlike most models that require you to find a button to press, you can operate the FlexDrive collar from any position, 360° around the handle.
Its performance is in the expected range for this class, and it has a design that has roughly the diameter and length of a standard screwdriver. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s that the non-adjustable top speed is a bit high for precision work.
As the strongest model among both pistol grip and inline designs, Milwaukee’s brushless M12 Fuel was a shoo-in as the most powerful electric screwdriver. In addition to its class-leading torque, it also has one of the highest top speeds.
This model hasn’t been updated alongside the M12 Fuel drill and impact driver, though. Its design is a bit heavier (not that 2.5 pounds is that heavy), and it’s not as compact as its main competition. So, while it is one of the highest-performing models you can get, it’s also one of the bulkiest.
If the size doesn’t make you shy away, the has all the design features we hope to have on a Pro-focused model. The two-speed gearbox and clutch offer all the control we want, and the M12 battery system is the broadest quality 12V platform available.
Even though the kit is more expensive than Bosch, it comes with two batteries to make up the difference.
With its control-focused design and ability to reach into areas other models can’t, Ryobi’s USB Lithium Multi-Head Screwdriver is my choice as the best electric screwdriver for home use.
You may notice its performance level is lower than other models—just 18 in-lbs of torque and 200 RPM. While that might be a con for some, it offers better driving control that helps you avoid damaging delicate materials like switch plates and particle board.
The multi-head design is what really sets it apart, though. With right angle and offset heads, you can engage fasteners in tight spaces and corners much more easily than other designs. It only takes a few seconds to make the swap, and you’re likely to use fewer curse words while you work.
I do wish this had a hybrid handle with a hybrid pivot, though. While the low torque can be a benefit, it’s easier to manually turn screws tighter with an inline design.
Full disclosure—when it comes to the delicate components of electronics for IT, RC vehicles, or drones, I’m more likely to use a manual multi-bit screwdriver than an electric one. But if it’s electric you want, I really like Fanttik’s E1 Max design.
The driver itself is lightweight and slim, similar to the thickness of a standard Sharpie. The sightline isn’t quite as good as a manual precision screwdriver with a long shaft, but it’s still far better than most typical inline designs.
The case is very clever. The screwdriver fits into the center and secures in place so it won’t fall out in your tool bag. Push down on the top of the tool, and the spring-loaded lock pops the tool up where you can grab it easily.
The exterior of the case holds 50 bits. A magnet keeps them from going anywhere, making them easier to pull out and reinsert than the friction fit interfaces other bits come in.
Since it all fits together so neatly, the set easily fits in an IT tool bag, messenger bag, or backpack.
This model is a bit more expensive than others you might find. However, we’ve used several Fanttik products and have more confidence in their quality than the Amazon-only brands littering the online marketplace.
For less than $30, Skil packs a lot of great features into its Twist 2.0, making it an easy choice as the best electric screwdriver for the money.
Speed and torque are on the lower side, revealing this model’s control-focused design. Plus, you have three torque control modes to work with, making it more appropriate for the most delicate of fasteners and electronics than most inline designs.
What’s even more special is that the head pivots to 22.5° and 45°. It’s helpful whether you’re looking for a better line of sight or better access to the fasteners. It’s not a true hybrid, though, since the grip doesn’t quite get into as relaxed of a wrist position as a typical pistol grip.
For the price, the Twist 2.0 is a no-brainer to keep around your home, and you’re sure to reach for it often for a variety of tasks.
DeWalt’s brushless DCF601 doesn’t have the speed or power that its closest competitors do, but it’s one of the lighter options, and it’s the most compact of the Pro pistol grip group. It’s a solid pick for working with small fasteners and delicate materials, though installers might be better off with DeWalt’s DCD703 5-in-1 drill driver.
While expensive compared to other inline cordless screwdrivers, Mac Tools is the best option for mechanics. Its intentionally low torque protects delicate components from overdriving damage, and its IP54-rated design is built to withstand some of the typical solvents you find in automotive shops. Sealing the deal, it comes with a 48-piece bit set dialed in for the specialty fasteners in automotive applications.
Makita’s FD10 pistol grip screwdriver is the only brushed model among the top four Pro brands we recommend, but it’s solid in the performance department. Faster and stronger than DeWalt’s DCF601, it can fasten with more authority, yet its 20+1 clutch ensures you have plenty of control for delicate fastening.
Makita’s 7.8V tools don’t get much recognition these days, but the DF012 screwdriver deserves your attention. Able to convert from inline to pistol grip, it has the fastest speed and higher torque of any inline/hybrid model. With two speeds and a 21+1 clutch, it also offers far more precise control than its competitors. The downside is the price.
If you’re looking for an electric screwdriver with a standard manual profile, Craftsman’s CMHT is the way to go. Sporting the look of a manual multi-bit driver with a longer shaft than most inline designs, it can loosen and fasten at 300 RPM. Plus, the shaft is removable if you want it out of the way.
The Dremel HSES-01 is essentially the American version of the Bosch GO screwdriver. In fact, Dremel initially launched this one with the GO designation. It’s a cool little design that gives you the option of pushing the tool into the fastener to activate the motor rather than repositioning your hand to find the buttons. If that doesn’t sound like fun, there’s also standard button activation.
Kobalt’s cordless screwdriver is a solid choice if you’re looking for a low-cost option. Its performance is fine for a wide range of household projects and repairs, including around delicate materials. While it doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, its $25 price tag makes it an attractive model to keep in a kitchen drawer or toolbox.
There are two main types of electric screwdriver design: inline and pistol grip. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each and introduce the hybrid design.
Inline electric screwdrivers are the most direct design from a manual screwdriver to a powered one. With lower RPMs and torque than their pistol grip counterparts, inline models tend to be the way to go for the most control when you’re fastening. They can be used manually, so you’re able to give screws an extra bit of force or ensure those switch plates screw slots are straight up and down more easily.
Pistol grip electric screwdrivers tend to have higher performance than inline versions. Combined with a clutch for precise depth control, they’re fantastic for woodworking, cabinetmaking, and other jobs that a standard drill or impact driver is too much for.
Hybrid electric screwdrivers start with an inline profile and add a pivot point so they can twist into a pistol grip design. From a performance standpoint, they’re on par with inline designs. The main benefit is having the ability to work with an inline configuration when you need to or have the wrist-relieving pistol grip for the majority of your work.
In choosing the best model for each category, here’s what I was looking for:
Best Pistol Grip: The best balance of performance, features, size, and weight in a pistol grip design on a swappable power tool battery system.
Best Inline: The best balance of performance and features in an inline design. Size and weight weren’t as much of a consideration as long as it could easily fit in a tool bag or belt. A swappable battery is nice to have but not a necessity for this class.
Most Powerful: Straight up, which model has the highest available torque.
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Best for Home: The best balance of ease of use and versatility at a DIY-friendly price. Swappable batteries with other compatible tools are a nice bonus.
Best for Electronics: Low torque and a long, thin profile are the big keys for this category. An included comprehensive bit set was a must since these models use a smaller bit size that’s not as easy to find at retailers.
Best for the Money: The best combination of features, ease of use, and price in a DIY-focused design with at least mid-range performance.
When you’re shopping for a cordless screwdriver, there are a number of things that can make one better than the other. It’s more than just price or type, though. Here are some of the most important features and design elements to look for.
Most cordless screwdrivers have batteries ranging from integrated single-cell 3.6V (4V Max) to swappable 12V power tool batteries. Even Pros don’t typically go through an entire battery in a day, so my main recommendation is to make sure the model you buy has a lithium-ion battery. Since they don’t have the battery memory Ni-Cad and NiMH batteries do, you can recharge them at any stage and not worry about affecting the battery’s service life.
Some batteries can work with other tools. If you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few finalists, see if you can use their battery in other tools to add some value.
Speed and torque vary widely among cordless screwdrivers. Pistol grip models that use 12V power tool batteries are often more like compact drills. Top speeds can be as high as RPM, and the strongest torque we’ve seen is 325 in-lbs. This is a high enough performance level to handle light drilling in addition to setting and removing fasteners.
For inline models, you have lower performance but more control. Speeds are usually around 200 – 350 RPM with torque in the 18 – 44 in-lbs range. On the extreme edge, we’ve seen speeds up to 650 RPM and torque levels peaking around 70 in-lbs. Even though the torque is lower, you can manually tighten fasteners further, just like you would with a standard screwdriver.
Which one you want is really about the applications you’re going to do the most. If you need greater fastening force, go with a larger pistol grip. If you’re working with delicate materials and smaller fasteners, inline is the better bet.
Pistol grip electric screwdrivers often have multiple modes, clutch settings, and variable speed triggers, making them ideal for jobs that require control over driving depth. They’re great for woodworking projects and some installation jobs but often aren’t finesse enough for the most delicate fasteners and materials.
That’s not the case with inline models, though. It’s less common to find torque control, and almost none of them offer speed control. For some people, that might not matter. When you can find torque control features combined with the design’s better line of sight and even greater driving control, the inline form factor is popular for applications like RC cars, drone building/repair, and jobs that involve electronics.
Inline screwdrivers have to be thicker than manual ones to make room for the battery and electronics. Some models pay more attention to ergonomic detail than others, though. In most cases, you press and hold a button to activate the motor, so look for a design that fits well in your hand and has the buttons in a comfortable place for you to reach.
Pistol grip screwdrivers are usually much better ergonomically. In addition to the more comfortable grip position, the handle is typically more contoured to fit your hand well. Models from well-known power tool brands usually use the same ergonomic handle design they do for their drills and impact drivers.
Compared to drills and impact drivers, cordless screwdrivers tend to be more lightweight and compact, so they naturally fit into tight spaces better. However, the design makes a difference and may influence your decision.
Pistol grip screwdrivers are great under cabinets or around HVAC equipment. When an impact driver’s torque can damage your workpiece, they’re a great alternative to a larger drill.
Inline models have a better line of sight, though, and their inline design reaches into crowded areas better. Think breaker panels, electrical gang boxes, or electronic boards. Having better control and reach makes the inline design superior for tasks like those.
When you need the higher performance of a pistol grip model and the reach of an inline design, remember you can always you a longer bit and get the best of both worlds.
Some electric screwdrivers have a 1/4-inch hex collet, just like an impact driver. You can get any bit you need with a 1/4-inch hex shank to match: Torx, Phillips, slotted, and square are all readily available. Even specialty bits like tri-wing and security bits are available with the right shank.
Other models have a magnetic base inside the driver bit holder. It holds the bit in place but not so tightly that it’s difficult to remove. Since it’s not using a full quick-change collet, the interface is a little smaller. The good thing is that these use the same 1/4-inch hex shank bits, so you don’t have to worry about being compatible with one collet style and not the other.
You might find some cordless screwdrivers with a 4mm hex shank, though. These are usually purpose-built for electronics, but the bit principles are the same. The big difference is that you won’t find as wide a variety of bits since electronics tend to stick with just a few standard types.
Most cordless screwdrivers have some form of LED lighting. The most basic has a single light, usually on top of the housing of an inline design or on the foot of a pistol grip design. The best have several surrounding the collet and do a great job of eliminating shadows around your fastener. This is such a helpful feature that I wouldn’t buy a model without some form of LED.
No one wants to crawl under a car or climb a ladder to tighten a fastener and then discover the screwdriver’s battery is dead. Most models include some sort of indicator to give you an idea of how much of the battery capacity remains.
The most basic is a simple green -> yellow -> red progression. By the time the indicator turns red, you need to recharge, and if it flashes, you have very little capacity remaining.
More helpful (in my opinion, at least) is a bar indicator. 3 or 4 small LEDs light up to give you an idea of how much battery capacity remains. On an inline model, it may light up automatically when you turn the screwdriver on. For pistol grip models with a swappable power tool battery, you need to press the button on the battery to light the indicator up.
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Electric Torque Screwdrivers are designed for precision torque control and ensure product quality, cost savings and a reduction in overall assembly failures. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn’t properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently torqued can vibrate loose, and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners or damage parts. Using a quality assembly torque tool is important for many companies to ensure that proper torque is being applied and maintain requirements associated with the ISO quality standard.
Listed below is quick reference guide for selecting from the various common electric torque screwdrivers available.
Direct Plug-in Electric Screwdrivers These tools plug directly into a power outlet without the need for a transformer (power supply). A direct plug-in electric screwdriver is intended for low to medium cycle applications. The electric screwdriver is designed to install a fastener then rest for 3.5 seconds before you install the next fastener. The reason is that all the electronics are built into the power tool and it may over-heat and damage the tool. These reliable power tools automatically shuts-off when the preset torque has been reached.
DC Powered Electric Screwdrivers For high production applications, an electric screwdriver with a transformer (power supply) is built for these applications. Low voltage electric screwdriver automatically stops when the preset torque has been reached. Various models and styles.
Brushless Electric Screwdriver: Designed for high production environments, the electric screwdriver features a high performance brushless motor design that provides durability and reduces the standard maintenance costs for electric screwdrivers.
ESD Electric Screwdriver: Prevent the occurrence of electrostatic discharge. Improve production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, reputation and profitability.
Soft-Stop Electric Screwdriver: “Soft-Stop” clutch prevents shock to sensitive assemblies like disk drives, plastics, and electronics. Ergonomically designed clutch and body case reduces impact and vibration transmitted in the screw fastening process.
Robotic Electric Screwdriver: Built for robotic and automated applications. The durable robotic screwdrivers deliver reliability and precision torque control.
Clean Room Electric Screwdriver: The screwdriver is equipped with a vacuum apparatus as well as a suction head to insure complete removal of fine particles generated during the tightening process in clean rooms.
Vacuum Electric Screwdriver: The screwdriver is fitted with a suction head that holds the screw on the bit, enabling the operator to pick up the fastener with the tool from a screw presenter or a shaker box. This is an effective, time saving device that works with most fasteners. Vacuum adapters kits can be purchased separately mounted onto an electric screwdriver.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Electric Screwdriver Accessories Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.