Whether it’s just tightening the screws supporting your electrical switches, fixing your new IKEA furniture or just disassembling everything your own when moving, you need a screwdriver that you can depend on. If the work is too much, the regular screwdriver just won’t cut it. Manually screwing or unscrewing the bolts and nuts can take a whole day and leave you fatigued. But don’t worry, folks —the gods of technology have made our work easier and safer with the cordless screwdrivers.
This is a device that will go above and beyond in giving you the most convenient experience while Doing It Yourself (DIY). Once turned on, you can simply tighten or loosen screws as you desire. Meanwhile, you can do all this even when far away from an electrical outlet because these appliances are powered by the latest in battery charging technology. This also means that power blackouts won’t incapacitate your work progress.
We know one man or woman can’t do everything, even if you run a successful electrical business. This is why we have compiled for you a list of the very best cordless screwdrivers that the market has to offer.
Read on…
Top 10 Cordless Screwdrivers Of 2020 Reviewed
1. BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver
Cordless Screwdriver For DIY
For those who want to do DIY in the home the easy way, nothing beats Black+Decker’s LI4000. It’s powered by a 4-volt lithium-ion battery which may be on the low end of the spectrum but it can easily perform basic jobs around the house such as installing shelves and cabinets, furniture assembly, and lighting projects.
It features a 6-position clutch, a forward/reverse switch, a built-in LED light, an easy-to-read indicator window, and a magnetic tip. Even better, the screwdriver comes with 11 accessories.
Pros:
- Forward/reverse switch
- Magnetic screw holder
- 6-clutch power system
Cons:
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
- Battery life is shorter than promised
- Poor customer service
2. Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus
Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
This Black+Decker screwdriver is a must-have tool in any household. It features a three-position handle, two-speed settings (high-speed drilling, low-speed driving), built-in LED, and the QuickConnect® drilling and driving system. The latter allows you to easily switch out bits, including some from other manufacturers.
Pros:
- Well-designed trigger switch
- Durable (lasts years)
- Holds charge for a long time
Cons:
- The storage slots don’t hold the bits securely
- No charging status light
- A bit heavy
3. Dremel GO-01
Best Portable Electric Screwdriver
For anyone wishing to get those screws lodged within cramped spaces easily, then the Dremel GO-01 is your best bet. Coming in a compact set up, this is the e-screwdriver for the workman on the go. The powerful 4 Volt Lithium-Ion battery is juiced up using a USB charger that makes charging familiar, convenient and insanely fast.
While strong enough to drive in 2” screws, it does so at an impressive speed of 360 rpm. They couldn’t even have made it any easier to use with a slight push all that is needed to get your screwdriver going.
Pros:
- It is a very sturdy tool
- Offers good quality for its price
- Very easy to use
Cons:
- The variety in terms of the bits it comes with is limited
- Not useful for heavy drilling
- Doesn’t have light for use in the dark
4. Hitachi DB3DL2
Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
The Hitachi DB3DL2 stands out in a sea of cordless screwdrivers because of three things. First, it is backed with a Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty and a 2-year lithium-ion battery warranty. That’s a lot to offer for something worth $70. Second, it comes with overload and over-discharge circuit protection to ensure a longer life. Third, it’s incredibly compact and lightweight – less than 11 inches long and weighs less than 1lb.
Other features include a 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery, a dual-position handle, a built-in LED light, 21 clutch settings + 1 drill setting, and a spindle lock to use it as a manual screwdriver.
Pros:
- 21 clutch settings + 1 drill setting
- Dual-position, ergonomic handle
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Inconvenient placement of trigger switch
- Short battery life
- Difficult to change the torque to the drill position
5. Milwaukee 2401-22
Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
The Milwaukee 2401-22 is powerful enough to perform medium-duty driving AND drilling. It features a 12-volt Lithium-Ion battery that has a battery fuel gauge which lets you know how much run-time you still have, metal gear housing for durability, a built-in LED light and a variable speed of 0-500 RPM.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Battery fuel gauge
- Powerful
Cons:
- Some users have complained that it runs through a charge pretty quickly
- For light projects only
- Made in China
6. DEWALT DCF610S2
Cordless Screwdriver With Light
The DEWALT DCF610S2 features 2 1.1 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries (12-volt max), a compact body, three radially-mounted built-in LED lights, a 1/4-inch chuck with one-handed loading, and multiple torque settings. It is compact, light, easily maneuverable, and has great balance. And the 90-day money-back guarantee is just gravy on this drool-worthy driver.
Pros:
- Perfect for light to medium tasks
- Well-balanced
- Three radially-mounted LED lights
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the auto chuck lock fails
- Turning on the light requires the motor to also be turned on
- Some users have reported poor customer service
7. WORX WX254L
Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
The WORX WX254L is a semi-automatic power screwdriver that makes performing multiple tasks so much easier. It comes with 2 rapid reload cartridges that can each hold up to 6 bits at a time and a slide action feature that allows you to switch between different bits easily. No more wasting time looking for the right bit to do the job and then attaching it.
This cordless screwdriver also comes with a 4-volt maximum lithium-ion battery that can hold a charge up to 18 months.
Pros:
- Revolver-style bit holder
- The battery holds a charge for a long time
- Comes with 12 different bits
Cons:
- Single-speed (no variability)
- Built-in battery (will need to replace the entire tool when this dies)
- The handle is too small for some hands
8. Bosch PS130-2A
Best Ultra Compact ScrewDriver and Hammer Drill
The Bosch PS130-2A is an absolute staple for any handyman. This 2.3-pound product is designed for use on the move being only 7.3” long and 7.1” high. It’s light but still delivers a strong performance with lasting reliability. It makes easy work of installing fittings. This is because with the hammer drill/driver kit it drives in screws, drills through wood or metal and does heavy-duty drilling through concrete.
It has a lithium-ion battery size of 12 Volts which provides an optimized runtime capable of delivering 3/8 inch auto-lock chuck. This is useful when clamping bits and drills. Not to mention, it has 20 clutch settings which make for crisp and accurate use of the screwdriver as they offer perfect torque adjustment.
Pros:
- Batteries can be interchanged with those from other Bosch tools
- It is a very lightweight tool
- Packs a lot of strength
Cons:
- Not an impact drill to be used every day
- A battery with bigger charge retention could be used
- The direction switch can be easily tripped accidentally
9. DEWALT DCF682N1 8V MAX
Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
The Dewalt DCF682N1 is in a class of its own. It is the only one on our list that features motion activation technology. This means that you can drive or reverse fasteners simply by twisting your tool to the left or right.
The variable speed of 0-430 RPM is also motion activated. And it comes with a fast-charging dock that allows you to completely recharge your battery in less than one hour. The screwdriver also has a Battery State of Charge display so you know when it’s time to dock your tool for a bit of recharging.
Pros:
- Fast charging
- Motion-activated technology
- Ergonomic handle
Cons:
- The slight learning curve to use
- Not for use in tight spaces
- No storage slots for bits
10. SKIL SD561802
Best Pivot Grip Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver
When talking about tools that go out of their way to make work easier, it would be a travesty if the SKIL SD561802 isn’t a part of that conversation. We can all agree that different problems require different solutions. That is why this screwdriver comes with a pivot grip handle feature. This means the grip can be adjusted from the standard, gun-like grip and transformed into a straight handle.
It comes with a 4 Volt lithium-ion battery that keeps your screwdriver charged for a significant period of time, after which a recharge will be required once the battery has been tapped out. This can be done easily and conveniently using micro USB.
Pros:
- Very versatile due to grip adjustability
- Comes with all essential drill bits
- Usable in the dark thanks to the LED work light
Cons:
- The battery life is fairly short
- Only good for small jobs, not powerful enough for some jobs
- It wobbles noticeably
Choosing The Best Cordless Screwdriver – The Ultimate Buying Guide
If you’re a power tool kind of guy or gal, then you know that not all cordless screwdrivers are made equal. They come in different sizes, power, torques, speed, and other features. And that makes sense because not everyone has the same needs. So how do you find the perfect one for you? Let’s find out!
How Much Power Should Your Driver have?
Who wouldn’t love to have a powerful tool on their arsenal, right? But not all tasks will benefit from a heavy-duty tool. If you only plan to use your cordless screwdriver for light-duty tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging up pictures, and similar tasks that require you to drive screws into a low-density material (i.e. wood), then a tool with a 3.6V battery should be enough. Some good options in this category would be BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver.
If you plan on doing some light to medium-duty tasks with your cordless screwdriver, you need to get a tool that is more powerful such as the Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus (6 volts).
If you want to use it for more heavy-duty applications, screwdrivers that fall between 8 volts to 14.4 volts are your best bet. Some of our recommended cordless screwdrivers in this category include the Milwaukee 2401-22, and the DEWALT DCF610S2.
What about Torque and Speed?
Torque is basically how much force is used to drive the screw into position. The higher the torque, the more force is used. This allows you to know if a specific tool is capable of driving the screw into high-density materials.
Having multiple torque settings or a clutch system will enable you to have more control over how much torque your driver is using. This prevents damage to your bits, over stripping the screw, or even breaking the screw shaft. A few of our picks such as the Hitachi DB3DL2 and the BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver have clutch systems in place.
Speed, on the other hand, talks about how many rotations the driver can make per minute. For light-duty tasks, a speed of 180 RPMs is good enough. Naturally, the faster your tool rotates, the faster you’ll be able to finish. However, keep in mind that you won’t have any control. The same goes for torque. Choosing a cordless screwdriver that offers variable speed control such the Milwaukee 2401-22 gives you more versatility.
How Maneuverable do You Want Your Screwdriver to be?
An in-line screwdriver is easy enough to operate. But there are times when using one can be a tad awkward like that time you tried to screw something onto your ceiling.
If you plan on using your screwdriver in tight spaces, your best bet would be to get a compact, pistol grip model. But to increase your tool’s maneuverability, it’s best if you get one that has an adjustable handle, transforming your in-line screwdriver into a pistol grip model. One good example is the Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus.
How Efficient is the Battery?
Since you’re going to be operating a cordless screwdriver, its source of power is obviously going to be a battery. And you aren’t going to get any jobs done if your tool’s battery runs out faster than you can say “charge.”
When choosing a model, make sure that you find one using lithium-ion batteries as these have longer battery life. Another thing to consider is recharge time. If recharging the battery will take you forever (a.k.a. 5 hours), you’re going to be better off with a manual screwdriver.
You also might want to check to see if the battery is removable. Because if it isn’t, then you’ll find yourself in the market for a new cordless screwdriver once the battery dies.
Should I be concerned about the Size?
Yes, you should. Because the size of the tool will let you know who long you’ll last… Let’s make it clearer. A bigger tool usually means a more powerful battery, longer battery life, more powerful screwdriver. That’s a good thing. But a bigger tool also means a heavier tool.
If you plan on performing several jobs using your screwdriver, you best be prepared to handle the weight. Because it may not seem heavy at first (just a bit hefty) but it will take its toll on your arm and shoulder after a while.
Conclusion
Of course, there are other features you may want your cordless screwdriver to have such as storage slots for two or more bits, built-in lights, a magnetic tip, etc. But these are more perks than must-haves. Whichever cordless screwdriver you do end up choosing, keep this in mind: your tool is only as good as the one wielding it.
