Screwdrivers have been around for a long time “ they were invented more than 150 years ago, in fact. Over the years the design has changed, but the basic principle has remained the same.
It must be able to turn screws and bolts and have a tight fit to prevent the heads from becoming damaged.
But even with this one simple function, there are many screwdrivers on the market, each with its own set of characteristics.
This article takes a look at the top 5 best electric screwdrivers to help guide your choice about what to buy.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Drywall Screw Gun | Best Overall |  |
| BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver | Budget Pick |  |
| Senco DS332-AC 3" Corded 2500 RPM Auto-feed Screwdriver | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT Drywall Screw Gun
Pros:
- Range-of-motion handle
- Great for DIYers
The DEWALT DW268 is a great option for professionals and do-it-yourselfers, and offers excellent value for 5 pieces of screws and a 3/4-inch bit. It’s priced at less than 50 dollars, carries a 5-year warranty, and a 3.3-amp motor. It comes with adjustable torque and a slim body for slip-resistant grips. However it is not compact and the screw feed isn’t adjustable.
2. TACKLIFE SDP51DC Electric Screwdriver
Pros:
- Convenient
- Quite affordable
- Charges quickly
- Easy switching between the different attachments
Cons:
- No drill function
- Large and clunky
- Not very durable
- Some of the attachments are flimsy
3. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery
- Compact size, lightweight
- Ergonomic handle
- Dual speed
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Low maximum torque
- May feel flimsy
If you’re looking for the best electric screwdriver, then you need to look beyond the Black and Decker BDH2000PL. It’s a good quality electric screwdriver, but the competition is fierce with new models being released every year.
We like it because of the pivoting handle design that helps reduce wrist and hand fatigue, reducing the chance of repetitive stress injuries. Plus it comes with a dual-speed motor that moves at 0-1500rpm when the trigger is pressed, but goes to a speed of 300-800rpm when released, matchmove better for precision work.
The handle can also be adjusted manually, something we don’t see on other models. It uses a lithium-ion battery that should last you about 10-20 screw drives.
4. Senco DS332-AC 3" Corded 2500 RPM Auto-feed Screwdriver
Pros:
- Proven to be a reliable power tool
- Industrial drive designed for all-purpose use and durability
- Advanced clutch torque control for precise operation
- Anti-dry fire system to prevent jams
- Can feed screws into the head if desired
- Cord length: 8 ft & 3 ft.
- Includes a bright LED headlight for working in dimly-lit areas
- Energy efficient so costs less to operate
- Provides 500 RPM and 0-3,300 BPM
Cons:
- Not cheap compared to some alternatives
- Only comes with one battery
- Have to remember to set the bit
- Auto-feed speed is faster than some are comfortable with
Bottom Line:
The Senco DS332-AC Auto-feed Screwdriver is an excellent pick for professional use thanks to its high torque for long-lasting performance and easy operation. The LED light is also a great feature that most of its competition lacks. Definitely one of the best power tools on the market right now.
5. Milwaukee 2401-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver
Pros:
- Excellent power
- Rechargeable
6. FivePears 1/4-Inch Pneumatic Air Powered Screwdriver,5H Air Torgue Screwdriver
Pros:
- Includes 3 bits
- Extremely powerful
- Sturdy metal chuck
- Lightweight
- Great value
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Battery runs out quickly
- Aggressive air flow can push dirt into tool
- Plastic body coating wears off
Black.
Electric screwdrivers are a great alternative to corded models, offering the convenience of cordless operation along with the power of an electrically-powered motor. This FivePears air screwdriver includes an air charge station, three Pneumatic fastening bits, and an air hose. It has 40-inch-pounds of torque and can drive M4 and M5 screws at 3,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). This cordless electric screwdriver is really great for DIYers and carpenters who do it on their own.
The FivePears air screwdriver is a little underwhelming for professional electricians because it has a short run-time after each charge. This might feel a bit expensive, but you will not be disappointed with the excellent quality of this screwdriver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best electric screwdriver on the market?
The DEWALT DCF880HM2 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion 1/4-Inch Mini Reciprocating Saw Kit is the best cordless electric screwdriver on the market, bar none. It’s versatile, easy to use and very well priced.
Most of the DEWALT DCF880HM2 reviews praise the unrivalled versatility and power of the DEWALT DCF880HM2 20-Volt Max Li-Ion.
This DEWALT DCF880HM2 screwdriver is one of the most versatile and powerful tools that DEWALT has developed in recent times. It uses a 20-volt Max Li-Ion battery that has the power of all other DEWALT 20-Volt Max on/under wide screwless driver platform and it is the first one with a built-in Lithium Ion technology.
What is the best cordless screwdriver to buy?
The main difference between corded and cordless screwdrivers is obviously the need for a cord. If you think about it, cordless screwdrivers are pretty much an extension of the drill. Most of the time, they are identical to a cordless drill, just part of the tool is removed.
If you can handle a drill, you can probably handle a screwdriver without much of a problem. And because of this, most people who like using their cordless drill for home improvement projects explore this option as well. All you need to worry about is the type of screwdriver you want.
How do I choose an electric screwdriver?
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, chances are you’ve got so much to do, you’re going to need help from tools that make your job easier. An electric screwdriver is one of the most powerful and convenient home tools that you can have around. If you’re picturing driving screws using a drill, think again. An electric screwdriver looks and works much like a cordless drill. But while a drill performs heavy-duty tasks, the screwdriver is much better at smaller jobs, making it perfect for an entry-level tool.
Is a drill and an electric screwdriver the same thing?
They may have similar names, but an electric screwdriver is a distinct tool from a drill. Basically, a drill bit for a drill and an electric screwdriver are designed differently and serve different purposes. You can use a drill to drive screws, but using an electric screwdriver will allow you to work with greater accuracy and will allow you work more comfortably over long periods of time.
An electric screwdriver is also called an impact screwdriver. It allows you to twist and rotate fasteners easily and with great precision.
Which one is better, a drill or an electric screwdriver? It depends on what you’re trying to do. If you need to work on a variety of items of different sizes that have varying small and large fasteners, an electric screwdriver is your best bet.
If you don’t need to connect and disconnect different sized screws and for your project, a drill is sufficient.
Conclusion
Screwdrivers are a versatile tool that many people home and for professional use find rather handy. You probably already own a screwdriver. If you do, is it a corded or a cordless model? If the answer is either of these, then you may want to rethink your options as cordless models are superior to corded ones…
In this buying guide, we have reviewed 5 of the best electric screwdrivers to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. We have also added some valuable tips on how to choose the best electric screwdriver for your needs.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Drywall Screw Gun | Best Overall | |
| BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver | Budget Pick | |
| Senco DS332-AC 3" Corded 2500 RPM Auto-feed Screwdriver | Upgrade Pick | |