Best Cordless Screwdriver | UK Guide | 2023
If you are looking to make quick work of everyday DIY jobs, a cordless screwdriver is a great investment. Electric screwdrivers take the hassle out of adding and removing screws to furniture and other work pieces. Not only do power screwdrivers speed up builds and assembly tasks, they also provide you with a quick method of removing screws from existing materials. The majority of power screwdrivers are battery operated, meaning you are not confined by cord length.
Electric screwdrivers also support a variety of bit sizes, meaning you can use them to add and remove just about any type of screw. Looking to upgrade your power tools with a new screwdriver? Our buying guide itemises all the key information you need to know when choosing the best cordless screwdriver.
Battery Ratings
If you have decided to invest in a cordless screwdriver, you should be focusing on battery power when selecting a suitable power tool model. The most basic of cordless screwdrivers will include batteries with a 3.6V rating, although more advanced options will include 12V batteries. The higher the battery capacity, the more powerful the screwdriver will be. Not only can you look forward to more impressive output, you will also have a longer battery life to work with. This means you do not have to worry about constantly reconnecting your screwdriver to a power supply to recharge it.
Torque Levels
If you only need a cordless screwdriver for basic DIY tasks like flat pack furniture assembly, you do not have to worry that much about torque rating. However, if you want to use a cordless screwdriver for more demanding jobs, like drilling heavy-duty screws into hard materials, you should purchase a screwdriver with a significant torque capacity.
Speed Ratings
This is another pivotal thing to consider when selecting a cordless screwdriver. Speed ratings are defined by rotations per minute, otherwise know as RPM. The higher this rating, the faster it will operate. However, a faster rotational speed does not necessarily mean your screwdriver will be more powerful. Ideally, you want to be looking for cordless screwdrivers that include variable speed control so you can tailor the speed output to changing requirements.
Screwdriver Size & Ergonomics
Although cordless screwdrivers are a type of power tool, they are among the smallest type of power tool out there. They are designed for fairly precise work, so a more compact body is generally the best option. If you only need an electric screwdriver for occasional use, a smaller body is definitely the preferred option. If you need a screwdriver that can meet more heavy-duty applications, a larger body is better as it will cope with intensive use. No matter what size of screwdriver you go for, look for models that are properly balanced so they can be controlled with ease. Ergonomic handles will make handling them easier, while rubberised textures will help combat vibration while operating them.
LED Work Lights
Most cordless screwdrivers will also include built-in LED lights. These can be used as a standard flash light for identifying screws and other items in limited light, but are mainly used to clearly illuminate your work pieces as you add or remove screws. Circular LED arrays are particularly effective at providing a large and even coverage of light. White LED lights are the ideal choice as they provide maximum illumination, while also helping eliminate shadows that might impair your visibility.
Screwdriver Bits
If you are fairly new to DIY, you should think about purchasing a cordless screwdriver that comes with a selection of bits included. Most cordless screwdrivers should include a small selection of bits so you can work with a variety of screw sizes. However, bit sets are easy to come by elsewhere and are very affordable.
Product Reviews
Need to upgrade your manual toolkit with a cordless screwdriver? Below are some of the best cordless screwdrivers currently available from the finest power tool brands around. If you’re in the market for a high-quality handsaw, make sure to have a read of my buyer’s guide and product reviews showing the best on the market today!
Ryobi ERGO-A2 4V Cordless Screwdriver Kit, Amazon Exclusive
The Ryobi ERGO-A2 is a little more expensive than the most basic cordless screwdriver models out there, but you get a lot of extra features in return for the slight premium. This quality drill is suitable for everyday drilling needs and makes a fine addition to any DIY collection. If you need a cordless drill for assembling flat pack furniture and everyday DIY tasks, this power tool is more than sufficient for your requires. In addition to the main screwdriver body, you will find two interchangeable heads included, with right angle and off-set head attachments on hand to provide access to those more awkwardly placed screws.
A powerful LED light is also included, allowing you to enjoy excellent visibility of work areas, even when carrying out work in dark spaces. The 4V motor is not as powerful as what you will find with more premium screwdrivers, but it does deliver an impressive amount of torque. This screwdriver also delivers 200 rotations per minute, making quick work of most tasks. You will also find a selection of 10 screwdriver bits included, which should more than suffice for most screw head varieties you will encounter.
Electric Screwdriver, 3.6V 2.0Ah Cordless Screwdriver, Adjustable 3 Position Handle, 6 Torque 4 N.m, 31Pcs Screwdriver Bits Front&Rear Light for Home DIY Srews, TACKLIFE SDH13DC
The TACKLIFE SDH13DC might be an inexpensive choice of cordless screwdriver, but it does not disappoint when it comes to impressive performance and functionality. This cordless screwdriver is an ergonomic option, with the handle offering three distinct positions that makes it ideal for tackling awkwardly placed screws. This screwdriver also offers six different torque settings, allowing you to choose exactly the right level of output for your DIY tasks. Although compact, this screwdriver includes a reliable 2.0Ah lithium-in battery that, once fully charged, can handle approximately 200 screws before requiring a recharge.
A circular array of LED lights also means you can work well into the night or in dark spaces with this screwdriver. Although LED lights are not uncommon with cordless screwdrivers, the coverage provided by this TACKLIFE model is exceptional. You will also find 31 individual driver bits included along with the screwdriver body, providing you with the perfect fit for just about any screw head you are likely to encounter.
Electric Screwdriver, Tilswall Mini Cordless Screwdriver 5V 4N.m Battery 10+1 Variable Torque Adjustments with 33 Free Accessories Extra Bits Set for Home DIY
This Tilswall mini cordless screwdriver is a cheap and effective choice. Thanks to its smaller design and ergonomic build, this screwdriver is easy to handle in tighter spaces. You also have full control over 10 individual torque control settings. This means you can tailor your driving output to suit a variety of work pieces, without worrying about damaging materials as you drive in or remove screws. This screwdriver has also been designed so it can be used in various positions, making it ideal for tackling more awkward screws or for use in tighter spaces. LED lights are also included, allowing you to keep your work areas illuminated so you can maintain precision while working.
Multiple bits are also included so you can tackle various screw types, although the spindle will accept any compatible drill bit from your existing collection. The spindle lock shuts firm automatically, meaning you do not have to worry about bits falling free while the screwdriver is in use. The rubber grip also makes this screwdriver incredibly easy to control, even when pushed to the limits at full power. Although this screwdriver is compact, the internal battery is surprisingly efficient. Charging is quick, while the overall operational time is impressive. Three colour indicators are included to keep you constantly alerted to battery life, granting you plenty of advance warning before your battery runs dry.
Bosch IXO Cordless Screwdriver with Integrated 3.6 V Lithium-Ion Battery
The Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver is an affordable option for anyone looking to buy from a tried and tested DIY brand. This cordless screwdriver provides you with all the basic functions you would expect from a quality power tool, with reliable forward and reverse operation and plenty of torque to make quick work of stubborn screws. This cordless screwdriver includes a USB charger which will efficiently replenish the international lithium-ion battery. A full charge takes approximately three hours, while the overall battery life is noticeably better than the previous Bosch IXO model.
An integrated LED array means you can keep work areas spotlighted, preventing any mishaps and ensuring you maintain excellent control over your tool while working. This screwdriver also includes directional and charge indicators for your convenience. You will also find 10 screwdriver bits includes, providing you with an attachment to accommodate most drilling jobs. However, you can also add any compatible bit attachment from your collection the spindle with ease.
Terratek 13Pc Cordless Drill Driver 18V/20V-Max Lithium-Ion Combi Drill, Electric Screwdriver, Accessory Kit, LED Work Light, Quick Change Battery & Charger Included (18V Cordless Drill & 13pc Kit)
If you want to upgrade from an existing cordless screwdriver to something more advanced, this multifunctional power tool from Terratek is worth looking at. This cordless drill driver brings together the functionality of a combi drill with an electric screwdriver. A powerful lithium-ion battery means this drill driver does not suffer from things like memory effect, while self-discharge is also not an issue here. This is a power tool that will always be primed and ready to use. The pressure trigger also provides you an easy way to take control over variable speed output, with easy access to reverse and forward levers so you can switch the direction of your drilling while working.
You also have 16 different torque settings to choose from here, providing you with tailored output to tackle most DIY jobs. It also means you can fine-tune your torque output to ensure you are not causing any damage to work piece materials as you add or retrieve screws. The ergonomic handle and soft-touch covering also makes this a comfortable power tool to operate. Although this screwdriver is definitely on the large side when compared to other models, the ergonomic design means you can use in comfort and with confidence, even in tight spots and awkward spaces.
An LED array is included so you can ensure your work areas remain fully illuminated when driving screws into place, while a long-lasting battery life of approximately five hours means you should rarely find yourself recharging in the middle of a DIY task. This screwdriver also comes with a 13-piece accessory kit, including six individual drill bits, two Pozi-driver attachments, two Phillips screwdriver attachments, two slotted screwdriver attachments and a magnetic holder. Despite being one of the most powerful models in this list, it is also one of the most affordable.
Bosch PSR Select Cordless Screwdriver with Integrated 3.6 V Lithium-Ion Battery
If you require a cordless screwdriver for regular use, the Bosch PSR Select is a suitable choice. This cordless screwdriver offers some truly innovative features that will make your life easier. An integrated bit cylinder provides you with convenient storage of up to 12 screwdriver bit attachments. The rotating cylinder means you can keep your favourite bits close to hand, with the transparent window making identifying a suitable bit incredibly straightforward. An EasySelect function also makes it very straightforward to change your bit once you have selected them. If you are looking to speed up your DIY jobs, these nifty design features will help breeze through minor tasks.
The powerful 3.6V lithium-ion battery also ensures your screwdriver performs reliably. The battery has no memory effect and you also do not need to worry about self-discharge diminishing battery charge levels. After a full charge, this power tool can handle approximately 90 screws before requiring a recharge. In addition to the screwdriver itself, this model comes with a dozen screw bits, a durable carry case, as well as a micro USB charger. The Bosch PSR Select costs slightly more than the most basic of cordless screwdrivers, but the user-friendly design details make it a far more convenient addition to your power tool line-up.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a basic cordless screwdriver to meet everyday DIY tasks, you do not have to spend much money at all to get your hands on a quality power tool. Battery performance is without doubt the most important feature to consider when shopping for cordless screwdrivers, so make sure you select a model that will perform well for as long as you need it. Variable speed settings are also advisable for those looking for a screwdriver that can be used for multiple applications beyond everyday DIY. A high torque rating is also a must if you intend to put your screwdriver to work with more heavy-duty tasks.
