The best electric screwdriver is the right tool for assembling flat-pack furniture, repairing electrical goods & quick fixes around the home. It will make pretty much every DIY job easier & quicker.
Forget the traditional screwdriver set. A cordless screwdriver is a ‘must-have’ for every toolbox & kitchen drawer. Buying this compact tool means no more loose handles, wobbly hooks and alike. Quick fixes are easy & Ikea furniture assembly is a doddle.
An electric screwdriver is not about power or torque. If you need more oomph, then a cordless combi drill is a better option. This will turn most screws & bolts, plus as the name suggests, it works as a drill too! Alternatively, for maximum torque, choose an impact driver.
Best Electric Screwdriver 2023
Cordless screwdrivers are precise, lightweight & easy to use. They’re kinder on the wrist and much quicker than a conventional screwdriver and lighter than a drill.
The best models have enough power to turn screws easily. Plus, they’re lightweight and have straightforward controls with a comfortable grip.
To save you time we have compared 100s of models to recommend the best, for your consideration.
We scrutinise manufacturer claims, compare specifications and examine owner opinions to help you choose the best electric screwdriver for you…
Budget Electric Screwdriver
Bosch IXO
The Bosch IXO ticks all the boxes. It’s effective, light, easy to use and affordable. Importantly, users ranging from reluctant DIYers to seasoned experts, rate this model. It’s perfect for assembly jobs and quick fixes, around the home.
Lightweight
Weighing about the same as a couple of mobile phones, it’s light and easy to use. It comes with 10 bits/heads meaning that it will work out of the box for most screws. The torque is about right for an electric screwdriver. Clearly, a cordless screwdriver should not be compared (as it is in some reviews!) to a combi drill.
For reference, a decent cordless drill delivers about ten times more torque and weighs considerably more – it’s a different tool designed for different tasks.
Bosch IXO Reviews
Thousands of owners have good things to say about this cordless screwdriver. It’s highly effective, convenient and easy to use. Notable features include a battery level indicator & an LED light to illuminate the screw head. The Bosch IXO comes with its own case and charging cable.
DETAILS: MAX TORQUE: 4.5Nm | WEIGHT: 0.3kg | CHARGING TIME: 3hrs | CHARGING CONNECTOR: USB | NUMBER OF HEADS: 10 | LIGHT: Yes | WARRANTY: 2 Years
Bosch IXO | Verdict Price £41.00
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Cordless Screwdriver
Bosch PushDrive
Offering a more traditional grip than the IXO (detailed above), this model from Bosch has a couple of key advantages over the cheaper model, plus one feature we miss.
The power delivery and weight are similar, although, with additional controls, this model is more versatile. You can dial up & down the torque. Too much turning force will burr smaller screw heads and too little won’t budge tight screws.
Plus, a super useful feature is that you can lock the device and use it manually. This may not sound important, but for some jobs, the first or final turn is often better done by hand.
Looking for negatives, the push to start function can take a little getting used to, but after a few jobs around the house, it feels intuitive and works well. What is missing from this model is an LED light.
Overall the traditional grip and lightweight design work well, the battery lasts and the charge indicator removes any guesswork. Add 32 bits plus a decent carry case and the Bosch PushDrive is our overall best buy.
DETAILS: MAX TORQUE: 5Nm | WEIGHT: 0.3kg | CHARGING TIME: 1.5hrs | CHARGING CONNECTOR: USB | NUMBER OF HEADS: 32 | LIGHT: No | WARRANTY: 2 Years
Bosch PushDrive | Verdict price £57.89
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Professional Electric Screwdriver
Makita DF001DW
If you’re looking for the best complete screwdriver set – this is it. This Makita screwdriver performs brilliantly. And with 81 heads to choose from, it’s perfect for assembling furniture, dismantling electrical goods and a wide variety of household tasks.
Makita is a top-quality trade brand. And while this power tool would be a great addition for any professional, it’s also perfect for home use & DIY.
The Makita cordless screwdriver is lightweight and easy to use. Users rate this model for power, ease of use, quality case and the huge variety of bits/deads. This really is a complete screwdriver set. With this kit, you will always have the right head/bit for any & every screw. Also of value is the bright LED to light up dark corners.
This model is hinged centrally, meaning it can be used straight or with a pistol grip. To some degree, this is a matter of individual preference, but it’s especially useful in tight spaces.
This trade specification electric screwdriver set is super useful around the home. Whether it’s for Ikea furniture assembly, quick repairs or needed in a workshop, the Makita DF001DW is a great choice for everyone.
DETAILS: MAX TORQUE: 4Nm | WEIGHT: 0.36kg | CHARGING TIME: 3-5hrs | CHARGING CONNECTOR: USB | NUMBER OF HEADS: 81 | LIGHT: Yes | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Makita DF001DW | Verdict price £56.79
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What Else Do I Need to Know?
Are Electric Screwdrivers Worth it?
The best electric screwdriver does the hard work for you. Using a conventional screwdriver can be tough on the wrist, especially if you’re turning tight screws or undertaking a large project where you need to drive a high number. Plus, owning a dozen or so bits/heads is more effective, convenient and cheaper than owning the same number of manual screwdrivers.
Which cordless screwdriver has the most torque?
The Bosch IXO, PushDrive & Makita all deliver around 4Nm to 5Nm of torque. This is a good match for small to medium size screws. For large screws or bolts where you may need additional turning force, consider a combi-drill or impact driver.
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UK VERDICT
The best electric screwdriver is great for numerous household tasks. It’s small, light and easy to use.
All three recommended models excel. However, the affordable Bosch IXO is our best buy. You can find cheaper models, but many don’t have a lithium battery, lack precision or are sold with cheap bits that burr on first use.
Spending more gets you the trade-rated Makita. This comes with a huge range of quality bits, making it a perfect fit for every household job. Plus the handle pivots, giving you a choice of traditional or pistol grip.
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