The 10 Best Cordless Screwdrivers for Electricians and Home Use

While any old electric screwdriver will get the job done in a pinch, that doesn’t mean you should just buy any old screwdriver. Obviously, not everyone needs to get the same mileage out of their screwdriver, and professionals will demand more from their tools than a housewife. But if your screwdriver isn’t very powerful, it may not be able to help you out when you need it.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great models to choose from. We’ll take a look at some of the best cordless screwdrivers on the market, and consider how to separate the winners from the losers.

What You Should Know about Cordless Screwdrivers

Buying an electric screwdriver isn’t terribly complicated, but for someone who isn’t knowledgeable about power tools, it can be a daunting task nevertheless. But with a little research and a few helpful tips, you’ll be buying like a pro in no time.

1. Look for Name Brands

A name brand isn’t always a surefire sign you’ll get a great screwdriver. Even major companies sell mediocre products from time to time. However, looking for name brands is still a good place to start, especially if you’re inexperienced. Dewalt, Black+Decker and Makita are three of the biggest and best brands. If all else fails, try to choose from one of these.

2. Check the Voltage

Voltage is power, and you can never have too much of it. The higher the voltage, the easier and faster the screwdriver will work. High voltage can also help the screwdriver to pull screws that are tightly found. Most cordless screwdrivers worth their salt will have at least 3.5V. Don’t bother buying anything with less than that.

3. Battery Life

If you only ever use a screwdriver at home, battery life is largely inconsequential. Worst case scenario, you might have the inconvenience of charging your screwdriver more often than you’d like. But if you’re building a one-land bridge 40 miles from town, you’re going to want a screwdriver that can actually last a while.

If possible, always try to buy an extra battery with your screwdriver. This allows you to keep working while the other battery pack recharges.

4. Basic Design

Cordless electric screwdrivers come in two basic sizes: in-line and pistol grip. Of these two, pistol grip screwdrivers are by far the more common choice. However, their size and shape sometimes makes it difficult or impossible to reach certain angles. That said, if you’re just looking for a casual screwdriver for home use, pistol-grip is probably your best bet.

Why You Need a Cordless Screwdriver

I don’t want to belabor the point too much, so I’ll just say it: even if you don’t think you need a cordless screwdriver, you do. You simply never know when you might need to use one, and if you don’t have one on hand, then you’ll be out of luck.

You can get around this to some degree by simply having a standard screwdriver, but these don’t always get the job you need done. Having said that, a cordless screwdriver is not a substitution for owning a standard or Philips screwdriver, either. Some tasks are simply too delicate for power tools.

The following is a quick reference that helps you compare at a glance all of the screwdrivers on this list.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Cordless Screwdrivers

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Products	Features
EDITOR’S PICK 4.6 2,145+ 2145+ DeWALT DCF680N2DeWALT DCF680N2	Up to 430 RPM 1.1 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $100 Up to 430 RPM 1.1 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $100 Check price at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED 4.5 7,665+ 7665+ Black+Decker LDX120CBlack+Decker LDX120C	Up to 650 RPM 3.15 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $40 Up to 650 RPM 3.15 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $40 Check price at Amazon
TOP PICK 4.5 320+ 320+ Hitachi DS18DGLHitachi DS18DGL	Up to 1,250 RPM 3.7 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $200 Up to 1,250 RPM 3.7 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $200 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 4.5 790+ 790+ Tacklife SDP50DCTacklife SDP50DC	Up to 180 RPM 0.77 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Up to 180 RPM 0.77 lbs PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 4.4 900+ 900+ Black+Decker BDCS20CBlack+Decker BDCS20C	Up to 180 RPM 1 lb PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Up to 180 RPM 1 lb PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Check price at Amazon

Under $25

TACKLIFE Cordless Screwdriver

If you’re looking for a complete electric screwdriver set, the TACKLIFE Cordless Screwdrivers is one of the best choices available, especially for at this price. The set includes 9 driver bits of all styles and also includes a handy storage case to keep your screwdriver and bits secure when not in use.

One of the more impressive aspects of this screwdriver is that it can tight over 200 screws on a single charge and it is extremely compact, with only 0.77 lbs. It has a no-load speed of 200 RPM, torque settings up to 40 inch-pounds, and a 1500mAh battery that charges in about three hours via a micro USB port.

It also includes a power indicator light that shows you 3 different levels of real-time battery capacity. As you might expect from a screwdriver with limited speed and power, the Tacklife is designed with the homeowner in mind, and not the professional. 

Although it isn’t the most powerful screwdriver available, the flexibility of the handle and the selection of bits make this an excellent choice for any homeowner who likes to do things themselves.

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BLACK+DECKER 4V MAX Cordless Screwdriver (BDCS20C)

The Pistol grip is by far the most common option when buying an electric screwdriver. Almost all budget models come in this style, and the Black+Decker BDCS20C Rechargeable Screwdriver is no exception. It doesn’t have a ton of power, so it’s not the best choice for professional use. But if you just need a reliable screwdriver around the house, this is one of the most affordable options around.

The BDCS20C is a simple 4-volt screwdriver. It runs at up to 180 RPM and provides 35 inch-pounds of torque. This is a pretty good screwdriver for taking care of things around the house, such as installing a curtain rod for your windows or removing a door to move furniture around. The screwdriver comes with a charger and two different bits.

There are some notable flaws, however. The most obvious is the lack of a charging light. Quite simply, you won’t know when the battery has gone out in your screwdriver until it stutters out on you. A charging light can’t cost much, so it’s a pity one was not included.

All things considered, this is still a pretty good compact cordless screwdriver, ideal for household tasks, and its small size makes it easier to get a hard-to-reach screw.

Under $40

LANNERET Electric Screwdriver Hand Drill

With 7.70 x 1.97 x 5.50 inches, the Electric Screwdriver Hand Drill is your typical power tool. Its smaller size makes it perfect for performing household tasks, as it is far less cumbersome and heavy than most models. And while women may appreciate its smaller size, it works just as effectively for men as well. 

The screwdriver’s speed goes up to 290 RPM. It has a lot of torque – 80 inch-pounds – but that’s to be expected with such screwdriver. Since it borders household and professional tool, it’s more than enough power. Despite its size, the Lanneret has a lot of precision and a front LED light to help you twist screws in darker places.

It comes with 10 screwdriver bits and can twist around 200 screws on a single charge. The screwdriver has 6+1 torque to prevent overpowering, while the 1500 mAh battery recharges in 3-5 hours.

The screwdriver also comes with a charger and a handy carrying case, allowing for easy storage. If you’re looking for a great electric screwdriver, this is one of the better affordable models around.

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Black+Decker LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill/Driver

The Black+Decker LDX120C is halfway in-between a household tool and a professional piece of equipment. It is considerably faster and more powerful than previously reviewed models, and features an 11-position clutch for a wide degree of control over the torque.

With 650 RPM and a maximum torque rating of 115 inch-pounds, the LDX120C is quite capable of handling anything you can throw at it at home.

Whether you need a screwdriver capable of removing fiercely embedded screws or a drill that can punch through wood and metal, the LDX120C will get you where you need to go. Variable speeds lets you work at the right pace without damaging the materials you’re working with.

The real question is whether this drill is suitable for professional use. This depends on a large degree on just how much torque you need from a drill. While it is quite capable of performing at a professional level, it is probably too weak for most professionals to use. Considering its price, however, the Black+Decker is an exceptional value.

Under $75

Milwaukee 12 Volt Pistol Grip Cordless Screwdriver

While an electric screwdriver is always going to be larger than a manual screwdriver, there are some exceptionally compact cordless screwdrivers on the market. The Milwaukee 12V Pistol Grip Cordless Screwdriver may be small, but it is also surprisingly powerful. With 500 RPM and 150 inch-pounds of torque, this is an excellent tool for homeowners and professionals alike.

Measuring 8.6 x 8.4 inches and weighing just under two pounds, the Milwaukee pistol grip both comfortable and lightweight, making it a great all-purpose tool. It has plenty of torque, making it quite capable of tightening or loosening even tough screws, and its small size makes it quite handy for reaching difficult areas.

While this is quite a nice little screwdriver, there are a couple things to be aware of. This particular model doesn’t include any driver bolts, and it doesn’t come with a battery, either.

Both the batteries and the charger will have to be purchased separately, so you can expect to add $30-$40 to the total price for this drill. Having said that, this is still an exceptional product, with enough speed and power to perform any household task.

Under $100

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 Right Angle Drill

Milwaukee isn’t one of the bigger names in power tools, and there are better products on the market than their M12 Right Angle Drill. That said, this screwdriver offers substantially more power than other comparably-priced cordless screwdrivers. If you’re looking for power on a budget, the M12 is the way to go. 

It is right angle-shaped, making it convenient to use in inconvenient places, with enough power to function as either a drill or a screwdriver. It does not come with screwdriver bits, so you’ll have to get those separately. It can run at variable speeds up to 800 RPM and offers 100 inch-pounds of torque. 

In addition, the screwdriver has a long battery life and can light up the surface where you need to drill holes or tight the screws. This screwdriver is more capable than some other inexpensive models, but it also has enough torque for certain professional uses. 

That said, this is a good choice for people looking to fix up their homes but also mechanics looking for an affordable driver/drill. It packs a lot of punch for the price and is probably the best option for a person looking for the best product at this price range.

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Bosch PS31-2A 12-Volt Cordless Screwdriver

The Bosch PS31-2A is far and away the most powerful screwdriver on this list. With a maximum speed of 1300 RPM and 265 inch-pounds of torque, this screwdriver is powerful enough for any professional setting.

Like other professional cordless screwdrivers, this model has two different speed settings. The first runs from 0-350 RPM, and the second from 0-1300, giving you awesome performance and lightning fast speeds, perfect for heavy-duty professional use.

With 265 inch-pounds of torque, the PS31-2A boasts enough power to drill through almost any surface, including metal. It features several integrated LED lights for enhanced visibility, and offers a 20+1 clutch for precise torque adjustments. In addition, the screwdriver comes with two batteries, letting you work longer.

It also includes an optional 21-piece bit set, ideal for filling in some missing bits in your collection. If you’re looking for a powerful, professional-grade screwdriver, this is the one for you. It’s a little expensive, and it boasts more power than the average household really needs. But for those who need a heavy-duty tool, this is it.

Under $150

DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver Kit

Pistol grip cordless screwdrivers are common largely because they are comfortable to use. Unfortunately, the design can make it difficult to reach certain angles. That’s what makes the DEWALT DCF682N1 8V MAX such a great design. This two-position screwdriver can be used in either pistol grip or in-line, giving you more freedom and versatility to work in tricky places.

With an 8V battery, the DCF682N1 is designed to run longer and charge faster. The torque provides a good deal of power, and the screwdriver is rated for wood, plastics, and even thin metals. It ships with two batteries so you can continue to work with the second battery while the first unit is charging.

Unlike most screwdrivers, which have set RPM settings, the DeWalt provides variable RPM from 0-430, giving you more control over your speed. Moreover, it is a gyroscopic model, meaning it is half-automatic; It senses in which direction you turn and the motor starts driving the screw.

The screwdriver is backed by a limited three-year warranty, giving you security over your purchase. With plenty of torque, a variable RPM, and flexible positioning, this is an excellent electric screwdriver. It’s not a heavy-duty screwdriver, but all in all, this is a great piece of equipment to have in your home.

Under $200

Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver-Drill Kit

The DF012DSE from Makita is another two-in-one screwdriver on this list. 14.40 inches long and weighing just 14 ounces, this is not your typical power tool. Its small size makes it perfect for performing household tasks, as it is far less cumbersome and heavy than most models. And while women may appreciate its smaller size, it works just as effectively for men as well. 

It has a 7.6V battery and it can be fast if you want it, with two speeds: 200 and 650 RPM. It doesn’t have a lot of torque – just 50 inch-pounds – but that’s to be expected for such a small screwdriver. But this is strictly a household tool, and most people don’t have a need for all that extra torque anyway. 

Despite its size, the Makita has a lot of precision, with 21 clutch settings and one drill setting as well. It comes with a little LED light that only shows you when to recharge the battery. The screwdriver comes with the battery, the charger, and a tool case. There are no bits included, so you’ll have to take care of that yourself.

If you’re looking for a great electric screwdriver for home use, this is one of the best ones around. It is covered with a 3-year limited warranty, so you can feel secure in your purchase for years to come. Did I also mention that it can work as both in-line and pistol grip driver?

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Hitachi DS18DGL 18-Volt Cordless Drill Driver Kit

The last cordless drill driver from our list, the DS18DGL from Hitachi is a real beast. With 400 inch-pounds of torque and up to 1,250 rpm, this dual-use device will help you in many household, but also professional drilling and driving tasks. The best of all? It comes with a lifetime tool warranty.

Since Hitachi renamed the company to Metabo HPT, you’ll find the tools with the former name still in the market, only it will be tagged with “discontinued.” Nonetheless, we had to include this powerful driver on the list because it is like out of this world.

Now, let’s get to the specs. The DS18DGL has a 22+1 clutch with 22 drive settings, as well as one extremely precise drill mode. Its 2-speed geat setting, with 0-450 and 0-1,250 rpm and a conveniently-placed LED points help you to do the job easily and with precision.

Although it’s on the heavier side, it’s definitely a product to recommend because you’ll get the driver, the quick charger, the 18V Lithium-Ion slide-type batteries, a carrying case, and a double-sided Phillips driver bit.

Conclusion

If the idea of buying an electric screwdriver seems daunting, it doesn’t have to be. There are no shortage of options to choose from, and for the average household, it’s hard to go wrong. However, it’s important to know what kind of performance you need from an electric screwdriver.

If you’re not sure if a particular model has enough speed or power to get the task done, talk to a specialist at your local hardware store. They can help direct you to right product. And when you know what you’re looking for, come back here.