The best electric screwdrivers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET

Oct 14, 2024

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Ah, the screwdriver, a timeless classic, a trusty companion in the realm of tools. But let's face it, while the hand tool has its nostalgic charm, we're in the age of innovation, my friend, and there's no better moment than now to electrify your toolbox with the magic of electric screwdrivers.

Picture this scene: you're knee-deep in a DIY project, drowning in a sea of screws, each one laughing in the face of your ever-weakening manual efforts.

Enter the electric screwdriver! A true hero, zipping through those screws like a hot knife through butter. These little marvels have found their forever home in my toolbox, and trust me, they're not just about speed. Oh no, these beauties offer precision that a Swiss watchmaker would enjoy. Say goodbye to hand cramps and finger aches!

In my arsenal, I've got electric screwdrivers for every conceivable scenario. Whether it's a Herculean task demanding brute strength or a delicate operation requiring a feather's touch, my collection is ready to conquer it all. Big or small, complex or straightforward, I've got the power, precision, and versatility to tackle anything the DIY universe throws my way.

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I dove deep into the world of electric screwdrivers, testing some top contenders with real-world challenges to see which ones truly perform under pressure. I checked out their power, endurance, durability, and bang for your buck. After much deliberation, my crown for the best electric screwdriver overall goes to the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver. This little dynamo really impressed with its long-lasting battery and the convenience of being pocket-sized and USB-C rechargeable. It might not pack the heaviest punch, but for practicality and frequent use, it can't be beat.

Stick around as I walk you through my other top picks and why they might just be the upgrade your toolkit needs.

The Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver really stands out due to its compact and lightweight design, making it a champion for tight and tricky spaces.

It offers a reasonable torque range of 0.25-0.35Nm, which is gentle enough to secure fasteners snugly without risking damage by over-tightening. For those moments when a bit more muscle is needed, this nifty tool allows you to manually increase the torque up to 3Nm, giving you that perfect "hand tight" force without crossing into the danger zone of causing damage.

Review: Lifegoo rechargeable mini electric screwdriver

As a bonus, the Lifegoo Mini comes equipped with a versatile 48-piece precision bit set. This set includes both standard and extra-long bits, the latter being ideal for reaching those challenging, deeply recessed screws. This feature-packed screwdriver offers both versatility and precision, making it a stellar addition to any toolkit.

And just as I'd expect, the online reviews for this screwdriver and exceedingly positive.

Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 200 rev/min | Battery type: 3.7V 350mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~0.35Nm electric/3Nm manual

The SES Max features an ergonomic pencil-style grip that allows it to be gripped firmly for extended periods without fatigue. There's a single button that controls everything, and an OLED display to keep you informed.

It has a sensible torque range, offering enough power to break small fasteners free, but not so much as to damage things. The 500mAh battery can handle up to 900 precision screws on a single full charge, and the screwdriver can be recharged using the USB-C connector built into the storage case.

There are also four built-in shadowless LED lights for illuminating the workspace, which is super helpful.

Reviews: This is the smartest electronic precision screwdriver I've ever tested

The single killer feature of the SES Max is the motion control feature that detects whether you want to tighten or loosen a fastener. Fit the bit into the fastener, press the on button, begin to apply torque, and the screwdriver takes over. There's no need to fiddle and find the appropriate loosening or tightening button.

The HOTO electric screwdriver exudes a robust, heavy-duty vibe that promises durability and efficiency. At one end, you'll find a standard 1/4-inch socket ready to accommodate a variety of bits. Just behind this is a user-friendly rotary knob, which toggles between three distinct torque settings, allowing for precision control depending on your task.

Review: HOTO electric screwdriver

Enhancing its functionality, this screwdriver includes a circular LED shadowless lamp. This brilliant feature illuminates your work area, freeing you from the hassle of juggling a screwdriver and a flashlight simultaneously -- a small but significant touch that makes a big difference in usability.

On the opposite end lies a USB-C port, modernizing the charging process by eliminating the need for proprietary chargers. This universal charging port adds an extra layer of convenience, making it easy to power up the screwdriver with the same cable used for many of your other devices. The HOTO electric screwdriver is a thoughtfully designed tool that marries strength with smart features, making it a standout choice for any toolbox.

Another product with very positive online reviews, which one going as fast as to say "if Apple was to make an electric screwdriver, this is what it would be."

HOTO electric screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 220 rev/min | Battery type: 3.7V 150mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~3.0Nm electric/3Nm manual

After a thorough search filled with many missteps, I've finally discovered a budget-friendly electric screwdriver that doesn't compromise on quality -- the Vastar 7.2V cordless screwdriver. This tool is an ideal all-rounder, equipped with a motor and a 10-speed gearbox robust enough to tackle a variety of tasks, whether at home, in the workshop, or around the office. It boasts an impressive capacity, capable of driving up to 300 screws on a single charge, ensuring you can complete even lengthy projects without interruption.

The screwdriver comes with an extensive 36-bit selection, catering to a wide range of screw types and sizes. Additionally, it includes a nut adapter and a flexible shaft, perfect for reaching those awkward, hard-to-access spots.

Feedback from users on Amazon highlights the screwdriver's heavy-duty build, exceptional performance, user-friendly design, and compact size. A standout feature is its adaptable design, easily shifting from a pistol-grip to an in-line configuration, adding to its versatility and making it a top choice for DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable yet affordable electric screwdriver.

Vastar 7.2V Electric Screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 320 rev/min | Battery type: 7.2V 2000mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~5.5Nm electric/10Nm manual

The Bosch GO electric screwdriver merges a chunky design with surprising ergonomic features, making it a comfortable fit even during prolonged use. It's wrapped in a rubberized elastomer coating that enhances grip and reduces fatigue, showcasing a thoughtfully designed user interface.

This screwdriver includes two main controls: a three-way slider and a push button. The slider conveniently allows you to switch between fastening, locking, and unfastening modes, while the button serves to activate the screwdriver.

Review: Bosch GO

Another trick that the Bosch GO has up its sleeve is that it also be activated by simply pressing down on the screwdriver. This unique feature might require a bit of a learning curve (I found it a little fiddly initially), but once mastered, it provides an efficient and quick way to operate the tool, enhancing productivity significantly.

The screwdriver offers five torque settings that range from soft for delicate tasks to max for those requiring more power. This flexibility ensures that the Bosch GO can handle a variety of tasks with precision, making it a standout choice for both professional and home use.

As I'd expect for a Bosch product, owners are impressed by the quality of the screwdriver, commenting that it feels almost like an industrial product.

Bosch GO screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 360 rev/min | Battery type: 3.6V 1,500mAh lithium battery | Torque: 2.5~5.0Nm electric

The DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver is a powerhouse in the realm of heavy-duty electric screwdrivers, designed to handle the most demanding tasks with ease.

This tool stands out with its impact drive feature, which does more than just turn fasteners. Instead, it delivers a powerful, rattling force that can break stubborn fasteners loose, making it significantly more powerful than a standard screwdriver. This capability makes it ideal for a variety of applications, from driving screws to tackling nuts and bolts. It's so robust, I've even successfully used it to undo car wheel nuts.

Equipped with a three-speed impact driver, this tool features a high-efficiency brushless motor that can deliver up to 1,825 in-lbs of maximum torque, which is more than enough to drive long, large-diameter screws with ease. For added convenience, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR also includes built-in LEDs to brighten up dim workspaces, ensuring precision even in poorly lit conditions.

This tool is a true workhorse, ideal for anyone needing a reliable, powerful screwdriver for tough jobs, and the online reviews concur with this assessment.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver tech specs: Rotation speed: 3250 rev/min | Battery type: 20V, from 1.5Ah to 5Ah lithium battery | Torque: up to 190Nm

While our overall top pick is the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver, the bottom line is it all depends on how much power you need. I find myself using the precision electric screwdriver mostly for electronic repairs, the big impact driver for bigger construction and automotive jobs, and the others for those in-between jobs.

So ultimately, what I've done here is pick the best of the best in each category, and it's now up to you to decide how many electric screwdrivers you have space for in your life.

Electric screwdriver

Price

Charger

Torque

Replaceable battery

Bits included

Built-in LED light

Lifegoo electric screw

$47

USB-C

Low

No

Yes, 48

Yes

Arrowmax SES Max

$80

USB-C

Low

No

Yes, 70

Yes

HOTO electric screwdriver

$60

USB-C

Medium

No

Yes, 12

Yes

Vastar 7.2V Cordless Screwdriver

$37

DC adapter

Medium

No

Yes, 36

Yes

Bosch GO electric screwdriver

$80

microUSB

Medium to high

No

Yes, 2

No

DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver

$98

Proprietary

High power

Yes

No

Yes

Choose this electric screwdriver if…

You want/need…

Lifegoo electric screwdriver

A low-power, precision screwdriver for fine work. If you spend time fixing electronic gadgets, this is your screwdriver.

Arrowmax SES Max

A high-tech precision screwdriver that works like magic. Very ergonomic and super comfortable to use.

HOTO electric screwdriver

An electric screwdriver with a bit more power. This is best suited to general DIY use.

Vastar 7.2E electric screwdriver

A great budget option for the occasional DIYer.

Bosch GO electric screwdriver

A more professional electric screwdriver with more advanced safety features. If you are a tradesperson and use your tools daily, this is a good pick because it will withstand heavy daily use.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver

This one is all about power. Just at home doing up or undoing rust nuts and bolts as it is screwed, this is perfect for those heavy, stubborn jobs.

When testing and reviewing the best electric screwdrivers to curate this list, I weighted the following factors:

Most screwdrivers take standard 1/4-inch hex bits, and these are widely available. Note, however, that precision screwdrivers take the much smaller 4 mm bits.

Regular electric screwdrivers max out at about the same power that you could deliver by hand, and that's because the limiting factor is how tightly you can grip the screwdriver.

Because of its different shape and the fact that it uses an impacting hammer action to work the fastener, the impact driver is capable of more power.

No, none of these tools are rated for high voltage. Electric screwdrivers are generally not safe to use in high-voltage applications as they do not have the necessary insulation to protect users from electric shocks. High-voltage environments require tools with special insulation to ensure user safety.

Not any more than if you misuse a regular screwdriver. However, if you are new to electric screwdrivers, I recommend practicing with the tool before using it for real-world jobs. Also, remember that the screwdriver bits themselves are consumables, and you'll need to replace them when they get worn.

Here are a couple of alternative electric screwdrivers worth considering. Both of these are perfect for someone who does a bit of DIY every so often -- maybe assembling flat-packed furniture or putting up shelves -- but would rather use battery power as opposed to muscle power.