I have lost count of the times that I have brought home a brand new flat pack wardrobe or an outdoor dining table, and after unpacking it all, I have struggled to attach the required screws in order to complete the setup.
It seems that most furniture manufacturers are ditching the already assembled product in favor of the DIY product, and of course it is the cheaper option for many homeowners.
But thankfully those days are over, and I don’t have to live in fear of having to kick-start my solo flat-pack assembly line. There is a handy power tool that can take charge of wayward screws and can help me reassemble furniture in a flash: the power cordless screwdriver.
The 6 Best Cordless Power Screwdrivers
- BLACK+DECKER 4V MAX Cordless Screwdriver
- DEWALT DCF610S2 12-Volt Max ¼-Inch Screwdriver Kit (Our Top Pick)
- WORX WX255L SD Semi-Automatic Power Screwdriver with Screw Holder
- Skil Rechargeable 4V Cordless Screwdriver
- Metabo HPT Cordless Screwdriver Kit
- Makita DF010DSE 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit with Auto-Stop Clutch
Our Top Pick for the Best Cordless Power Screwdriver
Our top pick for the best cordless power screwdriver is the DEWALT DCF610S2 12-Volt Max ¼-Inch Screwdriver Kit.
This lightweight, but powerful cordless screwdriver has everything you need for most light to medium DIY projects around your home. You can’t go wrong with this sturdy and well-balanced tool. It is powered by a 12-volt battery. There are multiple torque settings up to 1050 RPMs, a variable speed setting, and the three bright LED lights will illuminate your work area.
Check the price on AmazonWhy Should You Get a Cordless Screwdriver?
A cordless screwdriver is a wonder of the power tool world. It is portable, can fit snugly into the palm of your hand, and can be used for so many different projects in and around your home, from light maintenance to major DIY tasks. There is no need to worry about that annoying electrical cord. The tool has its own attached power source from a battery.
One of the best features of a cordless screwdriver is that it can be used for inserting or taking out a screw from awkward and hard to reach places. Some screwdrivers come with a LED light that you can use to illuminate low light areas, or when you are working at night.
If you are still using a manual screwdriver to complete your DIY projects, it is time to upgrade to a power cordless screwdriver.
7 DIY Projects for A Cordless Screwdriver
Although a cordless power screwdriver has so many different uses around your home, here are seven DIY projects that you can use it for:
- Assembling furniture
- Attaching cabinets or pictures to interior walls
- Assembling a tool shed or a dog house
- Building a patio deck
- Attaching bug zappers to exterior walls
- Fixing toys
- Fixing electrical appliances like a computer
This tool is quite similar in functionality with a power drill/driver, but a power screwdriver is better used for more delicate tasks.
Choosing the Right Power Cordless Screwdriver
The are five things to remember when you are looking for the right cordless power screwdriver: Power, Torque and Speed, Chuck Size, Screw Type, and Operator Comfort Features.
1. Power
The secret to the cordless screwdriver’s success is a strong battery, which normally ranges from 3.6 volts for light-duty tasks. Or up to 12 volts for medium-level applications.
But due to the innovations in battery life longevity, even the smaller screwdrivers have a strong battery. This is because of the advanced lithium-ion battery, which can provide you with a stable power source. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged quickly and they are environmentally friendly.
2. Torque and Speed
Torque measures the amount of force behind the screwdriver that allows it to rotate the screw orbit into position. The higher the torque the more power or force the driver can produce. You can also look for screwdrivers that come with torque control, which means that you can adjust and control the rotating force of the tool.
If you are going to be using the driver for attaching or inserting a screw into tough material like hardwood or aluminum then look for a screwdriver with a high level of torque.
The speed of the screwdriver relates to the number of revolutions or rotation per minute (RPM) that the driver can perform per minute, which basically indicates how fast the driver is.
For light-duty drilling chores, drivers that operate at 180 RPMs are ideal for general household jobs.
If you need to tackle medium-level jobs, look for a driver with a faster RPM from 1200 to 1500, and anything over 2000 RPM is ideal for heavy-duty work, which is best performed by an impact driver.
There are also screwdrivers that give variable speed control, so you can use the low power speed for when you are working with lighter materials, or you can choose a higher speed when you are working with tougher material.
3. Chuck Size
The size of the screwdriver relates to the size of the chuck that is located at the end of the driver. The chuck is where the drill bit or screw is to be attached. Sizes can be ¼-inch or ¾-inches. Some models give you a keyless chuck, which means that you do not need any tools to remove it.
4. Screw Type
Some screwdrivers give you a choice of drill bits or screws (a Phillips head or a flat head) that come in multiple sizes and shapes, which means they can be suited for almost any type of task.
5. Operator Comfort Features
– Spindle lock
A spindle lock is another great option, which lets you lock the mechanism into place so you can replace the screw manually.
– Clutch
Some screwdrivers come with a clutch that can give you more control over the amount of torque. So keep your eye out for a driver that has up to 21 clutch settings.
There are some models that offer you an ”auto-stop” clutch that shuts the tool off when the clutch is disengaged. This handy feature helps to stop any overdriving, which can result in the over stripping of the screw.
– Ergonomic Features
Ergonomic soft-grip handles and adjustable handles that give you the option to use the tool in a straight or pistol type grip can make your DIY chores a lot easier to complete. Some screwdrivers have on-board storage space for you to store away all your extra bits. LED lights are also a great idea when you are working in low light areas.
Some basic drivers are sold as a “tool only” or a “bare tool”, while others come with a charger and a rechargeable battery, and more expensive units may come with multiple accessories such as extra batteries or carrying cases.
Best Cordless Power Screwdriver – Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 4V MAX Cordless Screwdriver
Black+Decker is one of the most recognizable brand names in the manufacturing of high-quality home and garden power tools. You will not be disappointed by the performance of their compact 4V MAX Cordless Screwdriver.
This handy, lightweight little tool is the perfect choice for all of those light-duty and simple home renovations around your home. From installing curtain rails to assembling furniture. It fits snugly into the palm of your hand, which makes it the ideal tool for when you are working in tight spots. The screwdriver can handle most surfaces even aluminum. However, it may not be ideal for use on hardwood surfaces.
Although it is smaller than other screwdrivers it is made from solid construction and gives you the power you need with a 4-volt MAX lithium-ion battery. It can produce 35 in. lbs of torque and 180 RPMs. The 3/8-inch chuck accepts a variety of bits.
The inline trigger is comfortable and easy to use when you are attaching and removing screws. The screwdriver also comes with a rechargeable battery and a charger and a pack of two bits. The driver is also compatible with other Black+Decker small-sized attachments.
Pros
- High quality
- Ideal for small DIY tasks
- Good power
- Compact
- Good speed
Cons
- Not compatible with large bits
- No LED light
- No storage for extra bits
- Charger is not very strong
2. DEWALT DCF610S2 12-Volt Max ¼-Inch Screwdriver Kit
DEWALT has once again delivered the goods by designing a power screwdriver that can be relied upon to handle most light to medium DIY tasks around your home. There is so much to love about this tool that it is tagged as one of the best power screwdrivers that is available on the market.
This versatile tool is a fast worker and has plenty of power with a 12-volt 1.1 Ah. lithium-ion battery that fits tightly under the base of the screwdriver. The screwdriver is well balanced and lightweight at 2.2lbs. It can be used on almost any kind of surface, except concrete. At 6-¼-inches long, it is ideal for when you are working in tight spaces.
It is easy to use as it features a one-hand-loading function with a ¼-inch hex chuck that accepts 1-inch bit tips.
The DEWALT DCF610S2 has multiple torque settings. It can produce up to 1050 RPMs. There is a variable speed setting that you can change depending on the type of material you will be driving screws into. For those tricky moments when you need to detach a screw, there is a reversible function.
If you are going to be working in low light conditions, then the DEWALT screwdriver has got you covered as it features three LED lights that will brightly illuminate your work area.
The kit contains the screwdriver, two 12 volt max lithium-ion battery packs, a battery charger, a handy belt clip for easy portability, and a carry bag.
Another key feature of the Dewalt screwdriver is that it has a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Ideal for light to medium-duty tasks
- Easy to use
- Lots of power
- Well balanced
- Lightweight
- Reversible
- Fast
- Torque adjustment
- Three LED Lights
Cons
- Not ideal for use on concrete
3. WORX WX255L SD Semi-Automatic Power Screwdriver with Screw Holder
This innovative Semi-Automatic Power Screwdriver from WORX is one of those tools that is designed to make all of your DIY tasks super easy. The screw holder attachment is located on the front of the screwdriver and all it takes is three easy steps to load the driver with all the ¼-inch screws that you will need.
Step 1: Push the screw holder button to open the driver’s jaws. Step 2: Insert the screw onto the end of the fastener. Last, Step 3: Release the button. It is that easy!
You can load up to six bits at a time, which is ideal if you have multiple tasks to complete.
The driver is powered by an internal 4-volt lithium-ion battery. The tool has multiple torque settings and enough power for small DIY tasks. It is compact enough for when you need to insert screws into tight corners like installing shelves or assembling furniture.
Other handy features include a LED light to brighten dark work areas. The rapid slide action allows you to change the bits quickly and easily. The screwdriver also comes with a 4-volt lithium-ion battery and a charger.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Ideal for small DIY projects
- Lightweight
- Well built
- Good battery life
- Semi-automatic bit loading system
- LED light
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Slow
- Bits can drop out of the loader
4. Skil Rechargeable 4V Cordless Screwdriver
This smart-looking bright red and black Skil Cordless Screwdriver will become one of your favorite tools in your toolbox. It has a compact and lightweight design. The two-finger grip fits comfortably into your hand, which makes it so easy to complete light-duty DIY projects or maintenance tasks, and it works especially well in confined spaces.
One of the most portable cordless screwdrivers on the market, this screwdriver comes with a USB cable, so you can even charge the tool from your car while you are working off-site. It is the perfect working companion that you can even leave in the car if you need it while you are on holiday.
The Skil also features some handy operator features. It has a LED work light that illuminates low light areas, a magnetic bit storage area, a reverse/forward indicator, and a charging indicator.
Although it is small in size, the screwdriver is powered by a strong integrated 4-volt 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that keeps the tool charged over an extended period of time. It delivers 36-in-lbs max torque and provides up to 220 RPM. So it is powerful enough to tightly fasten screws into furniture or kitchen cupboards.
The ¼-inch screwdriver can accept a variety of other bit sizes. And the magnetic tip keeps the screws firmly in place. The screwdriver also comes with a nine-piece bit set and a USB adapter.
Pros
- Good price
- Ideal for small DIY projects
- Easy to use
- Good power
- Compact and lightweight design
- USB charging facility
- Good battery life
- LED work light
Cons
- Not ideal for large DIY projects
- No variable speed
- Some of the bits do not stay attached very well
5. Metabo HPT Cordless Screwdriver Kit
This compact and lightweight professional-grade Screwdriver from Metabo offers an overall great working performance. It gives you that much-needed driving power and control for most light to medium-duty DIY maintenance projects around your home.
It is powered by a strong 3.6-volt 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery that offers a fade-free long-lasting battery charge and the battery can be charged in 30 minutes. This screwdriver gives you a lot of control with 21-clutch settings plus a drill setting. A bright LED light can be used anytime you have to work in low light conditions.
The light only works when you press the button and automatically shuts off to save battery life. The dual-position handle converts from a straight position to a pistol-grip for maximum flexibility in hard-to-reach areas. If the driver gets stuck, just press the reverse/forward switch.
There is a spindle lock for tightening screws manually. You also have a choice of two speeds: 260 RPM for drilling into light wood that can snap or crack easily. Or change to a higher speed of 780 RPM for drilling into tougher material.
For extra bit versatility, the screwdriver’s ¼-inch hex chuck can accommodate most other bit sizes. The screwdriver also comes with two rechargeable batteries, a quick charger, and a carrying case.
Aside from its superior performance, the screwdriver is covered by Metabo’s lifetime warranty. The battery is covered by a two-year lithium-ion battery warranty.
Pros
- Ideal for light to medium-duty projects
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable to use
- Excellent power
- Great torque
- Straight handle converts to a pistol-grip
- Quick charge time
Cons
- Changing gear speeds can be difficult
6. Makita DF010DSE 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit with Auto-Stop Clutch
The DF010DSE Cordless Screwdriver from Makita is another high-quality power tool from Makita. This screwdriver is lightweight, but it packs a powerful punch due to its 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery that offers you excellent battery life, and 44 in.lbs of torque. You have a choice of two gear speeds of 200 and 650 RPMs, depending on whether you will be working with light material or something tougher like aluminum.
The clutch has 21 different settings that give you that much need control. The auto stop clutch function shuts the tool off when the clutch disengaged, which not only makes sure that the screw is tightly fastened, but it protects the screw from being stripped, which can result from overdriving.
It is such a versatile tool as it can be used as a drill and a screwdriver. Its compact design makes it so easy to use with a soft-grip handle. The extra dual position handle allows you to use it in a straight position or in a pistol grip position. The convenient ¼-inch hex chuck makes it very easy to change the drill bits or screws.
There is also a LED light, which is useful for when you need to work in areas where there isn’t much light such as the inside of a cabinet, or for those hard to see screws on the back of children’s toys.
The screwdriver/drill kit also comes with two 7.2 volt lithium-ion batteries, a battery charger, and a tool case to store the screwdriver in. Makita also offers a very generous three-year limited warranty on the screwdriver and a one-year warranty on the battery and charger.
If you would like to have extra bits and screws close at hand, you can also purchase an extra drill/driver 70-bit set.
Pros
- Ideal for light-duty tasks
- High-quality tool
- Compact
- Good torque
- Powerful
- Anti-locking system prevents stripping of screws
- Great battery life
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Cordless Power Screwdriver
Our top pick for the best cordless power screwdriver is the DEWALT DCF610S2 12-Volt Max ¼-Inch Screwdriver Kit.
This lightweight, but powerful cordless screwdriver has everything you need for most light to medium DIY projects around your home. You can’t go wrong with this sturdy and well-balanced tool. It is powered by a 12-volt battery. There are multiple torque settings up to 1050 RPMs, a variable speed setting, and the three bright LED lights will illuminate your work area.
Check the price on Amazon
