10 Best Electric Screwdrivers for Any DIY Project

Screwdrivers are some of the most versatile and useful tools out there—but sometimes you need more power than a traditional hand tool can offer. While power drills are certainly a valuable part of any tool collection, they can be overkill for light-duty tasks that need a softer touch. Electric screwdrivers are a convenient alternative, whether you’re a beginner DIY-er or a professional tradesperson who wants a backup tool they can keep in their pocket.

They’re perfect for light-duty tasks like assembling furniture, replacing a light switch cover, or tightening up a loose cabinet hinge. Plus, their lower torque settings make them well-suited for use on delicate materials that could otherwise get damaged by a more powerful tool, like particle board, plastic covers, or the small screws used in electronics. If you need an electric cordless screwdriver for your home or job, we’ve got some great options for you.

Best Electric Screwdrivers

• Best Overall:
• Most Powerful:
• Best for Home Use:
• Runner-Up:
• Best for Safety:
• Most Ergonomic:
• Best for Furniture Assembly:
• Best Budget Option:
• Best for Awkward Angles:
• Most Compact:

What to Consider

There is a wide range of electric screwdriver options out there, so narrowing down the field can be tough. Your main concern will be choosing one that can handle the jobs you’re planning on doing. Do you need it for daily use or just the occasional household fix? With that in mind, here are the factors that will help you make a decision:

Battery Power

The battery power of an electric screwdriver will typically range from 4 to 12 volts. The more volts, the more power you’ll get our of it. If you need more speed and power, you’ll want to go for a higher voltage option.

Speed

The speed of your electric screwdriver will be measured by RPM, or rotations per minute. Faster RPM means the job gets done more quickly, but it also reduces control. A screwdriver with multiple speed options will allow you to choose the speed that works for the job.

Grip Type

You can usually adjust an electric screwdriver to be a pistol grip or straight barrel grip. Pistol grip allows you to get in at tight angles and maneuver around corners. Straight barrel is your typical screwdriver grip.

Torque

For our purposes, torque refers to the amount of force any given screwdriver can apply to the screw it’s driving in. A screwdriver with more torque will be more effective at drilling screws into harder surfaces.

Clutch

Clutch settings allow you to regulate your torque, so you don’t strip a screw or drive it too deep.

How We Evaluated

When assembling this list of electric screwdrivers, we wanted to ensure that there were options that would work for amateur DIYers and professional craftspeople alike. Electric screwdrivers come in a few different styles and designs, so we’ve included a good balance of both fixed and pivoting models. We also took into account customers’ possible tool-buying budgets and included models at a wide range of prices.

We also only included options that are powered by either internal rechargeable batteries or proprietary batteries with chargers. We’ve found that disposable AA or AAA batteries are not only a waste of money, they can also leak over time and potentially ruin your tool. Additionally, we chose only products with average customer ratings of four stars or higher.