Choosing the right electric screwdriver – Buying Guides DirectIndustry

Choosing the right electric screwdriver depends on what you will use it for. For example, will you be using it frequently for construction work? New buildings or renovations? In a mechanical workshop? For furniture? On an assembly station?

The second point it is important to define is the screwdriver’s frequency of use. If it needs to be used all day, it is better to choose a corded model. If it only needs to be used 2 or 3 hours a day, however, a cordless model might be appropriate, perhaps keeping an extra battery and a charger close by.  It is important to pay particular attention to the screwdriver’s efficiency, especially if it needs to be used intensively.

The tightening torque is another point it’s important to consider. A high tightening torque means a strong screwing force. The higher the tightening torque, the easier screwing will be, even in hard material.

The tightening torque is directly linked to the power of the screwdriver. For mains powered corded electric screwdrivers, that power depends directly on the power of the motor. This varies between 450 and 705 watts. If the electric screwdriver is  powered by an external transformer, the higher the supply voltage, the more powerful the screwdriver will be. For cordless electric screwdrivers, the power is linked to the battery voltage. This can go from 3.6 volts (V) to 18V for the most powerful ones. For cordless electric screwdrivers, a high voltage allows for a longer battery life and avoids having to recharge the batteries too often. Certain electric screwdrivers are called impact electric screwdrivers: they are used for intensive screwing/unscrewing.

The rotation speed is an essential element, especially if you need to use your electric screwdriver regularly: corded electric screwdrivers generally have a higher speed of rotation than cordless ones. Generally, electric screwdrivers only have one rotation speed. For corded electric screwdrivers, this is between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm (rotations per minute) and for cordless electric screwdrivers between 180 and 450 rpm. For impact electric screwdrivers, the speed is indicated in counts per minute: it is between 3,000 and 50,000 cps/min.