A screwdriver - it’s one of the most basic hand tools that you’ll find in any self-respecting DIYer’s kit.
The unassuming piece of kit is a home essential, designed to drive in or out variously sized screws from a range of surfaces thanks to different-sized heads. Depending on the screw and material in question, operating it manually can require a fair bit of effort and be rough on your hands. That’s where its electric-powered successor shines.
An electric screwdriver can see to the job you’ve been avoiding on your to-do list faster than grappling with a manual version: simply pull the trigger and the device’s motor will take care of the rest - easy. It makes fiddly jobs like fixing bed slats, installing shelves and putting together flower beds or flat-pack furniture much more straightforward - and far less daunting.
Tackling home improvement is big in 2024 according to B&Q’s The Way We Live Now report. Gen Z women have emerged as the group most up for learning new DIY skills with 80 per cent saying they felt empowered by doing so. With new tool bags starting to be built up, knowing how and what to use certain gadgets for is key to a professional-looking finish.
Electric screwdrivers are usually lightweight and small, meaning they’re extremely portable. Some of the newer models are wireless and can be recharged with a USB port. Often, they feature dual screwdriver and drill modes, so you’ve one less thing to cram into your tool kit. Often it’s just a case of changing drill bits.
Whether you’re building your DIY toolkit from scratch or you’re looking for a labour-saving alternative to a hand screwdriver, we’ve rounded up the electric screwdrivers worth your time and money below.
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Stanley FatMax FMHT66719-0 Power-Assist Bit Screwdriver
As one of the leading names in DIY - and peculiarly, giant water cups - Stanley’s tools don’t come cheap. Its electric screwdriver can be used one-handed but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's low power.
This little 450g tool has Goliath levels of strength, coasting 300RPM, a battery that can tighten more than 1000 screws in a run and an extended magnetic holder to reach awkward areas like under the stairs, beneath the sink and under rafters.
Buy now £50.00, Amazon
Bosch IXO Cordless Screwdriver
This compact DIY tool has proved so popular that it’s now in its seventh iteration.
Made by home improvement supremo Bosch, the cordless design now has 20 per cent more torque (5.5 Newton metres, the rate at which twisting force is measured) than the older models thanks to an improved motor and a 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery. It’s lightweight too, weighing just 330g, so you won’t get arm ache from holding it for hours or in difficult positions.
The micro-USB chargeable device comes with a set of 10 standard screwdriver bits and an angle screw attachment to help you nail the job every time.
Buy now, Amazon
Guild Fast Charge Cordless Screwdriver
A cheap and cheerful option, this cordless screwdriver comes from Guild. It’s a pretty basic tool, but if you’re just looking for something streamlined and basic assembly work, it’ll have you covered.
The 55g gadget boasts forward and reverse settings with one-speed switch for seamless operation and there are seven torque settings to help with stubborn screws. An LED light will beam onto the surface you’re working on when you press the trigger, helping you complete tasks in poor light areas.
Comes with a two-year guarantee.
Spend a teeny bit more to get 45 bits, a tool kit and the screwdriver for £22.
Buy now £16.00, Argos
HANMATEK Electric Screwdriver
If you want to leave space in your toolkit for sexier stuff - drills, saws, clamps and the like - Hanmatek’s electric screwdriver isn’t going to take up much room. Despite its small stature, the handheld gadget is teeming with features, from an LED task light, forward/ reverse operation and a 90D bend to work at awkward angles. The tool comes with 10 bits for using on different nail heads and an extension bar.
What’s it best for? Smaller jobs that need ticking off around the house, like putting up framed pictures, tightening cabinet screws and furniture assembly.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ 18 V ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit
Combining drilling and driving under one lime green hood, Ryobi’s combi drill is perfect for DIY hobbyists. The cordless drill comes with a ONE+ battery and charger which can be used across many of the brand’s products, sparing your cupboards from housing unnecessary tech. This baby is designed for more serious jobs with 50Mn of torque and up to 1800rpm. There are 24 torque settings to ensure screws are wound in flush every time.
Buy now £78.99, Amazon
Senco Duraspin® DS722-18v 2 x 3.0Ah Collated Screwdriver
Screwing nails into steel? Then you’ll need to crack out the big guns.
Sensco has the tool to end all tools up its sleeve with this super powerful electric screwdriver, which automatically feeds new nails into the mouth to help you get the job done even more quickly.
It offers a top speed of 5000rpm and 8Nm of torque, running for an hour on a full charge of the lithium-ion battery. Comes with a five-year guarantee.
Buy now £515.00, Wickes
Vastar 7.2V Cordless Screwdriver
A brand focused on home improvement, hobby and DIY, Vastar offers a line of repair tools like this cordless screwdriver. The machine runs on a 2000mAh battery, offering a prolonged run time with 320rpm and 5.5Nm in torque. There's also a quick-release lock and a quarter-inch chuck. The tool comes with 47-bit pieces.
Buy now £36.99, Amazon
