Find The Best Cordless Screwdriver For The Money
There are dozens of different cordless tool makers these days making the need for research before purchase even greater for consumers. These specialty drivers are some of the most widely produced power tools and it’s so easy to end up buying something that is total junk.
…In a Hurry?
These tools are primarily used for light-duty projects or as support tools on bigger projects. They make the work of screwing and unscrewing screws and other fasteners much faster without having to use a more powerful cordless or corded drill. They are lightweight, compact, and can be rapidly charged if needed.
Contents [show]
- The Best Cordless Screwdriver: Our Top 7 Compared and Reviewed.
- Best Powered Screwdriver: DEWALT DW920K 2-Volt
- Hitachi DB3DL2 6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Kit
- Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt Nicad driver with Articulating Head
- Best small cordless screwdriver: Bosch Go 6V Smart driver
- Tacklife SDH13DC
- Black & Decker 9072CTN
- Makita TD022DSE 2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4" Hex Driver Kit
- Before you buy any Cordless driver
The Best Cordless Screwdriver: Our Top 7 Compared and Reviewed.
Because it can be such a challenge to find a decent one if you aren’t familiar with what’s out there, we’ve compiled a list of battery powered screwdrivers for the many that want to replace their manual screwdriver with a variety of rechargeable screwdriver models currently on the market. These top rated name brands, are high quality, and any one of them is a great addition to your power tool collection.
#1. Best Powered Screwdriver: DEWALT DW920K 7.2-Volt
This guy is quick, efficient, and capable of multiple different jobs. It’s got two positions which make it ideal for home use in addition to heavy duty jobs. Variable speed features make it super convenient to use and it also has a detachable 7.2 volt battery pack. It features long run time, two batteries, charger, one included bit, and a box for storage and transport. This is the best cordless screwdriver for under $100 on the market Read Full Review
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Top 3 Questions about the DW920K
1. What is the maximum size bit that will fit in the chuck?
Any bit that is one quarter inch or has a one quarter inch shank.
2. Is there a spindle lock?
Yes it has a spindle lock.
3. Does the drill come with only one battery?
No the drill comes with two batteries.
My thoughts on Dewalt
Overall the DW920K is a great power screwdriver for the money. It’s powerful and the battery does last a while when you aren’t using the driver on heavy jobs. That makes it ideal for a home owner doing light work from time to time. It is compact and easy to carry which makes it really great for small projects like installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, or similar tasks.The negatives can be big ones depending on your use case. If you are a contractor or someone who will be using this on the job constantly, be prepared to burn through batteries quickly and to be patient when changing out bits. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a fair-weather home improvement person, this cordless driver will be the only one you ever need.
#2. Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Kit
Hitachi is a brand synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. It has all sorts of applications you would think of for a small portable screw driver including light fixture installation, hanging blinds, and tightening fasteners in tight spots. It’s also great if all you’re doing is hanging pictures, working on hobbies, or doing computer repair. Like other screw drivers in its class, the DB3Dl2 is great for casual users and for professionals. The powerful 3.6 volt battery enables contractors to use the Hitachi all day before needing to recharge. Read Full Review
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Top questions on the DB3DL:
1. Do torque settings go low enough for precision work like on computers?
Yes the lowest torque setting is adequate for doing light work like this.
2. Can you shut off the light to conserve power consumption?
No but the LED light does not draw that much power from the battery.
3. What drive bits does this take?
It takes hex drive bits.
My Thoughts on Hitachi screwdriver
The Hitachi is at a lower price point than our previous model reviewed and I would say this one is a great choice for anyone doing home improvement or do-it-yourself work. In other words, if you are a homeowner and need a reliable power screw driver for the house, this one is a great buy for the money. You’re going to pay more than the average 20 or 30 bucks for an off brand unit but this will last you a long, long time.If you are a contractor, carpenter, or some other professional looking at the Hitachi for your work, you probably already know what I’m going to say. Even though Hitachi has a lot of great stuff that is super durable for heavy, daily use; this screw driver does not fit that bill. I think any professional that buys this will wear it out almost instantly and be disappointed. It’s just not made for a beating.
#3. Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt Nicad driver with Articulating Head
Black & Decker has been a household name for decades and it’s the perfect brand for consumers with the grit and courage to get projects done on their own. The PD600 cordless screw driver is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream because it features high-quality cordless driver features along with extras that make your life easier. It comes equipped with a 5 foot retractable tape measure, integrated LED light with separate switch, 12 position clutch to prevent stripping screws, and a quick release mechanism for changing bits. Read Full Review
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Top questions on the PD600
1. Will the driver get damaged if I leave it plugged in all the time?
No. When the unit is fully charged, it automatically stops receiving a charge from the cord.
2. How much time will I get out of a fully charged battery?
Roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on how heavy you use it.
3. Does the unit come with any bits?
My Thoughts
The screwdriver comes with two bits (Philips and flat head).
As screwdrivers go, this one is entry-level meaning it is about the cheapest name brand power screw driver you can buy. Keep that in mind when considering a purchase. This is definitely not something for a professional user so that leave the casual users like homeowners or maybe just a pro who doesn’t use this type of tool a lot.This driver should be used for light-duty work like crafts, working on computers, hobbies like remote control cars or planes, and other similar applications. If you do a lot of projects around your home yourself and you do it a lot, you will probably wear the Black & Decker brand out pretty quick. It’s a good product but you just have to consider how you’re using it and heavy users need not apply.
#4. Best small cordless screwdriver: Bosch Go 3.6V Smart driver
It never fails that each time you get out of bed in the morning you notice something that needs to be fixed. There are loose outlet covers, shelves that are hanging a bit too low, a loose knob on the dresser, and tons of other miscellaneous fixes that need your attention. The Bosch 33bit smart driver is the perfect tool to keep handy for those small but important tasks. It is small, powerful, dynamic, and discrete so you can keep it hidden away in a drawer until it’s needed. Bosch has a super simple design with no frills that makes this screwdriver incredibly effective. Read Full Review
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Top questions for the Bosch Smart driver
1. Can it do small drilling with bits?
No only tightening or loosening fasteners
2. Can it be used on precision tasks like computer components?
Yes, there are bits small enough to work on PC screws.
3. Does it have a detachable battery?
No. The battery is internal and rechargeable.
My Thoughts
Bosch has a quality product here but of most competitors on the market, the Smart Screwdriver is fairly simplistic in its design. It has some basic hallmarks of power screwdrivers like adjustable torque, rechargeable batteries, and interchangeable bits but that is about it. Bosch chose not to incorporate many of the features found in other leading drivers like lighting, adjustable positions, quick change chucks, etc.If you just want a basic power screwdriver that is durable for continued daily use then this one will work out fine for you. It’s compact so that does make it easy to store around the house or carry around on a tool belt without much effort. The narrow profile allows you to get into hard to reach spots like cabinets, closets, etc. If you’re a pro looking for something more versatile though, you might want to look elsewhere.
#5. Tacklife SDH13DC
The Tacklife SDH13DC is great for all of the common applications for power screw drivers you would think of. That includes installation of window treatments, furniture assembly, work on technical devices, and similar tasks. What makes Tacklife different however is all the extra accessories included with the driver. It comes equipped with an ultra-bright 4-bead LED light, 10 unique drill bits, USB charging with full indicator light, traditional charging capability, 3-position handle, and a max torque rating of 4NM. For the price, the Tacklife comes with a ton of great features and is an amazing value.
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Top questions for the SDH13DC
1. Does this driver come with any bits?
Yes it comes with 10 unique bits.
2. Can you use socket heads with it?
You can use an adapter to attach a socket head onto the driver however it does not come with this adapter. You will only be able to use quarter inch adapters and sockets with this unit.
3. How long does the battery last?
My Take
Varies based on use but typically a 45 minutes to an hour of continued use. May lose charge if left sitting unplugged all day long and battery life does go down over time.
The Tacklife falls into the category of light-duty screwdrivers for casual home use. It’s a great cheap rechargeable screwdriver with extra features. It’s perfect for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers because of the extra features. Multiple positions (including the 90 degree angle position) make it versatile enough to perform the unique projects often found in the average home. LED lights let you get into dark corners and spaces to use the driver without having to bring extra tools.If you’re a pro however, this tool is not going to be hardy enough for you. It just doesn’t have the finish to make it an ideal tool for the contractor or other heavy user. The battery will run out very quickly and the internal motor does not have the power to drive large screws or run on a continuous, daily basis.
#6. Black & Decker 9072CTN
The Black & Decker 9072CTN features a 2.4 colt battery, automatic spindle lock for manual use, forward and reverse function, narrow nose piece for tight fit into narrow spaces. It’s the perfect tool for the craft person or hobbyist. It has a slim, non-bulky design that is light weight and easy to handle.
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Top Questions on the 9072CTN
1. Is it rechargeable and does it come with a charger
Yes it has an internal rechargeable battery and a charger is provided with original unit.
2. Can it be used for laptop assembly?
Yes this can be used for a job like that however additional bits would be required which are sold separately.
3. Does it have a light?
No it does not have a light.
My Thoughts
Overall, the 9072CTN is great for small projects and hobbies. For example working on electronics, light fastening around the house like hanging pictures, assembling crafts, and other similar projects. It is light weight, has a narrow nose so it is not bulky for small areas, and is easy to maneuver.This unit is not good for home improvement projects and definitely not for heavy duty tasks on a daily basis. The components are just too weak to do anything more than tiny screws or driving fasteners into softer materials. For the money, this is one of the most basic power drivers that money can buy.
#7. Makita TD022DSE 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver Kit
Makita is one of the most well-known names in power tools and is synonymous with the highest quality and durability. The TD022DSE is the highest-end driver on our list retailing for well over $200. It features an ultra-compact size but still delivers precision and power. It has a 7.2 volt lithium ion battery and drives screws and other fasteners at 220 foot pounds. A quarter inch hex chuck enables extremely fast drill bit changes. It also has a locking mechanism that turns it into a hand-driven screw driver. Read Full Review
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Top questions on Makita
1. Does the product come with a hard case?
Sometimes Makita drivers are advertised with hard cases or soft carry cases however you should read detailed descriptions to see what kit you are actually buying. Stock images are often used in product listings and drivers may not come with accessories pictured.
2. Does it stop drilling when screws are fastened?
Yes, with 21 clutch settings you should test proper torque setting for driving screws.
My Thoughts
The Makita TD022DSE is one of the best cordless screwdrivers that you can purchase. It is high-quality and comes backed with one of the longest warranties in the industry. Plus you get the peace of mind knowing that you are buying a quality, durable product that has come to be expected from Makita. If you are a professional builder, contractor, carpenter or similar professional, investing in a driver like this is a good move.For the average home owner this unit is probably overkill. It is a few hundred dollars if you buy the driver plus extra batteries and carry case which is a lot if you are just doing projects every once in a while. I would not recommend purchasing this unit unless you use the tool daily for heavy duty projects.
Before you buy any Cordless driver
All of these drivers are good for their intended applications as long as you consider what you’ll be using it for. That is pretty much what you should do any time you buy a new power tool. Often the cause of dissatisfaction is the fact that a tool doesn’t get the job done for a user and most of the time that is because they didn’t read the capabilities of the tool before they purchased.
For instance if you need something durable and high-quality because you’re going to use it daily, buying a low cost driver with limited features is only going to frustrate you and waste your money. Conversely, if you just want to work on your laptop, getting a $300 dollar, top-notch screwdriver is going to be a total waste as well. Always, always get the right tool for the job.
Last Updated: 2/12/22