What Is a Cordless Screwdriver?
A cordless screwdriver, also known as a drill or screw gun, is a screwdriver that turns a screw bit via a motor. In most cases, it uses a hexagon-shaped socket at the end of the driver’s shaft that holds a bit holder. Drill bits are placed in the driver’s shaft. Over the years with modern technology, cordless screwdrivers have come a long way. Batteries charge quickly, last longer, and are stronger than in years past.
Some cordless screwdrivers resemble a traditional handheld screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is most often referred to as a stick driver. The heavy duty models are often called power drills.
The power sources of cordless screwdrivers are most often either nickel cadmium (NiCd) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries. Both types are reliable and provide plenty of power. Many types of models feature quick charging batteries and charging bases are available so that you never have to wait for your cordless screwdriver to be recharged. When shopping for a cordless screwdriver, you may want to purchase one that has a removable battery. Many people like to keep an extra battery available that is always charged and ready to go. When I am building and a battery loses power, as a common practice, I put the dead battery in the power base, switch the battery for another charged one, and leave the old one charging in the base until my other battery goes dead. Then I switch them out. This is a common practice among builders or people completing tasks around the home so that their work is never slowed due to a dead battery from their cordless screwdriver.
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After Lots of Hard Work, Here Are the Best Cordless Screwdrivers
In the chart below, you will find our top ten rated cordless screwdrivers. For a more in-depth review of each model, please click on “Read Review.”
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Product Image |
Product Name |
Rating |
Review |
|---|---|---|---|
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Craftsman 8V MAX Impact Cordless Screwdriver |
3.5 out of 5 |
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Genesis 2-Speed Screwdriver |
3.9 out of 5 |
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SpeedHex FlipOut Rechargeable Power Screwdriver |
3.9 out of 5 |
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4.2 out of 5 |
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WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screw Drive |
4.3 out of 5 |
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SKIL Palm-Sized Cordless Screwdriver |
4.4 out of 5 |
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HAMMERHEAD Rechargeable Screwdriver |
4.4 out of 5 |
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Tacklife Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver |
4.5 out of 5 |
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4.5 out of 5 |
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4.7 out of 5 |
Top 10 Best Cordless Screwdrivers for 2018
- Tacklife Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver
- BLACK+DECKER Rechargeable Screwdriver
- DEWALT Cordless Two-Position Screwdriver Kit
- Milkwaukee Hex Screwdriver Bare Tool
- SKIL Palm-Sized Cordless Screwdriver
- WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screw Drive
- HAMMERHEAD Rechargeable Screwdriver
- Genesis 2-Speed Screwdriver
- Craftsman 8V MAX Impact Cordless Screwdriver
- SpeedHex FlipOut Rechargeable Power Screwdriver
How to Choose a Cordless Screwdriver
When choosing the best cordless screwdriver there are several factors available in various models to consider before purchasing your own.
- Size: The first factor to consider is to buy a drill that is big enough to suit your building needs and tasks but not so big that you can’t easily handle the drill. Remember, that you may be using the drill in uncomfortable positions and angles for extended periods of time as you screw on roofs and fascia boards, for example, or in tight spots such as on a deck or barn. Buy a drill that is strong enough yet compact enough for you to hold at difficult angles. The bigger the drill, the heavier it is going to weigh.
- Good battery: Another factor to consider is to make sure you get a drill that holds an adequate charge and is powerful enough to do the jobs you intend it to be used for. Is the battery pack removable? Consider purchasing a drill that has a removable battery because you don’t want to be left with a dead battery if you are in the middle of a job. Get a drill that has a long battery life and consider purchasing an extra battery pack so that you always have one available if the other one needs recharging.
- Comfortable and good grip: There are many different shapes and styles of screwdrivers. Make sure to get one that feels good while holding it. You can avoid hand fatigue and strain by picking out a drill that has a comfortable grip.
- Speed/power: The higher the voltage of a screwdriver, the faster it will complete the job. A small difference in voltage may not seem like a big deal until you tackle a big job. Seconds can add up to minutes which can add up to additional hours if you use a low voltage screwdriver. Think about how much you will be using the tool. If you will be using it often, I would definitely spend more money and get a better voltage screwdriver, variable speed, rather than spending less for a lower voltage tool. The torque is the force that is used to drive the screw into position. The speed is how many rotations the driver makes per minute. If the voltage is higher, the torque and speed will be more powerful, thus making the screwdriver more powerful. The speed and power are important if you will be tackling heavy-duty jobs.
- Shape: If you will be working in tight areas, you may want to consider an adjustable screwdriver that can be locked into a right-angle position. The handle can be turned into a pistol-grip or right angle that makes maneuvering around tight places easier to manage. If you plan on working with floor joists or other hard to get at places, then the shape of your cordless screwdriver will be very important when you purchase a new one.
- Extras: Other features to consider when you purchase a new cordless screwdriver are to check reviews to see if the screwdriver has a storage space for extra screwdriver bits, a built-in LED light for maneuvering in the dark, and whether or not the driver has a magnetic bit holder that makes it easier to attach different screwdriver bits.
Common Features of Cordless Screwdrivers
Cordless screwdrivers can vary much in their size, power output, and shape. But they also have several common features. The features are as follows:
- Handle: A cordless screwdriver will obviously have some type of handle that users can hold on to. Some models come with a handle that can lock into 45-, 90-, or 180-degree pistol grip positions for access to tight spaces.
- Motor: Cordless screwdrivers all have some type of motor. The bigger the motor, the more powerful the screwdriver and the torque.
- Battery: Though battery sizes and voltages will vary, all cordless screwdrivers will use some type of battery, for example, a lithium ion battery, in order to function.
Advantages of Cordless Screwdrivers
There are many benefits to cordless screwdrivers compared to manual screwdrivers. I have listed the main advantages below.
- Portability: Cordless screwdrivers available on the market today are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Even when climbing a ladder to fix a loose screw or build something up high, or working on other tasks around the home, you should be able to easily carry your cordless screwdriver along without much effort.
- Safety: In comparison to an electric screwdriver, a cordless electric screwdriver is much safer. Users won’t have to worry about getting an electrical shock from a cord that touches water or other liquid. With a cordless screwdriver, you also don’t have to worry about tripping or becoming entangled in a corded screwdriver as you work. Cords can pose a hazard to not only you, but family, friends, and pets. There are no worries with cords getting in the way when you use a cordless screwdriver.
- Time saver: Cordless screwdrivers are fast. Compared to manual screwdrivers, you will get much more work done in a shorter amount of time. Manually putting in screws is much more time consuming than putting in screws with a cordless screwdriver.
- Less effort: I don’t know about you, but I like to save my energy for workouts and having fun. When you use a cordless screwdriver, there is no need to muscle it out while putting in or taking out screws. All you need to do is hold the cordless screwdriver and let it do the tasks for you.
Maintenance and Care of Cordless Screwdrivers
- Keep batteries charged: Most batteries will last longer if you keep them charged. Try to make it a practice and habit to charge your battery each time it loses its charge. When you reach for your spare battery pack, put the other one in the charger. This will greatly prolong the life of your battery.
- Charge batteries completely: Make sure to leave your battery in the charger until the indicator light lets you know that it is fully charged.
- Use often: The more often you use your battery, the longer it will last. Battery life can decrease with lack of use, so try not to let your cordless screwdriver sit dormant for too long.
- Keep batteries cool and dry: A dry and cool climate is better for your battery than a hot and humid climate. If possible, keep your cordless screwdriver and batteries stored in a climate controlled cool and dry place.
- Protect it: Keep your cordless screwdriver and batteries in a cushioned carry case. Most screwdrivers come with a carry case that can be used to protect and help prolong the life of your cordless screwdriver. Make sure to use it. The case will keep it from becoming weathered and damaged if dropped.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cordless Screwdriver
When buying any appliance there are usually many items to consider. This same rule applies to cordless screwdrivers. I have put together some items to think about and consider before purchasing a cordless screwdriver. As always, read the reviews.
- Price range: If you have a budget you want to stick to, make a mental note or write down how much you are willing to spend within your budget. There is no use looking at cordless screwdrivers that are way out of your budget on what you can or want to spend. Be realistic and look at the screwdriver models within your price range.
- How often will you use it?: If you are going to be using a cordless drill on a daily basis then you will want one that is very durable. If you just want to have one around the house for those sometimes necessary fix it jobs, then you may be able to get by with a lower end drill.
Product Types
Some cordless screwdrivers resemble a traditional handheld screwdriver. This type is most often referred to as a stick driver. The heavy duty models are often called power drills.
Stick Driver​
Pros
- Compact
- Works in tight places
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Works slowly
- Not much power
Power Drills
Pros
- Fast
- High voltage
- Efficient
Cons
- Costs more than stick drivers
- Can be bulky
- Heavier than stick drivers
Why a Cordless Screwdriver Is Awesome
A cordless screwdriver is portable and will help users get tasks done quickly with minimal manual effort.
Best Cordless Screwdriver:
After considering all the options, we have chosen the DEWALT Cordless Two-Position Screwdriver Kit as our top pick for cordless screwdrivers.
- Very versatile
- Solid battery life
- Serious power
Recommended Bestsellers
- FOR EVERYDAY USE - This cordless electric screwdriver is your go-to for small projects
- CIRCUIT SENSOR TECHNOLOGY - Patented technology safely detects electrical current in outlets switches and fixtures
- EASY TO USE - Change to forward or reverse with a turn of the collar
- 2IN1 DESIGN – Use as a cordless screwdriver and a rechargeable flashlight.
- 3-POSITION PIVOTING HANDLE – Comfort-grip handle pivots into 3 different positions, so you can access tight spaces and work in different orientations.
- BUILT-IN FLASHLIGHT – LED brightens up dark areas whenever you need it.
- EASY TO USE - The perfect cordless electric screwdriver for everyday needs and DIY projects.
- GOOD FOR TIGHT SPACES - Get the job done in tight tough-to-reach places.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN - This power screwdriver style allows easy grip and handling with a two-finger trigger.
Common Questions
Here are some articles that answer the most popular questions about cordless screwdrivers and screwdriver accessories.
Conclusion
A cordless screwdriver can make work around the home so much easier and can help accomplish tasks in a much shorter period of time. Long ago, there were no cordless screwdrivers; screwdrivers were manually turned using your hand and arm muscles. Save on hand fatigue and make your life easier by purchasing a quality cordless electric screwdriver so that you can build more in less time and with less effort. You will not be sorry. Look for additional features that can help make tasks around the home even easier. I hope that our top ten picks of the best cordless screwdriver reviews will help you to purchase the model that will best fit your building and household tasks.
Related Articles:
- Different Types of Screws and When to Use Each
- The Differences Between a Cordless Screwdriver and a Cordless Drill
- Cordless Screwdriver Tips to Make Life a Lot Easier
- How to Remove a Stripped Screw: Tips and Prevention
More Product Reviews:
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 15:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API