The Best Cordless Screwdriver of 2018

After spending around 18 hours on doing research, speaking with other users both the professional and home users and product-testing. We think the Hitachi DB3DL2 is the best among all we have reviewed. The product offers a 21 clutch setting, variable speed for different kinds of tasks or projects, as well as a double positioning feature. Even if the product only has 3.6 volts of power, its other characteristics can still provide an exceptional performance [Read more]

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Whether you are doing professional work or DIY activities. You are always seeking for tools that provide you the most efficiency and optimum results.

If so you have landed onto the right article. We know that finding the right cordless screwdriver is not always easy as there are plenty of brands and models you can choose from. Furthermore, you don’t know what is important and what’s not; what worths your money and what’s completely wasteful.

And if you were to do your own research then chances are you will end up burning your weekend and valuable leisure time.

So today you are going to learn what are the most important factors when choosing the right electric screwdriver with our buyer’s guide, discover our list of 5 best products and at the end of the article our recommendations that derived from hours of research.

Without any further delay, let’s begin!

What To Consider Before Buying A Cordless Screwdriver?

There are three things you need to know of which we will cover each one of them and those are torque, battery (life and power) and weight and design. But first let’s under what cordless screwdrivers exactly is.

Understanding cordless screwdrivers

The human-powered screwdriver that we know of is given an upgrade with the creation of electric-powered screwdrivers. Its moniker will suggest that the tool is given more power with electricity. Users may expect efficiency from these tools when doing screwing jobs.

The development, however, didn't end there. Electric screwdriver now also comes as a cordless tool or those that run on battery.

One advantage of having this cordless screwdriver aside from its portability is its versatility. You can use it for various project that requires you to move around a lot.

Cordless screwdrivers can also compact for transportation, especially for professional workers or crafters. Along these, you can be saved from the hassle of dealing with power cords while at work.

1. Torque

Torque, when applied to an object, is that force that causes its rotation. The torque in screwdrivers is no different. It is the force of the rotation of the electric screwdriver.​

The significance of having the right torque in a screwdriver is that the power and ease of screwing. Some screws are bigger that require more rotational force, while some are smaller that needs lesser force. Depending on the kinds of job you are working the screwdriver’s torque can make a difference in the job.​

2. Battery (Life and Power)

The main power source of a cordless screwdriver is the battery. There are two roles that batteries play with this tool. First is the voltage, which is the very power that drives the screwdriver in doing the work. Commonly, the higher the voltage the more powerful the tool can be. The voltage we’ve encountered from our research ranges from 4 volts to 20 volts.

The second role played by batteries is the life of the tool. A tool can only work as long as its battery lasts. Some batteries can last for many hours while others cannot. It might be helpful in choosing the cordless screwdriver to also look at its life.​

3.​ Weight and Design

There are some tools that are heavier because of the batteries included, especially if the batteries have higher voltage and energy storage. But, you can also find screwdrivers that are lightweight regardless of the batteries. The heaviest cordless screwdriver in this review is 5 pounds and the lightest is about less than 1 pound.

The design is another feature that you might also want to consider for hand comfort. Most of the cordless screwdrivewith rs in this review have a pistol or gun grip design. In this review, there is a unique one a straight grip.​

Our Evaluation Procedure

We’ve looked through online sites and from local stores to check for cordless screwdrivers and spend most of our time understanding and comparing the features. Our initial list has about 15 cordless screwdrivers.

Narrowing it down was a bit of challenge because the bulk of the information was overpowering and confusing. What helped us through the process is our set of criteria that we’ve created based on the commentaries and testimonies of some users that we’ve talked to. We also discussed and asked recommendations from professional workers and crafters.

From their ideas, we created our buying criteria and focused on these features to trim down the list. We cut it down to our top 5 cordless screwdrivers through scoring them from the common criteria that we developed earlier.

However, our selection was also based on our own review of the product. It was not purely based on what other users or brands have to say about the product.

Our Top Picks

The DEWALT DCF885B 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/4-Inch Impact Driver Bare Tool is the first cordless screwdriver we have for this review.

It is equipped with 20 volts that can be powerful enough to work as a heavy-duty tool.

This voltage rate allows not only a strengthened performance, it can further give more runtime for the batteries.

As to its speed, it can work from 0 up to 2,800 RPM. It is versatile enough for you to work on variable speed settings that cater to different kinds of activity that you may be doing. If you are using its highest speed mode, it is complemented with a 1,400 inch-pound of torque. Overall, the speed and torque can make it a very capable tool.

This cordless screwdriver is designed with a pistol grip to give users easy handling of the tool. It is thin enough for users with limited or smaller grip, which can also provide comfort when doing extended work hours. You can even load the bits or tips with one hand so you will have more efficiency.​

One thing that you have to be mindful of is that the outer casing of the tool seems a little faint or weak. This can be a problem with durability considering that the tool packs a strong motor. There are also reports of faulty light indicators, where it sometimes doesn’t light up when it is supposed to. It can mean careful maintenance on your part or a serious issue like poor light manufacturing.

A second in our review comes from a brand focused on producing superior technology--- Hitachi.

For over 100 years in business, the brand has widened its product portfolio to include innovative tools as the Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Cordless Screwdriver Kit.

We think that the prime feature of this cordless screwdriver is its 21 clutch setting. This feature can give the users a more precise result as well as a controlled use. It further can provide more projects to be done with the tool.

As we are talking of versatility, the tool also has two variable speed setting. It can go from 280 RPM to 780 RPM. These dual speed settings also contribute to better control over the different application of the screwdriver. The torque of the tool is can also go low or fast, which can allow users to work on both delicate and sturdy materials.

One of the trivial, but an impactful feature of this product is the comfort of usage. The tool can be set as a straight screwdriver or a pistol-grip screwdriver. You can set the positioning to whatever will suit your comfort or the kind of work you are doing.​

We find the 3.6 volts power a drawback. It is the lowest from among the tools in this review. This can cause the tool to be less powerful when driving in the screws. Another concern we’ve discovered from this cordless screwdriver is the stripping of the gears. This can cause the tool to prevent the forward and reverse motion from working properly.​

Another cordless screwdriver in this review that comes from an established tool brand is the BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder.

From its name, you are given an overview of the features you can get from the tool, and here is what we think of it:

It has a 70 inch/pound torque, which can be powerful enough to work neatly on a majority of the screw tasks. The torque is complemented with an 180 RPM. The speed of the tool can already give a good rotational force. But, in contrast to other products on this review, this speed is relatively lesser.​

For complex and heavier projects, some users reported that the torque and speed shows a weak performance. It may only be suitable for basic work or the less complicated activities.

The clutch has 6 positions that create the versatile character of the cordless screwdriver. When compared to the Hitachi DB3DL2, it evidently has lower modes. This mode range, however, can perform the basic tasks that you do. This kind of speed can also help in preventing the stripping of the gears.

Its retractable magnetic screw holder is a unique and useful added feature of the tool. The holder can provide the users, like yourself to be more efficient and accurate in the job. It can prevent screws from falling off or from getting off its driving point.

Another concern we found with BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder is that some bits can take time to put into place. You might take time in putting the bits on.

4. HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver 

The fourth cordless screwdriver we reviewed is the HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver with Patented Circuit Sensor Technology and 9-Piece Bit Kit.

Patented Circuit Sensor Technology and 9-Piece Bit KitThe fourth cordless screwdriver we reviewed is the HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver with Patented Circuit Sensor Technology and 9-Piece Bit Kit.

It is designed as a straight cordless screwdriver, which can allow the users to work in tight spaces. It can also allow the user to exert more force when using the product.

Packed inside this straight cordless screwdriver is the 4 volts power. The voltage is boosted with and RPM of about 230 RPM. This is an improvement from the torque and speed of the BLACK+DECKER LI4000, although it is still lesser as compared to other tools.

This speed and torque can still perform the less complex work. If you are into home improvement and smaller scale projects, you might want to consider the HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver with Patented Circuit Sensor Technology and 9-Piece Bit Kit.

One of the features that caught our attention in this cordless screwdriver is the Circuit Sensor. This sensor can detect electric current within an inch away. It can enhance your safety when using the tool because it will determine if a current is on or off.

As to the tool’s versatility, it includes 9 pieces of bits, which can perform different tasks or are suited to work with different kinds of screws. It’s versatile character, is, however, limited by its single speed setting of only 230 RPM.

Another issue we found with the product is that sometimes the motor halts working. This can be a concern for quality, safety, and efficiency.​

The last tool on our list is the Bosch PS10-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Driver Kit. This tool includes a 12-volt battery.

This is one of the highest battery voltage from among the cordless screwdriver I the review, which can mean that this product packs a good enough power to perform difficult tasks.

The torque performance of the product is quite good. It has an 80 pound/inch torque that is relatively higher than BLACK+DECKER LI4000. This can ease out the driving process. The torque power is also capable of driving in many screws on a single charge.

It has a 7+1 clutch settings. As we’ve observed, this is lower than the 21 of the Hitachi DB3DL2. But what we enjoy about this cordless screwdriver is that it can work delicate screw tasks for working soft materials.​

Although it is a full hybrid (dual positioning), the tool resembles a straight cordless screwdriver. It’s head, however, is capable of multi-positions. The head can rotate up to 90 degrees with 5 lock positions. The feature can prevent hand fatigue and provide more comfort.

The speed is also of 12,000 OPM is quite fast, where you can expect it to work on hard or sturdy materials.

However, this tool shows symptoms of weak battery power. There are instances where the battery does not last longer than what we expect it to last.

We also find the bulky handle uncomfortable as when working for longer hours.​

Our Recommendations:

Editor's Pick: Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Cordless Screwdriver Kit

After spending hours reviewing and examining the product, we concluded that the Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Cordless Screwdriver Kit is our Editor’s Choice for this review.

The product brings a variable speed setting of 280 RPM and reaching up to 780 RPM. These settings can allow the users to work on a various project that may need slow or fast speed. The speed is them accompanied with a torque of 70 pounds/ inch that is good for soft or hard material screwing activity.

Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6 Volt Lithium Ion Dual-Position Cordless Screwdriver Kit further affords greater comfort for the users. The grip can be positioned as a pistol or as a straight cordless screwdriver. These positions also help with better control since the user can choose which position is most comfortable.

Runners Up: DEWALT DCF885B 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/4-Inch Impact Driver Bare Tool & BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder

The First Runner-up from among the cordless screwdriver we’ve reviewed is the DEWALT DCF885B 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/4-Inch Impact Driver Bare Tool. This tool packs with it a 20 volts power for strong performance and a variable speed of up to 2,800 RPM.

At first review, this tool can is a good selection for Editor’s Choice. But the tool shows issues with a weak casing that can be an issue for safety and product value. This can be avoided with the right care and maintenance.

Coming as Second Runner-up is the BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder. The product is also a versatile tool with its 6 clutch settings.

Although it only has about 180 RPM, it has 70 pounds/inch torque that can already work for the most screwing activities in a household setting.

​It also gives your more efficiency and accuracy with the help of its magnetic screw holder.