The simple, lightweight tool for all of your DIY needs.
Flatpack furniture, and other such jobs that demand tightening large numbers of screws, can soon turn from exciting to tedious. Driving in the first screw in that new bookcase is almost exhilarating, like waking up on Christmas morning as a five-year-old. By the fourth screw, the excitement level has dropped, and by the tenth, you’re just rolling your eyes. Each screw jabs into you and steadily deflates your enthusiasm until you’re left eying the IKEA bookcase with utter contempt.
Related: The best cordless drills under £100
Such is the way of modern life, we expect to exert as little energy as possible in tasks and we certainly don’t expect them to hold our concentration for long. A little screwdriver can help make faster work of the repetitive screwdriver tasks that we frequently encounter.
Isn’t a screwdriver just a drill?
The recommended cordless screwdrivers you'll see below are more compact and lighter than drills. Rather than chucks, they tend to have quick-change hex bit holders for easy use. They are generally much cheaper than drills, and also, they don't drill, although some can be fitted with drilling attachments.
While they aren’t as powerful as a drill, or as versatile, they are good at their intended purpose of driving little screws into predrilled holes and are therefore a useful tool to have in the DIY draw. As you'll see, there are some with a surprising array of attachments.
Related: The best tools for DIY
The best cordless screwdrivers:
Amazon exclusive
This Ryobi kit addresses the issue of reaching awkwardly placed screws with the right angle and has offset head attachments included. The former is self-explanatory, but the latter lets you drive screws against perpendicular surfaces. Itu2019s the most powerful screwdriver here, offering 5Nm of torque. Plug in the micro USB cable and charge it from a regular home plug (fully charged in three hours). It comes with 10 screwdriver bits.
Pros
Ryobi quality
Included case and attachments
Cons
Only a modest selection of screwdriver bits included
www.tooled-up.com
For relative versatility, the fifth-generation IXO tool is brilliant. In the small case, you get the tool, charger, and 10 screwdriver bits. Like the Ryobi, it has a three hour charge time with a micro USB cable. However, there are attachments you can get that totally transform it. You can get a corkscrew attachment, and a BBQ spice mill one, too, to name a couple u2013 see the available attachments below.
Pros
Versatility
Good base price
Cons
No extra attachments included
Attachments compatible with Bosch IXO IV, V, and VI models:
1 of 7Bosch IXO Angle Adaptor
Reach screws on the underside of shelving with this tool.
2 of 7Bosch IXO Drill Adaptor
Turn your screwdriver into a mini drill. This adaptor allows you to drill up to 5mm holes. Uses 1/4-inch hex shank drill bits.
3 of 7Bosch IXO Offset Angle Adaptor
Reach awkward screws against perpendicular surfaces.
4 of 7Bosch IXO BBQ Fan Adaptor
Blow some more oxygen into your BBQ to build a strong flame faster.
5 of 7Bosch IXO Corkscrew Adaptor
Turns your screwdriver into a corkscrew.
7 of 7Bosch IXO Spice Mill Attachment
Effortlessly grinds spices. Can also be used manually.
Related: The best impact drivers
www.tooled-up.com
If itu2019s a range of screwdriver bits you want, the Sealey unit is for you. In addition to the smorgasbord of bits, at the base of the handle, there's an LED torch. It produces 3.5Nm of torque, a three to five-hour charge time, and comes in a storage case.
Bits included: Slotted - 3 (x2), 4 (x2), 5 (x2), 6mm (x2), Phillips - #1 (x5), #2 (x5), #3 (x4), Pozi - #1 (x4), #2 (x4), #3 (x4), TRX-Star* - T8 (x2), T10 (x2), T15 (x2), T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, Hex - 3 (x2), 4 (x2), 5mm (x2).
Pros
Huge bit range
LED torch in the grip
Cons
Longer charge time than the Bosch and Ryobi
Most compact
This is the smallest screwdriver here, but donu2019t write it off as gutless because itu2019s part of Boschu2019s Blue range, aimed exclusively at professionals. It weighs a mere 310 grams and is the size of a big garden slug (19cm long), but produces up to an impressive 5Nm of torque.
You can start it by either pressing the Start button or just press it against the material you’re screwing into; it has an electronic brake which stops it immediately after deactivation. It comes in a hard case, with a USB charger, and 25-piece bit set.
Pros
Tiny size
Power
Good bit set range
Cons
Bit pricey
www.tooled-up.com
Bosch has gone funky here. Like the other IXO screwdriver, this one can be fitted with the variety of attachments on offer, so itu2019s just as versatile. It also comes with 10 screwdriver bits, micro USB charging cable, and equally funky storage case. Like the other IXO, there's an LED work light to help illuminate work areas.
Pros
Versatility
Style
Cons
Style has driven the price up a bit
www.ffx.co.uk
For a basic, functional screwdriver for a good price, the Draper tool is for you. Itu2019s nice and light at 360 grams, but like the Sealey set, comes with a big collection of bits u2013 50 in total. With 3.5Nm of torque, it is a great little tool and comes in a storage case.
Pros
Price
50 bits
Cons
Not as versatile as the others
uktoolcentre.co.uk
This unit is particularly comfortable to hold. Also, it has a torquey little motor (5Nm) and so is great for all your basic DIY screwdriver tasks. The classic black and orange Black & Decker colours always give good aesthetics, too.
Pros
Powerful
Ergonomic
Cons
Only includes two bits