Best Cordless Screwdriver for DIY Projects

Since there are so many well-known brands on the current market, picking out the best cordless screwdriver can be a challenge. You want to have the correct tool for the job, and this requires performing a lot of research. Some options are heavier and bulkier to take on large-scale projects, but they lack the flexibility you’ll need for smaller projects or tighter spaces. Other types of the best cordless screwdriver are smaller and more compact, but they lack power. Finding a delicate balance between size and power can be time-consuming, and it can be confusing if you’ve never shopped for one before. Depending on what you need, the prices will also have huge fluctuations from one to the next. 

My goal is to help you find the best cordless screwdriver to fit your unique needs without breaking the bank, and this is why I’ve created a list of 10 of the best cordless screwdrivers available on the current market for you to take a look at. They come from reputable brands, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, price points, and power levels. You can take a look at the picks, compare them, and use the short buyer’s guide I’ve attached at the end to make your final pick. 

1 Drill DIY
Picking out the best cordless screwdriver gives you a handy tool you can use anywhere around the house for large and small DIY projects. You don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality product from a reputable brand.
DeWALT 12V Cordless Screwdriver by Charles & Hudson / CC BY-SA 2.0

DEWALT Cordless Screwdriver Kit – Top Pick 

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My top pick for the best cordless screwdriver comes from well-known brand DeWalt. You get precision fastening control with this product because it has motion-activated variable speed control. It also comes with a nice reverse control that is also motion-activated to help you get flush screws and tight fastenings. This screwdriver will easily drive screws into light-gauge metal, plastic, and wood, and it offers an RPM that ranges from 0 up to 430. This allows you to tailor your power output to your project, and it reduces the chances that you’ll accidentally strip any screws. 

The handle on this best cordless screwdriver has two adjustable positions, and this lets you use it in a pistol grip or in an in-line grip to match your project space. There is a ¼-inch hex on this drill that lets you quickly change the bits, and it holds one-inch bit tips to make it very versatile. You get dual batteries with this purchase that allow you to swap them out as they die and have one constantly charging to reduce your down-time, and it all packs neatly away in a sleek black and yellow storage and transport bag to keep everything together. The durable handles make it easy to carry and store. 

PROS: 

  • Well-known brand 
  • Quick bit changes
  • Comes with dual batteries 
  • Motion-activated variable speed control
  • Adjustable handle 
  • Carrying and storage bag 
  • Reverse control 

CONS: 

  • Only 430 RPMs

Milwaukee Cordless Screwdriver Kit – Step-Up Pick 

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Milwaukee’s best cordless screwdriver weighs in at just two pounds to make it very lightweight and balanced, and this allows you to tackle those larger projects like building your extension without suffering from operator fatigue. It gives you an impressive 175-inch pounds of torque, and this is enough to drive tough screws through plastic, wood, or thinner metal pieces without it stalling or slipping. The compact design on this product makes it very easy to store between uses, and it also allows you to seamlessly slip into tight spaces without running out of room to maneuver around. This adds flexibility to this tool, and it allows you to take on a host of different projects around your home. 

There is a 15-position clutch on this best cordless screwdriver that gives you superior control over how the tool operates, and it also reduces the chances of stripping out screws. There is a keyless quick-change ¼-inch hex chuck on this screwdriver that gives you one-handed bit insertion and removal to keep your projects moving along smoothly. It comes with a battery and a rapid charger to help reduce your down-time and ensure it’s always ready to go when you are. When you finish with your project, you can pack everything away neatly and securely in the included carrying and storage bag. 

PROS: 

  • Two pounds 
  • 175-inch-pounds of torque 
  • Compact design 
  • 15-position clutch 
  • Two-position handle 
  • Rapid charger 
  • Carrying case 

CONS: 

  • No user manual included 

CRAFTSMAN Cordless Screwdriver – Mid-End Budget Pick

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The best cordless drill for my mid-end budget pick comes from Craftsman, and it doesn’t skimp on power for price. This screwdriver will easily drive up to 325 screws on a single charge, and this is more than enough to complete a smaller or even mid-sized project. It has gyroscopic action on it, and this means that the tool will sense your wrist’s motion when you use it and change speed and direction accordingly to help drive the screws flush into your medium without stripping them. It has a manual screwdriver feel and size, and this compact build makes it easy to slip into tighter spaces when you work. 

There is a micro-USB charging cord on this best cordless screwdriver that makes it quick and easy to plug it in and charge the battery between uses. If you want to use this product as a manual screwdriver, all you have to do is flip the lock-off switch and go to work. You can disengage it when you need more power. There is an LED right light that will illuminate your work area to give you precision control, and you get a battery power status indicator that lets you know when it’s time to charge the tool. It has a rubberized grip on it that allows you to hold it securely as you work. 

PROS: 

  • Drives up to 325 screws per charge 
  • Gyroscopic action 
  • LED light 
  • Micro-USB charging cable 
  • Rubberized grip 
  • LED battery indicator light 
  • Can use in manual mode

 CONS: 

  • Takes a while to charge

SALEM MASTER Cordless Screwdriver – Bargain Budget Pick 

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Anyone who is planning on building outdoor benches this weekend should take a look at Salem Master’s best cordless screwdriver. It has a price point that comes designed to fit into any budget, and it works well for your everyday needs and projects around the house. It has a reverse and forward switch that will change the chuck’s sense of rotation, and it makes one-handed operation very quick, easy, and convenient. The ergonomic design of this product allows you to use it for extended periods of time without worrying about fatigue or straining your hands and wrists. 

It’s lightweight and compact, and this allows you to fit into tight work areas without having to bend or flex, and it packs in a decent amount of power. It also makes it easy to carry from project to project, and it wont’ take up a lot of room in your storage shed until you need it again. The LED lighting allows you to work in darker conditions and get professional-grade results, and you get a host of items when you purchase it. This best cordless screwdriver comes with the screwdriver itself, 31 accessory header kit, one flexible axle, one long screw, a USB charging cable, and a user manual. 

PROS: 

  • Nice price point 
  • Reverse and forward switch 
  • Lightweight and compact 
  • Easy to store and carry 
  • LED light 
  • Comes with accessory kit 
  • Rubberized grip

CONS: 

  • Not a lot of power due to the smaller size

NoCry Cordless Electric Screwdriver – Best for Tackling Different Projects

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NoCry’s best cordless screwdriver comes equipped with a powerful 10 N.m. motor that is up to three times more powerful than items in the same class. It also has a 5+1 torque that ensures you stay in control when you use it. You can adjust the tool’s rotation speed from 0 to 230RPMs, and the clutch on this product will disengage by itself when you reach your desired torque setting to prevent you from stripping out the screws and delaying your project. It works well for home improvement projects, carpentry, and electrical work. You’ll get a 120-volt charger that takes the battery from 0 to 100% in 3.5 hours, and it can drive up to 300 screws per charge. 

The built-in flashlight on this best cordless screwdriver will light up a larger work area because the light is by the handle instead of on the chuck. You get a premium 31-bit kit with each purchase, and it has four square bits, seven hex bits, seven Pozidriv bits, six star bits, and six slotted or flathead bits. You also get a flexible attachment that allows you to work in tight areas. When you purchase this product, it’ll come equipped with a four-year limited warranty against defects. There is also a 30-day refund or replacement guarantee from the date of purchase on each tool. 

PROS: 

  • Up to three times more powerful
  • 5+1 torque 
  • Charges in 3.5 hours 
  • 300 screws per charge
  • Built-in flashlight 
  • 31-bit kit
  • Four-year limited warranty 

CONS: 

  • Chuck is magnetic 

WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screwdriver  – Best for Large Jobs

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This semi-automatic best cordless screwdriver from Worx has a slide-action changer that allows you to quickly and easily switch between six different bits as you work to keep your project moving smoothly. It has a 4-volt MaxLithium battery that will hold power for up to 18-months, and this allows you to build your garden shelves or work around the house with the correct tools whenever the mood strikes you. It has a screw holder attachment that will help keep the screw in place. In turn, you can use this tool with one hand, and this makes it easier to work on your projects without experiencing a lot of fatigue. 

The rapid reloadable cartridge on this best cordless screwdriver doubles as a handy storage compartment that means you don’t have to put bits in your pocket when you work. It comes loaded with six different bits that let you take on a decent range of DIY projects around your home without having to break multiple tools out and carry them around. It has an internal battery that you connect to a charger when it starts to die, and you can easily top it up between projects. It weighs in at just over a pound, and this makes it a very maneuverable product that you can use for hours on end without a problem. 

PROS: 

  • Slide-action charger 
  • Holds a charge for 18 months 
  • Comes with six bits 
  • One-handed operation 
  • Lightweight 
  • Screw holder 
  • Ergonomic design 

 CONS: 

  • Handle is small 

Enertwist Cordless Screwdriver – Best for Dark Work Sites

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This best cordless screwdriver by Enertwist offers a powerful eight-volt motor that puts out a higher performance level than others, and it will deliver up to 88 inch-pounds of max torque that allows it to fit a broad range of fastening and drilling applications. You get 21 clutch and 1 drill setting to give you precise control as you work, and you can easily adjust it based on your application. The no-load speed 230 RPM allows you to drive screws into lighter-gauge metals, wood, and plastic with ease. It comes equipped with a ¼-inch hex that gives you quick bit changes as you work, and it will hold one-inch tips. 

This best cordless screwdriver comes with a 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery built into the design, and it can drive over 300 screws in on a single charge. There is a dual position handle on this product that lets you choose between a pistol grip or an in-line grip, and you’ll get a bright LED light built in that will illuminate dark work spaces. It’s 11-inches long and weighs in at 1.13-pounds, and this allows you to operate it for extended periods without experiencing operator fatigue. You get an 82-piece accessory kit with a portable case to keep everything neat and organized when you buy it, and it has a two-year quality promise attached from the date of purchase. 

PROS: 

  • Eight-volt motor 
  • 88 inch-pounds of max torque 
  • 21 clutch and 1 drill setting 
  • 230 RPMs
  • 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery 
  • LED light 
  • Dual-position handle 

CONS: 

  • Kit has flimsy latches 

BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver – Best for Tight Spaces

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Black+Decker is a very well-known company that makes some of the best cordless screwdrivers on the market, and this particular model is great for working in tight spaces due to the compact size. You’ll be able to easily slide it into your tool storage setup without taking up a lot of room. It comes equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery that can hold a charge for up to 18-months with light usage, and it has a handle that you can cycle through three different positions to match your work space. This adds a nice flexibility factor to this tool to ensure you can use it for more applications. 

There is a spindle lock on this best cordless screwdriver that lets you use it as a manual screwdriver for better control, and you get a forward and reverse switch that makes it easy to drive and remove screws as you work along. You get the screwdriver, two hex shank bits, and a charger with each purchase. This is enough to get you started on your projects, and it has an ergonomic handle with a rubberized grip that allows you to work for hours at a time without worrying about fatigue or slipping. There are nine different styles you can choose from when you order to tailor the product to suit your needs. 

PROS: 

  • Reputable company 
  • Compact size 
  • Holds a charge for 18 months 
  • Three position handle 
  • Spindle lock 
  • Ergonomic design 
  • Rubberized grip

CONS: 

  • Difficult to charge 

TACKLIFE Cordless Screwdriver – Best for Building Garden Boxes

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The final entry on the best cordless screwdriver list comes from Skil, and it works wonderfully for everyday use. You can use it to hang up your apartment decor, install flooring, or build items for your plants. It comes equipped with unique circuit sensor technology that will help you detect any live wires in switches, outlets, fixtures, or cords from up to a full inch away to keep you safe and prevent shocks. All you have to do is press the detection button and it’ll flash red if it detects live wires. It can put out up to 230RPMs to help you tackle smaller or larger-scale projects, and it’s easy to switch from forward to reverse by turning the screwdriver’s collar as you’re working along. 

There is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery built into this best cordless screwdriver that will hold a charge for months at a time with repeated use, and it uses a USB-micro cord to charge. In turn, you can charge it with your computer, a mobile phone charger, or a power bank without a problem. There is also a dual LED light on this tool that makes it easy to see all around your work area. 

PROS:

  • Flexible and versatile 
  • Circuit Sensor Technology detects live wires
  • 230RPMs
  • Long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery 
  • Micro-USB charging cord 
  • Dual LED lighting 
  • Compact

CONS: 

  • No USB block included 

Best Cordless Screwdriver Buying Guide 

When you start shopping for the best cordless screwdriver, what buying criteria do you use to measure the different options you have? It’s important to have a list on-hand when you start to shop because there are so many options available. This short buyer’s guide will outline what you should look for when you start comparing products to find the best cordless screwdriver for your needs. 

2 Drill in Case
Having a buying guide will lay out the criteria you want to keep in mind when you start shopping for your new product. It’ll help you narrow your choices down straight away so they’re not so overwhelming.
IMG_0122 by Derek Curry / CC BY-SA 2.0

Purpose

What do you intend to use your best cordless screwdriver for? For example, you won’t need a huge model if the main purpose is small DIY projects around the house like creating garden signs you wood burn. But, you’ll need more power if you plan to take on large-scale projects like deck or garage building. Decide on the purpose and narrow down the size and power levels you need straight away. 

Weight

Cordless screwdrivers all have different weights on them, and it can range from just over one pound up to over four pounds. While this may not sound like much, it can be a huge strain if you use it for several hours at a clip. Most of the weight comes from the battery and motor, so it’ll be heavier if these items are larger. If you’re not looking at working for long periods at a time, weight won’t be a huge factor. 

Speed and Torque

These are two of the most important variables to consider when you shop for the best cordless screwdriver. Speed refers to how quickly the screwdriver’s chuck rotates, and you’ll see it as RPMs, or rotations per minute. Some can reach up to 500 RPMs. Torque is how much force the tool rotates with, and it’ll give you a good idea of the power level. Look for a product that offers a variable torque and speed rating. 

Battery Life

If you’re taking on a large-scale project like working with landscape timbers, you want a long battery life. Many of the products on the list have Lithium-Ion batteries that are very durable, but they have a huge charge range. Some will stay charged enough to drive 300 or 400 screws while others can stay charged for up to 18 months. Lithium-Ion batteries are lightweight, compact, and they’re powerful. If you don’t get an internal battery, make sure your battery has a rapid-charging feature, or get two. 

Ergonomic Design

An ergonomic design will fit comfortably in your hard to reduce fatigue, and this makes it easier to work for longer periods. You’ll find that manufacturers use different materials on the grips, and they also make them different shapes. For the best cordless screwdriver, you want a grip that sits in your hand with a rubberized coating to prevent slips. If you only plan to use your drill for short bursts, you can put up with a clunkier grip. 

3 Drill with Battery
Ideally, any drill you get or tool you use will be a good fit for your hand size and shape because this can help keep you comfortable as you work.
New Bosch Acu drill in the plastic case by Marco Verch Professional Photographer / CC BY 2.0

Warranty 

Finally, take a look at the warranty. They come in limited and full. Ideally, you’ll get a full warranty because it can protect you from more damage instead of just defects. Some companies offer lifetime warranties, but you’ll most likely see one to three-year warranties attached from the date of purchase. As always, the longer warranty is better. Double-check what is and isn’t covered and how long it lasts before you buy it. 

Bottom Line 

Picking out the best cordless screwdriver doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. If you find the correct one, it’s easy to take on a host of DIY projects like restoring your walkways or hanging up your new wall decor. I’ve picked out 10 great options for you to look through, and you can use them with the buyer’s guide to narrow down your choice and get a tool that will help you tackle all of your projects. 

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