Cordless Screwdriver | Battery Powered Screwdriver | Battery Screwdriver

A cordless screwdriver is an invaluable tool for anyone who enjoys DIY projects, home renovations, or simply needs to perform routine household maintenance. Unlike traditional screwdrivers, a battery powered screwdriver offers the convenience of portability and ease of use, making it a must-have in any toolkit. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using a battery screwdriver, discuss the various types available, and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

Benefits of Using a Cordless Screwdriver

Portability and Convenience

Enjoy the Freedom of a Battery Powered Screwdriver

One of the main advantages of a cordless screwdriver is its portability. Without the need for a power cord, a battery powered screwdriver allows you to move freely around your workspace without being restricted by cable length or access to power outlets. This is especially useful for tasks that require working in tight spaces or on ladders, where maneuverability is crucial. The lightweight design of most battery screwdrivers also reduces hand fatigue, making them ideal for extended use.

Versatility and Efficiency

Complete a Variety of Tasks with a Battery Screwdriver

A cordless screwdriver is incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of tasks from assembling furniture to installing curtain tracks and ceiling fixtures. The power and speed of a battery powered screwdriver enable you to drive screws quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort compared to using a manual screwdriver. Many battery screwdrivers also come with adjustable torque settings, allowing you to control the amount of force applied and prevent over-tightening or stripping screws.

Ease of Use

Simplify Your Projects with a Cordless Screwdriver

Using a cordless screwdriver is straightforward and easy, even for those with limited DIY experience. Most battery screwdrivers feature an ergonomic design with comfortable grips and intuitive controls, making them user-friendly and accessible to everyone. The rechargeable batteries in a battery powered screwdriver ensure you always have power when you need it, and many models come with a battery indicator to let you know when it’s time to recharge.

Types of Cordless Screwdrivers

Standard Cordless Screwdriver

Perfect for Everyday Tasks

A standard cordless screwdriver is designed for everyday household tasks and light-duty projects. These battery powered screwdrivers are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and ideal for small jobs like assembling flat-pack furniture or hanging pictures. While they may not have the same power as more advanced models, standard battery screwdrivers are perfect for occasional use and are a great addition to any basic tool kit.

Heavy-Duty Battery Screwdriver

Ideal for Tougher Jobs

A heavy-duty battery screwdriver is designed for more demanding tasks that require additional power and torque. These models are typically larger and more robust than standard cordless screwdrivers, making them suitable for heavy-duty projects like installing ceiling curtain tracks, mounting shelves, or building wooden structures. A heavy-duty battery powered screwdriver often comes with multiple speed settings and a higher torque range, providing the strength needed to handle tougher materials and larger screws.

Compact Battery Powered Screwdriver

Great for Tight Spaces and Precision Work

A compact battery powered screwdriver is perfect for tasks that require working in confined spaces or require precision. These cordless screwdrivers are smaller and lighter than standard models, making them easy to maneuver in tight areas like corners, drawers, or cabinets. A compact battery screwdriver often features a slim design and an adjustable head, allowing you to access hard-to-reach screws with ease. This type of screwdriver is ideal for intricate work where precision and control are essential.

How to Choose the Right Cordless Screwdriver

Consider Your Needs and Projects

Find the Perfect Battery Powered Screwdriver for Your Tasks

When choosing a cordless screwdriver, it’s essential to consider the types of projects you plan to tackle and your specific needs. Think about the size and scope of your projects, as well as the types of materials you’ll be working with. For light-duty tasks around the house, a standard battery screwdriver may be sufficient. However, if you’re planning more substantial projects or need a tool for professional use, a heavy-duty battery powered screwdriver might be more appropriate. Understanding your needs will help you select the right tool for the job.

Evaluate Battery Life and Charging Time

Ensure Continuous Operation with the Right Battery Screwdriver

Battery life is a crucial factor when selecting a cordless screwdriver. A battery powered screwdriver with a longer battery life allows you to work uninterrupted, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Look for models with high-capacity batteries and consider how long it takes to recharge the battery fully. Some battery screwdrivers come with spare batteries or quick-charge capabilities, ensuring you always have a backup when needed. Evaluate your typical usage patterns and choose a battery screwdriver that meets your requirements for battery life and charging time.

Check for Additional Features

Enhance Your Experience with a Feature-Rich Cordless Screwdriver

Many cordless screwdrivers come with additional features that enhance their usability and convenience. Look for battery powered screwdrivers with adjustable torque settings, LED work lights, and magnetic bit holders for added functionality. Some models also come with a variety of interchangeable bits, allowing you to tackle different types of screws and fasteners without needing multiple tools. A battery screwdriver with these features can make your projects more efficient and enjoyable, providing added value and versatility.

Conclusion

A cordless screwdriver is an essential tool for anyone looking to simplify their DIY projects and home maintenance tasks. With the convenience of portability, the versatility to handle a range of jobs, and the ease of use, a battery powered screwdriver is a valuable addition to any toolkit. Whether you need a standard model for everyday use or a heavy-duty battery screwdriver for tougher projects, there’s a cordless screwdriver out there to meet your needs. Explore our selection of battery powered screwdrivers today and find the perfect tool to help you tackle your next project with confidence.

What are cordless screwdrivers?

Cordless screwdrivers are versatile electric hand tools designed to drive screws. Compared to their manual counterparts, they help save time and effort on tasks which involve installing lots of screws, such as constructing flat-pack furniture. Prices of these tools can vary from around £6 to several hundreds of pounds, depending on the type of tool.

Cordless screwdrivers – also called electric screwdrivers – are portable, can fit easily in the palm of the hand, and can be used for many different projects in and around the home; from light maintenance to major DIY jobs.

With these power tools, there’s no need to worry about electrical cords getting in the way as cordless screwdrivers are powered by rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion.

What are the features and benefits of cordless screwdrivers?

One of the best features of cordless screwdrivers is they can be used for driving in or taking out screws from awkward and hard-to-reach places.

Here are some benefits of owning a cordless screwdriver:

• Energy efficient – compared to a hand-driven screwdriver, an electric screwdriver will save effort and energy, as well as wear and tear on hands.
• Time efficient – it takes half the time to drive in a screw with an electric screwdriver compared to doing it manually, helping increase productivity.
• Precision – a cordless screwdriver allows for more accurate and precise driving, mainly because of the torque and speed which can’t be achieved manually.
• Versatility – because a cordless screwdriver includes a variety of bits, there’s no need to carry a whole set of manual screwdrivers.
  Cost effective – it costs less to buy an electric screwdriver kit with a range of interchangeable bits than a range of manually-driven screwdrivers.

What cordless screwdriver is best?

When it comes to choosing the best cordless screwdriver for the job in hand, it can be a difficult choice with such a wide range of products available.

Although the more powerful and larger devices are up to most jobs, they can also be quite impractical for light-duty tasks. They’re usually less versatile as they come with fewer multi-functional features.

The power of a cordless screwdriver mostly depends on the voltage of its battery. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the tool will be – and often the more expensive. Usually higher voltage cordless screwdrivers weigh more than lower voltage ones, but if the tool is only for occasional use then its weight might not be an issue.

The voltage of a cordless power tool is often printed on its battery or on the side of the tool itself.

There are different aspects to take into account when choosing the best cordless screwdriver: the different types available on the market, their core features such as speed and torque power, and finally the application you are going to use them for.

Generally, cordless screwdrivers range from 3 to 10.8 volts. Below are some of the most popular models of cordless screwdrivers and their uses:

Cordless screwdriver types

Straight – a straight cordless screwdriver has a straight handle with a bit at the end and looks like a manual screwdriver.
Pistol – a pistol cordless screwdriver resembles a cordless drill, though is usually lighter, more compact and not as powerful.

Variable – a variable cordless screwdriver combines the benefits of straight and pistol models. It can be held in a straight position or bent at a pivot point to create a pistol-style grip.

Simple electric screwdrivers – this standard type of electric screwdriver looks like a traditional screwdriver. It’s good for light tasks and small spaces, but often has only 3.6v or 4v of power, so isn’t great for tougher jobs.

Impact screwdriver – a more powerful option is an impact driver, which is best for large screws or removing rusty or damaged screws.
Drill driver – this is a good option if you want a tool that drives screws but also drills. Drill drivers fit both drill bits and screwdriver bits, which could save money long term.

What are the key features of cordless screwdrivers?

Here are some of the key features of cordless screwdrivers which should be considered when choosing the right one for the job:

Speed – varying the screwdriver speed provides greater control and helps adapt to different materials and types of screw. Electric screwdrivers also come with reverse action to remove screws if needed.
Torque control – on electric screwdrivers it’s possible to change the rotating force (known as torque) for more control. Bigger, heavier screws often need more force behind them than smaller, lighter ones. Controlling the torque settings also helps get the screw heads flush with the surface being drilled.
Spindle lock – some cordless screwdrivers will lock the mechanism so you can use it as a manual tool.
Handle – it’s possible to get a better grip with a rubberised or soft handle – useful for tougher jobs or sweaty hands.
Cost – consider that the higher the battery’s voltage, the more expensive it’s likely to be, so it’s worth thinking about how the tool will be used in the future. A low-voltage tool may save money initially but could have problems in the long run when used for more heavy-duty tasks.
Additional features – some cordless screwdrivers come with accessories such as carry cases or a selection of screw bits, and some feature LED lights to help with working in dark conditions.
What voltage is best?
Light-duty jobs
Driving small screws into softer materials like softwood (such as pine or cedar), plastic and plasterboard is considered light duty and shouldn’t need much power. For light duties, a cordless screwdriver with a lower voltage such as 4v or less is sufficient.
Light and heavy-duty jobs
Drilling small holes and driving small screws into hardwoods such as oak or walnut and ceramics is considered heavy duty and will require more power. For this type of work, go for a cordless screwdriver with a higher voltage of 7v or more.
Can you use a cordless screwdriver as a drill?
Both cordless screwdrivers and cordless drills can be used interchangeably, but each of these tools offer advantages and disadvantages. If considering using a cordless screwdriver instead of a cordless drill, here are a few things to know first:
Cordless screwdrivers
Compact and lightweight
Low power compared to cordless drills
Perfect for small projects and assembling
Ideal for tasks which require a regular screwdriver
Great for slowly advancing screws and not stripping
Easily controllable
Typically less expensive than cordless drills
Cordless drills
High powered
Designed for drilling holes in a variety of materials
Perfect for projects where high torque and speed are required
Heavier/bulkier power tools
More skill/effort to control
Highly versatile tool with many attachments that can be used
Usually cost more than cordless screwdrivers
When to use a cordless screwdriver
Cordless screwdrivers are lightweight and very easy to use. That means they’re ideal for smaller projects around the house, such as:

Removing a cabinet door
Replacing an outlet cover
Removing the battery cover on an item
Hanging a picture frame
Putting flat pack furniture together
Craft projects
Minor repairs

When to use a cordless drill

Cordless drills are versatile tools that are much more powerful than cordless screwdrivers, offering more speed and torque. Drills can be used around the house like screwdrivers, but they are best used for bigger tasks including:

Drilling holes in a variety of materials
Cutting a hole with a hole saw
Hanging dry wall

So while it’s possible that a cordless screwdriver can be used as a drill, it’s better to do so only when carrying out light maintenance or DIY jobs which don’t require the speed and power of a drill.

For a more detailed overview on cordless drills and drill bit sets, read our cordless drills guide

Cordless screwdriver bits

Each type of screwdriver needs the correct screwdriver bit. Listed below are some of the most commonly used bits:

Phillips – one of the most common, it has a cross shaped head.

Phillips tamper-resistant – these have the same size options and shape as the regular Phillips but also a tamper-resistant pin located in the centre.

Pozidriv – it looks similar to the Philips but has ribs between each of the four arms of the cross, helping increase the grip.
Torx – also called a star bit, this screw bit has a hexagonal shape.

Torx plus – Torx plus is a relatively new screwdriver bit which allows for more torque to be applied, even if driving at very high speed.
Robertson (square) – this type of screw bit has a square tip.

Tri-wing – also known as triangular slotted, this screwdriver has three radial slots.
Spanner – spanner bits have two small identical round pins that fit into the holes on the spanner screw head.

Hex – they have the same hexagon shaped head as an allen key but are designed to fit into a drill to give access when working against obstacles that limit the use of an allen key.

Nutsetters – nutsetters have a hexagon shape similar to internal hex drives but the nutsetter bits fit over the screw rather than into it.

Drywall bits – essentially Phillips bits that have a metal ring near to the end.