For improved performance look for a variable speed control function and the number of torque settings that the cordless screwdriver provides. This cordless screwdriver is a neat piece of kit though, well-built and powerful, yet compact and light to use. It is powered by a 3.6 Volt 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery that can hold its charge for surprisingly long periods (depending on the workload of course) and charges in around 3 hours. Also, a battery protection circuit protects against over-discharging and over-heating, therefore extending the battery life.

If you’re looking for an electric screwdriver that’s ridiculously easy to use and makes you think “why didn’t they do that before?” you need the Bosch PushDrive cordless screwdriver. The beauty of this power screwdriver is in its simplicity – all you need to do is push and go. Key specs – Power: 18V; Speeds: 10; Max speeds: 650rpm; Max torque: 30Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: 18Vproprietary; Accessories: 1 bit; Weight: 750g If you’re looking to get some serious work done, the Makita DF001DW has you covered. It can switch between pistol-grip and standard barrel screwdriver modes for different situations, and it feels extremely robust in the hand. Even the micro-USB port in the handle has a cover. A two-way switch at the top of the handle drives screws in or out at a single speed. This one’s great for bigger projects: it’s versatile, it’s got plenty of welly and it comes with an 81-piece set of bits that should cover just about everything you would need. With a respected brand like Makita, you know you’re not getting poor-quality accessories. It’s a little large for some smaller jobs, though, and a little too fierce for jobs that need finesse, such as PC builds or appliance repairs. When you’re up to something major, though, this is a top tool for the job. The NoCry Cordless Electric Screwdriver. By far the most powerful of all our electric screwdrivers, it’s capable of delivering up to 10 Nm of force and up to 230 rpm. This means it requires a larger and therefore slightly heavier (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery than its competitors (7.2 Volts versus 3.6 Volts). But, the larger battery has a greater capacity and can drill up to a whopping 300 screws on a single charge. A battery power indicator displays how much charge is remaining, and this charge time is between 3 and 5 hours.As with most drill-drivers, the battery is a separate unit that slides onto the bottom of the handle. It’s charged by its own charger and can take up to six hours to charge. This and the sheer size means it’s not as convenient a tool for basic household DIY, but it’s a brilliant and affordable option when you have something more ambitious in mind. Unlike some of the articulated electric drivers on my list, this is a purely straight screwdriver that’s suited to getting into tight spaces. There’s plenty of rubberised plastic on the handle which makes it grippy, and a battery charge indicator just behind it. You can also press the soft-touch button to cycle through three different torque settings.

The weight of any handheld tool is important, particularly for prolonged use, and electric screwdrivers are no exception. More powerful versions will tend to weigh a little more. However, the WX240 really comes into its own if you’re working in cramped spaces, or doing fiddly jobs where a larger cordless driver with more of a pistol grip might get in the way. I used both the WX240 and the Bosch IXO to assemble a PC inside a new case, and while the Bosch was fine for removing external case screws, the Worx was a lot more usable inside the case and for getting screws into the motherboard. It charges in under 90 minutes over a USB-C cable, and will happily last for around 35 to 45 minutes of work. For bigger screws on DIY jobs, you might want something with a little more power and torque; but if you need something that feels and works more like a manual screwdriver, this is the one to buy. This rechargeable screwdriver is more versatile than its competitors. There are 6 settings for torque control (5 forward and 1 reverse) and variable speed control. It’s controlled by how tightly you squeeze the trigger. So, you can exert a greater level of control over your job and, crucially, avoid over-tightening or damaging screw heads. The powerful motor can deliver a torque of 4 Nm and generate up to 220 rpm. It’s more than capable of providing all your screwdriving needs in the home and garden. The kit includes a micro-USB type adaptor, a USB micro charging cable and a massive 81-piece bit set in a sturdy storage case. FFX are proud to offer a range of products from Makita, the foremost manufacturer of power tools in the world. With close to 100 years experience, their products are lauded the world over for both their performance and quality. Innovation : Key to Makita's vision is the constant strive for innovation in their technology and their products. From their safety solutions like AVT and dust extraction, through to their Lithium-Ion battery and chargers technology, Makita is at the forefront for new ideas. This is all down to their dedicated research and development centre in Japan, where engineers work hard to constantly improve their products in all aspects, from power consumption through to ergonomic design and function.

The IXO’s plentiful power is contained within a very compact footprint. This rechargeable screwdriver is also extremely light, weighing just over 600 grams. This factor, the soft-grip handle and the overall ergonomic design make it extremely comfortable to use. An integrated task light comes in useful when working in dark corners such as under work surfaces. Most of the models with built-in batteries charge from a standard wall charger, or even in many cases via a micro-USB port. This is convenient if you’re travelling around and also means you can keep using your screwdriver even if you lose the charger supplied. A few still use some form of charging cradle, where the tool slots into place. Makita are a leader in power tool technology for professional and DIY work. Best in class for cordless power tool technology makes Makita a safe bet. Not all lithium-ion batteries are alike: some will hold a charge better than others, while some will also charge faster, within two or three hours. Accessories Electric screwdrivers are as easy to use as manual screwdrivers, but there are a few things you can do to make your life even easier. Drilling a pilot hole is essential when you’re working with hard or brittle materials, it makes screws easier to drive and helps to avoid splitting the workpiece.