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How Do I Choose the Best Rechargeable Screwdriver?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated May 17, 2024
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When attempting to choose the best rechargeable screwdriver, you will need to determine how you plan to use it and how often. The first thing you may want to consider is the frequency in which you will use your rechargeable screwdriver. Other factors that must be considered in order to ensure that you have purchased the best rechargeable screwdriver include the charging speed of the battery, the availability of replacement batteries and the type of charger that the unit requires. You will also want to decide whether you want a straight-style screwdriver or a drill-like gun model.

A rechargeable screwdriver is a convenient tool to have at the ready around the home or garage. Unfortunately, there are several styles of the device to choose from and finding the best unit for your money can be confusing. Typically, the best type of rechargeable screwdriver is often sold as a kit, allowing the consumer to get valuable accessories with the purchase. Ordinarily, you may wish to choose a screwdriver that is equipped with a replaceable battery. This will allow you to replace the battery in your screwdriver when it fails to hold a charge instead of replacing the entire tool.

As with any tool that you will be using frequently, it is usually best to purchase a rechargeable screwdriver that comes with a lifetime guarantee. This is a sign of a quality tool and provides a resource if and when your screwdriver fails to operate correctly. You will want to read the fine print, however, as some warranties do not cover the battery, charger or screwdriver casing. This can save you frustration later on as you attempt to use your warranty. When purchased as a kit, your rechargeable screwdriver, the batteries as well as the battery charging unit are all typically covered under the same warranty, allowing for easy replacement.

Some rechargeable screwdriver devices are equipped with rapid-charge capabilities. While this may seem like a good idea, these rechargeable screwdriver batteries often do not hold a charge as long as a traditional battery. You may find that your screwdriver is in the charger more than it is in your hand. Commonly, a good nickel-cadmium (Ni-cad) battery will offer good power, torque and charging longevity while also offering a long life. You may wish to purchase the screwdriver in a kit that offers a second battery pack; this will allow you to have one charged battery in reserve at all times.

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Discussion Comments

By golf07 — On Jan 18, 2012

I have never had any kind of power screwdriver, but think it sounds like a great idea. I have a lot of arthritis in my hands, and sometimes something as simple as turning a screwdriver can be really painful.

It sounds like something like this would be light weight and easy to use. It would be smaller and more convenient than using a drill.

Do they make these with interchangeable parts? If I am doing something that needs a Phillips head instead of a straight screwdriver, can you interchange them?

It would be nice if I only had to buy one power screwdriver that came with two different heads so I could use it no matter what I needed it for.

By sunshined — On Jan 17, 2012

My husband has all different kinds of power tools, so when I bought him a rechargeable screwdriver, I knew he would be happy.

The funny thing is, I find that I use this even more than he does. One feature I really enjoy on this screwdriver is the auto lock. If I am not pushing on the power button, it automatically locks and I can use it as a normal screwdriver.

I will probably always keeps other screwdrivers around, but find this is the first one I look for when I need a screwdriver for something.

If this is something you are considering buying, I would make sure it comes with replaceable batteries. There is nothing more frustrating to have the batteries go out on you and no way to replace them.

By SarahSon — On Jan 17, 2012

I wondered how useful something like cordless screwdrivers would be, and thought it would just be another gadget that sits around and never gets used.

After using this a few times though, I must say I am hooked. It makes small jobs where you need to use a screwdriver so much easier.

One thing I like about this cordless screwdriver is it takes two AA batteries. What I like about this is when the batteries are dead, I can simply replace with fresh batteries and I don't have to worry about replacing the whole unit.

I have a better recharger that I use to recharge most of the batteries I use around the house, so replacing the batteries is not that big of a deal for me.

I don't think I would get the best results using this for heavy duty projects, but for quick and easy jobs, it works great.

By EdRick — On Jan 16, 2012

@rugbygirl - Well, I guess not much is worth owning if you don't use it often! If you have a good cordless drill, like 12 volts, it is probably more powerful than the VersaPak screwdriver anyway.

I use my Black and Decker rechargeable screwdriver often, so I do find it worthwhile. Like you, I have a cordless drill, but it is bulky and rather heavy and not my favorite choice for quick fixes. I also like that the heads of my electric screwdriver are magnetic!

A nice feature that mine has is that it can bend in the middle. That's particularly nice when you're working with ready-to-assemble furniture (Ikea, anyone?) that has fairly small spaces to work in. The cordless drill would never fit and even regular screwdrivers are often too long for the space.

By rugbygirl — On Jan 16, 2012

If you are not going to use the screwdriver often, you might find that owning an electric screwdriver is not worth the effort. I had a nice one that we got as a wedding present, a Black and Decker one with a VersaPak battery.

A new VersaPak battery is great. It doesn't take too long to charge and you can keep it plugged in all the time. It's also not too expensive to replace.

But they wear out after about five years whether you use them often or not. (It's possible that mine would have lasted longer if we had NOT kept it plugged in all the time but just charged the battery when we needed it, but that kind of defeats the purpose if it's not always available).

Since we only used the screwdriver a couple of times a year, we were having to replace the battery after only about ten uses! Seems not worthwhile. We do also have a cordless drill and with the multi-tasking, it seems more worthwhile.

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