Bosch Home and Garden Cordless Screwdriver PushDrive (3.6 Volt, 32 bits, in storage box)

Product Information

But the screwing capabilities are only half the story here, because Bosch has cleverly designed a host of attachments that can utilise the motor. These include a supremely practical pair of off-set screwdriver heads that makes accessing awkward areas much easier, as well as some arguably more frivolous options such as a corkscrew, BBQ blower (for fanning the flames) and pepper grinder. It’s a neat solution that reduces the number of motors Bosch needs to manufacture, which can only be a good thing for the planet, and we imagine they’re working on a host of other accessories that will only improve the IXO’s versatility in the future.

Electric screwdrivers fall into three camps – pistol grip screwdrivers that give you more stability and grip, straight-handled screwdrivers that can fit into the tightest spaces, and those that convert from a straight handle to a pistol grip to give you the best of both worlds. Getting the Most out of your Electric Screwdriver For improved performance look for a variable speed control function and the number of torque settings that the cordless screwdriver provides. 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. 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. Screwdrivers are an essential tool for most DIY tasks and upgrading to an electric screwdriver offers several advantages. The main benefits include convenience, improved efficiency, less effort to tighten/loosen screws and variable speeds. Therefore, if you are looking to take your DIY efficiency to the next level, there are plenty of models to choose from at your disposal.This Makita Electric Screwdriverhas a slightly different profile to the products previously discussed, with a long but comfortable soft-grip handle. The handle can be pivoted from pistol grip to inline allowing easier access when working in confined spaces. The LED light is helpful in this scenario too. Independent: We will tell you exactly what we think of a product and we would never recommend anything we wouldn't use ourselves. 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. 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.

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. Torque - Measured in Newton Metres (Nm), torque is the tightening force. Most electric screwdrivers have a torque of between 3 to 5 Nm, with some drill drivers having torque values of 30 Nm or even higher. A higher torque will make the screwdriver easier to use and allows you to drive screws into even the hardest of surfaces. 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. 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.

My Top Recommended Electric Screwdrivers

Controls are usually kept simple. The more powerful cordless screwdrivers and drill-drivers will have some form of speed control, but most will have a single speed, forward and reverse gears, and a trigger to squeeze when it’s time to start screwing. Most models now also have some kind of built-in torch function, so you can see what you’re doing in dark corners. How about charging?

It’s hard to find much to dislike about the Bosch Pushdrive. Lightweight and compact with an ergonomic form factor and ease-of-use that makes it especially well suited to working in awkward spaces, it’s basically 32 screwdrivers in one with the included bit set, and of course you can use it with other standard screwdriver bits too. The plastic storage case will hopefully make it easier to keep hold of the charging cables, but even if you lose them they can be easily replaced with standard equipment and in the meantime you’ll still be able to use it as a manual screwdriver. Tech Specs 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. Once you’ve used an electric screwdriver for putting in or taking out a few screws, you’ll never look at a manual screwdriver again. Electric screwdrivers are lightweight, easy to use and more powerful than you might think. Pistol Grip or Straight Grip?

How we choose the best electric screwdrivers

RPM - While professional combi drills can have speeds of 3000rpm+, a screwdriver for everyday tasks only needs 200-400rpm to successfully tighten screws. If you are looking for a more powerful option, make sure you can control the speeds using the trigger, to avoid destroying screw heads and over-tightening. 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. Comprehensive Research: Our team dedicates extensive time and effort to research and analyze products, so you can make informed decisions. 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 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.

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 It’s important to note that, unlike a cordless drill, an electric screwdriver is only suitable for lightweight screws into pre-tapped holes. This is because it doesn’t have the speed or power that’s required to drill holes when compared to a cordless (or corded) drill. However, electric screwdrivers do allow you to work at greater efficiency and they are very versatile tools.

LED lights - A hand extra to have, especially as assembling cupboards and wardrobes involves getting into lots of tight dark corners. Some also have built-in flashlights.