Electric Screwdriver

[theoldwizard1]

I need an electric screwdriver, primarily for the wife to use around the house. Here are the requirements.

• Straight handle, no pistol grip. Folding is acceptable.
• No bits required
• Low cost (<$50)
• Good torque
• Low speed
• The only rechargeable platform I have is M12. Built in rechargeable batteries are acceptable IF they use a standard phone charger. AA alkaline are acceptable if they meet the other requirements.

 

[GeoBruin]

The Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver is popular.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Been researching these lately.

Craftsman makes one, that seemed to be my favorite, but can't find it anywhere for sale. Want to hold it before I pull the trigger. Haven't used one, so only speaking from research.

 

[DHCrocks]

what do you mean no bits required? don't you want it to have interchangeable bits for phillips, slotted, hex, torx....

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-3-6V-Smart-Cordless-Screwdriver/dp/B079NL17NT/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=dremel+screwdriver&qid=1611364523&sr=8-4
Bosch makes one that charges with micro USB. but it just breaks the $50 mark.


https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Cordless-Screwdriver-Circuit-Technology/dp/B07C4916LS/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=dremel%2Bscrewdriver&qid=1611364523&sr=8-8&th=1
heres a B&D one for $29

 

[Dumber than lumber]

The Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver is popular.

Got one of them for my son-in-law. He is not much for fixing things. But he really like the DeWalt gyro-driver. Said it was extremely intuitive to use.

 

[rkevins]

I had a similar to this at work years ago it was a real tough screwdriver

Milwaukee 2101-20 M4 Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver (Tool Only)

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’ve kicked around getting one of these for my dad to keep in the drawer under the coffee pot to do odds and ends around the house rather than getting into the garage for something.

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

I usually hate little electric screwdriver doohickeys, but one of my coworkers(electrician) carries around this Skil electric screwdriver, and I'll be damned if its not one of the most handy tools that can fit in a toolpouch. Easy to use as both a regular and electric screwdriver, it has enough torque to get the job done, but not so much that you'll strip screws all day. You can easily "break" a tough screw loose manually with it, and then use the electric function to unscrew it the rest of the way. Cheap, effective, durable, and USB rechargeable. I recommend it.

 

[driz]

I usually hate little electric screwdriver doohickeys, but one of my coworkers(electrician) carries around this Skil electric screwdriver, and I'll be damned if its not one of the most handy tools that can fit in a toolpouch. Easy to use as both a regular and electric screwdriver, it has enough torque to get the job done, but not so much that you'll strip screws all day. You can easily "break" a tough screw loose manually with it, and then use the electric function to unscrew it the rest of the way. Cheap, effective, durable, and USB rechargeable. I recommend it.

Nice driver, I had something similar back in the mid 80s. The only thing I don’t like is lack of removable battery. I figure battery life to be 5 years +- which gives the tool a rather short lifespan overall.


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[Olafur]

Makita and Hitachi both make good el. screwdrivers. But probably out of your price range. I have Hitachi and like it a lot. Overkill for "around the house" use.

 

[webscrounger]

Makita and Hitachi both make good el. screwdrivers. But probably out of your price range. I have Hitachi and like it a lot. Overkill for "around the house" use.

I think I have that one. It's a great driver. Mine is labeled Hitachi but is the same under Metabo. Case, charger and two batteries for $59 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L78Y72J/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[driz]

FYI Hitachi bought Metabo. When you go into Lowe’s and look youll find that their boxes are almost identical.


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[Rinspeed]

Dewalt had a nice folding 7.2V that were a great tool, now discontinued and the replacement looks pretty cheaply made.

 

[Cope]

The Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver is popular.

I have one, and it is great.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I have a black and decker. It’s more than 10 years old and still holds a charge. It is great for removing and installing switch plates when painting. The handle folds to really torque a screw or if using a nut driver. You can do this while pushing the button with no negative effects. I bought it because we had one at work that got used every day and it was basically bulletproof.

 

[mc4life27]

I have one, and it is great.

I have three of them they work awesome


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[elidas]

I also have the Black and Decker. Came from Lowes . I used the hell out of it for many years. I'm retired now but I still have it. When I bought it I thought it was almost a toy. I was wrong. Later I found another at a yard sale no charging cord for a dollar.

 

[64merc]

I have a cool Craftsman that I bought from lowes a couple years back (I think lol). It uses standard interchangeable bits, and charges by micro-USB. It's a little bulky but I like it for little things around the house. I operates by turning your wrist by the way.

The current price of $49 is a little steep though. I think I paid closer to half of that.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...tery-Included-and-Charger-Included/1001363752

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

FYI Hitachi bought Metabo. When you go into Lowe’s and look youll find that their boxes are almost identical.


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Don't want to nit pick, but the Hitachi/Hikoki/Metabo merger was at a corporate level. Metabo, the German based tool company, is still a totally separate lineup of tools, which share no parts or engineering with Hitachi. The only change was purely naming, with Hitachi now being labeled as "Metabo HPT" (HPT = Hitachi Power Tools). Metabo HPT is no different from Hitachi except for the badging, and Metabowerke GmbH hasn't changed its tools. No major retailers carry Metabo tools (German brand) on their shelves.

Really weird corporate decision to rename it that way.

 

[Billy Jack]

I have 3 Black & Deckers from the 90's, all using the 3.6 Versapack batteries. The cool thing about them is the removeable battery, so you're not held up if it quits in the middle of a job. I don't even know if the OEM batteries are available anymore, but the Amazon clones work just fine.
Originally, they just made a straight one.
Later in the 90's they hinged 'em in the middle and called it the Pivot Driver, so I had to buy one of those too. Last year I spied an unused one on EBay, so in true GJ spirit, I had to buy another just to keep around as a spare in case one of the originals quit. I also have one of the Milwaukee 2.4v folding ones, but they don't have near the power or battery life as the 3.6 B&D's.

Bill

 

[JohnKal]

Damn! Another tool I didn’t know I needed.

 

[a6hux]

 

[jgromada]

Unfortunately they don't make them any more but you can still find them on clearance sometime on Direct Tool Outlet. It is the Ryobi Tek4 based screwdriver. I really like em because the battery is removable and i just got an extra 2 batteries. Also have the cutter now too. The screwdriver has a ton of torque and lasts a long time. I think i have all of $20 in what you see here

https://cc831cbd7a5a3a616f82-5093119187eb17284bcf20613cda98f7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/products/photos/huge_a888905a-e49a-4a5e-becf-5b4ed60b1d06.jpg

 

[vwpieces]

I'll wake this thread up...
I've had this Wiha China screwdriver for over 6yrs now. Use it all the time and only recently started to take more turn than usual to engage the cam lock for manual breaking loose of screws. It is Flippin awesome and nothing close is available in USA market with a real screwdriver shape and feel. I bought it off one of those Gear Worse sites that Bang ya Good for $36 back then. Harder to find but looks like $65ish today
Wiha Zu Hause

Recently found one of these on amazon germany

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B08HVT5DQP/

Looks the same and it's about $57 USD shipped to me.


Thinking bout getting a replacement before mine breaks all together.

 

[sparky 1971]

Since it's awake and I don't recall seeing it the first time around, I am going to put my two cents in. I have the Milwaukee M4. It's fine if you have patience because it is sloooow. Mine is in the basement and gets used twice a year to take the access plates off when it's time to tighten up the wall anchors. I also have two Makita 7.2 volt impacting stick drivers, one is the original style and is on it's last leg. It took some time to get used to since it's not a variable speed and runs 2300 rpm with no load, but the torque is low enough that it doesn't have the guts to strip anything out or do any damage it's now in the garage, but I bought it before I was married 14 years ago and used it almost daily up until it got replaced last summer. It has installed thousands upon thousand of screw whether it be electrical devices, light fixtures, or ceiling fans, that's what I used.. The new style is even better, the switch is improved and can be used from both sides, and it's now variable speed. I think the speed is even faster, but that's with no load on it. I'm not sure about the torque, if it's a little more it's not noticeable. All of them can be used straight or pistol style, but I don't think I have ever used any of them straight, it seems very awkward.

 

[dnschmidt]

Gentlemen: Your answering a question from the Old Wizard. He has NEVER asked a question about what is the best of anything regardless of price. He always asks what's the best CHEAP option. You're recommending fine products but there is no way in hell you're going to get this guy to buy Milwaukee, Makita or DeWalt's screwdrivers as each of these are > $100 items. I have the Milwaukee M4, the original impacting Makita and the DeWalt gyroscopic in both hinged and the straight non-hinged style (which I'm not that fond of.) You've got to know your customer.

 

[vwpieces]

I is Cheep too.

Gentlemen: Your answering a question from the Old Wizard. He has NEVER asked a question about what is the best of anything regardless of price. He always asks what's the best CHEAP option. You're recommending fine products but there is no way in hell you're going to get this guy to buy Milwaukee, Makita or DeWalt's screwdrivers as each of these are > $100 items. I have the Milwaukee M4, the original impacting Makita and the DeWalt gyroscopic in both hinged and the straight non-hinged style (which I'm not that fond of.) You've got to know your customer.

6 years ago the Wiha China was the best cheap electric screw driver I found at the time. No new battery platform to invest in. Which is the main reason I didn't go Dewalt or Milwaukee and I am invested in m12-18.
I used that thing hard over the years, charges quick, USB-C, and it doesn't need daily charge. More like rarely charge. But I used it a few too many times to Crack loose a tight screw that I should have just used something else.
But that is why I am wanting to buy another. $57 is still reasonable for what it is. I guess I should look deeper into the China sites but really have been avoiding buying anything china direct the past couple years.

 

[Iridium rand]

I use this milwaukee m12 daily at work, since you already have the battery platform I’d just stick with that. it’s powerful (can easily handle light drilling if needed too) reliable, torque limiter works well with plenty of settings and the batteries last, really everything you want out of one.


Milwaukee 2401-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver (Tool-Only)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VYNEEZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[vwpieces]

I use this milwaukee m12 daily at work, since you already have the battery platform I’d just stick with that. it’s powerful (can easily handle light drilling if needed too) reliable, torque limiter works well with plenty of settings and the batteries last, really everything you want out of one.


Milwaukee 2401-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver (Tool-Only)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VYNEEZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks,
Really need and use the straight screwdriver style. Especially with car interior work.
2 Torque settings on the Wiha. Will not strip plastic on low.
I do have the Fuel version of a hex impact. It does fulfill the need where a screw gun would work.

Did some digging earlier this morning on the china sites, $52 shipped. But I will go for the $57 from Amazon.de for the added satisfaction, less risk.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Gentlemen: Your answering a question from the Old Wizard. He has NEVER asked a question about what is the best of anything regardless of price. He always asks what's the best CHEAP option.

Thanks for emphasizing that ! Around here, people are very free when spending other people's money !

 

[M6erfan]

I need an electric screwdriver, primarily for the wife to use around the house. Here are the requirements.

• Straight handle, no pistol grip. Folding is acceptable.
• No bits required
• Low cost (<$50)
• Good torque
• Low speed
• The only rechargeable platform I have is M12. Built in rechargeable batteries are acceptable IF they use a standard phone charger. AA alkaline are acceptable if they meet the other requirements.

Lots of people don't bother to read the OP, but only the title.

Skil $25. . .

Worx $42. . .

 

[KomatsuTech]

Lots of people don't bother to read the OP, but only the title.

Skil $25. . .

Worx $42. . .

I have the Work and I really like it. Just used it pretty hard this weekend disassembling, removing, assembly and installation of 3 ceiling fans. Worked like a champ. I checked the screws with a regular screwdriver and they were all tight enough.

 

[HenryAZ]

Slightly more than your maximum, @$63, this Metabo HPT model ticks all your other boxes. We have two of them, both branded Hitachi before they were acquired by Metabo. One lives in the garage for light duty, and another in a kitchen drawer. The pic show a pistol grip, but it is a folding model. In straight position, it can also be easily used as just a screwdriver, with manual power. It has a high/low speed selction, also clutch settings with a drill position. It is perfect for any around-the-house light-medium screwdriver duties. The battery seems to last forever.

 

[fishwatcher]

I need an electric screwdriver, primarily for the wife to use around the house. Here are the requirements.

• Straight handle, no pistol grip. Folding is acceptable.
• No bits required
• Low cost (<$50)
• Good torque
• Low speed
• The only rechargeable platform I have is M12. Built in rechargeable batteries are acceptable IF they use a standard phone charger. AA alkaline are acceptable if they meet the other requirements.

@theoldwizard1 : I know this is an old thread, but what did you end up getting?

I just got into the Milwaukee M12 platform with a 1/4” hex impact and the 1/2” hammer drill. Both are too powerful for simple household screwdriver uses.

I’ve had a Hitachi (now branded Metabo) 1/4” hex screwdriver (that’s been mentioned above several times) for 5+ years now.. and it works well for me. It got a top 3 result in the Project Farm video posted above, although at a current price of $59, it is a bit above your target price .

 

[dchawk81]

I can't think of anything that doesn't use interchangeable bits.

You want like a dedicated Phillips or what?

 

[milkovich]

I have a B&D BDCS40bi that I bought for junior but it magically ends up on my workbench all the time. Still going after years of very light duty. It's a bit slow but beats doing it manually. Currently $36 on the jungle website.