Best cordless screwdrivers?

[Len87]

Hey guys so ive been searching for a good cordless screwdriver to use for automotive interior work on a daily basis. I don't want to spend hundreds on a snap-on or Mac so was wondering if anyone knows of any other cordless screwdrivers that are good and reliable with a variable speed trigger?

 

[Roobaix]

I have both the Dewalt 12v and the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Screwdrivers.
The Dewalt is smaller and less powerful.

The M12 Fuel is a little bigger and will do anything I've needed it for.

Are you invested in any 12v systems now? Milwaukee has a much more extensive lineup than Dewalt.

 

[JonnyMac]

We use the Bosch blue 12v range at work. The non impact screwdriver has all the features you are after.. probably not as wide range as the Milwaukee 12v system but plenty for auto work.

 

[Len87]

I have both the Dewalt 12v and the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Screwdrivers.
The Dewalt is smaller and less powerful.

The M12 Fuel is a little bigger and will do anything I've needed it for.

Are you invested in any 12v systems now? Milwaukee has a much more extensive lineup than Dewalt.

What is the model number for the Milwaukee screwdriver your using?

 

[franzdom]

Sounds like the 2402.
I have the impact version 2453 but it doesn't have a clutch so it's not really a screwdriver and probably not great for interiors.

Right now there are some incredible deals on the 2453!

 

[FigureItOut]

The Bosch PS21 has been my trusted friend for interior trim work for quite a while and just won't die. The feel and size of it, clutch range etc., I feel are ideal for what you're talking about.

I've used the Milwaukee version also, and I'm a Milwaukee fan and have a dozen Milwaukee power tools, but it's bigger and heavier and just didn't have the precise feel I value when reassembling plastic panels.

I'm doing almost exclusively electrical work so I'm disassembling interior panels all day, and I'm telling you that for the price the PS21 or PS22 (brushless version) just can't be beat.



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[ducksface]

We use the Bosch blue 12v range at work. The non impact screwdriver has all the features you are after.. probably not as wide range as the Milwaukee 12v system but plenty for auto work.

I have the Bosch with the swivel head that goes from 90 degrees to in line with the push of a button. It doesn't fit everywhere due to size.

For what you do I might buy a cheap b&d that plugs into 110 with the included prongs.
Cheap and has the torque you need and about as small as one gets. 7 bucks at Walmart.

Best isn't needed to remove interior panels. Small is better than best.

 

[buba]

Bosch PS22 brushless best weight vs power. I had the M12 but gifted it out in favor of the Bosch as I do alot of overhead work and the M12 weighted almost as much as a 18v tool. My hands and arms thank me every time I use the PS22.

 

[DFB]

I have the Fuel screwdriver too, the 2402 it is stout tool. I'll agree its somewhat heavy, at least heavier than some others if weight is a concern.

I also have the earlier version of the Milwaukee's M12 2401 screwdriver. Now that tool is much smaller and very light weight and has always been a favorite of mine for small assembly/disassembly work. The updated version is around $100 for a -22 2 battery kit, though there was a -21 kit 1 battery, charger, and storage bag for just $69 for while there. Maybe still is too but I don't know.

There is also 2 speed brushed version similar in styling to the Fuel

Of course this all only matters if it a pistol grip style screwdriver you are wanting as there are the inline screwdriver options available too.

 

[CR888]

I have a SP tools cordless S/D which is not bad, has a clutch with 15 settings, 2 motor speeds and came with 2 batteries. Its a tubular shape that can break and be used at roughly 105° like a pistol. Only feature I wish it had would be a variable speed trigger. But clutch and extra batteries is important.

 

[Monte]

 

[franzdom]

If variable speed isn't a must there are far more options.
The Milwaukee M4 2101-21 is a very excellent screwdriver that I would love to add. Light and very nice to use.

 

[Tummler]

Count me as another vote for the Bosch 12v line.

I have bought Makita cordless power tools almost exclusively for 2+ decades. When I moved a couple years back, I decided to go "airless" at my new home and rely exclusively on brushless power tools since "big power" 1/2 in impact wrenches were being introduced by all of the big players. In retrospect it was a great decision, at least for me. I couldn't be happier with my Makita XWT08Z.

When it came time to decide on a 12v platform for ultra lightweight tools, I borrowed Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch examples from my friends (I have accrued a significant surplus of tool borrowing good will over the years) for extended test runs, and for my needs the Bosh 12v was the hands down winner.

Bosh's 12v tools have a substantial advantage with respect to size, weight, and ergonomics. It appeared to me that Bosch is down on power compared to Milwaukee and Makita, but I have finally reached a stage of maturity (perhaps much later than expected) where I can admit to myself that power is not everything. This is especially true for tools that I am purchasing for the explicit reason of being small and lightweight.

I decided to purchase a Bosch 12v impact wrench (had to buy it from a Euro retailer), impact driver and cordless screwdriver, and I have not once questioned my decision. I am also certain that I use my Bosch 12v tools much more often than I would have used similar offerings from Makita or Milwaukee. For me, frequency of use is the best endorsement I can give a tool.

 

[Len87]

Thanks for the feedback guys. The Bosch ps22 does look pretty good.

Has anyone ever tried or looked into the Ingersoll Rand D1410 12v screwdriver? Also how much better are the ones offered by Snap-on or Mac tools?

I'm a licensed truck mechanic so I would use this tool on a daily basis and when buying new tools I always research the **** out of everything and try to get best bang for the buck.

 

[franzdom]

I use the Bosch sometimes at work, it was almost the first one I bought. The DeWalt guy talked me out of it, I have several 12V yellow tools as a result. The reason I recall is that the DW is actually more comfortable in the hand than the Bosch FWIW.

 

[bcradio]

If you can wait a bit, then I'd definitely go with the gen 2 M12 Fuel.

 

[franzdom]

If you can wait a bit, then I'd definitely go with the gen 2 M12 Fuel.

Is there a gen2 of the drill?

 

[FigureItOut]

Are these the European versions of the PS22 and PS41?

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[jfranci3]

Definitely don't go impact, it'll destroy anything auto interior sized. I would even say most of the 12v units are too powerful for most of what you're doing. I'd go smaller and more maneuverable. The biggest bolt you hit are seat and seat belts, and those require proper sockets.

Edit - maybe something like skil 360. It's nice to have all the bits in there when you're upside down in the car. Not super powerful, but can get most jobs done. You can swap out the bit if you want https://www.skiltools.com/Tools/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?model=2356-03

 

[bcradio]

Is there a gen2 of the drill?

Yes both impact and drill will have a gen 2 coming out. They are making both a good bit smaller.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have an old Black and Decker VersaPak power screwdriver. I like it because it is straight, no pistol grip. Also, because it is straight you can still use it to break loose stubborn screw or tighten them down that extra 1/8 turn. It is geared down so it has a fair amount torque, but of course, that makes it slow.

It is ancient and I have not seen anything like it in years.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

The Nextec 12V series is light, reliable and powerful for it's size and at under $40 it is a bargain. It also has very low settings for delicate work like auto interiors.

I have had mine for over 8 years and it is still running strong. Used it along with the Nextec multitool to renovate 2 bathrooms and a kitchen.

 

[CR888]

If I was using a cordless S/D every day a variable speed trigger would be a must! Also 2 batteries and clutch. For interior truck work I don't think you need anything near 12volts. My SP tools CS is 3.6volt/1.5Ah/5.4Wh Lithium Ion battery pack. I use it mainly for chainsaw rebuilds and other small 2stroke OPE products. I would not want anymore power, things like cylinder bolts, flywheel nuts and clutches get hit with an impact. 3.6volts with two speed settings gives you 6Nm on low speed at 220rpm & 3Nm on high speed at 450rpm. I would get something light weight with enough power, to much power is not a good thing.

 

[jptbay]

Surprised no one has mentioned Panasonic. Hard to beat for this application.

Panasonic EY6220NQ or Panasonic EY7410LA2S

 

[JonnyMac]

Are these the European versions of the PS22 and PS41?

Don't think so, we have this model down under.. it's superb in the non impact model

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm all in on Milwaukee but in this case the Bosch PS22 is THE ANSWER. Power to weight ratio can't be beat same for the matching impact. They just got this particular tool right.

 

[dnschmidt]

This Milwaukee is the nuts too. If you're strictly talking about interior work this is unbeatable. It's the modern version of the Panasonic unit they use to rebrand and sell.
http://www.toolup.com/Milwaukee-2101-22-M4-1-4-Hex-Screwdriver-Kit

 

[franzdom]

This Milwaukee is the nuts too. If you're strictly talking about interior work this is unbeatable. It's the modern version of the Panasonic unit they use to rebrand and sell.
http://www.toolup.com/Milwaukee-2101-22-M4-1-4-Hex-Screwdriver-Kit

I really want this tool, but it is pricey for a screwdriver. Probably should just get it anyway though, as it is the perfect tool for so many jobs.

 

[yuanzichen]

What's the difference between PS22 and PS42? Size and weight wise they look the same, while PS42 is impact driver with 975 in-lbs. What's the advantage of PS22 over PS42, though?

 

[LB-1911]

What's the difference between PS22 and PS42? Size and weight wise they look the same, while PS42 is impact driver with 975 in-lbs. What's the advantage of PS22 over PS42, though?

What is the task at hand and future foreseeable projects?

PS 22
20+1 clutch settings - perfect torque adjustments for precise screw driving
No Load RPM 0-400 / 0-1,300
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/cordless-drills-ps22-135880-p/

PS 42
No-Load RPM ratings of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600
Optimized impact system – no-load impact per minute ratings of 0-2,700 and 0-3,100
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/impact-drivers-ps42-02-119904-p/

 

[Monte]

Are these the European versions of the PS22 and PS41?

yes.

 

[FigureItOut]

yes.

I'd never noticed the newer brushless version had the battery gauge. I may have to try harder to kill my PS21 so I can upgrade.

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[kctyphoon]

The truth of the matter is that any will work well.. the Dewalt has the most comfortable grip, the Milwaukee has a more extensive line to pick from to get additional tools. Normally I'd say Milwaukee cause of their extensive lineup. But as far as a screwdriver is concerned, any of them will do well..

 

[6PTsocket]

We use the Bosch blue 12v range at work. The non impact screwdriver has all the features you are after.. probably not as wide range as the Milwaukee 12v system but plenty for auto work.

I have the the Bosch screw driver and the impact and both have been very good. The screwdriver was a freebie bonus for buying the impact. When they first came out the battery was marked 10.8 volts. Then I am seeing what looks like the same battery, marked 12 volts, in the stores. I called Bosch. It is the same. At peak charge it very briefly is at 12 volts. All of their competitors were calling their 10.8 volt tools 12 volts so Bosch had to conform to compete. They all contain three 3.6 volt lithium cells 3.6 x 3 = 10.8. In Europe, stricter truth in advertising laws have the batteries still marked 10.8.

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[6PTsocket]

I have the Bosch with the swivel head that goes from 90 degrees to in line with the push of a button. It doesn't fit everywhere due to size.

For what you do I might buy a cheap b&d that plugs into 110 with the included prongs.
Cheap and has the torque you need and about as small as one gets. 7 bucks at Walmart.

Best isn't needed to remove interior panels. Small is better than best.

When I bought the impact it was a toss between it and the swivel head. I went with the impact. Size was a concern

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[Gila Monster]

Those little Bosch impacts are one of the best tool purchases I've ever made. Can't recommend them enough.

 

[jfranci3]

For auto work (interior): Form factor is everything. Effective length (tool backing in hand to bit tip) and physical flexibility is the most important thing. Can you get the tool where you need it? Next would be clutch settings for plastic fasteners.Finally, in addition to tq, you give up rpms with the smaller form factors.

For exterior work with more space and strong fasteners, power is more important than form factor.


I can tell you that I used my 30ft/lb (360in/lb) 250rpm to remove all the under body screws on my e90. Power on that is fine up to about 15mm bolts. Form factor was super important. Speed could have been better, but I would have been super fine with 500rpm as most of the fasteners are short.
Maybe this a good choice? https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2467-20

 

[Monte]

btw. does someone know a shorter screwdriver than the 136mm Bosch PS22 ?

 

[jfranci3]

Milwaukee 2467, but it is clutchless. Milwaukee rightangle M18 drill has an e-clutch and you can put a hex bit on it. Milwaukee 1/4 ratchet with a hex adapter, but again not clutch but more versatile.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have an old Black and Decker VersaPak power screwdriver. I like it because it is straight, no pistol grip. Also, because it is straight you can still use it to break loose stubborn screw or tighten them down that extra 1/8 turn. It is geared down so it has a fair amount torque, but of course, that makes it slow.

It is ancient and I have not seen anything like it in years.

You can even get generic batteries for it. I have kept an old Versapak dust buster going. I did toss the Versapak trickle charger for a smart charger that recharges them in an hr. I gutted the Versapak charger to just be a battery holder for the new charger. I use the same charger for a number of other NiCd devices that came with trickle chargers. I have an old Skil laying around that was similar to your screwdriver but that system never caught on like the Versapak.


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