Screwdriver

Photo: Glenda Taylor Whether you’re working on a car, installing a doorknob, or driving a screw by hand into a piece of dense wood, the best ratcheting screwdriver can help. These handy tools can help you maintain contact with stubborn screws, nuts, and bolts when you need to apply a bit of extra torque. These hand tools are all about convenience. They use interchangeable screw bits, many of which are stored onboard. Plus, their ratcheting mechanisms allow you to maintain contact with the fastener to quickly tighten or loosen—offering plenty of torque without resetting your grip between twists. Choosing the best ratcheting screwdriver can be a bit tricky, so we decided to test some of the bestselling models to see if they lived up to their reputations. Some did, but others didn’t. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a ratcheting screwdriver, and find out why the following tools earned a spot in our lineup. • BEST OVERALL: • RUNNER-UP: • BEST MULTIPURPOSE: • MOST VERSATILE: • BEST IN TIGHT SPOTS: • BEST ALL-PURPOSE: • BEST T-HANDLE GRIP: • BEST WITH LIGHT: Also Tested: • • Photo: Glenda Taylor Types of Ratcheting Screwdrivers There are a handful of styles of ratcheting screwdrivers, so the results of our tests and this comprehensive guide let you know what’s out there before you start shopping. The main difference in style is how each screwdriver stores its interchangeable bits. There are benefits to each style, so it’s worth giving some consideration. Bits in t...

Screwdrivers are some of the most versatile and useful tools out there—but sometimes you need more power than a traditional hand tool can offer. While power drills are certainly a valuable part of any tool collection, they can cause stripping or splitting if you use more torque than the job requires—and they’re cumbersome compared to a screwdriver that can fit in your pocket. Electric screwdrivers are a great alternative that is easy for any homeowner or renter to use, whether you’re a beginner DIY-er in need of a tool to get to the awkward angles of a project or a professional tradesperson who wants a backup tool they can keep in their pocket. Electric screwdrivers are the best tool for light-duty tasks that require a lot of screwing, like assembling furniture, removing battery or outlet covers, hanging picture frames, or tightening up loose cabinet hinges. Plus, their lower torque settings make them well-suited for use on delicate materials that could otherwise get damaged by a more powerful tool, like particle board, plastic covers, or the small screws used in electronics. Looking for more tools for your DIY projects? Check out our articles for the best The Best Electric Screwdrivers Show more What to Consider Battery Power The battery power of an electric screwdriver typically ranges from four to 12 volts. The more volts, the more power it has—both speed and battery life. If you need more speed and power for tough materials or hardy screws, go for a higher voltage opti...

Show more What to Consider Head Styles There is no single one-style-fits-all screwdriver. Different types of jobs require different types of screwdrivers. For general carpentry, construction jobs, and many DIY projects, you will most commonly need the staples of the screwdriver family: flat- and Phillips-head models. If you do a lot of electronics repairs or mechanical work, on the other hand, you will likely often need Torx screwdrivers. Be sure the set you choose includes the types of screwdrivers you most commonly need. Number of Screwdrivers or Bits If you want one screwdriver set that will be able to handle any job you might tackle, look for a set that offers a wide variety of assorted head styles and sizes. Some sets have one handle with interchangeable bits, others have multiple full-size drivers. Larger sets aren’t as portable, though, and if you mainly perform common tasks that require just a few standard screwdrivers, all of the extra varieties might be overkill and needlessly take up valuable space. How We Evaluated In evaluating dozens of screwdriver sets, I first drew upon my own personal experience. As the former co-owner of a construction business and a passionate DIYer, I have several different screwdriver sets in my workshop and shed at any give time. In the early days, I mainly stuck with the two mainstays (flat-head and Phillips), but over the years, I have found myself needing Torx head and other varieties increasingly often, especially for quick repair...

Written by Updated May 18, 2022 The best power tools make you feel like a superhero: Difficult time-consuming tasks all of a sudden become much easier to do. Any project that calls for a manual screwdriver can be completed much faster while using an electric and cordless one. Driving a screw through that drywall to hang a shelf? Done, in a single bound. Assembling that new chair you just unpacked? Finished, faster than a speeding bullet. After hours of research and days of testing 10 of the most popular electric screwdrivers on the market, we discovered that the Ryobi HP44L ( If you find you need a bit more torque, the Milwaukee M12 ( If you’re looking for a powered screwdriver that helps with repairs around the house and light-duty tasks like assembling furniture, the Ryobi Quickturn HP44L is a great option. The Quickturn HP44L is a versatile electric screwdriver with a handle that can be configured to be used as a pistol grip—allowing the user to apply more pressure to the tool—or a traditional straight-grip, which is great for maneuvering the driver into tight spaces. By having the ability to switch between these two handle configurations, the Quickturn HP44L is more likely to fit the area you’re working in than screwdrivers that come with a fixed handle position. The Quickturn HP44L comes equipped with a switch that allows its user to step down the amount of torque it provides. That this screwdriver can use less power makes it easier to work with screws being driven in...

Show more What to Consider Head Styles There is no single one-style-fits-all screwdriver. Different types of jobs require different types of screwdrivers. For general carpentry, construction jobs, and many DIY projects, you will most commonly need the staples of the screwdriver family: flat- and Phillips-head models. If you do a lot of electronics repairs or mechanical work, on the other hand, you will likely often need Torx screwdrivers. Be sure the set you choose includes the types of screwdrivers you most commonly need. Number of Screwdrivers or Bits If you want one screwdriver set that will be able to handle any job you might tackle, look for a set that offers a wide variety of assorted head styles and sizes. Some sets have one handle with interchangeable bits, others have multiple full-size drivers. Larger sets aren’t as portable, though, and if you mainly perform common tasks that require just a few standard screwdrivers, all of the extra varieties might be overkill and needlessly take up valuable space. How We Evaluated In evaluating dozens of screwdriver sets, I first drew upon my own personal experience. As the former co-owner of a construction business and a passionate DIYer, I have several different screwdriver sets in my workshop and shed at any give time. In the early days, I mainly stuck with the two mainstays (flat-head and Phillips), but over the years, I have found myself needing Torx head and other varieties increasingly often, especially for quick repair...

Written by Updated May 18, 2022 The best power tools make you feel like a superhero: Difficult time-consuming tasks all of a sudden become much easier to do. Any project that calls for a manual screwdriver can be completed much faster while using an electric and cordless one. Driving a screw through that drywall to hang a shelf? Done, in a single bound. Assembling that new chair you just unpacked? Finished, faster than a speeding bullet. After hours of research and days of testing 10 of the most popular electric screwdrivers on the market, we discovered that the Ryobi HP44L ( If you find you need a bit more torque, the Milwaukee M12 ( If you’re looking for a powered screwdriver that helps with repairs around the house and light-duty tasks like assembling furniture, the Ryobi Quickturn HP44L is a great option. The Quickturn HP44L is a versatile electric screwdriver with a handle that can be configured to be used as a pistol grip—allowing the user to apply more pressure to the tool—or a traditional straight-grip, which is great for maneuvering the driver into tight spaces. By having the ability to switch between these two handle configurations, the Quickturn HP44L is more likely to fit the area you’re working in than screwdrivers that come with a fixed handle position. The Quickturn HP44L comes equipped with a switch that allows its user to step down the amount of torque it provides. That this screwdriver can use less power makes it easier to work with screws being driven in...

Screwdrivers are some of the most versatile and useful tools out there—but sometimes you need more power than a traditional hand tool can offer. While power drills are certainly a valuable part of any tool collection, they can cause stripping or splitting if you use more torque than the job requires—and they’re cumbersome compared to a screwdriver that can fit in your pocket. Electric screwdrivers are a great alternative that is easy for any homeowner or renter to use, whether you’re a beginner DIY-er in need of a tool to get to the awkward angles of a project or a professional tradesperson who wants a backup tool they can keep in their pocket. Electric screwdrivers are the best tool for light-duty tasks that require a lot of screwing, like assembling furniture, removing battery or outlet covers, hanging picture frames, or tightening up loose cabinet hinges. Plus, their lower torque settings make them well-suited for use on delicate materials that could otherwise get damaged by a more powerful tool, like particle board, plastic covers, or the small screws used in electronics. Looking for more tools for your DIY projects? Check out our articles for the best The Best Electric Screwdrivers Show more What to Consider Battery Power The battery power of an electric screwdriver typically ranges from four to 12 volts. The more volts, the more power it has—both speed and battery life. If you need more speed and power for tough materials or hardy screws, go for a higher voltage opti...

Photo: Glenda Taylor Whether you’re working on a car, installing a doorknob, or driving a screw by hand into a piece of dense wood, the best ratcheting screwdriver can help. These handy tools can help you maintain contact with stubborn screws, nuts, and bolts when you need to apply a bit of extra torque. These hand tools are all about convenience. They use interchangeable screw bits, many of which are stored onboard. Plus, their ratcheting mechanisms allow you to maintain contact with the fastener to quickly tighten or loosen—offering plenty of torque without resetting your grip between twists. Choosing the best ratcheting screwdriver can be a bit tricky, so we decided to test some of the bestselling models to see if they lived up to their reputations. Some did, but others didn’t. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a ratcheting screwdriver, and find out why the following tools earned a spot in our lineup. • BEST OVERALL: • RUNNER-UP: • BEST MULTIPURPOSE: • MOST VERSATILE: • BEST IN TIGHT SPOTS: • BEST ALL-PURPOSE: • BEST T-HANDLE GRIP: • BEST WITH LIGHT: Also Tested: • • Photo: Glenda Taylor Types of Ratcheting Screwdrivers There are a handful of styles of ratcheting screwdrivers, so the results of our tests and this comprehensive guide let you know what’s out there before you start shopping. The main difference in style is how each screwdriver stores its interchangeable bits. There are benefits to each style, so it’s worth giving some consideration. Bits in t...

Photo: Glenda Taylor Whether you’re working on a car, installing a doorknob, or driving a screw by hand into a piece of dense wood, the best ratcheting screwdriver can help. These handy tools can help you maintain contact with stubborn screws, nuts, and bolts when you need to apply a bit of extra torque. These hand tools are all about convenience. They use interchangeable screw bits, many of which are stored onboard. Plus, their ratcheting mechanisms allow you to maintain contact with the fastener to quickly tighten or loosen—offering plenty of torque without resetting your grip between twists. Choosing the best ratcheting screwdriver can be a bit tricky, so we decided to test some of the bestselling models to see if they lived up to their reputations. Some did, but others didn’t. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a ratcheting screwdriver, and find out why the following tools earned a spot in our lineup. • BEST OVERALL: • RUNNER-UP: • BEST MULTIPURPOSE: • MOST VERSATILE: • BEST IN TIGHT SPOTS: • BEST ALL-PURPOSE: • BEST T-HANDLE GRIP: • BEST WITH LIGHT: Also Tested: • • Photo: Glenda Taylor Types of Ratcheting Screwdrivers There are a handful of styles of ratcheting screwdrivers, so the results of our tests and this comprehensive guide let you know what’s out there before you start shopping. The main difference in style is how each screwdriver stores its interchangeable bits. There are benefits to each style, so it’s worth giving some consideration. Bits in t...

Show more What to Consider Head Styles There is no single one-style-fits-all screwdriver. Different types of jobs require different types of screwdrivers. For general carpentry, construction jobs, and many DIY projects, you will most commonly need the staples of the screwdriver family: flat- and Phillips-head models. If you do a lot of electronics repairs or mechanical work, on the other hand, you will likely often need Torx screwdrivers. Be sure the set you choose includes the types of screwdrivers you most commonly need. Number of Screwdrivers or Bits If you want one screwdriver set that will be able to handle any job you might tackle, look for a set that offers a wide variety of assorted head styles and sizes. Some sets have one handle with interchangeable bits, others have multiple full-size drivers. Larger sets aren’t as portable, though, and if you mainly perform common tasks that require just a few standard screwdrivers, all of the extra varieties might be overkill and needlessly take up valuable space. How We Evaluated In evaluating dozens of screwdriver sets, I first drew upon my own personal experience. As the former co-owner of a construction business and a passionate DIYer, I have several different screwdriver sets in my workshop and shed at any give time. In the early days, I mainly stuck with the two mainstays (flat-head and Phillips), but over the years, I have found myself needing Torx head and other varieties increasingly often, especially for quick repair...