Wondering which electric screwdriver is worth buying? What should you pay attention to and what features should it have? Let's see in detail the different options and what each one offers, so you can choose the best one for your needs.

Type

Initially, an electric screwdriver can perform tasks that are difficult to perform with a simple screwdriver and require a lot of power and effort from the user. More specifically, with such a tool you can screw and unscrew screws in all kinds of materials, from the softest to the hardest, or drill holes in walls, wood, or anywhere else, depending on the power of the screwdriver.

But what types of electric screwdrivers are there?

Electric screwdrivers, depending on whether they are intended for simple amateur use or more demanding and specific professional tasks, are divided into 3 basic categories:

Screwdriver

This is the simplest type of electric screwdriver, suitable for screwing and unscrewing in simple everyday tasks, such as furniture assembly.

Ideal for DIY enthusiasts who experiment with various tasks at home.

Palmiko Katsavidi

A palmiko katsavidi is suitable for fast screwing and unscrewing in more demanding projects, even in the toughest building materials (concrete, metals, etc.).

Ideal for professionals who deal, for example, with the construction of frames, assembly and repair of cabinets, and other demanding construction works.

Gypsum Screwdriver

This type is suitable for working with gypsum board. The screw stops at the right point, so as not to penetrate the surface.

Ideal for professionals dealing with the installation of gypsum boards and false ceilings.

Wireless or Wired?

Connectivity is also an important parameter to consider when making your choice. 

• An electric battery screwdriver can operate with rechargeable batteries, offering convenience and comfort due to its portability. It is a great alternative for quick and short to medium duration tasks, which usually take place in locations with limited or no access to a power source (e.g. socket). 

Prefer it for daily use at home or more professionally if your job involves continuous movement, e.g.: electrician, builder, etc.

• On the other hand, an electric mains screwdriver operates directly with electric power, providing continuous and stable power. This is a tool suitable for more demanding tasks with a high need for precision and efficiency. However, the fact that it has a cable makes it restrictive in terms of space usage.  

Prefer it professionally in a workshop or on projects, where stability and precision in results are required.

Battery

The battery in a cordless electric screwdriver is one of the most important criteria to determine what is suitable for your needs. What do you need to pay attention to? The autonomy of the tool, that is, how long it can operate continuously with a full charge, as well as the charging time. These characteristics depend directly on parameters, such as the voltage and capacity of the battery and can be affected by use.

Voltage

The voltage of the battery is measured in Volts and indicates the power that the electric screwdriver can exert on a material. The higher the voltage, the more energy the device can provide. This makes it ideal for use in heavier and more demanding tasks.

• There are electric screwdrivers with a voltage of 18V and they are the majority. It is a value that can provide enough power for both amateur and professional use and is intended for medium-sized tasks, as well as more demanding ones. For example, drilling in hard materials and screwing-unscrewing larger screws.
• Electric screwdrivers with a voltage up to 18V are ideal for use in everyday and small-scale tasks, such as furniture assembly or other similar household chores.
• While, electric screwdrivers with a voltage of 18V and above are more limited and serve more demanding professionals who screw and unscrew even in the hardest structural materials.

Capacity

The battery capacity, expressed in ampere-hours (Ah), shows how much autonomy the cordless electric screwdriver can have and affects the battery charging time. The higher the value of a battery, the longer the operation can last between 2 charges.

• Battery with a capacity of 1.5 - 2Ah is suitable for basic tasks and not so frequent use, while battery with a capacity of 2 - 3Ah is more useful in everyday life and for those who use the electric screwdriver more frequently.
• Electric screwdrivers with long-lasting batteries (3Ah and above) are rarer and intended for semi-professional and professional use, in very demanding projects that require long-lasting performance.

Autonomy & Charging Time

For amateur use at home, an electric screwdriver with autonomy of 1-2 hours (1.5 - 2Ah battery) and corresponding charging time (1-2 hours) is ideal and can handle the majority of tasks. In such cases, since the usage is often limited to a few minutes and there may be a long time between uses, an electric screwdriver that can maintain the battery at the same levels for a long time without needing recharging is recommended.

On the other hand, professional tasks require a tool with battery autonomy of 4-6 hours (at least 3 - 5Ah battery), as well as fast charging time. Many electric screwdrivers for professional use can even charge in half or one hour.

Fact that significantly increases productivity.

An alternative solution for continuous operation, without any interruptions, are the electric screwdrivers with extra batteries.

Avoid the solo electric screwdrivers, as you will need to purchase the batteries separately.

Speed & Torque

Two very important technical characteristics that it is good to know what they provide in an electric screwdriver and what values are suitable for different uses are the following:

Speed

The speed of an electric screwdriver is related to how fast it rotates and performs different tasks. It is measured in rpm and the higher it is, the tool can be used on softer materials and small tasks. High values (> 1500 rpm) are usually found in drywall screwdrivers, which are used for screwing in soft materials, such as wood or drywall. While, lower speed can be useful on hard surfaces, such as cement, where more control is required. Such values (800 - 1500 rpm) are more common in palm screwdrivers. As for household use, even lower values are required (small tasks: 200 - 400 rpm, medium-sized tasks: 400-800 rpm).

Torque

The torque of an electric screwdriver refers to the rotational force that the device can exert and is measured in Nm. In contrast to speed, higher torque values (68 Nm and above) are suitable for heavier tasks performed by an impact screwdriver. While, moderate (34 - 68 Nm) to low (22 - 34 Nm) values make the electric screwdriver an ideal choice for everyday and general use.

The speed adjustment, as well as the torque adjustment allow for the selection of the corresponding values, which makes a screwdriver suitable for performing more and different tasks, according to the needs.

Ergonomics & Comfort

An ergonomically designed electric screwdriver can appear more user-friendly and make the execution of even demanding tasks very easy and accessible. What are the characteristics that make a tool user-friendly?

Weight

The weight of an electric screwdriver plays an important role in its use. Lighter tools are easier to use for longer periods of time without tiring the user. Such tools can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms. However, usually the more powerful electric screwdrivers, used for professional use, weigh slightly more.

Handle

The usability and flexibility offered by an electric screwdriver also depend on the design of the handle. An ergonomic handle with non-slip material and adjustable features provides better handling and more precise movements.

Carrying Case

An electric screwdriver with a carrying case can be easily stored and transported anywhere. This allows you to keep your space organized and carry it with you wherever you go. The case can be very useful for professionals who frequently move due to the nature of their work, such as an electrician, as well as for hobbyists for easy transportation from home to vacation home.

Extra Efficiency

For highly demanding tasks, you need an electric screwdriver with maximum performance and longer durability.

You can choose a brushless electric screwdriver with a motor without brushes, which produces less heat and friction. This way, the motor is not subject to such high wear, while the battery lasts much longer. It is a good choice for professionals who need increased performance and accuracy in their results.

Furthermore, there is the option of a impact electric screwdriver, which provides high power to easily and quickly complete even the most demanding projects. Such a screwdriver is an essential tool for anyone frequently working with hard materials such as concrete, bricks, and stone.

Amateur or professional use?

In order to decide what features your electric screwdriver should have, you need to answer the above question.

So, if you are an enthusiastic DIYer and you like to use tools to fix everything inside and outside the house, then a lightweight cordless electric screwdriver with 1-2 hours autonomy, high speed, and medium torque is perfect for you. And if you need it for more than one job and repairs, such as drilling in wood and screwing in walls, the interchangeable heads are what you are looking for.

On the other hand, if you are a professional with demanding requirements for tasks with a higher level of difficulty, then you need a more stable and compact device, such as a mains electric screwdriver or a cordless one with a large battery autonomy and fast recharge. Alternatively, a hammer electric screwdriver is an even better choice if you want precise and fast results.

You can also check out the guide to the best electric screwdrivers on the market, where you will find the top choices based on user feedback, both for amateurs and professionals.