Opinions on cordless screwdrivers?

Question

I want to buy a cordless screwdriver as a gift. I'm looking at the Mastercraft 3.6V Lithium Ion Screwdriver (item # 54-2740-8 at canadian tire) it seems a good value but I haven't had any recent experience with cordless screwdrivers. the last time i used one was nearly 20 years ago.

Can any one shed some light onto this and tell me if this product is good, or can you suggest an alternative?

Answer 1

I avoid anything with a lithium ion battery whenever possible. They're very fragile, electrically speaking, don't have a very good useful lifespan whether you use them or not, and are very expensive to replace. In the case of something that sells for $35, replacing the battery can't possibly be cost effective, so it's going to have a useful life of only a couple years, whether it's used or not.

I'm with DIY Doc, I don't find powered screwdrivers worth the trouble, unless I have a LOT of screws to turn in/out. In that case a cordless drill is called for; they have a lot more power and battery capacity. Something like Canadian Tire's #54-2794-0, Jobmate 18V Drill, would work well for light duty use, and is just a bit more money.

If you really want a smaller, easier to handle cordless screwdriver, if it were me, I'd go for #54-2815-2, Jobmate 6V Screwdriver, and use it with NiMH rechargeable AA's. Or, just for occasional use, with alkalines.

Answer 2

1 & 2 both offer valid suggestions.

Certainly power delivered, and the power source are important; but with all due respect; it's a screw driver. Many brands are likely manufactured by the same organization or culture, and offer similar attributes.

Rechargable is a decent way to go. TORQUE might be something to investigate in whatever power source is offered; and again; consider it as what it is, not as an 18 volt cordless drill you've put a Phillips bit into.

I prefer the HAND operated personally, but that's just me. I find cordless screwdrivers should be considered as eventual throw away items; often trendy; a great GIFT idea; and certainly they have functional purposes.

I have a B&D in a kitchen junk drawer with AA batteries in it. I may have used it once in 2 years. The batteries are still good too...smiles.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Are you sure you want a screwdriver and not a drill? A drill will work much better and also do anything the screwdriver can. Dewalt and Makita make great cordless drills. If you are worried about batteries, all Ridgid power tools sold at Home Depot come with a lifetime warranty on the tools, and the batteries.

Answer 4

I love the new bosch mini lithium ion mini driver. 10.8 volts and they claim it can drive 100 -3inch wood screw on a single charge. I use mine every day for hvac service work, only quirk is that the batteries don't like the cold until you heat them up a little.

Answer 5

I have one that I got for Xmas last year and its crap. It will screw in 1 2.5" screw and dies. It o-kay for light weight hobby stuff but thats it. I prefer my cordless drill a least it will run a couple hours full tilt

Answer 6

Mastercraft is a good name brand. I have also had luck with Roybi, Craftsman, Skill, and Black and Decker, any of these should suffice.

Answer 7

Dewalt,makes a good cordless scewdriver,,,,go to google type in ,,,,Dewalt cordless screwdriver,,find everything you want to know

Answer 8

makita is really good i think so so does alot of other builders i no.we all use them and never had problems there money well spent

Answer 9

I have a Black and Decker that is very good.