If you've ever built a wardrobe with the little Allen key from the box, you already know why powered screwdrivers exist. But should you buy a small cordless screwdriver or a full-size drill driver? It depends on what you do most.
What a cordless screwdriver is good at
- Flat-pack furniture
- Hinges, handles and curtain brackets
- Socket and switch faceplates
- Battery covers, toys and other small screws
It's small, light and gentle, so you can use it one-handed and in tight spots, and you're less likely to strip a screw or split chipboard.
What a drill driver is good at
- Drilling holes in walls, wood and metal
- Driving long or thick screws into timber
- Decking, fencing and other heavy work
It has far more power, but it's heavier and bulkier. For a cupboard hinge, it's often too much tool.
What torque settings are for
Torque is turning force. A clutch lets you set how much force the tool applies before it stops turning. Use a low setting for small screws and soft materials like chipboard, and a higher one for longer screws and harder wood. Start low and work up: if the tool stops before the screw is home, go up one setting.
A pocket-sized example
The Bosch GO 3 is a good picture of what a modern cordless screwdriver can do. It gives up to 5 Nm of torque, has 7 torque settings with a mechanical clutch, and takes screws up to 5 mm in diameter. You can start it with the on/off button or simply by pushing it against the screw. It charges by USB-C and comes with 8 bits, an extension holder and a case.
Which should you buy first?
- Mostly furniture, fittings and small fixes: a cordless screwdriver will get used far more often.
- Hanging shelves, mirrors and TVs: you'll need a drill for the holes, so start there.
- Both: many people end up with one of each, using the drill for holes and the screwdriver for everything after.
Whichever you choose, the right bit matters as much as the tool. A bit that fits the screw head snugly won't slip. A mixed set such as the Bosch X-Line 70-piece covers the common screw types.
This guide is general information. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your tool, and wear suitable eye protection.
