12 best cordless screwdrivers and tips for choosing

Rating of the best Makita and Metabo screwdrivers

Manufacturer and battery

When choosing a manufacturer, you should not be guided only by brand popularity and personal preferences - the composition of the future set depends on it. Not all manufacturers produce, for example, cordless milling cutters or polishing machines. If you need a special tool in your kit, make sure that the manufacturer you choose makes it.

Additional requirements for the manufacturer arise from the operating conditions of the batteries - they will be used frequently and with varying loads. There are no alternatives here: the batteries must be lithium-ion, and charging must be done with cell-by-element control - that is, each battery element must be charged separately. Otherwise, you will have to change batteries once a year, or even more often. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers provide cell-by-cell charging control.

Makita brand features

The Japanese company Makita was founded more than 100 years ago. The products manufactured by the brand meet all user requirements and are popular in the Russian market. The company is constantly improving and expanding its product range, including new types of power tools.

Currently, Makita products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. Japanese screwdrivers hold the lead in reliability, durability and price segment of their tools.

A little about the companies: description and product line

Bosch is a German company that produces home appliances and various kinds of tools. The brand was founded by entrepreneur Robert Bush in 1886. It was then that he opened his first store, which over time turned into a huge chain of industrial and consumer goods. The company was the first in the world to produce devices such as a cordless hammer drill and a variable grinder. Screwdrivers appeared later. Now this type of device from Bosch includes many both electric and manual models for the home. If the work is carried out in an open space, a battery-powered model is suitable; for indoor repairs, you can choose an electrical device. A special feature of the Bosch brand is the presence of a function that allows you to control the rotation of the attachments.

Metabo is also a German company. The brand is reliable and advanced. It is heard by users no less often than the notorious Bosch. It produces tools in two main directions: for construction work and for metal processing. The company's specialists have developed a special battery, which has become the most powerful in the world. This is the highlight of Metabo, which also, in addition to the device itself, offers a separate warranty for batteries.

Features of the Metabo brand

The example of the German concern Metabo shows how to produce reliable and high-quality power tools. Hundreds of production facilities around the world, warranty and durability of manufactured screwdrivers - this is not the whole list of the brand’s achievements.

Tools from Metabo are used both in everyday life and in professional environments. All German screwdrivers meet market requirements and provide worthy competition to other companies.

A notable feature of the company is the production of three categories of products: pneumatic tools, network and battery models.

Manufacturer, screwdriver brand.

I settled on six possible brand manufacturers:

AEG - something unfamiliar and seemingly Swedish

Bosch is a German group of companies that makes no sense to talk about.

DeWALT is an incomprehensible company, seemingly German and expensive. I first became acquainted with its products when I was choosing a screwdriver. This is probably because before I didn’t have any power tools at all.

Hitachi - I associate it with Japanese VCRs and TVs from the distant 90s.

Makita is a Japanese manufacturer whose tools are assembled in China, but despite this, many people praise Makita tools.

Metabo is a German company that produces and sells professional power tools. Reviews about this company were only positive, and very often from professionals who work with Metabo tools every day.

The best Makita screwdrivers

Cordless screwdriver Makita DF032DWAE

Japanese quality, the best screwdriver for home use. Keyless chuck , battery holds a charge for a long time. Compact, lightweight, fits comfortably in the hand, with plenty of torque.

engine brake;

reverse;

brushless motor;

removable battery;

Charger;

case.

Prices in online stores

Cordless impact drill/driver Makita DHP451RFE

Build quality, reliable cartridge, long-lasting batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, 25550 bpm . Copes well with concrete and brick, the choice is in favor of professionals.

hammer drilling;

additional handle;

2 speed modes;

case.

Prices in online stores

Cordless screwdriver Makita DF032DWME

Powerful, convenient, holds a charge for a long time, battery capacity is 4 Ah. Hexagonal bit chuck, LED light, brushless motor . Locking start button, medium torque, can be used as an ice screw for ice fishing.

2 working speeds;

Makita 12V max CXT battery system;

removable battery;

case.

Prices in online stores

Screwdriver Makita FS4000JX2, 570 W

Corded Japanese screwdriver. Original assembly, rubberized body, ergonomic handle . Optimal for minor home repairs.

reverse;

using bits without a cartridge;

power 570 W;

cable length 2.5 m.

Prices in online stores

Cordless impact drill/driver Makita HP333DWME Li-Ion 4.0 Ah 10.8 V x 2 case

Compact, powerful, convenient. Capacitive batteries can work uninterruptedly and under heavy load. Suitable for semi-professional use, quick-release chuck.

hammer drilling;

engine brake;

Makita 12V max CXT battery system;

Charger.

Prices in online stores

Criteria for choosing cordless professional screwdrivers

High-quality screwdrivers are selected based on a number of indicators. Rechargeable – according to a slightly expanded list. A professional tool is distinguished by higher performance, less capriciousness and greater endurance.

So, a short list of what you can use to choose a tool.

Screwdriver power supply.

Battery power distinguishes a special class of models that are characterized by the highest mobility. Depending on the manufacturer, model type and cost, the package may include up to 2 batteries. Their technical characteristics are described by voltage (in Volts) and capacity (in Ampere-hours).

Battery voltage.

Batteries with voltages from 9 to 36 V are widely available. The higher this parameter, the greater the power of the electric motor. Batteries up to 14V are too weak and suitable for occasional home use. For a professional model, you should choose 18 V or more - 20 or even 36 V.

The disadvantage of high voltage is increased mass. Therefore the consensus would be 18V.

Battery capacity.

The shorter the charging time and the less frequently charging is required, the better for performance. Equipment should work, and not stand idle waiting and undergoing maintenance.

Capacity up to 1.5 Ampere-hours (Ah) is required for residential models. For constant use, it is better to look at 2.5-3.0 Ah.

Number of batteries.

For the constant work of a professional, appropriate technical equipment is necessary. What kind of work can there be if the battery needs to be charged every couple of hours, while waiting around with nothing to do?

A good solution is to come with two batteries and a charger. The idea is simple: while one is working, the other will be charging. And after a minute pause for replacement, work will continue.

Battery type.

The most budget-friendly ones are nickel-cadmium. Power is minimal, durability is up to 1000 charges. Good for ice screws in winter.

The next most reliable type is nickel metal hydride. The price is high, it discharges strongly on its own, but it is environmentally friendly. Not suitable for home.

The best batteries are considered to be lithium-ion (lithium-ion, Li-Ion). Maximum capacity, rapid charging, low self-discharging. The best option for a professional master.

Case material.

The lighter the screwdriver, the easier and longer you can use it. Working with a power tool involves not only holding the device, but also pressing it against the surface. When working overhead or in a ceiling position, a lot of energy will be wasted. Therefore, the optimal material is light and durable: plastic or aluminum. For electrical safety purposes, the latter will necessarily be protected with rubber or covered with the same plastic.

Type of drive.

Advising what an electric motor should be like is not an easy task. The collector (brush) type will be cheaper. Brushless is more reliable and produces higher power.

Gearbox material.

According to customer reviews, gears and other metal parts should definitely be considered. Plastic can melt, chip, and simply break.

Cartridge and its type.

Among the screwdrivers, according to reviews, the best option is to install an attachment or drill into a quick-release chuck. It takes the least amount of time and does not require an additional key. This is especially valuable for working on stairs or in confined spaces.

It is better to have 2 chucks in the package - a jaw chuck and a quick-release chuck. The first is the best for drilling, the second is for working with many types of attachments in a short time.

Spindle revolutions.

In this aspect, reliability lies in the golden mean of 1500 rpm. Less is too weak for regular actions, more is just a waste of energy.

The top option is with speed control by pressing the start button.

Torque (Nm – newton meter).

The most reliable option for reliable operation is about 25-35 Nm. More than 70 Nm is already too much, only your hands will get tired in the evening.

Reversible direction of rotation.

The choice must be made taking into account the work with the screws - and they can only be unscrewed in the opposite direction.

Manufacturer.

You can often hear the request: “Please advise which manufacturer is better than others?”

The question is incorrect - all brands produce decent quality and a decent selection. There is a range of cheap models, and there are a number of “expensive” and “golden” manufacturers in terms of price and quality. It's a matter of personal taste.

Impact type.

No screwdriver can be better than an impact drill, much less a hammer drill. Therefore, he does not need this equipment. But if necessary, he can make a hole in concrete, nothing more.

Illumination of the working area.

Very often, cordless tools are used precisely where there is no power supply. Therefore, lighting of any type is very desirable.

Pulse mode.

This is a mode in which the spindle rotates intermittently and with slight jerks. An extremely useful option for rusted fasteners.

Equipment.

Classic version – 1-2 batteries, charger. Often everything fits into a case.

There are also hooks for hanging on a belt or even a holster. An additional handle and drill depth limiter are welcome.

The best Metabo screwdrivers

Cordless drill-driver Metabo BS 18 Quick 10mm 2.0Ah x2 Case Set2

High-quality assembly, large set of attachments. Compact, fast battery charging, quick-release chuck . Lightweight, powerful, suitable for home use.

LED lights;

2 speed modes;

Metabo 18 V battery system;

set of accessories;

case.

Prices in online stores

Cordless impact drill/driver Metabo SB 18 LTX Impuls 2013 4.0Ah x2 Case

A strong, powerful, reliable screwdriver with a support handle that is not afraid of hard pressure. Precise torque adjustment, easy to maintain, fits securely in the hand , and does not slip when working with drilling.

work in a drilling machine stand;

additional handle;

hammer drilling;

2 batteries;

belt hook.

Prices in online stores

Cordless impact drill/driver Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL 2.0Ah x2 case

Good home tool, quality and durability. Lightweight, convenient, compact, easy to maintain . Optimal for repair work, copes with abrasive materials, drills concrete and brick.

LED lights;

2 speed modes;

Metabo 12 V battery system;

battery with charge indicator.

Prices in online stores

Cordless drill/driver Metabo BS 18 LT BL Q 0 MetaLoc, without battery

High torque, quick release chuck . Easy and convenient switching of modes and speeds, hook for attaching to a belt. Rubberized handle, suitable for professional use.

brushless motor;

additional bit attachment;

removable battery;

MetaLoc case.

Prices in online stores

Cordless drill-driver Metabo PowerMaxx BS Quick Basic Li-Ion 2 Ah 12 V x2 case

Powerful, fits comfortably in the hand, quick-release chuck, an excellent option for furniture production. Quick chuck , a practical and ergonomic tool.

using bits without a cartridge;

start button lock;

Charger;

drilling;

case.

Prices in online stores

Comparison of screwdrivers: pricing policy and reliability

Which screwdriver is better to choose: Bosch or Metabo, depends on the type of work. If you need to tighten a small screw, unscrew a screw, or hang a picture, a Bosch household tool will do. It has low power and very convenient dimensions and design.

If you need to drill a larger hole in wooden or metal structures, you will need a more powerful Metabo screwdriver. Some models from this manufacturer have several modes: screwdriver, hammer drill with impact mechanism, drill. These are the functions that are needed in construction and repair work.

Regarding reliability, have no doubt - both German brands (unless, of course, this is a Chinese counterfeit) make high-quality and durable tools. Except that Metab's screwdrivers have the advantage that they are stuffed with electronics. There are more different electronic gadgets, which naturally increase the level of reliability and endurance of the instrument. They also make it more comfortable to work with.

Built-in electronic chips, as a rule, increase the cost of the product. Therefore, professional models from Metabo have a higher price, but you are not paying for the brand (as some users believe) but for the comfort of use and durability of the tool.