Electric screwdrivers buying guide
Buying electric screwdrivers
If you're a DIY enthusiast, an electric screwdriver is a must to help speed up everyday jobs. Tighten and loosen all screw shapes and sizes by interchanging bits. It can be especially useful where lots of screws need to be tightened quickly and precisely.
Before you buy an electric screwdriver, decide what types of jobs you will be doing and bear in mind:
Power rating
The electric screwdriver's power is measured in Volts. Most are cordless and are powered by a rechargeable battery with a charging cradle. Generally the higher the Voltage, the more efficient the screwdriver, and the more work can be done before it needs recharging.
Shape
A screwdriver can either come in a simple-to-use straight design, a pistol shape or can be multi- positional. The straight electric screwdrivers are the most basic, whereas the pistol shape helps to access awkward angles, and a multi-positional screwdriver will give you the best of both worlds.
Variable speed
As with most power drills, you can vary an electric screwdriver's speed to provide greater control and adapt to different materials and screw types.
Torque
A screwdriver's rotating force, known as torque, can be varied according to the size of the screw - some need more force than others. While a screwdriver with lower levels of torque will be sufficient for occasional day-to-day tasks, a screwdriver with variable torque and a higher range is better suited to more involved assembly jobs where there are lots of different screw types required.
Buy an electric screwdriver from Tesco.com
Spindle lock
A lock mechanism that temporarily switches your electric screwdriver into manual for better control.
Reverse action
A reverse action allows screws to be removed quickly and easily.
Lithium ion technology
This is new technology used in rechargable batteries that means they can be much smaller, so screwdrivers are much more compact, lighter and easier to use. The added benefit of lithium ion technology is that the battery will not run down while the screwdriver is idle (like other models).
Fast charge battery
A feature that enables the screwdriver battery to charge up in an hour or less. This is ideal if you have forgotten to charge the battery beforehand.
Integrated light
A light built into the screwdriver to help visibility in dark conditions.