A must-have for home improvements and odd jobs around your house or flat, even if you're not one for owning a toolbox, having a screwdriver in a drawer somewhere can be incredibly handy.
Used for turning, driving and removing screws, a screwdriver is key to most DIY tasks. A screwdriver is a length of shaped metal designed to fit into a specific screw size and shape, attached to a long shank and handle. However, it’s not quite as simple as it may seem.
The best screwdrivers at a glance:
1. Best for overall value: STANLEY Multi-Bit Stubby Screwdriver - View offer on Amazon UK
2. Best for tough jobs: OX Tools Pro Series Slotted Screwdriver - View offer on Amazon UK
3. Best for light work: Rolson 9-in-1 Precision Screwdriver - View offer on Amazon UK
4. Best for electronics: EEEKit Torx Screwdriver Set - View offer on Amazon UK
When tackling DIY projects, it’s important to use the right size and shaped screwdriver for the task so as to not damage the screw head. If the screw head becomes too damaged it will be very difficult, or in worst cases impossible, to remove. So, it’s important to make sure you get the right set of screwdrivers for your home, whether you’re planning a garden DIY project or looking to do some general maintenance.
From hanging up a new painting to putting together furniture, our list of the best screwdrivers available to buy right now will make your next DIY project much easier. Why not check it out?
Best for overall value
Not sure where to start when it comes to screwdrivers? This tool will give you a bit of everything. The magnetic tip of the screwdriver will ensure that the bits and screws will stay attached to the driver. Easy to use and handles with a comfort grip - what's not to like?!
Our Thoughts: Using a magnetic design to keep each screwdriver head in place, this interchangeable screwdriver is great to have on hand for any job around the house. Compact and convenient, it's great for taking on the go too.
Pros
- Easy to change the heads
- Comfort-grip handle
Cons
- Quite small in size
Best for tough jobs
Strong and really robust, ideal for sturdy and secure use, no matter what you need it for. The OX Slotted Flared Screwdriver incorporates a robust chrome vanadium steel bar, that makes it durable and corrosion resistant.
Our Thoughts: With an ergonomic handle and smart magnetic tip, this slotted screwdriver from OX is a must-have for any toolbox. It's comfortable to use while giving you complete control, plus it comes in a selection of quality sizes.
Pros
- Colour-coded handed
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Tip will bend if too much force applied
Best for light work
An excellent choice for those doing up their homes and needing multiple tools for more precise jobs. This compact screwdriver tool is especially good for glasses repair and more tricky DIY projects. This screwdriver feels solid and the head storage is handy too.
Our Thoughts: Featuring multiple-precision heads, this affordable screwdriver from Rolson is just what you need for more fiddly jobs. It's also ideal for things like smaller devices, fixing jewellery, or adjusting reading glasses.
Pros
- Perfect for fixing small electronics, glasses, jewellery
- Made from high-quality aluminium
Cons
- Some have said the bits can get stuck inside the barrel easily
Best for electronics
In need of a high-quality Torx screwdriver? How about three? Then you're definitely in luck! Made from engineered non-marring plastic polymer, prevent damage with your screwdriver. The handle of this screwdriver has an anti-slip design that fits your hand.
Our Thoughts: Made from engineered plastic polymer, we love how versatile these Torx screwdrivers are. They're ideal for working on electronics like games consoles, smartphones, and laptops, plus they won't break the bank.
Pros
- Magnetic design
- Anti-slip handles
Cons
- Not as robust as others
Best for comfort
When it comes to essential tools, STANLEY knows what it's doing, and this screwdriver is proof. The soft grip handle provides excellent torque and is also really comfortable, so what more could you possibly want?!
Our Thoughts: This Philips screwdriver is precise and tough all-in-one. The handle design is easy to control and won't leave you with red hands after prolonged use. It's made from alloy steel, so it's strong too.
Pros
- Soft-grip handle
- Great for precise use
Cons
- Might be too long for some
Best for durability
This is a winner when it comes to resisting damage and getting your money's worth. Its flared tips are made from chrome vanadium steel and it is hardened, tempered and chrome plated.
Our Thoughts: Simple but very effective, this screwdriver from Draper's Redline range is a hard worker and a worthy tool for any professional or amateur handyman. The tempered chrome plating means this was made to last too.
Pros
- Made from chrome vanadium steel
- Ergonomic, soft-grip handle
Cons
- Limited size selection
Types of screwdrivers:
Our list above features some of the most popular and most-used screwdrivers, but there are so many types out there, all with different uses, so if you're new to tools, here are some of the different screwdriver types...
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Phillips - best for fitting screws.
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Torx - best for mechanical production.
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Flat Head (Slotted) - best for multipurpose use.
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Hex (Hexagon) - best for loosening screws.
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Pozidriv - beat for reducing cam-out.
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Robertson (Square) - best for speeding up fastenings.
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Insulated - best for overall safety.
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Torque - best for tightening screws.
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Tri-Wing - best for smaller electronic devices.
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Precision - best for work on jewellery and watches.
Why is screwdriver important?
A screwdriver is an essential tool used to install and remove as well as tighten or loosen screws. It typically features a long and wide shaft that's affixed to a screw head. The screw head is inserted into the screw, at which point turning the screwdriver will tighten or loosen the screw.
Why is it called a screwdriver tool?
A screwdriver is a tool used to turn (or "drive") screws into something. It has an axial shaft with a tip of a certain shape that fits into the head of a screw.
What is the most important part of a screwdriver?
Possibly the most important part is the blade or the tip. The type or shape and size of the tip determine what kinds of screws and fasteners can be turned. Additionally, this part should be composed of a very hard material to ensure long-lasting use.
Caitlin Evans is a Content Optimisation Executive with a passion for finding the best products on the market. She specialises in identifying features that make a product stand out from the rest that will help people make informed buying decisions.