What are the advantages and disadvantages
of using a cordless screwdriver?

Shop for Cordless Screwdrivers

Advantages

They’re compact

Cordless screwdrivers tend to be fairly small which means they’re ideal for working in awkward or confined spaces.

They’re relatively inexpensive

Prices start from around £20, making cordless screwdrivers one of the least expensive power tools.

They’re lightweight

Cordless screwdrivers can weigh as little as 500g – That’s about the same as a 500ml bottle of water.

You can change between bits quickly and easily

Most cordless screwdrivers have a magnetic or quick-release chuck which allows the user to change between different bits quickly.

Disadvantages

They don’t have a jawed chuck

Most cordless drill drivers have a 3 or sometimes 4 jawed chuck which can be tightened or loosened to insert or remove bits.

These chucks can accept bits with round shanks as well as hexagonal, making them ideal for use with drill bits.

This means that unless you purchase an adaptor, you can only put bits with hex shanks straight into them (that’s pretty much just screwdriver and pilot drill bits!)

They’re not very powerful

Compared to cordless drill drivers and impact drivers, most cordless screwdrivers are not very powerful, and are designed mainly for pilot holes and driving smaller screws into softwoods.

They can’t drill large holes

Some cordless screwdrivers can drill pilot holes but most cannot be used for drilling because they lack the power.

Cordless screwdrivers also have hexagonal chucks, which means unless you purchase an adaptor, you can’t put drill bits with round shanks in them.