We tested 30 screwdriver sets (including bit sets) in The Lab to see how well they tackled a range of projects and tasks. We drove screws into wood, pried open paint can lids, and put together a bookshelf, evaluating each tool for sturdiness, performance, set versatility, and overall value to find options for a range of projects and needs.
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For new homeowners and DIYers, Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, suggests starting with a set that includes a small and large screwdriver, sizes 1, 2, and 3 Phillips screwdrivers, and a multi-bit driver. "Youll soon learn which ones you need most often around your home and discover the best way to spend money on a more substantial set later," he notes.
Screwdrivers are a staple in any toolbox, able to handle tasks from the simplesttightening a loose handle or assembling furnitureto complexlike fixing an electrical connection.
Best Overall
Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdriver Set
$17
What We Like
Ergonomic handles
Magnetized, black oxide tips
Clearly labeled for size and type
What We Don't Like
No carrying case with individual slots for each screwdriver
No Torx heads
After testing dozens of screwdrivers and bit sets, we think this set from Amartisan is an excellent choice for both first-time users as well as more experienced DIYers. It includes five flat-head and five Phillips head screwdrivers in the most commonly used sizes. We found them to be sturdy and comfortable to use in each of our tests.
All of the tools are made from chrome vanadium steel with black oxide tips to resist corrosion. The tips are magnetized, which helps keep screws in place while you work. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with a nonslip, rubbery coating that made them easy to grip and comfortable to hold, even if you need to apply a little extra torque to turn a stubborn screw.
We also like that each screwdriver has its type and size very clearly labeled on the handle. There's a hole at the end of each handle, which could be used to mount the screwdriver on a hanging peg, as well.
Our only criticism of the set is that rather than a flat carrying case with individual slots for each screwdriver, it comes in a clear plastic "bucket" that holds the screwdrivers in something of a jumble, making it more difficult to pull out just the one you need. However, you could easily store these in a drawer or tool box, or hang them on a pegboard if that becomes too much of an issue.
Set Size: 10 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips | Bit Tips: No | Carrying Case: No
Best for Drills
DeWalt Screwdriver Bit Set With Tough Case
$25
What We Like
Useful addition to power tool kit
Very strong and durable
Extender makes it easier to angle the tool
What We Don't Like
Can be a little tricky to get bits in and out of the case
Professionals and casual DIYers alike love bit sets for their versatility, and DEWALTs 45-piece set personifies this. Meant for use with your corded or cordless power drill with a 3/8-inch chuck, the set comes with all of the most commonly used screwdriver accessories.
We especially loved the included extender, which made wielding the tool more like a regular screwdriver and also made it easier to switch out the bits.
This set includes Phillips, square, slotted, and double-ended bits. We found all of the tips were easy to secure into the drill's chuck. Plus, we liked that the bits can be used in just about any power drill and all 45 pieces are stored in an industrial-strength, hard-top carrying case.
We did find it a bit tough to remove the bits from the storage case, as they fit in place quite snugly. However, we found this to be an excellent set of screwdriver bits that are very sturdy and effective.
Set Size: 45 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, square | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best Budget
Craftsman 5-Piece Screwdriver Set
What We Like
Sturdy, durable construction
Comfortable handles
Include common sizes
What We Don't Like
No case
If you only need a screwdriver on occasion for simple tasks, like tightening a door handle, theres no reason to spend a lot of money. With the Craftsman 5-Piece Screwdriver Set, you get four screwdrivers in the most common sizes for use around the home#1 and #2 Phillips head and 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch slottedas well as a small offset screwdriver with a Phillips head on one side and a slotted head on the other.
We found this set performed well in all of our tests; our only complaint was the lack of a case.
The four screwdrivers have sturdy acetate handles that are comfortable to hold and heat-treated steel alloy shafts for long life and reliable performance. You shouldn't have to worry about them rolling off of the table if you set them down while workingwe found there was very minimal roll due to the grip's octagon shape.
While its true there are screwdriver sets that are larger and more versatile, we've found this set is more than adequate for basic tasks around your home and durable enough to last for years.
Set Size: 5 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips | Bit Tips: No | Carrying Case: No
Best Precision
XOOL Precision Laptop Screwdriver Kit
$25
What We Like
Extremely comprehensive precision set
Useful extras, including screw clip
Magnetic tips
What We Don't Like
Elastic band that secures the case closed is a bit awkward
While testing, we loved this highly comprehensive precision kit, which is loaded with just about anything you might ever need for electronics repairs or other delicate work. From cell phones, laptops, and game consoles to watches, eyeglasses, and jewelry, the Xool 80-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set is a great option for beginners to more advanced DIYers.
Its 58 different bits, all made of CR-V steel, accommodate a wide variety of screw shapes and sizes, including Phillips, Torx, flat head, hex, square, triangle, and more.
The screwdriver itself is equipped with a magnetic tip, useful for both pulling screws out and lining them up with the hole, and the flexible extension rod allows you to adjust the length of the screwdriver, depending on the size of the object youre working on. We especially liked the elastic "bracelet" with a corded alligator clip attached that allows you to keep a grip on those tiny screws used in eyeglasses and other delicate items.
This kit also comes with an assortment of other useful tools, like a utility knife, three precision tweezers, a 6-inch ruler, and much more. The hard tool case is wrapped up in a convenient soft carrying bag that folds closed, it is easy to store in a drawer or tool box. Just keep in mind the bag closes with an elastic band, which we found to be a little tricky to open.
Set Size: 80 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, many others | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best for DIYers
Jackson Palmer 218-Piece Ultimate Screwdriver Bit Set
$43
What We Like
Extremely comprehensive set of bits
Well organized carrying case
Sturdy construction
What We Don't Like
A few complaints of bits twisting under very heavy torque
Some duplication of sizes
If you do a wide variety of DIY projects, work professionally in construction or maintenance, you'll have any bit you may ever need with this 218-piece set from Jackson Palmer. We loved the completeness of this set, as well as the strong performance and sturdiness of all the included pieces.
We also liked the well-organized carrying case, which is labeled for size and type on all of the components. It holds the bits in place securely but isn't too tight to remove them easily for use.
The set includes nut drivers, flat head, Phillips, Torx, security bits, square, hex, socket, and many other specialty bits in a wide range of commonly used sizes from small to large, as well as bit adapters and holders.
One of the bit holders is magnetized, so you have the option to use the tool with magnetized tips or without. All of the pieces in the set are made of sand-blasted carbon steel for extra strength and durability.
Set Size: 218 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, square, many others | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best Compact
Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver and Nut Driver
$25
$22
What We Like
Includes all the basics
Cushion-grip handle
Portable
What We Don't Like
Can easily roll off a tabletop if set near the edge
As compared to larger bit sets, with dozens of little pieces apt to go missing or take up space, the Klein 11-in-1 is a single, compact screwdriver that is easy to store and even easier to use. We found it comfortable to hold and effective to use in our tests. We think it's a great tool for people who dont use screwdrivers often, as it wont take up a lot of space or cost as much as a full set.
It holds eight popular tips, which fit inside the handle when not being used, including Phillips, slotted and Torx, and three different nut drivers. Each tip is heat-treated and industrial-strength, and the cushion-grip handle allows for excellent torque and comfort.
Even if you have a large set of screwdrivers in your workshop or tool box, we think this is a great portable tool to keep handy. It also makes a great addition to an emergency kit. Just keep in mind the tips aren't magnetized like other sets on this list.
Set Size: 11 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, square | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best Cordless Screwdriver Set
BLACK+DECKER Li 3.6-Volt 3 Position 42 Piece Rechargeable Screwdriver
What We Like
Cordless tool can be used anywhere
Great for assembling furniture
Charger included
What We Don't Like
Can be a little difficult to reach the trigger in an angled position
An electric screwdriver quickly and effortlessly helps you assemble furniture and complete projects with a lot of screws. We loved this set from Black+Decker and found it handled all of our tests with ease. It includes a cordless electric screwdriver with a three-position handle that lets you accommodate even awkward angles, plus a set of 42 bits in common sizes of slotted, Phillips, hex, Torx, and square (Robertson) heads.
While we don't think it's powerful enough for professional use, it's more than sufficient for typical tasks around the house, such as tightening up loose screws on furniture, hanging drapes, installing shelves, and more. The lithium-ion battery can hold a charge for up to 18 months, depending on how often and how long you use the tool, and comes with a charger.
The set includes a plastic organizer for the bits but no case for the screwdriver itself. Our only complaint was that it could be a little tricky to reach the trigger when using the screwdriver in an angled position, but not impossible.
Set Size: 45 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, square, hex | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best Ratcheting
DeWalt Ratcheting 31-Piece T-Handle Set
$36
What We Like
Three different lengths of hex bits
Can be used with a power drill
Ratcheting handle lets you apply more force
What We Don't Like
No Torx bits
Can be a bit tricky to remove bits from the carrying case
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit screwdriver manufacturer.
A ratcheting screwdriver makes it easy to apply more torque (turning force) without having to reset your hand position on the screwdriver with every twist of the tool. We found this screwdriver set easy to use and the ergonomic handle comfortable to grip. It has a T-shaped handle and a full set of interchangeable bits with 24 hex heads in both standard and metric sizes. It also includes two slotted and three Phillips head bits in common sizes.
The hex bits are in three different lengths; we liked having the longer lengths, which make it easy to reach into awkward or deep spaces, such as within a car's engine. You can even use the bits in this set with your power drill, which greatly increases its versatility.
The handle has a magnetic holder that helps keep the bit in place (although the bits are not magnetized). It easily handled all of our tests, but we did find it difficult to get some of the bits out of the storage case. Still, if you handle a lot of projects that require hex keys, this is a great set.
Set Size: 31 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, hex | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best for Electronics
Oria 60-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set
What We Like
Very comprehensive set of bits
Ergonomic handle
Magnetized
Well-organized case
What We Don't Like
Case insert is a bit flimsy
If you frequently repair electronic equipment, including computers, phones, video game consoles, controllers, or televisions, you need a comprehensive, quality set of precision screwdrivers. This set from ORIA includes 56 bits in various sizes of hex, flat, Phillips, Torx, square, nut driver, and other specialty screwdriver heads used in electronics.
We loved that the screwdriver handle has a non-slip grip and an indentation that allows you to set your finger in for more control.
It also includes a flexible shaft for working at odd angles and an extension rod, and is magnetized to help keep tiny screws in place. The storage case is well organized, with each slot clearly labeled as to the size and type of bit. However, we found the organizer insert to be a bit flimsy (although the case itself is sturdy).
Still, we think this set is a very useful addition to the tool box of anyone who might ever need to work on electronics, tighten the screws on a pair of glasses, or fix a piece of jewelry.
Set Size: 60 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, square, hex, several others | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best for Impact Drivers
Ryobi 70-Piece Impact Rated Driving Kit
$28
What We Like
Several types of bits in a range of common sizes
Can be used in impact driver or drill/driver
What We Don't Like
Difficult to remove some of the bits from the storage case
This set of bits from Ryobi includes 70 pieces, including hex, slotted, Phillips, Torx, and square-head driving bits, as well as various nut drivers and socket adapters. All are impact rated for use in any impact driver with a 1/4-inch shank. You can also use the bits in your regular drill/driver as well.
We found these bits to be very sturdy, and they were easy to install and remove from the impact driver. The set is quite comprehensive, so most DIYers will find any size of bit they need.
Impact drivers are similar to regular drill/drivers, but they have an added "hammer blow" motion that greatly increases the torque of the tool. You don't need the power of an impact driver if you are just driving in a screw to hang a picture or assemble furniture, but if you are facing a big project that requires numerous screws, such as the assembly of a deck or a child's swing set, then an impact driver, along with a set of bits such as those in the Ryobi set here, will make your job much faster and easier.
Our only complaint is it can be difficult to remove the bits from the plastic storage case, as they fit quite tightly.
Set Size: 70 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, square, hex | Bit Tips: Yes | Carrying Case: Yes
Best for Electricians
Wiha Tools 19 Piece Slotted Phillips Insulated Screwdriver Set
$306
What We Like
High quality materials
Cushioned grips
Size and type labeled on handle
What We Don't Like
No Torx heads
Insulated screwdrivers are made for people who do electrical work. For them, safety is the most important factor, and Wihas 19-Piece Insulated Screwdriver Set is as safe and reliable as it gets. The set includes Phillips, slot, square, and terminal block screwdrivers, but does not have any Torx heads. It also comes with a voltage detector.
We found these to be very durable, well-crafted screwdrivers that carried out their functions without problem. We also liked that each screwdriver has its size and type clearly marked on the handle.
Each of the 19 included screwdriver ensures safety up to 1,000 volts. For measure, the average US wall socket has an output of 120 volts. The screwdrivers are also ergonomically molded and have insulated cushion grips that we found comfortable to hold. They also help prevent the screwdriver from rolling off a tabletop if set down near the edge.
The price for this set is high, and there are certainly cheaper insulated options available on the market, but Wiha is one of the highest-quality manufacturers of professional screwdrivers. If you regularly work on any type of electrical system, it will be well worth the price.
Set Size: 19 pieces | Types of Tips: Slotted, Phillips, square | Bit Tips: No | Carrying Case: Yes
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With any garden DIY project, its important you have the right tools to make the task easier. If youre working with hardwood and tough materials, take a look at our test of the best electric screwdrivers. If youre looking to drill into materials, consider our review of the best cordless drills and our guide to the best drill bits. If youre considering driving nails as well as screws, consider our review of the best hammers.
Browse our pick of the best screwdriver sets below:
Guild 60 piece screwdriver set
A 60 piece screwdriver set with 14 screwdrivers, a screwdriver bit holder, and 25 screwdriver bits, all in a helpful carry case. This is a good set of screwdrivers and bits, and would be great for someone looking for a set for the home and the garden. It also comes with a flexible screwdriver extension to help you turn screws, even in awkward positions.
Price: £30
Buy the Guild 60 piece screwdriver set from Argos
Magnusson 54 piece standard mixed screwdriver set
This set offers a decent quantity of screwdrivers plus a lifetime guarantee. The screwdrivers are tipped with black oxide, which makes them tougher and more rust resistant and the handles have a soft grip to improve comfort without sacrificing grip. Finally, this set comes with a helpful stand, for organisation and storage.
Price: £8.00
Buy the Magnusson 54 piece standard mixed screwdriver set from B&Q
Draper 70 piece screwdriver set
The Draper 70 piece screwdriver set features a comprehensive range of drivers, accessories and a moulded case to keep them organised and stored. Each screwdriver is sand blasted to ensure a smooth finish with no jagged edges, and has a satin chrome finish, giving it a rust-proof coating. Additionally, this screwdriver set has a flexible screwdriver extension, which helps with driving screws in awkward places or angles, and it also includes a magnetic pick-up tool for lost bits or screws.
Price: £42
Buy the Draper 70 piece screwdriver set from Amazon
Wera Kraftform 7 piece screwdriver set
Built for comfort, the Wera Kraftform Screwdriver Set has several design features which help set it apart from other sets. The hexagonal handles are designed to not roll when placed on a flat surface.
The handles surface is patterned with alternating soft and hard surfaces, with hard surfaces for high-speed turning, and soft surfaces for low speed, high-torque turning. The screwdriver head is also laser tipped, which means its slightly jagged for a better grip on screws and to prevent slipping.
Price: £43.19
Buy the Wera Kraftform 7 piece screwdriver set from Manomano
Stanley 10 piece multi-colour cushion grip set 10pcs
This pack of 10 screwdrivers is useful for those looking for a magnetic, ergonomic screwdriver set, with a case for storage. The drivers all have magnetised black oxide tips, making the tips rust resistant and especially good at performing precise tasks, as the screw will stay attached to the head until you want to pull it away.
Each screwdriver in this set has a handle moulded to its shank, increasing its durability. This set is also covered by a limited lifetime warranty from Stanley.
Price: £21.71
Buy the Stanley 10 piece multi-colour cushion grip set from Amazon
Milwaukee set of 12 tri-lobe screwdrivers
Each of the Milwaukee set of 12 tri-lobe screwdrivers is magnetic and has a wrench-ready shaft, which makes them good for getting screws very tight on tough material. Tri-lobe refers to the triangular, rounded shape of the handle, which helps give leverage without sacrificing comfort.
This sets shaft is wrench ready, meaning its strong enough for you to grip it with a wrench, then use the wrench for extra leverage to drive the screwdriver, so it can comfortably drive screws into dense material.
Price: £49.99
Buy the Milwaukee set of 12 tri-lobe screwdrivers from Amazon
Stanley FatMax 13 piece ratchet screwdriver set
Offering a compact storage solution, the bits in this screwdriver set can be stored in the screwdrivers hollow handle. It can also be set for use clockwise and counterclockwise, with the ratchet mechanism offering increased torque.
In cases that require less torque the ratchet can be locked, so that it can be used like a regular screwdriver. This set has a range of 13 bits, making it a good starter screwdriver.
Price: £28.95
Buy the Stanley FatMax 13 piece ratchet screwdriver set from My Tool Shed
Draper 40 piece screwdriver set
This comprehensive set of 40 screwdriver bits ensures you can be prepared for a variety of different screwdriver tasks. The ratchet screwdriver itself has a soft grip to help you turn without straining.
Price: £14.99
Buy the Draper 40 piece screwdriver set from Robert Dyas
Bosch 45 piece mixed screwdriver bit set and handle
A set of 44 heat-treated screwdriver bits, these are ideal for those looking to drive into tougher material. Offering a good variety of sizes, and a case for storage and organisation, this set also offers eight power bits, which can fit into power tools and nutsetters, which is used to fasten self-tapping screws. It is also covered by a one-year guarantee.
Price: £28.99
Buy the Bosch 45 piece mixed screwdriver bit set and handle from Toolstation
Makita 101 piece straight shank accessory set
A 101 piece kit including 50 screwdriver bits, 21 drill bits, a case, and a variety of accessories. To help make some bits better suited to high speed drilling, six of these drill bits are made with HSS, while the rest are made with alloy steel. Including a spirit level, countersink and magnetic bit holder, this is a good set for those looking for a starter kit.
Price: £26
Buy the Makita 101 piece straight shank accessory set from B&Q
BLACK+DECKER 109 piece mixed drilling and screwdriving accessory set
Including a mix of brad point drill bits for woodworking and HSS steel bits for masonry, this screwdriver set would be good for gardeners looking to work with wood, but also tougher jobs, such as installing a wall-mounted water butt into brick. The set of 109 pieces contains 67 screwdriver bits, 25 drill bits, and a number of accessories. It has a 12 month guarantee against failure.
Price: £25
Buy the Black + Decker 109 piece accessory set from Homebase
Dewalt screwdriver drill bit set
This 85 piece screwdriver set comes in Dewalts Toughcase, a clear case designed to slot in with other Dewalt Toolkits, which helps to keep all of your DIY accessories organised and accessible. This particular set contains 64 screwdriver bits, 16 drill bits, and 5 accessories, including a magnetic drill bit holder. It should be noted that it doesnt come with a screwdriver, meaning its best for people who already have a ratchet or electric screwdriver, and are looking for extra parts.
Price: £154.00
Buy the Dewalt screwdriver drill bit set from Manomano
When choosing a screwdriver set, you want a tool that will reliably and comfortably do the gardening DIY tasks you have in mind, and without causing extra clutter. However, some of these factors will be more important to some people than others.
Some might happen to have a lot of room on their workbench, but need an ergonomic screwdriver to avoid strain, others might only need a screwdriver for a few gardening DIY tasks, but want a set they can use in the house too. Its important that you evaluate your needs, and get the screwdriver set which best suits them. For gardening DIY, realistically the majority of your screwdrivers use will be driving and removing screws from soft and hardwood.
Phillips: The most common screwdriver head type, with a pointed cross shapes head.
Flathead: With a pointed singular flat line, these fit into slotted screws, which often require minimal torque.
Hex screwdriver:A hexagonal tip, like an allen key, which is used to drive nuts, bolts and screws.
This type of screwdriver has an internal mechanism, which allows it to turn freely in one direction, but not the other. This means that the screwdriver can entirely turn a screw without needing its position to be adjusted. This allows the user to work much faster. Ratcheting screwdrivers often have changeable bits, which saves on storage space as bits are smaller and easier to store than full screwdrivers.
Ratchet screwdrivers save on space and are convenient to use, however they do have their disadvantages. Unlike regular screwdrivers, they cant be used for prying up light material such as paint can lids, and they are more vulnerable to dirt and grime and if the ratcheting mechanism gets obstructed by grit, it might not work.
The main treatments of screwdriver materials are as follows:
Black Oxide: A treatment for steel and ideal for screwdrivers, this toughens and gives it better rust resistance.
Heat treatment: Treating tools with heat improves their flexibility and wear resistance.
Sand blasted: The process of blasting an object with sand wears away any blemishes, jagged edges, or unwanted bits, leaving only a smooth, clean finish.
Laser tipped: This treatment makes the surface of a screwdrivers head rough, like a file, helping it grip onto screws easier.
Countersink: A countersink is a conical drill bit, which makes a shaped hole in material, typically after an initial hole has already been drilled. The conical shape helps flathead screws or fasteners to sit flush.
Flexible screwdriver extension: This fits on the end of your screwdriver, and its other side attaches to a screwdriver bit. It's flexible by design and makes it easy to reach awkward, or obstructed screws.
Magnetic pick-up tool: Usually a telescopic pole about the size of a pen, with a strong magnet at the end that's useful for picking up lost screws or screwdriver bits.
Stub screwdriver: Stub screwdrivers are screwdrivers with a smaller handle and shorter shaft, which allows you to reach into tight areas.
Precision screwdriver: A precision is a smaller, thinner screwdriver meant for driving small precision screws or fasteners.
Hex key: A piece of hexagonally-shaped metal, often with a 90 degree curve at one end. Hex keys are used for turning hexagonal bolts and fasteners
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This Product Guide was last updated in August . We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
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