Makita DF001DW 3.6V Li-ion Screwdriver Supplied with an 18 Piece Bit Set in a Carry Case

Product Information

Key specs – Power: 4V; Speeds: 1; Max speeds: 230rpm; Max torque: 3Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: Proprietary 4.2V; Accessories: 6 bits, removable screw holder; Weight: 500g It’s a shame that you don’t get any sort of case to hold everything together when it’s not in use. I don’t know how long the little collection of driver bits is going to last without one. I like the fact that there are plenty of accessories to upgrade the IXO, but the cost starts to add up if you buy them. Once you’ve used an electric screwdriver for putting in or taking out a few screws, you’ll never look at a manual screwdriver again. Electric screwdrivers are lightweight, easy to use and more powerful than you might think. Pistol Grip or Straight Grip? Makita quality in a small electric screwdriver. The build quality is excellent and feels like it will last for years of good service.

Not all lithium-ion batteries are alike: some will hold a charge better than others, while some will also charge faster, within two or three hours. Accessories Controls are usually kept simple. The more powerful cordless screwdrivers and drill-drivers will have some form of speed control, but most will have a single speed, forward and reverse gears, and a trigger to squeeze when it’s time to start screwing. Most models now also have some kind of built-in torch function, so you can see what you’re doing in dark corners. How about charging? First off, this is one of the best electric screwdriver kits out there because it includes an offset and right-angle adapter. They’re not things we’d normally splash out on, but when you need to get at that screw, nothing else will get the job done. You’ll be grateful they included it, trust us. The powerful motor can deliver a torque of 4 Nm and generate up to 220 rpm. It’s more than capable of providing all your screwdriving needs in the home and garden. The kit includes a micro-USB type adaptor, a USB micro charging cable and a massive 81-piece bit set in a sturdy storage case. If you’re looking to get some serious work done, the Makita DF001DW has you covered. It can switch between pistol-grip and standard barrel screwdriver modes for different situations, and it feels extremely robust in the hand. Even the micro-USB port in the handle has a cover. A two-way switch at the top of the handle drives screws in or out at a single speed.This Makita Electric Screwdriverhas a slightly different profile to the products previously discussed, with a long but comfortable soft-grip handle. The handle can be pivoted from pistol grip to inline allowing easier access when working in confined spaces. The LED light is helpful in this scenario too. Makita power tools have been operating for over 100 years and are one of the best brands within the industry. Part of Makita's vision includes striving for innovation in its technology and tools, making them a popular brand for a wide variety of trades. Battery power, capacity and charge time between use are the most important considerations when choosing a cordless screwdriver. Some electric screwdrivers come with a USB charger too. The battery power is directly proportional to the maximum torque the cordless screwdriver can generate. Compared with the more expensive Bosch IXO screwdriver, I’m impressed by the range of included accessories. They even come well organised in their own plastic case. The IXO’s plentiful power is contained within a very compact footprint. This rechargeable screwdriver is also extremely light, weighing just over 600 grams. This factor, the soft-grip handle and the overall ergonomic design make it extremely comfortable to use. An integrated task light comes in useful when working in dark corners such as under work surfaces.

The secret to not stripping a screw is in the downward pressure. The push design means you shouldn’t slip off or cam out a screw. Due to the small button you press to operate the driver, it’s not as easy to use compared with the large trigger on the Hanamtek. A trigger is much easier to use at awkward angles. This one’s great for bigger projects: it’s versatile, it’s got plenty of welly and it comes with an 81-piece set of bits that should cover just about everything you would need. With a respected brand like Makita, you know you’re not getting poor-quality accessories. It’s a little large for some smaller jobs, though, and a little too fierce for jobs that need finesse, such as PC builds or appliance repairs. When you’re up to something major, though, this is a top tool for the job. Unlike some of the articulated electric drivers on my list, this is a purely straight screwdriver that’s suited to getting into tight spaces. There’s plenty of rubberised plastic on the handle which makes it grippy, and a battery charge indicator just behind it. You can also press the soft-touch button to cycle through three different torque settings.

Carrying around a full set of screw bits is a bit excessive, but make sure your kit contains the most common bits – flat, Philips, PoziDrive and Torx are what I’d recommend. Probably the best electric screwdriver for home use, it’s got everything you might need in a small but sturdy case.