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

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The accessory kit includes a flexible drive shaft. Compared to some of the more expensive screwdrivers on my list, I was pleasantly surprised to see one! If like me, you’ve got big hands, you might find yourself changing direction when you don’t want to. The direction switch is in line with my index finger, leading to several mishaps. Having right-angle and offset heads make this the most versatile electric screwdriver for the money.

Makita has the world's largest cordless tool line-up powered by an 18V slide-style battery. There are over 100 tools in Makita's expanding 18V Series, with solutions for trades ranging from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction – and more. How to choose the best cordless screwdriver for you What should I look for in a cordless screwdriver?

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The big LED torch set into the base of the screwdriver is really useful. It turns a good tool into a great one, as far as I’m concerned. If you’ve got large hands, like me, it’s almost too small to get a good grip on it compared to the Makita DF001DW, for example.

However, the WX240 really comes into its own if you’re working in cramped spaces, or doing fiddly jobs where a larger cordless driver with more of a pistol grip might get in the way. I used both the WX240 and the Bosch IXO to assemble a PC inside a new case, and while the Bosch was fine for removing external case screws, the Worx was a lot more usable inside the case and for getting screws into the motherboard. It charges in under 90 minutes over a USB-C cable, and will happily last for around 35 to 45 minutes of work. For bigger screws on DIY jobs, you might want something with a little more power and torque; but if you need something that feels and works more like a manual screwdriver, this is the one to buy. 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. 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.

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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. Unlike NiCad batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory. This means it’s better for your battery to recharge it after a partial discharge when possible rather than waiting for it to fully discharge each time. Once your power tool begins to lose power it’s best not to force it to continue as this can sometimes trigger a safety circuit that makes it difficult to recharge. 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.