When working in tight spaces or working with delicate electronics, a drill won’t cut it. Electric screwdrivers are great but can still be bulky and aren’t suitable for electronics.
When it comes to electronics repairs and other intricate jobs, special tools are needed — namely, an electric precision screwdriver. This type of tool can give your fingers and hands a break from repetitive motions and help execute delicate repairs, like replacing a cracked smartphone screen.
We did the handiwork for you by researching what makes for the best precision instruments, testing some of them out ourselves, and putting together this guide to the best electric precision screwdrivers currently on the market.
- Our Favorite: ONUEMP Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Most Adjustable Torque: Jakemy Adjustable 8 Torque Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Most Portable: POWERAXIS Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Most Accessories: wowstick Lithium Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Best Battery Life: Beyoung Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Fastest Charging Time: Carperipher Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
- Most Budget-Friendly: ORIA Electric Screwdriver
The Best Electric Precision Screwdriver
1ONUEMP Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
When it comes to ease of use, creative accessories, bit variety, and power, the ONUEMP Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver dominates the competition.
My first impression upon taking it out of the box was that creativity and thoughtfulness seemed to run throughout the design. A magnetic bit kit is the first thing I found, a handy feature that ONUEMP includes with each screwdriver to keep the screws and all 55 bits together.
The screwdriver was attached to the outside of the bit and accessory carrying case. When opening the case, I discovered it was magnetic, which ensured it was easy to open and close. The bit storage made it easy to grab what I needed quickly.
When working with the precision screwdriver, the fish scale design made it easy to hold, and the built-in LED light made it easy to see my workspace, even in the dark. It is a definite must-have for your toolbox.
55 bits
150 rpm
0.25 – 0.35 nm torque
Included carrying case and charger
45 min charging time
Fish scale handle for easy grip
- BrandONUEMP
- Weight1.85 pounds
2Jakemy Adjustable 8 Torque Electric Precision Screwdriver
My favorite electric precision screwdriver with torque control was the Jakemy Adjustable 8 Torque Electric Screwdriver. With eight torque settings, this tool was ready to tighten delicate fasteners safely. Changing the torque value was easy during testing; a simple turn of the shaft was all it took.
Operating this handheld electric precision screwdriver was incredibly easy. Two buttons, it charged quickly, and the device nestled easily into my hand.
The 40 included bits allowed me variety for several projects, including replacing a phone screen and adding framing hardware to a canvas. Another feature I love is that the bit organization is simple and easy to understand.
My only complaints are the lack of light to aid vision in low light situations, and the shaft of the device lacked grooves or texture to make the grip more secure.
For more must-have tools, check out our list of the best power screwdrivers on the market.
8 adjustable torque settings
USB-c charging
40 bits
- BrandJakemy
- Weight13.4 ounces
3POWERAXIS Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
The most compact and portable carrying case and screwdriver set on our list belong to the POWERAXIS Mini Electric Screwdriver. This tool might come in a small package, but it is quite powerful, with a maximum of 395 rotations per minute and 0.15 to 3 Nm of output torque between the manual and electric modes.
The set comes with the screwdriver, a magnetic worktable, and a whopping 40 precision bits meaning it’s ready for nearly any task at hand. A battery life of 3 hours when running and 180 days when on standby should give you plenty of charge to accomplish what you need.
Lastly, there are three simple buttons for controlling the device’s direction, and four LED lights on the tip for ease of use.
40 included bits
395 rotations per minute
3-hour battery life
- BrandPOWERAXIS
- Weight14.9 ounces
4wowstick Lithium Electric Precision Screwdriver
When you explore everything that comes with the wowstick Lithium Precision Screwdriver, you might actually say “wow.” This kit includes the wowstick itself, a unique charging pad, a magnetic worktable, suction cup, magnetizer, a fin/prying tool, a magnetizer, a magnetic eraser, one screw, and 56 bits. Now that’s a lot in a small package.
Besides the impressive accessory package, we also love the LED light and the capacity of 200 rotations per minute and 3 Nm of maximum torque. This product is as much a workhorse as it is flashy.
Lastly, you can use this product in both electric and manual modes, so there’s no need to keep extra tools in your tool chest.
LED light
56 bits
Plenty of accessories
200 rotations per minute
- Brandwowstick
- Weight1.81 pounds
5Beyoung Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
With an 8-hour battery life, the Beyoung Mini Electric Screwdriver decimates all competition for a possible duration of use. This electric micro screwdriver works as hard as you do.
One hundred and fifty rotations per minute and 0.25 to 0.35 Nm of torque provide plenty of speed and power for delicate work.
If you do manage to use this screwdriver until the charge is depleted, a quick 45-minute recharge via the included USB-C cable will have it back in your hands.
There is an included carrying case for portability to carry all 20 of your precision bits, the screwdriver, and a magnetizer.
Lastly, when working with this device, the ultra-slim handle fits easily in your hand, and the LED lights make it easy to see anything you’re working on.
150 rotations per minute
0.25-0.35 Nm torque
8-hour battery life
20 precision bits
45-minute charging time
Included carrying case
- BrandBeyoung
- Weight9.9 ounces
6Carperipher Mini Electric Precision Screwdriver
The Carperipher Mini Electric Screwdriver shines with its quick charging time via a USB-C cord. Once charged, the device can run continuously for up to 2 hours.
Additionally, it features 200 rotations per minute and .35 Nm of torque, making it plenty powerful for small fasteners.
This kit comes with an electric screwdriver that can function in electric and manual mode alongside 24 precision bits, a magnetizer, and a charging cord.
The handle of this device is a sleek deep silver that looks good on any desktop. For more handy DIY necessities, browse our selection of the top ratchet screwdrivers on the market.
200 rotations per minute
0.35 Nm torque
24 bits
40-minute charging time
2-hour battery life
- BrandCarperipher
- Weight8.8 ounces
7ORIA Electric Screwdriver
The ORIA Electric Screwdriver may be the budget-friendly option on our list, but don’t let that fool you. This tool still produces plenty of power while getting you a great bang for your buck. Inside the box, you’ll find 24 bits, a magnetizer, a prying tool, the screwdriver, and a charger. This kit has everything you need to get right down to business.
The ORIA screwdriver will rotate in both directions, and it includes an LED light and charge status indicator. The lithium-ion battery recharges via a USB-C cable in under 50 minutes.
Power output of 0.25 to 0.35 Nm torque and 180 rotations per minute mAKE this electric precision screwdriver appropriate for electronics or delicate mechanicals. This handy tool is definitely something you need in your tool bag.
24 bits and 2 tools
0.25-0.35 Nm torque
180 rotations per minute
LED light
- BrandORIA
- Weight8.1 ounces
Why Trust Us
I've always been a curious person. I spent my childhood years fascinated by robotics and taking apart old computers I found near dumpsters. As I got older, I was both crafty and handy. DIY projects have always been a joy for me. At age 18, I built my own computer and subsequently became the go-to friend for repairing phone screens and charging ports for much less than electronics repair stores charged. With this background and current daily tasks, I need a lot of tools. While I generally go manual, I was thrilled at the chance to work with electric precision screwdrivers for my tinkering and projects to see how they improved the experiences.
Who This Is For
This guide is a bit specialized. The primary use of electric precision screwdrivers is for electronics repair. Therefore, this guide is mostly aimed at those interested in electronics repair. Still, it does dive into each device's capabilities for my fellow tinkerers to decide what meets their needs for odd jobs.
How We Picked
Selecting electric precision screwdrivers for this guide was a question of quality and accessory variety. With comparable torque in all these devices, selections came down to features, adjustability, bit variety, and the included accessories like prying tools, magnetizers, and magnetic worktables.
How We Tested
Testing these products was an amalgamation of small household tasks. Instead of attempting a major electronics repair, which we know these tools can handle, I opted to test a bit non-conventionally, using electric precision screwdrivers to tackle tasks other than only electronic repairs.
The list included small fixes and tightening jobs, assistance with installing mounting hardware for paintings onto softwood stretcher bars, and much more.
Features to Look for in Electric Precision Screwdrivers
Bits - A variety of bits is essential to complete tasks. All of the electric handheld precision screwdrivers on this list come with a wide variety of bits. You should review the selection to ensure the included bits meet your needs.
Torque - In the case of this guide, torque is the turning force delivered by a cordless precision screwdriver. This force is measured as Newton Meters, referred to as Nm for the rest of the text. For tasks like inserting and removing small screws, less torque is required. For heavier duty jobs, you will need more torque. Some products offer adjustable torque settings so you can use the appropriate tightening force.
Speed - When operating a drill, electric screwdriver, and other tools, the slower you go, the more torque you can safely deliver, which is best for more precise tasks. When your tool's speed is higher, you could be applying less torque, which is usually better for lighter-duty tasks. Speed for electric precision screwdrivers is measured in rotations per minute (RPM) or radians per minute. You can read more on rotations per minute below.
Grip and Comfort - Several products on this list have textured areas to increase grip while using the tool. This feature helps ease the burden on your hands and helps you stay in control of the screwdriver. If you are using your electric precision screwdriver set for an extended period, a comfortable grip will make your experience much more tolerable.
Battery - Most electric precision screwdrivers are cordless, meaning they are rechargeable or battery-operated. Because of this, you will want to ensure your screwdriver has enough battery life to complete the tasks at hand. Generally, longer battery life or a quick charging option is best.
Quality - Quality is critical for just about everything you purchase, so why wouldn't it be vital to buying an electric precision screwdriver too? Most products on our list feature an aluminum alloy construction and lithium-ion batteries for durability and to keep the device lightweight.
Price - We know budgets matter. We've included products with pricing as low as $29 in our guide in an attempt to serve all price points. An electric precision screwdriver's price is often determined by the speed or rotations per minute and the maximum torque.
Rotation per Minute (RPM) - The rotations per minute of a device are the rotations it will make in a minute when it is not loaded. A good example is if you held the device in your hand, turned it on, and counted the rotations, that would be the rotations per minute. This number decreases when load or an opposing force is applied to the device.
Electric Precision Screwdriver FAQ
Q: What is an electric precision screwdriver?
A: An electric precision screwdriver is a cordless, handheld electric screwdriver designed for small bits, delicate tasks, and narrow spaces. These tools often lack the speed and torque of drills and electric screwdrivers but excel in specific applications such as electronics repairs and tinkering. These tools are gentle but efficient for handling delicate materials and tasks requiring precision.
Q: What size are electric precision screwdriver bits?
A: Bits for an electric precision screwdriver are similar to the bits for a drill but smaller. These smaller bits allow these tools to access tight areas and work on fasteners commonly used in electronics. Additionally, inserting the bits is easier as most electric screwdrivers do not have a chuck.
Q: How do you use an electric precision screwdriver?
A: Using an electric precision screwdriver is reasonably straightforward. To start, ensure your screwdriver is charged, attach your desired bit, set the tool into position, and then select forward or reverse to start rotating the fastener. Some products may have additional steps, but most are easier to use than a traditional drill.
Q: Can an electric precision screwdriver drill holes?
A: No, electric precision screwdrivers generally don't have enough torque to drill holes in most woods. Drilling holes is a job best left for a proper drill with more power.
Q: Do I need a drill or an electric precision screwdriver?
A: Whether you need a drill or electric precision screwdriver depends on your project. For drilling holes and projects with hardwoods, a drill is a better choice as it provides additional torque and power. An electric precision screwdriver is best for electronics and softwoods that can easily split with too much pressure. Electric screwdrivers are also nimbler than a drill and can be used in small, odd spaces where a drill generally cannot reach.
Sources:
- Torque - Britannica
- How to Use a Precision Screwdriver - eHow
- What is No-Load Speed? - Wonkee Donkee Tools
