International- A good set of screwdrivers is essential for any household,
- A screwdriver is handy for tightening the occasional loose screw or bigger DIY projects, like furniture assembly.
- The Craftsman 17-Piece Screwdriver Set is our top pick because it includes a wide variety of both tool length and tip size.
Screws are an essential part of everything that's made. They're used to hold together everything from smartphones to dining room tables to the buildings we live in.
Because of this, screwdrivers (or simply "drivers") are some of the most useful tools you can have on hand, allowing you to adjust, add, or remove screws if needed. And, since there are so many sizes and types of screws out there, you really need a well-rounded set of screwdrivers if you want to be prepared.
If you're still skeptical about how useful a screwdriver set can really be, consider these common tasks:
- Tightening wobbly cabinet hinges, doorknobs or strike plates
- Installing small hardware like dresser knobs, drawer pulls or outlet covers
- Assembling pre-fabricated furniture, and toys
- Maintaining power tools and appliances, like lawnmowers and washing machines
- Performing basic automotive maintenance
I know it can tempting to rely on just one or two drivers for all your screw-related tasks, but all you're doing is setting yourself up for disaster. Even if it "kind of" fits most screw heads, using the wrong-sized screwdriver will only result in stripped fasteners and damaged drivers.
A well-rounded set will ensure that you're always using the right-sized driver for the right screw. This allows you to work faster, with less effort, and increase the lifespan of your tools and screws.
Insider Reviews contributor Alex Rennie has been a commercial and residential carpenter for years, with experience working on both large construction jobs, and in-home custom furniture projects. During this time, he has used practically every screwdriver you can think of, from basic models to obscure specialized tools. He even had to acquire a set of antique German drivers, each about 3-feet long, to disassemble a gigantic pre-war sewing machine. (He wouldn't recommend those beasts, but there are some great sets out there to choose from.)
Based on his experience and testing - and taking into consideration price, size, and functionality - these are the best screwdriver sets you can buy.
So, whether you're developing a woodworking hobby, taking an interest in automotive repair, or if you just need to tighten the occasional cabinet hinge, one of our selections is sure to help you get the job done
Here are our top picks for the best screwdriver sets:
- Best screwdriver overall: Craftsman 17-Piece Screwdriver Set
- Best ratcheting screwdriver: Channellock 13-in-1 Multi Bit Ratcheting Driver
- Best low-cost screwdriver: Klein Tools Screwdriver and Nut Driver 11-in-1 Multi Tool
- Best electric screwdriver: DeWalt 8V MAX Gyroscopic Inline Screwdriver
- Best professional-grade set: Wiha Extra Heavy Duty
Updated on 3/26/2020 by Alex Rennie: This guide has been updated to reflect additional expert info and testing. We replaced our professional-grade recommendation with the Wiha Extra Heavy Duty. This guide was originally written by Steven John.
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