A screwdriver is probably the most basic tool in your arsenal. From electricians to plumbers to DIYers to woodworkers, screwdrivers play an integral role in how we get jobs done. Since we've found this tool everywhere, we thought we'd recommend the best screwdriver sets and the best single-use screwdrivers for 2022.
Overall best screwdriver set
Wurth Zebra Screwdriver Set
Our editor-in-chief got his hands on the Wurth Zebra Screwdriver Set of 5 (model 061394226) and proclaims it the most comfortable screwdriver he's ever used. We especially like the steel end caps — you can hammer the back of these drivers if you want. You also get a nice wrench assist on top of the axle to apply torque to the drive when needed. The quality of these 3K screwdrivers is exceptional. You pay for this quality, but we think ~$60 is a great investment.
Best Budget Screwdriver
Craftsman 12-Piece Screwdriver Set
One thing you can't ignore about this Craftsman 12-piece screwdriver set is that it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty . That's right – snap a bit or damage the handle and all you need to do is go to a store that sells them and have them replaced right away. Currently includes Lowe's and other retailers. You don't even need proof of purchase! Most of all, we love the traditional design and the magnetizable tip. As our pick for the best budget screwdriver set, you can't go wrong with this $25 set.
Additional recommendation
When it comes to an affordable set of screwdrivers, we also like the Hart Tools 11-Pack Screwdriver Set. Each magnetic point driver does a good job of holding the screws in place. We also like the easy-to-see hint identifiers at the top. In a kit or drawer, the size and drive type can be easily identified. A nice grab handle feels comfortable and also helps keep the tools in place when you put them down. This kit for about $16 includes 5 Phillips screwdrivers, 5 flathead (slotted) screwdrivers, and an offset tool.
Best Machine Screwdriver Sets
Gearwrench 20-Piece Screwdriver Set
We really like the Gearwrench 20-Piece Screwdriver Set for its overall quality and value. The set feels really comfortable in the hand, and it also gives you a great set of drivers. The tip "grip" is excellent, and we like how quickly the drive spins in the palm of your hand thanks to the smooth plastic back. At the same time, you get a grippy rubber overmold that stands up to greasy hands. You can get Phillips and slotted screwdrivers in various sizes, as well as T15 and T20 Torx drivers and a set of mini drivers. This roughly $82 driver set is very similar to the one in our Sonic Tools S9 kit.
The Best Screwdriver Sets for Woodworking
Vessel Ball Grip 1/4″ Hex Screwdriver Set
Woodworkers appreciate precision. With a screwdriver, you need precise control and a tip that won't slip off the fastener and damage the material. The large ball grip gives you perfect control of this driver at all times. Since the tip of all screwdrivers eventually breaks, we like the replaceable 3-inch blade on this screwdriver. The longer blade allows you to go where a stubby replaceable bit wouldn't fit, because the larger surrounding bracket is closer to the handle. You can replace these 3" blades with any number of products on the market. Vessel also makes a ratchet version, but this ~$13 model works great, and we like the price.
The Best Screwdriver Sets for Electricians
Southwire Made in the USA Screwdriver Set (SDSET8US)
We chose Southwire screwdriver sets made in the USA for a number of reasons. First, it includes the 8 drivers an electrician needs, covering four different tip styles and three different shank sizes. For comfort and extra torque, Southwire added cushioned grips that really feel great—even when you need to drop the torque. Southwire has marked the size on the back end so you can easily get it out of your tool bag or pouch. The handle even includes a lanyard hole so you can tie it down while working at heights. Lastly, these drivers are made in the USA. I guess that also makes them our best American made screwdriver set!
For a space-saving option, also check out the Klein Adjustable Length Screwdriver.
Best Insulated Screwdrivers
Klein 8-in-1 Insulated Replacement Screwdriver Set 32288
We love saving space in our tool bags. The $49 Klein 8-in-1 Insulated Replacement Screwdriver Set 32288 gives you everything you need for 1000V protection without carrying around a whole set of screwdrivers. We love how easy it is to change blades. You simply push the blade into the handle and it automatically locks into place. Turning the collar in either direction releases the lock, and a spring at the bottom releases the blade.
Best Electronics Precision Screwdriver Set
Klein Tools 32717 Multi-Purpose Precision Electronic Screwdriver Set
Construction, ergonomics, and bit selection make for the best precision screwdrivers. This $30 kit from Klein Tool meets all of our criteria. You can get all the bits you could possibly want—including the obscure Security Torx and the Apple Tri-Wing. A total of 39 bits. It delivers all of this through a driver that blows the minds of most other drivers we've seen. The driver also has a nice rubber handle, floating rear swivel cap, and magnetic bit holder.
best multi-bladed screwdriver
Wiha 77791 26-in-1 Ultra Drive
For a tool we've known since 2017, the $46 Wiha 77791 26-in-1 Ultra Driver still impresses us. This top-notch multi-tip screwdriver features an ultra-compact design that packs 26 points into its small frame. You get a very attractive drive with a convenient storage solution that can carry almost everything known to man. Since the bit is double-sided, Wiha manages more in this driver than we've seen in any other design. And they do it with less bulk and weight.
Best T-handle screwdriver set
Gear Wrench Set of 7 T-handle Torx Wrench Set
Gearwrench's 7-Piece T-Handle Torx Wrench Set is made of alloy steel for strength and will prevent twisting under pressure. These Torx drivers have chamfered edges on both ends, so the key is easier to fit into place. We also found them easy to grip – the comfortable bi-material grip gives you a firm grip on big torque. These torx wrenches cost about $15 and allow you to use the long or short end depending on the amount of torque you need. Finally, the Gearwrench has clear size markings on the bottom of each T-handle.
If you don't need the clearance of a traditional T-handle, you might benefit from the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver. This applies a ratchet mechanism on multibit drivers. It lets you apply more torque when tackling anything from a stubborn Torx robot to a stuck Phillips screw.
best screwdriver bit set
Bosch Impact Tough screwdriver bit set
The Bosch Impact Tough Screwdriver Bit Set costs between $20 and $30, depending on the configuration, giving you a variety of options. Price and value are between the highest quality solutions and value brands. In fact, they're reasonably priced and from a brand that dominates most of the accessories market. These customizable Impact Tough drill bit sets are easily priced for the professional tradesman and DIY enthusiast alike.
You can also pick up the DeWalt DWA2T40IR 40-Piece Impact Screwdriver Set for less than $30. We also like the quality of these bits — plus DeWalt gives you a pretty good assortment.
how we pick our picks
When choosing the best screwdriver sets, we focused on a few key aspects that make up a quality hand tool. Everyone uses a screwdriver — from plumbers to electricians to mechanics. For us, choosing the best product means we need to understand how these professionals use these tools in their daily work. So we did some consulting. Once the dust has settled, here are the specifics we scrutinized for each pick:
Comfort and Ergonomics
We don't like to use a screwdriver with a bad grip. At the same time, if you really need to force a screw hard, it shouldn't hurt your hands. For mechanics, we focus on which drives are a good fit, but also withstand grease and dirt. If the driver slips out of your hand when you're a bit oily – that's not a very good tool for you.
Durability and Quality
From handle quality to blade design, we pay attention to whether the screwdriver will stand the test of time. We also care deeply about the quality of our tips. We ruled out a couple of blades because they didn't stick when the going got tough. Breaking out a slotted tip every few weeks shouldn't be part of your workflow.
We also looked at how the drive blade would pass through the handle. The best screwdrivers have a blade that goes deep, even through the handle. Cheap screwdrivers only protrude a few inches from the bottom of the handle. As you can imagine, when you apply enough torque, the torque quickly overcomes the small amount covered by the handle. We have seen many handles break due to poor design. Most major manufacturers have addressed this problem, but many knockoff brands take this shortcut – thinking you can't see through opaque plastic.
usability and functionality
Especially when it comes to multi-position drivers and T-handles, we love meaningful features. A good example is a multibit driver that uses handle space so you don't have to poke around for bits when you need them. We'd also like to see the availability of replacement bits. The T-handle should have enough material to provide the required torque without feeling like you might twist the steel shaft or break the handle.
For some riders, having a pair with thru-axles and steel backplates allows them to come in handy when they need to hit something. We all do this – you better have a driver or two to take the abuse! We also like the hex points on the axles so you can grab them with a wrench when you need extra torque. Some shafts do this by making the entire shaft a 1/4" hex design, while others provide a shorter area near the bottom of the handle. We prefer the latter, but appreciate both designs.
value
We definitely don't mind spending a fortune on the best screwdriver set. However, that price needs to be equal to what you're spending. Also, a set of "cheap" screwdrivers might look good on the front, but if the blades break and the handle shatters when you need them most… well, you might wish you had spent more up front for a better one set! We try to take all of these into account. If we recommend a more expensive set – hope it lasts.
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