We evaluated screwdriver sets based on durability, completeness, and ease of use. Our favorite, the Craftsman 17-Piece Set is a comprehensive, quality set that will handle just about any task. Here are the best screwdriver sets for a variety of uses around the home. With 17 durable screwdrivers in an array of sizes, this Craftsman set has you covered for repairs, installations, and more. It is one of the highest rated screwdriver sets online, with the vast majority of customers awarding it five stars. Tack on a fairly reasonable price, and Craftsman was an easy choice for our best overall screwdriver set. One important note, however, is that we only considered traditional screwdriver sets for best overall, not bit sets,which use detachable metal bits that are inserted into a separate screwdriver handle. This purchase includes nine slotted screwdrivers, seven Phillips screwdrivers, and a handy 4-in-1 key chain, which gives you four additional slotted heads that can be easily stored in your pocket. There aren’t many DIY or repair scenarios that will require a screwdriver not included here. Each screwdriver is designed with butyrate handles and heat-treated blades for top-grade strength. The Phillips screwdrivers have clear heads and the slotted screwdrivers have a red stripe, making it easy to differentiate them at a glance. One of the only drawbacks to this set is that it doesn’t come with its own box or carrying case, meaning you’ll have to make some room in your toolbox, but nonetheless the combination of quality and affordability of these screwdrivers is unparalleled. Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, notes, “Having a screwdriver will always be the number-one tool for basic home repairs. In fact, it can help you do more than just tighten screws. If you ever find yourself without a hammer, flip the screwdriver around to use the handle as your hammer. The screwdriver handle’s density and weight will be enough to complete smaller tasks like hanging pictures.” All of the tips are easy to secure into your drill’s chuck, thanks to DEWALT’s magnetic drive guide technology. But you aren’t limited to DEWALT drills; you can use these bits with just about any power drill. And all 45 pieces are stored in an industrial-strength, hard-top carrying case. Made from hardened steel and crafted with DEWALT’s world-renowned quality, this set is an investment that will last for years. The screwdriver itself is equipped with a magnetic tip, useful for both pulling screws out and for lining them up with the hole, and the flexible extension rod allows you to adjust the length of the screwdriver depending on the size of the object you’re working on. This kit also comes with an assortment of other useful tools, like a utility knife, three precision tweezers, a 6-inch ruler, and much more. For those who might worry about paying for pieces you’ll never end up using, XOOL also makes smaller, cheaper sets, available in a 58-piece set and a 22-piece set. Husky’s steel tips are powerful, durable and they even store right inside the screwdriver handle, keeping your tools neat and organized. Husky also provides a lifetime warranty with no questions asked and no receipt required. Best of all, this product comes at a wonderful price, making it a great gift option or the perfect little addition to your own toolbox. The four screwdrivers have sturdy acetate handles that are comfortable to hold and heat-treated steel alloy shafts for long life and reliable performance. While it’s true that there are screwdriver sets that are larger and more versatile, this set is more than adequate for basic tasks around your home, and is durable enough to last for years. The price is certainly higher than most, but if you’re a hardcore handyman or handywoman looking to invest in a lifelong screwdriver set, this is as good as it gets. This product comes with nine Phillips screwdrivers, ranging in size from #00 to # 3, nine slotted screwdrivers, 1.5 mm to 3/8” and, finally, two Torx screwdrivers. GearWrench equips these screwdrivers with unique features like laser-etched sizes along the shaft for easy identification and a specially designed “Speed Zone” handle for quick, seamless rotation. This set is also covered under a lifetime guarantee. It’s a great tool for people who don’t use screwdrivers often, as it won’t take up a lot of space or cost as much as a full set, but it will get the job done should you ever need to use it. Each of the 19 included screwdriver ensures safety up to 1,000 volts. For measure, the average US wall socket has an output of 120 volts. The screwdrivers are also ergonomically molded and have insulated cushion grips. And the set comes in a convenient hard-top carrying case. The price for this set is high, and there are certainly cheaper insulated options available on the market, but Wiha is one of the highest quality manufacturers. If you regularly work on any type of electrical system, your safety is worth the price, however.
Screwdriver Types
Slot-head screws have a single straight notch for the corresponding flat-head or slotted screwdriver. These screws are commonly used in cabinetry and furniture, as well as outlet covers and other basic household items that are screwed in place. Slat-head screws withstand much more torque than Phillips-head screws before the screwdriver slips, meaning they can tighten more than a Phillips-head screw. From smallest to largest, the most common sizes of slotted screwdrivers are 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8-inch. Phillips-head screws have a “+"-shaped notch that requires a corresponding Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten or loosen. These screws are commonly used for all manners of fastening. As a general rule, screws with a Phillips head only tighten to a certain point before the screwdriver “slips,” which prevents over-tightening and stripping of the screw. From smallest to largest, the most common sizes of Phillips screwdrivers are #000, #00, #0, #1, #2, and #3. A comprehensive screwdriver set contains both types of screwdrivers in all of the most common sizes. A precision set—these tiny screwdrivers are used for repairs on jewelry, electronics, or glasses—typically contains just the smallest sizes, while mechanic or automotive sets generally tilt in the opposite direction and contain the larger sizes of tools. A basic set that’s useful for general household tasks contains both types of screwdrivers in the middle-range of sizes. While not nearly as common as slotted or Phillips screwdrivers, if you do much work with large appliances, cars, computers, or security systems, you’ll likely encounter Torx screws, which require a Torx screwdriver. Torx screws have a six-pointed “star” slot, and their corresponding screwdrivers have a star-shaped tip.
Handle
The majority of screwdriver sets have plastic or acrylic handles, sometimes with a rubbery coating for extra grip, but you’ll also find wooden-handled screwdrivers, as well. Whichever type of handle you choose, it should fit in your hand comfortably, even when applying pressure to turn a tight screw, without slipping or causing pain. Look for handles that are marked ergonomic or “comfort grip” if you prefer tools that are easy on your hands.
Tip Type
Most basic screwdrivers are one piece: the tip, shaft, and handle are all fastened together. However, bit-tip screwdrivers consist of one handle with attached shaft, and a selection of different-size tips that you can swap in or out of the shaft as needed. These screwdrivers are very handy if you don’t want to clutter up your tool box with a range of different-sized tools. Often, these sets include both Phillips and slotted tips. On the downside, it can sometimes be a little tricky to remove the bit, and if not inserted correctly, it might wiggle or slip while using the screwdriver.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of screwdriver sets, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and feedback from customers, as well as input from Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling. Additional research is provided by Lauren Murphy, a long-time writer and editor who specializes in DIYs, home upgrades, and other home-related topics.
