How to Buy an Electric Screwdriver as a Gift

Nearly anyone can use a good electric screwdriver. It may not be very romantic, but for the person who's handy around the house, it's a very thoughtful gift.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pozidriv Screwdrivers
• Drill Bits
• Electric Screwdrivers
• Nut Drivers
• Drill Bits

1. Think about the person for whom you're buying the screwdriver. Does he or she do mostly light projects around the house, or is this a serious do-it-yourselfer?

2. Look for features on the screwdriver that match the use to which it will be put - these could include: variable speed, adjustable angle, spare battery and adjustable torque.

3. Remember that a reverse switch on an electric screwdriver can come in very handy, for unscrewing.

4. Expect to pay from $15 to $100 for the screwdriver, depending on how many features it boasts.

5. Look for trusted brands such as Skil, Craftsman and Black & Decker.

6. Check when buying online to see how long delivery will take, so that your gift gets to the giftee on time.

7. Investigate a wide variety of electric screwdrivers before making your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Suggest that other people shopping for this person get them accessories, such as bits and nut drivers, or stuff a stocking with accessories yourself.
• When considering what the screwdriver will be used for, picture the difference between these projects: simply putting together ready-to-assemble furniture - or building your own deck. A lightweight screwdriver with just a few featurs will generally serve for the first; a heavy-duty, professional-quality tool is necessary for the second.

on 1/4/2006 Check the great prices and excellent quality of electric screwdrivers (and countless other power tools and hand tools) at Harbor Freight Tools. Once you evaluate the quality and price advantages, you will become a convert.

on 11/22/2005 Generally, electric screwdrivers are small tools. For simple work, they can do a great job, but for larger jobs, many people buy drills. If you're considering a drill for driving screws, also look at impact drivers. They offer less kickback than electric screwdrivers or drills, causing less fatigue. They are much less likely to damage screws. They can apply up to three times the torque of a drill. Cordless impact driver batteries also tend to last longer, because power draw is more or less constant regardless of the load. Just remember that impact drivers can be much louder than drills and electric screwdrivers.

While impact drivers can drill, they are not well suited for the task, and they generally cannot accept standard drill bits. They should not be used with hole saws or larger bits.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure if your giftee is loyal to a particular brand you stick with that brand. Sometimes this defies logic, but you should get them what they want.