Driving 680 screws on a single charge sounds amazing. I wanted to see if the DeWalt 8V MAX twisting cordless screwdriver could really do this.
Affiliate Disclosure
Hi, everyone; this is a heads-up about affiliate links you might see here. Our only purpose in including them is to help you find products easily if you are interested. There is no pressure to buy from these links, but also note that if you buy the products from these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your trust is important to us!
Learn more by reading our Full Disclosure.
My 30-day test of this small but strong tool showed some surprising things it could do. The screwdriver has a 2Ah Li-ion battery that charges in 60 minutes with a USB-C cable. It gives 44-inch pounds of force and comes with 12 different bits to handle many kinds of jobs.
The DeWalt 8V MAX twisting cordless screwdriver weighs 1.1 Pounds and is about 8 inches long, so it was easy to hold for both quick repairs and longer projects. Its collar that turns all the way around helps make each task more precise. The dial with 6 settings for force stops you from tightening screws too much.
This DeWalt tool was used in normal, everyday situations during my month-long test. Let me tell you how well it worked and help you decide if this $79.99 power screwdriver should be in your toolbox.
We understand some readers like to see the product in action immediately. If that’s you, you can click the direct link below to check it out!
Where to Buy (Shop Around!):
- Online: Amazon. Always worth checking their prices first.
- There are so many other places online and stores you can choose from, such as Acme Tools, Tool Nut, Home Depot, and many others.
Affiliate Disclaimer: The link shown bellow in this tool review may be affiliate links. If you click on it and purchase it, Tool Tested may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The purpose of the link is to provide you convenience, where you can easily find the product online. It is not necessary to check the product through our link, because the link is just for your convenience so that you can find the product easily without making efforts.
Trying DeWalt 8V MAX twisting cordless screwdriver
I’ve used the DeWalt electric screwdriver for different projects around my house and workshop in the last month. The special way you control it caught my attention right away. Instead of regular buttons, you twist your wrist to drive the screwdriver.
The twisting motion felt strange at first. Like someone else said, “It takes a bit of getting used to pushing the trigger and remembering that you had to twist your wrist in the direction that you want to screw to go.” But after using it regularly for three days, the movement felt natural.
The screwdriver’s 15 settings for how tight the screw goes were very useful when I put on light switch covers and worked with small screws. Setting the tool to a lower number (around 7 or 8) let me put in screws without making them too tight or damaging the threads. For example, when putting on delicate brass light switch covers, the lower setting made sure they were snug without scratching the soft metal.
This tool wasn’t made for very hard work. The screwdriver had trouble when I tried to put thick wood screws into particle board without drilling holes first. I had to tighten them by hand. This showed that it’s not for tasks that need a lot of power. However, it worked well for the easier jobs it was designed for.
Additional Features
The screwdriver’s handle can turn, so you can hold it straight. Holding it straight felt more natural with the twisting control at first, but both ways worked well after some practice.
The built-in LED light helped a lot when doing electrical work and jobs in small, dark places. It worked like a spotlight. For instance, when I was connecting wires for a new light in a dark box, the LED lit up the wires perfectly.
The battery lasted a long time during my tests. One charge lasted for a whole day of work. Because it charges quickly, I could charge it up during lunch breaks without losing much work time.
This DeWalt power screwdriver is great for what it’s meant to do – quick, repeated jobs of putting in screws that need some power help instead of just using your hand.
Main Features and How It’s Built:
This DeWalt electric screwdriver is special because of its twisting control. You control the tool by moving your wrist instead of using buttons – a simple twist of your wrist to the right or left decides which way the screw goes and how fast. The speed changes based on how much you twist, from 0 to 430 RPM, which gives you good control when you’re putting screws into wood, plastic, and thin metal.
Design and Handling Features
The handle that can be set in two positions is one of its most useful design features. I found it very helpful when I needed to work with the handle straight, depending on the space I was in. A quick-change slot holds the bits tightly and lets you switch between different jobs easily.
Lighting and Battery System
The light is really good. A built-in LED light takes away shadows in small places and makes it much easier to see in dark areas like inside cabinets or electrical boxes.
The 8V MAX battery has a light that shows how much power is left, right on the tool. So you’ll always know when you need to charge it. You won’t have to wait long between jobs because the battery takes about an hour to charge.
The electric screwdriver is excellent for careful work with these controls:
- 6 force settings to stop screws from going in too far
- Speed that changes with your wrist movement for delicate jobs
- Battery that can drive up to 680 small screws on one charge
- Strong build and perfect balance in this tool. People often say it’s comfortable to hold and the weight is balanced well. Reviews often say it feels “heavy, solid” and the handle “feels like it will last forever”.
DeWalt made it small enough to fit easily in regular tool bags but still gave it good power. It’s light so your hand doesn’t get tired during long jobs – something I really liked when I had to put in many screws.
A special feature that makes this model different from others is that it doesn’t vibrate much. This really helped reduce tiredness in my hand when I used it for a long time. This comfortable design made a big difference during my month of testing.
Checking How Well It Works in Real Life
The DeWalt electric screwdriver really shows how good it is at jobs that need carefulness. We tested it for several weeks and found it works best when you need to be gentle rather than use a lot of power. The speed that can go up to 430 RPM has enough power to work with wood, plastic, and thin metal. This good balance between control and power makes it stand out.
User Testimonials and Everyday Usefulness
This tool has become something many people must have. “This tool has saved me more time than any other tool I didn’t absolutely need,” one happy owner said. Another user says, “I love mine. I use it all the time,” which shows how useful it is every day.
Ideal Tasks and Applications
This screwdriver is really useful for certain jobs:
- Putting together and fixing electronics (“great for taking out screws and covers on machines”)
- Building furniture (“putting together furniture might even become something you look forward to”)
- Working on cabinets, especially with screws that have a single slot
- Fixing RC hobby items
The tool’s 44 inch-pounds of force can handle most jobs around the house well, but it’s not very good for very hard work. Someone said it well: “If you want power, you can get an impact driver… but sometimes you don’t want to break the screw threads”. It’s important to remember it’s not for tasks that need a lot of power. If you often work with hard wood, need to put in big or long screws, or do heavy building work, this screwdriver probably won’t be enough. For those jobs, you’d need an impact driver or a stronger drill/driver.
The setting for how tight the screw goes makes a big difference. “The clutch makes it worth it. I use it on small screws all the time,” one reviewer says. Professionals who work with special screws on printers and handymen who need to reach tight spots can’t imagine working without how careful it is.
The battery stays strong even after using it for a long time. You’ll know when it needs charging, and the battery lasts longer than you might think. Plus, it only takes an hour or less to charge, so you don’t have to wait long between jobs.
This screwdriver isn’t meant to take the place of your power tools, but it fits in that middle spot between using your hand and using big drills. It’s perfect when you need to be careful more than you need power.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Good Things and Bad Things: A Fair Look Using this DeWalt electric screwdriver every day for several weeks showed me its good points and bad points. The thing that impressed me most is that it feels well-made and solid in my hand.
It has the strong build you’d expect from tools used by professionals, unlike many lighter tools from other companies. The way you turn your wrist to use it is both new and helpful. You control which way it goes and how fast by turning your wrist, which makes it easy to use, though it takes a little time to get used to.
Once you get the hang of it, this feature makes it much easier to reach tight spots than regular screwdrivers. The battery works really well too. The screwdriver kept its power steady during testing without getting slow or stopping.
This reliability is very useful, especially when you have longer projects. The size ( 1/4 Inch when folded ) and weight ( 1.1 pounds ) of the tool are just right, – it’s small enough to almost fit in your pocket but still feels strong. You can also use it by hand to tighten screws all the way or loosen stuck screws, which gives it an extra use that many other tools don’t have.
Cons:
The biggest problem with this tool is that it doesn’t have very high power. DeWalt made it for light, easy jobs, not for big building projects. Someone pointed out that “This is not a screwdriver you could use to build houses with”. The motor has trouble with hard tasks. Some people have had problems with how well it’s made, including one person who had issues with the twisting control after only 30 days of use. DeWalt’s 3-year warranty gives good protection against problems from the factory. The length might be a problem in very small spaces, but I didn’t have this issue very often during my testing.
Who Should Buy This?: Finding the Right People
My own use of the DeWalt electric screwdriver shows that it’s not for everyone – it’s best for certain types of users.
- This tool is very useful for careful work. Its design makes it ideal for any professional end user looking for a small, easy-to-carry screwdriver with good speed control. The tool’s handle, which can be set in two positions, “allows for operation in either straight style to suit the professional’s needs.” This feature helps electricians, plumbers, and HVAC workers work in tight spaces. The tool is excellent in small areas where bigger tools can’t fit.
- People who like to do things themselves and homeowners are another important group who would like this tool. This screwdriver has enough power to put together furniture, hang things, and do repairs around the house. Someone called it “a solid tool to keep around the house” that’s both “efficient” and “works smoothly”. My testing showed it works best for jobs that need carefulness more than strong power.
- Regular users will like how easy and useful this tool is. People say it’s “great for anyone really” and a good choice if you’re “just a casual user, a handyman, or someone who works with their hands”. You get a reliable tool without any trouble.
This DeWalt screwdriver helps people find a middle ground between using their hand and using full-sized drills. The tool works best for:
- Anyone who puts in screws over and over
- Users who work in small spaces
- Professionals who need to be careful in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
- Homeowners who do small DIY projects sometimes
The best person to buy this tool cares more about control and carefulness than about having the most power. As one source says,
whether you are a professional, a homeowner, or someone who loves DIY, you can’t go wrong with DeWalt’s 8V Twisting Cordless Screwdriver.
Comparing It to Others: Understanding Where It Fits
I found some clear differences when I compared the DeWalt electric screwdriver to others on the market. There are many options from brands like Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Ryobi, and each has its own good and bad points.
DeWalt’s 8V model is special because of its twisting control and battery that you can take out. This model finishes jobs faster and easier than some others. Its higher price shows that it’s reliable for professionals.
Comparisons with Key Competitors
Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel model has become the best overall for both straight handles. This model is now the most powerful electric screwdriver you can buy. The DeWalt isn’t as strong for very hard jobs.
Bosch’s 12V Max GSR12V-300 is rated as the best pistol grip electric screwdriver in tests by professionals. This model is excellent for how it feels in your hand and the control it gives you. Ryobi’s USB Lithium Multi-Head Screwdriver (like model R4SDH-L14S) is great for home use, with better control and reach than similar models.
Denali, Amazon’s cheaper brand, has surprised many by being good compared to more expensive options. People who want to save money might like this instead of DeWalt’s more costly model.
Makita’s DF012 screwdriver is better than people might think. This model works well even though it uses an older type of motor instead of DeWalt’s newer design.
The Craftsman model looks good with its small, traditional design. However, it has trouble with harder jobs and isn’t as versatile as the DeWalt.
DeWalt’s brushless DCF601 might not be as fast or powerful as some others, but it’s great because it’s small and light. DeWalt’s strength is in balancing how well it works, how comfortable it is to use, and how reliable it is – things that are most important to professionals.
The tests show that DeWalt is in the group of more expensive, better-quality tools. It works better than cheaper options in the long run but costs more at the start.
Common Problems and Questions from Users
My month of using the DeWalt electric screwdriver has helped me answer questions that people often ask before buying it.
Battery and Motor Problems
Sometimes, users say their tools stop working or cut out while they’re using them. The service information says this usually means a wire is broken between the switch and the motor. The tool might need to be fixed under warranty, especially if it works better in some positions than others.
Warranty Coverage
This electric screwdriver has a good 3-year warranty from DeWalt. Remember that you’ll need your receipt showing when and where you bought it. DeWalt only covers warranties from stores that are allowed to sell their tools. You can get help with the warranty by calling 1-800-433-9258 or asking for help on their website.
How to Keep It Working Well
Your DeWalt power screwdriver will work best if you:
- Take the battery out before cleaning it
- Use air to blow dust out of the holes (don’t push the dust further inside)
- Keep strong cleaners away from the plastic parts
- Check that the bit holder closes properly before and after its each use
Safety Tips
The manual points out these important safety rules:
- Keep your hands and clothes away from the parts that turn
- Hold the tool correctly so you don’t get hurt if it suddenly gets stuck
- Check if the front part closes properly before using it
- Never try to open the battery
Getting Help
DeWalt’s website has a lot of information for technical help beyond just warranty issues. Their online tool can help you find authorized service centers if you need repairs.
Understanding these common concerns helps you get the most out of your DeWalt electric hand screwdriver, no matter how you plan to use it.
Final Thoughts
The DeWalt electric screwdriver has earned a spot in my everyday toolbox after trying it for 30 days. I was unsure about the twisting control at first, but it quickly became easy to use within a few days. The screwdriver has a great balance of power and carefulness, which makes it perfect for electrical work, putting together furniture, and general tasks around the house.
This screwdriver’s limits actually show what it’s really meant for. It fits in a specific place between using your hand and using big drills. This tool won’t replace your impact driver for big building jobs, but it does a really good job at careful, repeated tasks of putting in screws where control is more important than just power.
My testing showed that the battery consistently lasted through full workdays easily. The tool’s quick charging with a USB-C cable and its small size make it very useful for both professionals and people who like to do things themselves. The way it’s built, how comfortable it is to hold, and its useful features make this $79.99 worth the money for anyone who needs a reliable power screwdriver, even though it doesn’t have the most power.
Have you used the DeWalt electric screwdriver? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
