Skip advert
Advertisement

Cordless drivers

Which cordless screwdriver is best for work on cars for home mechanic? We try out eight...

You don’t have to be a big shot to turn heads... screw heads, that is! The cordless drivers we have tested here fit easily into the palm and, thanks to clever gearing, can spin off the tightest fastener.

It’s easy to dismiss cordless drivers because bigger drill versions also make short work of punching in self-tapping screws and the like. But on a car, where working space is often tight, the smaller tools undoubtedly come into their own. So, which are the ones to twist and shout about?

Verdict

With better-than-average torque performance and an impressive battery, plus a seriously comprehensive selection of bits, Challenge’s Extreme CSD48TLB is our Best Buy. The second-placed DeWalt DC600 takes a different approach; it is pricey and has few extras, but its gears, torque settings, pair of batteries and a fast charger mean the tool is more than up to continuous use. Clarke’s CCS36V takes third position – it undercuts our winner on price, but comes with fewer accessories.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £7,139 off RRP*Used from £10,749
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £11,499
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £2,406 off RRP*Used from £8,745
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,310Avg. savings £2,657 off RRP*Used from £9,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’
Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI vs i20 N - Ford Fiesta ST cornering

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’

Fast Ford fans rejoice, as the top-brass confirm that ST and maybe even RS models are firmly part of the plan
News
7 Jun 2026
Forget Bugatti, Chery's Tiggo 4 is a car I didn't want to give back
Opinion - Chery Tiggo 4

Forget Bugatti, Chery's Tiggo 4 is a car I didn't want to give back

Forget Bugatti, Mike Rutherford is seriously impressed with Chery's Tiggo 4
Opinion
7 Jun 2026
Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new MPV will be boxy, practical and family-friendly
News
8 Jun 2026