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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.

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Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £8,495Avg. savings £3,298 off RRP*Used from £6,250
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £11,770Avg. savings £4,230 off RRP*Used from £11,770
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £11,120Avg. savings £6,248 off RRP*Used from £9,895
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £10,099Avg. savings £3,744 off RRP*Used from £7,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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