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

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £10,840
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,597 off RRP*Used from £7,888
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,275Avg. savings £2,564 off RRP*Used from £6,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC60 Black Edition offers mean looks for mighty value
Volvo XC60 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC60 Black Edition offers mean looks for mighty value

Family-favourite Volvo XC60 is looking like tremendous value for money right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for 31 July.
News
31 Jul 2026
Vauxhall Corsa vs SEAT Ibiza: Spanish supermini takes on British favourite
Vauxhall Corsa vs SEAT Ibiza - header

Vauxhall Corsa vs SEAT Ibiza: Spanish supermini takes on British favourite

Updates have kept the long-running SEAT Ibiza and Vauxhall Corsa superminis feeling fresh. But which is the better buy?
Car group tests
1 Aug 2026
Dacia Duster and Dacia Bigster Hybrid 150 4x4: step-up from 2WD costs just £1k more
Dacia Bigster AWD - front

Dacia Duster and Dacia Bigster Hybrid 150 4x4: step-up from 2WD costs just £1k more

All-wheel drive hybrid power extends the appeal of the popular Dacia Duster and Dacia Bigster even further
News
3 Aug 2026