Electric Screwdriver vs. Drill: What’s the Difference?

Whether you drive screws with a drill or an electric screwdriver, it's easier than doing it by hand. Here's how these two power drivers compare.

Black & Decker (now Black+Decker) invented the first portable electric drill in 1917, and the first electric screwdriver in 1923. The first models were clunky and required both hands to operate. Now thanks to cordless technology, contemporary models from a variety of manufacturers are compact, lightweight tools that DIYers wouldn’t want to be without.

Because their functions overlap, anyone who does a lot of home repair and owns a cordless drill isn’t likely to need an electric screwdriver. Look inside the toolbox of a homeowner who only does occasional repair, however, and you’re more likely to find an electric screwdriver than a drill. Why? Because it’s easier to use and takes up less space.

This doesn’t mean a dedicated DIYer would never opt for an electric screwdriver over a drill. Although the electric screwdriver is underpowered compared to a drill, its ergonomic design makes it more suitable for light-duty tasks like tightening shelf brackets and certain electrical repairs. An extensive tool collection would include both. But if you only want one, a drill is more versatile and probably the better choice. Cordless drills and drivers are some of our most-used tools, organize them better with this drill station.