Torque limiting screwdriver
Perfect for delicate assemblies or precision work, this tool ensures fasteners are tightened to an exact specification, preventing damage from overtightening.
Garden & DIY
Screwdrivers
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Screwdrivers are one of the few gifts that almost always get used, whether it goes to a new homeowner putting up shelves, a dad who fixes everything himself, or a grandpa with a workbench full of old favourites. The trick is to fill a gap rather than add a fifth copy of something already in the drawer. A precision screwdriver set handles glasses, remotes and electronics that regular drivers can't reach. A ratcheting screwdriver saves a lot of wrist turning on bigger jobs. Before you choose, think about what they actually work on: furniture, cars, electronics or household repairs.
Kind 1 of 8
Torque screwdrivers for jobs that need precision
A torque screwdriver lets you set how tight a screw gets, then slips or clicks once it reaches that point. It suits someone who works on bikes, scopes, electronics or anything with small fasteners that strip or crack when overtightened. Before buying, check that the torque range fits their hobby, since bike parts and gun scopes use very different settings. See whether it reads in the units they use, and whether it takes standard quarter-inch bits so their existing collection still fits.
Kind 2 of 8
Manual impact drivers for stuck screws
A manual impact screwdriver is struck with a hammer, which turns the bit and drives it into the screw head at the same moment. It frees rusted, seized or rounded screws that a normal driver would just chew up. It's a good fit for anyone who works on older cars, motorcycles, small engines or salvaged furniture. Check that the set includes the bit sizes and socket adapter they're likely to need, and that it switches easily between loosening and tightening.
Impact screwdriver
Designed to loosen stubborn or rusted screws with a hammer strike, this tool is invaluable for automotive repair or heavy-duty dismantling tasks.
Kind 3 of 8
Precision sets for electronics and small repairs
A precision screwdriver set comes with tiny bits for phones, laptops, game controllers, eyeglasses and watches. It suits tinkerers, gamers and anyone who would rather fix a gadget than replace it. Look at the bit selection first, since good sets include the less common security and pentalobe tips that modern devices use. A handle that spins freely at the top, a magnetic bit holder and a case that keeps small pieces organized all make it much nicer to use.
Precision screwdriver set
This compact set is ideal for hobbyists and technicians working with small electronics, eyeglasses, or intricate models.
Kind 4 of 8
Insulated screwdrivers for electrical work
Insulated screwdrivers have a coating along the shaft and handle, and they're made for electricians and people who regularly do electrical work around the house. They make the most sense for someone in the trade or learning it, who will likely know exactly what they need. Check the rating marked on the tools and make sure it matches the standards their work calls for. Also look for the tip types they use most, which usually means slotted, Phillips and square (Robertson) in Canada.
Insulated screwdrivers
Essential for anyone working near live electrical circuits, these tools provide a critical layer of safety during maintenance or installation tasks.
Kind 5 of 8
Bit sets to expand what they have
A good bit set is an easy gift for someone who already owns a drill, impact driver or multi-bit screwdriver. It fills in the sizes that go missing over time and adds tip types they may not have, such as Torx, hex or security bits. Check the shank type, since most fit a standard quarter-inch hex holder. Bits sold for impact drivers are made to handle more force. A labelled case matters more than it seems when it's time to find the right size.
Kind 6 of 8
Magnetic tips that hold the screw
A magnetic screwdriver holds the screw on the tip, so you can start it one-handed, reach overhead or work inside a cabinet without dropping hardware. It suits new homeowners hanging fixtures and anyone who has hunted for a screw under a fridge. Check how strong the magnet is and whether the magnetism is in the tip or in a sleeve. People who work on electronics sometimes avoid magnetized tips, so think about what the tool will be used for.
Magnetic screwdriver
This kit helps prevent dropped or lost screws, making fastening and unfastening tasks more efficient and less frustrating for any user.
Kind 7 of 8
Stubby and offset drivers for tight spots
Stubby screwdrivers are short enough to fit behind appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets and in engine bays where a full-length driver won't fit. Offset angle drivers go one step further and reach screws that sit at awkward angles. They suit someone who already owns a standard set and keeps running into tight spots. Check that the handle is still big enough to grip well, and that the tips cover slotted, Phillips and square sizes.
Stubby screwdriver
Perfect for tight or confined spaces where a standard-length screwdriver simply won't fit, making awkward jobs much easier.
Offset angle screwdriver set
This specialized set is designed to reach screws located at awkward angles or around obstructions, making it ideal for unique repair challenges.
Kind 8 of 8
Ratcheting multi-bit drivers for everyday use
A ratcheting screwdriver lets you keep turning without lifting the tip from the screw, and a multi-bit version stores several tips in the handle. It can easily become the one driver that lives in the kitchen drawer or the truck. Check that the ratchet feels smooth with little back-and-forth play and that the direction switch is easy to use. See whether the bits stay in the handle securely and whether it takes standard quarter-inch bits.
Multi bit screwdriver
A versatile tool for general household tasks, this screwdriver offers convenience and speed with its interchangeable bits and ratcheting mechanism.
How to choose screwdrivers as a gift
- Look at what's already in their toolbox and pick something that fills a gap instead of duplicating a basic set.
- Match the tool to what they work on: electronics, vehicles, furniture assembly or general household repairs.
- In Canada, make sure square (Robertson) tips are included, since those screws are common in homes and hardware stores.
- Choose tools that take standard quarter-inch hex bits so they work with drivers and bits they already own.
- A case or holder with labelled sizes makes a set far more likely to stay complete and get used.
Usually safe to skip
- Huge novelty sets with dozens of odd pieces often end up with a few useful bits and a lot of clutter.
- A tradesperson's everyday tools are usually personal choices, so specialised gear works better when you know their preferences.
- Generic basic sets rarely land with experienced DIYers, who almost certainly own several already.
Questions people ask about screwdrivers
- What is the most useful screwdriver to give a new homeowner?
- A multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver with slotted, Phillips and square tips handles most household jobs. Add a stubby or magnetic driver for tight spaces and overhead work, and they'll be covered for shelves, hinges, switch plates and furniture assembly.
- What's the difference between an impact screwdriver and an impact driver?
- A manual impact screwdriver is a hand tool you strike with a hammer to free stuck or rusted screws. An impact driver is a powered tool used to drive screws quickly. They solve different problems, so check which one the person actually wants.
- Do precision screwdriver sets work on phones and game consoles?
- Many do, but it depends on the bits included. Modern devices often use pentalobe, Torx or tri-wing screws. Check the bit list against the devices they're likely to open before you buy.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All screwdrivers picks
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