Electric Screwdriver: Meaning, Uses, and Tips

Diploma
CPD
Construction
Engineering
Posted: 30 June 2025
Electric Screwdriver

Life often presents accidental events that require go-to devices as solutions. Think about opening the smartphone casing or fastening bolts to furniture parts. An electric screwdriver is among the recent means that are especially useful for electricians or technicians. It is a must-have tool for them to make their jobs easier and faster.

An electric screwdriver is part of the working tools for the professions. However, you can purchase it in case you need a handy and easy-to-use one. The addition of electricity cuts the time for using it, but you have to be cautious as well. Let’s learn about the means, including how to use them, in the paragraphs that follow.

What is an electric screwdriver?

An electric screwdriver is a core drill that uses electric power to perform screw-driving and drilling jobs. It is more advanced than a manual screwdriver that relies on human power to do the tasks. With electric power, you can get extra energy, thus completing the job faster than using a manual one.

Inside this, you discover a small motor that rotates the screwdriver’s bits automatically. The part holds the key as the “extra aid” that adds the power for the machine to work on. It replaces the human hand in the manual one. Another cool thing about the tool is that it comes with adjustable settings.

Moreover, the flexible designs allow an electric screwdriver to switch the functions from screwdriver to drilling functions at once. This serves as the second benefit that makes the product popular in both offline and online DIY tools. Many opt for the means to handle heavy-duty tasks, like opening computers or electrical equipment, in the repair stores.

10 common uses of an electric screwdriver

An electric screwdriver offers greater speed and stronger torque than a manual one. The better functions make the tool replace all work that used to rely on human power. The tasks are even more diverse, making some brands come up with designs that make the users use.

In the market, you will find two types of electric screwdrivers, which are corded and cordless. The corded one refers to the model that uses cables to connect it to the power source. The cordless relies on the battery as the source, making it more flexible to use. Here are the 10 top uses of the instrument.

1. Putting on the table parts

An electric screwdriver is helpful for fastening bolts that link all parts of a table. It works faster than a manual one, so you will complete the task earlier than using a manual screwdriver. You can use the tool for various table materials, such as wood and metal. All will be well put in just minutes.

2. Installing the shelf

The second use of an electric screwdriver resembles the first use. The difference lies in tightening the bolts and screws in a shelf that is going to hang on walls. The bolts ensure the shelf is strong enough to take up all contents, from books to flowers, for some years.

3. Uncovering the smartphone casing

To reiterate, an electric screwdriver cuts the time for technicians to do their jobs. Imagine one technician has 10 smartphones that require fixing in just one hour. Using the means to open each of the smartphone casings in mere seconds will mean a lot. However, the simple task requires gentle touches to prevent possible scratches on the screens.

4. Fixing broken computers

This function works similarly to the above point but on different gadgets. In the hands of electronic specialists, this is useful for loosening the screws that are inside a computer. After the fixing works are over, they return to the means to tighten the screws. Given the soft nature of the computer materials, the technicians have to handle the tool carefully.

5. Replacing batteries in electric devices

An electric screwdriver is a must-have instrument for opening a battery case in a TV remote control. Technicians usually take out the battery case before they replace it with a new one. The device is also useful for putting the screws or loosened parts within any electronic device again.

6. Putting on wood panels

An advanced function of an electric screwdriver is found in the carpentry industry. A carpenter uses it to install wood panels on the frameworks or walls. The same tool is useful for tightening bolts or screws that support the panels. The task requires precision and strength if the wood panels are large enough.

7. Installing doors

All kinds of door types need electric screwdrivers. You can opt for cordless screwdrivers to perform tasks on your own, such as installing cupboard doors or fixing house doors. The device ensures the doors are correct and tight for all family members. The task shouldn’t take complex processing and drain your energy.

8. Creating small holes in wooden panels

Carpenters choose an electric screwdriver to make small holes in wood panels. Use the option of wood drilling a bit at low speed and proper torque. Press the screwdriver with the right pressure as the next move. As the drilling progresses, check the hole size so that it doesn’t exceed expectations.

9. Making holes in metal

Similar to the eighth function, electric screwdrivers are useful for making holes of various sizes. To do this, you can set the tool at medium speed with stronger torque. Press the instrument as desired. While doing the job, ensure the temperature of the drilling bit isn’t too hot to ensure a smooth finish.

10. Maintaining flammable equipment

For food factories, an electric screwdriver is essential for maintaining and fixing flammable equipment, which refers to the devices that are prone to producing fire. Examples of the device type are heating machines, cooling machines, and industrial stoves and ovens. Bear in mind to wear personal safety measures, like glasses and gloves, when doing the job as a priority.

Things to consider when applying electronic screwdrivers

Several tips when applying an electric screwdriver require extra attention, particularly when you have no background in electricity. Selecting the right bit and size of the screw will determine the quality of the job result. Start slowly but correctly in a way that each of the screws is tightly fitted into the screwdriver chuck.

Every electric screwdriver has flexible torque settings. Pick lower torque settings for subtle materials, like soft metal, as in smartphone casing. When the materials are thicker, you can opt for medium torque settings or heavier screws. Lastly, do not forget to equip yourself with protection tools, such as gloves and glasses, as mentioned earlier.

Take some rest when you get tired or find the bolts are overly tightened. As amateurs, you perhaps need to adjust the pressure, which should actually be kept steady and constant throughout the work. More exercises will allow you to reach the point when the pressure is stable and proper all the time.

Conclusions

An electric screwdriver is your go-to portable device that should be ready in every house. For the carpentry and construction sectors, the instrument is a lifesaver in terms of quality and time efficiency. This tool is just another example of what the fields continue to innovate and contribute to the world.

The College of Contract Management is proud to be a top e-learning provider that focuses on its curriculum in the construction field. It has designed complete subjects that have helped many students gain bright careers in their respective fields. The college invites all of you who have an interest in the subject and others who won’t only shape your promising careers but also make a good impact on the world. Join us now!

Article written by Fajria

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