10 Best Screwdriver Sets UK 2022 | Bosch, Wera and More

1. Bosch - 46 Piece Screwdriver Set for £21.90
2. Draper - 44 Piece Screwdriver / Bit & Key Set for £21.90
3. Oria - 60-in-1 Magnetic Screwdriver Set for £14.00
4. Draper - Expert Engineers Screwdriver Set, 16 Pieces for £43.86
5. Rolson - Screwdriver Set - 58 Pieces for £18.99

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of screwdriver sets available and understand how our ranking was determined.

1. General DIY? Go for Phillips, Pozidriv and Hex Screwdrivers
2. Invest in Individual Screwdrivers or Choose a Multi-Bit Tool to Save Space
3. Get An Insulated Screwdriver for Electrical Work
4. Those Working in Confined Spaces Should Select a Ratchet Screwdriver
5. Ensure Equally Tightened Screws Use Torque Screwdrivers for Furniture Building
6. Make Small Screws Easier to Find With Magnetised Screwdriver Tips 
7. Opt For a Complete Set of Tools for Future Use

All the best screwdriver sets will contain a range of sizes, denoted by the letters PH followed by the numbers 0000, 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. These numbers indicate the size of the tip in ascending order. 'Phillips' or 'cross-headed' types are the most common screws you’ll find around the home, identified by a cross-shaped indentation on the top of the screw. Most furniture and electronic devices will use Phillips-head screws. 

Another common screw is the slotted variety, with an indented straight line on the top of the screw head - requiring a 'flathead screwdriver'. These were one of the first types of screw to be invented and can still be found in older buildings and antique furniture.

These screws have been superseded by more modern designs and, as they are not suitable for use with power tools, they aren’t used as much in modern manufacturing. They can still be found around the home and garden though, and so flathead screwdrivers remain a staple part of any set.

Most sets will only contain the most commonly used screwdriver sizes for general household DIY. It is worth knowing that 'precision sets' contain the smallest sizes. They often have a rotating cap at the base of the handle so you can hold an item in one hand, while easily spinning the screwdriver as it rests in the palm of the other, useful for electronics, watch-repair, and smaller assembly projects.

A 'torx screwdriver' is a star-shaped version of an allen Key / hex screwdriver - the extra surface area makes torx screws very unlikely to slip when tightening, so they are often used in electronic equipment.

An advantage of individual screwdrivers is that they often have a longer shaft without any protruding rims, making them far better for those hard-to-reach screws. It’s also much harder to lose a whole screwdriver, than a small bit!

If you have the space available, it's worth investing in a complete set of individual screwdrivers. A collection contained within a hard case is a great starting point when looking to first build a collection of tools. Those who have a dedicated workspace, such as a shed or garage, may even want to look at mounting their collection to a wall or workbench for easy access and effortless swapping between pieces while working.

A multi-bit screwdriver with interchangeable 'bits' (removable tips), often represents the best value for money. They are versatile and extremely portable, allowing you to carry a complete set of bits in a pocket, rather than a bulkier case. These are also perfect if you live in a flat or shared house with limited storage space, or if you are looking for something to keep in a car for emergencies.

Those same bits can also be used in a drill and are easy to replace if lost or worn down. However, it's important to make sure that the handle is comfortable and has a secure way of fastening the bit, as there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work when the tip keeps falling out. That's why we recommend picking a handle with a strong magnet or hexagonal socket.

When looking to do any work around the house involving plug sockets, or screwing into walls which could contain wiring, it is important to use an 'insulated screwdriver'. These are designed to protect the user from any potential electric shocks by being made from, or coated in, a material that doesn’t conduct electricity. 

It is important to look for a set that has met the VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik, or the Association of German Electrical Engineers) standard of testing. This will be indicated by the letters VDE in the description or printed on the screwdrivers themselves.

We have to stress that any work involving open wiring should be carried out by an experienced professional, and if you’re ever unsure of what you’re doing please contact a qualified electrician. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Certain jobs require the speed and torque of an electric drill, but have awkwardly placed screws or are in a confined place where a drill simply won’t fit. Luckily, a 'ratcheted screwdriver' will easily solve this problem, allowing you to keep a comfortable grip without having constantly re-adjust your hand.

The mechanism in a ratcheted screwdriver allows you to turn the screwdriver one way to tighten a screw, but won't loosen it when turning it in the opposite direction, similar to how pedalling backwards on a bicycle allows you to readjust your footing rather than going backwards. This mechanism can be easily reversed for either tightening or loosening screws.

The concept of torque can be confusing to those unfamiliar with it, but in simple terms, it refers to the turning force of a screwdriver. A 'torque screwdriver' allows you to set the amount of force you wish to apply when turning a screw.

These screwdrivers are often used in construction, or manufacturing, as equally pressured screws allow for more stability and structural integrity. This prevents you from potentially causing damage to furniture by over-tightening some joints, while others remain loose. However this is an option more for a craftsman, than for home DIY.

These pick of best sandpapers for wood may be of use.

When determining the best screwdriver set for you, remember that a comfortable handle can prevent wrist issues and blisters, so it is worth spending a little extra for a quality handle that won’t hurt your hands or come loose from the shaft.

Many screwdrivers have magnetised tips to prevent small screws from getting lost, or having to turn something over to shake free a recessed screw. Just be aware that most insulated screwdrivers aren't magnetic due to safety reasons.

For DIY in too-high hard-to-reach areas, you may find our suggested Step Ladders handy.

It's important to always use the correct tool for the job, ensuring that the tip of the screwdriver fits snugly into the head of the screw. Using the wrong screwdriver can strip the screw, damaging it to the point where it becomes impossible to unscrew again. 

Unfortunately, there are a few uncommon types of screw that tend to be used in specialist equipment, certain electronics, or maintenance. Luckily, many complete screwdriver sets will include these, alongside a range of options for a variety of screws.

Buying a complete set will guarantee you always have the screwdriver you need. Although this may come at an increased cost, it is well worth investing in a complete set of quality screwdrivers as they’ll last you decades. The cheaper options tend to be something of a false economy, wearing down and breaking easily.

For even more comprehensive sets, here are our full Tool Kit recommendations.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used. 

• Explore our categories and 1700+articles

• Follow us to keep up to date with our product showcases!

Written and researched by David Sexton