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I use this 12-in-1 electric screwdriver all the time, and right now it's less than $50

HOTO electric screwdriver.
I use a lot is a screwdrivers, and I found that while it's hard to beat a decent set of traditional screwdrivers -- here is a great set by Klein Tools that will last you a lifetime -- there are times when electric screwdrivers can take the strain off my hands and wrists.
Also: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested
I believe in thoroughly testing tools, and one that I've been testing hard for over a year now is the HOTO 3.6V cordless 1500mAh electric screwdriver, and this has proved itself a worthy addition, and right now it's priced at $60, but there's a 17% off coupon that brings this down to under $50. But Amazon Prime customers can get it for $50, and they get the 17% off coupon, bringing the price down to a jaw dropping $41.50.
View at AmazonHOTO electric screwdriver tech specs
- Rotary knob switches the screwdriver between three different torque settings
- Fast driving, thanks to 220 RPM motor
- A massive 1500mAh capacity battery provides ultra-long endurance and, when fully charged, can drive in more than 1,000 screws before needing a recharge
- The screwdriver features a circular LED shadowless lamp, so you can see what you're doing
- HOTO cordless screwdriver set contains a dozen two-inch long S2 tool steel long bits with hardness up to 60HRC
- The screwdriver and bits are stored in the anodized aluminum alloy storage box that has a soft, rubber top handle
- Universal Type-C charging interface means you don't need a separate charger
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On the one end of this superb screwdriver is a standard 1/4-inch socket that takes the various bits, and behind that is a rotary knob that switches the screwdriver off and on, and also switches between three torque settings. There's also a circular LED shadowless lamp, so you can see what you're doing, which is a nice touch because it means I don't have to wrangle a flashlight when I'm working in a dark area.
Rotary torque knob with shadowless LED light.
On the other end of the screwdriver, there's a USB-C port for charging the unit -- a neat touch because it does away with the need for any proprietary charger (I don't need any more of those in my life).
Also: My favorite electric screwdriver for heavy-duty jobs
In the middle of the tool are the controls, which are about as simple as they get. There's a button to screw a screw in, and a button to screw a screw out.
HOTO electric screwdriver in action.
The screwdriver and bits are stored in the anodized aluminum alloy storage box that has a soft, rubber top handle. If you want more than the dozen bits, HOTO has a version with 25 bits in a different case for a few dollars more
Removing the HOTO electric screwdriver from its aluminum carry case.
The three torque settings range from powerful enough to assemble a PC case or flat pack furniture (where you need quite low power), to powerful enough to put a fence up or screw down floorboards.
What this screwdriver doesn't offer is a super-gentle setting for things such as electronic gadgets, which this screwdriver might be too powerful for. This is where a mini precision electric screwdriver complements the HOTO screwdriver really well (and this is also on sale right now).
Also: This must-have screwdriver has two cool hidden tricks
Aside from the lack of a super-gentle setting, the HOTO electric screwdriver with a dozen bits is a great choice -- especially at this lower price point. Mine has already had well over a year of use now, undertaking tasks such as assembling PC cases, putting together flat-pack furniture, and being abused driving 6-inch screws into plastic door and window frames, and it is still going strong.
It's more than paid for itself!