Next-Generation electric fastening tools for safer and smarter Fastening

Advanced tightening tools for high-precision assembly

In modern manufacturing, fasteners are no longer tightened by feel alone. Electric screwdrivers and electric nutrunners both use motor-driven torque to deliver consistent results, but they are designed for very different levels of precision, power, and process control. Choosing the right tool is critical for ensuring product quality, operator efficiency, and full process reliability. This guide explains the key differences and helps you determine when a lightweight electric screwdriver is sufficient, and when a high-performance electric nutrunner is essential.

Electric Screwdrivers vs Electric Nutrunners – Understanding the Difference

Both electric screwdrivers and electric nutrunners use an internal motor to automatically generate torque, offering far greater speed and consistency than manual tightening tools. They are essential in modern production environments where process reliability, repeatability, and documentation are critical.

The key distinction is simple:

  • Use a corded or cordless electric screwdriver for small, low-torque joints
  • Use an electric nutrunner when joint integrity, accuracy, and traceability are essential.
Precision fastening for delicate, low torque applications

What Is an Electric Screwdiver?

Electric screwdrivers are designed for precision fastening at smaller torque ranges, typically below 10–15 Nm. Brands like DOGA specialize in this segment, offering tools that prioritize accuracy, ergonomics, and control in light assembly operations. 

Low-torque tools are available in both cabled (corded) and battery-powered versions: cabled tools offer continuous power and maximum consistency for fixed workstations, while battery tools provide greater mobility and flexibility but require charging and careful battery management to maintain uptime.

These tools are commonly used for critical applications and industries such as electronics, medical devices, small appliances, and automotive interior assembly, where delicate fasteners and components require consistent but gentle torque

Key characteristics: 

  • Torque range typically from
    • Smart Cabled: 0.2 Nm to 15 Nm
    • Smart Battery: 1Nm to 90 Nm
  • Used for small fasteners such as M1–M6
  • Compact, lightweight, and operator-friendly design
  • Emphasis on repeatability and tactile control
  • Torque control via mechanical clutch or basic electronic shut-off
  • Minimal reaction force – no torque arms or manipulators required

Electric Screwdriver – Feature Comparison Different Brands & Tools

 Smart Cabled ScrewdriversSmart Battery Screwdrivers
 DOGADOGADOGAESTICMAKITASTANLEYESTIC
Brand

 

Model
Tool NameGX/GY seriesMDC seriesMDT seriesMicro ToolsMTC seriesQBE seriesEHC series
Covering Range0,09…10Nm0,01…49Nm0,01…49Nm0,1…5Nm0,5…40Nm1…90Nm1…100Nm
VersionsPistol, StraightPistol, Straight, AnglePistol, Straight, AngleStraightPistol, AnglePistol, Straight, AnglePistol, Angle
Number of presets1161699125699
Drive ClutchCurrent Control Direct DriveTransducerized Direct DriveTransducerized Direct DriveClutchTransducerized Direct DriveTransducerized Pulse
MonitoringOK/NOKTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataOK/NOKTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle data
CommunicationI/OOpen ProtocolOpen ProtocolOpen ProtocolWiFiOpen ProtocolOpen Protocol
ControllerXT/XT seriesMDC26/32MDT26/32Handy 2000 microMTC

QB/SC series

 

EHC2-MIFseries
Tool Brand NameGX/GY seriesMDC seriesMDT seriesMicro ToolsMTC seriesQBE seriesEHC series
 
Controller capacity1 screwdriver per controller1 screwdriver per controller1 screwdriver per controller1 screwdriver per controllerN/Aup to 6 wireless screwdrivers/controllerup to 10 wireless screwdrivers/controller

Engineered for strength, accuracy, and productivity in high-torque operations

What is a Electric Nutrunner?

Electric nutrunners are industrial tightening systems built for medium- to high-torque, safety-critical joints. They are typically DC tools connected to a controller that provides advanced measurement, monitoring, and error-proofing.

These tools are designed for structural applications requiring higher tightening forces, generally starting at 15 Nm and extending to several hundred newton-meters. Manufacturers such as Stanley offer solutions for automotive chassis, powertrain, aerospace, and heavy machinery environments, where joint quality is non-negotiable.

Key characteristics: 

  • Torque range typically from 15 Nm to 800+ Nm
  • Used for fasteners such as M6–M30 and larger
  • Closed-loop torque and angle control using transducers or advanced current sensing
  • Require reaction devices (arms, fixtures, or mounts) to manage high torque loads
  • Full digital control with torque-angle monitoring, error-proofing, and data logging

Value: 

Electric nutrunners guarantee process reliability, traceability, and joint safety, making them indispensable in demanding industrial assembly applications where failure is not an option.

Electric Nutrunners – Feature Comparison Different Brands & Tools

 Electric Hand-held NutrunnersElectric Spindles
 STANLEYESTICYOKOTANORBARSTANLEYESTIC
Brand

 

 

Model
Tool NameQB seriesEH2 seriesE-wrenchEvoTorqueQB seriesEH2 series
Covering Range0,5…400Nm1…180Nm3…90Nm100..7000Nm1…2200Nm1…600Nm
VersionsPistol, Straight, AnglePistol, AnglePistolPistolStraightStraight, Angle
Number of presets2569916125699
Drive Transducerized Direct DriveTransducerized PulsingTransducerized PulsingTransducerized Direct DriveTransducerized Direct DriveTransducerized Direct Drive
Reaction device needed?yesnonoyesyesyes
MonitoringTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle dataTorque & Angle data
CommunicationOpen ProtocolOpen ProtocolOpen ProtocolnoneOpen ProtocolOpen Protocol
Controller Brand NameSC SeriesHT45/50 seriesYETC seriesdirect 220VACSC SeriesHT45/50
Controller Model
N/A
Controller capacity1 tool/controller1 tool/controller1 tool/controllerN/A1 tool/controller1 tool/controller

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