This is the smartest electronic precision screwdriver I’ve ever tested

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Arrowmax SES Max is available from Amazon for $80 (at the time of writing, there is a 20% off on-page coupon).
• Ergonomic and well-built, and the motion control feature is close to magic.
• App features are limited.

I’ve tested a lot of electric screwdrivers over the past year or so, and there are some that I’ve fallen in love with because they’ve made my life easier. I’ve found some absolute workhorses that I’ve been using for months.

Also: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested

A few weeks ago I came across a new screwdriver that is probably the smartest, most intelligent, most high-tech precision electric screwdriver I’ve used — the Arrowmax SES Max.

View at Amazon

Arrowmax SES Max tech specs

• Motion control feature that automatically senses the direction and torque needed to tighten (or loosen) a screw
• 32-bit microprocessor and a 3-axis gyroscope
• Five adjustable torque settings (up to 3.47 in-lb/4.1kgf.cm of torque, plus an auto setting that detects input force)
• Clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation 
• A total of 70 different S2 steel precision bits
• 500mAh large-capacity battery (enough to tighten about 900 screws)
• OLED display
• Four shadowless LED lights
• USB-C for charging 
• Magnetic carry and charging case (a full charge takes a minimum of 80 minutes)

There are a lot of features on the SES Max that it shares with another screwdriver in the range, the SES Ultra. The SES Max features an ergonomic pencil-style grip that allows it to be gripped firmly for extended periods without fatigue. There’s a single button that controls everything, and an OLED display to keep you informed.

As with any good precision electronic screwdriver, it has a sensible torque range, offering enough power to break small fasteners free, but not so much as to damage things.

Also: This 12-in-1 electric screwdriver is my go-to tool, and it’s available for less than $50

The 500mAh battery can handle up to 900 precision screws on a single full charge, and the screwdriver can be recharged using the USB-C connector built into the storage case.  

There are also four built-in shadowless LED lights for illuminating the workspace, which is super helpful.

The kit includes some of the highest-quality bits that I’ve seen. The bits are precision-machined and fit the fasteners perfectly, dramatically reducing the risk of chewing up a screw head and turning a small, quick job into a protracted nightmare.

Also: This tiny accessory gave my Android phone thermal vision superpowers. Here’s how to use it

The better the bits, the easier the job. If you take anything from this review, take that advice on board. 

There’s also a bit magnetizer for charging and demagnetizing bits, which makes it easier to handle fiddly fasteners.

The single killer feature of the SES Max is the motion control feature that detects whether you want to tighten or loosen a fastener. Fit the bit into the fastener, press the on button, begin to apply torque, and the screwdriver takes over. There’s no need to fiddle and find the appropriate loosening or tightening button.

Also: This $20 USB-C cable I recommend comes with a useful digital display

Once on, the screwdriver will either apply one of the four torque presets or, if the auto feature is selected, it will detect how much pressure is applied and increase or decrease the torque accordingly.  

It’s a wonderful feature that’s well-engineered and works like magic.

The tool also has an app for Android and iPhone, which can control the torque settings and the light. The app is a nice touch, but I’m unsure how much I’ll use this feature. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Arrowmax SES Max is, for my needs, the very best precision electric screwdriver I’ve come across. I love the charging case, the ergonomic design, the quality of the bits, and the smart features packed into this tool. 

Priced at $80 (at the time of writing, there is a 20% off coupon on Amazon), that’s a good price for such a versatile tool that will likely give you years of service.

If you don’t want the motion-sensing feature, then you can get a similar set of features from the Arrowmax SES Ultra, priced at $60 (this tool also has a 20% off coupon).