Looking at Getting a Drywall Screw Gun

[jgromada]

So i have been looking into getting a Drywall Screw Gun. Let me say that this is ONLY for home DIY use, not pro use. I have only few sheets to hang but can forsee a big project in the future. But I'm going to say I probably won't spend over $200 on this.

It looks like the big choices are corded v. cordless & collated v. uncollated. I probably not doing enough work to NEED a collated unit, although if i have to do ceiling work again it would be nice. I am also thinking I am always near power so cordless is not a necessity either (although if it was available i am not opposed --- have both Dewalt & Ridgid cordless platforms.)

Looking for any other thoughts about getting/using one of these from people who have had some experience with them.

So i think i am looking at two Dewalt models (corded & cordless) and a model from Ridgid. There is also a Senco model but it is collated only and i am thinking there is a premium for get all your drywall screws that way.

 

[bob15]

I have an older US-made corded Milwaukee. No complaints and it comes with about an 8 or 10 foot cord. Mine is a non-collated unit. It is handy when you need it. I doubt the newer ones are US made, if that matters to you.

Might also want to look on e-bay and c-list for used units. There are a bunch of Milwaukee's for under $30 (not including shipping) that look like they were barely ever used.

 

[ole442]

What is collated v. uncollated?

 

[shawhite]

I recently bought the dewalt corded. After hanging some drywall with a dimpler I decided it was worth getting a screw gun to speed up production. I will say it was money well spent. I have hung probably 8-10 sheets with it and would would not do sheet rock without one ever again. I elected for the corded model due to price and the fact that I don’t ever see it being used away from power.

 

[gungatim]

I have several, hitachi pro's, collated ones, etc.

but if you are only doing a small amount, it aint worth it. just get a bit for a cordless screwdriver with the umbrella piece that sets the depth. $5 at the hardware stores and works nearly as well...

 

[jgromada]

What is collated v. uncollated?

uncollated is you are inserting a new screw into the tool each time manually

with collated it is a strip with a line of screws attached and the tool automatically feeds a screw each time you need it. From what i understand it is particularly useful if you are putting up drywall on ceiling as you have an extra hand free then

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've done several rooms for myself, family, friends, and a few customers, but drywall is not something I'm doing regularly. I got by just fine with a cordless drill and a couple dimple bits. If I was installing drywall day in and day out I'd have a collated cordless drywall gun.

My experience with the ones I have used is that they work great for new construction lumber, but I had some issues with screws not being set properly on old rough-cut studs and joists.

 

[catron44]

I have an old senco corded collated screw gun and a ridgid 18v cordless collated. The cord isn't a problem on the senco and it drives the screws much faster. The cordless ridgid however, shoots a longer screw which was helpful for doing decking or sub floor work.

Of course I've used a dimple bit on a corded and cordless drill and it was fine.

I had the corded unit first, before anyone had a cordless option. If I were to do it over I would get the cordless only and be done with it.

collated is extremely helpful when working alone because you don't have to place a screw on the tip.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Packard V8]

As mentioned, they're going for cheap. I paid $5 for a Milwaukee corded. No one wants them any more, so the occasional-use homeowner gets a break

Yes cordless has convenience. Yes, collated has convenience. How much convenience can you afford?

jack vines

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have an older version of this Makita Autofeed. https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/6844 When I finished off my basement, I was able to hang 20 'x 4 1/2' sheets on the wall by myself. The belt clip works great and the balance is awesome for one handed operation. It was also nice for doing the ceiling as you can drive screws fast and the guy/s holding appreciated the increased speed. I also used mine on all the cement board I laid for the tile. If it's not real heavy duty, I use it for other projects where I may need to drive a lot of screws. I keep the strips and fill them back up while watching TV. I usually get at least four uses out of them before they become to sloppy to hold screws for reliable use. You can adjust the depth of the countersink too. One thing is you want to be fairly square when driving the screws. The newer style is more forgiving than the older model that I have.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Bought on of these worked great. A spring releases the bit once you have set the drywall screw.

 

[Musicinabottle]

My first drywall screw gun was a Metabo in the mid 1980s, and these days, I have two Dewalt corded. I've hung a **** ton of drywall! Myself, I'd go corded, because it would last you the rest of your life, and non collated because it would be the cheapest. But that's because I'm very accustomed to running screws to the gun by hand. However, I have used the collated units, and you can sure cover the ground with them.

 

[ddawg16]

Home use?

Don't waste your money. After a few screws you will figure it out. It's not hard.

Just think of the money you will save to buy more beer.
Case in point....

You hang a sheet of drywall.
Insert drywall screws.
Stand back and admire your work
Hang another sheet of drywall
Insert drywall screws
Stand back and admire your work

As you can see, you are going to need a lot of money for beer.

 

[JRC3]

Go to the pawn shop and look for an old Makita. Then go buy at least a 15' extension cord for $10, cut then end off and replace the cord on the Makita with it. Then a nail pouch and keep it very full with screws. Way cheaper than a cordless or collated.


Then put the rest of the $200 towards one of these. https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...087-c-8951.htm?tid=7220212106375241295&ipos=2

 

[James-W]

I have a Porter Cable corded model and it works very well. My thinking, right or wrong is, if the tool is for home use where you have electrical power, a corded model is all you really need. If you are doing drywall where there is no electrical power as of yet, that is a different story.

 

[kctyphoon]

Don't bother.. get a 12v cordless screwdriver, impact driver, or drill instead, and just get a pouch or work belt to hold screws for easy access.. the screw guns are something that requires a bit of a knack to get used to using. If you've never used one, it will likely just annoy the hell out of you. It's completely unnecessary for someone NOT on a drywall crew, and even some of those guys don't get them.. I drywalled my entire house with an old dewalt 7.2 screwdriver. Get the m12 screwdriver or impact driver instead, use a magnetic driver bit to hold screws.. those drywall guns won't give you any advantage unless you're on a drywall crew hanging a new board every 2 minutes of your life. Your wasting your money on very job specific tool you won't use on anything other than drywall.. MUCH better investment for a cordless screwdriver - which as far as you'll be concerned, does the exact same thing but is much more versatile.

I had a brand new Dewalt corded model I gave away to a friend cause it's just aggravating to use and honestly just a waste for a homeowner.. tellin ya - get a small, light, 12v screwdriver instead, magnetic driver like posted. You'd be wasting you money on the gun, and $2 says you'll try it, and just get annoyed with it anyway.

Another suggestion.. get a $5 work belt, drill holster, and a pouch for said belt to hold screws.. here.. this will make life easier than that drywall gun.

MagnoGrip 002-580 Magnetic Drill Holster - Left and Right Handed, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9AVTZQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And this - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-in-Quick-Release-Work-Belt-HD335320/202311429

$99 m12 2 battery screwdriver kit (**** that drywall gun) - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Batteries-Charger-Tool-Bag-2401-22/100615066

And any magnetic screw setter / dimpler drive bit
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-2...AoC8EALw_wcB&dclid=CMr466-b3NkCFYhGNwodPhMM7A

Add a simple screw pouch.. keeping your hands free is much more useful that those drywall guns.

And here - quick vid on that Bosch bit I linked for you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=IBs7Zq9nZMw

 

[Musicinabottle]

I agree with KC on the issue of getting the hang of the dry wall screw guns, and for the one or two sheets, a regular screw gun is probably going to best but make no mistake about it, once you do get the hang of the full tilt dry wall guns, and get the nose adjusted correctly, using a regular cordless would be agonizingly slow, as you try to get the screws to the correct depth without breaking the paper, or having the screws stick out to where your mud blade hits the head. If you are doing just drywall, I might add to get the highest RPMs (5,000) If you think you might be doing some decking too, then I'd stick to the mid RPM range. ALSO... Get the lightest and most comfortable gun, because they will fatigue the hand after a few hours of first time useage!

 

[finn]

I have a Makita and a Dewalt, both corded.

I just finished doing a complete gut job on a 2 bed, 2 bath house and didn’t bother digging out the drywall screw guns, as I find using a cordless impact driver works better at my skill level.

I also prefer the square drive screws over Phillips drive. I hav both Bosch and Dewalt impact drivers and they both seem to perform the same, but the Bosch has a slot in the handle for an extra bit.

I doubt if i’ll Ever use the drywall driversagain, as the impact drivers are lighter, more versatile, and, for meat least, easier to control.

 

[DFB]

I've used the Milwaukee M12 2462 impact driver for drywall before. It will hold a 1 inch bit in the collet and set the head just below the surface with slight dimple in the paper too. Don't even need to get a specialty tip

I have the new cordless 2866 Milwaukee screw gun its fast and easy to use, the best part being the motor doesn't run continually when locked on. Though I was always happy with my old 6821 Makita having no cord is great.

For a one time job most any drill driver will do

I guess any excuse is good to buy a new tool though

 

[8mpg]

I have a Senco collated corded and I hate it. Trying to get it adjusted perfectly so it lines up right doesnt go well. Lots of screws trying to go in crooked. Id vote any simple drill with the correct tip like shown above.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

You need to hit the local pawn shops. I'm pretty sure it's a law that pawn shops have to have several on hand 24/7.

They are so single use and then unusable that the second hand market for them is huge and cheap.

 

[Parrothead]

Don't bother.. get a 12v cordless screwdriver, impact driver, or drill instead, and just get a pouch or work belt to hold screws for easy access.. the screw guns are something that requires a bit of a knack to get used to using. If you've never used one, it will likely just annoy the hell out of you.

^^^this^^^

They're just not worth it unless it's less than $10. Even then it's a maybe. I've used them a little bit and I'd rather use my drill. You don't need a uber powerful one either, just something that can drive a screw into wood. I'd skip the impact as they have less "touch".

 

[trainer]

I have a corded screwgun, but I haven't used it in years.

a dimpler bit on a cordless drill is simple and works very well.
www.rockler.com/2-phillips-x-1-drywall-dimpler-insert-bit.

 

[dutchgray]

I have 2, a heavy old Makita and a nice light Fein, almost never use them and I work in construction, dont do enough drywall to ever be really good with one, impact driver and dimple bit works fine.
The Makita is good for tek screws but most of the time cordless wins out.

 

[jgromada]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have always done drywall with screws & the dimpler bit but was never totally satisfied with the result.

I just bought a used Makita 6801DBV for $13 on ebay. I am looking forward to trying this out.

In the end dedicated collated made no sense especially if you have to buy specialized screw strips. Cordless also did not make much sense and would have been at least $115 for an appropriate Dewalt model.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have always done drywall with screws & the dimpler bit but was never totally satisfied with the result.

I just bought a used Makita 6801DBV for $13 on ebay. I am looking forward to trying this out.

In the end dedicated collated made no sense especially if you have to buy specialized screw strips. Cordless also did not make much sense and would have been at least $115 for an appropriate Dewalt model.

Congrats on your new used gun!! It'll be frustrating, at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine. Don't hold it like you would a drill. You need to move up the handle so that you are actually holding it at the back end of the motor so that when you push your hand is pushing directly in line with the screw. When you go to drive a screw, don't push lightly. You have to just shove it, and push hard otherwise it's going to work the clutch. You shouldn't hear any grinding noise until the clutch actually dis engages as the screw is seated. The best method is to lock the trigger on full speed then with the screw in the tip, just hit the drywall and shove it. Have fun!

 

[JRC3]

Yep, let the gun run full speed while driving.

Like I said, when it's time to replace the cord, get a long one, you'll love it.

One more thing. Don't reuse screws. Once they are driven it will deform the edge and if it's reused it will give you troubles. Nothing worse than someone coming in and picking up the screws you have on the floor, and doing you a favor by putting them back in the box/bucket of new ones.

Oh, and at first drive your but joints with a regular cordless screw gun so you don't smash and blow out the edge.

 

[jgromada]

Thanks for the additional tips. I am anxious to try this out.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have always done drywall with screws & the dimpler bit but was never totally satisfied with the result.

I just bought a used Makita 6801DBV for $13 on ebay. I am looking forward to trying this out.

In the end dedicated collated made no sense especially if you have to buy specialized screw strips. Cordless also did not make much sense and would have been at least $115 for an appropriate Dewalt model.

Lol. To be fair - you set a $200 budget on the first post.

But anyway - I hope you like it more than I did.. it's probably one of those things where, the harder you try, the worse off you are.. my father bought one, gave it to me the next day.. I tried it a few times when I was drywalling my house. Esp with just one person, the cord *****, screws go in crooked, too deep, or not at all if you don't have the hang of it - I put it down and never touched it again.. just not worth the aggravation for me. I like my light cordless. A cordless drill CAN be just as fast for the average guy.. good luck with it.

Holster and pouch still a good idea, esp if this is gonna be a one man job.

 

[DFB]

Lol. To be fair - you set a $200 budget on the first post.

So many threads where it starts asking cheap and goes expensive this one started expensive and ended cheap

 

[bob15]

Not quite sure why so many people have issues with drywall guns....

It isn't that hard to use or to get used to using.....Once the tip is set, it never moves, and all the screws are all going in to the same depth thereafter. Driving them in crooked, that is a personal issue and not the gun at fault.

 

[jgromada]

Lol. To be fair - you set a $200 budget on the first post.

See I really did read all the posts!

I was easily convinced that i could find a used one and I also figured that if I didn't really like it I wasn't out that much & I could go back to just using the drill.

I do have a pouch btw.

 

[BreeStephany]

I've got a Senco collated corded driver, and honestly would never go back to a clutched uncollated driver for sheetrock. I know a few guys that could out drive me with their uncollated clutched guns, but for me, collated has definitely been the most efficient way for me to hang rock.

I generally get 1 under/over driven or crooked screw out of every clip or two I drive, which is FAR better than my performance with a clutched uncollated gun, so for me, collated drivers are the way to go.

I know that a lot of pros are hesitant to go collated because they can drive screws just as fast with an uncollated driver and the price per screw is SIGNIFICANTLY less when you are hanging rock every day.

Just my two cents.

 

[jgromada]

I've got a Senco collated corded driver, and honestly would never go back to a clutched uncollated driver for sheetrock. I know a few guys that could out drive me with their uncollated clutched guns, but for me, collated has definitely been the most efficient way for me to hang rock.

I generally get 1 under/over driven or crooked screw out of every clip or two I drive, which is FAR better than my performance with a clutched uncollated gun, so for me, collated drivers are the way to go.

I know that a lot of pros are hesitant to go collated because they can drive screws just as fast with an uncollated driver and the price per screw is SIGNIFICANTLY less when you are hanging rock every day.

Just my two cents.

thanks for your input. I kind of figured if i had the need I might opt for a collated model in the future.

I have heard great things about Senco, my question is whether it also drives deck screws?

 

[johndeereman]

I started out with a corded dewalt years ago, now that i have a couple of the cordless Milwaukee's they are the only thing i use. I hang about 1500 sheet's a year.

 

[jgromada]

I started out with a corded dewalt years ago, now that i have a couple of the cordless Milwaukee's they are the only thing i use. I hang about 1500 sheet's a year.

1500! I am out of your league. Are the Milwaukee's collated?

 

[Bluevista]

I've been hanging drywall since I was 12 years old, over 60 now, and I've found that drywall screwguns are useless for old work/petrified wood, for newer lumber and steel studs fine. You'll want to pitch the thing out the window you'll get so frustrated after about a half a sheet of screwed up screws. The depth will never set right, the screws or go through the paper or hang below the surface, the worst things you can do IMO, especially if you have to tape it, hide from the taper if not. I just hung 18 4 x 12 's on old house ceilings on Friday by myself (with a lifter of course) and I used a Milwaukee M12 1/4" hex impact driver and a Dewalt dimpling bit. I never tried it before and it worked great, used two 2.0 batteries, that's pretty good. I had had to use 2 inch screws and it drove them like nothing, just have to slow the speed down when the bit collar hits the rock to get it to dimple just right. The screw splinters are the biggest pain running them with a driver, I wrap white medical tape on my left thumb and two fingers to keep them at bay, keeps the threads from biting you a little too.

 

[BreeStephany]

thanks for your input. I kind of figured if i had the need I might opt for a collated model in the future.

I have heard great things about Senco, my question is whether it also drives deck screws?

I did a couple of large composite trex/evergrain party decks with it without issue. You definitely have to go a bit slower and watch the tip of your screws to ensure proper allignment / placement but the corded ones, in my opinion, have plenty of power for wood and composite decking, but you definitely don't want to drive screws as fast as you would with sheetrock or you will likely get small but noticeable waves in your screw lines.

With that said, I did note that the gun tends to go through Robertson tips faster when doing decking because it will occasionally slip on engagement with the screw as it drives them and will chew up the head of the occasional screw and eat the tips over time.

 

[ishiboo]

I have two of the Senco corded guns, and just picked up the Milwaukee. I will say that the Senco has to be PERFECTLY perpendicular to the wall to set correctly. But when you get going and used to it, it sets screws incredibly fast and with perfect depth every time.

The Milwaukee does pretty well... I may pick up the collated attachment for it once I start my drywall project. I've also used these guns for subfloors, and I just used the Milwaukee for placing 3/4" plywood on two of my workbenches. You can definitely a lot done in a short period of time with them.

I used the Bosch dimpler bits in the past, I have never been impressed or pleased with their result. There is a reason the screw guns exist.

 

[johndeereman]

no the new Milwaukee's are not collated. but man is it nice cordless in a commercial application is great especially when you are up on a lift.