Drywall Screwgun

RobS · Apr 28, 2002

I'm thinking I need one of these as we plan on doing our own ceramic tile including screwing down the underlayment. Also will have plenty of drywall work in the future with finishing the basement and attic. I looked on Amazon/Tool Crib this afternoon and about went into shock with all the choices. Do I really need this many choices (over a dozen in just DeWalt!). Anyone have recommendations or what features/performance to look for? Thanks /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

tgello · Apr 28, 2002

i have a porter cable. it works good. they don't drive the screws for cement backer board all that good. it doesn't set the head flush. i use a regular cordless drill with a bit....tgello

DVerbarg · Apr 28, 2002

I have a Milwaukee drywall screw gun. Have had it for about 14 years. Used it on drywall, tile underlayment, plywood decking, exterior deck materials, etc. Has worked great on all the materials and screw types. The unit is adjustable to different depths of "setting" the screw before the clutch disengages. Great tool. There are probably "better" or "enhanced" units available now but that ole' Milwaukee has done well for me.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 28, 2002

I have both a Ryobi and a Craftsman/BD/DeWalt for about 12-13 years and never one lick of a problem with either... pricing was about ~$69-79 for each (I think I paid ~$39. for the Craftsman display model.../w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif - that's why I have two...)

One little tip... pick an area less obtrusive you're going to sheetrock and with practice you will setup the clutch/drywall screw depth... and in a short period of time... you get your "rhythm" down and go like a pro... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

TonyC · Apr 28, 2002

I also use just a standard type rechargeable drill. Mine happens to be a Bosch. I used a drywall bit which costs about $2. It is made specially to "slip out" of the screw head after it is just below the surface of the material. Unless you really want to buy a drywall screw gun, I wouldn't. A regular drill works fine.

And as a side note, I found out recently that a lot of the pros don't use screws anymore anyway. They glue it up. I'm not sure of the process but it sure sounds good when it comes to the finish work!

RanchMan · Apr 29, 2002

TonyC -
I've always went the cordless drill route myself - seen lots of subcontractors 'round these parts use them as well. Works just fine.

Never seemed to be any more difficult to mud screws done with a drill either. With the clutches they have on them now days, makes it even easier to keep from going "too deep." I've had several over the years (Ryobi, Makita, etc.) Currently I have an 18v "Harbor Freight Special." It does everything I ask it to.

DocHeb · Apr 29, 2002

I use a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/accessory_category_detail.asp?categoryID=278>Dewalt Drywall Bit Setter</A> with my cordless drill. It works well once it is adjusted to the right depth.

RobS · Apr 29, 2002

Thanks Chris and others for the input. I used one of those screw setters in my drill for some previous drywall work and didn't have much success. Maybe it was just my particular one, but the bit kept falling out. Very frustrating. I ended up borrowing a screwgun and it was like night and day. Of course, being a tool junkie I must now own one since I have plenty of justification coming up /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Apr 29, 2002

<font color=blue>...borrowing a screwgun and it was like night and day. ...</font color=blue>

Rob...

A major difference between a standard drill and the screwgun is the "no load speed"... most 3/8" drills max out ~ 1200-1600 rpm... and the screwguns are up ~ 2500-2800 rpm...

Doing a couple pieces of sheetrock you can get by with a drill/adaptor setup...

Doing an entire basement/attic/house... a dedicated screwgun is the only way to fly... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif