If you’re looking for a drywall screw gun, then this article is for you! A drywall screw gun is a device used in the construction industry that helps to secure materials and equipment. It can be helpful when installing drywalls and securing screws during other projects.
This tool goes hand-in-hand with a drill, should you need to use it for more than just driving screws into drywall or wood.
However, in this dizzying world of screw guns with countless options out there, it’s easy for buyers to become overwhelmed and end up making the wrong decision!
That is why we have compiled and thoroughly reviewed 10 of the best drywall screw guns that are available on today’s market so your search can be fast and efficient. We have also discussed some key factors to consider before purchasing one in our buying guide below. So, have a read!
Name | Image | Details | Price |
Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 FUEL Drywall Screw Gun |
| Power Type: Cordless Weight: 2.5lb Speed: 4,500 RPMs Editor’s Ratings: 4.9 | |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun |
| Power Type: Cordless Weight: 9lb Speed: 4,400 RPM & 26,000RMP Editor’s Ratings: 4.9 | |
Metabo HPT SuperDrive Collated Screwdriver |
| Power Type: Corded Weight: 7lb Speed: 2,600RPM Editor’s Ratings: 4.8 | |
Makita XSF03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver |
| Power Type: Cordless Weight: 3.8lb Speed: 4,500 RPM Editor’s Ratings: 4.8 | |
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Brushless Drywall Screw Gun |
| Power Type: Cordless Weight: 2.5lb Speed: 4,7700 RPM Editor’s Ratings: 4.8 |
10 Best Drywall Screw Guns:
1. Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 FUEL Drywall Screw Gun
Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 FUEL drywall screw gun is an excellent cordless tool for those looking to get their drywall project done quickly and efficiently. It is lightweight (2.5lb), durable, and has plenty of power for your home or professional needs. When it comes to balancing, speed, run-time, and ergonomics, only a few cordless drywall guns are up to par with it.
This tool comes equipped with a POWERSTATE brushless motor that moves at a speed of 4,500 RPM to deliver better performance and longer life than other motors on the market. It shoots screws one at a time, so you have to replace the screw after every drive. Although, you can get an attachment that takes collated screws. You will never have to worry about this tool breaking down because it has one of the best warranties in the industry, a five-year limited warranty.
The Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 FUEL drywall screw gun features the latest battery technology, which has up to 3x more power than previous M12 tools. This technology ensures maximum efficiency when driving screws into hard materials such as wood or painted concrete. The soft-grip handle provides comfort while driving screws and bolts.
With this screw gun, there’s no need for dealing with an air compressor or power cords, its cordless design makes it easy to take anywhere you need! It works with all M18 batteries. However, you have to buy the battery separately. You can get either the M18 REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 battery pack that delivers 64 sheets per charge or the CP2.0 battery pack that delivers 27 sheets per charge.
The Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 FUEL drywall screw gun features an Auto Start Mode that automatically starts firing screws when it comes in contact with drywall. Also, it uses an integrated LED light on the foot that provides visibility where you need it most – even in dark or confined spaces! For better working convenience, Milwaukee included a belt clip.
Benefits
- It features a powerful POWERSTATE brushless motor with 4,500RPM.
- It uses an integrated LED light.
- It features an Auto Start Mode that automatically starts firing screws when it comes in contact with drywall.
- Milwaukee has a five-year warranty on it.
- Long-run time, ergonomic, and lightweight.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t come with a battery.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun & Cut-out Tool Combo Kit
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR drywall screw gun & cut-out tool combo Kit (DCK263D2) has everything professionals drywallers and DIYers need for installing drywall. Both tools in this kit are cordless and run on Dewalt 20V max lithium battery. You don’t have to worry about getting batteries because the kit comes with two DCB203 20V MAX* compact Li-Ion batteries (2.0 Ah) that will give you up to 13 hours of use per charge.
The DCF620 Max XR drywall screw gun in this kit has an ergonomic design that reduces arm fatigue and a brushless motor that delivers up to 4,400 RPMs. It uses ⅛” size bits and features a variable speed trigger that allows you to control its power output to suit the hardness of the surface you are working on. It even has more power than the Dewalt DW272 corded screw gun.
The other tool in the kit, the DCS551 Max XR cut-out, is perfect for making quick cuts in drywall without blades or saws. It also features a brushless motor that produces a speed of 2,000RPM. A dust-sealed on/off control switch powers the cut-out tool. However, the control switch has a wrong placement which causes users to trigger it accidentally during operations. Both tools feature bright LED lights to provide illumination to areas with poor visibility.
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun & Cut-out Tool Combo Kit (DCK263D2) also includes one DCB112 – multi-voltage charger. All the items in this kit fit neatly inside its carrying case, making it easy to transport from one job site to another. Since it’s a Dewalt product, it has a three-year warranty, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Benefits
- You will get a drywall screw gun and a cut-out tool in this kit that are efficient and dependable.
- It comes with two 20V batteries that last a long time and a multi-voltage charger.
- Dewalt has a three-year warranty, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee on it.
- Both tools have LEDs.
Drawbacks
- The on/off switch of the cut-out tool is at the wrong location.
- The cut-off tool may not last for long.
3. Metabo HPT SuperDrive Collated Screwdriver
The Metabo HPT SuperDrive collated screwdriver is a professional power tool that will provide excellent driving and fastening performance of screws into drywall, decks, sub-floors, and metal framing. It features a motor that produces a speed of 2,600 RPM and has a torque rating of 139.6 in-lbs. Unlike the other screw guns reviewed above, this screw gun is corded, meaning it is plugged into a power outlet.
The Metabo HPT SuperDrive W6VB3SD2 fastens screws with lengths from ⅝” to 3” and diameters from 6” to 12”. It has an ergonomic design that features a 20″ extension shaft that makes installing screws in a standing position stress-free, reducing fatigue and improving productivity. The gun also has an ergonomic handle and a pistol-grip design that can be held with one hand or two without discomfort. It weighs 7lb (with extension). Further, its 24.6ft extra long cord allows you to move freely around your Jobsite.
Thanks to the tool-free depth adjustment, you can make fast adjustments to screwing depths on the go. With this Metabo HPT SuperDrive collated screwdriver, you’ll be able to work with different types of drywall screws using its quick-change bit system. The bits it comes with include #2 Phillips bit (installed), #2
square bit, #2lox bit, and decking/drywall nose piece. Metabo HPT has a one-year warranty on it. The only downside of this gun is that it may leave marks on your workpiece.
Benefits
- It is multi-purpose, perfect for installing drywall, decking, sub-floors, and metal framing.
- It comes with an extra-long cord.
- You have four-bit adapters for shooting screws of different types.
- It features a 20″ extension shaft.
- Tool-free adjustments for screw size and depth.
Drawbacks
- It may leave marks on your workpiece.
4. Makita XSF03Z 18V Cordless Drywall Screwdriver
Whether you are a professional or amateur drywaller, the Makita XSF03Z 18V cordless drywall screwdriver will help you install deck, subfloors, metal frames, and hang sheetrocks. It shoots any type and size of screws as long as you have the right bit. This drywall screw gun features an electronically-controlled powerful brushless motor that drives screws at 4,000 RPM. The motor intelligently optimizes battery energy use for 50% longer run-time per charge.
An 18V LXT® 5.0Ah battery powers this screw gun. However, it is a bare tool so no battery or charger comes packaged with it. Makita equipped it with their patented Push Drive Technology which features a lock-on mode that allows the motor to run only when the tool is engaged. In doing so, it works quieter and saves battery power. Another technology they equipped in this tool is the innovative Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) for dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions.
The Makita XSF03Z 18V cordless drywall screwdriver has a “tool-free” depth adjustment system that allows for quick and easy depth adjustments to suit your needs. With its ergonomic design, rubberized pistol grip, and two-finger trigger, handling is comfortable with reduced user fatigue. Moreover, it is compact at only 9⅞” long and weighs 3.8lb (battery weight included).
Makita also equipped it with a belt hook for more comfort and versatility. Even if you are working in a dark room, its built-in LED light will illuminate the work area for more visibility.
One of its best features is the Star Protection Computer Controls™ that prevents overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating for user safety and the tool’s safety. So this tool is very safe to use. Be informed that Makita has a three-year limited warranty on it.
Benefits
- It features innovative technologies.
- It works like a charm.
- The gun is lightweight, comfortable, and lightweight.
- It has a three-year warranty.
Drawbacks
- You would have to buy a charger and battery separately.
5. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Brushless Drywall Screw Gun
Ryobi has been producing quality power tools for a long time. The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ drywall screw gun is one of the latest additions to their line of high-quality yet affordable power tools.
It features a brushless motor that produces a speed of 4,700 RPM and offers more torque and lesser wear on the tool’s components. An 18V P108 battery powers it.
The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ drywall screw gun lock-on feature and variable speed settings allow you to set the right amount of power needed for screwing different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. It has an adjustable and removable nose cone for more screwing precision. Its clutch only engages when a bit is pressed to the nose to conserve battery juice. Ryobi included a PR2 Phillips bit to help reduce paper tears from screwing in the drywall. However, the bit doesn’t stay in place.
One of its best features is the QUIETDRIVE Technology that reduces the operating noise and prolongs battery charge during use. Thanks to the LED light at the foot, you’ll have good visibility when working in poorly illuminated areas. Ryobi equipped this drywall screw gun with their patented MAGTRAY™ magnetic holder for the placement of screws and bits. They also included a removable belt clip to keep the tool close at all times. You can detach it and mount it on either side for convenience or when you need to be hands-free.
The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ drywall screw gun is lightweight because it only weighs about 2.25lb. Handling is top-notch and super comfortable thanks to the GRIPZONE over mold with a micro-texture soft-grip handle. When you buy this tool, you will get a belt clip, a PR2 Phillips bit, and a manual. So, you have to get the battery and charger separately. That said, Ryobi has a three-year limited warranty on it.
Benefits
- It has a lock-on feature and variable speed settings for different materials.
- It is affordable.
- It features the QUIETDRIVE Technology that reduces the operating noise and prolongs battery charge during use.
- It has a removable belt clip that can be mounted on either side of the tool for convenience or when you need to be hands-free.
- Ryobi has a three-year limited warranty on it.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t come with a charger and battery.
- The Phillips bit often comes off its holder.
6. Senco Fastening Systems TV174274 1-2″ Corded Screw Gun
The Senco Fastening Systems TV174274 1-2″ corded screw gun is an improved version of their previous model DS232-AC. The previous model lacked power because its motor could only produce a speed of 2500RPM. This version, DS235-AC, has been redesigned to make it more efficient for drywall, underlayment, cement board, and sub-flooring applications. It features a high-speed motor that produces a speed of 5000RPM, which is twice the previous version capacity.
Senco retained some of the best features of the previous model in this model, like the patented feed system, tool-free adjustable depth stop, and the EZ load improved rail design for quickly screw loading. New features include a reverse switch to bring out driven screws, a variable speed trigger, an adjustable belt hook to keep the tool within reach, and a trigger lock.
The Senco Fastening Systems TV174274 1-2″ corded screw gun shoots screws with a diameter of #6 to #10 and a range of 1” to 2”. It features an ergonomic handle that improves comfort levels during use, making it easier to control and less likely to slip from your hands while you are working. Plus, it is not too heavy, weighing 5.7lb. When you buy this screw gun, it comes with two nosepieces (wood & drywall), two drive bits (Phillips & Square), and a storage bag. Senco has a one-year warranty on it.
Benefits
- It runs with a high-speed motor that drives screws like a breeze.
- Easy loading of screws thanks to its EZ load improved rail design.
- It has a reverse switch to bring out driven screws.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design.
- One-year warranty.
Drawbacks
- None
7. Hammerhead Drywall Screwdriver- HASG043
Hammerhead’s HASG043 drywall screwdriver is perfect for drywalling DIYers. It is a budget-friendly corded machine that functions with a powerful 4.3-amp motor. It comes with a #2 bit that fits most drywall screws. The bit is held in place by a magnet.
One of its outstanding features is that it is a screw gun and rotary hammer in one. It has a two-mode selector switch to change its function from rotation-only to hammer-drill. When used as a screw gun, it reaches a speed of 3,000RPM, and when used as a hammer, it produces 48,000 IPM.
This tool is equipped with a three-position ½” half-metal keyless chuck head so you can use Phillips, slotted, or square drive bits. You can make adjustments to the driving depth by turning the dial at the top of the gun to suit your needs. With a variable speed trigger, you can control its operating speed to the material’s texture you are screwing or hammering. Additionally, it has a lock-on feature for continuous operations.
The Hammerhead HASG043 drywall screwdriver has an integrated top belt hook to keep the tool within reach. Its V-shaped soft-grip handle and side handle provide comfort, reduce wrist strain, arm strain, and muscle fatigue to get jobs done faster.
The downside to this tool is that the magnet that holds the bit in place is not too strong, so it tends to fall off quite often during operation. Its power-to-weight ratio is noticeably off, which can make precision work difficult for those still getting used to using machines like these! The power cord also seems short compared with others of its type – not ideal if you are looking for something versatile enough to be moved around easily.
To sum up, this tool is best for DIYers who do small drywall projects but may not be enough for professional drywallers.
Benefits
- It is one of the cheapest screw guns you can find in the market.
- The 2-in-1 crew gun and rotary hammer functions are great for different applications.
- It is lightweight and well-designed to reduce wrist strain, arm strain, and muscle fatigue.
- It is perfect for DIYers.
Drawbacks
- The power cord is short.
- The drill bit doesn’t stay in place.
8. Metabo HPT Drywall Screw Gun, VSR (W6VM)
Metabo HPT makes our list again, this time around with their VSR (W6VM) corded drywall screw gun. This tool is designed with high quality, ease of use, versatility, and durability in mind. It functions with a powerful 6.6 amp motor running at 6000 RPM that shoots any type of drywall screws and hex & teks screws.
You can use it for installing ceilings and walls to exterior construction like siding installation on buildings or roofing with galvanized iron sheet or corrugated steel. As well as in interior panel assembly work, installation of aluminum composite panels for architecture projects, and metal fabrications such as automobile stampings. Plus, it has a long cord.
This screw gun comes with a 2-9/16″ magnetic bit holder (982554Z) that holds a #2 Phillips driver bit (728336B10). Its removable nose piece makes replacing and adjusting bits straightforward. Thanks to the silent clutch, the operating noise level is 76 dB, making it a quiet screw gun.
Metabo HPT VSR (W6VM) drywall screw gun ergonomic design, lightweight (3.1lb), and non-slip rubber grip make handling it comfortable with minimal fatigue.
Benefits
- This machine has a lot of power.
- It can shoot any drywall screws and hex & teks screws, making it perfect for different projects.
- Its silent clutch lowers the operating noise level to 76 dB.
- Easy to use.
Drawbacks
- None
9. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun (DCF620B)
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun (DCF620B) is the drywall screw gun included in the DEWALT (DCK263D2) combo kit earlier reviewed. So, if you want that drywall screw gun but can’t afford the whole kit, this is for you. We will do a little review in addition to what we have discussed earlier.
The Dewalt’s DCF620B MAX XR drywall screw gun is popular amongst professional drywallers. Unless you are a novice drywaller or a DIYer, you should have heard about its high performance. This screw gun brushless motor produces a speed of 4,400 RPM, which is greater than the DW272 corded screw gun. It runs on a powerful 20V max lithium-ion battery that provides longer run times and faster charging than 18V batteries.
The Dewalt’s DCF620B MAX XR drywall screw gun comes with a nose cone that locks on securely. This nose cone can be adjusted to three screw depths to suit different material’s hardness. For you to get the best screwing results out of this gun, DEWALT advises using it with the compatible DCF6201 collated magazine attachment (sold separately).
This cordless screw gun features an ergonomic and lightweight (2.5lb) design for increased comfort and less fatigue on the job site. It also has a LED light that illuminates dark areas. This tool doesn’t come with a battery, a charger, nor a carrying case. So you will have to buy those accessories separately.
As with all DEWALT products, it has a three-year warranty, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Benefits
- It has a powerful brushless motor.
- It has a LED light that illuminates dark areas.
- Ergonomic and lightweight (2.5lb) design.
- DEWALT has a three-year warranty, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Drawbacks
- None.
10. Makita Drywall Screwdriver FS6200
To round up this review is another Makita drywall screw gun, the FS6200 model. It is a corded drywall screw gun equipped with a robust 6 amp motor that drives drywall screws at a maximum speed of 6000 RPM to handle the most challenging applications. The motor gear housing is made from cast aluminum to ensure it lasts for years. There’s an oversized trigger with a lock-on button at the mid-handle that ensures the motor will not rotate under no-load conditions, resulting in reduced power consumption.
Furthermore, this tool has a variable speed dial that allows you to control how quickly or slowly you want the screw to go into the drywall. It has a nose cone holder for convenient storage during framing applications. And a LED light in the front to illuminate dark areas or corners where you are installing screws. Its adjustable Sure-Lock™ feature enables you to make quick adjustments for consistent screw depth. However, the depth adjustment doesn’t stay in place.
The MAKITA drywall screwdriver FS6200 is lightweight (only 3.0 lb) and has a compact design. So, it can get into tight spaces with ease. For ultimate user comfort, Makita designed it with directional air-flow vents that direct spent air from the gun away from your face.
This screw gun handle is ergonomically designed with a rubberized “pistol grip” for increased comfort. With its steel-reinforced belt clip, you can keep it within your reach at all times. You can also store bits at the storage on the base of the gun.
Makita includes a 3″ magnetic bit holder and a #2 Phillips insert bit in the package of this tool. Plus, they have a 30-day return guarantee and a one-year warranty free of defects from workmanship and materials.
Benefits
- This screw gun is well built.
- It features a LED light in the front to illuminate dark areas.
- It comes with a 3″ magnetic bit holder and a #2 Phillips insert bit.
- Makita has a 30-day return guarantee and a one-year warranty free of defects from workmanship and materials on it.
- Rubberized “pistol grip” for increased comfort.
Drawbacks
- The magnetic bit holder doesn’t hold the bit firmly, leading it to fall off quite often.
- Depth adjustment doesn’t click in.
Best Drywall Screw Gun Buying Guide
What is the best drywall screw gun? Unfortunately, many people have no idea what factors to consider when looking for the best drywall screw gun for their projects. To help you find the right tool for your needs, we will explore some key factors to consider before purchasing a drywall screw gun. We will go over cost, power, features, warranty information, and more!
Power-Style:
When looking for the best drywall screw gun, there are two power styles to choose from: corded and cordless.
Corded:
Corded drywall screw guns work with a power cord. They need to be plugged into a power outlet before they can function. Screw guns with this power style can be more powerful and last longer than their battery-operated counterparts. And are typically less expensive too. However, they are tethered to an outlet which limits mobility.
A few things to consider if you go with the corded power style:
- The cord limits mobility, so it might not be best for job sites that require lots of moving around or those who need to move all over the place during operation.
- Also, power cords could pose tripping hazards.
Cordless:
Cordless drywall screw guns work with a battery and don’t need to be plugged into a power outlet to function. The battery can either be removable or rechargeable, depending on the specific model you purchase. Cordless is the preferred style of many professionals because of the freedom to move. This makes them perfect for Jobsite workers who need to move around often during operations.
It is also lighter and more compact than its wired counterpart, which means it’s much easier to store in a vehicle or wear while operating for prolonged periods. However, cordless screw guns cost significantly more than their wired counterparts. And battery life may be an issue, depending on the type of battery and gun you purchase.
In terms of general maintenance, the cordless drywall screw gun is a lot easier to maintain because there are far fewer wires and fewer contact points that can cause problems or shorts. This makes them ideal for commercial use in high-traffic areas where cords could easily be stepped on or tripped over by-passers.
A few things to consider if you go with the cordless power style:
- Does the screw gun come with a charger and battery or you’ll need to purchase it separately?
- The battery life.
- The power capacity of the gun.
Motor type:
There are two types of motors in drywall screw guns: brushed or brushless.
A brushed motor is more common as it is cheaper to produce. It features brushes that spin an armature and creates an electromagnetic field that spins two coils around it, sending power through the coils. Brushed motors don’t last long because of all the friction with moving parts.
A brushless motor has no brushes. They use a permanent magnet as their external rotor and have fewer moving parts which make them last longer due to improved efficiency, reduced maintenance, heat, and noise. It’s also more powerful for heavy-duty work. Fortunately, all the 10 drywall screw guns we have reviewed come equipped with a brushless motor.
Speed (RPM):
The higher the RPM a drywall screw gun has, the faster it can drive screws into materials. There is a trade-off in choosing the screw gun with the right RPM because too high can damage the drywall from overdriving screws into them. That’s why you should go for a drywall screw gun that has variable speed settings to control its RPM to suit different materials’ textures.
Ergonomic Handle:
The best drywall screw guns have a handle designed for comfort. It should allow users to work with their wrist in an upright position, which will help reduce hand fatigue from the overuse of wrist muscles. Too much pressure on your wrists can lead to severe injury or even carpal tunnel syndrome. So, ensure you buy a screw gun with a handle designed for both comfort and productivity.
Weight:
You need to consider the weight of your power screwdriver before purchase, especially if you plan on using it for long periods at a time. If you work with a heavy screw gun for a long duration, it will make the process uncomfortable. Thankfully, all the ten drywall screw guns we have reviewed are lightweight.
Additional Features and accessories:
- LED light that makes it easy to see what you are working on in low-light situations.
- A belt clip that clips to your waistband or belt loop to keep the screw gun within reach at all times.
- Trigger lock-on that prevents accidental starting of the power tool and prolonged.
- Compatibility with different bit heads.
- Tool-free depth adjustment for precise control of the thicknesses you want to drive screws into your project.
Warranty:
You should take the warranty of a drywall screw gun into account before deciding to buy it. This will ensure you can buy with confidence and not have to worry about the quality of the tool. And if any problems arise, you can have them dealt with quickly and efficiently.
A good warranty will provide two to five years coverage for any damage that may occur to the screw gun or attachments due to defects in materials or workmanship. It should also cover wear-and-tear not caused by misuse, abuse, and accidents happening when used as intended.
Budget:
This factor is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when you buy a drywall screw gun. Contrary to popular opinion, good quality does not have to come at a higher price.
If your goal is to save money and still receive quality products, then there are budget-friendly options to pick from. However, be careful when looking for bargains. Do not sacrifice quality to get the cheapest version available on the market. If you do so, you could end up with a screw gun with inferior craftsmanship or materials, which will cause long-term problems down the line even though they are inexpensive now! Thankfully, the drywall screw guns we have reviewed are of superb quality.
Final Thoughts
When you have a lot of drywall to hang, your best bet is the Drywall Screw Gun. These handy tools will help you get it done faster and with less hassle.
In conclusion, we have reviewed 10 of the most trustworthy drywall screw guns on the market today and provided factors to consider before buying one. Select from our list of drywall screw guns and make a purchase! Happy Shopping.