Professionals whose work involves driving in screws and laying dry walls know how rigorous it can be when trying to put in screws by hand. You need a screw gun to not only make work easier for you but also to ensure you save time while at it. Choosing the best screw gun for your project requires a lot of research. You need to make sure you get an affordable tool that gives you excellent output.
In this guide, we make it easier for you to know how to select the best screw gun and also list some of the best tools in the market. We researched and came up with a list of tools that will not disappoint you and will make your next project enjoyable. Read this guide to know what to look for in a screw gun. The best models in the market, and how to choose the right one for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Screw Gun
Before you go shopping for the best screw gun in the market, you need to know which essential features to look for are. We have listed the features that are essential in a good screw gun to make your search more pleasant.
- The Motor
The motor is the most crucial feature in a screw gun. When choosing a screw gun for your project, always check on the type, speed settings, and torque of the motor. These features will help you determine whether a tool can handle the kind of work you intend to use it for. For the type of motor, it is advisable to get a brushless motor. This type of motor does not use brushes to commutate the electromagnets, thus reducing the cost of occasionally replacing the brushes. This design is lighter and more efficient, making the tool more portable. It also requires less maintenance since the chances of breaking down due to dust are minimal. The speed and torque of the motor will be determined by the type of work you intend to use the gun for.
- Cordless vs. corded
Just like any other power tool, the choice of whether to buy a corded or cordless screw gun depends on your personal preference. If your working space doesn’t have a power source or you’ll be working in compact spaces, then the cordless screw gun will be the best option. If you opt for the cordless screw gun, always make sure the battery capacity is reasonable. You need a tool that won’t delay your project due to constant recharging. It is also crucial to note the weight of the tool with the battery. You don’t want a tool that is too heavy, as this will interfere with the portability of the tool.
If you opt for a corded model, make sure you have a steady source of power and also be careful with the cords to avoid tripping. Corded screw guns are more reliable since you can use them for long hours without having to stop for recharging. They also do not have a battery making them lighter.
- Power
The power of a screw gun is indicated in both voltage and amperage. Voltage determines the power the machine produces while ampere-hour suggests the battery life for cordless tools. The higher the voltage of the tool, the more power it gives. For corded tools, always make sure that the voltage they require is compatible with the socket plugs you will be using. There are socket plugs designed for domestic usage only and others for worksites. The higher the power of a screw gun, the easier it will be to insert screws.
- Single screw vs. collated
Collated screw guns use screw strips that allow you to feed screws as you work, making work easier and faster. They are most preferred for large pieces of work that require a lot of screws. When choosing a collated screw gun, always consider the size of the screw it can accommodate. You can opt for the models that have an adjustable stopper base that allows you to use screws of different lengths.
You can opt for a single screw gun if your work doesn’t involve a lot of screws since it’s more agile and easy to handle.
- Extra accessories and features
When buying a screw gun, it is essential to look out for additional features that make it more valuable without necessarily increasing its price. Some of these features include an LED light, a belt hook, and a carrying case. Always make sure that these extra accessories make working with the tool better. Ensure the carrying case is easily portable and lightweight and confirm if the light will illuminate the space as opposed to casting a shadow on the workspace.
- The cost
When buying tools for your craft, it is advisable to have a budget in place. This helps you to know how much you should spend and what features determine the cost of the screw gun. Shop around and compare prices and features of different models in the market beforehand. The power and speed of a screw gun are directly proportional to its price. If you need a powerful tool for commercial purposes, it is wise to invest in a sturdy and durable tool, which is not cheap.
- Warranty
A warranty is the manufacturers’ way of expressing faith in its products. Warranties are generally given for specific durations and incase your tool stops functioning within that period; the manufacturer provides a free replacement or repair. Manufacturers, therefore, provide a warranty that is only as much as the tools worth. A warranty is a guarantee for replacement and also a measure of the quality of the screw gun. It is essential to read brand reviews before you purchase for you to know how reliable the warranty is in case of a breakdown.
Top 6 Screw Guns (Best Picks)
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Summary Of The Best Screw Guns For 2020!
Finding the best screw gun that meets all the above qualities can be quite a task since it requires a lot of research and sampling to narrow down on the options. We bet you don’t have that much time and resources. That is why we researched and came up with a list of the best six screw guns that will make your project fun and easy. Read on:
| Product name | Features to look at |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun & Cut-out Tool Combo Kit (DCK263D2) | Brushless motor that delivers a maximum run time Lithium-ion battery with fuel gauge Maximum speed and control High torque capacity for a wide range of tasks LED light to enable you to work even on dark surfaces The package comes with a cut-out tool |
| Pink Power PP481 3.6 Volt Cordless Electric Screwdriver Rechargeable Screw Gun & Bit Set for Women | Comes in an all-inclusive set that has a screw gun, charger, 11 piece bit set and a drill bit adapter Has a patented pivoting head which enables it to fit in tight working spaces Has a built-in LED light that allows you to work in dark and confined spaces Lightweight with a soft grip handle Has a battery gauge that shows the remaining power level |
| BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver, 6V, 1/4-Inch Hex (AD600) | Ideal for small to medium-duty jobs Provides up to 130 RPM and 40-inch-pounds of torque for reliable performance Quick bit change system that saves you time and effort Lightweight and durable |
| DEWALT Drywall Screw Gun, 6.0-Amp (DW255) | Has a depth-sensitive nose piece that enables you to set the desired fastening depth Has a two-finger rubber trigger for increased comfort It is lightweight with excellent ergonomic features Has heat-treated steel gears for durability |
| WORX WX254L SD Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver with 12 Driving Bits | Has two rapid reload cartridges that hold 6 bits each and interchange quickly Stays fully loaded without losing bits Includes a battery charger and can store charge for up to 18 months Comes with a screw starter drill bit to make pilot holes |
| Makita XSF03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver | Has a brushless motor that delivers 0-4,000 RPM to handle a variety of drywall and framing applications Has a push drive technology that ensures the motor starts only when the fastener is engaged for a quieter work environment and to save battery power The brushless motor is cooler and more efficient thus making it last long-Long battery life The motor is electronically-controlled and efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application |
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun & Cut-out Tool Combo Kit (DCK263D2)
DEWALT is a reputable brand in the tools industry. This screw gun is every professional’s favorite, and that is why it tops our list. It has a brushless motor making it efficient and durable. It comes with a battery that has a fuel gauge to notify you when you are running low on charge. It also has an LED light that helps you to work even in dark places. This package also includes a cut-out tool, and it is quite affordable for all it has to offer.
Features
- Brushless motor that delivers a maximum run time
- Lithium-ion battery with fuel gauge
- Maximum speed and control
- High torque capacity for a wide range of tasks
- LED light to enable you to work even on dark surfaces
- The package comes with a cut-out tool
Specifications
- Battery: lithium-ion battery
- Material: plastic
- Voltage: 20v
2. Pink Power PP481 3.6 Volt Cordless Electric Screwdriver Rechargeable Screw Gun & Bit Set for Women
Women who love home remodeling were well considered in the making of this tool. It has a sleek design and comes in a feminine pink color. It has a pivoting head that helps you either hold it in a right angle or change it to be held straight. This feature makes it easy to use in compact spaces. It has extra accessories such as an LED light to help you work in dark spaces and a charger and drill bit adapter. It also has a battery gauge that indicates when the battery is running low to avoid downtime when working.
Features
- Comes in an all-inclusive set that has a screw gun, charger, 11 piece bit set and a drill bit adapter
- Has a patented pivoting head which enables it to fit in tight working spaces: you can hold it at an angle or straighten the handle
- Has a built-in LED light that enables you to work in dark and confined spaces
- Lightweight with a soft-grip handle. It weighs less than 12 ounces
- Has a battery gauge that shows the remaining power level to avoid downtime when working due to low battery
Specifications
- Material: plastic
- Power source: battery powered
- Voltage: 3.6 volts
3. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver, 6V, 1/4-Inch Hex (AD600)
This screw gun is popular for its size and weight. It is lightweight, thus making it portable to your everyday activities. It is ideal for both small and medium-duty tasks and produces reliable performance. It has a quick bit change system that makes it easier to change screws, thus saving you time and effort.
Features
- Ideal for small to medium-duty jobs
- Provides up to 130 RPM and 40-inch-pounds of torque for reliable performance
- Quick bit change system that saves you time and effort
- Lightweight and durable
Specifications
- Battery: 4 AA batteries
- Style: cordless
- Voltage: 6 volts
4. DEWALT Drywall Screw Gun, 6.0-Amp (DW255)
This screw gun was designed with the user’s comfort in mind. It is ergonomic and lightweight, making sure you enjoy your project with zero pain or sores. It has a two-finger rubber trigger for increased comfort. It has a nose piece that allows you to set the desired fastening depth to avoid loose screws or damaging surfaces by over-tightening.
Features
- Has a depth-sensitive nose piece that enables you to set the desired fastening depth
- Has a two-finger rubber trigger for increased comfort
- It is lightweight with excellent ergonomic features
- Has heat-treated steel gears for durability and long life
Specifications
- Battery: 2 lithium-ion batteries
- Voltage: 120v
- Power source: corded electric
5. WORX WX254L SD Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver with 12 Driving Bits
This compact tool is not only lightweight but also durable. Its battery capacity stands out since it can store charge for up to 18 months. It is also easy to load the screws on this tool, and it has cartridges that make interchanging screws fast and easy. If you are on a tight budget but still need a screw gun, this tool is for you since it is cheaper than other brands of its type.
Features
- Has two rapid reload cartridges that hold 6 bits each and interchange quickly
- Stays fully loaded without losing bits
- Includes a battery charger and can store charge for up to 18 months
- Comes with a screw starter drill bit to make pilot holes
Specifications
- Power source: battery
- Battery type: lithium-ion
- Voltage: 4 volts
6. Makita XSF03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver
This is the perfect cordless screw gun in the market. It has a brushless motor that makes it more efficient and durable. If you are looking for a tool that won’t disturb you with the noise, then this is it. It has a push drive technology that can be set on lock mode to ensure the motor only runs when the fastener is engaged.
Features
- Has a brushless motor that delivers 0-4,000 RPM to handle a variety of drywall and framing applications
- Has a push drive technology that ensures the motor starts only when the fastener is engaged for a quieter work environment and to save battery power
- The brushless motor is cooler and more efficient thus making it last long
- Long battery life
- The motor is electronically-controlled and efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
Specifications
- Power source: battery
- Battery type: lithium-ion
- Voltage: 18 volts
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Screw Guns
In a bid to answer some of the questions you might be having concerning screw guns, we answered some of the most common questions. We hope they will be helpful and leave you satisfied with all the answers that you need
Q. What is the difference between a screw gun and a drill?
Most people often confuse a screw gun for a drill since they almost look similar. A drill can also be used to drive screws but only one at a time. A screw gun automatically fills screws from a clip. A screw gun has a nose instead of a chuck that a drill has. The nose holds an interchangeable tip that can be adjusted to countersink screws to their desired depth. A screw gun is purposely designed to fasten screws and cannot drill holes. You can, however, use a drill as a screw gun by buying a dimpling bit and inserting it in the chuck, but it will work slower than a screw gun.
How do screw guns work?
Every craftsperson is interested in knowing how a tool operates to bring forth its output. A screw gun engages its clutch when pressure is applied to adjust the depth that the screw is set on. As the toolsets each screw to its right depth, the screw pulls the panel tight against the framing, and pressure from the nosepiece pushes against the drywall. The screw head spins against the paper as it sinks and leaves a clean edge around the head. When the screw reaches its proper depth, the clutch disengages.
How do I use a screw gun?
Since screw guns differ in their setup, depending on the brands, it is important to read the users’ guide before using your tool the first time. If using a cordless screw gun, make sure the battery is charged as this will let you enjoy a smooth workflow without interruption. If using a corded one, make sure you have plugged it in safely and place cords in a way that won’t cause accidents. Always switch off the screw gun before changing or adjusting the bit to avoid injury.
Using the Proper Screwgun
Final word
As a professional or hobbyist in the home remodeling industry, you need great tools that make work easier and more enjoyable for you. A screw gun is such a tool since it makes driving in screws, which would otherwise be an arduous task, seem like an easy task. There are many brands in the market that have distinct features, and this makes choosing the best one quite hard. You need to research before you decide to buy in order to make the investment worthwhile.
When buying a screw gun, it is essential to consider its motor and power rating. This will help you to know how much work it can handle as well as what amount of electricity the tool requires to run. For cordless tools, power refers to the battery capacity and how long it can go without interruptions. The more powerful a tool is, the faster you will get the work done. For the motor, always go for the brushless motor since they last longer and cost less to maintain.
Another factor that you cannot ignore is whether the screw gun is collated or a single screw. This refers to the method used to load screws on the tool. A collated screw gun is preferred by professionals whose work involves a lot of screws since it saves time and is easier to load.
Always have a reasonable budget when going to buy a power tool. This will help you to know which tool is right for you and help you avoid overspending. It is better to get a pricey tool that has all the features you need than get a cheap tool that will need supplementing. Another key thing to look for is the warranty. A warranty serves as the manufacturer’s guarantee of the quality of the product and helps you estimate how long you will use the tool before you think of a replacement. This guide will help you in selecting the right tool for you and narrow down the options you might already be having. Enjoy your search and your new tool.
Last update on 2023-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
