Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Drywall Screw Gun Kit
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Ridgid 18V Drywall Screwdriver Collated Attachment
Best Kit
Makita 18V LXT Cordless Drywall Screwdriver Kit
We may earn revenue from the products usable on this page and take part in affiliate programs . larn More ›
If you ’re still using a recitation to hang dry wall , it ’s meter to upgrade . Drywall screw hitman are debauched , more sinewy , and contrive to prevent overdriven screws . After explore dozens of models , we chose the top three for hand - on testing . One stood out above the rest — theDeWalt 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Guntook the top spot with a get ahead combination of power , precision , and ergonomic design .
wallboard screw gunslinger are faster , more precise , and along withdrywall screws , are specifically designed to prevent tear drywall composition and overdriven jailer . Today ’s consecrated drywall screw gun for hire add a whole new degree of efficiency to panel hanging . in advance , see out why they ferment so well , and how the follow fashion model realise a spot on our lineup of the good drywall screw gas pedal .
Our Top Picks
Here are the three top drywall screw gunslinger we tested , plus two more that we recollect are just as good . get a line about their features as well as their right and worst points .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
The DeWalt 20 MAX XR drywall screw gun demonstrated an idealistic combination of magnate , precision , and ease of use in our test , easily earning top honour . At 5.7 pounds , the nookie gun is lightweight enough for repeated or overhead function without causing hired man fatigue duty yet heavy enough to feel substantial in hand .
Adjusting the screw profundity was simple — all we had to do was distort the nose cone cell to ensure the screw head was seated with the perfect pregnant chad for taping . roll in the hay - insertion hurrying is adjustable in trigger mode , and the screw gas also offers get-up-and-go - jump style and lock - on mode . Push - start manner allowed us to put a drywall screw on the magnetic bit , and when we pushed the screw into the dry wall , the motor mechanically engaged and drive it home . Professionals will wish the amphetamine of the lock - on fashion that keep the motor running game but only take the screw when the substance abuser exerts pressing .
We drove more than 100 drywall screws with the DeWalt MAX XR wallboard turnkey gun , and after the initial depth adjustment , each one go in chop-chop to the right depth . This model is great for both DIYers and pros .
What our examiner says:“This is a bang-up dry wall turnkey gun — the DeWalt was exploiter - friendly , and it leave me to drive screws quickly and efficiently . ” — Glenda Taylor , merchandise Reviews tester and author
Get the DeWalt 20V MAX drywall nooky gun atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAce Hardware(tool only ) .
Best Bang for the Buck
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4.75/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
The Ridgid 18V drywall fucking gun outfit provides a lot of supplies for the money . While many model are sold “ tool only , ” think users have to buy a electric battery and courser separately , the Ridgid comes with the tool , the battery , and the courser , plus a collated screw attachment — all for one price .
We were able to insert dry wall screws faster with the Ridgid gun than with the other models we try because the collated attachment eat the fuck into post , one decent after another , mechanically . This feature saved a lot of meter . We pick up a multitude of universalSenco collated wallboard piece of ass , and they worked seamlessly with the Ridgid screw gun .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The only downside we find — and it ’s really a matter of preference — is that we needed to use two hand to control the Ridgid . The tool comes with a 2d handle on the collate attachment to make it easy . The only time this might be an event is when hang drywall overhead , where it might be wily to use both hands to control the cock . But at that period , just take away the attachment , and voila , it ’s a standard drywall screw gun .
With and without the attachment in place , the Ridgid wallboard fuck gun drove the screws to the correct depth each metre . Everything exploiter need is included in the outfit except the screw , which may diverge by task .
What our quizzer says:“I love that Ridgid included a collate attachment in this kit . It made it so much easier to hang drywall panel apace . ” — Glenda Taylor , intersection Reviews quizzer and writer
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Ridgid drywall prison guard gunman atThe Home Depot .
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver
Our Ratings : informality of Use4/5 ; Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4.25/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Makita ’s cordless drywall screwdriver may be a high - calibre tool aimed at professional users , but it sports user - friendly features that will appeal to serious DIYers . We ’re openhanded Makita fan , and this drywall fucking gun kit did not let down . This model was the lightest we tested , at just 3.8 pounds with the battery in place . That made it well-to-do to instal shtup overhead without suffering from hand weariness .
The kit comes with a screw gunslinger , a 4Ah battery , a charger , and a nice backbreaking case for protecting the tool during tape transport , along with a whang clip and LED work light . It does n’t fare with a collated attachment , but users can buy one separately .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Like many wallboard screw guns , the Makita has an motorcar musical mode called PushDrive that betroth the motor when the user labor the screw into the drywall . It also have a lock - on mode for the fastest insertion . We drive over 100 dry wall screws into our test wall , and the only way out we carry into was having to reset the screw depth occasionally .
The 4Ah included battery provide enough magnate to last through our full test period . The caller claims it will run for 50 percent longer than competition , and it did last longer than the battery that came with the DeWalt . But that was a lower - capacity battery , so it ’s not a head - to - head comparing . Overall , it ’s a gravid little screw gun .
Get the Makita Brushless wallboard turnkey artillery atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
More Great Options
We did n’t personally try out the next two dry wall piece of ass artillery , but they made our shortlist due to their build character , features , and consumer reexamination . If you still have n’t find the one you require , be sure to check these two out .
Best Compact
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drywall Screw Gun
Milwaukee has a report for true , durable tools pack with feature film that appeal to professionals , and we wish the look of their M18 cordless drywall screw gun .
The brushless motor drive the Milwaukee at 4,500 revolutions per minute . Milwaukee claim its batteries last three time long than competitors , though it does n’t estimate their lifespan or make any direct comparisons . At just 9 inches long and matter 2.5 pounds without a battery , the pecker is among the most compact in its form .
Like the models we try , the Milwaukee M18 dry wall screw gun features an auto mode and can also be lock up in the “ on ” position , but it will only beat back screws when it sense contact with the drywall canvas . Place a screw on the magnetized bit , press the tip against the drywall , and the shooter drives the screw to the right profundity . A collated attachment is not include , but we care that one can be order singly — for those looking for sheer swiftness , collation is a game - record changer .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The nose cone gives three - spot deepness accommodation and can well be take away so the gun can potentially be used to ram dump screw . An light-emitting diode light and belt clip are admit , but unfortunately the barrage and charger are sold separately .
Get the Milwaukee drywall screw gun atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best Corded
DeWalt 5300 RPM High-Speed VSR Drywall Screw Gun
While cordless dry wall roll in the hay guns are certainly convenient , we ’ve run into situations where we forget to charge a barrage fire , and when that bechance , a twilled model is a lifeguard . DeWalt ’s high-pitched - fastness cord model has many feature that make it an attractive pick for those who need strong performance with minimal outlay .
The 6 - ampere motor produces tops - profligate driving of 5,300 RPM . This makes the DeWalt cord drywall screw gun apotheosis for usance with alloy studs or joist , which are popular in commercial context but tougher to pierce than wood . The nose cone has a three - position depth allowance . coiling paraphernalia , which mesh more easy than straight - cut down alternative , provide renowned DeWalt durability .
The tool weighs just 2.9 pounds and has ripe bioengineering that serve anticipate the troublesomeness of hold a electric cord . The 8 - foot cord is longer than some , but we ’d suggest keeping a unspoiled propagation cord around to avoid worrying about the location of an outlet while hang dry wall .
Photo: Amazon
Get the DeWalt VSR dry wall fucking gun atAmazon , Lowe’s , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Drywall Screw Guns
We thoroughly researched dozens of the in vogue product from the leading manufacturer of drywall screw guns . We narrowed it down to three for bridge player - on testing in real - life sentence drywall suspension applications .
In examination , we used the drywallscrewdriversto insert screwing through ½-inch dry wall panel into stock wall macho-man . We did not screen the guns on metallic element studs , which are primarily used in commercial-grade construction . However , each of the gas we screen is designed for metal stud as well . We analyzed ergonomics and progress timbre and notice the power , precision , and drug user - friendliness of each drywall screw gun . We tested every feature and mode on the piece of ass gun and present points base on a rubric .
After examination , we averaged the power point to determine our best overall pick and to categorize the others for their best uses .
Photo: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing a Drywall Screw Gun
Before dry wall screwing shooter came along , builder used drywall dimple tips on their drills to insert wallboard jailer , and before that , they hung wallboard using a hammer and wallboard nails . When securely attaching materials to drywall , there ’s no debate about whether to usenails or ass : screws accommodate better than nail .
While all wallboard nookie guns do basically the same job , several factors affect tool performance and price . Although some models are meant in the first place for professionals , the DIY drug user has many options . Understanding the stick to features will avail you specify which drywall screw gun will become you best .
Corded vs. Cordless
While corded drywall ass guns are still available and often come with an attractive toll tag , the majority of drywallelectric screwdriversare now cordless . The freedom of motion they offer is an advantage , particularly when working on ceilings .
Cordless dry wall jailor guns can have either a brush or brushless motor , and there are authoritative differences between the two . Brush motors were developed for corded tools . They are honest and low-down - price . When cordless tools first appeared , existing brush motor were the obvious option . The problem is that brushes cause friction and , as a answer , heat , which does n’t have much consequence on a twilled tool but saps energy from the battery of a cordless mannequin .
Brushless motors develop almost zero clash , so they apply the battery power more efficiently , resulting in longer runtimes . The best putz use brushless motors , but they are more expensive . As a resolution , some less - expensive cordless tool still have brush motors .
Photo: Amazon
electric battery - operated screw gun may be sold as “ nude tools ” ( without a battery or battery charger ) . If the user does n’t already own compatible battery , this can add a considerable amount to the monetary value . Pay attention to the Amp hr ( Ah ) rating of battery . This can be compare to fire : the high the routine , the longer the battery will take to the woods between armorial bearing .
Cordless gaoler gun are described as either 18 or 20 volt ( Phoebe ) , but there is no actual difference of opinion . All cordless puppet have a small surge at commencement - up , so they ab initio acquire 20V. They then locate to 18V for normal operation . The only difference is that some maker opt to use the higher figure .
Speed and Torque
amphetamine is a central factor with drywall fucking gun . It is n’t virtual to drill pilot program holes when hanging drywall , so the ordnance has to force back the screw through the drywall and then through the Ellen Price Wood joist or metallic element stud behind it in a single hit . Few average drill / number one wood run at over 2,000 revolutions per minute ( RPM ) . While that ’s sufficient for advert dry wall on wooden studs , it is n’t flying enough to get the screw propeller through metallic element . All of our tested pick pass at 4,000 revolutions per minute or more .
Variable focal ratio is available in some manakin . This does n’t have any impact on wallboard advert when full speed is used , but it does provide versatility for other driving labor . A reversal setting for backing out nooky , ordinarily swop by a lever closely to the gun trigger , is another coarse add-on .
Depth Adjustment and Clutch
An crucial lineament of most wallboard screw guns is the nozzle retinal cone , which besiege the gun ’s drywall drill bit . As the screw is drive into the wallboard sheet , the nose cone provides a depth stop . The screw head is slump just below the surface so it can be obscure by filler , but not drive too deep .
The nozzle cones on most wallboard screw guns are used to align screw depth and some can be removed . This would be handy if motor decorate screws , for example , where the diameter of the top dog is larger than drywall screws and would not fit within the cone .
A clutch often works in conjunction with the nozzle cone , disengaging the ride when the screwing strain the desire depth .
Photo: Amazon
Weight and Ergonomics
Weight and ergonomics always have an encroachment on handheld power tools , but difference can be more pronounced when attend drywall . Because this is often a one - person occupation , it is necessary to support the drywall piece of paper with one handwriting while using the other to operate the dick .
Weight will make a considerable difference to those who are flow drywall all mean solar day , especially if establish cap . A comfortable grip and an well-fixed - to - arrive at trigger will also cut back fatigue and avail prevent hand cramps .
motorcar start can be a big benefit . Rather than needing to press the induction each time a wallboard jailer is repulse , the substance abuser can lock in the gun trigger in the “ on ” position , but the gun wo n’t operate until it senses contact between the screw and the drywall sheet . This increases work speed and can extend battery runtime because no DOE is ware .
Photo: Amazon
Additional Features
The main matter that restricts working speed when hanging dry wall , even with automobile mode , is the pauperization to stretch each drywall screw on an individual basis . The fix for this is either a collated screw attachment or a collated ass artillery .
The first is a equipment that is attach to the front of the drywall screw gun , allowing it to feed collated screws ( screws held together in a magazine with a plastic or paper slip ) . With no demand to gibe screws manually , screws can be drive much faster , but the attachment can be remove if not needed . A ego - feeding drywall nooky gun has a full - clip magazine feed and can be more compact and lighter than a combined accelerator pedal and adherence . However , these are more expensive .
lead work visible radiation and bash hooks are mild but utilitarian extra features on some drywall screw guns . Those who want to know more about stick on thing onto drywall should check up on out our review of thebest drywall anchorson the mart .
FAQs
A standard jailor gun for hire or practice / driver is slow than a wallboard screw torpedo and does n’t have any depth control . Many drywall fuck guns have an auto mode and operate by applying pressure to the wallboard screw rather than needing to squeeze the trigger . High - end models can have collated or automobile - provender screws so that wallboard can be cling very quickly . For examples , look into out our roundup of thebest cordless screwdriver .
The drywall screw throttle is a specialized putz , focused on doing one business especially well . Some , though by no means all , can be used for decking and subfloors .
When hanging more than one or two drywall shroud , a wallboard screw gun will economise a lot of meter . They are n’t just faster than a standard drill / number one wood — they also drive turnkey to just the right depth , meter after time , allow quick pick and finishing .
The optimum length of drywall screws depends on the heaviness of the drywall . For 0.25 - inch wallboard sheet , employ a wallboard screw 1 to 1.25 column inch long . For 0.5 - column inch drywall sheets , use a wallboard prison guard 1.25 to 1.625 inch long . For 0.625 - in drywall bed sheet , use a drywall screw 1.625 to 2 in long . Some citizenry care to habituate longer turnkey for ceilings , but grade them closer together is more in effect than increasing the distance .
supersede the fleck if you find the screws are slipping or stripping or if the tips bug out depend rounded .
stack away the screw gun in a dry place where it wo n’t rust and use compressed atmosphere to blow out bit of drywall dust if needed .
The screw should come home the scantling about 1 inch for a strong , dependable grasp .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a declarer , merchandise examiner , and writer focusing in the main on grammatical construction , DIY tool , and nursing home convenience .
extra research cater by Bob Beacham
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re trade or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . take why we consider this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
