Best Screw Guns Reviewed & Tested
When you need to drive screws into materials at home or on the job, you have your choice of power-assisted ways to do the job. Depending on the power you need and the number of screws you need to drive, you can choose a cordless screwdriver, a screw gun, a drill, or an impact driver. When you need a device to position screws at a certain depth correctly, a screw gun is what you want. Our buying guide presents the best screw guns in the industry, along with some devices also used to drive screws.
The various tools to insert screws have overlapping functions and should be chosen based on the task at hand. Many DIYers, who use the tool for lighter work and perhaps an occasional more ambitious project, might settle on a drill or a power screwdriver. A drywall contractor or other professional who inserts hundreds of screws to hang wallboard, frame structures, or install flooring might opt for a higher-end screw gun with an auto-feed feature. Someone who inserts screws in masonry might require an impact driver. But how the tools are named can be deceiving.
Our Top 3 Picks
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Our buying guide of carefully picked products with screw guns functionality are the best the market has to offer. They pack a slew of helpful features and offer immense benefits, especially to contractors who depend on fast, effective fastening to do the job.
10 Best Screw Guns
1. DEWALT DCF620B
For quickly attaching drywall to walls or ceilings, the DeWalt DCF620B is the top screw gun on the market. Available with an optional magazine attachment to feed screws and sink them to the proper depth, the gun and attachment take Amazon's top spot for power screw guns and is fourteenth on their list of impact drivers.
KEY FEATURES:
- Speed up to 4,400 RPM
- 20 Volts, 300 watts
- Lithium-Ion battery
- 3 different screw depths
- Brushless motor for efficient performance and runtime
- 2.2 pounds without battery
- Compatible with the DCF6201 Collated Magazine Attachment
- LED to illuminate dark work areas and increase visibility with the LED
- Nosecone securely locked
The DeWalt DCF620B uses a 20-volt Lithium-Ion battery that is interchangeable in 200 of the company's power tools and operates at 300 watts. The battery (available separately) is available at 2.0Ah-6.0Ah capacity.
Being cordless, the screw gun has a high-capacity battery that provides continuous runtime, and it has a fuel gauge to eliminate surprises.
Speed and Torque
The unit's brushless motor rotates at no-load speeds of up to 4,400 RPM, which is at least 400 RPM faster than the corded DW272. This screw gun can drive up to 2,800 screws per day on a 4.0Ah 20-Volt XR battery pack.
Design, Comfort, and Maneuverability
Drywallers love this screw gun as it is well balanced and light enough to carry on a belt clip. Repetitious tasks such as drywalling can easily fatigue an operator, but the tool body is ergonomically designed for comfort, and the shaft has a rubber grip for snugness and comfort. Most users hold it by the butt of the tool so they can hold their arm out straight as they nail, rather than holding it by the shaft.
The tool rotates a full 360° so users can choose the best positioning for the application. It is slim enough so that the nose easily fits into tight corners. When the work surface needs more illumination, the screw gun is equipped with a handy LED light.
Supported Screw Length
This functional screw gun supports 3 preset screw levels. The recommended screw depth for drywall is 5/8"-3/4", so the screws should be about an inch longer. Like all screw guns, the DeWalt DCF620B has a nose rather than a chuck that can be adjusted for easy adjustability and customizability, providing superior consistency in screw depth.
Detent marks allow for easy, clear set up to adjust for varying screw lengths, while a fine-depth adjustment provides consistent screw installation at varying depths. The gun also has a tool-free spring removal that allows for easy cleaning of attachment and a release button for easy tool-free attachment and removal from screw gun.
Desirable Upgrades
Many contractors also purchase the optional DCF6201 Collated Magazine Attachment that allows a strip of screws to feed through for speedy, consistent performance. While the screw strips needed for this feeder are more costly, the time savings and convenience make the costs worth it. You can see the screw gun with the magazine attached in this video.
Warranty
3-Year Limited Warranty, with 1-Year Free Service and a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Overall, DEWALT DCF620B is hands down one of the best screw guns you can buy. Ninety-tow percent of Amazon users agree and award it 4- or 5- stars. A cost-effective, efficient, and powerful choice, it's all you need to drive small and big screws quickly and easily.
Available for less than $100 for the bare tool, it is often bought with the DCF6201 magazine or changer. A handy sit kit that contains the DCF620 Drywall Screw Gun; DCF6202 Collated Drywall Screw Gun Attachment; (2) DCB204 20V MAX* DCB204 Batteries (4.0Ah); DCB115 Charger; Bit Tip Holder; DCF6202PH2 Bit; Kit Bag; and Belt Clip is available under item number DCF630CM2 For $310.
DEWALT brushless motor that delivers superior performance and maximum run time
Cone-Lock™ nosecone locks on securely and is easily removed while maintaining consistent screw depth
Same runtime and power in a lighter, shorter Package compared to DCB200
No memory and virtually no self-discharge for maximum productivity and less downtime
Nosecone of the drywall gun locks on securely and is easily removed while maintaining consistent screw depth
No battery in the package
Only compatible with Phillips screws
2. Makita XSF03Z
KEY FEATURES:
- Speeds up to 4,000 RPM
- 18 Volts, 300 watts
- 9-7/7" long
- Lithium-Ion battery
- 3 pounds without battery
- 2 different screw depths
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- Push Drive technology to lock-on motor for efficiency and more quiet operation
- LED to illuminate dark work areas and increase visibility with the LED
- Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), which is engineered for improved dust and water resistance in harsh
Powered with a Lithium-Ion battery and brushless motor, the cordless Makita XSF03Z is rugged enough to handle hanging sheetrock, metal framing, installing subfloors, backer board, and decking without dragging a cord around. It promises 50% more runtime, 50% longer motor life, and three times faster charging due to efficient power management that assures overload protection., over-discharge protection, and overheat protection.
Speed and Torque
With speeds up to 4,000 RPM, the screw gun effortlessly insets the screws. It has a Push-Down lock-on feature that drives the screws to the right depth before the moto turns on. The feature also saves battery power once the fastener is engaged and makes the work area quieter – an asset on a busy worksite where machine noise is high. Using the optional 19V LXT ® 5.0Ah battery, the tool can drive 2,325 screws per charge using the Push Drive Technology.
Because it's brushless, the motor matches torque and RPM to applications so there is always plenty of power.
Design, Comfort, and Maneuverability
Designed with an intuitive and easy-to-adjust nosepiece, you'll be consistently driving the screw to the right depth so that you can move on to the next one.
The driver has an ergonomically designed rubberized pistol grip with a large 2-finger trigger for increased comfort and control and an LED light on the tool to light up the work area.
Supported Screw Length
This tool has an adjustable nose to provide consistent screw length.
Desirable Upgrades
As with the DeWalt DCF620F, the Makita XSF03Z has a Collated Auto-feed Screwdriver Magazine (model 199145-0) available to deliver easy and reliable auto feed capability. Ideal for production board attachment to metal or wood, the compact, ergonomic auto-feed design offers less weight and efficient power. The device has a collated screw length capacity that ranges from 1 In. to 2-3/16 In. for increased versatility. This devicde works with specific Makita corded and cordless screwdrivers.
Warranty
The screw gun has a 3-year warranty on the tool 1-year warranty on the battery.
The Makita XSF03Z is a perfect choice for decking and framing applications. It offers superior durability, portability, ease of control, and immense value. It comes highly recommended at $149 for the bare tool and has several configurations with batteries included.
High-end construction for longevity
Performs powerfully and quickly
Energy-efficient
Lightweight, easy to use, quiet, and has LED for illumination
Not ideal for large, fat screws
Works best with drywall
3. BLACK+DECKER LDX120C
In all, handymen will greatly love this option. It has all the essential features to allow for flawless, quick, and accurate drilling. With maximum speeds of 650 RPM and a powerful swappable battery, it does the jobs most DIYers need it for.
KEY FEATURES:
- Weight: 3.15 pounds
- Size: 10.63"H 3.69"W x 8.5"L
- 20 Volts, 1,50-1,800 watts
- Torque 115-inch poundsSpeed 650 RPM
- 11-position clutch to prevent stripped screws
- 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Battery
- 1-hour battery life
Operating at 20 Volts, 1,500-1,800 watts, the drill has adequate power to do most home repair and maintenance tasks.
Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery, it is convenient as it has no cord to get in the way. The battery has an advertised battery life of one hour, which is plenty for most home projects. A pair of additional batteries cost as little as $35 on Amazon, so buying more batteries is the workaround to ensure completing a job. As the drill is part of Black and Decker's Power Connect line, the interchangeable batteries work in over 30 other B&D tools
Speed and Torque
The Black & Decker LDX120C offers an RPM of 650 and a torque of 115-inch pounds, which is considerably less than what drills designed for professional drywall installers and framers might expect.
Design, Comfort, and Maneuverability
At 3.15 pounds and 7.5" long, the drill is small enough to fit comfortably in the hand and fit into small spaces to do the job. You can drive screws for a considerable amount of time without ever experiencing fatigue or hand strain. The small profile also enables the user to drill or screw in confined or tight spaces. The handle is textured and rubberized for a firm, secure grip and comfort.
The tool has a handy LED work light to illuminate dark work areas and surfaces.
Supported Screw Length
As this drill is not specifically for installing screws, there is no mention of protection against drilling too deep. It does have an 11-position clutch that prevents stripping screws by regulating the torque.
Desirable Upgrades
Aside from extra batteries, there are no attachments for this drill.
Warranty
The drill has a 2-year on the tool and the battery through the manufacturer.
For about $50, this drill was considered a good buy by 92% of the nearly 25,000 buyers who rated it with 4- or 5-stars on Amazon.
Lithium-Ion Technology and 20V MAX makes the drill lighter, more compact, with long-lasting power
11 Position Clutch provides precise control for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic
Features integrated bit holder under drill handle that includes a double-ended bit
Variable Speed: Allows countersinking without damaging material
Has LED work light to illuminate darker areas and worksurfaces
Short battery life
Limited power
4. DEWALT DW268
KEY FEATURES:
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Size: 12 x 10.2 x 3 inches
- 2,500 RPM
- Torque: 132 inches pounds
- Helical-cut steel and heat-treated gears for long life and durability of the screw gun
- High power motor for metal fastening applications
- Versa-Clutch torque adjustment system to dials in the proper torque needed to efficiently drive fasteners without stripping or breaking
- Two-finger trigger for increased comfort and ease of use
- Metal nose and gear case for durability on the job
- Excellent ergonomics offers less user fatigue
- Helical-cut steel, heat-treated steel gears for long life and durability
The screw gun features a dynamic 6.5 amp motor with 0 to 2,500 rpm and a multi-speed reversing switch for optimal performance and increased control. The tool has an innovative Versa-Clutch system for effortless and hassle-free torque adjustment with helical-cut steel and heat-treated steel gears for durability.
Some users assert the coded tool outperforms the cordless unit for many framing and roofing applications, although the cord can get in the way.
Speed and Torque
The DeWalt DW368 delivers 2,5000 PRM and has 132 inches pounds of torque to facilitate
even steel framing applications with the use of # 6-14 fasteners.
Designed with Versa-Clutch to dial the proper torque, the DW268 performs consistently at top speeds without damaging fasteners. Once the tool reaches the torque level necessary to drive the fastener, the clutch disengages.
The unit has a multi-speed, reversing switch for optimal performance and increased control.
Design, Comfort, and Maneuverability
This screw gun is comfortable to use, although it weighs over four pounds. Its rubber grip and two-finger trigger offer increased comfort and greater control so that hand exhaustion and fatigue will also be a thing of the past.
Supported Screw Length
Adjusting the collar allows the user to set the screw depth as the bit spins on the screw head, the Versa-Clutch releases when the screw is at the proper depth. The settings on the collar can be adjusted for different types of material.
Desirable Upgrades
None
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
At $190, the DW268 is a formidable screw gun that is popular among contractors.
Packs a high-performance motor
Built to last
Offers superior handling and control with its rubber grip
Versatile and lightweight
At $190, the DW268 is a formidable screw gun that is popular among contractors.
5. Senco DS332-AC
Along with the too, the product includes a drywall nosepiece, wood nosepiece, storage bag, drive bit (Phillips), drive bit (square). As using auto-feed tools is now gaining acceptance in metal-to-metal fastening applications, Senco has a metal nosepiece available as well.
KEY FEATURES:
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Size: 16.38 L x 3.38 W x 9.5 inches H
- Amp Draw: 6
- Voltage: 120 V/60 Hz
- 2500 RPM
- Torque: 100 in-lb
With a 6 Amp motor, the Senco Auto-Freed Screwdriver uses 120 V/60 Hz and spins at 2,500 RPM for high-speed delivery of fasteners needed for drywall, sheathing, decking, cement board, underlayment, sub-flooring, metal framing, steel decking.
Speed and Torque
Spinning at 2,500 ROM, the motor has torque of 100 inch pounds. Using Senco's DuraSpin system, the first integrated auto-feed screw system, the tool installs fasteners to be installed up to four times faster than by manually driving every screw. The tool is made more useful as it has a corner-fit system that allows better access and screw placement in tight spaces.
It also operates at application-specific speeds, offers precision locking depth control for fasteners, and has a forward/reverse switch to avoid costly mistakes while working
Comfort and Maneuverability
The Senco DS-322 features an ergonomically designed handle for superior traction and comfort. A
trigger lock also frees up your hands, allows one-handed use in tight spaces, and prevents hand fatigue as well as ensuring consistency. The belt hook comes in handy for contractors and handymen for attaching the machine to their belt or a hook in between uses.
Supported Screw Length
The tool can drive #6 - #12 diameter screws up to 2" long and provide proper spacing between fasteners to prevent overlap in tight spaces and to comply with strict commercial codes. It has tool-free screw length adjustment to ensure that screws are inserted correctly for the application.
Desirable Upgrades
Metal nosepiece
Warranty
1 year
The corded Senco DS-322, loved by 92% of Amazon reviewers, is currently priced at $180, while a cordless version is now available for $200 more.
Packs incredible power
Feature-packed
Has a variable-speed mechanism for flexibility
Works fast and conveniently
Optimized to work with Senco screws (but toehrs work)
Limited portability
Criteria for Choosing the Best Screw Guns
Power
The power tool market offers you a choice between cordless and corded screw guns. Cordless models come with obvious advantages of offering the user unlimited portability as they have no heavy power cords that get tangled around obstacles. They also give you quick and easy access to hard-to-reach spots.
On the downside, cordless batteries can be heavy the more capacity they have and can prevent job completion if the power runs out. Corded screw guns, on the other hand, are a little more powerful, lighter, easy to use, and of course, offer continuous power. Cordless tools are often more expensive.
For cordless products, the battery’s capacity, the expected battery life, recharging time, and rate or discharge are important variables. Many more costly drills and screw guns have the batteries sold separately. They are often interchangeable with other tools offered in a brand.
Speed and Torque
Features to look in a tool for are motor power, torque, and speed. You want high voltage or amperage, increased inch per foot pound, and RPM or revolutions per minute. Models with high-capacity batteries or high-performance motors do all the heavy lifting, with less input from you.
Other features that help with the performance that you need to look out for are variable speed and an adjustable clutch. These two features enhance versatility and the ability to work with a wide range of screws and various surfaces.
Comfort and Maneuverability
Whether a tool is for assembling IKEA furniture, drywalling a room, or framing a building, the tool should fit into tight spaces and be easy to use. The size, shape, weight, and ergonomics make a difference when performing any task.
Some handy features include:
- Heavy-duty rubber pads on the shaft to give you a firm, secure, and comfortable grip to minimize inadvertent slippage.
- A trigger lock latch allows for uninterrupted use without incessantly pulling on the trigger and for customizability, look out for screw length adjustment and variable driving depth.
- For repetitive jobs such as installing flooring, roofing, or drywall, the ability to auto-feed strips of screws can get the job done more quickly.
- If you drive the wrong screw into a workpiece, you can always use the reverse action system to undo the mistake.
- An LED light to illuminate the workspace
- A belt hook for safe storage in between uses.
Supported Screw Length
For repetitive or precision screw driving, inserting the screws at a consistent depth is crucial. Screws that are not deep enough can make the results flimsy, while those that are too deep can ruin the material or break through adjacent walls or pipes. A tool with a variable depth adjustment feature enables you to get the results you want quickly and easily.
The specifications for screw guns usually list the supported screw depths and accepted screw thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you choose a screw gun?
A screw gun is similar to a drill, but its function is solely to drive screws into surfaces where the screws must be flush, not drill holes. It spins at up to 6,000 PRM, as compared to less than 3,000 RPM for a drill. It is often called a drywall screwdriver, as one of the main uses is to insert screws to the correct depth in sheetrock or drywall and subflooring. Once the needle reaches its proper depth, the motor disengages from the tip to keep the material intact. While the screw gun has high speed, it has low torque.
Tools that drive screws may be called different names by different manufacturers. The features, rather than the label, should determine what to choose. Professionals who drive large quantities of screws will want to get tools up to the task with the needed power, torque, speed, battery life, and features to make the job easier.
2. What tools can drive screws?
The screw gun, the tool of choice for driving screws, may offer a higher voltage of 18 or 20 volts, run at thousands of RPM, have sizable torque, and use high-capacity batteries. It will have more options for controlling the screw-driving process and an option for auto-feeding strips of screws.
In contrast, power screwdrivers with voltages of 8 volts or below are ideal for light work, but bigger jobs require the power of a screw gun or impact driver. Cordless screwdrivers operate at an average of 300 to 500 RPM in straight shaft styles or over 1,000 RPM with pistol grip models.
Drills can make holes and insert and remove screws and other fasteners. As a result, they often have larger, higher voltage motors necessary to undertake the more extensive tasks a drill is called upon to do. A user with limited needs to insert screws might choose a drill for its all-around functionality.
An impact driver offers high torque with lower speed, which makes it ideal for removing rusty fasteners and driving lag bolts into treated lumber or other hard-to-penetrate material. The power of an impact driver would be destructive with drywall.
3. What is an auto-feed or collated screw gun?
Auto feed or collated screw guns offer the extra functionality of automatically, quickly, and easily feeding a strip of screws without the extra hassle of digging into a box and inserting them manually. Even though your wallet will take a hit, they are a perfect choice for heavy-duty applications. The device can be a single unit with an auto-feed magazine built in or as an attachment.
4. Between NiCad and lithium battery, which one is superior?
While they have similarities, Li-ion and NiCad batteries differ in their chemical composition, environmental impact, applications, and costs. Nickel-cadmium (also called NiCad, NiCd, or Ni-Cd) batteries represent older battery technology. Lithium-ion (or Li-ion) batteries are smaller in size, require low maintenance, and are environmentally safer than NiCad, which can lose storage area (the memory effect) or self-discharge if unused. They boast a lightweight construction and higher energy density, allowing them to consistently deliver power over a long period of time.
Conclusion
For contractors, handymen, and extreme DIYers, few tools are as indispensable as a dedicated screw gun. And for good reason. In addition to providing quick and accurate performance, they also reduce hard work, time, and frustration in the process. Our picks balance quality, performance, ease of use or convenience, and practicality.
Provided you choose a screw gun that best matches your project, driving screws of various sizes into different workpieces will be effortless, quick, and accurate.
