Drywall screwgun or “dimpler” bit??
I need to purchase something to drive drywall and deck screws. I’m starting to build a deck and will need to drive well over 1,000 screws. In the future I will also need to drive drywall screws for some small drywall projects. I don’t build decks or hang drywall for a living, but I’m sure I’ll have some uses for a drywall screwdriver in the future.
I found a drywall “dimpler” at home depot; made by Vermont American for $15. It goes onto the chuck of a regular drill and has a spring loaded collar that sets the screw at a certain depth. It’s non adjustable, made in Taiwan, seems okay I guess. I’ve also found factory reconditioned drywall screwguns on Ebay for $60 to $75. My question is, will the dimpler bit work out, or am I better off in the long run buying a dedicated screwgun? I could save about $50 with the dimpler, but I’m not sure it’s worth it.
Replies
I would save the $50 and just use the dimpler. You can even set a fair number of drywall screws to the right depth with just a cordless drill. It's a little easier if it has a slow speed setting.
My reasoning is that you'll be better off putting the $50 towards an impact driver for the deck screws. If you've never used an impact driver, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Use square drive or star drive screws.
The dimpler won't do a thing for ya with deck screws. They work OK for DW, tho'. That said, my preference is for a dedicated DW screwgun that you can turn on and leave it on as you load & fire. A bit quicker is all, and less wear & tear on the tool. It's also adjustable. There is a bit of a learning curve, tho'.
For the deck, look for stainless screws with a Torx head. 1000 screws is just warming up, but you'll hate yourself if you try it with Phillips-heads. If you must use Phillips, go for DeckMates from HD -- they strip/break far less than others I've used.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Everything fits, until you put glue on it.
FYI, the last several boxes of DeckMates from HD which I bought had Torx heads.
Nice improvement for them.
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Now that you mention it, yer right! The last box I picked up were Torx -- it's just that I always try to get Torx now, so I didn't even notice these weren't Phillips. For non-SS deck screws, these are the only ones available locally that are worth anything at all.Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.
Home Depot has switched over to Torx/star drive around here too. Yes, it's a big improvement over phillips, but I already have a somewhat extensive inventory of square drive and I just can't see what significant advantage Torx has over square. They both provide very positive engagement with little or no cam-out.
One small advantage that Torx has is initial engagement. With square-drive, you may have to turn the drill 45° before it engages the screw (since it 4-sided) whereas the star-drive seems to simply "find" the screw.
I have almost as much problems with square drive as Phillips. It isn't that they cam out, they just strip so the driver spins in the now-round hole. Granted, I mostly use SS screws, and they're somewhat softer than the normal steel, but I'm ready to toss my square drive stock and replace it all with Torx stuff.Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.
Thanks, now that you mention it, I have had square-drive trim screws strip out. I had forgotten since I use them infrequently. The trim screws are #1 and a bit smaller making the possibility of stripping out more likely, but I can see how in can happen with #2 Roberston also.
>> ..just strip so the driver spins in the now-round hole....<<
Then you can try out your new GraBit screw extractor - stubby drill bit on one end, EZ-out device on the other end. Work well.
Jim Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
My method is an impact driver with the $2 dimpler. It's a great combo.
I second the two dollar insert bit with the fixed collar. I have used it, on several remodels with the boss, its all he generally uses. I do have a dewalt screwgun that i personally use and like. If you get good at dwalling the advantage of the dw screwgun is that you can lock it on and reload the screw and never have to shut off the tool. It really speeds things along.
As another poster said though, the dw screwgun nor the 2 dollar insert bit nor the dimpler will help you with deck screws.Webby
This one will do it. A little slower rpm 2500 vs 4000 but more torque and more versatile IMHO.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=54
For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
Edited 6/9/2009 6:22 pm ET by rasconc
You are right, slower speed, more torque vs. the 4000 rpm drywall gun I have.Webby
Pretty sure that is the one I bought when we did the deck. Ended up with another one when I got one of the Senco Dura-spin autofeed things.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
"As another poster said though, the dw screwgun nor the 2 dollar insert bit nor the dimpler will help you with deck screws.
Webby"
If none of those will work, then what do people use to drive decking screws?
impactor will....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
If none of those will work, then what do people use to drive decking screws?
Take a look here.
bit brace....
remember those days...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
bit brace....
remember those days...
No, I surely don't... I was born after the industrial revolution :-)
Actually, my father had one that he got from his father. I played around with it. With the right bit, it drills quickly.
think of it as the pioneer version of the cordless...
still have mine.... still use it...
there must be somebuddy else here that remembers that was the way...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Yep, I used a brace a fair amount as a kid. Always wanted a Yankee but never got one.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
I have the 2500rpm DW drywall gun posted earlier and it works dandy- just remember that these power drywall guns work best with the reduced head phillips (ie. PR2). They are great when you have a fair amount of screwing off to do, say a full room or more. Otherwise, a drilldriver or especially an impact driver and the $2 bit work just fine.I have tried driving deck screws with the drywall gun and it is worthless.For screwing off decking, the impact is THE way to go.AitchKay- Dang, for an impact driver, we need to take up a collection or something for you! Arrive at the 21st century. You will think you have found (a) god. You WILL NOT regret it.
Edited 6/11/2009 1:38 am by kenhill3
I would have to disagree on the 2500 rpm one being worthless on decks if that is what you meant. The 4000 rpm one would be a little weak. Had best experience with square drive.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
Bits and Brace? still have it and use it on occasion, including the single wing adjustable bit for large holes.Yankee screw driver and drill both live in my work van in the finish tools boxes and also find work occasionally.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
or the small all metal yankee style pilot hole drill....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
That is the drill that lives with the screw driver in my van....just the ticket for pilot holes for hand driven finish and casing nails..... remember those?
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
most certainly...
still use them...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
how about a Yankee driver???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
how about a Yankee driver???
Same thing. Played with my father's inherited Yankee screwdriver, but never used it for real work. We put it up on ebay starting at $20 (I think), but there were no takers.
did you explain to the viewers what it was???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
how about a Yankee driver???
Same thing. Played with my father's inherited Yankee screwdriver, but never used it for real work.
You gotta be kidding me kid....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Back in the pre-cordless 70s, Yankees were the cat's meow! I think mine is a model 131A -- how's that for a 30-year-old memory? (I'll walk out back and check it after I post this, and apologize if I'm wrong on the model #)As you can see from my earlier post, my Yankee actually played a part in hanging GWB back in the day.And I still take it along on our annual camping trips to the UP -- beats leaving nails in National Forest trees!AitchKay
131A it was. The tool gene drives my memory! Of course, there are even stronger drives: the phone number for Debbie, my girlfriend 10 years earlier, in 1968, was... 313-662-84**...and you really thought I'd tell!My lips are sealed, but the memory is sweet!AitchKay
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96263
Chineese Yankee!For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
$5.99!!Sounds like a great deal.Yeah, right.Last I looked, you could buy a cordless drill for less than the cost of a real Stanley Yankee.Thank you, but I think I'd like to pay 10x the price, and get a Yankee!AitchKay
Well,
My first thought is cordless drill. No cordless drill, a corded drill would work fine. However my choice nowdays would be an impact driver with insert bit to fit the screw of choice for the decking. Depending on the screw you may or may not be able to use a dimpler or the colared bit.
If you want to use a decking screwdriver or the 15 dollar dimpler, you can use whatever bit you need as they are removable. As some posters said decking screws are available in phillips, torx, and squaredrive.
The twodollar insert bits with the colar are only available in phillips.
If you have not tried driving screws with an impact, you should much easier on the wrist. when screwing down decking.
Now if its 5/4 pt decking you could do what we just did on 2 decks and pull out the compressor and framer and load it with some ringshank, acq rated, sevens. Not my choice but the bosses.
Webby
Edited 6/10/2009 3:15 pm ET by webby
The bits have to be the right length (very precisely) to work in the $15 dimpler. You may need to grind down the shank of some bits, and pad the shank for others.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
Well to tell the truth I have the vermont american dimpler, I used it for about 45 minutes years ago and didn't like it, threw it in the drill bit box. I thought they were designed to take the 1 inch insert bits?Webby
The thing is, a difference in 1/32" in bit length can make a difference in how well the thing sets the screws.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
gotcha.Webby
Like you, I use my drill driver mostly for stuff other than drywall. But when I use it for drywall, I want it to be done right.
And I have the vermont american thingy..... It works well, but I wonder how long it will last till the spring breaks.
I also have a couple of tips that fit my drill/driver, that are nothing more than a phillips bit with a steel ring placed out at the end. It has the same function as the dimpler, works just as well (maybe better), and as I recall, it cost about a buck.
I'm like you, non professional. I decided to buy the most expensive dimpler when I had to hang drywall, $15 I think. It worked OK for about an hour then it quit working. I bought another brand that was slightly cheaper. It quit working after less than an hour. Both fancy dimplers were junk.
What worked was the cheepest one that is just a driver bit with a solid metal collar, about $2.
can't beat a impact driver and the 2.00 cheapo dimpler bit.it will sheetrock ,screw the deck down,drive the lag bolts and even drill holes.
they are pretty high$ but i have a ryobi with a lithum battery and i hate to admit this but works as good as my milwaukee 14.v impact.
if your set on a screwgun i have a milwaukee that i never use take 40.00 for it.i'm not sure it would drive deck screws.
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MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE
DUCT TAPE.
Note that there are two different types of "dimplers". One is as you describe, a bit holder with a collar around it that activates a clutch. A different type is simply a bit with the collar around it so that the bit will cam out when it makes contact with the DW.
Both work in some (many) circumstances. Obviously the simple collared bit wears out fast and strips the screws a bit, but they're cheap, and they work almost as well as the clutch type. The main problem is that neither is adjustable, and combinations of framing, DW consistency, technique, and phase of the moon can mean they over or (more often) under drive the screw. For most DIYers who aren't driving screws 8 hours a day this is probably acceptable, or at least worth a shot.
Neither would be very appropriate for decking.
I still haven't gotten an impact driver. Maybe one of these days...
I have a heavy-duty Milwaukee Teks gun -- a beefed-up drywall driver, basically. It works fine for drywall, although it's a bit heavy.
Since it's designed to be able to drive a twist-drill-point Teks screw through 1/4" of steel, it works fine for decks, too.
I used to use one of those fixed-collar dimplers, and it worked fine for GWB. Whatever you use, before you mix any mud, go over everything with a 4-inch knife. If you hear that little click, the screw isn't deep enough.
I used to use a long-handled knife and my two-foot-long Yankee driver to prep ceilings without needing scaffolding. I got an Apex hex-bit adapter for the Yankee, so that I could use regular drywall bits.
AitchKay
Overkill. A good impact driver with adjustable torque is all you need for all screwing needs. One tool. I have a good brushless Makita...Then you can by $1 drywall dimple setting bits to use. I use my Makita on low with one of these bits and never overset drywall screws. I can also drive 5" screws into beams...Times have changed.
After you pick the motor...for the deck screws buy a cheap auto-feed extension, call your Simpson rep and have them trade it out for their really good one (free trade last year) and go to town on the deck!