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Power Screwdrivers Differences?

| Posted in General Discussion on December 18, 1998 05:31am

*
This post concerns depth sensitive power screwdrivers; not the clutch varities.

What is the difference between the dedicated drywall screwdrivers and the multiple purpose screwdrivers? Why can’t the multiple purpose gun do an excellent job of driving #8 x 1 5/8″ drywall screws?

Thanks for all replies,
Steve

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  1. Steve_ | Dec 16, 1998 10:51pm | #1

    *
    This post concerns depth sensitive power screwdrivers; not the clutch varities.

    What is the difference between the dedicated drywall screwdrivers and the multiple purpose screwdrivers? Why can't the multiple purpose gun do an excellent job of driving #8 x 1 5/8" drywall screws?

    Thanks for all replies,
    Steve

    1. Chris_T | Dec 16, 1998 11:58pm | #2

      *The difference between the two is probably power and the types of bits the driver is shipped with. A multi-purpose driver is probably powerful enough to do a deck whereas a drywall driver may not - check the difference between the two in terms of amps and RPMs.I have a multi purpose Milwaukee driver and it works well. I've used it to hang drywall, backer board, and to secure sub floors. It's one of the best investments I have made because it really improves the quality of the work by being able to drive screws to a consistent depth.

      1. cliffp | Dec 18, 1998 12:59am | #3

        *Steve--drywall screwguns usually run at 4000 RPM. The general-purpose usually run at 2500 RPM. The additional speed really mades a difference if you're shooting screws all day.Also the GP types have a more powerful motor (all the better to drive TEKS screws into heavy gage steel).

        1. Donnie_C. | Dec 18, 1998 05:31pm | #4

          *Steve,The drywall screwdrivers have a high-speed (4000 rpm) motor with low torque gearing for short drywall-type screws and the all-purpose "deck" screwdrivers have a low-speed (2500 rpm) motor with high torque for running long deck screws. I have used my "deck" screwgun for drywall work (small jobs only) but don't make the mistake of using the drywall gun for deck or heavy duty work. It will certainly burn up.Hope this helps...Donnie

  2. Steve_ | Dec 18, 1998 05:31pm | #5

    *
    This post concerns depth sensitive power screwdrivers; not the clutch varities.

    What is the difference between the dedicated drywall screwdrivers and the multiple purpose screwdrivers? Why can't the multiple purpose gun do an excellent job of driving #8 x 1 5/8" drywall screws?

    Thanks for all replies,
    Steve

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