Which (non auto-feed) screw-gun to buy
pickings
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Hi guys,
Got me a brand new SIL starting out in const business with his uncle. He wants to buy a “screw-gun” for drywall and decking etc (too much abuse on his cordless dril). Told him to go with lower speed (2500) and higher torque because I know this kid.
Q. I use Dewalt (but am not a contractor, just a home owner), he normally likes to buy Milwaukee because his father, a retired union carpenter always did. What is the best brand for this specific tool. I looked through last 4-5 years of FHB but could not find an article on these guns, only the auto-feed ones.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Replies
"screw-gun" for drywall and decking etc Apples and oranges, technically. A true drywall screwgun runs at a very high speed and is really only good for drywall screws, which are not suitable for any other purpose. And theree's not a lot of torque involved in drywall screws. You might consider a cordless impact driver...the Makita has received very good reviews by posters here. It only uses hex-shank bits, so drilling holes could be a problem, but for driving screws or lags or whatever, it's a very good choice. If I remember correctly, the Dewalt also gets good marks, but the Milwaukee is a dud...one of their few disappointments.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
He wants a cord. Apparently going thru batteries like a fiend. Will check out the impact drivers tho, have read good things here and in FHB about them. Thanks.
Can't go wrong with Milwaukee, IMHO.
I bought a 4,000 RPM drywall screw gun, but wish I'd bought the 2,500 RPM model instead. It's a lot more flexible.I was once walking through the forest alone. A tree fell right in front of me -- and I didn't hear it.
KInda what I was thinking. Thanks Boss
Milwaukee has 2 or 3 versions of auto feed and 6 or 7 screw gun variations availible. Need to fit the tool to the job before declaring something a dud wouldn't you think....
I have 2 different models for different levels of application that have been very good to me for a lot of years.... So much for the dud therory.... 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!
Imerc, I was referring specifically to the cordless impact driver. I have a couple of Milwaukee tools and think highly of them. I have the low-amp Sawzall and it works great, contrary to what some folks say...keep a sharp blade in it, and it works well.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
ooops!!!
Sorry... Got it now. My sawzall is one of the originals and marches on....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!
Net of anecdotes that follow, Milwaukee makes a great drywall gun - but that's all it does.
I bought a Milwaukee drywall "gun" roughly 15 years back; at the time, it was the model with the higher amperage rating. It is a superb driver, excellent with wood or heavier guage steel studs.
While it may be great for DW screws, it borders on useless for regular scew driving. Even though it's variable speed (0-4000), I tried to use it on a deck and it drove way too fast on the minimal speed and it was tough to control the low speed. On the other hand, I have a Sears "electronic" 3/8' keyless-chuck drill (0-600 rpm) (that has the identical power model as their 1/2" HD "electronic" drill, both long out-of-production) - with a long (8"+) driver bit, it's about the best screw-driver I've ever tried (although many of the new cordless drills are probably as good or better). I use a VS (0-300) HD 1/2" drill to drive lags, but I can't say it's any better than a speed handle/brace for that job.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Milwaukee without a doubt, But why not an auto feed. Senco has some pretty good machines out. Saves alot of time and time is money.
Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing! Holmes Sr. Oliver Wendell
Small firm, does a lot of different jobs, sometimes sheet metal, sometimes decking, sometimes drywall. I get the feeling that he does not want to have to worry about stocking, or having to go buy, special auto feed screws for a given job. Will ask him though.
Pickings,
We've got two 30 year old corded MKE Tool High torque Screw Shooters. They can snap the head off a #14. They are not for drywall, as they release by torque, not depth.
This link I think shows the current model.
http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=27&catalogId=40027&langId=-1&productId=284490&mainHeader=Tools&categoryId=189347&mainCategoryId=362&parentProd=281179#
Jon
Makita makes a corded impact MAK6951 0-2200 rpm 72.4 ft.lbs.
Had many Milwaukees over the years, they used to be the standard. But they're heavy (about 5.5 lbs.). I now use MAK 6821's only 3 lbs. It makes a difference when you're holding one over your head all day.
I have the Milwaukee 2500 rpm screw gun and love it. It's a good all around gun but you give up a little on the drywall speed end of it. I you only want one gun it's definitely the way to go.
Treat every day as it's you last, 'cause someday you'll be right!!
Seems like the general consensus is .....Milwaukee makes good tools.......best bet would be "a red, 2500 rpm, higher torque model, with a cord, without auto-feed, screw-gun, Band-Aid extra".
I will now bestow the wisdom, and experience, of BT on the new SIL.
Thanks a lot guys, I don't get on here as often as I would like to (used to post as Steve a year ago or so, but someone else has it now).
However, it is mostly informative, and ALWAYS entertaining.
Thanks, Steve