Makita XSF03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver (Bare Tool Only)

Product Information

Rapid Optimum Charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery for faster, more efficient charging (battery and charger sold separately) Weight and ergonomics always have an impact on handheld power tools, but differences can be more pronounced when hanging drywall. Because this is often a one-person job, it is necessary to support the drywall sheet with one hand while using the other to operate the tool. The Ryobi drywall screw gun comes with a very attractive price tag and a specification that challenges many more expensive rivals. The 18V brushless motor delivers a best-in-class speed of 4,700 rpm. The Ryobi is light, too, at just 2.25 pounds, though the battery weight of 1.7 pounds brings it in-line with competitors. The brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life It’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion system, the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

Key features are the adjustable screw holder that securely grips the screw while driving and frees up one hand. A thumb-operated bit changer rotates easily to any of six preloaded bits that then slide into place, ready for use. The Makita 199146-8 Collated Autofeed Screwdriver Magazine Attachment delivers easy and reliable autofeed capability. The compact, ergonomic autofeed design offers less weight and efficient power. Its ideal for production board attachment to metal or wood. Collated screw length capacity ranges from 25mm to 55mm for increased versatility. For use with specific Makita corded and cordless screwdrivers.The first is a device that is attached 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 strip). With no need to fit screws manually, screws can be driven much faster, but the attachment can be removed if not needed. An auto-feed gun has a full-time magazine feed and can be more compact and lighter than a combined gun and attachment. However, they are more expensive. Drywall Screwdriver with BL™ Motor delivers 0-4,000 RPM to handle a variety of drywall and framing applications A faster, more accurate solution is DeWalt’s 20V Cut-Out Tool, which is specifically intended as both a drywall drill and cutter. The brushless motor runs at 26,000 rpm, and the ergonomic design makes for easy control. There is a built-in depth gauge, tool-free bit changing, and an LED work light. Autofeed Screwdriver Magazine features a collated screw length capacity range from 1" to 2-3/16" for increased versatility It is often necessary to cut holes for conduit or pipework when hanging drywall. While the task can be done with a knife, it takes a lot of effort and good control, or the result will be untidy.

Cordless drywall screw guns are often sold as “bare tools” (without a battery or charger). If the user doesn’t already own compatible batteries, this can add a considerable amount to the price. Pay attention to the amp hour (Ah) rating of batteries. This can be compared to fuel: the higher the number, the longer the battery will run between charges.DeWalt is another brand renowned for well-made, professional-standard power tools. Its 20V drywall screw gun has a brushless motor with a speed of 4,400 rpm. At 2.7 pounds, it is a fraction heavier than the Milwaukee, though the batteries are lighter, so the all up weight difference is negligible. The tool has a soft-grip handle and good ergonomics. An important feature of most drywall screw guns is the nose cone, which surrounds the gun’s screwdriver bit. As the screw is driven into the drywall sheet, the nose cone provides a depth stop, so the screw head is sunk just below the surface (to be hidden by filler), but not driven too deep.

The main thing that restricts working speed when hanging drywall, even with auto mode, is the need to load each drywall screw individually. The fix for this is either a collated screw attachment or an auto-feed gun. The FS6200 has an ergonomic grip for increased comfort, and a cast aluminum gear housing for less weight (only 3.0 lbs.) and increased durability. Other features include a depth locator holder for convenient storage during framing applications, a bit storage on the base of the grip to reduce downtime, and an LED light to illuminate the work surface.

Ahead, we explain the key features of these tools and look at some real-world examples to help you find the best drywall screw gun for your needs. The brushless motor runs at 4,000 rpm and can drive collated screws (drywall and standard wood screws) from 1 inch to 2.125 inch long. Instead of the usual three-step depth setting, there is a variable dial. This gives the Makita auto-feed screwdriver great versatility and allows the user to compensate for the hardness of the material and set the depth precisely. The BL™ Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL™ Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life