Seeking advice/recommendations on screw guns!

skid mark · Jan 2, 2005

Howdy TBNers.

Just finished reading the thread on nail guns.

I tend to be a bit obsessive/**** when I build things and over the years have gravitated away from nails and instead prefer to use screws.

Granted, using screws takes longer and probably isn't practical for professional framers, etc, but for me puttering around the house, I love to use screws. Decks screws of various sizes for securing two by's or putting down decking, etc and sheetrock screws for, well, that is obvious.

The bottom line for me is that I've had much better luck with screws holding tight and not working their way out over time.

For this next project I'd like to have something better than an apron full of loose screws and a rechargable cordless drill.

Does anybody have any experience with screw guns?

I'd appreciate any advice you might offer!

Thanks,

Mark

cqaigy · Jan 2, 2005

I've used screw guns in the past. I think they work pretty much the same as to how they turn the screw in until the is released from the screw because the tip of the screw gun won't allow the bit in any deeper. Most are adjustable as to depth. They are use alot in commercial construction and probably some in residential too.

Your right they sure do a great job of putting screws in. One of the things that sometime get overlooked is the quality of the bits used in the gun. Since they are spinning when released, they tend to wear faster.

Most of the ones i've used were fairly expensive, but it seems quality on less expensive tools keep getting better and maybe just what your looking for if your not going to make a living using it.

_RaT_ · Jan 2, 2005

For the 120V models, I like Hilti for the high speed (4000+ RPM) screw gun used for stuff like sheetrock. Light and well made. For the long deck type screws, your going to be needing a slower turning gun. I have a Porter Cable for that but would look at other brands simply because I have more trouble with PC switches then most any other heavy duty brand.

needtobuildmore · Jan 2, 2005

My neigbor is a drywall contractor, and doesn't use anything but Hilti screw guns with the auto-feeders on them. He has to do a little maintenance on them every couple of months, but they generally see a lot of dust and use and seem to perform quite well. Hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif