5 Best Screw Guns of 2024 – Review & Buying Guide
Most construction projects will need you to be armed with the right screw gun. They deliver the kind of screwing speed and precision that increases efficiency. They work faster and reliably than manual screwdrivers and drills.
There is an endless array of screwdrivers in the market, and sometimes, buyers get overwhelmed and fail to make the right decision. This review rounds up 5 of the best screw guns so you can pick the right one.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Right Screw Gun
Without digging into the nitty-gritty kind screw gun information, it would be challenging to shop for the right model. In my early days as a woodworker, I interacted with many screw guns that were frustratingly inadequate for my tasks.
From insufficient torque to shorter battery life and other off-putting features, a wrong screw gin can really mess up your productivity.
To avoid exasperating downtimes, herein are things to consider in a screw gun:
Longer battery life
When it comes to corded versus battery powered screw guns, I always go with the latter. Cordless screw guns give you the flexibility to work anywhere and without being held down by power cords. When shopping for a cordless screw gun, consider the battery life.
A longer lasting battery type, such as lithium-ion will serve you for longer on a single charge. You might be able to finish your projects much faster and cost-effectively.
Longer cords
If you choose a corded screw gun, you will have several advantages, including a consistent power supply and zero downtimes.
However, a screw gun with a shorter power cord could imbibe the flexibility of your operations. You need a machine with a longer cable to be able to reach tight spaces.
Multipurpose screw guns
Many screw guns double up as drills. Such a tool can enable you to accomplish many functions without needing additional machines. However, ensure that the drilling function does not compromise the tool’s screw driving features.
High motor speed is preferable
The motor speed in a screw gun directly impacts its performance. High motor speed is a guarantee of accuracy and expediency. We all want to finish our jobs fast so we can grab a beer, right? Motor speed is measured in Rotations per Minute (RPMs)
High torque means high performance
Torque is simply the power that the screw gun packs. It is measured in Newton Meter (NM). A screw gun with a high torque implies that it has a higher rotational force. Beware though that excessive torque might be destructive when working with softer materials.
Choose a screw gun with a forward and reverse mode for increased versatility
Screw guns should not be limited to driving screws into materials. They can also help loosen screws, and that is where the forwards and reverse mode comes in.
Best Screw Guns of the Year
1. Makita XSF03Z LXT Lithium-Ion Drywall Screwdriver
- BL Motor delivers 0-4,000 RPM to handle a variety of drywall and framing applications
- Push Drive Technology - in lock-on mode the motor starts only when the fastener is engaged for a quieter work environment and to save battery power
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unlike some models coming up in the review, the Makita XSF03Z LXT screwdriver is cordless. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which removes the cumbersome and trippy nature of power cords.
You could be able to seamlessly work with this screw gun without the menace of cables getting in the way.
You might also appreciate that lithium-ion batteries generally last a tad longer than many other battery types.
On top of that, the manufacturer states that the machine’s brushless motor is optimized to use half the needed energy. The effect of that could be twice the run time for every single charge.
The Makita screw gun uses a brushless motor whose torque and speeds of up to 4000 RPM could come in handy on all sorts of materials, from hardy to soft. Nonetheless, performance would also depend on the types of screws you use for the job.
The screwing device features a lock-on mode such that it only starts after you engage the fastener. That will potentially help to save more battery power.
The manufacturer asserts that because of this battery saving ability, you might be able to use 1860 screws in just one charge.
Other features that might blow you away with this screw gun includes an ergonomic design. The machine features a rubberized grip handle that could enable you to work comfortably with it and for longer. Also, the adjustable nose piece could make bit changes an easy task.
Title Makita XSF03Z LXT Lithium-Ion Drywall ScrewdriverHere Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is a cordless battery powered screw gun
- Its speed and torque could enable you to screw to a more significant depth
- The Push drive technology helps to save the life of the battery
- The motor is made to be energy efficient
- Its ergonomic design reduces fatigue
- Battery charge indicator helps you know when it’s time to re-charge
Cons
- The drill chuck could come for no reason at all during use
- Might not work smoothly with larger screws
- Its durability is questionable
2. Black+Decker Lithium-Ion Drill
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Black & Decker screw gun is another battery-powered machine that could make your work easier just on account of being cordless. According to the manufacturer, this machine is built with an ability to drill into wood, plastic, and metal applications.
That’s welcome news, you must say especially if you seek versatility.
This screw gun has a wide range of features that might warm any word worker’s heart. These include on-tool storage and a keyless chuck. These features enable a stress-free operation on all projects around the home.
The screw gun is powered by a 20 V lithium-ion battery. Beware though that this tool, unlike the one reviewed earlier drains excessive power. That generally means a shorter battery life.
The motor speed of this machine is 1500 RPM, lower than what you get with the Makita XSF03Z LXT. However, this speed could still help accomplish the simplest tasks at home.
The one great advantage of this screw gun is that the speed is customizable. You can switch between a low and a high setting.
At high speeds, the machine works as a drill and at a low setting as a screwdriver. That gives you multiple functionalities with just one tool.
Another great feature here is the 11 position clutch. The latter allows you to adjust the grip as appropriate for all kinds of materials you work with and ultimately prevents damage to screws and materials.
The design of the Black Decker screw gun is lightweight. Its ergonomic handle can also help to reduce fatigue for the user.
Black+Decker Lithium-Ion Drill Pros & Cons
Pros
- The gun can work with a full rand of materials
- The lithium battery is a reliable power source
- 11-position clutch settings enable east customization of power settings
Cons
- Its design might not allow easy walking in tight spaces
- The screw gun drains power
3. Senco DS332-AC 3
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unlike its earlier reviewed counterparts, the Senco DS332-AC 3″ Corded Auto-Feed screw gun is corded. Although such a design hinders mobility, you are assured of constant and reliable power during operations. Such certainty means a lot in professional settings.
This Senco screw gun has one of the most desirable features you will want in your screwdriver— the auto-feed function. The patented sliding guide allows you to fit up to 30 screws on it, and they will come up automatically during your operations.
Better still, this screw gun makes it possible to adjust the screw length and belt hook with one hand. Such a tool-less adjustment could make changing bits an effortless task.
Lefties have not been left out; the belt hook could easily be adjustable from the left hand as it is from the right side.
Its motor delivers speeds of up to 2500 RPM. Even though that’s not faster than the Makita XSF03Z LXT, it could still be sufficient for most tasks and a wide range of materials.
The design of the Senco DS332-AC screwdriver is lightweight, coming in at around 5 pounds. That, together with a user-friendly architecture, could enable you to work all day with the screw gun without fatigue.
Keep in mind though that this machine uses a majority of plastic parts. Durability, one can say, was not the manufacturer’s priority.
Senco DS332-AC 3
Pros
- Runs on a powerful motor with speeds of up to 2500 RPM
- It’s easy to adjust screw length and belt hook
- A patented sliding guide that holds up to 30 screws at a go
- Adjustable speed trigger
- Corded screw gun means dependability
- Lightweight and ergonomically designed
Cons
- Not ideal for tight spaces and angles
4. DEWALT DW268 6.5 Amp Screwdriver
- Helical-cut steel and heat-treated gears for long life and durability of the screw gun
- DEWALT screw gun has high power motor for metal fastening applications
- Versa-Clutch torque adjustment system of the drywall screw gun dials in the proper torque needed to efficiently drive fasteners without stripping or breaking
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just like the Senco DS332-AC 3″, this DEWALT screw gun model is also corded, and you can, therefore, expect reliable motor power here.
The motor delivers high torque and speeds of up to 2500 RPM. This speed is adjustable with a few clicks. You might, therefore, find this screw gun to be versatile in a wide range of tasks.
The automatic torque adjustment through the Versa-Clutch system helps you tune it up or down according to your needs. That means that when working with hardy materials, you can set just the required screw depth for great results.
On the other hand, when working with soft materials, you can set a low or medium intensity so as not to damage them.
The DEWALT DW268 6.5 Amp screw gun also has a lightweight design, and that means that you could work all day with it without getting fatigued.
The material make of this screw gun is mostly metallic. Unlike the Senco screw gun, the helical cast steel, metal nose, and heat-treated gears in this screw gun guarantee long durability.
DEWALT DW268 6.5 Amp Screwdriver Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on a powerful motor
- It’s a corded screw gun, and that means a reliable power supply
- Durable metallic parts
- Versa-Clutch torque adjustment
- Rubber grip and other ergonomics for smoother operations
- Motor speed and screw depth adjustment for excellent results on all materials
Cons
- Quality control issues; occasionally the unit gets delivered with damaged parts
- The clutch is not rustproof
5. Pink Power PP182 18V Cordless Pink Drill for Women
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not to say that women cannot handle the earlier reviewed screw guns, but the Pink Power PP182 18V screw gun is designed to meet a woman’s needs.
Starting from its chic design and a pink shade, this tool could be what pleases the ladies. You might like its lightweight nature (3.5 pounds), and a soft-grip handle.
That essentially means that you don’t need Dwayne Johnson style biceps to wield this screw gun all day.
I also like the fact that it is cordless. That means that you can fasten even on corners and hard to reach places without being tied down by cables. Time for a little bit of yoga!
This device is built for light home duties and might therefore not give you the high-level performance you get with the screw-guns reviewed earlier.
However, its user-friendly features, such as the inbuilt LED light that enables screwing in dim conditions could make your work much more comfortable.
The Pink Power PP182 18V screw gun has a keyless chuck setting that makes an effortless task out of changing drill bits. You also get two-speed settings, the highest being 55P RPM, which might be satisficing in many applications.
Pink Power PP182 18V Cordless Pink Drill for Women Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is battery-powered, and thus gives you the maximum flexibility
- It’s both a drill and as well as a driver
- Its light-weight design reduces fatigue
- It uses LED light for improved visibility
- Keyless chuck enables quicker bit changes
- Adjustable motor speed and torque
Cons
- Not a powerful enough tool for heavy-duty jobs
- Shorter battery life
The Best Pick
The most outstanding screw gun in this review is the Makita XSF03Z LXT Lithium-Ion Drywall Screwdriver. The cordless screw gun runs on a lithium-ion battery that’s known for dependability.
Its cordless design means that you can work flexibly without the risk of tripping, or the downtimes of being far from a wall outlet.
The Makita screw gun uses a brushless motor that is designed for efficiency. This battery saving ability, together with the natural performance of lithium-ion batteries could enable you to use up to 1860 screws in just one charge.
The machine has the highest torque and motor speeds of all screw guns reviewed in this post. The motor speed of 4000 RPMs gives a reliable performance on all types of materials.
The Makita screw gun has an ergonomic and light design that could make you look forward to your workday. These features and more make the Makita XSF03Z LXT a peerless screw gun for your fastening needs.
Last Updated on August 7, 2020 by Tom Bradly