Need some advice on which auto feed screw driver to purchase?

[Benjamin]

I've been looking around for the right auto feed screw driver for a while and can't decide on which one to choose. does
any one have any experience with them and can give some advice? ( FYI I need it to install exterior decking and will also use it for drywall here and there.)

Thanks
Ben

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I've been using a Hitachi SuperDrive setup for installing subfloors for quite awhile and it works great. With 2500 RPM and stiff return spring, it handles longer deck screws with ease. Screws are readily available at home centers. This auto feed has two nose pieces, one that is sharp with serations for rough work, and a smooth nose for finish work (decks).

That being said, I understand that the QuickDrive system is widespread, and even has an adapter for clamping directly to a Makita impact driver.

Finally, I believe that Hilti has a new line of auto feed screwdrivers out, but they might be optimized for drywall use.

Best of luck!

 

[fin]

if i was to get one id maybe want it to do decking etc aswell as drywalling.

dont know so much about these but had heard the makitas were pretty good. currently do all my drywall work with a cordless and a box of screws. lol

 

[wrightwoodwork]

Don't bother with the makita on any drywall screw guns you want the magazine to be able to clip on and off instantly and also on the makita there is a silly spring that go on the nose adjustment that breaks or goes missing when it needs cleaned

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

if i was to get one id maybe want it to do decking etc aswell as drywalling.

dont know so much about these but had heard the makitas were pretty good. currently do all my drywall work with a cordless and a box of screws. lol

Alas, the properties that make a good drywall collated screwdriver preclude it from performing serious work driving deck screws, and vice versa. Specifically, for driving deck screws and subfloor decking, you need a heavier spring to advance the heavier strip of screws, but frequently this spring has so much tension that it can be very difficult to drive screws horizontally unless you have something to brace yourself against. Likewise, the lighter spring that allows you to drive screws horizontally into drywall typically doesn't have the power to advance a strip of deck screws. Also, purpose-built decking guns tend to be much heavier built than collated drywall guns.

The above is my experience, though there might be a product out there I'm not aware of that will perform both tasks. In general, I try to buy the tool best suited to the task at hand and simply amortize the tool cost over the next few jobs, so ultimately it doesn't cost you any money out of pocket.

 

[Sparktrician]

One thing I have experienced is that 2500 rpm drivers will wring off a drywall screw in a heartbeat.  The higher-speed drywall drivers I have used won't properly set a deck screw.  I do so little drywall work that it's just not worth it to buy a dedicated drywall driver.  My C12 with the depth stop does just fine. 

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

One thing I have experienced is that 2500 rpm drivers will wring off a drywall screw in a heartbeat.  The higher-speed drywall drivers I have used won't properly set a deck screw.  I do so little drywall work that it's just not worth it to buy a dedicated drywall driver.  My C12 with the depth stop does just fine. 

^^Truth^^  [big grin]

 

[Benjamin]

Ok , thanks for everyone's input .

 

[hemdale]

I've just ordered these two:
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/screwguns-sg450af-36154-p/

and this one also
https://fein.com/en_us/fastening/drywall-deck-screwdrivers/sct-5-40-m-015952/

I'll give them a try and can return them free of charge if I don't like them.  [big grin]
I'll keep you guys posted.  [smile]

 

[slalom]

I have used a QuickDrive for 10 years. Porter Cable drill (the drill can be replaced). The extension makes it perfect for floors and decks. Without it, the gun can be used for drywall.

By now there is probably a cordless option, but 10 years ago lithium battery powered drills were the exception. 

This tool is so easy to use that it is somewhat addictive, and it saves time and backaches. Decking is still a two person job one person on the Bo-Jack (to straighten boards) and the other driving screws. 

 

[mkasdin]

Look at the Hilti screw guns. They have two different rpm/ torque versions depending on the material and two auto feeds the newer one is smaller. I'm not sure if they discontinued their extension arm for driving screws into the ceiling without jumping up and down the ladder or for doing subfloors and working on your knees.

Hilti has a good brand, they have a great product and a even better warranty - "zero days" on the screw gun (I guess Hilti thinks the tool gets abused in a commercial setting). So if it breaks on you "tough cookies". I still bought one for an upcoming job because I wanted to add the auto feed collated head in the future. Their service center I believe is in Fresno, California and they have a store location in Van Nuys, Ca and another location in City of Commerce, Ca. I always like to know how long the wait is for sending back the tools.

 

[Kev]

I have the DWC (in Protool colours) and I feel it's fine for drywall but wouldn't consider it as suitable for decking.

 

[Jak147]

I like to run just one battery type and as I already have the Festool cordless system I bought their drywall offering, For my needs it is excellent and I love it but all the boarders that run these tools all day, everyday all use the hilti version. It knocks the socks off everything else in the class

 

[Kev]

Just on decking and floors, etc ... I'd be looking at Senco duraspin out of interest as I know they have a serious range, but I'm ignorant of how well they perform in real use.

The guys I buy Festool from had a Senco Duraspin unit on show a while back that had a big extension on it, certainly looked ideal for saving your back!