Question about DWC 18 Screw Gun Bits

[Greenhoe]

Hi, I've been thinking about buying the DWC 18 Screw Gun although I was wondering if this can use any other bit styles other than a philips 2 for drywall. I can't seem to find Torx bits for sale and would like to be able to use the gun for decking with Torx screws so I wasn't sure if #2 was the only bits that can be used with the screw gun. Thanks

 

[BJM9818]

I recently purchased one and the bit is about 6" long. While the gun is awesome and saves a lot of time, I'm not sure it is designed for the torque loads required to screw in deck boards if you could even find a T25 bit

 

[Brice Burrell]

I believe the #2 Phillips is the only tip available, at least here in the States.  If I'm not mistaken, someone mentioned that the DWC bits are thinner than other long bits for drywall guns.  I'm doing a drywall job now so I can compare my DWC and Senco bits and see if they are different.

I recently purchased one and the bit is about 6" long. While the gun is awesome and saves a lot of time, I'm not sure it is designed for the torque loads required to screw in deck boards if you could even find a T25 bit

The model we have here is the 4500 and it is intended for drywall.  In other parts of the world you get a choice between the 4500 and the 2500.  The 2500 has more torque and is for wood to wood or other hard materials fastening.  I haven't tried the 4500 with anything other than drywall so I don't know if it would work. 

 

[live4ever]

I believe they sell a square drive bit for this in Europe - I remember seeing one branded as Protool (the DWC is originally a Protool design).  Definitely no torx bit that I know of.  The Senco bits are thicker IIRC and do not fit.

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

In Germany there is a DWC specific TX 20 long bit: Bit TX 20-AF-55/3  -  Part/Order No.: 201463

This is for use with the magazine attachment and collated screws.

Does your decking hardware come as collated screws?

If you're using simply single screws - the DWC comes with a bit holder that can accommodate any common/standard hex type bit and is used in conjunction with the standard depth stop.

However, given the overall specs. the DWC 4500 is not meant for decking.

I will go now and make a little video for you

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[six-point socket II]

Video is uploading...

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

As promised, here's your video. (There seems to be a major hick-up with sendvid, the host I normally use - so I went with vimeo this time.)
https://vimeo.com/217973752

The DWC 18-4500 had no problem driving any of the screws up to 4,5x60. And, for reference only I then proceeded to drive a 6x120 which, to no surprise the DWC 18-4500 could not drive completely into the wooden beam. Would be interesting to see how much deeper a DWC 18-2500 would have driven the screw.

I think depending on the screw dimensions you will have no problem to use the DWC 18-4500 for decking.

Some pictures:

The beam is 70x70 pressure-impregnated and the decking material is about 20 to 25 mm thick and also pressure impregnated. This is pretty typical stuff to built a garden shed's patio for example.

And the DWC details. Long bit holder for use with 25mm bits and the depth stop. As you can see, all common 1/4" hex bits can be used.

Hope this helps - the DWC 18-4500 is a terrific machine.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[six-point socket II]

Some more details on the Bits - comparison between PZ #2 standard Centrotec and PZ #2 for the DWC. The latter is longer and much thinner as you can see, it's also seated a little deeper into the head of the screw.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Greenhoe]

Thanks for all the info and the video. I have a drywall project coming up which is why I was looking into getting the gun but after this project I'm not really sure when else I would use it so I was hoping that it would be a bit more versatile and could use it for things other then drywall.

If they come out with the 2500 in the USA is that good for drywall or is that more just for decking? 

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

Both are what they are - specialists. The 2500 for decking (and can do drywall) the 4500 for drywall (and can do decking).

In the German catalog it's presented accordingly as: especially suitable and suitable.

Maybe you should be looking more along the lines of DRC/PDC both can be fitted with a depth stop.

But theres still the question about the screws, if you want to use collated screws there's only the DWC.

I can only suggest to try them and then decide. If versatility is most important to you, the DWC is not the right choice, but I guess you will be amazed by it and it's drywalling/decking capabilities anyway and end up with both the DWC and DRC/PDC.  [tongue] [eek] [scared]  [big grin] [big grin] [big grin]

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

Is this what you're looking for. Torx T20
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product...549263112-Tx20-Screwdriver-Bit-X-3-For-Dwc-18

Also Phillips #2.
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product...921-Ph2-Long-Bits-For-Magazine-Attachment-3Pk

Not sure where to get the bits in in the USA. Depending on bit length and dimensions, bits from other collated drivers might work, and be the same size or close enough.

 

[AJCruise]

Hi, I have the 2500 model. It's great for drywall, especially into timber studs with coarse thread screws. It's a bit more of an all-rounder when it comes to using it with different materials like plywood, OSB, cement based boards, etc.
The 4500 will probably perform better using fine thread screws into metal studs.
Great machine and stands up to the rigours of site work without any problems.
Oliver, good point about the PDC/DRC. I have the PDC as well.
It's a tough, capable machine. It is well suited to decking and framing work, and a lot less noisy than an impact driver. It's my go to driver for all my work, and the 5.2A batteries last for ages.
BTW, there are also PZ2 bits available for the magazine.
Regards, Alan

 

[AJCruise]

769078 - 3 pack of PZ2 long bits for DWC.
Festool website is down, so checked my own pack

 

[demographic]

Hilti collated feed screwdriver bits are slim, lot slimmer than the Makita ones anyway.
Not measured them but its a fair difference. Might be an option?

Never tried them with a Festool gun though.

 

[BJM9818]

Oliver

Thanks for the great video. Where did you get that cool Spax assortment box?

 

[Fezbollah]

I'm pretty happy with my 2500 as well. I still can't believe more people don't use these tools, from any brand! So far I've largely run coarse plasterboard screws the into through it but I did get a chance to fix into some resilient bar and that went well, too.

I don't know if TimCo are available in the states, but they do a range of different screws for different applications all with a ph2 head.

 

[six-point socket II]

Oliver

Thanks for the great video. Where did you get that cool Spax assortment box?

Thank you!

The Spax assortment box is - in this style - a brand new product. It's basically a Sortimo L-Boxx Mini. In Germany, my dealer is shipping them since last Monday. I sadly have no information about availability in the US.

Theres also a large one, L-Boxx 102.

-----------
Side note:

Personally, while I still collect/keep the Mini-L-Boxx - I don't use the L-Boxx anymore, so I won't buy the large one.

I wish manufacturers would understand that by now there are two big players (speaking for Germany only) one is Tanos and one is Sortimo - those systems are not compatible so there's a need to offer these assortments in both formats.

Currently it's a "mess" - some do Systainer some do L-Boxx...
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Kind regards,
Oliver