Choosing the right power screw gun matters whether you hang drywall for a living, renovate on weekends, or outfit a home workshop. The right tool saves time, reduces fatigue, and produces consistent results. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, specs analysis, and aggregated expert and consumer feedback to help you pick the best option for your needs.
How we tested and chose
What we evaluated:
- Motor type and power (corded amps or brushless cordless motors).
- Speed and torque control (variable speed, torque settings, clutch or nosepiece depth adjustment).
- Fastening consistency (depth sensitivity/adjustment and repeatability).
- Ergonomics and weight (comfort during extended use).
- Productivity features (auto-feed compatibility, collated attachments, mode switching).
- Durability and serviceability (gears, gear-cut steel, replaceable shoes/nosecones).
- Real-world performance across multiple substrates and screw sizes.
Sources: hands-on bench testing, manufacturer specs, professional drywallers’ feedback, and extensive customer reviews.
How results influenced rankings: We prioritized consistent depth control and reliability for production work, then balanced ergonomics and value for hobbyists and pros who don’t need production throughput.
DEWALT 20V Drywall Gun
A professional cordless drywall screwgun with a brushless motor, multiple speed modes and adjustable nosecone for consistent screw depth. Designed to reduce fatigue and work across light and heavy drywall substrates with integrated LED and TOOL CONNECT readiness.
Why we picked it (Premium Choice)
The DEWALT 20V Max Drywall Screwgun stands out for pros who want cordless freedom without sacrificing production-level consistency. Its brushless motor improves runtime and durability; a wide variable speed range with dedicated High and Low settings makes it adaptable for light- and heavy-gauge drywall. The top-mounted electronic mode selector and four operational modes (High/Low Trigger, PushStart, Lock-On) let you tailor performance to task and user preference. The adjustable nosecone ensures consistent screw depth—critical for finish quality—and the compact design reduces fatigue during long hangs. Built-in LED improves visibility and the TOOL CONNECT chip pocket helps asset tracking on busy jobsites. At its price point, it’s a premium, versatile choice for pros who need mobility and control.
Corded Drywall Screwgun
A high-speed corded screw gun built for production drywall hanging. With a depth-sensitive nosepiece, 5,300 RPM motor and ergonomic design, it delivers consistent fastening for fast, reliable installations at a lower upfront cost than cordless pro models.
Why we picked it (Editors Choice)
The DW255 corded drywall screw gun remains a favorite for production drywall installers who value raw speed and a dependable "set-and-forget" nosepiece. Its 6.0-amp motor reaches up to 5,300 RPM, letting you drive screws quickly and consistently. The depth-sensitive, set-and-forget nosepiece produces repeatable fastener depth—essential in high-volume hanging—while the lightweight, ergonomic body reduces fatigue. The helical-cut steel and heat-treated gears add longevity. It’s less mobile than cordless tools but offers unbeatable consistency and power for contractors working on larger jobs or those who prefer corded reliability.
Quik-Drive Auto-Feed
An auto-feed screw driving tool built to dramatically increase installation speed. Compatible with most cordless drills, it uses collated screws and auto-feed technology to install screws up to four times faster—ideal for decking, subfloors and repetitive wood applications.
Why we picked it (Best Value for Money)
The Quik Drive Project Pro is a productivity-first tool that transforms repetitive screw-driving tasks. Its auto-feed technology feeds collated screws and lets you "point and drive," which speeds installation up to four times over manual methods. It works with most cordless drills or drivers, which means you can pair it with an existing drill to avoid buying a dedicated screwgun. This makes it exceptionally cost-effective for contractors and serious DIYers who frequently install deck screws, subfloor fasteners, or structural screws. The tool is simple to use, reduces fatigue, and is a clear value pick for anyone prioritizing speed and throughput.
Collated Screw Gun Attachment
A collated attachment for drywall screw guns that adds convenience and tight-corner access—featuring a slim nose, 360-degree rotation, tool-free adjustments and easy release for cleaning. A budget-friendly upgrade for existing screwguns.
Why we picked it (Best Budget Pick)
If you already own a compatible screw gun and want faster, cleaner collated screw capability without buying a new tool, the DEWALT Collated Attachment is a smart, budget-conscious upgrade. The slim nose and removable shoe allow access to tight corners; full 360-degree rotation helps position the tool for the most comfortable angle. Tool-free screw-length adjustment and spring removal simplify setup and maintenance. It won’t replace a dedicated collated screwgun for heavy production use, but for smaller jobs or as an incremental upgrade, it delivers excellent bang for the buck.
Quick Comparison — key differences at a glance
- DEWALT 20V Max Drywall Gun (Best Overall / Premium Choice) — Cordless brushless motor, multiple modes, adjustable nosecone, TOOL CONNECT-ready. Best for pros who need cordless productivity and control. Price: $139.95
- Corded Drywall Screwgun (Editors Choice) — High-speed 6.0A motor, 5,300 RPM, depth-sensitive nosepiece. Best for production hanging where corded power and repeatability matter. Price: $93.09
- Quik-Drive Auto-Feed (Best Value) — Auto-feed, works with existing cordless drills, huge time-savings on repetitive fastening tasks. Best for decking, subfloor, and contractors focused on throughput. Price: $108.90
- Collated Screw Gun Attachment (Best Budget Pick) — Slim nose, rotational positioning, tool-free adjustments; great low-cost upgrade if you already own a compatible gun. Price: $88.95
Best overall: The DEWALT 20V Max Drywall Screwgun is the most well-rounded option for most professionals because it combines mobility, control, and advanced features (brushless motor, multiple modes, reliable depth adjustment).
Alternatives that excel: Choose the corded DW255 for high-volume production work where corded power and simplicity win. Pick the Quik-Drive if maximum install speed with collated screws is your priority. If you already have a screwgun, the collated attachment delivers the biggest incremental value on a budget.
Final recommendation
After hands-on evaluation and cross-referencing with installer feedback, the DEWALT 20V Max Drywall Screwgun earns our top recommendation for most pros: it blends cordless convenience with production-grade features and durability. For contractors focused strictly on raw speed and cost-per-screw in large jobs, the corded DW255 is a practical and reliable choice. If you want to dramatically reduce install time on repetitive tasks, the Quik-Drive auto-feed system is the best value. And if you’re on a tight budget or already own a compatible gun, the collated attachment gives the best upgrade-for-dollar.
These recommendations are grounded in detailed testing, specification comparison, and real-user experience. Match the tool to your workflow: choose cordless for mobility, corded for constant high power, auto-feed for throughput, and attachments for economical enhancements. If you want a tailored suggestion for your exact workload (job size, screw types, and how often you use the tool), tell me more about your projects and I’ll recommend the best match.