Tool Shed - Electric Screw Gun
This week’s tool is the electric screw gun.
As you can see, a screw gun resembles a drill, except it has a nose housing an interchangeable bit instead of a chuck. You load a screw onto the bit and apply pressure to engage an internal clutch, driving the screw into your material. This allows you to lock the drill motor to keep it running as you work (recommended). Nicer models can be used with collated screw strips to automatically load your next screw - a major time saver on big projects.
I had the pleasure of using one of these while putting down concrete board (tile underlayment) in a bathroom. It took a few tries to get the hang of it. Without any fumbling, it takes about 10 seconds to load and drive a screw. Not bad. And, this tool is not only a time saver, you can set the maximum screw depth, which keeps you from driving the screw too far. Here is a nice video of screw gun I found by Tim Carter over at Ask The Builder.
Application: This tool can be used for many different projects. I used it to secure concrete board. It can also be used to secure top boards to a deck, where an investment in a long handle extension will allow you to secure the boards without bending over. Perhaps the most common use for the tool is hanging drywall. If you’ve a big drywall project coming up, the screw gun is a must have!
What do you think? I’d love to hear from someone who has owned an electric screw gun for some time. Any complaints or pitfalls? Do you suggest a brand?
February 4th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I can see how that would help with drywalling… my biggest challenge with that is driving the screws in too far!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Especially with large jobs, the frustration can add up. I suggest going a little slower if you use a drill for drywalling.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I’ve never hung drywall with anything other than hammer & nails, but I might try a screw gun on some pending add-ons.
As for tools, I buy 90% of my tools online, mostly from eBay and sometimes from Amazon.com.
I’ve bought reconditioned tools online for <50% cheaper than any store within driving range and (knock on wood) I’ve never had a problem with any reconditioned items.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Jon
A screw gun will save you a ton of time. Let me know how it works out. I’m curious what you’ll think after giving it a try.