Drywall screwdriver buying guide

The concept of a drywall screwdriver is simple: a screwdriver with interchangable bits that can be used to drive special drywall screws. The screwdriver has the option to adjust the driving depth as required by setting a stop which disengages the bit when reached. Operating at high rotational speeds, you can quickly drive screws into metal stud walls, in particular. Without this handy tool, if you drive the screw in too deep, you'll break the drywall! Conversely, if it's not screwed in tightly enough, the screw head will stick out and you'll be cursing it when it comes to applying joint tape. The solution: a drywall screwdriver, of course!

Screwdrivers have one common purpose. However, depending on their frequency of use, certain features differ in line with the user's needs.

High-pressure autofeed drywall screwdriver

High-pressure autofeed screwdrivers are designed for large-scale projects and for intensive, regular use. Combining the use of long collated screw strips and fast screwing speeds of over 4000 RPM, these let you work non-stop, since the screws automatically load into the screwdriver bit. They offer significantly higher efficiency and some types of autofeed screwdriver can handle strips of up to 1000 screws.

Autofeed drywall screwdriver

Autofeed screwdrivers are ideal for occasional use and for large-scale projects. These also use screw strips that load automatically, but can also be used screw by screw by detaching the loader from the body of the screwdriver. The screw strips used by these screwdrivers usually hold at least 50 screws.

Conventional drywall screwdriver

A conventional screwdriver is suitable for occasional use on small projects. The screws need to be loaded one by one onto the magnetic bit before being screwed into place. Some conventional screwdrivers offer the option to fit an autofeed attachment if the need arises.

Power rating

The power rating of screwdrivers, no matter what type, ranges from 400 to 700 Watts. The higher the power rating, the more torque, meaning the screwdriver has better turning strength. A high power rating means less force needs to be applied in thick areas where long screws are required.

Rotational speed

As for rotational speed, this influences the screw-in time. While all screwdrivers feature rotational speeds of over 2000 RPM, you can opt for a faster one if you need to use long screws. This higher rotational speed of 4000 to 5000 RPM compensates for the length of the screw you're driving in.

It's important to know that the various autofeed and conventional electric screwdrivers are generally available in two versions: corded or cordless, like an electric drill.

Corded drywall screwdriver

The advantage of this type is that they maintain even power and enjoy an unlimited operating time. It is essential that you are able to plug this type of screwdriver into the mains, otherwise it won't work. The downside: the cord! Watch you don't get your legs tangled up! Bonus: these are a little lighter than battery-powered models.

Cordless drywall screwdriver

The advantage is that you can take your screwdriver with you everywhere, but the downside is the limited operating time. When choosing your battery, two criteria come into play: voltage (V) and ampere hours (Ah).

Voltage

Expressed in volts, this is the difference in electric potential between two points. The battery voltage determines the screwdriver's torque. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the screwdriver.

Ampere hours

Ampere hours are the charge a battery can deliver for one hour. For example, a 5 Ah battery can deliver 5 Amp for 1 hour or 1 Amp for 5 hours.

To make the right choice, power needs to be considered to ensure you get the correct battery. Batteries of between 14 to 24 volts offer better performance and are the most suitable for high-pressure autofeed screwdrivers. For less energy-intensive models, 10 to 14 volt batteries will do just fine. Current lithium Li-Ion battery technology means these can be quickly charged for several hours of use, depending on what you're going to do. It should also be noted that the lack of a power cord provides optimal user comfort, although the battery makes the whole set-up heavier.

Drywall screws have deeper threads than normal ones. They are self-drilling and usually 4 mm in diameter. They are made of steel with a phosphate coating to protect them from corrosion. The countersunk cross-head allows the screw to nestle nicely into the drywall. They vary in length from 25 mm to 150 mm. Depending on the type of screwdriver used, they are available in strips of 50 screws for autofeed drivers, or in boxes of varying amounts for one-by-one screwdriving. Strips of up to 1000 screws are available for screwdrivers with a magazine into which the strip is coiled.

There are some very practical accessories and attachments available:

Belt or scaffold pole hooks

These hooks on the screwdriver handle keep your screwdriver to hand at all times.

Lighting

LED lights embedded at the side of the screwdriver bit can come in handy in poorly lit work spaces.

Non-slip grip

A soft grip on the handle improves overall grip and handling of the screwdriver while in operation.

Batteries

A single battery is enough if you're only doing occasional work for short periods of time. For bigger jobs, a second battery is a good idea, because then you can rotate between them.

No matter how big or small the job, a drywall screwdriver is a must-have for fast and accurate work. Whichever technology it uses, it will make drywalling simpler. Your posture when drywalling isn't always ideal (arms and head up, kneeling, standing or even lying down), so pick your drywall screwdriver in line with your own skills and the project needs. Remember: you will save time and, in terms of comfort, you have everything to gain!

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