I'm not a professional contractor, but I value high-quality tools for DIY. I'm currently tackling a 1,000 square foot basement renovation on my own, and I'm looking for a durable drywall drill that includes a collated attachment. I've seen that many options seem to have issues right out of the box, and I really want to avoid buying a drill that will fail after only a few panels. Given my experience with product reviews, I find that items rated 4 or 5 stars often have mixed feedback. What drywall drill do you recommend?
2 Answers
I've only used Hilti, and I have to say it's top-notch. If there's ever an issue with the drywall gun or attachment, Home Depot offers a solid return policy, which is a big plus. I'd suggest buying the gun and attachment separately unless you specifically need the batteries. Lots of newcomers make mistakes with the attachment rather than the gun, so having more than one shaft could help since it's easy to cam out screws if you're not hitting them straight on. Overall, Hilti is the best option, though it's pricier. But with a good return policy, it might not matter as much. Just get it from a local store to avoid issues with stock.
I should've clarified more; I'm wondering if the older model Dewalt is actually better than the new one for the gun. The reviews haven’t been very flattering, and it's tough finding good demo models in stores.
My experience with older belt-fed Sencos still stands, but after trying out the Hilti on a larger project, I can't see myself going back. The reliability of the feeding mechanism and how easy it is to detach the clip feeder makes it a breeze to set screws that are standing proud. Plus, the Hilti screws are just of a higher quality.
I’m not a full-time drywall hanger, just tackling a couple hundred sheets a year, but I use an older XR Dewalt with the Senco feed attachment, and it works quite well for me. I don't foresee wearing it out any time soon.
Yeah, there's definitely a skill to it! I’d recommend practicing your aim before going into stud work. It helps to keep your pointer finger above the trigger while using your middle finger to pull—trust me, it can make a big difference!