How to Drive Drywall Screws Like a Pro
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019These three tools make it easy to do the job right. The key to driving drywall screws is to set the scree heads slightly below the surface of the drywall with out breaking the paper facing.
1. Self-feeding drywall screw gun
If you’re covering an entire garage or basement in drywall, it’s worth getting a self feeding drywall screw gun. The screws are collated, and the driver presents a screw every time you need one. The least expensive models are corded. ($100 to $200)
2. Corded drywall screw gun
Pros have been using these for decades. They’re very fast, setting screws almost instantly, but since you have to load the screws one at a time by hand, it takes a lot of practice to get proficient. ($50 to $100)
3. Adapter for cordless drywall screw gun
If you have only a few sheets of drywall to hang, you’ll be fine using your cordless drill/driver. But do yourself a favor and buy a drywall screw adapter. It automatically sets the screw head just below the surface of the paper without breaking through, leaving a small dimple that you fill with joint compound. ($5 to $10)
THE BASICS:
The key to driving drywall screws is to set the screw heads slightly below the surface of the drywall without breaking the paper facing.
For more tips on finishing drywall click here.
