Best Screw Guns: Retire Your Screwdriver Set

Tackle jobs around the house with these top screw guns

byLinsay Thomas, Rebecca Henderson|
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BYLinsay Thomas, Rebecca Henderson/ LAST UPDATED ON June 30, 2021

Build one item of IKEA furniture, and you’ll soon realize why screw guns are superior to screwdrivers in nearly every way. Screw guns are an incredible tool that you can easily use in your home. If you’re in the market for a screw gun, keep reading to learn more about what types are available, what you should pay, and which models we recommend.

Best Overall
WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver with Screw Holder

WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver with Screw Holder

Summary
WORX makes any fastening job easy with the single-handed operation screw gun, which carries up to six bits and weighs only a pound and a half.
Pros
This screw gun is equipped with an LED light, a 4-volt lithium rechargeable battery, and a semi-automatic trigger. The battery holds a charge for up to 18 months.
Cons
While this screw gun suffices for odd jobs around the house, it’s not something you’d bring to a job site. This screw gun doesn’t have the power necessary for professional work.
Best Value

Pink Power Cordless Electric Screw Gun & Bit Set for Women

Summary
Embrace Pink Power with this easy-to-use screw gun. Complete with 11 bits and a bit set holder, this screw gun includes a pivoting head as well.
Pros
A built-in LED light allows you to see your work surface. The screw gun can operate up to 200 RPMs and comes with a rechargeable battery.
Cons
You’ll have to manually change out the screw bits on this product. It’s also not the most durable or powerful model available.
Honorable Mention

DeWalt Drywall Screw Gun

Summary
If you plan on fastening drywall, this screw gun is your new best friend. A high-torque capability and strong, durable gears are a huge asset to any professional contractor.
Pros
This screw gun is capable of up to 6.5 amps and weighs 4.5 pounds. A depth-sensitive nosepiece is included, along with a rubber grip and two-finger trigger.
Cons
This screw gun from DeWalt might be from a brand name, but you’re still paying quite a bit of money for just the main tool.

Benefits of Screw Guns

  • More power. Using electricity to do something you’d normally have to perform by hand is one of the many benefits of advanced technology. A screw gun provides enough power so you can tackle any job and still have strength left to do additional work. 
  • Easy operation. With one squeeze of your finger, your new screw gun fires into action. Screw guns are great because you don’t need a lot of force behind the pull, and nearly anyone can operate these simple tools. 
  • Multifunctional. Screw guns are useful whenever there’s a flathead or Phillips screw that needs to be installed and/or removed. You can use the tool in the house, the garage, the shop, at work, and nearly anywhere else you might one. 
  • Storable and stowable. One of the best things about screw guns is that they are relatively small, especially the hand-held ones. For this reason, you can easily store them in the garage, car, hall closet, or wherever else you stash your tools. 
  • Increased productivity. Building things can be a lot of hard work, and if it only takes a few seconds to install a handful of screws, instead of several minutes, you’re already working ahead of the clock.  

Types of Screw Guns

Collated Screw Guns

Most of the more expensive screw guns you’ll find are going to be collated. This means the screws you’re working with to do drywall, secure deck pieces, or nail down flooring can penetrate deeper for a better hold. Professionals often find it necessary to have collated screw guns for a variety of jobs.

Flexible, Hand-Held Screw Guns

Handheld and capable of hours of power, these screw guns have more torque than you might realize. You’d be amazed at what you can fasten with these seemingly small power tools. Some screw guns even come with flexible positions, so you can change them from a straight-on screwdriving tool to 45 and even 90 degrees. 

Top Brands

DeWalt

Founded in 1924 and headquartered in Baltimore, Md., DeWalt is a huge presence on the tool aisle and is known for its black and yellow tools of all types. If you’re in the market for the full DeWalt experience, check out the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill 9-Tool Kit. It might be pricey, but it’s great for stocking up your toolbox.

Black + Decker

Also headquartered in Maryland but founded 14 years earlier, Black + Decker is just as well known as DeWalt. If you’re looking to pair your new screw gun with a durable impact, choose the Black + Decker 4V MAX Cordless Screw Gun. You’ll soon find new projects to work on just to use this product.

Milwaukee

Founded the same year as Black + Decker, Milwaukee is based out of Wisconsin. We think you’ll like the Milwaukee FUEL Drywall Screw Gun if you end up choosing a Milwaukee screw gun. You should also check out the rest of its lineup for more great deals on tools. 

Screw Gun Pricing

  • $25-$40: You can find quality, flexible, hand-held screw guns in this price range. These screw guns are small and fit in your hand easily. Some will come with various attachments and a carrying case while others do not. You won’t be able to tackle drywall with these screw guns, but they will work for most everyday-type jobs.   
  • $70-$200: At this price point you’ll start to see more variety. Many of the units sold in this price range are singular; they don’t come with any of the accessories you’d expect. Expect to spend between $150-$175 for a good-quality tool that you can use a lot.  
  • $200-$300: To get some of the more desirable accessories, you’ll have to spend at least $200. For that amount, you’ll receive things like carrying cases, extra bits and attachments, and other specialized features each manufacturer offers.
  • $300 and up: Professionals and anyone who doesn’t like to purchase an item more than once will be satisfied with the screw-guns listed around the $300 price point. Made to get the job done without a single whimper, these screw guns are durable, powerful, and long-lasting. 

Key Features

Ergonomic Design

Holding onto your screwdriver or screw gun is essential to staying safe and being successful with a particular task. The best screw guns will prioritize a firm grip by incorporating things like larger triggers or throttles and rigid gripping areas. Ergonomic design can also mean the screw gun pivots to adapt to a variety of situations and applications.

Long Cord or Cordless

Many job sites don’t have multiple sources of power available. For this reason, a long cord or a cordless screw gun makes a world of a difference. The best screw guns will be cordless and also feature a long-lasting battery that will work throughout the day.

Adjustability

The best screw guns include adjustable features, such as torque and depth of drive. These features allow you to make adjustments as needed in order to get the job done efficiently. Adjustability can also come in the form of the screw gun itself, which pivots or rotates to different positions.

Durability

Like any tool in your toolbox, you want your screw gun to be durable. The best screw guns are made from materials that will resist rust, stains, and other types of damage. A durable screw gun will take abuse and not easily fall apart. Good screw guns address this issue by beefing up certain components to withstand long use.

Auto-Feed or Feed-On-Return

This is something that most drywall screw guns feature. The best screw guns include an auto-feed system that will load another screw in place as soon as the first one has been ejected. Some manufacturers also call this feature feed-on-return, which is just another way of saying the next screw in line is fed into place when the preceding one ejects. 

Other Considerations

  • Rechargeable Battery: A rechargeable battery is incredibly handy, especially when it comes to mobile repairs. If you don’t have to connect to a power source, your range of service expands as well as the time you can spend on any given project. Most screw guns come with a rechargeable battery that can last a long time. 
  • Carrying Case: Depending on which type of screw gun you purchase, you may receive a carrying case. Carrying cases are best for professionals who take their screw guns on the road to jobs offsite. It’s also a good way to store your tool while it’s not in use, whether you’re a professional or not. 
  • Extras and Attachments: Two of the screw guns we mentioned come with additional components that aid in the use of the products. However, not all screw guns come with accessories and all the bits you need. Selecting a product that has these additional components is something to consider if you’re working on a budget or deadline. 

Best Screw Gun Reviews & Recommendations 2021

We chose the WORX Semi-Automatic Screw Gun as our pick for the best screw gun because it’s a versatile and handy tool to have around the house. There are many characteristics built into this screw gun that make it easy for anyone who can operate a power tool.


This screw gun comes with a 4-volt, rechargeable lithium battery that can hold a charge up to 18 months, according to the manufacturer. It includes an LED light, so you can see what you’re doing as you work. This screw gun is small and lightweight, so you can reach into tight spaces to work quickly and efficiently. The rotary carrier can hold up to six standard-size bits at a time and allows you to switch bits on the fly as well. Best of all, the WORX screw gun is designed to be used with one hand, so you can keep the other free.


While this screw gun is a great tool to have around the house, it’s not something you’d expect to see on a jobsite. Though durable in its own right, the WORX screw gun isn’t made for heavy-duty work. It doesn’t have the power necessary to make short work of jobs you’d encounter on a worksite. In addition, because it is a smaller screw gun, you might have a little trouble working it if you have large hands. That being said, almost anyone looking for an everyday-use screw gun will likely be happy with this product.

Don’t let the color fool you. We chose the Pink Power Cordless Screw Gun as our value pick because it offers customers a lot of use for the price. Do yourself a favor and throw out that old screwdriver you’ve been using for so long. Pick up this Pink Power Cordless Screw Gun instead and cut your work time in half.


There’s a lot to like about the Pink Power Screw Gun. The unit is powered by a 3.6-volt rechargeable battery that is capable of powering the screw gun up to 200 RPMs. This screw gun features forward and reverses so you can complete the job, no matter if you’re pulling screws out or driving them in. An LED light guides you, and the battery indicator is helpful if you’re looking at a long day of work. Pink Power offers a one-year warranty on both the pivoting-head screw gun and the 11 included bits and bit set holder. This screw gun weighs less than one pound.


Like our best overall screw gun pick, this screw gun from Pink Power isn’t quite the go-getter you’d see from higher-priced, larger screw guns. You’ll also have to change out the bits by hand. That takes a bit of time away from your project, but in the end, this Pink Power screw gun is a handy companion.

Here’s another screw gun for your consideration. The Drywall Screw Gun from DeWalt is a well-known name in the tool industry. If you haven’t gotten a chance to pick up and handle a DeWalt, visit your local hardware store. In the meantime, keep reading to find out more about our this pick.


With both variable speeds and a reversible feature, this screw gun from DeWalt is meant for securing drywall. The unit includes helical-cut steel and heat-treated steel gears for a durable, long-lasting tool that will keep on turning. This screw gun is capable of 6.5 amps and weighs just over 4 pounds. You’ll enjoy a two-finger trigger for control and comfort and a rubber grip to ensure you won’t slip. Meant for securing decking, drywall, and heavy-gauge steel, this drywall screw gun has a depth-sensitive nosepiece for consistent fastening depth.


There are a few drawbacks to the DeWalt Screw Gun. Since it’s meant for heavy-duty use, it is a bit heavier than our other picks for the best screw gun. Also, though DeWalt is a premium brand, it is a bit difficult not to cringe at the price tag considering you only get the screw gun. With that said, this unit can be a great tool for any professional contractor to have on his or her tool belt. 

Here is a high-quality screw gun from Black+Decker. With the low price and outstanding user-friendly features, this tool proves to be one of the best choices on the market within the category. It's also well-made, durable, and provides continuous and reliable performance.


This screw gun features a lithium-ion battery known to last for up to a year and a half. The unit holds the charge for quite a while, allowing you to tackle your projects without taking unnecessary breaks. Furthermore, the tool has a spindle lock you can use to switch to manual screw driving. The forward and reverse switch is also useful and makes operation as easy as it can be.


However, the tool does require careful maneuvering when in the pistol grip position. Because the switch is awkwardly positioned, it doesn't fall right under fingers, and you'll probably search for it each time before use. Another issue is the lack of a bit-storing compartment. The included bits are easy to lose and challenging to switch between quickly and effortlessly.

Black+Decker offers a cordless screw gun with a lithium-ion battery. The tool proves to be very convenient for DIY and home projects, allowing you to drive screws quickly and effortlessly. It's especially useful for making furniture, reassembling electronics, and performing a wide range of repairs. Thanks to the cordless design, the unit also gives you freedom of movement and is easy to use.


This Black+Decker screw gun features a pivoting handle you can adjust to three different positions to suit your needs. There's also a flashlight for more visibility in dark conditions, which turns out to be a very useful feature. When it comes to the design, the tool is compact and lightweight, so you'll feel comfortable while using it and avoid fatigue with extended use. Additionally, the battery holds really well and charges quickly.


There are only a few small caveats to keep in mind before the purchase. First, the unit doesn't have a charging indicator, and it is tricky to determine the status of the charge before use. Second, just like the previously reviewed Black+Decker screw gun, this model doesn't have a place to store the two included bits. Also, note that this screw gun has only one speed.

This DeWalt screw gun features a brushless motor for superior performance and unmatched runtime. The tool works on batteries of up to 20 volts at maximum and operates quietly at all times. With 4,400 RPM, it is more powerful than a lot of corded screw guns, allowing you to tackle home projects with ease. 


Along with outstanding power, the tool also offers an ergonomic design. You'll be able to operate it without much effort and move around according to your needs and situations. For more security on the job site, you can also use a cone lock to secure the tool. There's even a built-in LED light to illuminate the work area. 


You'll have to pay quite some cash to get this DeWalt screw gun, though. The item is pricier than most of the other options on our list, and it might not be the first choice for DIYers. The only other drawback might come from an awkwardly positioned reverse lever. It's touchy and easy to press accidentally.

Here we have another DeWalt unit worthy of your attention. We are talking about a 20V drywall screw gun that works on a lithium-ion battery and proves to be very efficient. You can use it for all kinds of projects, from your home to your workshop, and drive bits with ease. Because it's brushless, the screw gun proves to be very powerful, fast, and easy to use.


The tool allows for a lot of adjustments. It quickly goes into and out of the auto-feed collated mode and gives you an option to change screws and driving depth without using any tools. There's even a disassembly release button for easy cleanups and an LED light for increased visibility in dark environments.


One of the drawbacks of this product is the bulky design. You'll probably have some difficulties reaching the corners and driving screws that are close to walls and other objects. Another issue comes from the fact that square bits are not available for this unit. If you're looking forward to working on hardwoods, this might not be the best option for you.

This Makita screw gun features a powerful brushless motor and works on lithium-ion batteries. It delivers up to 4,000 RPM, which gives you an option to handle most drywall and framing applications. Overall, the tool proves to be incredibly efficient and is designed for long-term use. Thanks to the sturdy and durable construction, you'll enjoy its reliable performance for quite a while.


Another benefit of this tool is the quiet operation. The Makita screw gun runs smoothly and doesn't produce annoying noise. It also comes packed with a lot of great features. There's a built-in LED light for more visibility, an adjustable nose piece for consistent driving depth, and a lock-on button.


However, the Makita screw gun is pricier than other options on our list. It might not be the best option for those who are on a tight budget and are looking for a DIY tool for home purposes. When it comes to the design of the screw gun, the only thing that might bother you is the weight. It turns out to be quite heavy.

Milwaukee never fails to deliver high-quality power and hand tools. This time, we have a sturdy screw gun made of metal and plastic. It's one of those items that can withstand heavy daily abuse and still provide impeccable results. With the 4,500 RPM, you can work on most home projects and get rid of your old and time-consuming screwdriver.


This particular screw gun has a brushless motor that ensures reliable and quiet performance. It's super fast and has an auto-start feature. Basically, when you press it against drywall, the tool will start up automatically. One charge lasts for quite some time, so you won't need to take frequent breaks when working on your projects.


The Milwaukee screw gun is an excellent option for both professionals and DIYers, but it will drive you to spend extra cash. If you want to save some money, you can check out some inexpensive alternatives above. When it comes to the tool itself, the only drawback comes from the large and heavy body that might cause hand fatigue.

Last but not least, we have a Makita screw gun with a 6-amp motor and a maximum RPM of 6,000. The tool is designed for framing and hanging applications, making things easier for all DIYers and homeowners. Because it's well-built, compact, and lightweight, this screw gun proves to be an excellent option for daily use.


Another thing we like about this screw gun is the easy-to-grip handle and a nose cone holder located below the pistol grip. The tool also has a steel-reinforced belt clip for convenient hanging on the worksite. Additionally, users can adjust the driving depth and lock it in a desirable position for consistent results and more stability.


However, this is a corded unit that doesn't allow for a lot of movement. For more flexibility when working on projects, you might want to get an extension cord. Also, the reverse lever is easy to switch accidentally. It's located right under the fingers and might get pressed randomly during projects.

Tips

  • When it comes to buying power tools, spending a bit more can be worth it in the long run. Those few extra dollars can mean the difference between replacing that product in a year’s time or having it last much longer than that. 
  • If you plan on taking your screw gun to a job site or anywhere else where others might be near it, consider marking it or writing your name on it with a Sharpie. That way there’s no confusion when it comes time to pack up after the work is done. 
  • You don’t have to stick to the same brand for all your power tools. For example, you might have a DeWalt screw gun but your impact driver is from Makita. As long as the product gets the job done, don’t worry about coordinating. 
  • The day before you’re going to work with your screw gun, make sure it’s recharged. If your battery is low, place the screw gun on the charger before you go to sleep. It’s always better to have a full charge to work on than to limit yourself and potentially leave a job incomplete.
  • Many screw guns also include a belt loop for ease of access. These loops, belt hooks, or belt clips can be a great way to hang your screw gun as you manipulate your work area with your free hands. Just make sure the nose cone or other parts of the screw gun don't scrape the work area you're in.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between a screw gun and an electric screwdriver?

A: A screw gun is often used over an electric screwdriver to provide more screwing power. It’s a bit like having a power drill to push a fastener deeper into the material. Electric screwdrivers often have brushless motors that allow them to last longer.

Q: What other brands offer screw guns?

A: Other brands that offer screw guns include Hitachi, Senco, Makita, and Bosch. While we couldn’t include these screw guns on our list, there are quite a few good models to consider. Each screw gun has its own pros and cons, as you can see from our list above.

Q: What kind of drill bits should I buy for my new screw gun?

A: The screw-guns we listed accept standard hex bits, which you can purchase online or at your local hardware store. Standard bits are typically ¼-inch in size, so as long as you keep to that measurement, you should have no issues operating your screw gun.

Q: How long does a battery typically last on a screw gun?

A: Most lithium-ion battery-powered screw guns have a long battery charge that will last quite some time. The battery life makes a cordless screwdriver superior to a corded screwdriver. Run time depends on how long you use the screw gun and what settings you’re working with.

Q: When is a drywall screw gun necessary versus a regular screw gun or screwdriver?

A: It’s best to use a drywall screwdriver when hanging the drywall. That may sound obvious, but there are a lot of benefits you’ll enjoy from using the right tool for the job. Drywall screw guns can achieve high speed and include depth adjustment for increased accuracy and fastening power.

Q: How do I know what setting to put my screw gun on when it comes to screwing depth?

A: There are a lot of recommendations when it comes to setting the depth of the drive, but you should always make sure the screw has enough threads within the fastened materials to bite down and hold tight. Driving screws can be much harder than you think, so setting depth a bit lower isn’t a bad idea. 

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best screw gun overall is the WORX Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver with Screw Holder. It’s a versatile tool you’ll want to have in your arsenal.

If you’re working on a budget, check out the Pink Power Cordless Electric Screw Gun & Bit Set for Women. Working hard all day isn’t just for the boys.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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