Comparison: Popular Collated Screw Guns in 2020

Senco DS332-AC Corded Auto-Feed Screwdriver

There are two versions of this collated screw gun from Senco: the DS332-AC which fits up to 3″ screws and the DS232-AC which fits up to 2″ screws. Here we’re going to look at the DS332-AC, which is a more “future-proof” option if you plan on doing a lot of home improvement in the future. Plus, since this is a dedicated collated screw gun, it’s nice to have one that can handle a variety of tasks.

If we had to pick an all-in-one package for most tasks that benefit from a collated screw gun, then this would probably be our favorite. The reliable screw depth adjustment and range of screw sizes it can handle make this a tool worth having.

Specifications

• Tool-free screw length adjustment for getting just the right screw depth
• Depth-of-drive lock that ensures you get the same countersink with each screw
• Two drive bits, drywall and wood nose piece, and storage bag
• Quick slide button bit change
• Variable speed trigger
• 2500 RPM, high-torque motor
• Corded
• Works great with Senco 06A125P DuraSpin Number 6 by 1-1/4-Inch Drywall to Wood Collated Screws

Next up, the Milwaukee Collated Screw Gun Set, which is different from the Senco model above as it’s a standard screw gun with an optional collated feed system that attaches to the screw gun. The Milwaukee is a customer favorite, especially if you already own other Milwaukee cordless products since the batteries are often interchangeable.

Milwaukee 2866-20 M18 Drywall Screw Gun with Auto-Feed Attachment

You have the option to purchase the Milwaukee 2866-20 Screw Gun and the attachment separately, or you can buy the combo set. If you already have the gun you can simply purchase the attachment and immediately start using it.

Depending on availability and pricing, the best deal may be one or the other. It’s also important to keep in mind that the combo set we’ve linked to below includes two M18 batteries with the set, which is a huge value.

Is it a good product? The overwhelming consensus is: yes. The Milwaukee Auto-Feed Attachment and Screw Gun combination is one of the most highly-rated options available, especially since it is a detachable accessory instead of a single-use tool. You can still get the reliability and performance of the basic Milwaukee Screw Gun and use the batteries with other Milwaukee products you may own.

Specifications

• Milwaukee 2866-22 M18 Fuel Drywall Screw Gun XC Kit + Collated Magazine Attachment
• Combo Kit Includes: Drywall Screw Gun (2866-20), (2) M18 5.0 Batteries, Charger, Contractor Bag, Collated Magazine Attachment (49-20-0001)
• Allows for easy adjustment and is compatible with all major brands of screws up to 2″
• Easy screw depth adjustment that is flush to the top of the magazine to reduce accidental actuation
• 18 Volts, Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Tapered Nose Design: Provides closer access to tight corners
• Speed (RPM): 0-4500
• Torque (In/Lb): 124.00
• Bit Holder Size (Inch): 3

Senco DS440AC Screwdriver Kit

This kit by Senco is comparable to one of the three Makita options we’re going to look at below. The Senco comes with an Auto-Feed system that handles up to 3″ screws, whereas the Makita comes with two Auto-Feed attachments that handle 2″ screws and 3″ screws.

Now, the Senco system works just fine, in fact better than fine, for all common applications including drywall, subfloor, and even decking. The extension rod comes with a built-in grip handle to give you leverage while inserting screws at a distance.

Overall, this set is a great bargain with extremely positive customer reviews and has all the essentials for most tasks that benefit from a collated screw gun. The Auto-feed magazine can handle a nice range of screw sizes between 1″ to 3″, which covers most applications.

One thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re doing deck work, is that you want to have extra bits on hand. Collated screw systems tend to chew through bits even more when doing heavy-duty work such as driving 3″ screws through thick deck material.

Specifications

• Includes Senco Electric Screwdriver, Bag, Extension Pole, Toe Nail Nose Pieces, Bits
• Model SG4100 Drill; Collated Magazing Model DS320
• 21″ Extension Rod
• Assembled length: 36.5″
• Handles 1″ to 3″ Screws

Makita Quik Drive Complete Combo Multi-Use Kit

This combo kit includes two different collated magazine attachments: the Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive PRO300S Decking attachment and the Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive PRO200G2 Drywall attachment.

The drywall attachment is intended for 1″ to 2″ collated screws while the decking attachment can handle between 1-3/4″ to 3″ screws.

Metal roofing, underlayment, stair treads, decking, drywall, subfloor and more are all possible as long as you’ve got the right screws. You can pretty much handle any screw size for most home improvement projects and beyond.

If you are interested in this type of screw gun kit, also consider the Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) SuperDrive system. Depending on current pricing you may find that kit to be more affordable. We’re going to look at that model below.

Specifications

• Quik Drive PROSDDM35K Complete Combo Multi-Use Kit
• No tools needed to set up or break down tool system
• QDPRO300SG2 attachment for decking
• QDPRO200G2 attachment for drywall
• Extension for stand-up or overhead driving
• Quiver, Tool Case and Makita 3500 RPM Screwgun
• Reversible and replaceable non-skid teeth attachment

Makita XSF03RX2 Compact Cordless Drywall Screwdriver Kit with Autofeed Magazine

With this kit you get a cordless Makita screw gun (XSF03RX2), Autofeed magazine, and two 2.0Ah batteries. This is a great choice if you already have other cordless Makita Tools that are also compatible with these 18V batteries.

Keep in mind this collated screw magazine only fits up to 1-1/4″ screws, which is a bit less than some of the other models we’ve looked at so far. It’s ideal for drywall, metal framing, installing subfloors, backer board, and decking. For example, you can use this screw gun to attach 1/2″ drywall to a 20 ga. steel stud.

Additionally, the batteries recharge in as little as 25 minutes, so you can keep rotating them out for continuous power.

Specifications

• 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Batteries (2.0 Ah)
• 4,000 RPM
• 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
• 3″ Magnetic Bit Holder (784812-6)
• Collated Autofeed Screwdriver Magazine (199145-0)
• Belt Clip (346449-3); #2 Phillips Power Bit; #2 Square Power Bit
• Tool Bag
• Push drive technology – in lock-on mode the motor starts only when the fastener engages for longer run-time and motor noise reduction

Makita XRF02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Autofeed Screwdriver Kit

The Makita XRF02Z is a cordless all-in-one auto-feed screwdriver kit that is compact and ergonomic with a comfortable trigger grip and underside grip. Given that it’s an all-in-one system there is no extension rod and the auto-feed magazine doesn’t detach.

The screw length range that the magazine can handle is between 1″ to 2-1/8″ screws. That’s a nice range for most applications other than decking and possibly fencing if you’re looking to drive 3″ screws. Drywall? Yep, this is perfect.

Every collated screw gun handles differently, so it’s important to test before starting your job. Adjust your depth appropriately and make sure you’re square with the material you’re fastening. Most frustrations with collated screw guns could be prevented by simply learning the tool and getting comfortable before starting your work.

Specifications

• Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers superior fastening speed with 4,000 RPM
• Collated screw capacity range: 1″ to 2-1/8″
• Screw guide prevents screw strip tangling and can fold against the auto feed housing for easy storing
• Rugged aluminum dust-proof auto feed housing provides smooth sliding action
• Compact and ergonomic design at only 16-3/4″ long
• Weighs only 5.1 lbs. with battery (Battery not included)
• Built-in belt clip

Metabo HPT SuperDrive Collated Screwdriver

Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi Power Tools) is a well-known brand that isn’t a newcomer when it comes to power tools. This kit includes the SuperDrive auto-feed magazine and extension rod similar to the Senco and Makita options above.

The SuperDrive system handles between 5/8″ to 3″ screws with diameters from #6 to #12. That’s a great range for many applications from drywall to decking. Also, the power cord is very long at 24.6 ft.

Without a doubt, this collated screw magazine has one of the largest range of compatible screw lengths of all the models we’ve discussed here.

Specifications

•  W6VB3SD2 Collated Screwdriver
•  #2 Phillips Bit, #2 Square Bit, #2 LOX Bit, Decking Nose Piece
• 20″ Extension Rod
• Features a no-load speed of 0-2,600 RPM and a max torque of 139.6 in-lbs, ideal for higher torque applications
• Tool-free depth of drive adjustment
• Fastens from 5/8″ to 3″ screws with diameters from #6-#12
• Weighs 7.7 lbs

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun

DeWalt is another household name with tons of power tools in their catalog, and notably their large cordless power tool and accessory selection. The bundle we’ve shown here does not come with batteries and only includes the cordless screwdriver and collated magazine attachment.

This is a great option if you’ve got your eye on a system with a detachable collated magazine so that you can use the screw gun for other purposes. If you already have other DeWalt cordless products, then this is a no-brainer since you should be able to use this screw gun with batteries included with other 20V power tools.

With this bundle, you can adjust the screw size, driving depth, and attach or remove the collated magazine all without a tool.

Specifications

• DeWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun (DCF620B)
• DeWALT Drywall Screw Gun Collated Magazine Accessory (DCF6201)
• DeWALT brushless motor that delivers superior performance and maximum run time
• Cone-Lock(tm) nosecone locks on securely and is easily removed
• LED light for visibility in tight spaces
• Battery & Charger Sold Separately
• Quickly converts to & from an auto-feed collated screw driving system
• Disassembly release button (for occasional blow-out/cleaning)

Ridgid R6791 Drywall and Deck Collated Screwdriver

The Ridgid Collated Screwdriver is a budget all-in-one screw gun capable of driving between 1″ and 3″ screws. It’s especially compact, even more so than the Makita all-in-one. One of the primary complaints with this screw gun is that the included bits are soft and wear out very quickly. The good news is you can simply buy your own bits, which you will have to do for any collated screw gun anyway.

Specifications

• 6.5 amp motor providing 3, 700 RPM
•  Reversible belt clip for ease of use for left and right hand users
• Weighs 6.88 lbs
• Tool-free nose piece – easily and quickly change between 1 in. – 3 in. fastener sizes
• Oversized depth adjustment wheel – for easily countersinking screws at desired setting