While installing drywall in your home or office, you have to choose a tool that works effectively and one that does not damage the delicate drywalls. For its installation, you will require a drywall screw gun to drive screws in and secure it.
This article explains everything you need to know about the drywall screw gun. After reading it you will know what a drywall screw gun is, the benefits of using one over a power drill, and the process of using a drywall screw gun.
The article also provides safety precautions on how to avoid suffering an injury and recommends a drywall screw gun you should consider acquiring.
What is a Drywall Screw Gun?
A drywall screw gun is an electric specialty tool that is used to drive screws into drywalls (gypsum walls). It may also be used on wood.
It has a grip, a trigger, and a nose that is shaped like the one on a drill. It also has an automatic screw feeder. This means that you don’t need to insert a new one each time you pull the trigger.
It may sometimes be confused with a power drill due to their similarities. However, the screw gun lacks the drill head and has several advantages over the drill gun.
Benefits of Using Drywall Screw Gun
Depth Setting
This is the most advantageous feature of the drywall screw gun. On the nose of the screw gun, you can set the depth to which the screws are driven into the drywall.
This is done once before you start using the screw gun and you don’t have to keep adjusting the depth. This is not possible with the power drill.
With the depth setting, you avoid damage to the drywall or gypsum, which is delicate. The screw holes around the gypsum are also protected from damage thus the installation’s strength will not be compromised.
Consistency
When driving screws into drywall, you will require to get the process right to avoid damaging the drywall. With this screw gun, unlike a drill where you have to estimate how far you have to drive the screw, you can achieve consistent results.
That means all the screws are driven into the same level and with the same force applied. This is partly as a result of the depth setting, discussed next.
Ease of Use and Speed
The process of using a drywall screw gun is not complicated at all. You will be able to use it easily, and simple instructions manual will serve as clarification in case of any confusion. You do not need the expertise to use it.
You can work faster when you use a drywall screw gun because unlike a drill where you may need to load screws manually and one at a time, it is easier with a screw gun.
The screw gun has an automatic screw feeder mechanism. The screws are lined up for you and you will not need to stop to load it every time. This makes the process speedy and saves a lot of time. It also makes work easier especially if you are working on a large surface.
Ergonomic design
The drywall screw gun is designed to make working with it comfortable and easy. The handle is easy to grip in your palm and made of soft rubber to ensure you do not get blisters on your palm.
When held, the shaft aligns with your arm. This ensures you can place screws straight and perpendicular to the drywall. This avoids damage to the wall and ensures the screws hold the gypsum in place.
It is also light and can easily be held on the palm for long working periods and easily hang on the waist harness when not in use.
How to Use A Drywall Screw Gun
- Set the depth on the nose of the screw gun. You will be guided by the screw size. The size may be recommended from the gypsum installation guide.
- Load the screws in the screw gun according to its capacity. Do not power it on until you have loaded the required screws to avoid accidents and injury.
- Run a test on a piece of wood or waste gypsum. This will ensure you got the settings right. You may need to practice to ensure you do not cause damage to the installation.
- Make the necessary adjustments on the screw depth to fit the requirements of the installation.
- Position the screw gun at a right angle, perpendicular to the drywall. This will prevent damage to the drywall and also ensure it is well secured by the screws.
- Start the screw gun and lock the trigger in place. This means that the gun will be continuously running and powering on and off between screws is not necessary.
- Place the screw on the screw hole and hold the screw gun it firmly with your palm. This will drive the screw in.
- When the screw gun nose touches the drywall sheet, the clutch will get released. This is enabled by the depth setting on the gun.
- The gun will automatically load the next screw and you can repeat the process until you are through.
- Power down the screw gun and put it in storage.
Safety Precautions
To avoid having drywall dust and iron fillings from the screws getting into your eyes, wear proper eye protection goggles when using a screw gun. Wear earmuffs if the process becomes too loud for you to avoid damage to your ears.
A dust mask may come in handy especially when working in a large area. This prevents the inhalation of drywall dust. Dust is known to cause respiratory irritation and may aggravate allergies and conditions such as asthma.
Ensure you keep your hands away from the screw gun nose and power down the screw gun whenever you need to replenish the screws in order to avoid injury.
Follow all the safety precautions provided by the drywall screw gun manufacturer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a drywall screw gun is an effective tool that makes drywall installation easy and speedy. It has an automatic screw loading mechanism and one of its biggest advantages is screw depth adjustment. This prevents damage to the drywall.
Ensure you follow the process of use and the safety precautions provided for effective drywall installation and to avoid injury to yourself.
