From: marks@ssdevo.enet.dec.com (Randy Marks)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: How about corded power (drywall) screwdrivers?
Date: 8 Oct 92 17:53:23 GMT
Article-I.D.: nntpd2.1992Oct8.165708.20350
Distribution: na
Organization: Digital Equipment Corp. - Colorado Springs


In article <1992Oct7.202948.16890@philabs.philips.com>, mja@philabs.philips.com (Michael Amato) writes...
> 
>Now that a lot of bandwidth has been used up on drill recomendations, I need a
>recomondation for a power drywall screwdriver. I picked up a Makita
>catalog the ohter day and this only got me slightly more confused.
> 
>My requirements are as follows:
> 
>I will be putting up drywall for an addition (large - ~1000 square ft).
>I estimate that I will have to put up more than 5000 square ft of sheet
>rock - so a good drywall screwdriver will be a good investment. However,
>after this is completed, I would like to use it as a power screwdriver
>and nut driver.
> 
>Now Makita makes what they call a drywall screwdriver Mod# 6820V, 0-4000rpm,
>variable speed, reversible, and weighs 3.0lbs. It is rated at 5.2 amps.
> 
>Makita also makes two screwdriver. Mod# 6802BV, 0-2500rpm, var. spd., rev.,
>weighs 3.7lbs. and is rated at 4.8 amps. Comes with a nut setter, but I can
>get a locator nose piece similar to two other  dry wall screwdrivers Mod#s
>6800DBV & 6801DBV. So this will handle other chores, unlike the dedicated
>drywall screw driver units. 
> 
>Questions: Do I need 4000rpm?
> 
>           Is the higher amp rating related to torque output?
> 
>           Will the extra weight of the 6802BV be a real nusance?
> 
>           Is there any real difference between the 6820V locator and
>             the other two drywall scewdrivers?
> 
>           What about the 6805BV? Seem to be able to do both tasks also,
>             but is even heavier and seems alittle fancier with the adjustible
>             clutch - must run for more bucks.
> 
>           What about other manufacturers?
> 
>           Am I going overboard on this? Should I just get the cheapest drywall
>             screwdriver and leave the other chores to other tools, like a drill?
> 

As far as I can tell, the more versatile tool is the one with a lower max RPM.
I say this because you trade off torque for driving speed.  Thus, the
4000 RPM tool will drive drywall screws very fast, but probably not
have adequate torque for driving 3" deck screws without pilot holes.
The 2500 RPM tool will drive drywall screws a bit slower, but have
plenty of torque for the 3" deck screws.

I was faced with the same decision last summer (building a deck, with
some drywall hanging work anticipated in the future).  I opted for the
lower RPM tool and have not regretted it.  The lower RPM tools seem to
cost more than the higher RPM tools.

	Randy Marks

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