Not all Makita drywall screw guns are equal. Some can be better for ease of use, and others are more effective on a budget. Some others are also better at handling heavy-duty projects or jobs and provide greater productivity.

You can pick from our list of the best Makita drywall screw guns and still have a high-quality tool. Each unit has its features and advantages, so read below to find out more.

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• Best Overall MAKITA Drywall Screw Gun: Makita XSF03Z
• Most Powerful MAKITA Screw Gun: Makita XFD10R
• Best Premium MAKITA Drywall Screw Gun: Makita TD022DSE

1. Makita XSF03Z

It can be pretty confusing picking from all the Makita drywall screw gun models currently available. They all have very similar designs and colors, and all of them offer a good deal of quality. Thanks to its versatility and efficiency. The XSF03Z model stood out for us as the best option.

This Makita drywall screwdriver comes with an 18-volt lithium-ion battery. It also includes cordless recharging, which means the battery power lasts longer and charges faster. We tested the charging at its total capacity, and it lasted a good two hours with continuous drywall drilling. So, you can finish each consecutive job quickly without worrying about the battery draining too fast.

Also, this cordless drywall screw gun includes a brushless motor that has the optimization to conserve energy. That also means that the model has longevity. It also has a lock-on setting that turns the tool on only when you fit the screws precisely right as a safety and energy-conserving measure. We also enjoyed its noiseless operation quite a bit.

With a speed and torque capacity of up to 4000 RPM, the Makita XSF03Z cordless screwdriver gun provides excellent performance on soft and hard surfaces, making it ideal for drywall and decking. This model stands out due to its efficient features and performance.

Pros

• Energy-conserving, brushless motor
• High speed
• Push drive system
• Low battery power indicator
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Works on both drywall and decks

Cons

• Not the most durable option
• Not compatible with bulkier screws
• Drill chuck can be unstable occasionally

2. Makita XFD10R

The Makita XFD10R is another cordless model with a lithium-ion battery, except with better engineering and power. We tried the whole kit and found it too powerful for a simple drywall finishing job. This Makita drywall screw gun is ideal for professional workers who need more power than regular drills.

You get durable build materials and outstanding performance in a more costly bundle. Despite such benefits, the overall construction tends to be heavier, thanks to those materials. But we still found the model to have an outstanding balance when used while providing a robust, ergonomic grip.

The Makita XFD10R is versatile, converting from a cordless to a hammer screw gun. However, the trigger mechanism of the tool parts that makes this happen was a bit tricky to use. Still, the gun’s power makes it a multipurpose option for larger projects that involve more than just drywall, making the price quite reasonable.

A power tool is bound to have its fair share of tricky operations and bulky designs. But overall, the Makita XFD10R is the most powerful option on this list and is ideal for professional drywall contractors.

Pros

• A brushless system provides longevity
• Compact design with a slight heaviness
• Cordless gun converts to hammer drill
• Rapid charging
• Powerful motor

Cons

• A bit costly
• The unit requires a learning curve with the model’s gyroscopic design

3. Makita TD022DSE

The Makita TD022DSE is the most premium option, providing a versatile and quality design at a considerable cost. The model is also ideal for heavy-duty projects like the powerful Makita XFD10R, except it offers a more lightweight and easy-to-use design without compromising quality. We enjoyed seeing its precision and power in action.

The model’s 7.2-volt battery makes screwing as fast as 220-foot pounds at a speed of 450 rpm. While not the most powerful option on this list, it does provide more speed and efficiency. Its ¼-inch hexagonal chuck also provides quicker drill bit changes, increasing its speedy benefit.

Moreover, the model has a locking mode that converts it into a hand-driven screw gun. As a result, the device allows you to perform heavy-duty drywall projects with the surprising benefit of a lightweight and compact design that other heavy-duty screw guns don’t have.

You should get the TD022DSE model if you’re okay with investing a hefty portion of your budget in getting a professional-grade Makita drywall screw gun. Overall, it has a great combo of an ergonomic design, precision, and ease of use.

Pros

• Lightweight model
• Three-year warranty
• 450 rpm speed provides fast screwdriving
• Versatile design
• Ergonomic

Cons

• Torque and speed are lower than the other models
• Expensive

Buyer’s Guide

Picking the ideal Makita drywall screw gun can be a tough choice. From the models above and others online, you can see that they’re all quite similar in look and design. But there are specific features that you need to look out for depending on your DIY drywall project requirements.

There are many different Makita screw guns available, but you should look at these factors before making a final decision.

Speed and Torque

The power of a screw gun determines how fast it can be. If you’re looking for a straight barrel gun, opt for one whose speed ranges between 300 and 500 rpm, like the Makita TD022DSE. It is ideal for loosening and tightening screws with controlled speed and precision.

If you want a pistol grip, aim for a model that exceeds 1,000 rpm, like the Makita XSF03Z. That way, you get a lot more power and speed while also managing better control with the grip.

Torque has a crucial role in handling tougher materials – the greater the torque, the thicker the screws drive into the item. Heavy-duty screw guns usually have more torque, making them ideal for drywall. However, the compromise is that the battery tends to drain quicker, which may not be the best option for someone who wants ease of use.

Power Source

Most cordless Makita drywall screw guns have rechargeable batteries, between four and eight volts. These power sources are satisfactory since a cordless screw gun doesn’t need as much energy as a cord one. On the other hand, corded models are cheaper but require battery replacements, which is not the most affordable or convenient option.

Battery Life

Let’s consider that you want a Makita drywall screw gun for an upcoming drywall project. In that case, it’s crucial to know if the gun’s battery life can be an issue. Most of the Makita models come with extended battery life or charger. Despite this, it’s best to opt for a model with a battery level indicator and a brushless motor like the Makita XSF03Z model. It helps conserve energy and prolong battery life

Design

Most Makita drywall screw guns offer an easy-to-use ergonomic design. However, they do have their differences. It’s better to go for a lightweight, compact model like the Makita TD022DSE for better efficiency. These designs end up costing more, but the benefits outweigh the cost.

Durability

A sturdy Makita drywall screw gun makes all the difference for drywall contractors. The ideal tool has a build to resist rust, staining, and more damage. The increased durability guarantees that the model works efficiently without any defects with extended use. The TD022DSE Makita drywall screw gun is the most durable option out of the other three due to its premium build.

FAQ’s

Is a more expensive Makita drywall screw gun better than a cheaper one?

Price can determine many screw gun choices. Most people have a predisposition that cheaper models tend to be less durable and lower quality. While yes, pricier options like the Makita TD022DSE have more features. However, that doesn’t necessarily make them the best option if you are not an avid user. You can read here to get more details about managing DIY drywall projects if you are a beginner.

Suppose you want a simple DIY drywall project completed. In that case, you can opt for more affordable options like the Makita XFD10R without compromising quality. As a result, you can save your money and get the job done efficiently.

Does a Makita drywall also work for non-drywall jobs?

A Makita drywall screw gun’s construction is to drive screws into drywall with superior speediness and precision. They aren’t usually as powerful as other non-drywall units. You’d better buy an impact gun if you work with materials other than drywall.

Fragile projects building furniture hardware is also not the best use for a Makita drywall screw gun. Each model is quite powerful and has a hefty price tag, so the intention for their design is heavy-duty projects.

Conclusion

Our pick for the best Makita drywall screw screwdriver gun is the Makita XSF03Z. It offers peak performance at a fraction of the cost of other premium models, with great speed and longevity.

For a more heavy-duty option, try the powerful Makita XFD10R. And if you’re willing to spend on quality, then the Makita TD022DSE is also a great option.