The plaster screwdriver, or more commonly called the drywall screwdriver, is a power tool intended for fixing plasterboard or directly into plaster. It is supplied with special interchangeable bits specific to the screwing of plaster screws. It is specific to this material because it is particularly fragile to work so as not to damage it. It is important to use a tool suitable for plaster, otherwise you may not have a good fixation. The plasterboard screwdriver is a little more streamlined than the classic screwdrivers in order to go through a little narrow places. How to choose the right plasterboard screwdriver? Here is our buying guide.
For what use should you choose a plasterboard screwdriver?
The plasterboard screwdriver is intended for DIY enthusiasts who have to handle plasterboard or have to install fasteners in plaster. It is important to take suitable material for this work, because the screws to be inserted must be fastened at a high speed in order to be correctly inserted in the plasterboard plate or in the metal or wood frames. The screwdriver is adjustable in terms of screwdriving depth and speed. It often has a depth stop. Compared to conventional screwdrivers, the torque or clamping force will not be high.
Which screwdriver drill to choose according to the uses
| Classic screwdriver | Belt or loader screwdriver | Automatic screwdriver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screwing speed | Max 2500 rpm | 3000- 6000 rpm | Approx 6000 rpm |
| Screw in a large thickness of plasterboard | NOT | YES | YES |
| Magazine | NOT | 50 - 100 screws | 1000 screws |
| Automatic scrolling | NOT | YES | YES |
The different types of drywall screwdrivers
There are different types of drywall screwdrivers on the market today. Depending on the surface to be laid and the quantity, you will not choose the same screwdriver. You will have the choice between the classic plasterboard screwdriver, loader or automatic. The plasterboard screwdriver can be corded or cordless.
The classic plasterboard screwdriver
It is rather for occasional handymen or for small renovation work. You have a magnetic tip to put on your screwdriver, which allows you to put the screw to fix on the plasterboard. The work is done vis-à-vis, therefore much slower than with a charger or automatically. The downside is its slightly reduced speed compared to plasterboard screwdrivers, which does not allow the screws to be retracted at the same speed.
The belt or magazine screwdriver
It allows you to use your screwdriver with a charger of about 50 screws which are delivered screw by screw. With a charger, this allows more punctual and faster use. Otherwise you can use the screwdriver screw by screw. The downside is the price of the charger which quickly drives up the price of screws.
The automatic screwdriver
It is made for specific use by plasterboard installers. It is designed for intensive use. It has the property of having a very high speed, which makes it possible to work in plates of a good thickness. The automatic scrolling of the screws allows screwing at a good rate. The price of the autoloader is quite high, but you will find your way there by saving time.
Which range, which brand and which price for the plasterboard screwdriver?
The three ranges will be distinguished above all by their price, their accessories, the lifespan of the batteries and accessories.
Entry level allows you to carry out your plasterboard screwing work with high speed and thanks to a magnetic screw bit. The pace will be lower but for occasional plasterboard installation work, it will meet the needs perfectly. The average price is between 35 and 80 €.
The best value for money will be a good compromise for the speed of unloading of the screws to be fixed on the plasterboard using the loaders and the speed of the screwdriver. Do-it-yourselfers with intensive and / or regular use will be satisfied for the fixing of plasterboards. The price varies between 150 and 300 €.
The professional range is intended for professionals installing plasterboard. This screwdriver will be equipped with a high speed of rotation but above all equipped with a charger or automatic in order to deliver a large number of screws in a short time. This allows the plasterboards to be laid at a higher speed and saves time on the job site. This professional range is more expensive with prices around 400 €.
The best brands of drywall screwdrivers
The best-known brands in power tools, including screwdrivers for installing drywall, are Bosch, Makita or DeWalt.
If you are interested in plasterboard screwdrivers, we offer you an article with the 5 best drywall screwdrivers.
What are the criteria for choosing the right plasterboard screwdriver?
This is a little reminder of our buying guide for screwdrivers in general.
Diet
The diet will be chosen according to the intensity of the work required. You will have the choice between wired and on battery.
Corded plasterboard screwdriver keeps power and autonomy. It has no duration of use over the day. You will be able to carry out all your renovations without battery failure. The only downside is the wire, which requires an electrical outlet to be available. On the other hand, it is lighter by the absence of battery.
The cordless plasterboard screwdriver or on battery allows you to work wherever you want without electricity constraints. Autonomy will be more limited than on wired. But thanks to Lithium technology, the autonomy has been greatly improved, allowing up to 2000-3000 screws to be screwed in with a single charge. The charging time has been shortened.
Battery and autonomy
All new batteries are Lithium which allows fast charging, slow discharging and no memory effect. Prefer a battery with a good amperage hour (Ah). The plus is to have two batteries in order to juggle between the two. Devices of the same brand may have the same batteries.
The weight of the screwdriver is increased by the presence of the battery.
Voltage
Prefer a voltage, expressed in Volts, with a minimum of 14V for a plasterboard screwdriver.
Engime
The higher the power, in Watts, the more power the screwdriver will have.
Le couple
The tightening torque is not of great importance here, because it is not the clamping force that is sought but the speed.
Speed
The plasterboard screwdriver often has a trigger button that sets a few different speeds for screwing or drilling. The entry-level will be around 2000 rpm while professional or high-end screwdrivers will be around 4000 rpm.
The weight of the screwdriver
If you are laying plasterboard all day, it is worth comparing the weight of the different screwdrivers and choosing a machine that is light enough for better working comfort.
Belt hooks
The hooks keep the screwdriver close to you, hanging on a scaffolding or on your belt.
Adjusting the screwing depth
The depth adjustment will allow you to choose how deep your screws will go so as not to pierce the plasterboard plate.
Lighting
Sometimes drywall screwdrivers are supplied with lighting that allows you to work in a darker place.
Accessories
Plasterboard screws
Plasterboard screws are specific screws with a diameter generally of 4mm. The lengths are variable depending on the plate to be fixed. Check that your screwdriver responds to the required screwing depths.
Special plasterboard bit holders
The bit holders are attached to the end of your plasterboard screwdriver. They are compatible with all screwdrivers.
Conclusion
The plasterboard screwdriver is cost effective for those who use it frequently, during renovations or professionals. If you only have a few plates to install, choose a magnetic bit to attach to your classic plasterboard screwdriver.
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