Replies

1. 
   RW | Dec 28, 2003 11:52pm | #1

   I don't drywall every day or even every job, but I've stopped subbing it out. I've got a Senco Duraspin and I like it real well. You're right on some counts - the screws seem pricey, but since I feed by hand like a drunk pig, the speed thing for me is worthwhile. (And it's not that much different - 1500 loose for $5 or 1000 collated for $8.50) I do find it especially useful in freeing up the other hand - especially when you're putting screws in over your head. But it does take a little getting used to as far as how much pressure, maintaining a straight angle, etc. And it doesn't do inside corners very well. The head needs enough clearance that in a corner it gets stuck and the screw stops short. That notwithstanding, for long runs, it's pretty fast. I do corners and little details like window boxing with a regular cordless. Hey, try it. If you don't like it, sell it off and get something you'll use.

   "The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

1. 
   Taylorsdad | Dec 29, 2003 03:48am | #2

   The thing I envision the most is the screws falling aside rather than being driven-in because everything is done with the one hand.  You're saying that you've developed some finesse so that you can avoid that occurance? 

1. 
   RW | Dec 30, 2003 01:35am | #4

   Don't get me wrong here. There's not much finesse to develop. It's just like any other tool and getting the feel for how a new thing works. Takes you about ten seconds and you're off to the races. I'd say on skill level here we're talking if you can drive a nail without breaking your finger in three places you can handle the gun. Like nuclear nick says - it holds things straight while you start, and you have to push to get it going. It's more just the feel of applying pressure in a straight line, which admittedly, some people have difficulty with. But finesse, man, I dunno. You might be giving me too much credit there :-) I work alone too. Another check mark in the worth it to me column."The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

1. 
   Taylorsdad | Dec 30, 2003 02:07am | #5

   Okay, okay, I'll hold onto it.  I just have a vision of holding up the rock with one hand and attempting to drive the screw with the other hand and the screw spilling over and then being handcuffed - but if you guys have had some success with it - I'm willing to give it a shot at getting out the "land of misfit toys" in my garage!

   Thanks, Bill.

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 29, 2003 04:36pm | #3

   I also use the Duraspin and although it can get cranky at times, since I work alone, it has helped a lot during those times when one hand is holding the rock in position, another hand is holding the screwgun, and a third hand is required to position the screw.  With the gun, you hold the rock, press the nose of the gun to wherever you want the screw to go, squeeze and push.

   I don't know about the Makita (nice tool, though) but the Duraspin belt is fed so the screws can't flop around when aligned to be driven.

   As for the cost, yep, they're more expensive, but the increased productivity justifies it.  And the cost is passed along to the client, anyway.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
1. 
   Taylorsdad | Dec 30, 2003 02:11am | #6

   When I bought it I felt I was buying the best one on the market - then I just balked at bringing it along.  It does have a clip that keeps the ammo from going willy-nilly and as I understand it, it takes the Duraspin screws.   I'll give it a shot and see if it can become a first-string player in my tool arsenal.

   Thanks for the input, Bill.

1. 
   SBerruezo | Dec 30, 2003 05:35am | #7

   If you don't like the gun, I'll take it.  I always like new toys  ;)