FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Screwgun Tip Problem

daholson | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 11, 2004 03:18am

I have a Dewalt model 257  drywall/decking screwgun. The high torqqe and lower speed works great for driving deck screws. The only problem I have is that the tip keeps coming out( sticking in the screw)   when I use square drive screws. I have tried new tips and same problem.  Could it be that the tips are too new or are all the tips  I’ve used are faulty.?  I can only drive one or two screws before the tip pops out.  Has anyone had a similiar  problem with square drive?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. OrchidGuy | Jul 11, 2004 04:46am | #1

    Hi dolson,

    I have a PC model 872, I occasionally use a square drive bit with it. I've never had a problem like you've been experiencing. I just chuck it and spend all day driving square drive screws. I don't have any experience with DeWalts drill/drivers, but maybe it could be related to the chuck.

    Those daring young men in their flying machines!



    Edited 7/10/2004 9:47 pm ET by f4phanatic



    Edited 7/10/2004 9:49 pm ET by f4phanatic

  2. calvin | Jul 11, 2004 05:29am | #2

    Have you tried them in a different holder?

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

  3. billyg | Jul 11, 2004 06:22am | #3

    My Dewalt 257 has the same problem.  Maybe it's a design problem.  For now I am careful to tilt the drill slightly to release the driver from the screw head before I pull back the drill.  If I pull straight back without tilting the bit usually slips out and stays engaged on the screw.  Perhaps it would help to try a small piece of tape on the base of the driver bit.

    Billy

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Jul 11, 2004 01:17pm | #4

      Get a real holder with the O ring and compression cap ring...

      End of BS....

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

      1. daholson | Jul 11, 2004 04:39pm | #5

        Where can I get this type of holder? i wasn't aware that there was better holders for the tips. This is brand new  screwgun , I can't beleive that Dewalt ships these guns with such crappy holders.

        1. FastEddie1 | Jul 11, 2004 04:58pm | #6

          I have one mag bit holder than constantly slips the bit just like you describe.  And I have another holder than I physically cannot get the bit out of ... been stuck for more than 2 yrs ... held one end in a vise, other end with vise grips, etc ... stuck like glue.

          Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

        2. User avater
          IMERC | Jul 11, 2004 05:17pm | #7

          More DW bean counter gotta save .000000000000001 cents on something.... Those type holders drive me nuts... WTB yur holder was made in some far distant land....

          They are every contractor / tool supply house around here... There are 2 types. One with an oversized knurled nut and another one that is flush to the shank for those guns with nose bearings....

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          1. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jul 12, 2004 12:46am | #11

            IMERC,

            I glazed over your message before posting. Do you have the DW257? Will the holders you describe fit in the collar? If so I'm indebted to you. 

            Jon Blakemore

        3. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 11, 2004 05:51pm | #8

          http://store.yahoo.com/squaredrive/index.html 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

  4. pm22 | Jul 11, 2004 10:45pm | #9

    It sounds like you have some sort of magnetic retention system and are using those short bits [5/8"].

    If you use a positive system such as "Quick-Loc", you won't have this problem. These are about 1 5/8" long, hex shank and have a grove cut in about 1/4" from the end. You slide a collar back or forth to release the bit which is held mechanically perhaps with ball bearings.

    Not camming out is a good thing.

    ~Peter

  5. User avater
    jonblakemore | Jul 12, 2004 12:43am | #10

    Dolson,

    I have the exact same model and the exact same problem. In fact, when I saw the thread title I knew (at least I thought I knew) exactly what problem you were talking about.

    Unfortunately, I have found no solution. Any bit holder that locks on to the bit is too wide to fit inside the depth collar, so I think we're out of luck. The only thing that has kept me from throwing the tool away is buying 3" bits to use without the bit holder. These are a pain to find and are more expensive, but you do what you gotta'.

    Be sure to come back and post if you find a real solution.

     

    Jon Blakemore

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 01:12am | #12

      have you tried to deform the shank of the bit? sometimes a whack with a centerpunch or coldchisel will create enough of a divot to make it stay put.

      the goal is to expand a face of the hex to jam in the holder.

      another option is to bump it with a mig welder, an itty bitty gob on one flat will do. do a whole slew of bits at once. 

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

  6. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 12, 2004 01:27am | #13

    Here's what it looks like and as you can see it's associated with quality tools...

    View Image

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....

                                                                       WOW!!!   What a Ride!



    Edited 7/11/2004 6:28 pm ET by IMERC

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 01:45am | #14

      yo buddy, I posted a link to Mcfeely's ( sorry DP) for that, but no good in a screw gub..ya dont have the depth stop nose cone..know whatta I mean?...

      I still say, deform the bit a bit..BTDT

      do it al the time with the torx bits, they wont hold a screw for shid 

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jul 12, 2004 03:21am | #16

        Now looky here bud....

        See the lock nut on that magnetic bit holder???? Well under that is an O ring... Now step back if yur arms are too short and look at a bit.. See that little notch in it??? That's where the O ring compresses into... Put up right and the damn thing IS NOT COMING OUT OF THERE... PERIOD!!!

        And I have that holder in the drywall gun and my TEK driver and the other 2 cordless drills and the impact driver...

        My collection of bits cover any and all known cornfigurations... I got it covered in 1/4 and 5/16" shank too... flex and 7/16 thru 12" long... you got the problem I got the answer...

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 03:30am | #18

          no, I aint sayin that is the problem..I got the same Oring deal too..I actually hate it,it holds too good.

          what I am sayin is MY screw gub ( a hitachi) won't handle THAT bit holder AND use the nose cone, I also have an old SKILL same story..

          edit : it may fit the skill..never tried it 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          Edited 7/11/2004 8:32 pm ET by SPHERE

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 12, 2004 03:37am | #19

            Why not...

            Those lock nuts come over sized or flush  to shank...

            get the right stuff... A real screw gun and a holder made for tool...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 03:42am | #20

            for one reason I HATE SHEET ROCKIN..

            there.

            I use a few nails at first, then a simple dimpler, or ride bareback with just a good ol 3'' mag holder and tip..and a light trigger 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 12, 2004 03:52am | #21

            Give it up I ain't surrending on this one...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          4. ajm | Jul 12, 2004 05:38am | #22

            I have the same DW gun and I am pretty sure that the owners manual says not to use square drive.... they cant camout. one thing you could try though is to file the bit a tad smaller and see if that helps. I have noticed using galvanized screws with square heads this seems to happen alot. I think the screws are galvanized last which makes the inside of the recess a little small.

          5. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 06:48am | #23

            hey, we have a winner!

            thanks for posting the most obvious answer that no one else mentioned!

            I was waitin..sq. drives are good BECAUSE they stay stuck so well..add a coating and..there goes the neighborhood..

             

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          6. billyg | Jul 12, 2004 05:35pm | #24

            My DW 257 has the same problem using Philips screws, so switching from square drive won't cure the problem.  It really slows you down when that bit pulls out.  P.O.S. product.

            Billy

          7. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 12, 2004 06:03pm | #25

            OK..try superglue? 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

    2. daholson | Jul 12, 2004 02:04am | #15

      I own a Bosch jigsaw and its the best tool that I own hands down. This Dewalt screwgun I bouught is my first Dewalt  and may be my last.

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jul 12, 2004 03:22am | #17

        Most excellent thinking...

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

    3. DougU | Jul 13, 2004 01:05am | #26

      Hey I dont have to put electric tape around my batteries to keep them in my drills! I knew those Bosch tools were sh!t!

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jul 13, 2004 01:25am | #27

        Guess again Hoyo...

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

        1. DougU | Jul 13, 2004 02:06am | #28

          I dont know what a hoyo is! but there is tape around that battery.

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 13, 2004 02:51am | #29

            Cuban slang chicken forincator...

            That is an insulator from an electrical device.. or a gorilla HD rubber band...

            The weak link of a cordless tool is it's battery. Drop the tool from any degree of height and if it lands battery first the battery holding clips could become toast..

            A little preventive medicine... Works like a champ... On any brand....

            Ensures solid electrical contact too....

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          2. DougU | Jul 13, 2004 06:14am | #30

            OK, I'll give you that one, maybe the Bosch aint all bad then.

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 13, 2004 06:31am | #31

            ROAR!!!!

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 13, 2004 04:17pm | #32

            You a DeFault kinda guy????

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          5. DougU | Jul 14, 2004 12:34am | #35

            You keep talking like that to me and I'll never talk to you again!

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 14, 2004 01:01am | #36

            Talk like what??? Was I outta line??? Not me... I'm sure....

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          7. DougU | Jul 14, 2004 03:31am | #37

            You a DeFault kinda guy????

            That kind of talk!

          8. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 14, 2004 04:22am | #39

            Oh... That kinda talk......

            Wonder how that got there any ways...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          9. rez | Jul 13, 2004 05:45pm | #33

            Ha! When I saw that Bosch drill pic with the tape around the battery I was going to bet 3 milkbones that IMERC was up on a ladder and the drill fell!

            Had an old 12volt Bosch once that fell and when it hit the floor the battery went flying, but the drill never hit the floor.

            It went into a floorboard like a dart in a dartboard and was suspended there by the drill bit in the wood. Got to thinking what if that was my foot.

            The battery casing cracked. Superglue and then taped the battery into the gun. Still worked and didn't wreck the nose.

            Bosch drills win my vote. Tough. Steel gears inside instead of nylon. Great factory support. Sent in an older model drill I had purchased factory refurbished online once for repair and they went and bloomin' sent me a new model drill for replacement at no charge.

            Thanks IMERC, I'd been trying to find something wrong with the Bosch drills. I knew no one could be that good without something wrong somewhere.

            The battery won't always stay in the drill when you drop it off ladders.

            "sobriety is the root cause of dementia.",     rez,2004

            "Geodesics have an infinite proliferation of possible branches, at the whim of subatomic indeterminism.",Jack Williamson, The Legion of Time

          10. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 13, 2004 05:58pm | #34

            That drill went 2.5 stories to the CC and stayed together... I've been doing that HD rubber bad thing forever... Right after I toasted a 9.6v Bosch with a fall... At that time 12V's weren't out yet....

            BTW.. That battery on that cordless isn't cracked or broken...   I think that rubber band gives it an edge on survivablity...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          11. nikkiwood | Jul 14, 2004 03:49am | #38

            Back to insert bits falling out -----

            Anybody heard of the "jackrabbit" -- a round magnet (about the size of quarter), that fits over a standard driver bit. I use bits that are 1 1/2", and this magnet gismo holds even 3" screws firmly in place.

            Won't work with DW guns, but great for cordless drills and impact drivers. No more insert bits getting stuck in the screw.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper

Get expert guidance on finding a fixer-upper that's worth the effort.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data