I’m looking at a Senco DuraSpin 18v nailer. I will use it mostly to drive 3″ galv screws. Anyone have any experience with the screw gun or willing to recommend another brand?
Thanks
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I've got an older Dura Spin - 14 volt I think. Have had it for about 4 years I guess.
I like it for drywall, but, if I remember correctly, it was underpowered for doing decking
Perhaps the newer 18 volt are up to the task
Hope someone else comes along soon to give you better feedback
I've got a PAM with a Milwaukee screwgun. In the kit comes a long and short driver. Changeover is not real quick, but easy. Think it will go up to 3". When I went to buy this, I looked at he duraspin and didn't think it felt too sturdy. For screwing underlay or subfloor, these guns are the ticket. For deck work? Accuracy with the long nose would be nill, slow aiming. Maybe with the short version. An impact driver would certainly be easier.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
What is it you want to attach with the 3" screws? I have never used the Senco DuraSpin, however, if you want a screw gun for decking I'd recommend you look at the Quick Drive Pro units.
There was a thread on this a while back where these were discussed at length.
I hung some drywall last winter and a guy showed up with a duraspin. I used it, but had mixed feelings about it.
It was definitely slow and underpowered. But not having the electrical cord was nice. Particularly where we were hanging the ceiling, and were working around a drywall lift.
It really annoyed me that every time you bumped the nose piece it advanced a screw, regardless of whether you wanted to use it or not. And the screws were much more expensive.
If I had a choice, I think I'd use the duraspin to tack the rock in place, then use my 120V gun to finish the rest of the screws.
I'm kind of surprised with these responses. I was just looking at the 14 volt unit today. I have a drywall guy on site right now that has the 18v unit. I havent tried it, but hes flying with it.
I have and use both the 14v and corded model. When alone, I use the cordless to tack it in place, then use the lighter and vastly more powerful (and cheaper) corded model to finish it off. Often I won't even take the cordless out of the box, just too underpower IMO. I've tried using it for subfloor/underlayment, but you'd be better off with the Quickdrive. The square drive screws tend to cam out on the larger screws. But I love the screw guns, they make hanging rock much quicker. If you have a boatload of moey you're willing to spend, check out the current issue of JLC, they review a set of new Hilti dryway screwguns.
If you're constantly driving 3" screws, look at a cordless impact driver. Typically they offer double the torque of the comparable driver/drill, and less weight and bulk to boot. There is virtually no stripping of screw heads or driver bits, unlike with a corded drill, although they are a little loud. I have a Hitachi 12V and love it, my 18V regular cordless is gathering dust.
None of the cordless nailers/screw guns have my support yet. In my opinion, the technology is not "there" yet. Believe me because I handle repairs for a tool dealrship. (I do believe that Senco will learn something from releasing their cordless Senco line prematurely...they have literally "eaten it" on warranty repairs...)
If you want to invest in a floor or decking nailer, please consider Senco's corded models.
PS Don't invest in junk.
darcy
Wow, only $199 on Amazon. If I had seen that before I bought my $99 corded model... well heck, I may still get it.
While the 14V may be underpowered, I'll bet the 18V makes up for it. I do like my corded one so far, though it does take a little getting used to. I keep my Ryobi impact (WHICH ROCKS for only $59!) close by to finish driving those few I slip out of. I do worry about replacement tips though, as you can't seem to buy them at the HW store.
The screws themselves seem to be on the cutting edge of technology too, square drive, coated, cutting tip, threaded top = NICE, I'm using them for my roof sheathing.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Thanks for all the information. I have used cordless impacts for a long time. A Senco dealer here let me drive some 3" screws with the 18v gun. I could tell right away that I would not be happy with it so I will just keep on with impacts. Thanks again for all the help.
I bought a Senco 14v to use in installing some 5/8" dw patches on a 12' ceiling. It sure saved alot of time and effort then but I really only use it now to tack up a sheet. Loose dw screws are alot cheaper!