Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
The Makita Cordless 18V Drywall Screwdriver (model XSF03) updates the discontinued XSF01 in several key areas. The tool drops almost 2-inches off the length and adds a new brushless motor. It also features Push Drive, so the motor starts only when you actually engage the fastener. Add the optional or packaged 199145-0 Makita collated auto-feed screwdriver magazine, and you can drive strip screws from 1 to 2-3/16 inches. Collated Drywall Screws 38mm
While that’s impressive, what’s new about the system is the Makita collated autofeed screwdriver magazine. It takes an already excellent tool and makes you that much more productive by quickly auto feeding screws with a design that gets you into tight corners.
With the new Makita collated autofeed screwdriver magazine, you get more than just the ability to auto-feed strip screws (although that in its own right is great to have!). Makita starts by keeping a reasonably compact design at 8-7/8 inches long.
More importantly, this $99 magazine rotates 360º and locks in any of 8 positions. When you’re working in a tight or awkward corner, it’s a lifesaver.
To install it, you need to remove the nose and bit that comes with the drywall screwdriver first. Install either the Phillips or square driver bit, lock the magazine in place, load up your first strip of screws, and set your depth.
You control the depth with a simple thumbwheel toward the back of the magazine.
Features matter on a cordless drywall screw gun. The standout feature on this tool has got to be the Push Drive system. When you lock-on the tool, simply engage the fastener to drive the tool. This keeps you from wasting the battery on a needlessly spinning chuck. We’re seeing this feature pop up in most current-gen drywall screw guns, but Makita’s been using it since 2014 on this model.
A cordless drywall gun also has to be durable, and it needs to run long enough to get the job done. Makita solves the latter by claiming a 5Ah battery will fasten more than 2,300 1-1/4 inch screws to 20 ga. steel studs. Makita has one of the fastest battery charging systems on the market. If you do run out of juice, you’re back up in just 45 minutes. Carry two batteries, or buy the Makita XSF03TX2 kit and you should have continuous use.
If keeping the weight down is your game, cycle 2.0 Ah batteries. You’ll get somewhere north of 900 screws and the batteries charge even faster.
For durability, Makita built in an aluminum gear housing with all metal gears within. The brushless motor also removes a significant wear point (brushes). Finally, while Makita doesn’t claim any IPXX numbers, they do make a point of saying this tool provides specific dust and water resistance.
The Makita XSF03TX2 kit seems like the way to go. It includes the 199145-0 collated autofeed screwdriver magazine along with a bag, charger, and two 5Ah battery packs. You can pick it up for $349.
When he's not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and is an avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years) and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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