DeWalt VSR VERSA-CLUTCH Screwgun (2,500 rpm)

Why this screwgun earned a spot in my metal‑fastening kit

On jobs where I’m driving hundreds of self‑drillers into steel, I want a tool that’s predictable and easy on fasteners. This DeWalt Versa‑Clutch screwgun checks those boxes. It’s a 2,500 rpm corded driver with a friction‑style clutch you can dial in, a compact 3.7 lb build, and a metal gear case that shrugs off jobsite abuse. It’s purpose‑built for metal‑to‑metal and metal‑to‑wood fastening, and it shows.

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, the tool feels dense in a good way—no hollow plastic vibes. The metal nose and gear case give it a rugged spine, and the rubber overmold rounds out the grip without getting tacky. The two‑finger trigger is generous and easy to modulate with gloves on. It’s a standard 1/4" hex driver, so bits swap fast and stay put.

This is a corded 120 V unit with a 6.5 A motor. If you’re coming from cordless, the tether is the trade‑off for steady power and a lighter tool. I run it off a 12‑gauge cord and haven’t noticed any lag or bogging under normal metal framing loads.

Ergonomics and control

Balance matters when you’re holding a driver to steel studs all day. The center of gravity sits close to your index finger, and the housing is slim enough to choke up for precise starts on TEKS. The two‑finger trigger makes feathering the speed painless, and reverse is immediate—useful for backing out a half‑seated fastener without chewing up the head.

Vibration is modest, and the handle angle promotes a straight wrist when you’re driving at shoulder height. At 3.7 lbs, it’s lighter than many cordless equivalents, and that genuinely adds up over a long shift.

Power and speed where it counts

The 2,500 rpm no‑load speed hits a sweet spot for self‑drillers (#8–#14) into light‑ to mid‑gauge steel. It’s fast enough to pierce and drive cleanly, but not so aggressive that you overheat the screw or blow through thin sheet. For thicker or structural steel, a slower gear range would be better; for tin work, this speed is right on.

Power delivery is linear. Under load, the motor keeps pace without the sudden surges you sometimes get from higher‑speed drywall guns. Variable speed control is smooth, so you can slow the start to prevent walking and then roll into full speed once the point bites.

The Versa‑Clutch advantage

Depth‑sensitive nosepieces have their place in drywall, but in metal fastening I prefer a clutch I can tune. DeWalt’s Versa‑Clutch is a friction system: once the torque hits your set point, the clutch slips, letting the fastener settle without twisting the life out of the head. You feel it in your hand—the tool continues to spin while the screw stops turning—so you get a tactile cue that the joint’s seated.

Dialing it in is simple:
- Set your torque on a scrap piece or a hidden area.
- Drive a test fastener until the clutch just kisses and slips.
- Nudge the dial up or down depending on thread engagement and material thickness.

With TEKS into 20–14 ga studs, I can consistently seat heads flush without snapping them or stripping. In metal‑to‑wood assemblies, the clutch helps prevent burying the head into the lumber, which is a common source of over‑tightening and cam‑out with impact drivers.

Real‑world use: where it shines

• Steel stud framing up to 14 ga: Consistent seat, minimal head damage, and clean finish. The screwgun’s speed is dialed for this.
• Metal building work: Sheet to purlin connections are repeatable and tidy.
• Metal‑to‑wood: The clutch stops you from overdriving once the screw bites into the wood layer.
• TEKS and similar self‑drillers: Starts are controlled, and once through the sheet, the clutch protects the threads and the work surface.

If your day involves repetitive fastening to steel, this tool feels purpose‑built. For occasional work, it’s also easy to set up and get predictable results.

Durability and build

The helical‑cut, heat‑treated steel gears are quieter and smoother than spur gears in comparable drivers, and the metal gear case helps shed heat during sustained use. The nose is tough—I’ve knocked it around on studs and track and haven’t noticed deforming or misalignment. The housing has enough rubber to keep it grippy on a dusty day without turning into a dirt magnet.

Over time, the clutch is the main wear item to watch. That’s normal for friction clutches under daily use. The good news: the system is serviceable, and consistent torque for months on end is achievable if you keep an eye on it.

Downsides and trade‑offs

• It’s corded: Predictable power and lower weight are great, but cords snag. On lifts or ladders, plan your routing.
• Not a drywall gun: If you need a depth‑stop nose for gypsum or collated screws, this isn’t the right tool. The clutch excels in metal, less so in soft materials where a depth stop is faster.
• No LED or belt hook: Not deal‑breakers, but nice‑to‑haves that are common on modern cordless tools.
• Clutch maintenance: With heavy use, the clutch will eventually need refreshing. It’s part of the design’s value proposition, but it’s still a consumable.

Maintenance notes

Keep the tool clean around the nose—metal shavings can work into moving parts over time. If you notice you’re reaching the upper end of the dial sooner than expected to get the same seat, it’s a clue the clutch friction surfaces are glazing and could use service. Check your bit tips too; worn tips contribute to cam‑out and can masquerade as clutch issues.

I also recommend periodically inspecting the cord and strain relief. The lighter weight encourages one‑handed use, and the cord can twist where it enters the handle if you’re not mindful.

Corded vs. cordless for metal fastening

For long, repetitive runs where you’re near power, the corded format is hard to beat. It’s lighter and performs the same on fastener number one as on fastener number five hundred. If you’re on a roof, in tight retrofits, or constantly moving between stations, a cordless screwgun or a compact impact may be more convenient—even if you give up the precise, repeatable seating of a tuned clutch.

I still bring a cordless driver to every job for odd angles and quick fixes, but when the task is metal fastening in volume, this screwgun is the one I reach for first.

Who will benefit most

• Metal framers working 20–14 ga steel
• Metal building installers and sheet‑to‑purlin crews
• Shop fabricators assembling light‑gauge components
• Anyone who’s been breaking screw heads with an impact and wants more control

If your work is mainly wood framing, cabinetry, or drywall, there are better‑suited tools.

Final take and recommendation

The DeWalt screwgun is a focused, well‑balanced driver that prioritizes control and consistency over bells and whistles. The 2,500 rpm speed matches self‑drilling metal fasteners, the Versa‑Clutch keeps heads intact and finishes clean, and the metal gear train inspires confidence. It’s easy to use, easy to tune, and light enough for all‑day tasks.

I recommend it for anyone doing regular metal‑to‑metal or metal‑to‑wood fastening, especially steel stud framing up to 14 gauge and TEKS work. You’ll trade a cord and occasional clutch maintenance for repeatable results and a lighter tool—fair trade‑offs in my book. If you live in drywall or need collated screws, look elsewhere; but for metal fastening, this screwgun is a dependable, purpose‑built choice that earns its keep.