DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Drywall Screw Gun (Tool Only)

The short story

I put the DCF630 through several days of drywall work—hanging ceilings, running long wall sections, and shooting around edges—and it’s clearly built for speed and consistency. The brushless motor is fast, the depth control is trustworthy, and the four operating modes let me dial it in for different tasks. That said, the handle geometry and a few design choices keep it from being a no‑brainer for everyone.

Design and ergonomics

At 2.6 lb bare, this screw gun is light and compact, and that’s welcome when you’re reaching overhead or working off a lift. The nose is short enough to get into corners, and the toolless adjustable nosecone makes depth dialing straightforward. I set it once to flush screws into 1/2 in. board on wood studs and didn’t have to chase proud heads or paper blow‑through the rest of the day.

The top‑mounted electronic mode selector is genuinely handy. I could switch from high to low, or into PushStart, with my thumb while still holding the gun one‑handed. The LED sits low on the body and gives useful, close‑in light on studs and fastener heads. It can throw a small shadow under the nosecone, but it’s bright enough to see what you’re doing in dim rooms.

Now, the grip: the handle is more compact than DeWalt’s older drywall drivers, and the area under the trigger is tight. With medium‑size hands, I ended up running a two‑finger trigger grip most of the time. It works, but on long pushes it’s not as comfortable as a full three‑finger grip. Also, there’s a top‑side clip/attachment point that I removed early on because it snagged on edges and interfered when running screws tight to corners. The lanyard‑ready point is useful if you’re working at height, and the Tool Connect chip pocket is a smart add for inventory control, though the module is sold separately.

Controls and operating modes

The four modes are the star of this platform:

• Trigger High: Full 4850 RPM on the trigger. It’s fast and crisp, ideal for long runs on open wall sections.
• Trigger Low: Softer ramp and lower max speed. Great for delicate face paper or when you’re switching between wood and thin metal studs and want more control.
• PushStart: My favorite for general drywall. The motor only spins when you push the nose into the surface. This reduces free‑spinning, saves battery, and gives you a consistent start every time without feathering the trigger.
• Lock‑On: For continuous running, especially when you add a collated attachment. I used it with a feeder to cruise down studs with minimal stop/start.

The electronic selector is responsive, and the modes behave distinctly. The only quirk I noticed was that, after especially dusty cuts, the mode button felt slightly less clicky until I blew the tool out with compressed air. Drywall dust gets everywhere—give it a periodic cleaning and you’ll avoid most odd behavior.

Speed and driving performance

With a 4850 RPM top speed and a brushless motor, the DCF630 is quick. There’s plenty of torque for coarse‑thread screws into wood studs and fine‑thread into light‑gauge steel. Starts are confident in PushStart mode, and the bit doesn’t skitter if you hold the nose square. I ran 1-1/4 in. and 1-5/8 in. screws the most, and the gun didn’t feel out of breath on either.

Depth control is consistent. The toolless nosecone clicks positively, and once I set it, I could pivot the gun slightly on entry without worrying about punching through the paper. If you push overly hard in High, you can still bury a head; that’s user technique as much as tool behavior. In Low or PushStart, it’s easier to keep things tidy.

Noise is typical for a high‑speed drywall driver—more whine than impact—and vibration is minimal. The quick‑change hex chuck makes swapping bits fast; I used a standard DeWalt collated bit and a standalone tip without issue.

Collated screw compatibility and productivity

If you run a lot of board, a collated feeder is almost mandatory. I paired the DCF630 with DeWalt’s DCF6202 feeder assembly, and the match worked cleanly. The Lock‑On mode keeps the motor spinning steadily as you walk down studs, and the balance isn’t upset by the loader hanging off the nose. It’s an easy way to cut installation time and reduce fatigue from constant trigger cycling.

A couple of setup notes:
- Make sure the depth is set with the feeder attached; the extra hardware changes standoff slightly.
- Use Lock‑On for best consistency; PushStart with a feeder is workable but less fluid.
- Keep the feeder rails clean—dust buildup can slow feed and make the gun feel underpowered when it’s actually a feed issue.

Runtime and batteries

Brushless efficiency is evident. With a compact 2.0Ah battery, I could hang a good amount of board before swapping packs. On a full day, I preferred a pair of compact batteries for balance and less wrist strain. A 5.0Ah pack noticeably increases runtime but makes the gun feel bottom‑heavy on ceiling work. If you’re on ladders or lifts, lighter is better.

PushStart mode extends runtime by eliminating idle spin, and the gun doesn’t heat up uncomfortably, even during longer runs. As with any drywall tool, keep ventilation slots clean; drywall dust is abrasive.

Durability and serviceability

The shell and nose hardware feel robust, and the electronics haven’t shown any gremlins aside from that dust‑related mode button feel I mentioned. Depth adjustment has held its clicks without loosening. If you habitually toss tools into a bucket with loose screws and knives, the shallower nosecone can pick up scratches, but that’s cosmetic.

Given how destructive drywall dust can be, a simple routine helps:
- Blow out the mode switch area and vents at breaks.
- Wipe the nosecone threads and detents before adjusting depth.
- Periodically check the bit collar for packed dust.

The tool carries a 3‑year limited warranty and is CSA listed, with a 90‑day return window, which is standard coverage in this class. It’s sold bare, so factor in a charger and batteries if you’re not already on DeWalt’s 20V platform.

What I liked

• Fast, consistent driving at up to 4850 RPM
• PushStart mode is genuinely useful and extends runtime
• Reliable, toolless depth adjustment with repeatable results
• Light, compact body that’s easy to keep on the stud line
• Collated feeder compatibility that boosts productivity
• LED that’s actually useful in low‑light rooms
• Tool Connect chip pocket for asset tracking on larger crews

What could be better

• Grip/trigger space is cramped; long sessions would benefit from a longer handle
• Top‑side clip/attachment point gets in the way for edge work
• LED can cast a small shadow under the nosecone
• Electronic mode button feel can get mushy if you don’t keep dust out

Who it’s for

• Drywall installers and remodelers who prioritize speed and clean, repeatable depth
• Crews already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries and chargers
• Anyone running a collated system for high‑volume fastening
• Pros who want PushStart convenience and don’t mind a smaller trigger space

If you want a screw gun that’s powerful, compact, and adaptable, this checks most boxes. If handle comfort is your top priority or you routinely drive tight to edges with a clip on the tool, you may want to put one in your hand before committing.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCF630 for pros and serious DIYers who value fast, repeatable results and the flexibility of multiple operating modes. The PushStart and Lock‑On options, combined with a dependable nosecone and compatibility with a collated feeder, make it an efficient drywall driver that keeps pace on big days. Be aware of the compact handle and remove the top attachment if you’re working close to edges. Keep the dust under control and it should serve you well across a lot of board.