DeWalt VSR Depth-Sensitive Screwgun (2,500 rpm)

What stood out in use

I reached for the DW266 screwgun on a recent round of metal framing and light sheet-metal work, where consistency matters more than brute force. Right away, the depth-sensitive nosepiece justified its reputation. Set it once on scrap, and fasteners landed at a repeatable depth across studs and track without crushed washers or proud heads. For anyone running TEKS into metal or metal-to-wood, that repeatability is the whole reason to choose a screwgun over an impact driver.

This is a corded tool with a 6.5-amp motor and a top speed of 2,500 rpm. In practice, that means smooth, unwavering speed under load. The variable-speed trigger lets you ease into a cut with self-drillers and bring the speed up once the point breaks through. The two-finger trigger and rubber overmold make that modulation natural—no finger fatigue, even with a few hundred screws in a day.

Setup and adjustment

Depth adjustment is straightforward. The nosecone rotates with positive detents; I dialed it in on offcuts, running a few screws until the head sat flush with metal and, for washered fasteners, the neoprene just began to compress. Once set, it truly becomes “set and forget.” Over the course of the day, I didn’t have to chase the setting, and the nose stayed locked despite plenty of bumping around.

The removable nosecone is handy. Pop it off and the tool behaves like a positive-clutch screwdriver, which is useful for starting screws in awkward corners, backing out stubborn fasteners, or running hardware without worrying about the depth stop interfering. Swapping back and forth takes seconds.

A note on bits: I ran standard 1/4-inch hex driver bits and magnetic nutsetters, mostly 5/16-inch for TEKS heads. Bit retention was solid, and the short nose gives decent sightlines to the fastener.

Driving TEKS and washered fasteners

This screwgun is built around TEKS, and it shows. At 2,500 rpm, it’s in the sweet spot for self-drillers. Into 20- to 16-gauge steel, #8 and #10 TEKS spun up, pierced, and seated without drama. Into thicker angle and purlins, the steady power kept chips clearing and prevented the stall-and-chatter you sometimes get with cordless drivers as they hit their limit. For metal-to-wood applications—like fastening light-gauge metal to PT lumber—the clutch and depth mechanism prevented overdriving once the head seated against the metal.

For sealer-washer applications, the depth nose is particularly useful. The goal is just to “kiss” the washer—enough compression to seal, not so much that the washer bulges and splits. A quick test pass on scrap and a tiny back-off on the nose setting gave me repeatable, sealed fastenings without torn neoprene.

Ergonomics and control

At around four pounds, the DW266 rides the line between substantial and nimble. The balance is forward enough that the nose naturally finds the workpiece, which helps with driving straight. The rubber grip and the two-finger trigger reduce hand tension when you’re feathering speed. The reversing switch is where you expect it, crisp and unlikely to get bumped accidentally.

Vibration is minimal, and noise is what you expect from a 2,500-rpm screwgun—present, but not grating. The helical-cut, heat-treated gears running in a metal housing make for a smoother, less “gear-whiney” sound than cheaper gear trains. After a few hours, arm fatigue was more about repetitive motion than fighting the tool.

Build quality and serviceability

This tool is designed to be a workhorse. The metal gear housing and helical-cut gears are there for longevity as much as smoothness. The nosecone’s detents still felt positive after plenty of adjustments. Nothing rattled, nothing loosened, and the cord’s strain relief looked up to daily use.

DeWalt’s warranty package—three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction—adds confidence for a corded tool that’s likely to live in a gang box and see jobsite abuse.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Consistent depth control with the “set and forget” nose. This is the headline feature, and it genuinely reduces rework.
- Smooth, controllable power for TEKS into metal and metal-to-wood. It drives fasteners efficiently without overdriving.
- Ergonomics that make long runs manageable. The trigger modulation and grip are thoughtfully executed.
- Durability cues: metal gear housing, helical-cut gears, and a generally tight build.

Trade-offs:
- It’s corded. For roof work, exterior runs, or any situation where mobility trumps everything else, dragging a cord can be a hassle. On the flip side, you never run out of juice halfway through a row of fasteners.
- No side handle. On the rare bind-up, you’ll feel it in your wrist. It didn’t happen often in my use, but be mindful when probing unknown layers of metal.
- Not a drywall specialist. At 2,500 rpm with a depth nosecone, it can run drywall screws, but a 4,000-rpm drywall gun with a collated attachment will be faster for board hanging.
- No autofeed. If you need high-volume, waist-to-shoulder repetitive fastening, a collated system might be more efficient.

Practical tips from the field

• Set depth on scrap first. For washered screws, tighten until the washer just mushrooms uniformly, then back off a hair to avoid over-compression on warmer days.
• Keep a sharp selection of TEKS. Self-drillers dull faster in heavy-gauge steel, so swap bits when you notice longer pierce times.
• Use quality nutsetters with a depth stop for sealer-washer screws. It adds another layer of protection against overdriving if you’re moving between thicknesses.
• Let the tool’s speed do the work. With variable speed, start slow to establish a bite, then ramp up—no need to mash the trigger from the outset.

Comparisons and alternatives

If your work is predominantly drywall, an 4,000–5,000 rpm drywall gun with a collated attachment will beat this setup on speed alone. If you live on ladders or lifts, a modern 20V brushless impact driver offers unmatched mobility, though you’ll trade away the DW266’s depth consistency and add risk of washer damage. For dedicated metal-to-metal fastening where appearance and sealing matter, the predictable depth control of this screwgun is hard to beat.

Reliability over time

While I can’t compress years of use into a week, the clues are promising: metal gears in a metal housing, a nosecone that resists drift, and a motor that never felt hot or strained. Corded tools like this have fewer failure points than their cordless counterparts—no electronics-laden packs, no battery interface wear—so long-term reliability tends to be good with basic care.

Who it’s for

• Metal framers, HVAC installers, and fabricators driving TEKS all day.
• Carpenters doing metal-to-wood fastening who need consistent, flush seating without overdriving.
• Roofers and siding crews using sealer-washer screws who value repeatability and clean compressions—assuming corded power is practical on the job.

If your primary work is occasional metal fastening and you already carry an impact driver, this tool adds speed uniformity and finish quality you can’t get with impacts. If your work is sporadic and far from outlets, a cordless screwgun might fit better.

Recommendation

I recommend the DW266 for anyone who regularly runs TEKS into metal or metal-to-wood and cares about consistent seating and clean washer compression. The depth-sensitive nose is accurate and reliable, the power delivery is smooth, and the build feels ready for daily duty. You do give up cordless freedom and autofeed speed, but in the contexts it’s designed for—controlled, repeatable fastening with self-drillers—it delivers exactly what you want with minimal fuss. If that matches your work, this screwgun earns its spot in the kit.