DeWalt Lightweight VSR Drywall Screwgun

Why I reached for the DW252

Hanging and fastening drywall is as much about rhythm as it is about raw power. I wanted a screwgun that would let me find that rhythm—consistent set depth, minimal fuss, and a comfortable grip for long runs, especially overhead. The DW252 checks those boxes with a straightforward feature set: a 4,000 RPM motor, a depth-sensitive nosepiece, and a compact, manageable body. It’s a corded tool, so it’s not aiming to compete with collated, production-grade systems. Instead, it promises reliability and repeatable results for wood and light-gauge steel. That’s exactly how it performed for me.

Setup and first use

Out of the box, this is tool-only—no case, no bit kit—so plan to bring your own driver bits. Setup is simple. I started on scrap drywall to dial in the depth-sensitive nosepiece. My tip: load a handful of the same screws you’ll be using, set the nosepiece slightly shallow, and creep up on the final depth with quarter-turn adjustments. Once I found the sweet spot, I could run screws head after head, with the paper just dimpled and no blowouts.

The nosepiece is “set-and-forget,” and in practice it stayed put. I appreciate that removing and reinstalling the nose cone doesn’t lose your setting. That’s handy if you need to pop it off for access or to work around steel framing details and then jump right back to your previous depth.

Ergonomics and controls

At 4.15 pounds, the DW252 is balanced and easy to steer with one hand. The rubber overmold and two-finger trigger help with control, especially when you’re bracing the sheet with your off-hand. The reversing lever sits just above the trigger and is easy to flick without shifting your grip; backing out a misaligned screw is quick and predictable.

The lock-on button is useful for long runs along studs or joists—lock the trigger, ride the nosepiece, and let the clutch do the stopping. An 8-foot cord is decent for most rooms, though on a lift or staging I still needed an extension to keep the cord out of my way overhead. There’s no belt hook, which I missed when working off a ladder.

Speed and power in real use

The 4,000 RPM motor is where this screwgun earns its keep. On 1/2-inch drywall over wood studs, it’s fast and consistent. With 5/8-inch Type X on ceilings, I had enough speed to get clean dimples without the tool bogging or tearing paper when I pressed the nosepiece firmly and let the clutch do its job. Into 20-gauge steel studs, it maintained drive speed well, especially with sharp screws. It is not meant for heavier-gauge steel beyond 20 gauge; if you find yourself forcing screws into thicker members, this isn’t the right tool.

Noise-wise, it has the familiar screwgun whine at high speed—not outrageous, but I’d still wear hearing protection in an enclosed room. Vibration is low; the helical-cut, heat-treated gears feel smooth under load and give a reassuring sense of durability.

Depth control: the make-or-break feature

Depth consistency is the defining characteristic of a screwgun, and the DW252’s nosepiece works—once you’ve taken a moment to get it right. I’ve used screwguns where the depth ring drifts or requires frequent tweaking when changing materials. Here, after setting depth on scrap, I moved from studs to ceiling and then to a wall of 5/8-inch Type X and didn’t feel the need to readjust. If you do change screw length or switch between particularly dense board and standard drywall, a quick test run keeps you honest.

One practical tip: make sure your driver bit length and wear state are consistent as you work. Worn or short bits can change how far the screw head sits relative to the cone and muddle your depth expectations. Keeping a couple fresh bits in a pocket saves time and frustration.

Working on steel framing

The DW252 is rated for up to 20-gauge steel studs, which matches what I encountered. The ability to remove the nosecone for certain steel track details without losing your depth setting is convenient. Drive feel on steel is crisp—sharp, fine-thread screws and a steady push on the nosecone give clean, repeatable dimples. If you’re used to a cordless impact for metal work, the lack of hammering is actually a plus here; you get cleaner control and less risk of tearing the face paper.

What it’s not

This isn’t a collated, autofeed solution. If you live in a world of hundreds of sheets and crews working in tandem, a collated system will still be faster for straight-ahead production. It’s also not cordless, so if you prize maximum mobility or work in spaces where cords are a tripping hazard, a brushless cordless screwgun may serve you better. The DW252’s value is in consistent depth and reliability with minimal distractions.

Durability and maintenance

Corded tools like this tend to have long service lives, and the DW252 gives me the sense it will be no exception. The helical, heat-treated gears run smoothly and don’t feel sloppy under load. The casing vents shed heat well; even after extended ceiling work, it stayed warm but not alarming. Routine care is straightforward: don’t crush the cord, keep dust out of the nose assembly, and replace driver bits before they mushroom. The warranty—three-year limited, one-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction—adds peace of mind.

Everyday usability

Where this screwgun shines is in the day-to-day tasks: hanging a room, patching a ceiling, or fastening backer boards where you want precise set depth. The ergonomics reduce hand fatigue, especially with the two-finger trigger, and the steady drive speed helps you build a rhythm. I found the lock-on button surprisingly useful on long studs, letting me focus on pressure and placement rather than trigger finesse.

For corner work and tight framing, the removable nosecone is handy, though removing it does mean you’re not using the depth stop during that step—so I reinstall before finishing faces that need precise dimpling. The 8-foot cord is adequate for most rooms; I prefer a lightweight 25-foot extension to keep the plug out of my immediate space.

Who will appreciate it most

• Remodelers and pros who want a reliable, corded drywall screwgun without the upkeep of batteries
• DIYers tackling whole-room drywall who want better consistency than a drill with a dimpler can provide
• Crews working primarily on wood and up to 20-gauge steel studs
• Anyone who values precise, repeatable dimples without paper blowouts

If your work is primarily high-volume production or involves heavier-gauge steel, look at collated or higher-torque solutions. If you rarely hang more than a couple sheets and already have a drill, a dimpler attachment may suffice.

The bottom line

The DW252 does exactly what a drywall screwgun should: it sets screws to a consistent depth at high speed with minimal fuss. The nosepiece requires a thoughtful setup, but once dialed, it stays put. The tool feels balanced, the trigger is comfortable, and the reversing and lock-on controls are right where they should be. It has enough speed for 5/8-inch Type X on ceilings and the control to avoid torn paper on standard board. It’s not collated and it’s not cordless—by design. Instead, it’s a dependable, lightweight corded screwgun with the power and precision most drywall tasks require.

Recommendation: I recommend the DW252 for anyone who values consistent screw depth and straightforward, reliable performance in wood and light-gauge steel. It’s a strong fit for remodelers, small crews, and serious DIYers who don’t need collated feeding or cordless convenience. The setup demands a little patience up front, but the payoff is clean, repeatable results and a tool that keeps pace without drama.