DeWalt Cordless Collated Magazine Attachment

First impressions and setup

I clipped DeWalt’s collated magazine onto my 20V drywall screw gun and, within a few minutes of dialing in screw length and depth, I was hanging full sheets faster than I could stage them. The attachment clicks onto the gun securely via the side release buttons, and the tool-free adjustments mean you can move from 1-inch screws on thin board to 2-inch screws for double-layer or thicker backing without hunting for an Allen key. Detent marks for screw length are clear and repeatable, and the depth gauge has enough range to fine-tune for clean, consistent dimples without tearing paper.

This unit only fits DeWalt’s 20V drywall screw gun (DCF620), which is worth stressing up front. If you’re hoping to turn a standard drill or another brand’s screw gun into a collated driver, this isn’t the universal adapter you’re looking for. Within its intended pairing, though, setup is quick: set screw length, set drive depth on scrap, load a strip, and go.

Performance on the wall and overhead

The real gain with a collated magazine is single-hand operation. I can hold the sheet with one hand (or prop it with a lift), set the nose on the stud line, and drive without fishing for loose screws. Overhead work is where the attachment earns its keep. With the screw strip feeding cleanly and the nose guiding the screw square to the surface, you get fewer misses and less fatigue versus juggling a pouch, a bit, and a separate screw gun.

Feed reliability has been solid with major brands of collated drywall screws—both coarse-thread for wood and fine-thread for light-gauge steel. The advancing mechanism tracks strips well, even when the plastic is slightly curved from storage. On a fresh magazine and fresh bits, I rarely see misfeeds. When problems do pop up, they’re usually traced to two things: worn driver bits or mismatched screw length settings. If the bit is rounded or the screw length collar isn’t set to match the actual fastener, the nose can hesitate or skip. Set it correctly, keep the bit sharp, and the feed keeps pace with the screw gun’s high RPM without drama.

Driver bits and screw guidance

The attachment ships with PR2 bits that get the job done, but they’re consumables. Drywall paper and high RPMs are tough on tips, and I swap in higher-hardness PR2 bits when I’m starting a big run. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in fewer cam-outs and smoother feeding. The collated strip guide is generous and does a good job of keeping the belt aligned; still, don’t fight the feed. Let the nose find the surface, keep the tool perpendicular, and maintain steady forward pressure. That technique produces the most consistent countersinks and the fewest strip hangs.

Ergonomics and balance

Weight and length matter when you’re working all day. This attachment adds about 1.3 pounds and extends the gun by a little over nine inches. On the DCF620, the overall package still balances well in the hand. The center of gravity stays close enough to the grip that it doesn’t feel nose-heavy unless you’re reaching deep into corners. The longer nose actually helps register across seams and around fixtures, but it does limit access in tight soffits or inside a narrow stud bay. I keep the standard nose cone nearby for those tight spots and swap it on in seconds.

Depth control and finish quality

Depth consistency is a strong suit. Once I set the depth on scrap, the countersinks stayed uniform across wood studs and 25-gauge steel. On fire-rated Type X, I back off slightly to avoid tearing paper and leaving oversized dimples; the detents make it easy to move between settings without losing your baseline. For cement board or fiber cement, I switch to appropriate collated screws and again test on a cutoff—the attachment handles the extra resistance fine so long as the screw tip and thread are right for the material.

Clearing jams and maintenance

Jobsites are dusty, and drywall dust is relentless. The disassembly release button is handy for clearing a jam or just opening the feed path for a quick brush-out. I blow the magazine out with compressed air every couple of strips, especially after cutting board where gypsum dust is thick. Plastic chips from the collated strips can collect near the pawl; a few seconds of cleaning prevents most feed hiccups. The moving parts are minimal and robust, and I haven’t had anything work loose or go out of alignment. If a stubborn jam occurs, popping the attachment off the gun via the side release buttons takes only a moment.

Compatibility with fasteners

The magazine accepts most major collated screw brands I’ve tried, which is a big advantage if you’re buying in bulk or using whatever the supply house has. Within its 1- to 2-inch capacity, I’ve had best results with PR2 bugle-head drywall screws in both coarse and fine thread. Off-brand strips with extra-stiff plastic sometimes need a touch more forward pressure to advance reliably, but they still run. Note the upper length limit—if you’re looking to run longer deck or subfloor screws, this isn’t the right tool. For drywall, light sheathing, and cement board in the 1- to 2-inch range, it’s right in the sweet spot.

Limitations and trade-offs

• Platform lock-in: It only fits DeWalt’s DCF620 drywall screw gun.
• Added length: Great for reach, not great for tight cavities.
• Bit wear: Plan on a steady diet of PR2 bits; keep extras in your pouch.
• Technique matters: Keep the nose square and apply consistent pressure to minimize skips.
• Consumable cost: Collated strips cost more than bulk screws, though labor savings typically outweigh the premium on bigger jobs.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth factoring into your workflow and budget.

Durability, warranty, and value

The housing is mostly reinforced polymer with metal where it counts, and after being knocked around in a bucket with strips and bits, it’s held up well. The mechanism hasn’t loosened or gone sloppy. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, and the CSA listing is a nice nod to compliance. As for value, if you already own the DCF620 and you hang more than the occasional room, the time savings are real. Overhead work in particular goes quicker, cleaner, and with less fatigue. Compared to pricier dedicated collated systems, this attachment gets you most of the performance for less money while keeping the option to run the screw gun bare when needed.

Tips for best results

• Set screw length and depth on scrap before starting a run.
• Use quality PR2 bits and rotate them often; don’t wait for one to round over.
• Keep the feed path clean—quick blasts of air go a long way.
• Store screw strips flat to avoid excessive curvature.
• Let the tool feed; don’t steer with the strip.
• Swap back to the standard nose cone for extremely tight spaces.

Recommendation

I recommend DeWalt’s collated magazine to anyone already on the DCF620 platform who needs to move drywall, cement board, or similar sheathing efficiently in the 1- to 2-inch screw range. It delivers meaningful speed and one-hand convenience, maintains consistent depth, and is easy to clean and service on site. The trade-offs—bit wear, added length, and platform specificity—are easy to manage and, in my experience, more than offset by the productivity gains, especially for overhead ceilings and long runs on open walls. If you’re a occasional user hanging a single small room, you can get by with the standard nose cone. For larger projects or regular work, this attachment pays for itself quickly and makes the job noticeably easier.