DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Drywall Screw Gun Kit (2.0Ah)

I spent a couple of weeks hanging board with this DeWalt drywall screw gun on a mix of ceilings and walls, both new work and patching in occupied spaces. The short version: it’s fast, well thought out, and the electronics make day-to-day hanging smoother than the old corded standbys—without adding complexity. A few quirks remain, but none were dealbreakers.

Setup and first impressions

The kit comes ready to go: two 2.0 Ah batteries, charger, belt clip, and a bag. Pop in a bit, set the nosecone, and you’re working. The gun feels compact and balanced, with a wide upper grip flange that’s clearly designed for the way drywallers actually push—one hand on the handle, the other bracing high on the head to keep the screw square and apply pressure.

The top-mounted electronic mode selector is immediately noticeable. Instead of buried toggles or mechanical sliders, the modes are right where your thumb naturally rests. I didn’t need the manual to figure it out, and switching on the fly was easy, even with gloves.

Ergonomics and design

• Balance and grip: The handle is slim without being slippery, and the upper flange gives you a comfortable spot to drive with your off-hand. That translates to less wrist fatigue over a long day. The tool itself feels lighter than the kit’s listed 6 lb weight suggests; it’s no wrist brick.
• Switchgear: The trigger has a clean, predictable action. The mode button has a positive click and isn’t easy to bump accidentally, which matters if you’re moving fast.
• Belt clip and lanyard: The belt clip is stout and actually useful, and the lanyard-ready attachment point is smart if you’re on lifts or scaffolding.
• LED: The work light is bright and angled well enough to help in dim corners. It won’t fully overcome a deep nosecone shadow, but it’s better than most.

Modes that actually matter

You get four operating modes—Trigger High, Trigger Low, PushStart, and Lock‑On—and each one serves a real purpose:

• Trigger High: Full speed (up to 4,850 RPM) under the trigger. This is my default for open runs where I want screws to disappear quickly.
• Trigger Low: Caps the top speed. Handy when working with thinner board or where you want to avoid overdriving into softer studs or old lath.
• PushStart: The motor engages only when you press the bit into the surface. This is a quieter, less fatiguing way to hang in occupied spaces or when you’re moving in and out of position between screws. It also prevents the bit from windmilling while you’re repositioning.
• Lock‑On: Continuous run. I used this for repetitive sequences along studs where I didn’t want to manage the trigger. It saves finger fatigue and keeps pace high—just mind your bit alignment.

The electronic selector makes it quick to flip modes mid-task. I could be in PushStart for patches, then jump to Trigger High for long wall runs without changing my grip.

Speed and driving performance

At 4,850 RPM, this gun is built for speed. It snaps drywall screws into dimensional lumber and steel studs cleanly when you keep steady pressure and a square angle. The brushless motor is quiet, responsive, and doesn’t bog down unless you starve it of pressure on a ceiling run. Compared with a corded gun, there’s no noticeable lag; the brushless motor ramps instantly and feels more controlled at the low end.

Noise is well managed. In PushStart mode especially, the gun is surprisingly unobtrusive, which makes a difference when you’re in finished spaces or working around other trades.

Depth control you can trust

The adjustable nosecone is the make-or-break on any drywall driver. This one is precise and repeatable. I set a consistent countersink on 1/2-in board over studs and didn’t have to chase the setting from room to room. On denser studs or older framing, I needed a quarter-turn tweak, which is normal. The detent action resists accidental movement, but the ring still turns easily with a gloved hand.

Bit engagement is positive. The tip guide keeps the bit centered and reduces cam-out, even when you’re hustling. I still recommend keeping sharp Phillips and square-drive bits handy; the gun sets screws fast enough that a dull bit will announce itself quickly.

Battery life and charging

With the two included 2.0 Ah packs, I had no trouble working through a full day of typical hanging—one battery in the tool, one on the charger. If you’re running continuous Lock‑On for long stretches or hanging ceilings solo (lots of time at full load), expect to swap a bit more often. On a mixed day of walls and patches, I routinely got hundreds of screws per charge.

If you’re on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform already, this gun slots in nicely. Heavier 5.0 Ah packs will extend runtime but add weight. For drywall specifically, the 2.0 Ah sweet spot makes sense—lighter nose, better control overhead.

Visibility, control, and fatigue

The LED helps in closets, corners, and after sunset, though like most drywall guns the nosecone can create a shadow right at the tip. It’s still better than flying blind. The compact head lets you get close to corners and around boxed-in areas without contortions.

The wide upper flange isn’t just a design flourish. Bracing your off-hand high on the tool lets you keep a straight line and consistent pressure with less shoulder strain, especially overhead. After back-to-back ceiling runs, my wrists felt fresher than they usually do with bulkier drivers.

Durability and maintenance

Build quality is what I expect from DeWalt’s XR line. The housing feels durable, and the nosecone hasn’t loosened up with use. Fine drywall dust will work its way into any screw gun, so I make a habit of blowing out the nose and selector area at the end of the day. That’s especially worth doing because the electronic selector sits on top—no issues so far, but dust management is free insurance.

The kit’s warranty coverage is solid: 90-Day Money Back, 1-Year Free Service, 3-Year Limited. For a revenue-generating tool that may live in dust, that support matters.

Connectivity and jobsite management

There’s a pocket for an optional Tool Connect chip, which is handy if your crew tracks assets. It doesn’t change how the gun drives, but in a shared tool pool it’s one less thing to worry about walking away.

Where it comes up short

• Light shadow: The LED is useful but can’t fully light the exact point of drive when the nosecone is tight to the board. Not unique to this tool, but worth noting.
• Mode icons are small: The indicator markings are compact. After a day you’ll know them by feel, but at first glance they take a beat to read—especially in dust.
• Depth ring can pack dust: Like any adjustable nosecone, fine dust can build up. If you notice a slightly inconsistent countersink, a quick clean restores smooth adjustment.

None of these issues changed how quickly or cleanly I could hang.

Who it’s for

• Drywall pros and remodelers who hang regularly and want a fast, cordless setup with real depth consistency.
• Crews already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX batteries who want a purpose-built drywall driver instead of repurposing an impact or drill.
• Solo operators working in occupied spaces—PushStart keeps noise down and reduces fatigue.

If you only hang drywall occasionally, a drill with a depth stop can get you by. But the time saved and consistency from a dedicated screw gun are real, and this one hits the sweet spot between speed and control.

Value

With two 2.0 Ah batteries, charger, and a solid bag in the kit, it’s an easy grab-and-go. The brushless motor, four-mode control, and well-executed nosecone justify choosing this over a cheaper, single-mode driver. The fact that it’s lanyard-ready and Tool Connect‑ready adds professional touches you’ll appreciate over the long run.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt drywall screw gun. It’s quick, consistent, and thoughtfully designed for all-day use. The four operating modes are more than marketing—they make the tool adaptable to ceilings, quiet patch work, and high-speed runs. The adjustable nosecone holds depth reliably, the ergonomics reduce fatigue, and the included 2.0 Ah batteries provide practical, lightweight runtime. If you’re on the 20V MAX platform or looking to standardize a crew, this is an easy yes.